For decades, there has been a general understanding of the coalitions that define the two parties.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The wealthy and college educated leaned Republican, while the less educated, working class, and the disadvantaged supported Democrats. We knew generally what to expect from both sides. No longer.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The college educated and affluent are drifting leftward. The working class and those without a college degree are moving right. The so-called&nbsp; “diploma divide” has arrived.

The divide first took shape in 2008, when Obama carried college educated voters and McCain won those without a college degree. Since then, the split has expanded considerably.&nbsp;College educated whites now comprise a plurality of the Democrat coalition, reaching nearly 40 percent of the total Democrat presidential vote.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A majority of the&nbsp;college educated,&nbsp;in fact, voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 while a majority without a college degree voted for Donald Trump. And, for the first time since the advent of reliable&nbsp;exit polling, the Republican candidate won the lowest income group – under $50,000 while the Democrat secured the highest income category – $100,000 plus. This helps explain why Biden pushed so hard for student loan forgiveness and approved tax credits for electric vehicles.&nbsp; It also sheds light on Trump’s support for tariffs and a no tax on tips plan.&nbsp; &nbsp;

As new coalition members join, they shape the parties’ cultures which are showcased every four years during party conventions.&nbsp;In&nbsp;2020, Democrats choose Pulitzer Prize winning author and presidential historian Jon Meacham and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD to deliver remarks on the final evening of their convention. By contrast,&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;featured Franklin Graham, son of Christian evangelist Billy Graham, and Dana White CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.&nbsp;White was spotlighted again in 2024, this time presenting Trump to convention delegates.&nbsp; Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Teamster president Sean O’ Brien also received coveted primetime slots. 

The party transformations have impacted Kansans as well.&nbsp;Wealthy&nbsp;and well-educated Kansas counties&nbsp;now represent opportunities for Democrats. Johnson County, a historical stronghold of Republicans, is experiencing a noticeable shift toward Democrats.&nbsp;In 2008, Obama secured nearly&nbsp;45 percent&nbsp;of the county’s vote, reaching the highest percentage by a Democrat since FDR in 1932.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton nearly equaled that percentage in 2016 and Biden surpassed it with 52.7 percent in 2020, marking the first time a Democrat had won Johnson County in over 100 years.&nbsp;Kamala Harris then improved on Biden’s percentage and won Riley County as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Less affluent and less educated counties are moving rightward.&nbsp;Crawford County for example in the southeast quadrant voted for Carter in 1976, Dukakis in 1988, Clinton in 1992 and 1996.&nbsp; And then in 2008, Crawford joined Douglas and Wyandotte as the only counties to support Obama.&nbsp;But over the last four presidential contests, Crawford turned&nbsp;red.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton’s 35 percent was the worst performance by a Democrat since 1924 – Biden and Harris managed only a modest uptick.

These changes can be confusing and frustrating for many long-time party loyalists.&nbsp; After all, the parties they had once aligned with and cast their votes for have effectively vanished. It’s time to reset our expectations.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Submitted for Insight Kansas by Mark R. Joslyn, University of Kansas Department of Political Science" />
 <figcaption>Submitted for Insight Kansas by Mark R. Joslyn, University of Kansas Department of Political Science</figcaption>
 </figure>For decades, there has been a general understanding of the coalitions that define the two parties.&nbsp; &nbsp;The wealthy and college educated leaned Republican, while the less educated, working class, and the disadvantaged supported Democrats. We knew generally what to expect from both sides. No longer.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The college educated and affluent are drifting leftward. The working class and those without a college degree are moving right. The so-called&nbsp; “diploma divide” has arrived.The divide first took shape in 2008, when Obama carried college educated voters and McCain won those without a college degree. Since then, the split has expanded considerably.&nbsp;College educated whites now comprise a plurality of the Democrat coalition, reaching nearly 40 percent of the total Democrat presidential vote.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;A majority of the&nbsp;college educated,&nbsp;in fact, voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 while a majority without a college degree voted for Donald Trump. And, for the first time since the advent of reliable&nbsp;exit polling, the Republican candidate won the lowest income group – under $50,000 while the Democrat secured the highest income category – $100,000 plus. This helps explain why Biden pushed so hard for student loan forgiveness and approved tax credits for electric vehicles.&nbsp; It also sheds light on Trump’s support for tariffs and a no tax on tips plan.&nbsp; &nbsp;As new coalition members join, they shape the parties’ cultures which are showcased every four years during party conventions.&nbsp;In&nbsp;2020, Democrats choose Pulitzer Prize winning author and presidential historian Jon Meacham and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD to deliver remarks on the final evening of their convention. By contrast,&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;featured Franklin Graham, son of Christian evangelist Billy Graham, and Dana White CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.&nbsp;White was spotlighted again in 2024, this time presenting Trump to convention delegates.&nbsp; Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Teamster president Sean O’ Brien also received coveted primetime slots. The party transformations have impacted Kansans as well.&nbsp;Wealthy&nbsp;and well-educated Kansas counties&nbsp;now represent opportunities for Democrats. Johnson County, a historical stronghold of Republicans, is experiencing a noticeable shift toward Democrats.&nbsp;In 2008, Obama secured nearly&nbsp;45 percent&nbsp;of the county’s vote, reaching the highest percentage by a Democrat since FDR in 1932.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton nearly equaled that percentage in 2016 and Biden surpassed it with 52.7 percent in 2020, marking the first time a Democrat had won Johnson County in over 100 years.&nbsp;Kamala Harris then improved on Biden’s percentage and won Riley County as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Less affluent and less educated counties are moving rightward.&nbsp;Crawford County for example in the southeast quadrant voted for Carter in 1976, Dukakis in 1988, Clinton in 1992 and 1996.&nbsp; And then in 2008, Crawford joined Douglas and Wyandotte as the only counties to support Obama.&nbsp;But over the last four presidential contests, Crawford turned&nbsp;red.&nbsp;Hillary Clinton’s 35 percent was the worst performance by a Democrat since 1924 – Biden and Harris managed only a modest uptick.These changes can be confusing and frustrating for many long-time party loyalists.&nbsp; After all, the parties they had once aligned with and cast their votes for have effectively vanished. It’s time to reset our expectations.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Adjusting to the new political reality

