The Barton Community College men's basketball team will face Daytona State in the Sweet 16 of the NJCAA National Tournament on Tuesday, March 25.

You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.

Tip-off in Hutchinson is at 12 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 11:45 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College men's basketball team will face Daytona State in the Sweet 16 of the NJCAA National Tournament on Tuesday, March 25.You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.Tip-off in Hutchinson is at 12 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 11:45 a.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 vs. Daytona St. at the National Tournament

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your brand. Whether you're after a quick update or a full rebrand, now's the time to give your business a fresh feel. Because spring is a popular time for people to think about freshening things up, the Marketing Maven team will be hosting a Networking Coffee with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 24 at their office in Great Bend, located at 3108 10th Street.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. with a brief program at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After some networking, mingling, and complimentary coffee and refreshments, Marketing Maven will share some fresh ideas for companies to consider this spring and summer. Be sure to stay until the end for door prize drawings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741961435786.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSSpring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your brand. Whether you're after a quick update or a full rebrand, now's the time to give your business a fresh feel. Because spring is a popular time for people to think about freshening things up, the Marketing Maven team will be hosting a Networking Coffee with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, April 24 at their office in Great Bend, located at 3108 10th Street.Doors will open at 9 a.m. with a brief program at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. After some networking, mingling, and complimentary coffee and refreshments, Marketing Maven will share some fresh ideas for companies to consider this spring and summer. Be sure to stay until the end for door prize drawings.

Marketing Maven hosting Great Bend Chamber Coffee April 24

A pavement reconstruction of U.S. 281/K-4 from North Center Street to North Main Street in Hoisington will begin around March 31, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;

There will be new concrete pavement throughout the section.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the construction zone.

The intent is to start with the north portion of the project once the traffic control is established, then do the south portion and then the middle portion, to allow for continuing traffic flow.

The project should be complete by the end of August, weather permitting.

Morgan Brothers Construction, of La Crosse, is the primary contractor on the $1.5 million project.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects">https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742231823173.png" alt="The project location is marked in red." />
 <figcaption>The project location is marked in red.</figcaption>
 </figure>A pavement reconstruction of U.S. 281/K-4 from North Center Street to North Main Street in Hoisington will begin around March 31, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.&nbsp;There will be new concrete pavement throughout the section.Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the construction zone.The intent is to start with the north portion of the project once the traffic control is established, then do the south portion and then the middle portion, to allow for continuing traffic flow.The project should be complete by the end of August, weather permitting.Morgan Brothers Construction, of La Crosse, is the primary contractor on the $1.5 million project.KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kandrive.gov/">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects">https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/south-central-kansas-projects</a>.

Pavement reconstruction to begin in Hoisington

News from the Oil Patch, Mar. 17 John P. Tretbar

US crude prices eked out a weekly gain of 14 cents a barrel, with the near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude closing the day Friday at $67.18 per barrel, up 63 cents on the day, but still down more than a dollar from the first of the month and nearly three dollars lower than at the first of the year.

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $57.50 per barrel, after gaining 75 cents on Friday.&nbsp; Prices are down $2.50 a barrel from the first of the month, and down $4.50 per barrel from the first of the year.US crude-oil production rose to the highest level this year and the third highest ever. The Energy Information Administration reports output averaged 13,575,000 barrels per day in the week through March 7. The all-time high over 13.6 million barrels a day was achieved in the first week of December last year. Cumulative production this year averages over 13.4 million daily barrels, up nearly three percent over the same period a year ago.

Annual US Production increased to 13.2 million barrels per day (bpd) &nbsp;in 2024, marking the first time the yearly average has topped 13 million. The government reports output jumped more than 300,000 bpd from the year before and more than two million bpd in the last five years. Texas accounted for 41% of US production, according to the Energy Information Administration report.

Montana surpasses Kansas in annual production for the first time, dropping the Sunflower State to number 13 in the state rankings. Texas tops the list at 5.4 million bpd, followed by New Mexico (2.03M), North Dakota (1.1M), Colorado (471k), and Alaska (420k). Oklahoma is number six (395k), ahead of Wyoming (292k), California (285k), Utah (179k) and Ohio (100k). Next come Louisiana (84k), Montana (74k) and Kansas (73k).The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rise to 18 active rigs.&nbsp; The tally in eastern Kansas is up one at five rigs, while the count west of Wichita is up one at 12 rigs. Rig counts are up 20 percent from a month ago but down nearly 38% from last year. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Stafford County. Operators are drilling two wells in Finney County and are about to spud a third. Drilling continues on a lease in Haskell County.

Friday's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 592 active rigs nationwide, an increase of one oil rig but a decrease of one seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was down three rigs from last week. Oklahoma was up two.

Kansas regulators okayed 12 new drilling permits in Kansas last week. That's 136 new drilling locations so far this year. All 12 permits are west of Wichita, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and one in Haskell County.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 18 new well completions, with six in Western Kansas including one in Stafford County. That's 251 completions so far this year.US crude imports are down 343,000 barrels a day from last week to 5.5 million daily barrels. The four-week average is down more than ten percent from a year ago. Product imports are down slightly. Crude and product exports each dropped last week. Crude exports dropped nearly 25 percent. The four-week average is down a million barrels a day from a year ago.

The Energy Department reports delivery of 300,000 barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the first such addition in four weeks. The total in the SPR is up to 395.3 million barrels, up 9.4 percent from a year ago.

Commercial crude inventories rose by 1.4 million barrels last week to just over 435 million as of March 7. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The government says two years of low natural gas prices and advanced completion techniques have prompted a dramatic reduction in drilling rigs targeting natural gas in the US.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration and Baker Hughes report the number of active US gas rigs dropped by 32%, or 50 rigs, since December of 2022. The decline has been concentrated in the natural gas plays in Louisiana and the northeastern United States.

