Beugelsdijk Chiropractic took a step forward in patient care with a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Feb. 13, celebrating the addition of their StemWave equipment. This technology is transforming pain management and recovery, making Beugelsdijk Chiropractic one of the first few practices in the country to offer this treatment.

StemWave utilizes cellular response technology through extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), the gold standard in musculoskeletal care. This non-invasive treatment reduces inflammation, enhances blood flow, and improves range of motion without the need for injections, surgery, or downtime. It's already being used by professional and collegiate sports teams across the country to help athletes recover more quickly from injuries, and now it's available right here in Great Bend.

“I’m thrilled to bring StemWave to our office and community,” said Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk. “The results we're seeing are truly impressive, with many patients experiencing noticeable pain relief after just one session. This technology allows us to pinpoint inflammation and treat it with incredible precision.”

StemWave offers a versatile solution for various conditions, including joint pain, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain. It also serves as an effective alternative to invasive procedures, helping patients avoid surgeries for the back, knee, hand, foot, and shoulder. Additionally, it provides a non-invasive option for those seeking relief without injections such as stem cells, PRP, cortisone, and more. During a treatment, harmless acoustic waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response, helping patients regain mobility and comfort with little to no side effects.

The treatment initiates three key biological reactions that contribute to its success. The Angiogenesis phase promotes the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing blood flow both short-term and long-term. The Cell Proliferation phase follows, generating new cells and recruiting cytokines to release growth factors essential for healing. And the Inflammatory phase jump-starts the body's healing process while reducing chronic inflammation for sustained recovery.

Beugelsdijk Chiropractic offers services at two locations. The Great Bend office, where StemWave treatments are available, is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Their St. John location is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740151134901.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSBeugelsdijk Chiropractic took a step forward in patient care with a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting on Feb. 13, celebrating the addition of their StemWave equipment. This technology is transforming pain management and recovery, making Beugelsdijk Chiropractic one of the first few practices in the country to offer this treatment.StemWave utilizes cellular response technology through extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), the gold standard in musculoskeletal care. This non-invasive treatment reduces inflammation, enhances blood flow, and improves range of motion without the need for injections, surgery, or downtime. It's already being used by professional and collegiate sports teams across the country to help athletes recover more quickly from injuries, and now it's available right here in Great Bend.“I’m thrilled to bring StemWave to our office and community,” said Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk. “The results we're seeing are truly impressive, with many patients experiencing noticeable pain relief after just one session. This technology allows us to pinpoint inflammation and treat it with incredible precision.”StemWave offers a versatile solution for various conditions, including joint pain, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain. It also serves as an effective alternative to invasive procedures, helping patients avoid surgeries for the back, knee, hand, foot, and shoulder. Additionally, it provides a non-invasive option for those seeking relief without injections such as stem cells, PRP, cortisone, and more. During a treatment, harmless acoustic waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response, helping patients regain mobility and comfort with little to no side effects.The treatment initiates three key biological reactions that contribute to its success. The Angiogenesis phase promotes the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing blood flow both short-term and long-term. The Cell Proliferation phase follows, generating new cells and recruiting cytokines to release growth factors essential for healing. And the Inflammatory phase jump-starts the body's healing process while reducing chronic inflammation for sustained recovery.Beugelsdijk Chiropractic offers services at two locations. The Great Bend office, where StemWave treatments are available, is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Their St. John location is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Great Bend chiropractic introduces StemWave technology for optimal health

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, February 18th continues to show slight imptovement. Stafford County and part of Pawnee are totally out of drought. Barton is primarily abnormally dry with the northern third in moderate drought. The six to ten-day outlook (February 25 to March 1) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (February 27 to March 5) indicates near normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.

With all of the recent extremely cold temperatures, there is naturally discussion regarding winterkill of the wheat crop. Today, what is winterkill? How does it happen? What makes it worse? Is there going to be winterkill?

· Winter wheat is a cool season grass, a monocot. This means that the seed stays in the ground at planting depth, unlike dicots like soybeans where the whole seed emerges from the ground. From planting until jointing (first hollow stem which is normally around mid-March here) the growing point is below ground at planting depth. Winterkill occurs when the growing point is destroyed by cold temperatures. Typically, when we see “winterkill”, it’s normally when the plant has broken dormancy. And often when we see damage it’s later after the growing point has emerged above the soil surface.

· Conditions that favor true winterkill include dry soils, poorly developed plants that aren’t well-established, lack of ground cover with residue or snow, and when the plant has broken dormancy. Winter hardiness, what the plant does to protect itself from winter, is greatest at the start of winter and decreases as we head toward spring. Warm temperatures can decrease winterhardiness and make plants more vulnerable. If the temperatures drop is severe from warmer weather it can present a problem. If the decrease is more gradual, the plant can regain some winterhardiness. It isn’t uncommon for extremely cold temperatures to “kill” the above ground growth. However, as long as the growing point is undamaged, this shouldn’t present a problem.

· So where are we regarding the previous bullet point? While not super moist, we have some soil moisture. We have not had extremely warm temperatures prior to the cold snap. Most wheat has a good blanket of snow to protect it. The majority of wheat was fairly well-established. Simply put, at least in most of our area, the wheat was in good shape to survive this cold snap. Time will tell, especially with the well-above normal temperatures predicted for the next week or so.

The old adage is that wheat like a cat, has nine lives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738261115962.jpeg" alt="written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, February 18th continues to show slight imptovement. Stafford County and part of Pawnee are totally out of drought. Barton is primarily abnormally dry with the northern third in moderate drought. The six to ten-day outlook (February 25 to March 1) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (February 27 to March 5) indicates near normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.With all of the recent extremely cold temperatures, there is naturally discussion regarding winterkill of the wheat crop. Today, what is winterkill? How does it happen? What makes it worse? Is there going to be winterkill?· Winter wheat is a cool season grass, a monocot. This means that the seed stays in the ground at planting depth, unlike dicots like soybeans where the whole seed emerges from the ground. From planting until jointing (first hollow stem which is normally around mid-March here) the growing point is below ground at planting depth. Winterkill occurs when the growing point is destroyed by cold temperatures. Typically, when we see “winterkill”, it’s normally when the plant has broken dormancy. And often when we see damage it’s later after the growing point has emerged above the soil surface.· Conditions that favor true winterkill include dry soils, poorly developed plants that aren’t well-established, lack of ground cover with residue or snow, and when the plant has broken dormancy. Winter hardiness, what the plant does to protect itself from winter, is greatest at the start of winter and decreases as we head toward spring. Warm temperatures can decrease winterhardiness and make plants more vulnerable. If the temperatures drop is severe from warmer weather it can present a problem. If the decrease is more gradual, the plant can regain some winterhardiness. It isn’t uncommon for extremely cold temperatures to “kill” the above ground growth. However, as long as the growing point is undamaged, this shouldn’t present a problem.· So where are we regarding the previous bullet point? While not super moist, we have some soil moisture. We have not had extremely warm temperatures prior to the cold snap. Most wheat has a good blanket of snow to protect it. The majority of wheat was fairly well-established. Simply put, at least in most of our area, the wheat was in good shape to survive this cold snap. Time will tell, especially with the well-above normal temperatures predicted for the next week or so.The old adage is that wheat like a cat, has nine lives.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Winterkill in wheat

When Megan Homolka, nurse practitioner, visits Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) twice each month, she not only cares for patients, she also educates them about heart conditions and diseases.

In observance of American Heart Month in February, Homolka wanted to take it a step further and share information about her PVCH visits and heart disease with the whole community.