Two Kansas students have been selected as delegates to the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will take place in Washington, D.C. in March.

The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.

Erin Tims, a senior at Larned High School, Larned USD 495, and Sophia Hsu, a senior at Mill Valley High School, De Soto USD 232, were selected out of 23 Kansas students to join the 104-student delegation from across the U.S. who will attend Washington Week, March 1-8, 2025. They are expected to meet with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas as well as the President, a U.S. Supreme Court justice, leaders in cabinet agencies and other officials throughout the week.

They will also each receive a $10,000 college scholarship, fully funded by the Hearst Foundations, for their collegiate undergraduate studies with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.

Tims serves as president of her school’s student council. In this role, she organizes activities including the back-to-school bash, pep rallies, spirit days throughout the year, and trick or treating to collect canned food for the local food pantry. Additionally, as National Honor Society (NHS) president, Tims organizes the induction ceremony for newly inducted members and leads discussions to make NHS a more active organization within her community. She is a frequent volunteer at the local thrift shop and has served as a volunteer at the Lions Club Christmas baskets project. She has represented Larned High School at the state tournaments for golf, debate, and forensics, and was a state medalist in golf.

“Erin is an incredible student who excels in everything she does—from golf and drama to her outstanding work in the classroom,” said Dustin Wilson, principal at Larned High School. “Her dedication and talent are truly impressive, and we’re so proud to have her represent Larned High School and our community in this prestigious program.”

Tims has attended Sunflower Girls State where she was elected as a Supreme Court justice. She was also elected to represent the state of Kansas at Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. While there, she was elected as minority party whip and gained knowledge about the role of the federal government. She plans to study political science or criminal justice in college, obtain a law degree and pursue a legal career.

Hsu serves as the president of her National Art Honor Society. In this role, she designed her sculpture "The Flight of Florescence," earned its $20,000 approval from the city of Shawnee, and worked with her STEM peers over three years to construct it. The sculpture has catalyzed involvement with the entire community and has become a flagship symbol of youth engagement.

She is also the president of bands, varsity debate captain, Model UN vice president, and engages in her National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society.

“Sophia is an outstanding representation of what a Mill Valley student is capable of achieving,” said Dr. Gail Holder, principal of Mill Valley High School. “She is kind, caring, brilliant, honest, and most importantly, hard working.&nbsp;She is a student who takes every opportunity afforded her and works to ensure that it is done with her very best effort.”&nbsp;

Hsu received her school's first perfect score in the state-level clarinet solo competition and made the district band in 2024. She has competed at the National Speech and Debate Tournament twice in Public Forum Debate and placed third in state for International Extemporaneous Speaking. She has earned 60 hours of community service volunteering at her local library, mentoring middle school clarinet players, and as an election poll worker. Hsu has also helped her Relay for Life team raise more than $3,000 for cancer research, contributing to her school-wide fundraiser of more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society. She hopes to major in political science in college, and perhaps work for the Congressional Research Service.