The state oil company in Mexico continues to expand operations from its new Olmeca refinery, causing new headaches in US import and export markets. Reuters reports that as refining operations expand, PEMEX is increasingly shifting barrels of heavy crude away from US Gulf Coast refineries. Mexico's government has been working for nearly a decade to wean the country off its longstanding dependence on imported motor fuels. Robust output from the new refinery has also begun to spike PEMEX product exports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Mar. 17 John P. TretbarUS crude prices eked out a weekly gain of 14 cents a barrel, with the near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude closing the day Friday at $67.18 per barrel, up 63 cents on the day, but still down more than a dollar from the first of the month and nearly three dollars lower than at the first of the year.Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $57.50 per barrel, after gaining 75 cents on Friday.&nbsp; Prices are down $2.50 a barrel from the first of the month, and down $4.50 per barrel from the first of the year.US crude-oil production rose to the highest level this year and the third highest ever. The Energy Information Administration reports output averaged 13,575,000 barrels per day in the week through March 7. The all-time high over 13.6 million barrels a day was achieved in the first week of December last year. Cumulative production this year averages over 13.4 million daily barrels, up nearly three percent over the same period a year ago.Annual US Production increased to 13.2 million barrels per day (bpd) &nbsp;in 2024, marking the first time the yearly average has topped 13 million. The government reports output jumped more than 300,000 bpd from the year before and more than two million bpd in the last five years. Texas accounted for 41% of US production, according to the Energy Information Administration report.Montana surpasses Kansas in annual production for the first time, dropping the Sunflower State to number 13 in the state rankings. Texas tops the list at 5.4 million bpd, followed by New Mexico (2.03M), North Dakota (1.1M), Colorado (471k), and Alaska (420k). Oklahoma is number six (395k), ahead of Wyoming (292k), California (285k), Utah (179k) and Ohio (100k). Next come Louisiana (84k), Montana (74k) and Kansas (73k).The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rise to 18 active rigs.&nbsp; The tally in eastern Kansas is up one at five rigs, while the count west of Wichita is up one at 12 rigs. Rig counts are up 20 percent from a month ago but down nearly 38% from last year. Drilling was underway Friday on two leases in Stafford County. Operators are drilling two wells in Finney County and are about to spud a third. Drilling continues on a lease in Haskell County.Friday's Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 592 active rigs nationwide, an increase of one oil rig but a decrease of one seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was down three rigs from last week. Oklahoma was up two.Kansas regulators okayed 12 new drilling permits in Kansas last week. That's 136 new drilling locations so far this year. All 12 permits are west of Wichita, including two in Barton County, one in Ellis County, and one in Haskell County.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 18 new well completions, with six in Western Kansas including one in Stafford County. That's 251 completions so far this year.US crude imports are down 343,000 barrels a day from last week to 5.5 million daily barrels. The four-week average is down more than ten percent from a year ago. Product imports are down slightly. Crude and product exports each dropped last week. Crude exports dropped nearly 25 percent. The four-week average is down a million barrels a day from a year ago.The Energy Department reports delivery of 300,000 barrels of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the first such addition in four weeks. The total in the SPR is up to 395.3 million barrels, up 9.4 percent from a year ago.Commercial crude inventories rose by 1.4 million barrels last week to just over 435 million as of March 7. The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The government says two years of low natural gas prices and advanced completion techniques have prompted a dramatic reduction in drilling rigs targeting natural gas in the US.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration and Baker Hughes report the number of active US gas rigs dropped by 32%, or 50 rigs, since December of 2022. The decline has been concentrated in the natural gas plays in Louisiana and the northeastern United States.The state oil company in Mexico continues to expand operations from its new Olmeca refinery, causing new headaches in US import and export markets. Reuters reports that as refining operations expand, PEMEX is increasingly shifting barrels of heavy crude away from US Gulf Coast refineries. Mexico's government has been working for nearly a decade to wean the country off its longstanding dependence on imported motor fuels. Robust output from the new refinery has also begun to spike PEMEX product exports.

News from the Oil Patch: Crude production tops this year

Tuesday Increasing clouds, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Tuesday Night Rain likely after 1am, mixing with snow after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 32. Windy, with a south southwest wind 22 to 27 mph becoming north northwest 34 to 39 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday Rain and snow likely before 10am, then a chance of snow between 10am and 1pm. Patchy blowing snow between 8am and 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 40 to 44 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Windy, with a north northwest wind 23 to 33 mph decreasing to 9 to 19 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 62.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Breezy.

Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday Increasing clouds, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Tuesday Night Rain likely after 1am, mixing with snow after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 32. Windy, with a south southwest wind 22 to 27 mph becoming north northwest 34 to 39 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.Wednesday Rain and snow likely before 10am, then a chance of snow between 10am and 1pm. Patchy blowing snow between 8am and 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 40 to 44 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Windy, with a north northwest wind 23 to 33 mph decreasing to 9 to 19 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 62.Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Breezy.Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.Sunday A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Representation from Great Bend Lodging, LLC was in attendance at Monday’s
Great Bend City Council meeting. Great Bend Lodging is the entity prepared to
construct a nearly $23 million hotel in the currently vacant lot at 3017 10th
Street. 

The City Council approved a pair of motions that move forward with
incentive packages for the company to develop the property. Conner Works with
Great Bend Lodging said two restaurants or retail stores will still be
constructed at the front of the property next to the Great Bend Events Center.


"The plan would be to have two outlets out front," said Works. "We hope to find separate builders and tenants for those. We would like to sell those off and get those built as soon as possible."

Works noted the plan is to start construction on the hotel this fall and have
the 15-month build done to open the hotel in the spring of 2027.


The City Council approved a Community Improvement District (CID) and sales tax
within the district. The 2% sales tax, only within the district
property, will help pay the costs of the project. Dominic Eck with Gilmore
Bell’s bond counsel said more than $10 million is proposed to be financed by
the CID sales tax.


"The project would begin collecting that CID sales tax and it could remain outstanding for the full 22 years that is allowed by statute," said Eck. "There are plenty of CID eligible costs to eat up the expected revenue generation. I would expect this CID to remain in place for the entire 22-year term."

The previously vacant and deteriorating hotel at 3017 10th Street was purchased
by Great Bend Economic Development in 2022. With the building now torn down, Great
Bend Lodging, LLC plans to build a new 80-room hotel.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742259213543.jpeg" alt="An 80-room hotel at 3017 10th Street in Great Bend is expected to open the spring of 2027." />
 <figcaption>An 80-room hotel at 3017 10th Street in Great Bend is expected to open the spring of 2027.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostRepresentation from Great Bend Lodging, LLC was in attendance at Monday’s
Great Bend City Council meeting. Great Bend Lodging is the entity prepared to
construct a nearly $23 million hotel in the currently vacant lot at 3017 10th
Street. The City Council approved a pair of motions that move forward with
incentive packages for the company to develop the property. Conner Works with
Great Bend Lodging said two restaurants or retail stores will still be
constructed at the front of the property next to the Great Bend Events Center.
"The plan would be to have two outlets out front," said Works. "We hope to find separate builders and tenants for those. We would like to sell those off and get those built as soon as possible."Works noted the plan is to start construction on the hotel this fall and have
the 15-month build done to open the hotel in the spring of 2027.
The City Council approved a Community Improvement District (CID) and sales tax
within the district. The 2% sales tax, only within the district
property, will help pay the costs of the project. Dominic Eck with Gilmore
Bell’s bond counsel said more than $10 million is proposed to be financed by
the CID sales tax.
"The project would begin collecting that CID sales tax and it could remain outstanding for the full 22 years that is allowed by statute," said Eck. "There are plenty of CID eligible costs to eat up the expected revenue generation. I would expect this CID to remain in place for the entire 22-year term."The previously vacant and deteriorating hotel at 3017 10th Street was purchased
by Great Bend Economic Development in 2022. With the building now torn down, Great
Bend Lodging, LLC plans to build a new 80-room hotel.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New Great Bend hotel expected to open in spring 2027