“I am here to meet with new patients for consultations, as well as follow-up visits for people with cardiac conditions,” said Homolka who is based at HaysMed. “I work closely with our physicians to ensure we provide the highest quality of care.”

During this special heart-related month, Homolka has a message for the public.

“If you experience chest pain, increased shortness of breath or irregular heartbeats, please do not hesitate to contact your local doctor or call DeBakey Heart Clinic at HaysMed for a self-referral,” she emphasized. “You should also watch for sudden weight gain, swelling and fatigue.”

One big risk factor for cardiac disease is family history. “Unfortunately, we can’t change our genetics but we can take measures to reduce risk,” the advanced practice registered nurse said. “This includes lifestyle modifications, blood-pressure management, lipid control and other factors.”

Homolka noted that residents of Larned and the surrounding area are fortunate to have the local resources of PVCH and its association with HaysMed.

“Providing services locally allows patients to receive care close to home,” she explained. “By expanding access to care, we can save and enhance more lives. Since hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease are all-too common, PVCH is providing a valuable service through its Specialty Clinics.”

Homolka added that PVCH offers high-quality imaging, which includes CT scans, stress tests, echocardiograms and vascular ultrasounds. “Our technicians are experienced in getting top-notch imaging, allowing for more streamlined cardiac care.”

Homolka earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Kansas; bachelor’s in nursing from Chamberlain University in Arlington; Va.; and master’s in nursing-family nurse practitioner from the University of Texas, Arlington.

Jewel Davis, PVCH director of clinic operations, noted that Kalyan Wagle, MD, of the DeBakey Heart Institute, also travels to Larned twice a month.

“Our Specialty Clinic option is so important because these professional providers can see patients right here at home, with access to all HaysMed resources,” Davis said. “If this access wasn’t available, local residents may choose not to see a cardiologist because they are unable to travel.

“We are so fortunate that Megan Homolka is here regularly,” she added. “She sees a high volume of patients and is truly amazing in the care she provides.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740150584184.jpeg" alt="Megan Homolka, APRN" />
 <figcaption>Megan Homolka, APRN</figcaption>
 </figure>When Megan Homolka, nurse practitioner, visits Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) twice each month, she not only cares for patients, she also educates them about heart conditions and diseases.In observance of American Heart Month in February, Homolka wanted to take it a step further and share information about her PVCH visits and heart disease with the whole community.“I am here to meet with new patients for consultations, as well as follow-up visits for people with cardiac conditions,” said Homolka who is based at HaysMed. “I work closely with our physicians to ensure we provide the highest quality of care.”During this special heart-related month, Homolka has a message for the public.“If you experience chest pain, increased shortness of breath or irregular heartbeats, please do not hesitate to contact your local doctor or call DeBakey Heart Clinic at HaysMed for a self-referral,” she emphasized. “You should also watch for sudden weight gain, swelling and fatigue.”One big risk factor for cardiac disease is family history. “Unfortunately, we can’t change our genetics but we can take measures to reduce risk,” the advanced practice registered nurse said. “This includes lifestyle modifications, blood-pressure management, lipid control and other factors.”Homolka noted that residents of Larned and the surrounding area are fortunate to have the local resources of PVCH and its association with HaysMed.“Providing services locally allows patients to receive care close to home,” she explained. “By expanding access to care, we can save and enhance more lives. Since hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease are all-too common, PVCH is providing a valuable service through its Specialty Clinics.”Homolka added that PVCH offers high-quality imaging, which includes CT scans, stress tests, echocardiograms and vascular ultrasounds. “Our technicians are experienced in getting top-notch imaging, allowing for more streamlined cardiac care.”Homolka earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from the University of Kansas; bachelor’s in nursing from Chamberlain University in Arlington; Va.; and master’s in nursing-family nurse practitioner from the University of Texas, Arlington.Jewel Davis, PVCH director of clinic operations, noted that Kalyan Wagle, MD, of the DeBakey Heart Institute, also travels to Larned twice a month.“Our Specialty Clinic option is so important because these professional providers can see patients right here at home, with access to all HaysMed resources,” Davis said. “If this access wasn’t available, local residents may choose not to see a cardiologist because they are unable to travel.“We are so fortunate that Megan Homolka is here regularly,” she added. “She sees a high volume of patients and is truly amazing in the care she provides.”Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility.&nbsp;

Homolka shares cardiac information during American Heart Month

Do you have a plan for your wishes and assets after you pass? Or do you worry about the medical care you would receive if you became ill and were unable to speak for yourself? Sadly, less than 1 in 4 Americans have advanced directives. Don’t let yourself become a statistic. Let K-State Research and Extension help you!

“Estate Planning” is the theme for an upcoming event open to seniors, their families and their caregivers. K-State Research and Extension will sponsor the event, titled “Aging with Attitude: Estate Planning on Your Own Terms” It will take place Wednesday, April 2 in Great Bend at The Page, 2920 10th St. Great Bend.

The day will kick off with an estate planning panel providing insights of estate planning. This professional panel has a wealth of information to share and will also open the floor to answer your questions. The next featured speaker is Erin Martinez, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor with K-State Research and Extension. Erin will discuss advanced directives to ensure your end of life wishes and decisions are carried out. Nancy Honig, Extension Agent, will present the last session sharing ways to pass down your family’s cherished treasures. These sessions will all cover the importance of planning ahead, how to communicate your wishes, and the paperwork necessary to validate these wishes.

Along with hearing the valuable information the speakers will share, participants will have the opportunity to visit and engage with various local vendors.

Registration is $25 per person or $40 for two family members, and the pre-registration deadline is March 18. Lunch is included with the registration, along with a packet of estate planning information and publications. The program will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To register or become a vendor, please visit our website https://www.wkrec.org/events/field_days/aging_with_attitude.html or email Ashley Svaty at asvaty@ksu.edu. 

Do you have a plan for your wishes and assets after you pass? Or do you worry about the medical care you would receive if you became ill and were unable to speak for yourself? Sadly, less than 1 in 4 Americans have advanced directives. Don’t let yourself become a statistic. Let K-State Research and Extension help you!“Estate Planning” is the theme for an upcoming event open to seniors, their families and their caregivers. K-State Research and Extension will sponsor the event, titled “Aging with Attitude: Estate Planning on Your Own Terms” It will take place Wednesday, April 2 in Great Bend at The Page, 2920 10th St. Great Bend.The day will kick off with an estate planning panel providing insights of estate planning. This professional panel has a wealth of information to share and will also open the floor to answer your questions. The next featured speaker is Erin Martinez, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor with K-State Research and Extension. Erin will discuss advanced directives to ensure your end of life wishes and decisions are carried out. Nancy Honig, Extension Agent, will present the last session sharing ways to pass down your family’s cherished treasures. These sessions will all cover the importance of planning ahead, how to communicate your wishes, and the paperwork necessary to validate these wishes.Along with hearing the valuable information the speakers will share, participants will have the opportunity to visit and engage with various local vendors.Registration is $25 per person or $40 for two family members, and the pre-registration deadline is March 18. Lunch is included with the registration, along with a packet of estate planning information and publications. The program will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.To register or become a vendor, please visit our website https://www.wkrec.org/events/field_days/aging_with_attitude.html or email Ashley Svaty at asvaty@ksu.edu.

Estate planning event in Great Bend April 2

The City of Great Bend, in partnership with JEO Consulting Group, will be conducting in-person visits to homes and businesses as part of a federally mandated Water Service Line Inventory. These visits are crucial for ensuring compliance with new regulations requiring the identification of all water service line materials in the city.