Chosen as Kansas alternates to the 2025 program were Chosen Ava Shirin Aslinia, a Blue Valley High School student, Blue Valley USD 229, and Rishabh Harshvardhan Barve, a Blue Valley West High School student.

Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection. The 2025 Kansas delegates and alternates were designated by Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson.

For more information on the U.S. Senate Youth Program, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f..%2f2019%2fwww.ussenateyouth.org&amp;c=E,1,kBC2TGuVYIMMEnMtnUmPzaYzAHZorWA_2Rh3Kcntpz_C8B2UOtT2EQAEuc60Z6xhu5vfx2KE0gj2i6xxsk1P-_b7jLoBMWWQw1PW8i5T-0p7Mt-O-ntW1wDwAmfn&amp;typo=1">www.ussenateyouth.org</a>.

Two Kansas students have been selected as delegates to the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will take place in Washington, D.C. in March.The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service.Erin Tims, a senior at Larned High School, Larned USD 495, and Sophia Hsu, a senior at Mill Valley High School, De Soto USD 232, were selected out of 23 Kansas students to join the 104-student delegation from across the U.S. who will attend Washington Week, March 1-8, 2025. They are expected to meet with U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas as well as the President, a U.S. Supreme Court justice, leaders in cabinet agencies and other officials throughout the week.They will also each receive a $10,000 college scholarship, fully funded by the Hearst Foundations, for their collegiate undergraduate studies with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.Erin TimsTims serves as president of her school’s student council. In this role, she organizes activities including the back-to-school bash, pep rallies, spirit days throughout the year, and trick or treating to collect canned food for the local food pantry. Additionally, as National Honor Society (NHS) president, Tims organizes the induction ceremony for newly inducted members and leads discussions to make NHS a more active organization within her community. She is a frequent volunteer at the local thrift shop and has served as a volunteer at the Lions Club Christmas baskets project. She has represented Larned High School at the state tournaments for golf, debate, and forensics, and was a state medalist in golf.“Erin is an incredible student who excels in everything she does—from golf and drama to her outstanding work in the classroom,” said Dustin Wilson, principal at Larned High School. “Her dedication and talent are truly impressive, and we’re so proud to have her represent Larned High School and our community in this prestigious program.”Tims has attended Sunflower Girls State where she was elected as a Supreme Court justice. She was also elected to represent the state of Kansas at Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. While there, she was elected as minority party whip and gained knowledge about the role of the federal government. She plans to study political science or criminal justice in college, obtain a law degree and pursue a legal career.Sophia HsuHsu serves as the president of her National Art Honor Society. In this role, she designed her sculpture "The Flight of Florescence," earned its $20,000 approval from the city of Shawnee, and worked with her STEM peers over three years to construct it. The sculpture has catalyzed involvement with the entire community and has become a flagship symbol of youth engagement.She is also the president of bands, varsity debate captain, Model UN vice president, and engages in her National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society.“Sophia is an outstanding representation of what a Mill Valley student is capable of achieving,” said Dr. Gail Holder, principal of Mill Valley High School. “She is kind, caring, brilliant, honest, and most importantly, hard working.&nbsp;She is a student who takes every opportunity afforded her and works to ensure that it is done with her very best effort.”&nbsp;Hsu received her school's first perfect score in the state-level clarinet solo competition and made the district band in 2024. She has competed at the National Speech and Debate Tournament twice in Public Forum Debate and placed third in state for International Extemporaneous Speaking. She has earned 60 hours of community service volunteering at her local library, mentoring middle school clarinet players, and as an election poll worker. Hsu has also helped her Relay for Life team raise more than $3,000 for cancer research, contributing to her school-wide fundraiser of more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society. She hopes to major in political science in college, and perhaps work for the Congressional Research Service.Chosen as Kansas alternates to the 2025 program were Chosen Ava Shirin Aslinia, a Blue Valley High School student, Blue Valley USD 229, and Rishabh Harshvardhan Barve, a Blue Valley West High School student.Delegates and alternates are selected by the state departments of education nationwide and the District of Columbia and Department of Defense Education Activity, after nomination by teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection. The 2025 Kansas delegates and alternates were designated by Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson.For more information on the U.S. Senate Youth Program, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f..%2f2019%2fwww.ussenateyouth.org&amp;c=E,1,kBC2TGuVYIMMEnMtnUmPzaYzAHZorWA_2Rh3Kcntpz_C8B2UOtT2EQAEuc60Z6xhu5vfx2KE0gj2i6xxsk1P-_b7jLoBMWWQw1PW8i5T-0p7Mt-O-ntW1wDwAmfn&amp;typo=1">www.ussenateyouth.org</a>.