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/4iy9HSC. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS and FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1 Agenda Meetings March 18 - 9 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Minutes of the March 11, 2025, Regular Meeting are not available. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Employee Recognition Award: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Judith Castro, Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) President, will provide details. The EEC accepts nominations from employees for the Employee Recognition Award. Det. Sgt. Adam Hales was nominated for his continued efforts on moving cases forward for prosecution. Det. Sgt. Hales supervises two detectives in addition to regularly accessing cases.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Request for Proposals – Crowdstrike Endpoint Protection: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will provide details. Beginning February 28, 2025, the Information Technology Department began accepting proposals for Crowdstrike Endpoint Protection software for all County owned computers and servers. This included 280 computers and servers needing active endpoint protection through the Enterprise bundle, to include the following modules: Falcon Prevent, Falcon Insight, Overwatch, Firewall Management, Threat Graph and Express Support.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Request for Proposals – Wasabi Cloud Storage: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Hollingshead will provide details. Beginning February 28, 2025, the Information Technology Department began accepting proposals for Wasabi Cloud Storage. The Request for Proposals detailed a minimum storage capacity of 75TB with scalable options for future expansion, security features, disaster recovery policies and competitive pricing with no hidden costs.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS: Central Kansas Community Corrections Fiscal Year 2026 Funding: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Brooke Haulmark, CKCC Director, will provide details. Funding for CKCC is provided through a Kansas Department of Corrections grant. For Fiscal Year 2026, Ms. Haulmark requests $807,892.86 in funding to support six positions and operational and programming costs. It is noted that the funding serves the entirety of the 20th Judicial District, a five-County area covering 4,015 square miles with staff supervising an average of 237 active clients. CKCC currently has the seventh highest caseload in Kansas and receives the 28th lowest amount of funding per client. The Commission has requested additional KDOC funding.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Vehicle Purchase: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Sean Kelly, Emergency Risk Manager, will provide details. Mr. Kelly initiated a search for a full-size SUV in an effort to bolster the department’s preparedness and response efforts. It was learned that the Great Bend Police Department was selling a 2017 Tahoe PPV, that would come fully equipped with all need equipment other than radio services, that was appropriate for use as a mobile Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command support during a major incident or emergency. The vehicle is priced, as is, at $20,000.00 and monies are available in the Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase.

&nbsp; &nbsp;G. BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Center for Counseling and Consultation: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. The County solicited applicants for The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board. This Board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area. Kathleen McGinnis has applied for reappointment.

&nbsp; &nbsp;H. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -The following appointments have been scheduled:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – The Commission will meet at the Board of Fire District No. 1.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. – Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Administrator.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:30 a.m. – Program Update – Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Updated Litter Control Fencing – Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – Facility Usage – Darren Williams, Facilities Manager.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Health Department are scheduled for March 20, 2025.

V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010073223.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/4iy9HSC. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS and FIRE DISTRICT NO. 1 Agenda Meetings March 18 - 9 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Minutes of the March 11, 2025, Regular Meeting are not available. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Employee Recognition Award: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Judith Castro, Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) President, will provide details. The EEC accepts nominations from employees for the Employee Recognition Award. Det. Sgt. Adam Hales was nominated for his continued efforts on moving cases forward for prosecution. Det. Sgt. Hales supervises two detectives in addition to regularly accessing cases.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Request for Proposals – Crowdstrike Endpoint Protection: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will provide details. Beginning February 28, 2025, the Information Technology Department began accepting proposals for Crowdstrike Endpoint Protection software for all County owned computers and servers. This included 280 computers and servers needing active endpoint protection through the Enterprise bundle, to include the following modules: Falcon Prevent, Falcon Insight, Overwatch, Firewall Management, Threat Graph and Express Support.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Request for Proposals – Wasabi Cloud Storage: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Hollingshead will provide details. Beginning February 28, 2025, the Information Technology Department began accepting proposals for Wasabi Cloud Storage. The Request for Proposals detailed a minimum storage capacity of 75TB with scalable options for future expansion, security features, disaster recovery policies and competitive pricing with no hidden costs.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS: Central Kansas Community Corrections Fiscal Year 2026 Funding: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Brooke Haulmark, CKCC Director, will provide details. Funding for CKCC is provided through a Kansas Department of Corrections grant. For Fiscal Year 2026, Ms. Haulmark requests $807,892.86 in funding to support six positions and operational and programming costs. It is noted that the funding serves the entirety of the 20th Judicial District, a five-County area covering 4,015 square miles with staff supervising an average of 237 active clients. CKCC currently has the seventh highest caseload in Kansas and receives the 28th lowest amount of funding per client. The Commission has requested additional KDOC funding.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Vehicle Purchase: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Sean Kelly, Emergency Risk Manager, will provide details. Mr. Kelly initiated a search for a full-size SUV in an effort to bolster the department’s preparedness and response efforts. It was learned that the Great Bend Police Department was selling a 2017 Tahoe PPV, that would come fully equipped with all need equipment other than radio services, that was appropriate for use as a mobile Emergency Operations Center and Incident Command support during a major incident or emergency. The vehicle is priced, as is, at $20,000.00 and monies are available in the Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase.&nbsp; &nbsp;G. BOARD APPOINTMENT: The Center for Counseling and Consultation: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. The County solicited applicants for The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board. This Board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area. Kathleen McGinnis has applied for reappointment.&nbsp; &nbsp;H. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -The following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – The Commission will meet at the Board of Fire District No. 1.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. – Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Administrator.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:30 a.m. – Program Update – Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Updated Litter Control Fencing – Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – Facility Usage – Darren Williams, Facilities Manager.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Health Department are scheduled for March 20, 2025.V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2025.VI. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (3/18)

It’s said that as agriculture goes, so goes the economy in Kansas. With tariffs and budget cuts to USAID, USDA, NOAA, SNAP and more, agriculture is facing an uncertain future. To better understand the possible consequences of these recent federal actions on Kansas agriculture and the greater economy, Women for Kansas Barton County is holding a public forum, “Is Washington Plowing Us Under?”, at 3:30 p.m., March 30, at the Barton County Historical Society Museum (85 S. 281 Hwy., Great Bend).

After brief statements by the forum panel, who are all involved in state, national and international agriculture issues, moderators will facilitate a discussion on the issues before opening the floor to questions from the audience.

Agriculture is the largest economic driver in Kansas. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, it directly contributes $57 billion and 140,055 jobs to the state economy. Including indirect and induced effects, agriculture and agriculture-related sectors have a total impact of $81.2 billion in output and 253,614 jobs. Negative impacts on agriculture send ripple effects across the state’s economy.

Forum panel participants include Kansas Farmers Union Executive Director Nick Levendofsky who has served in that capacity since 2022. Growing up on a crop and cattle family farm in North Central Kansas, he’s served in multiple roles with Kansas Farmers Union, Wisconsin Farmers Union, and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union since 2011. Levendofsky also serves on the board of the Institute for Agriculture &amp; Trade Policy (IATP).

Dan O’Brien, Kansas State University professor in the Department of Agriculture Economics, has focused extension and applied research on grain and bioenergy market analysis and market risk management. Growing up on a family farm is South Central Nebraska, he eventually landed at the Northwest Research Extension Center in Colby in 1995. Additional work involves irrigated and dryland cropping systems.