The City of Great Bend is committed to maintaining a safe and reliable water supply for all residents and businesses. As part of this effort, representatives from the City and JEO Consulting Group may be visiting properties across the city to gather information about the material of water service lines. This information will help the city identify and address any potential lead service lines and ensure the safety of the community’s water system.

How to Prepare:&nbsp;Residents and business owners can assist by ensuring:

The City of Great Bend appreciates your cooperation in completing this important inventory. Your participation is essential in helping us maintain compliance with federal regulations and ensuring the safety and reliability of our water infrastructure.

For more information about the Water Service Line Inventory or to verify the identity of a JEO representative, please contact the City of Great Bend Department of Public Works at (620) 793-4150.

Funding for this assistance is provided through a contractual agreement between the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment State Revolving Fund Set-aside and JEO Consulting Group.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, 620.793.4150.

From the City of Great Bend...The City of Great Bend, in partnership with JEO Consulting Group, will be conducting in-person visits to homes and businesses as part of a federally mandated Water Service Line Inventory. These visits are crucial for ensuring compliance with new regulations requiring the identification of all water service line materials in the city.The City of Great Bend is committed to maintaining a safe and reliable water supply for all residents and businesses. As part of this effort, representatives from the City and JEO Consulting Group may be visiting properties across the city to gather information about the material of water service lines. This information will help the city identify and address any potential lead service lines and ensure the safety of the community’s water system.What You Need to Know:<ul>
 <li>Visits Start Date:&nbsp;Monday, February 24 through Wednesday, February 26</li><li>Hours of Visits:&nbsp;Representatives will conduct visits between 3:00PM through 7:30PM.</li><li>What to Expect:&nbsp;During the visit, representatives may:</li><li>Ask a few brief questions about your property’s plumbing.</li><li>Request photos or look at your water service line where it enters the building.</li><li>Complete the process in approximately 10 - 15 minutes.</li><li>We will NOT be going to the doors of the citizens that completed the previously released surveys completely and with appropriate answers.</li>
 </ul>How to Prepare:&nbsp;Residents and business owners can assist by ensuring:<ul>
 <li>Access to the water service line inside your property (commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, or utility rooms).</li><li>Someone over the age of 18 is present during the visit.</li>
 </ul>The City of Great Bend appreciates your cooperation in completing this important inventory. Your participation is essential in helping us maintain compliance with federal regulations and ensuring the safety and reliability of our water infrastructure.For more information about the Water Service Line Inventory or to verify the identity of a JEO representative, please contact the City of Great Bend Department of Public Works at (620) 793-4150.Funding for this assistance is provided through a contractual agreement between the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment State Revolving Fund Set-aside and JEO Consulting Group.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, 620.793.4150.

Lead & copper door-to-door survey starts Monday in Great Bend

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

An Italian immigrant raised in Pennsylvania met the love of his life in the little town of Antonino, Kansas, during World War II.&nbsp;

It was an 80-year love story that would burn brightly through war, sickness and even death.&nbsp;

Jo Ann Jennings of Hays told the incredible love story of Frank Malizia and his wartime bride Irene Deter during a presentation at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.

The Hays Arts Center, of which Jennings is vice president of the board, sponsored the event. The center accepted free-will donations for its Heart of Hays capital campaign.&nbsp;

Jennings met Malizia through her connection with the Coffelt database, the most comprehensive collection of information on U.S. Armed Forces casualties in Vietnam.

Jennings's husband, Richard Coffelt, with the assistance of others, established the database over many years. It is now available to access for free through the National Archives.

After Richard’s death, the VFW magazine published a story in 2013 about the database. Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. This led him to contact Jennings.

This would spark a friendship that would span years and 227 pages of correspondence between Jennings and Malizia in which Frank detailed his love story with Irene and the eventual heartbreak that followed.

Jennings said the couple's love story came through the letter in short "chapters," as Frank called them, as he said he would become too emotional to share all of his memories of Irene at once.

Frank was born in Italy. Shortly after he was born his father left to settle in America. When Frank was 7, he and his mother came to the United States on a ship, entered the country through Ellis Island and joined Frank's Father in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

In his first letter to Jennings, Frank explained how the article had sparked memories of his time at Walker Airbase and Great Bend during World War II.

Frank was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was based in Salt Lake City before being transferred to Great Bend. He was friends with Sylvester Sauer, an Ellis native.

Malizia wrote in his first letter about “the most beautiful girl in the world” from Antonino, whom he met through Sauer at a local dance.&nbsp;

“At that time in my life, I didn’t dance,” he said, “but at the end of the evening, Sylvester introduced me to this beautiful girl from Antonino, Kansas. Wow! Was I overcome! I asked this beautiful girl if the next time I was in town if she would like to go to a movie, and she said all right,” Malizia said in his first letter to Jennings.

Malizia rented a bike built for two, and the lovebirds took a ride into the country.

"I was so, so impressed with her," Malizia wrote. "I just had to see her again. This beautiful girl was 17, and I was 21. We hit it off great. I proposed to this beautiful girl from Kansas."

After receiving the letter, Jennings realized the couple's anniversary was approaching, so she, accompanied by her mother, took flowers to Irene's grave.&nbsp;

Jennings mother, who was about the same age as Frank, heard the story and was filled with questions. Jennings was at first reluctant to pry.

"He'll tell me when he wants to tell me," she told her mother.

But Frank was forthcoming, laying out more of his life with Irene in letter after letter.

Irene became pregnant with a son. Before Irene gave birth, Frank was deployed to the Pacific.&nbsp;Irene went into labor. She was taken to the hospital in Hays, but the doctor was unavailable.

Jennings said it is unclear what happened next, but according to Frank, a belt was tied either around Irene's belly or her legs to keep her from delivering before the doctor arrived. As a result, the baby, which the couple named Robert, was stillborn. He was buried in the Antonino cemetery.

"I think Frank never really got over that because even after the war ended and he came back to Hays, he went to the hospital to try to find answers to what happened with Robert, but he was told it would be best if he didn't cause any trouble," Jennings said.

After the end of the war, Irene and Frank moved back to Frank's home in Pennsylvania.

Irene became pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby, Carol Ann, on Dec. 8, 1946.

About a month after Carol Ann was born,&nbsp;Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The family worked with multiple doctors seeking treatment for Irene. She was in sanitoriums in Pennsylvania and then Illinois.

Despite Frank and the doctor's efforts, Irene's condition deteriorated.

"She was 19 years old. Imagine. She was 19 years old, and she tells him, 'I think I'm dying. I have a 1-year-old baby and a wonderful husband. I don't think I'm going to live, and I want to go home to my mother and dad," Jennings said.

Against the doctors' recommendations, Frank hired a private car for himself and Irene and returned to Kansas. Doctors saw Irene in Wichita before being transferred to another sanitorium in Norton. Frank worked at a meat packing plant in Hays during the week and visited Irene in Norton on the weekends.

Irene died on May 30, 1949, of tuberculosis at the age of 22. She was buried in the Antonino cemetery next to their infant son, Robert.

Frank said of Irene in the very first letter to Jennings, "I never stopped loving that most beautiful girl from Antonino."

Irene's parents had been raising Carol, but Frank decided to return to Pennsylvania, where he raised Carol Ann. He later told Jennings that taking his daughter out of Kansas and away from her maternal family was one of the biggest regrets of his life.

"At that time, I was 27. I had been in a major war. I lost the love of my life. I had a 2-1/2-year-old. I didn't know what I was going to do," Frank told Jennings.