Larned student selected to US Senate Youth Program in D.C.

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (2/6)

At 9:48 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 210 on
E. US 56 Highway.

At 3:50 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 2701 10th
Street.

At 5:13 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 120 Road
&amp; NE 20 Avenue in Hoisington.

At 5:36 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 300 block of NE
50 Avenue.

At 8:20 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at N. Highway
281 &amp; NE 80 Road in Hoisington.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (2/6)

At 12:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 3200 10th
Street.

At 7:13 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3600 Broadway.

At 7:27 a.m. an accident was reported at 24th &amp;
Morton.

At 10:44 a.m. a parking complaint was reported at 3005 16th
Street.

At 1:41 p.m. theft of gas was reported at 3620 10th
Street.

At 2:31 p.m. a cat bite was reported at 2314 31st
Street.

At 3:33 p.m. Gerald Wilburn reported an accident at 5401
Broadway.

At 10:48 p.m. K-9 Nikko was utilized during a traffic stop
at 2nd &amp; Main.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (2/6)Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 9:48 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 210 on
E. US 56 Highway.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 3:50 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 2701 10th
Street.Cattle OutAt 5:13 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 120 Road
&amp; NE 20 Avenue in Hoisington.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 5:36 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 300 block of NE
50 Avenue.Cattle OutAt 8:20 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at N. Highway
281 &amp; NE 80 Road in Hoisington.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (2/6)Criminal DamageAt 12:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 3200 10th
Street.Traumatic InjuriesAt 7:13 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3600 Broadway.Non-Injury AccidentAt 7:27 a.m. an accident was reported at 24th &amp;
Morton.Parking ComplaintAt 10:44 a.m. a parking complaint was reported at 3005 16th
Street.TheftAt 1:41 p.m. theft of gas was reported at 3620 10th
Street.Animal ComplaintAt 2:31 p.m. a cat bite was reported at 2314 31st
Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 3:33 p.m. Gerald Wilburn reported an accident at 5401
Broadway.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 10:48 p.m. K-9 Nikko was utilized during a traffic stop
at 2nd &amp; Main.

Cop Shop (2/6)

2/6 BOOKED: Angela M. Patton on Rush County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

BOOKED: Devan Q. Gross on Canadian County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Lisa Whiting on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting a $363 cash bond.

RELEASED: Thomas L. McCormick on Barton County Sheriff's Office case for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute 3.5g &gt; 100g, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Proof of Insurance, and Driving Left of Center Line, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Jesse D. Klemptner on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Damage Value Greater than $1,000 and Criminal Trespass, on $5,000 OR bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>2/6 BOOKED: Angela M. Patton on Rush County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Devan Q. Gross on Canadian County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $20,000 C/S.RELEASED: Lisa Whiting on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting a $363 cash bond.RELEASED: Thomas L. McCormick on Barton County Sheriff's Office case for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute 3.5g &gt; 100g, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Proof of Insurance, and Driving Left of Center Line, by order of the court.RELEASED: Jesse D. Klemptner on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Damage Value Greater than $1,000 and Criminal Trespass, on $5,000 OR bond.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (2/6)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

For most homes and buildings built after 1988, the presence of lead is
less prevalent, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to know for
sure. The EPA is still requiring cities and municipalities to fill out surveys
to determine what material every water line is made of in town. 

In an effort to
figure out more water service line material, the City of Great Bend will be
conducting in-person visits to homes and businesses starting on Monday, Feb. 10. Great
Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the city does not necessarily want
to come inside homes.


"We're really not wanting to come in, as of yet, to visualize it ourselves," said Cauley. "We really want to stay out of people's homes and just ask questions. We want to respect people's privacy. We don't want to be in anyone's home more than they want us in there."

Cauley said the survey is more than 95% complete on the city side of water line
pipes, but roughly 54% finished with the customer side or private side of
determining materials.


Representatives from the city and JEO Consulting Group will be visiting
properties across the city to ask about their plumbing. Officials may ask for
photos or look at your water service line with permission.


"If they invite us in to take a look, we may come in," said Cauley. "For the most part we don't want to do that. I think the biggest thing to stress is if you don't know then we'll see what we can do to help figure it out."