Vance Ehmke is a certified seed producer in Lane County. A past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and former editor for the Progressive Farmer magazine, he currently writes a column featured in numerous Kansas newspapers. 

For further information contact Pam Martin, w4kgreatbend@gmail.com or (620) 285-1083.

It’s said that as agriculture goes, so goes the economy in Kansas. With tariffs and budget cuts to USAID, USDA, NOAA, SNAP and more, agriculture is facing an uncertain future. To better understand the possible consequences of these recent federal actions on Kansas agriculture and the greater economy, Women for Kansas Barton County is holding a public forum, “Is Washington Plowing Us Under?”, at 3:30 p.m., March 30, at the Barton County Historical Society Museum (85 S. 281 Hwy., Great Bend).After brief statements by the forum panel, who are all involved in state, national and international agriculture issues, moderators will facilitate a discussion on the issues before opening the floor to questions from the audience.Agriculture is the largest economic driver in Kansas. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, it directly contributes $57 billion and 140,055 jobs to the state economy. Including indirect and induced effects, agriculture and agriculture-related sectors have a total impact of $81.2 billion in output and 253,614 jobs. Negative impacts on agriculture send ripple effects across the state’s economy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741961034190.jpeg" alt="Nick Levendofsky" />
 <figcaption>Nick Levendofsky</figcaption>
 </figure>Forum panel participants include Kansas Farmers Union Executive Director Nick Levendofsky who has served in that capacity since 2022. Growing up on a crop and cattle family farm in North Central Kansas, he’s served in multiple roles with Kansas Farmers Union, Wisconsin Farmers Union, and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union since 2011. Levendofsky also serves on the board of the Institute for Agriculture &amp; Trade Policy (IATP).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741961059725.jpeg" alt="Dan O'Brien" />
 <figcaption>Dan O'Brien</figcaption>
 </figure>Dan O’Brien, Kansas State University professor in the Department of Agriculture Economics, has focused extension and applied research on grain and bioenergy market analysis and market risk management. Growing up on a family farm is South Central Nebraska, he eventually landed at the Northwest Research Extension Center in Colby in 1995. Additional work involves irrigated and dryland cropping systems.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741961120629.jpeg" alt="Vance Ehmke" />
 <figcaption>Vance Ehmke</figcaption>
 </figure>Vance Ehmke is a certified seed producer in Lane County. A past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and former editor for the Progressive Farmer magazine, he currently writes a column featured in numerous Kansas newspapers. For further information contact Pam Martin, w4kgreatbend@gmail.com or (620) 285-1083.

Women for Kansas Barton County holding ag public forum

At the beginning of the school year, USD 428 staff started looking into
replacing lunchroom tables. Assistant Superintendent John Popp said Great Bend
district administration began researching new options as the aging mechanics of
the existing tables have made it increasingly difficult to maintain safety for
staff.


"There are two elementary schools that have tables that are in pretty bad repair," said Popp. "We have actually had some workman's comp claims because they're too heavy to lift or they are past their useable life."

The USD 428 Board of Education approved the purchase of 22 new lunchroom tables
for a total cost of $61,845.35. The tables will be utilized at Riley Elementary
School and Park Elementary School. 

Popp said the new tables are lighter and
easier to fold up before and after lunch.


"In our elementary schools, we double our gyms as our cafeterias," said Popp. "We have to put the tables down. We have to lift them up. We have to clean around them every day. We need tables that we can lift up and move."

Popp added the district will move forward with the order and the new tables
could arrive within a month or so.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657746946189.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAt the beginning of the school year, USD 428 staff started looking into
replacing lunchroom tables. Assistant Superintendent John Popp said Great Bend
district administration began researching new options as the aging mechanics of
the existing tables have made it increasingly difficult to maintain safety for
staff.
"There are two elementary schools that have tables that are in pretty bad repair," said Popp. "We have actually had some workman's comp claims because they're too heavy to lift or they are past their useable life."The USD 428 Board of Education approved the purchase of 22 new lunchroom tables
for a total cost of $61,845.35. The tables will be utilized at Riley Elementary
School and Park Elementary School. Popp said the new tables are lighter and
easier to fold up before and after lunch.
"In our elementary schools, we double our gyms as our cafeterias," said Popp. "We have to put the tables down. We have to lift them up. We have to clean around them every day. We need tables that we can lift up and move."Popp added the district will move forward with the order and the new tables
could arrive within a month or so.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New, safer lunch tables purchased for Great Bend schools

We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!

The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.

As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.

This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.

Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.

Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project! These are lifetime

skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.This past Friday, 4-H members from seven counties gathered at Great Bend High School for Regional 4-H Day. Each participant was the top placing individual or group in a variety of categories from club skits to project talks to public speaking. Preparing for their local event requires good preparation and planning, as well as a lot of practice as they improve their communication skills about a topic important to the individual youth.Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project! These are lifetimeskills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

BERAN: Life skills all year

Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a school-wide program implemented at USD 428 in
2021, has proven techniques to help educators model positive behaviors in the
classroom to impact the school community. Each public school in Great Bend uses
the program differently, but actions include greeting kids as they arrive to
school or positive office referrals when the student does something good.


USD 428 Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins said the program is
easily one of the favorite trainings that new licensed teachers receive.


"On the professional development surveys that I send out in January, one of the questions is describe the professional development session that made the most impact on you," said Blevins. "Far and away, this is one that comes through as the most talked about, not only for its content but for the quality of trainers that come in."

The agreement with Capturing Kids Hearts renewal includes a two-day training
for new teachers, an on-site visit in the spring for each school from a
consultant and the digital platform access for staff. 

The service agreement
costs $78,200. Randy Wetzel, current USD 428 school board member and former
assistant principal, said the $13,200 increase from last year is still worth
it.


"I've seen the difference in it," said Wetzel. "To be honest, I was skeptical when I was a principal when we brought this up. What I saw in my last year or so was on the positive side. It's a very small amount to pay considering what it does and accomplishes with the kids."

The school board approved the renewal with a 7-0 vote.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741885895438.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostCapturing Kids’ Hearts, a school-wide program implemented at USD 428 in
2021, has proven techniques to help educators model positive behaviors in the
classroom to impact the school community. Each public school in Great Bend uses
the program differently, but actions include greeting kids as they arrive to
school or positive office referrals when the student does something good.
USD 428 Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins said the program is
easily one of the favorite trainings that new licensed teachers receive.
"On the professional development surveys that I send out in January, one of the questions is describe the professional development session that made the most impact on you," said Blevins. "Far and away, this is one that comes through as the most talked about, not only for its content but for the quality of trainers that come in."The agreement with Capturing Kids Hearts renewal includes a two-day training
for new teachers, an on-site visit in the spring for each school from a
consultant and the digital platform access for staff. The service agreement
costs $78,200. Randy Wetzel, current USD 428 school board member and former
assistant principal, said the $13,200 increase from last year is still worth
it.
"I've seen the difference in it," said Wetzel. "To be honest, I was skeptical when I was a principal when we brought this up. What I saw in my last year or so was on the positive side. It's a very small amount to pay considering what it does and accomplishes with the kids."The school board approved the renewal with a 7-0 vote.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend school district sees value in ‘Capturing Kids’ Hearts’

BOOKED: Rick E. Novotny on Barton County District Court case
for felony interference with a law enforcement officer, falsely reporting a
felony, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on Barton County District
Court warrant for violation of protection order with bond set at $2,500 C/S.
Case for criminal threat with bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Joshua D. Belcher on Barton District Court case for
a serve sentence with no bond.