Frank would go on to have a full life. He remarried about 20 years after he lost Irene. He had two more children, Kim and Frank. However, his second marriage ended in divorce.&nbsp;

Frank retired as a Hotel and Restaurant Owner of the Leslie Hotel, The Hut and Dino's. He had also worked as a food equipment salesman.

According to his obituary, he also&nbsp;enjoyed playing Bocce, going golfing and having coffee with friends.

Frank told Jennings that since Irene's death, he had been traveling every other year to Antonino from his home in Pennsylvania to decorate his former wife's grave.&nbsp;

On one of these trips, Jennings and Frank met and spent about two weeks together. Frank shared more stories about Irene and his time in Kansas.

He continued to travel back to Ellis County to visit Irene until his health began to fail.&nbsp;

He asked Jennings to continue the tradition of visits to Irene's grave.

On Jan. 12, just short of his 102nd birthday, Frank died. His last request was to be buried next to Irene in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino.&nbsp;

On a blustery day on Jan. 23, with a cousin, Jennings, a couple of members of the Antonino parish, Father Curtis Carlson, and the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, Frank finally rejoined Irene.

"It's a long love story," Jennings said. "We should all be so lucky to be loved for 80 years and a love that was deep and strong."

Frank asked Jennings to continue visiting and maintaining his and Irene's graves in the small cemetery off a dirt road in Antonino.

"I had been taking care of Irene's grave since I found out about this love story, and I promised I would take care of his, the two of them," Jennings said. "As long as I'm here, it is now my responsibility."

She said she usually takes flowers near the anniversary of Irene's death, which falls close to Memorial Day. She also decorates the graves on Frank and Irene's anniversary.

"And I shall do it as long as I can for both of them," she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087128143.jpeg" alt="Frank and Irene (Deter) Malizia, met when Frank was stationed in Great Bend during World War II. Irene was from Antonino. The couple were married on Nov. 23, 1943. After visiting Irene's grave for almost 80 years, Frank was recently buried next to the love of his life in the Antonino cemetery. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Frank and Irene (Deter) Malizia, met when Frank was stationed in Great Bend during World War II. Irene was from Antonino. The couple were married on Nov. 23, 1943. After visiting Irene's grave for almost 80 years, Frank was recently buried next to the love of his life in the Antonino cemetery. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAn Italian immigrant raised in Pennsylvania met the love of his life in the little town of Antonino, Kansas, during World War II.&nbsp;It was an 80-year love story that would burn brightly through war, sickness and even death.&nbsp;Jo Ann Jennings of Hays told the incredible love story of Frank Malizia and his wartime bride Irene Deter during a presentation at the Hays VFW on Feb. 16.The Hays Arts Center, of which Jennings is vice president of the board, sponsored the event. The center accepted free-will donations for its Heart of Hays capital campaign.&nbsp;Jennings met Malizia through her connection with the Coffelt database, the most comprehensive collection of information on U.S. Armed Forces casualties in Vietnam.Jennings's husband, Richard Coffelt, with the assistance of others, established the database over many years. It is now available to access for free through the National Archives.After Richard’s death, the VFW magazine published a story in 2013 about the database. Malizia, who was 92 at the time, read that story and recognized Hays as a familiar place. This led him to contact Jennings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087712280.jpeg" alt="Irene Deter of Antonino when she was 16 or 17 years old. Irene met soldier Frank Malizia at a local dance when he was stationed in Great Bend. He referred to the woman who later became his wife as "the most beautiful girl." Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Irene Deter of Antonino when she was 16 or 17 years old. Irene met soldier Frank Malizia at a local dance when he was stationed in Great Bend. He referred to the woman who later became his wife as "the most beautiful girl." Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>This would spark a friendship that would span years and 227 pages of correspondence between Jennings and Malizia in which Frank detailed his love story with Irene and the eventual heartbreak that followed.Jennings said the couple's love story came through the letter in short "chapters," as Frank called them, as he said he would become too emotional to share all of his memories of Irene at once.Frank was born in Italy. Shortly after he was born his father left to settle in America. When Frank was 7, he and his mother came to the United States on a ship, entered the country through Ellis Island and joined Frank's Father in New Castle, Pennsylvania.In his first letter to Jennings, Frank explained how the article had sparked memories of his time at Walker Airbase and Great Bend during World War II.Frank was drafted into the Army in 1942. He was based in Salt Lake City before being transferred to Great Bend. He was friends with Sylvester Sauer, an Ellis native.Malizia wrote in his first letter about “the most beautiful girl in the world” from Antonino, whom he met through Sauer at a local dance.&nbsp;“At that time in my life, I didn’t dance,” he said, “but at the end of the evening, Sylvester introduced me to this beautiful girl from Antonino, Kansas. Wow! Was I overcome! I asked this beautiful girl if the next time I was in town if she would like to go to a movie, and she said all right,” Malizia said in his first letter to Jennings.Malizia rented a bike built for two, and the lovebirds took a ride into the country."I was so, so impressed with her," Malizia wrote. "I just had to see her again. This beautiful girl was 17, and I was 21. We hit it off great. I proposed to this beautiful girl from Kansas."The two were married on Nov. 23, 1943.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087876844.jpeg" alt="Irene was pregnant when Frank was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. She signed this photo to her husband, "Love Irene." Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Irene was pregnant when Frank was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. She signed this photo to her husband, "Love Irene." Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>After receiving the letter, Jennings realized the couple's anniversary was approaching, so she, accompanied by her mother, took flowers to Irene's grave.&nbsp;Jennings mother, who was about the same age as Frank, heard the story and was filled with questions. Jennings was at first reluctant to pry."He'll tell me when he wants to tell me," she told her mother.Her mother said, "Jo Ann, he's 92."But Frank was forthcoming, laying out more of his life with Irene in letter after letter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740089574355.jpeg" alt="A copy of Frank Malizia's first letter to Jo Ann Jennings. Frank would send 225 more pages of correspondence to Jennings of Hays over the next 10 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A copy of Frank Malizia's first letter to Jo Ann Jennings. Frank would send 225 more pages of correspondence to Jennings of Hays over the next 10 years. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene became pregnant with a son. Before Irene gave birth, Frank was deployed to the Pacific.&nbsp;Irene went into labor. She was taken to the hospital in Hays, but the doctor was unavailable.Jennings said it is unclear what happened next, but according to Frank, a belt was tied either around Irene's belly or her legs to keep her from delivering before the doctor arrived. As a result, the baby, which the couple named Robert, was stillborn. He was buried in the Antonino cemetery."I think Frank never really got over that because even after the war ended and he came back to Hays, he went to the hospital to try to find answers to what happened with Robert, but he was told it would be best if he didn't cause any trouble," Jennings said.After the end of the war, Irene and Frank moved back to Frank's home in Pennsylvania.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088026357.jpeg" alt="Irene and Frank after WWII. Tragically, shortly after the couple's daughter, Carol Ann, was born, Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Irene and Frank after WWII. Tragically, shortly after the couple's daughter, Carol Ann, was born, Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Irene became pregnant again and delivered a healthy baby, Carol Ann, on Dec. 8, 1946.About a month after Carol Ann was born,&nbsp;Irene was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The family worked with multiple doctors seeking treatment for Irene. She was in sanitoriums in Pennsylvania and then Illinois.Despite Frank and the doctor's efforts, Irene's condition deteriorated."She was 19 years old. Imagine. She was 19 years old, and she tells him, 'I think I'm dying. I have a 1-year-old baby and a wonderful husband. I don't think I'm going to live, and I want to go home to my mother and dad," Jennings said.Against the doctors' recommendations, Frank hired a private car for himself and Irene and returned to Kansas. Doctors saw Irene in Wichita before being transferred to another sanitorium in Norton. Frank worked at a meat packing plant in Hays during the week and visited Irene in Norton on the weekends.Irene died on May 30, 1949, of tuberculosis at the age of 22. She was buried in the Antonino cemetery next to their infant son, Robert.Frank said of Irene in the very first letter to Jennings, "I never stopped loving that most beautiful girl from Antonino."Irene's parents had been raising Carol, but Frank decided to return to Pennsylvania, where he raised Carol Ann. He later told Jennings that taking his daughter out of Kansas and away from her maternal family was one of the biggest regrets of his life."At that time, I was 27. I had been in a major war. I lost the love of my life. I had a 2-1/2-year-old. I didn't know what I was going to do," Frank told Jennings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740088265878.jpeg" alt="Members of the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, along with the husband of one of Frank's cousins, serve as pallbearers as soldier Frank Malizia is finally laid to rest next to his first wife, Irene, and their infant son, Robert, in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Frank, who lost his wife when he was 27, was just short of 102. He said he never stopped loving Irene. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, along with the husband of one of Frank's cousins, serve as pallbearers as soldier Frank Malizia is finally laid to rest next to his first wife, Irene, and their infant son, Robert, in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Frank, who lost his wife when he was 27, was just short of 102. He said he never stopped loving Irene. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank would go on to have a full life. He remarried about 20 years after he lost Irene. He had two more children, Kim and Frank. However, his second marriage ended in divorce.&nbsp;Frank retired as a Hotel and Restaurant Owner of the Leslie Hotel, The Hut and Dino's. He had also worked as a food equipment salesman.According to his obituary, he also&nbsp;enjoyed playing Bocce, going golfing and having coffee with friends.Frank told Jennings that since Irene's death, he had been traveling every other year to Antonino from his home in Pennsylvania to decorate his former wife's grave.&nbsp;On one of these trips, Jennings and Frank met and spent about two weeks together. Frank shared more stories about Irene and his time in Kansas.He continued to travel back to Ellis County to visit Irene until his health began to fail.&nbsp;He asked Jennings to continue the tradition of visits to Irene's grave.On Jan. 12, just short of his 102nd birthday, Frank died. His last request was to be buried next to Irene in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740087447985.jpeg" alt="The Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard stands at attention during a graveside service for Sgt. Frank Malizia, who was buried beside his wartime bride, Irene, on Jan. 23 in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post." />
 <figcaption>The Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard stands at attention during a graveside service for Sgt. Frank Malizia, who was buried beside his wartime bride, Irene, on Jan. 23 in the Our Lady of Help Cemetery in Antonino. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post.</figcaption>
 </figure>On a blustery day on Jan. 23, with a cousin, Jennings, a couple of members of the Antonino parish, Father Curtis Carlson, and the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076 color guard, Frank finally rejoined Irene."It's a long love story," Jennings said. "We should all be so lucky to be loved for 80 years and a love that was deep and strong."Frank asked Jennings to continue visiting and maintaining his and Irene's graves in the small cemetery off a dirt road in Antonino."I had been taking care of Irene's grave since I found out about this love story, and I promised I would take care of his, the two of them," Jennings said. "As long as I'm here, it is now my responsibility."She said she usually takes flowers near the anniversary of Irene's death, which falls close to Memorial Day. She also decorates the graves on Frank and Irene's anniversary."And I shall do it as long as I can for both of them," she said.

WWII soldier based in Great Bend laid to rest next to 'love of his life'

Two representatives of The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, recently attended a special event at the State Capitol to spread the word about their non-profit agency and its many programs.

The two staff members are: Holly Bowyer, coordinator of #ZeroReasonsWhy, which is a teen-led suicide-prevention program; and Billie Downum, director of Community-Based Services. They participated in Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) Advocacy Day in Topeka.

“We wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to inform legislators about the services and programs we offer to adults and children,” Bowyer said. “Support from lawmakers is so important because state and federal funding is key to providing resources to our neighbors with mental-health concerns.”

During the one-day event, Bowyer and Downum interacted with Rep. Brett Fairchild of the 113th District in central Kansas, and several other legislators.

“They stopped by our exhibit to thank us and show support for the services offered by The Center,” Bowyer commented. “We appreciate their interest in our programs, as well as their awareness that funding is crucial.”

The exhibit featured brochures in English and Spanish, as well as other informational materials.

Now that The Center is fully licensed as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, “our agency’s focus is on the whole person,” Bowyer noted. “This holistic approach offers a variety of therapies, as well as specialized assistance for substance-use disorder; housing, employment and veterans’ issues; and medication-assisted treatment.

“Since there are often a number of factors involved in behavioral-health issues, we want to care for and treat the whole person. This is the best way to help people find the resources they need in the various aspects of their lives.”

The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739992545363.jpeg" alt="Billie Downum, left, and Holly Bowyer, attend Community Mental Health Center Advocacy Day in Topeka recently. Downum and Bowyer represent The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, which serves central Kansas." />
 <figcaption>Billie Downum, left, and Holly Bowyer, attend Community Mental Health Center Advocacy Day in Topeka recently. Downum and Bowyer represent The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, which serves central Kansas.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSTwo representatives of The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, recently attended a special event at the State Capitol to spread the word about their non-profit agency and its many programs.The two staff members are: Holly Bowyer, coordinator of #ZeroReasonsWhy, which is a teen-led suicide-prevention program; and Billie Downum, director of Community-Based Services. They participated in Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) Advocacy Day in Topeka.“We wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to inform legislators about the services and programs we offer to adults and children,” Bowyer said. “Support from lawmakers is so important because state and federal funding is key to providing resources to our neighbors with mental-health concerns.”During the one-day event, Bowyer and Downum interacted with Rep. Brett Fairchild of the 113th District in central Kansas, and several other legislators.“They stopped by our exhibit to thank us and show support for the services offered by The Center,” Bowyer commented. “We appreciate their interest in our programs, as well as their awareness that funding is crucial.”The exhibit featured brochures in English and Spanish, as well as other informational materials.Now that The Center is fully licensed as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, “our agency’s focus is on the whole person,” Bowyer noted. “This holistic approach offers a variety of therapies, as well as specialized assistance for substance-use disorder; housing, employment and veterans’ issues; and medication-assisted treatment.“Since there are often a number of factors involved in behavioral-health issues, we want to care for and treat the whole person. This is the best way to help people find the resources they need in the various aspects of their lives.”The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

Bowyer, Downum represent The Center at advocacy day in Topeka

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Media's Dakota Tucker and staff from the Barton County Health Department that aired Feb. 20, 2025.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Media's Dakota Tucker and staff from the Barton County Health Department that aired Feb. 20, 2025.<div><iframe title="County Edition: Barton Co. Health Dept. staff" 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=juqpm-1810159-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>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Barton Co. Health Dept. staff

Cottonwood Extension District had hoped to provide the Babysitting 101 earlier this year but due to the weather and illness, it was postponed. March 10 is the new date. It is an inservice day for USD 489 students. We understand this won’t work for everyone, but hopefully we will be able to provide more of these throughout the year to reach all area youth.

The Babysitting 101 Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (11-15yrs) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for children toddler through school age.

They will learn the basic information on how to be a competent, responsible, and caring babysitter. They will also develop “life skills” such as caring, managing resources, decision-making and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.

Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.

Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District 4-H Youth Development Agent, will be the instructor for the class. She has many years experience teaching this class in Great Bend. We are excited to welcome her to the Hays office.

The cost is $10 for supplies and snacks. Please call the office to register your child or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu. Limited spots available.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cottonwood Extension District had hoped to provide the Babysitting 101 earlier this year but due to the weather and illness, it was postponed. March 10 is the new date. It is an inservice day for USD 489 students. We understand this won’t work for everyone, but hopefully we will be able to provide more of these throughout the year to reach all area youth.The Babysitting 101 Curriculum is designed to help middle school and teenaged youth (11-15yrs) learn what it takes to be a responsible, caring, trustworthy, competent, capable, and safe babysitter for children toddler through school age.They will learn the basic information on how to be a competent, responsible, and caring babysitter. They will also develop “life skills” such as caring, managing resources, decision-making and communication. Each activity notes at least one life skill and uses the experiential learning or “hands-on learning to reinforce it.” Based on the discussions your teens have during the class, you may find they are learning other skills. That is great! The more skills they use and practice, the better.Teens learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting.Michelle Beran, Cottonwood Extension District 4-H Youth Development Agent, will be the instructor for the class. She has many years experience teaching this class in Great Bend. We are excited to welcome her to the Hays office.The cost is $10 for supplies and snacks. Please call the office to register your child or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu. Limited spots available.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Babysitting 101 class

Clara Barton Medical Center is proud to announce an important enhancement to its language access capabilities, thanks to a grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund and a couple of generous private donations. The acquisition of a dedicated iPad, stand, and speaker for the hospital’s front registration area ensures patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) have immediate access to certified interpreters upon arrival.

The interpreting service, powered by the Stratus platform, has been a vital tool at Clara Barton Medical Center since 2016, allowing healthcare providers and patients to communicate through video remote interpreting with certified medical interpreters. These interpreters are specifically trained in medical terminology, ensuring accurate and effective communication in a wide range of languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and American Sign Language, among others.

Previously, interpreter devices were stationed throughout the hospital and clinics but were not available at the front registration desk. Registration staff had to retrieve a device from another department when a patient required language assistance. With the addition of this new iPad and stand, the front registration team now has a dedicated device readily accessible, enhancing the patient experience from the moment they walk through the door.

“This new device eliminates delays and provides a seamless registration process for our patients who rely on interpreting services,” said Amanda Hoffman, Director of Pharmacy/VP. “We’re committed to ensuring every patient feels heard and understood from start to finish during their time at Clara Barton Medical Center.”

The interpreting service has been instrumental in delivering high-quality care to patients of diverse backgrounds. One notable instance involved a patient from Guatemala who, through the device, was able to communicate his final wish to reunite with his family. The hospital staff worked diligently to fulfill his wish, enabling him to travel home and spend his final days with loved ones.

“This technology is about more than just translation; it’s about connection and compassion,” said Michelle Moshier, Foundation Director, who wrote the grant. “We are incredibly grateful for the Midwest Energy grant and the unwavering support of individual donors who make advancements like this possible.”

As a not-for-profit critical access hospital, these contributions enhance patient care and help address the unique needs of the community CBMC serves. The addition of this interpreter device exemplifies how community collaboration fosters a more inclusive healthcare environment, enabling staff to continue delivering exceptional patient experiences.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739992443003.jpeg" alt="Thanks to a grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund and a couple of generous private donations, Clara Barton Medical Center has enhanced its language access capabilities with an iPad, stand, and speaker dedicated to the hospital’s front registration area." />
 <figcaption>Thanks to a grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund and a couple of generous private donations, Clara Barton Medical Center has enhanced its language access capabilities with an iPad, stand, and speaker dedicated to the hospital’s front registration area.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSClara Barton Medical Center is proud to announce an important enhancement to its language access capabilities, thanks to a grant from the Midwest Energy Community Fund and a couple of generous private donations. The acquisition of a dedicated iPad, stand, and speaker for the hospital’s front registration area ensures patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) have immediate access to certified interpreters upon arrival.The interpreting service, powered by the Stratus platform, has been a vital tool at Clara Barton Medical Center since 2016, allowing healthcare providers and patients to communicate through video remote interpreting with certified medical interpreters. These interpreters are specifically trained in medical terminology, ensuring accurate and effective communication in a wide range of languages, including Spanish, Arabic, and American Sign Language, among others.Previously, interpreter devices were stationed throughout the hospital and clinics but were not available at the front registration desk. Registration staff had to retrieve a device from another department when a patient required language assistance. With the addition of this new iPad and stand, the front registration team now has a dedicated device readily accessible, enhancing the patient experience from the moment they walk through the door.“This new device eliminates delays and provides a seamless registration process for our patients who rely on interpreting services,” said Amanda Hoffman, Director of Pharmacy/VP. “We’re committed to ensuring every patient feels heard and understood from start to finish during their time at Clara Barton Medical Center.”The interpreting service has been instrumental in delivering high-quality care to patients of diverse backgrounds. One notable instance involved a patient from Guatemala who, through the device, was able to communicate his final wish to reunite with his family. The hospital staff worked diligently to fulfill his wish, enabling him to travel home and spend his final days with loved ones.“This technology is about more than just translation; it’s about connection and compassion,” said Michelle Moshier, Foundation Director, who wrote the grant. “We are incredibly grateful for the Midwest Energy grant and the unwavering support of individual donors who make advancements like this possible.”As a not-for-profit critical access hospital, these contributions enhance patient care and help address the unique needs of the community CBMC serves. The addition of this interpreter device exemplifies how community collaboration fosters a more inclusive healthcare environment, enabling staff to continue delivering exceptional patient experiences.

Patient access to interpreting services at Clara Barton 

The Barton Community College basketball teams play at Fort Hays Tech Northwest on Saturday, Feb. 22.

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

The women's game in Goodland begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College basketball teams play at Fort Hays Tech Northwest on Saturday, Feb. 22.You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.The women's game in Goodland begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 at Fort Hays Tech Northwest

As of last week, 26 bills related to elections had been introduced into the state legislature this session. Four of these bills have passed one of the houses — two in the Senate and two in the House.

Three of these bills are functionally redundant as they do not change the state’s status quo and instead seem to be driven mostly by political posturing. However, SB 4 would drastically change the state’s current approach to mail ballots.

SB 4 would require that voters return mail ballots by 7pm on Election Day. Under current Kansas law, mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received within three days are allowed to be counted. Should this bill pass, the three day grace period would be eliminated.

The grace period was added in 2017 by near unanimous vote at the urging of then Secretary of State Kris Kobach, stating that mail service was delaying ballots from arriving by Election Day, and thus those votes were not being counted.

Supporters of SB 4 claim allowing a grace period provides ample opportunities for voter fraud. However, the Kansas Secretary of State website highlights the numerous safety measures used to verify the legitimacy of mail ballots; and according to the Heritage Foundation’s election fraud database, there have been no cases of voter fraud in Kansas since 2021 — the infamous case of voter fraud committed by former Republican Congressman Steve Watkins.

Despite advocates’ claims that this bill does not make it harder to vote, it does, in fact, do just that. Mail takes time to be processed, especially for the most rural areas of our state and for voters living out-of-state, who are usually young and either in the military or college. Not to mention the disabled and elderly Kansans who rely on mail ballots and will be systematically disenfranchised by eliminating the grace period.

Some opponents of the bill claim partisan motivation in the elimination of the grace period, arguing that it disproportionately affects Democrats, who in recent years have been more likely to vote by mail than Republicans..