BOOKED: Mark Stephen Hughes on Barton County District Court
case for distribution of opiate, opium and distribution of marijuana, bond set
at $50,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jazmin Rodriguez-Orozco on Barton County District
Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Michele Zamarripa on BCDC case for possession of
controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia with a surety bond of
$10,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: John W. Denison on BCDC case for circumvention of
ignition interlock and driving while revoked, bond of $2,500 posted by Ace Bail
Bonding.

RELEASED: Ashley N. Robertson on Stafford County District
Court case for aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, posted a $2,500
surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Trisha R. Johnson on BCDC warrant for failure to
appear by posting a $10,000 OR bond authorized by Judge Beran.

RELEASED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on BCDC warrant for
violation of protection order after posting the $2,500 surety bond through Around
the Clock Bail Bonds and for criminal threat after posting the $5,000 surety bond
through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

BOOKED: Mark C. Keenan on Barton County District Court case
for possession of marijuana and no driver’s license with a bond set at $1,000
C/S.

BOOKED: Darien A. Blackwill on Barton County District Court
case for driving under the influence, an failure to signal within 100 feet,
bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Nathan K. Myers on Hoisington Municipal warrant for
failure to appear, bond set at $215 cash only.

RELEASED: Mark C. Keenan on BCDC case for possession of
marijuana and no driver’s license after posting a $1,000 surety through Ace
Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Darian A. Blackwill on BCDC case for driving under
the influence and failure to signal within 100 feet. Bond of $2,500 surety
posted by Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Nathan K. Myers on Hoisington Municipal warrant
for failure to appear with bond of $215 paid in cash.

BOOKED: Dace A. Winkelman on Barton County District Court
case for driving under the influence and failure to maintain lane, bond set at
$1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Blake A. Webb on Hoisington Municipal Court case for
battery domestic violence with bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Dace A. Winkelman on BCDC case for driving under
the influence and failure to maintain lane, bond of $1,000 cash posted.

RELEASED: Jesus Dominguez-Hernandez on BCDC case for
attempted murder 2nd degree and aggravated battery. Transferred to
ICE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>3/14BOOKED: Rick E. Novotny on Barton County District Court case
for felony interference with a law enforcement officer, falsely reporting a
felony, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on Barton County District
Court warrant for violation of protection order with bond set at $2,500 C/S.
Case for criminal threat with bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Joshua D. Belcher on Barton District Court case for
a serve sentence with no bond.BOOKED: Mark Stephen Hughes on Barton County District Court
case for distribution of opiate, opium and distribution of marijuana, bond set
at $50,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jazmin Rodriguez-Orozco on Barton County District
Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Michele Zamarripa on BCDC case for possession of
controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia with a surety bond of
$10,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: John W. Denison on BCDC case for circumvention of
ignition interlock and driving while revoked, bond of $2,500 posted by Ace Bail
Bonding.RELEASED: Ashley N. Robertson on Stafford County District
Court case for aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon, posted a $2,500
surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Trisha R. Johnson on BCDC warrant for failure to
appear by posting a $10,000 OR bond authorized by Judge Beran.RELEASED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on BCDC warrant for
violation of protection order after posting the $2,500 surety bond through Around
the Clock Bail Bonds and for criminal threat after posting the $5,000 surety bond
through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.3/15BOOKED: Mark C. Keenan on Barton County District Court case
for possession of marijuana and no driver’s license with a bond set at $1,000
C/S.BOOKED: Darien A. Blackwill on Barton County District Court
case for driving under the influence, an failure to signal within 100 feet,
bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Nathan K. Myers on Hoisington Municipal warrant for
failure to appear, bond set at $215 cash only.RELEASED: Mark C. Keenan on BCDC case for possession of
marijuana and no driver’s license after posting a $1,000 surety through Ace
Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Darian A. Blackwill on BCDC case for driving under
the influence and failure to signal within 100 feet. Bond of $2,500 surety
posted by Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Nathan K. Myers on Hoisington Municipal warrant
for failure to appear with bond of $215 paid in cash.3/16BOOKED: Dace A. Winkelman on Barton County District Court
case for driving under the influence and failure to maintain lane, bond set at
$1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Blake A. Webb on Hoisington Municipal Court case for
battery domestic violence with bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Dace A. Winkelman on BCDC case for driving under
the influence and failure to maintain lane, bond of $1,000 cash posted.RELEASED: Jesus Dominguez-Hernandez on BCDC case for
attempted murder 2nd degree and aggravated battery. Transferred to
ICE.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (3/14 - 3/16)

The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting six listening sessions as part of the Southwest Kansas Highway Mobility and Expansion Strategy&nbsp;-&nbsp;a study&nbsp;looking at various ways&nbsp;to improve&nbsp;highway&nbsp;mobility, safety and accessibility in&nbsp;44 counties in and near southwest Kansas.

Some topics may vary due to public concerns in that area, but issues to be discussed will included four-lane highways, passing lanes, adding shoulders, roadway conditions, economical/environmental factors, transportation networks in bordering states and more.&nbsp;Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the study,&nbsp;ask questions,&nbsp;provide feedback and talk to&nbsp;study team&nbsp;members.

The listening session meeting information is as follows:

For more information about the Southwest Kansas Highway Mobility and Expansion Strategy visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksdot.gov/swks-mobility-expansion">ksdot.gov/swks-mobility-expansion</a>.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is hosting six listening sessions as part of the Southwest Kansas Highway Mobility and Expansion Strategy&nbsp;-&nbsp;a study&nbsp;looking at various ways&nbsp;to improve&nbsp;highway&nbsp;mobility, safety and accessibility in&nbsp;44 counties in and near southwest Kansas.Some topics may vary due to public concerns in that area, but issues to be discussed will included four-lane highways, passing lanes, adding shoulders, roadway conditions, economical/environmental factors, transportation networks in bordering states and more.&nbsp;Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the study,&nbsp;ask questions,&nbsp;provide feedback and talk to&nbsp;study team&nbsp;members.The listening session meeting information is as follows:<ul>
 <li>Dodge City&nbsp;-&nbsp;March 25,&nbsp;9&nbsp;to&nbsp;11 a.m., School Administration Building,&nbsp;2112 1st Ave.</li><li>Liberal&nbsp;-&nbsp;March 25,&nbsp;5&nbsp;to&nbsp;7 p.m., Activity Center, 810 Stadium Rd.</li><li>Garden City&nbsp;-&nbsp;March 26,&nbsp;9&nbsp;to&nbsp;11 a.m., Grandstand Meeting&nbsp;Room,&nbsp;417 Lake Ave.</li><li>Scott City&nbsp;-&nbsp; March 26,&nbsp;5&nbsp;to&nbsp;7 p.m.,&nbsp;Child Advocacy Center&nbsp;212 E. 5th&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Great Bend&nbsp;-&nbsp; March 27,&nbsp;9&nbsp;to&nbsp;11 a.m., Rec Burnside Room &amp; Lounge&nbsp;1214 Stone St.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Pratt&nbsp;-&nbsp; March 27,&nbsp;5&nbsp;to&nbsp;7 p.m., Municipal Building,&nbsp;117 W. 3rd St.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>For more information about the Southwest Kansas Highway Mobility and Expansion Strategy visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksdot.gov/swks-mobility-expansion">ksdot.gov/swks-mobility-expansion</a>.