According to early voting data collected by IKE Lab during the 2024 general election, 42.6% of mail-in-votes in Kansas were cast by Democrats, 39.3% by Republicans, and 17.4% by unaffiliated voters.

Looking only at ballots recorded after Election Day, Democrats likely would be at even more of a disadvantage should the law be changed.

Of mail-ballots that were received during the grace period (see data note below), 56.8% of them belonged to registered Democrats, 24.1% to Republicans, and 19.1% to unaffiliated voters.

These numbers make it clear that eliminating the grace period would have a measurable impact on whose votes are counted.

Passing SB 4 would not only eliminate a safeguard that has ensured thousands of legitimate votes are counted, but it would also disproportionately impact specific groups of voters, particularly those in rural areas, the military, and the elderly.

While concerns about election security should always be taken seriously, the safeguards in place already ensure the integrity of mail-in ballots. Rather than solving a real problem, this bill risks disenfranchising Kansans for the sake of political maneuvering.

Lawmakers should prioritize making voting more accessible, not less.

Data Note: This data is taken from voting reports purchased from the Kansas Secretary of State on November 6, 2024 and November 12, 2024. A total of 9,399 ballots were included in the final vote report on November 12 that had not been included in the November 6 report. It is possible that some of these ballots had not been included in the first report due to delays in reporting by counties, however, it is likely that most, if not all, were ballots received during the grace period. 9,399 total ballots received during this period; 2,268 Republican, 5,334 Democratic, and 1,797 unaffiliated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="written by: Alexandra Middlewood, PhD - Associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>written by: Alexandra Middlewood, PhD - Associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>As of last week, 26 bills related to elections had been introduced into the state legislature this session. Four of these bills have passed one of the houses — two in the Senate and two in the House.Three of these bills are functionally redundant as they do not change the state’s status quo and instead seem to be driven mostly by political posturing. However, SB 4 would drastically change the state’s current approach to mail ballots.SB 4 would require that voters return mail ballots by 7pm on Election Day. Under current Kansas law, mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received within three days are allowed to be counted. Should this bill pass, the three day grace period would be eliminated.The grace period was added in 2017 by near unanimous vote at the urging of then Secretary of State Kris Kobach, stating that mail service was delaying ballots from arriving by Election Day, and thus those votes were not being counted.Supporters of SB 4 claim allowing a grace period provides ample opportunities for voter fraud. However, the Kansas Secretary of State website highlights the numerous safety measures used to verify the legitimacy of mail ballots; and according to the Heritage Foundation’s election fraud database, there have been no cases of voter fraud in Kansas since 2021 — the infamous case of voter fraud committed by former Republican Congressman Steve Watkins.Despite advocates’ claims that this bill does not make it harder to vote, it does, in fact, do just that. Mail takes time to be processed, especially for the most rural areas of our state and for voters living out-of-state, who are usually young and either in the military or college. Not to mention the disabled and elderly Kansans who rely on mail ballots and will be systematically disenfranchised by eliminating the grace period.Some opponents of the bill claim partisan motivation in the elimination of the grace period, arguing that it disproportionately affects Democrats, who in recent years have been more likely to vote by mail than Republicans..According to early voting data collected by IKE Lab during the 2024 general election, 42.6% of mail-in-votes in Kansas were cast by Democrats, 39.3% by Republicans, and 17.4% by unaffiliated voters.Looking only at ballots recorded after Election Day, Democrats likely would be at even more of a disadvantage should the law be changed.Of mail-ballots that were received during the grace period (see data note below), 56.8% of them belonged to registered Democrats, 24.1% to Republicans, and 19.1% to unaffiliated voters.These numbers make it clear that eliminating the grace period would have a measurable impact on whose votes are counted.Passing SB 4 would not only eliminate a safeguard that has ensured thousands of legitimate votes are counted, but it would also disproportionately impact specific groups of voters, particularly those in rural areas, the military, and the elderly.While concerns about election security should always be taken seriously, the safeguards in place already ensure the integrity of mail-in ballots. Rather than solving a real problem, this bill risks disenfranchising Kansans for the sake of political maneuvering.Lawmakers should prioritize making voting more accessible, not less.Data Note: This data is taken from voting reports purchased from the Kansas Secretary of State on November 6, 2024 and November 12, 2024. A total of 9,399 ballots were included in the final vote report on November 12 that had not been included in the November 6 report. It is possible that some of these ballots had not been included in the first report due to delays in reporting by counties, however, it is likely that most, if not all, were ballots received during the grace period. 9,399 total ballots received during this period; 2,268 Republican, 5,334 Democratic, and 1,797 unaffiliated.

Insight Kansas: SB 4 is a 'solution' in search of a problem

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5077f19d-1a13-46fc-a779-70b0645e32b8">Crews respond to fire on Pine Street in Great Bend</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/992d7da2-717d-4197-878a-54a4853a5eb5">Christina Hayes announces resignation from City of Great Bend</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/f65d4e98-ca82-4987-ba30-fda468ae1d41">Ellinwood school district seeking input to improve student outcomes</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740170029643.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director and Community Coordinator Christina Hayes announced her resignation this week from the City of Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director and Community Coordinator Christina Hayes announced her resignation this week from the City of Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/q5e2quzz/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5077f19d-1a13-46fc-a779-70b0645e32b8">Crews respond to fire on Pine Street in Great Bend</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/992d7da2-717d-4197-878a-54a4853a5eb5">Christina Hayes announces resignation from City of Great Bend</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/f65d4e98-ca82-4987-ba30-fda468ae1d41">Ellinwood school district seeking input to improve student outcomes</a>

Eagle Media's news week in review

Great Bend USD 428 is proud to join schools across the country in celebrating Public Schools Week 2025, taking place from February 24 – 28. This year’s theme, Community Engagement, highlights the vital role that collaboration plays in student achievement and success.

“At USD 428, we know that strong schools build strong communities,” said Khris Thexton, superintendent of Great Bend Public Schools - USD 428. “We are excited to celebrate the many ways our students, staff, families, and community work together to provide meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for their futures.”

Career exploration remains a cornerstone of education in USD 428, beginning in preschool and continuing through 12th grade. From guest speakers and hands-on learning opportunities to career-focused internships, students are given early exposure to career pathways that align with their skills and interests. At Great Bend High School, Career &amp; Technical Education (CTE) courses equip students with valuable workforce skills. In partnership with Barton Community College, some students are able to gain industry credentials and certificates before high school graduation.

Great Bend continues to see the positive impact of these initiatives, as reflected in the district’s graduation rate of 93%. This achievement underscores the commitment of educators and the community to ensuring that every student reaches their potential. Beyond graduation, USD 428 prioritizes post-secondary success, helping students navigate pathways to college, technical training, or entering the workforce with confidence.

“Our Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) ensures that we meet students where they are, providing the necessary intervention and resources to foster academic growth,” said JoAnn Blevins, director of teaching and learning. “This includes ALL students, of all abilities. We are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

In addition to academic achievement, USD 428 students collectively contribute thousands of hours of community service each year. Whether through service-learning projects, volunteer initiatives, or civic engagement, students are actively involved in giving back to Great Bend and beyond. These efforts not only enrich the community but also instill a lifelong sense of responsibility and pride in students.

Public Schools Week 2025 is part of a larger national campaign that brings together families, educators, and community members to celebrate the positive impact of public education that serves over 90% of students in America. Throughout the week, USD 428 will share highlights on social media, showcasing stories of collaboration and success. The district invites the community to engage in the celebration by reaching out to educators, attending school events, and recognizing the essential role of public schools in shaping the future.