KDOT hosting listening session in Great Bend on improving highway mobility

Barton County is gearing up for another round of beautifying downtown
buildings throughout the county. A third chapter of the Façade Improvement
Grants will give business owners a chance to update their building’s exterior.


A meeting was held last Thursday in Ellinwood to bring together city council
members and Barton County officials. Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld
felt the meeting was a good way to outline the façade program requirements and
encourage matching funds from the individual cities.


"I appreciated getting to meet with the councils and put names to the faces that we work with," said Esfeld. "I thing everyone felt the same...it's good to do a project that we can work together and have direct impact."

Barton County allocated a combined $880,000 to the two previous rounds of the Façade
Improvement Grants. Commissioner Duane Reif said Barton County has pledged
$120,000 in 2025 for projects in Claflin, Ellinwood, Hoisington and Great Bend.


"I really feel like we had a good connection with the city council members," said Reif. "They really appreciated us doing this. They didn't feel left out. Some of the smaller cities around, I'm not so sure they feel like they're connected sometimes. This is a good way to get everybody together."

Through all of the projects to date, 43 local contractors were utilized. The
total investment, including what the county paid out and the business’ match,
was just over $1.7 million.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741879490398.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton County is gearing up for another round of beautifying downtown
buildings throughout the county. A third chapter of the Façade Improvement
Grants will give business owners a chance to update their building’s exterior.
A meeting was held last Thursday in Ellinwood to bring together city council
members and Barton County officials. Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld
felt the meeting was a good way to outline the façade program requirements and
encourage matching funds from the individual cities.
"I appreciated getting to meet with the councils and put names to the faces that we work with," said Esfeld. "I thing everyone felt the same...it's good to do a project that we can work together and have direct impact."Barton County allocated a combined $880,000 to the two previous rounds of the Façade
Improvement Grants. Commissioner Duane Reif said Barton County has pledged
$120,000 in 2025 for projects in Claflin, Ellinwood, Hoisington and Great Bend.
"I really feel like we had a good connection with the city council members," said Reif. "They really appreciated us doing this. They didn't feel left out. Some of the smaller cities around, I'm not so sure they feel like they're connected sometimes. This is a good way to get everybody together."Through all of the projects to date, 43 local contractors were utilized. The
total investment, including what the county paid out and the business’ match,
was just over $1.7 million.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton County gearing up for next round of façade improvements

With extreme fire weather forecast over a wide area this week, the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region urges people to prepare now.

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8EOoyAQgOGngRsGRsrAgUMvvkYzwqikWi2Q9fU33ez1-_PnqB9sKUmOBq3xGjyi3KJ23j5GTRg8p5mCR2uMwUTaeaQMskSH2aTsmG0GfBlHs4VkR0CfjLC6lczv8lUHlZ1rU5hDcG7xOalvft8w_ILc49b71cT4FDAJmO77HirnVM_WhrOuAqaVu9p4vwRM23mrfqqr8kWV1XJWxQfXlT-pcBu2fuzy4FxIVd6ZGquS4z94_QcxPh1aBFnjOn_4bsJqpnXnSrmcw4e7bL0yH78zYQJnTVIjUVAWR1YhPEA5bWnGJejFafknwt8AAAD__yyfZhk">HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD</a>&nbsp;With the increasing risk of climate-driven disasters, help keep your family safe by getting prepared today.

Remember:&nbsp;People cause most wildfires. Do your part and practice prevention.

With extreme fire weather forecast over a wide area this week, the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region urges people to prepare now.<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy8EOoyAQgOGngRsGRsrAgUMvvkYzwqikWi2Q9fU33ez1-_PnqB9sKUmOBq3xGjyi3KJ23j5GTRg8p5mCR2uMwUTaeaQMskSH2aTsmG0GfBlHs4VkR0CfjLC6lczv8lUHlZ1rU5hDcG7xOalvft8w_ILc49b71cT4FDAJmO77HirnVM_WhrOuAqaVu9p4vwRM23mrfqqr8kWV1XJWxQfXlT-pcBu2fuzy4FxIVd6ZGquS4z94_QcxPh1aBFnjOn_4bsJqpnXnSrmcw4e7bL0yH78zYQJnTVIjUVAWR1YhPEA5bWnGJejFafknwt8AAAD__yyfZhk">HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD</a>&nbsp;With the increasing risk of climate-driven disasters, help keep your family safe by getting prepared today.<ul>
 <li><a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy7HSqyAQxfGngW4dWQmLBUUaXyODsCoTjAZIfP07ufM1p_id-UfX31j7INkp0sr2aInk5rwPhEFbGn8T1aKsvc3LTHYwyqhFJmcoqhANs45ID2X8rDHoAckGJXRfU-RnesPuU-ZSgeI4GrPYGOAdnxd2v0Nmt7V2VjHcBU4Cp-u6usIxlKPW7iirwGnlBhvnU-C0HRe0A87Cpy8My1GAdy4rv0LiKnCqn_JNX5_hmRrUz3nmxLXb2p7lzjF5KJzZV4YU3X94_IEY7oY0oSxunV98VaF79mvm4mM6uhc3WVth3n9loIBGqwCD9yNoGhjG8YZgeu1nWsZ-Mb38OvwXAAD__3Rsb7k">Build an emergency kit</a>&nbsp;with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy00OpCAQQOHTwK4MlAiyYNEbr9EpoVTS_jWQ8fqTnsz2e3kpqIENRclBO6NHhaNzcgvs9KiSG3jBWRlNg1GLitp7NOMwJi9zsC7pmCyzSeje2tJsMJoe3Ri1MKrmxJ_8hYPyzqWCS95bu4wpwjd9Hux-Qe5ha-2uon8JnAROz_N0hVMsV63dVVaB08oNNt5vgdN2PdAuuAvfVBiWqwAfXFY-Y-YqcDrow0Bw73R2Wzt2eXDKBIV3psqQU_gH7_8g-pd1xqEsYZ1PfqowimnduVDKV3dyk7UV5uN3RhfRGh2hJ_JgXM_g_YBglaHZLV4tVsk_Af8GAAD____war0">Make an evacuation plan</a>&nbsp;with what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you must evacuate. Make sure to coordinate with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans — and don’t forget your pets.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsyz2OwyAQQOHTQDcWDARMQZHG14gwM7ZR_Bew1tdfZbXt9_QoqgfblCVH7a3uFfbeyyWiMxNpZ8hRwAkfnEOPNAanVcZgtCzRedKZHLMl9C_t0mgxW4O-z1pY1Qrxu3xgS2Xl2sBTCM5NPWX40PvG7hvkGpfrOpswT4GDwOG-764y5Xq01h11FjjMfMHC6ylwWI4brgPOymeqDNNRgTeuM--5cBM4jAxln466MXXLta1yYyoJKq-cGkOh-AevfxDm6bz1KGucx53vJqziNK9cE5Wj2_mS7arM2_fMPqOzOoNJKYD1hiGEB4JTNo1-CmpySv5E_A0AAP__WctrMg">Know how to stay informed</a>&nbsp;by finding out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.</li>
 </ul>Remember:&nbsp;People cause most wildfires. Do your part and practice prevention.<ul>
 <li>Don’t start a fire on a windy day. Save it for another time.</li><li>Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass.</li><li>Don’t allow gasoline or motor oil to spill on grass or other vegetation.</li><li>Tractors, off-road vehicles and equipment being used in wooded areas, such as chainsaws, must have spark arrestors.</li><li>Dispose of used cigarette butts and used matches in a closed container or cup of water.</li><li>Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.</li><li>Prune trees above the height of bushes and shrubs (approximately 6’-10’ off the ground) and remove dead branches.</li><li>Mow grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4” high.</li><li>Remove dead and dry plants that could fuel a fire, as well as fallen leaves, pine cones, and other dry plant material.</li>
 </ul>