For more information about Public Schools Week, February 24 – 28, visit publicschoolproud.org. To learn more about Great Bend USD 428, please contact the District Education Center at 620-793-1500 or visit GreatBendSchools.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740151936625.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School is proud to celebrate consistent improvement in the graduation rate over the past decade, soaring to 93% in 2023. This reflects the intentional work of students, teachers, and district leaders at all levels, preschool through 12th grade. Members from the class of 2024 mark the occasion with a selfie" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School is proud to celebrate consistent improvement in the graduation rate over the past decade, soaring to 93% in 2023. This reflects the intentional work of students, teachers, and district leaders at all levels, preschool through 12th grade. Members from the class of 2024 mark the occasion with a selfie</figcaption>
 </figure>From USD 428...Great Bend USD 428 is proud to join schools across the country in celebrating Public Schools Week 2025, taking place from February 24 – 28. This year’s theme, Community Engagement, highlights the vital role that collaboration plays in student achievement and success.“At USD 428, we know that strong schools build strong communities,” said Khris Thexton, superintendent of Great Bend Public Schools - USD 428. “We are excited to celebrate the many ways our students, staff, families, and community work together to provide meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for their futures.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740151981111.jpeg" alt="Students at Little Panthers Preschool enjoy their meals “family style.” Passing bowls and serving their own food, students develop motor skills, build social skills, and more. Each day, USD 428’s dedicated Food Service team turns the ovens on at 5:45 am to prepare nearly 3,000 meals for Great Bend students." />
 <figcaption>Students at Little Panthers Preschool enjoy their meals “family style.” Passing bowls and serving their own food, students develop motor skills, build social skills, and more. Each day, USD 428’s dedicated Food Service team turns the ovens on at 5:45 am to prepare nearly 3,000 meals for Great Bend students.</figcaption>
 </figure>Career exploration remains a cornerstone of education in USD 428, beginning in preschool and continuing through 12th grade. From guest speakers and hands-on learning opportunities to career-focused internships, students are given early exposure to career pathways that align with their skills and interests. At Great Bend High School, Career &amp; Technical Education (CTE) courses equip students with valuable workforce skills. In partnership with Barton Community College, some students are able to gain industry credentials and certificates before high school graduation.Great Bend continues to see the positive impact of these initiatives, as reflected in the district’s graduation rate of 93%. This achievement underscores the commitment of educators and the community to ensuring that every student reaches their potential. Beyond graduation, USD 428 prioritizes post-secondary success, helping students navigate pathways to college, technical training, or entering the workforce with confidence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740152006996.jpeg" alt="While career exploration is more evident in job shadowing and internship programs at the secondary level, elementary students explore careers in exciting ways, too. Jefferson Elementary hosts an annual Career Day, which brings community professionals into the classrooms to share information about their careers. Here, Dr. Ashley Seiler, DVM, from Animal Medical Center, shares about the veterinary profession." />
 <figcaption>While career exploration is more evident in job shadowing and internship programs at the secondary level, elementary students explore careers in exciting ways, too. Jefferson Elementary hosts an annual Career Day, which brings community professionals into the classrooms to share information about their careers. Here, Dr. Ashley Seiler, DVM, from Animal Medical Center, shares about the veterinary profession.</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) ensures that we meet students where they are, providing the necessary intervention and resources to foster academic growth,” said JoAnn Blevins, director of teaching and learning. “This includes ALL students, of all abilities. We are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”In addition to academic achievement, USD 428 students collectively contribute thousands of hours of community service each year. Whether through service-learning projects, volunteer initiatives, or civic engagement, students are actively involved in giving back to Great Bend and beyond. These efforts not only enrich the community but also instill a lifelong sense of responsibility and pride in students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740152034247.jpeg" alt="Success in school is best supported by a strong partnership between school and home. As all USD 428 buildings focus on building relationships with families, Lincoln Elementary hosts a Glow Bingo night, connecting teachers, students, and parents." />
 <figcaption>Success in school is best supported by a strong partnership between school and home. As all USD 428 buildings focus on building relationships with families, Lincoln Elementary hosts a Glow Bingo night, connecting teachers, students, and parents.</figcaption>
 </figure>Public Schools Week 2025 is part of a larger national campaign that brings together families, educators, and community members to celebrate the positive impact of public education that serves over 90% of students in America. Throughout the week, USD 428 will share highlights on social media, showcasing stories of collaboration and success. The district invites the community to engage in the celebration by reaching out to educators, attending school events, and recognizing the essential role of public schools in shaping the future.For more information about Public Schools Week, February 24 – 28, visit publicschoolproud.org. To learn more about Great Bend USD 428, please contact the District Education Center at 620-793-1500 or visit GreatBendSchools.net.

USD 428 celebrates Public Schools Week in Great Bend

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. West southwest wind around 7 mph.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 7 to 9 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. West southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 66.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 66.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 59.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 48. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. West southwest wind around 7 mph.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 7 to 9 mph.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. West southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.Monday Sunny, with a high near 66.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 66.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 59.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weekend weather

Barton Music Department will present “Dance the Night Away,” an instrumental concert, at 7:30 p.m. March 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, featuring songs known to make people want to get up and cut a rug. &nbsp;

The Barton Orchestra and JazzCats will perform this free show, and Barton Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman said she hopes the program will have attendees moving in their seats.

“We all have those songs that energize us,” she said. “We tried to create a program to generate that feeling in as many people as possible with every selection. We encourage the community to come out for an entertaining evening of music.”

For more information, contact Minneman at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:minnemanj@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">minnemanj@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9396.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739992271565.jpeg" alt="The Barton JazzCats performs at a previous concert. " />
 <figcaption>The Barton JazzCats performs at a previous concert. </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Music Department will present “Dance the Night Away,” an instrumental concert, at 7:30 p.m. March 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, featuring songs known to make people want to get up and cut a rug. &nbsp;The Barton Orchestra and JazzCats will perform this free show, and Barton Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman said she hopes the program will have attendees moving in their seats.“We all have those songs that energize us,” she said. “We tried to create a program to generate that feeling in as many people as possible with every selection. We encourage the community to come out for an entertaining evening of music.”For more information, contact Minneman at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:minnemanj@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">minnemanj@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9396.

Barton to present 'Dance the Night Away' instrumental concert

Hear this month's Great Bend Rec show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Recreation Commission's Garet Fitzpatrick and Shane Sandberg that aired Feb. 20, 2025.

The Great Bend Rec Show airs the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Great Bend Rec show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Recreation Commission's Garet Fitzpatrick and Shane Sandberg that aired Feb. 20, 2025.<div><iframe title="Great Bend Recreation Commission show" 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=8bnhk-1810114-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>The Great Bend Rec Show airs the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Rec show

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host a variety of free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of Spring Break, March 17-21, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.&nbsp; A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. 

The event is informal, come-and-go throughout the afternoon, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school aged-children.&nbsp; 

Daily topics include: Dancing Seeds, Walkign on Water: Waterstriders, Batty for Bats, Backbone Biology, and Silly, Sleek, Splendid Salamanders.&nbsp; 

After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host a variety of free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of Spring Break, March 17-21, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.&nbsp; A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go throughout the afternoon, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school aged-children.&nbsp; Daily topics include: Dancing Seeds, Walkign on Water: Waterstriders, Batty for Bats, Backbone Biology, and Silly, Sleek, Splendid Salamanders.&nbsp; After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

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