Red Cross urges people to get ready for wildfires

Today Sunny, with a high near 79. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a southwest wind 16 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Tuesday Night Rain likely after 1am, mixing with snow after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Windy, with a west southwest wind 16 to 26 mph becoming north northwest 28 to 38 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Rain and snow likely before 10am, then a chance of snow between 10am and 1pm. Patchy blowing snow before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 38 to 41 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Blustery.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 63.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy.

Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Breezy.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 79. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a southwest wind 16 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.Tuesday Night Rain likely after 1am, mixing with snow after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Windy, with a west southwest wind 16 to 26 mph becoming north northwest 28 to 38 mph. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Rain and snow likely before 10am, then a chance of snow between 10am and 1pm. Patchy blowing snow before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Very windy, with a north northwest wind 38 to 41 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Blustery.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 63.Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy.Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Breezy.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

A Plan Can Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Fuel Growth

A strategic plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping businesses set measurable goals, anticipate challenges and stay focused on long-term growth

Successful strategic planning requires stepping outside daily operations to align vision with actionable steps, supported by realistic and well-researched objectives.

Tailoring a strategic plan to your company’s lifecycle ensures relevance and clarity, providing a practical framework for achieving your goals.

It’s best practice for all businesses to have a strategic plan, from self-employed professionals to Fortune 500 Companies. Strategic plans provide vision, direction, focus and help business owners align their goals with actionable steps. Without a strategic plan, businesses risk drifting without clear priorities, leading to missed opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, strategic plans help businesses anticipate potential challenges and respond to competition in a proactive manner. By setting clear objectives and identifying competitive advantages (and disadvantages), the business can develop strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The business owners and executives we’ve seen successfully develop and execute strategic plans were the ones willing to step outside of the normal “day-to-day” and dedicate the time to working on their company. The investment made in designing the plan, executing the plan and being held accountable to the plan, were just as, if not more important, than the actual plan itself.&nbsp;

How Does a Strategic Plan Work?&nbsp;

Simply put, a strategic plan is a roadmap to get you from Point A and Point B. We like to think of a strategic plan as if we were planning on a cross-country road trip. Before getting on the road, wouldn’t you want to take a look at a map? Of course. Yet it’s surprising how many companies attempt “to drive from LA to New York” without a map.&nbsp;

The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you want to have. Is the goal to take the fastest, most direct route? Is the goal to meander and stop to catch a show in Vegas or hike in the Rockies? Or is the goal to drive to Kansas City as fast as possible, but stay with family for a few days?&nbsp;

In other words, setting goals and objectives is the heart of a strategic plan.

In the business world, it looks like this:&nbsp;

ABC Company is making $5 million in revenue and has EBITDA of $1 million. It has 25 employees and sells products into three customer groups. Its owner’s top goal is to grow. But growth is an amorphous goal until you quantify it with some numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Industry research – an essential aspect of strategic planning – shows other companies in ABC’s industry have typically achieved growth of 2x to 3x revenues over the past five years. But ABC’s owner wants to achieve growth of 5x revenues and add two more customer groups over the next five years.&nbsp;

A key characteristic of a good strategic plan is the probability of success i.e. realistic. The ABC owner’s goal is aggressive, but is it realistic? A market analysis shows the owner’s goal may be realistic if ABC can acquire a competitor company in addition to achieving organic growth, and if the economy and interest rates are favorable. But those are big “ifs,” and ABC would have to be extraordinarily disciplined to adhere to the strategic plan’s roadmap.&nbsp;

Quantitative &amp; Qualitative&nbsp;

Building a strategic plan requires both quantitative and qualitative thinking. Your goal may be quantitative – say you want your company to grow from $10 million in revenues to $15 million over the next three years before going out to market. That’s quantitative. You have quantified a goal.&nbsp;

But a market analysis may show that the best-in-class companies in your sector (e.g. manufacturing industry) are selling products at gross margins of 40% to 50%. Yet your company is selling products at a gross margin of 30%. It is also a quantitative thought: 30% vs 40%-50%. But it is also a qualitative thought: why? Why are your company’s products selling at a lower gross margin than your competition? Are they buying raw materials cheaper? Does your workforce lack certain skills and training to manufacture complex, more profitable products? Do you need to invest in better equipment in an attempt to improve production efficiency? The numbers point to a qualitative question, and you need to look at what’s behind your gross margin and figure out how to improve it before you go to market.&nbsp;

In essence, math can be easy. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the qualitative factors behind the numbers that reveal the challenges that will define much of a company’s strategic plan.&nbsp;

An effective strategic plan should mirror where a company is in its business lifecycle. If your company is a startup, the strategic plan will look different than the plan for a mature business. For a startup, the goal may not be to become profitable within a year, but rather obtain additional rounds of funding, prove its concept and identify a growth track.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Compare this plan to a company that is mature, profitable and has shareholders. They may not be looking for additional investments. But say the company has had a great year and has grabbed the attention of several private equity groups for a future acquisition. Its strategic plan might be one built around selling the company in two or three years and cashing out. What was once a mature company has now prepared a strategic plan around exit planning.&nbsp;

No matter where a company is in its business lifecycle, the process of building a strategic plan is the same: you have a starting point, which is where you are today. You envision an end point. Your strategic plan is the roadmap that gets you from the starting point to the end point.

Characteristics of a Good Strategic Plan&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741211435367.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A Plan Can Help Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Fuel GrowthKey Takeaways:A strategic plan serves as a clear roadmap, helping businesses set measurable goals, anticipate challenges and stay focused on long-term growthSuccessful strategic planning requires stepping outside daily operations to align vision with actionable steps, supported by realistic and well-researched objectives.Tailoring a strategic plan to your company’s lifecycle ensures relevance and clarity, providing a practical framework for achieving your goals.It’s best practice for all businesses to have a strategic plan, from self-employed professionals to Fortune 500 Companies. Strategic plans provide vision, direction, focus and help business owners align their goals with actionable steps. Without a strategic plan, businesses risk drifting without clear priorities, leading to missed opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, strategic plans help businesses anticipate potential challenges and respond to competition in a proactive manner. By setting clear objectives and identifying competitive advantages (and disadvantages), the business can develop strategies to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in the market.&nbsp;&nbsp;The business owners and executives we’ve seen successfully develop and execute strategic plans were the ones willing to step outside of the normal “day-to-day” and dedicate the time to working on their company. The investment made in designing the plan, executing the plan and being held accountable to the plan, were just as, if not more important, than the actual plan itself.&nbsp;How Does a Strategic Plan Work?&nbsp;Simply put, a strategic plan is a roadmap to get you from Point A and Point B. We like to think of a strategic plan as if we were planning on a cross-country road trip. Before getting on the road, wouldn’t you want to take a look at a map? Of course. Yet it’s surprising how many companies attempt “to drive from LA to New York” without a map.&nbsp;The first thing to consider is what kind of trip you want to have. Is the goal to take the fastest, most direct route? Is the goal to meander and stop to catch a show in Vegas or hike in the Rockies? Or is the goal to drive to Kansas City as fast as possible, but stay with family for a few days?&nbsp;In other words, setting goals and objectives is the heart of a strategic plan.In the business world, it looks like this:&nbsp;ABC Company is making $5 million in revenue and has EBITDA of $1 million. It has 25 employees and sells products into three customer groups. Its owner’s top goal is to grow. But growth is an amorphous goal until you quantify it with some numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Industry research – an essential aspect of strategic planning – shows other companies in ABC’s industry have typically achieved growth of 2x to 3x revenues over the past five years. But ABC’s owner wants to achieve growth of 5x revenues and add two more customer groups over the next five years.&nbsp;A key characteristic of a good strategic plan is the probability of success i.e. realistic. The ABC owner’s goal is aggressive, but is it realistic? A market analysis shows the owner’s goal may be realistic if ABC can acquire a competitor company in addition to achieving organic growth, and if the economy and interest rates are favorable. But those are big “ifs,” and ABC would have to be extraordinarily disciplined to adhere to the strategic plan’s roadmap.&nbsp;Quantitative &amp; Qualitative&nbsp;Building a strategic plan requires both quantitative and qualitative thinking. Your goal may be quantitative – say you want your company to grow from $10 million in revenues to $15 million over the next three years before going out to market. That’s quantitative. You have quantified a goal.&nbsp;But a market analysis may show that the best-in-class companies in your sector (e.g. manufacturing industry) are selling products at gross margins of 40% to 50%. Yet your company is selling products at a gross margin of 30%. It is also a quantitative thought: 30% vs 40%-50%. But it is also a qualitative thought: why? Why are your company’s products selling at a lower gross margin than your competition? Are they buying raw materials cheaper? Does your workforce lack certain skills and training to manufacture complex, more profitable products? Do you need to invest in better equipment in an attempt to improve production efficiency? The numbers point to a qualitative question, and you need to look at what’s behind your gross margin and figure out how to improve it before you go to market.&nbsp;In essence, math can be easy. The numbers speak for themselves. But it’s the qualitative factors behind the numbers that reveal the challenges that will define much of a company’s strategic plan.&nbsp;Business Lifecycle&nbsp;An effective strategic plan should mirror where a company is in its business lifecycle. If your company is a startup, the strategic plan will look different than the plan for a mature business. For a startup, the goal may not be to become profitable within a year, but rather obtain additional rounds of funding, prove its concept and identify a growth track.&nbsp;&nbsp;Compare this plan to a company that is mature, profitable and has shareholders. They may not be looking for additional investments. But say the company has had a great year and has grabbed the attention of several private equity groups for a future acquisition. Its strategic plan might be one built around selling the company in two or three years and cashing out. What was once a mature company has now prepared a strategic plan around exit planning.&nbsp;No matter where a company is in its business lifecycle, the process of building a strategic plan is the same: you have a starting point, which is where you are today. You envision an end point. Your strategic plan is the roadmap that gets you from the starting point to the end point.Characteristics of a Good Strategic Plan&nbsp;A good strategic plan rests on three important characteristics:&nbsp;Clarity:&nbsp;Even if someone doesn’t agree with your plan, can they read it and understand it? Does it make sense? If a business owner hears from key stakeholders that the strategic plan doesn’t make sense or can’t hit its goals, such criticism should be taken seriously. Relevance:&nbsp;Does the plan support the owner’s goal? A strategic plan should tie back to specific goals and timelines. If analysis and financial projections show the strategies and objectives in the plan, such as acquisitions or expansions of product lines, won’t be enough to help the company reach its goals, where does the problem lie? Are the strategies out of kilter or are the goals unrealistic? Reality:&nbsp;Perhaps the most important characteristic is whether the plan is realistic. You should be able to map goals, objectives, milestones and outcomes to the plan in a way that makes sense. If a company is valued at $8 million and its owner’s goal is to sell for $10 million, and industry projections support that growth, that’s a realistic goal. But if they’re valued at $8 million and they want to sell for $20 million within two years, that’s an unrealistic goal.&nbsp;Who is Involved in Building a Strategic Plan?&nbsp;Ultimately, a strategic plan will impact nearly everyone in a company. It needs to be finalized and approved by key stakeholders, including top management, investors and perhaps the company’s attorney and accountant.&nbsp;But the team that actually puts together the plan should be selected based on their skills and the relevance of their roles to the content of the plan. For instance, if the plan calls for a reorganization of the ownership group, an attorney will need to be involved, and most likely a tax advisor, as well.&nbsp;Some companies have the internal talent and skills to put together a comprehensive strategic plan. Others don’t and need to reach outside for expertise. Depending on the key goals and strategies laid out in the plan, input from an attorney, an accountant, a banker, a wealth advisor or a business consultant may be advantageous.&nbsp;In the end, your strategic plan needs to be short, sweet and to the point. But it needs to be supported by a lot of work behind it. When you understand where you are today and where you want to get to, that will dictate your scope and the professional team that will help build your strategic plan.&nbsp;If you would like to take the first steps toward creating a comprehensive strategic plan for your company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor</a>.

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