The home visits will take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week between
the hours of 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFor most homes and buildings built after 1988, the presence of lead is
less prevalent, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to know for
sure. The EPA is still requiring cities and municipalities to fill out surveys
to determine what material every water line is made of in town. In an effort to
figure out more water service line material, the City of Great Bend will be
conducting in-person visits to homes and businesses starting on Monday, Feb. 10. Great
Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the city does not necessarily want
to come inside homes.
"We're really not wanting to come in, as of yet, to visualize it ourselves," said Cauley. "We really want to stay out of people's homes and just ask questions. We want to respect people's privacy. We don't want to be in anyone's home more than they want us in there."Cauley said the survey is more than 95% complete on the city side of water line
pipes, but roughly 54% finished with the customer side or private side of
determining materials.
Representatives from the city and JEO Consulting Group will be visiting
properties across the city to ask about their plumbing. Officials may ask for
photos or look at your water service line with permission.
"If they invite us in to take a look, we may come in," said Cauley. "For the most part we don't want to do that. I think the biggest thing to stress is if you don't know then we'll see what we can do to help figure it out."The home visits will take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week between
the hours of 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend trying not to be invasive with home visits for lead survey

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Basketball, football, and baseball. Randy Wetzel officiated them all. But baseball was always his true love. After 35 years of umpiring, including games in the Big 8 and Big 12, Missouri Valley Conference, and Big 10. Everything culminated when he was part of the umpiring crew of the 2011 College World Series in Omaha. Wetzel hung up his clicker in 2014. Last weekend, Wetzel was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.

"That's what I grew up playing," he said. "I played college baseball and it was just always kind of the first love of mine because it was a family thing. My uncles and cousins all played. We got together and played. My mom's family was a family of 10 so I had 10 aunts and uncles, so we had a lot of cousins to play baseball."

After college, Wetzel coached basketball for three years at Ell-Saline High School in Brookeville, leading the Cardinals to a state championship in 1980.

"What a great town," he recalls. "The people were very supportive there. You look back on that with fond memories. I had great kids when I got there. When I got there, I had two sophomores that were really, really good. As a group, they just liked each other and did everything together. They basically just knew what each other was going to do before they did it."

Wetzel was working at a sporting goods store in Salina when some referees from his basketball games asked if he could umpire. The rest, as they say, is history. Out of the officiating game for 10 years now, Wetzel retired from Great Bend High School where he was assistant principal for 20 years. In 2023, he was elected to the USD 428 Board of Education. But he still fondly remembers his old officiating crew.

"They were the most enjoyable people I was around," he said. "I feel like they were my brothers. We did so many things together and had so many great opportunities - working the national championship game in Alabama. It came from hard work. It came from everybody being dedicated. When you have a crew of six or seven, you have to have everybody on the same page and everybody working for the same goal. We had that, and that's hard to find sometimes."

Being a former coach, Wetzel understood the psychology on the sideline. It made him a more patient official.

"There were key phrases like anything that began or ended with 'you,'" he said. "That would get you a flag or a (technical). I coached before I became an official so I kind of saw that side of it. You're not always mad at the official as much as you're mad at your team. I'm not going to see the official again so I'll yell at him instead of my team because I see them tomorrow."

The Hall of Fame Class of 25 also included the late Willie Ramsdell, who was schooled in Chanute before pitching for five seasons in the Major League; the late Don Carlile, who made the Liberal Bee Jays one of the top summer programs in the nation; Kansas City native Neil Allen who pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues; Uniontown High School graduate and former Wichita Shocker Shane Dennis; Steve Jeltz, who grew up in Lawrence and became the first African-American to play baseball at the University of Kansas before playing several seasons in the big leagues; and former Bishop Ward (Kansas City) coach Dennis Hurla, who won 352 games and made 17 state appearances in his 20 years with the program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738789100377.jpeg" alt="Great Bend's Randy Wetzel was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame on Feb. 1 in Wichita. Wetzel umpired college baseball for 35 years, including the 2011 College World Series in Omaha. (photo from Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame)" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's Randy Wetzel was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame on Feb. 1 in Wichita. Wetzel umpired college baseball for 35 years, including the 2011 College World Series in Omaha. (photo from Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBasketball, football, and baseball. Randy Wetzel officiated them all. But baseball was always his true love. After 35 years of umpiring, including games in the Big 8 and Big 12, Missouri Valley Conference, and Big 10. Everything culminated when he was part of the umpiring crew of the 2011 College World Series in Omaha. Wetzel hung up his clicker in 2014. Last weekend, Wetzel was inducted into the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame."That's what I grew up playing," he said. "I played college baseball and it was just always kind of the first love of mine because it was a family thing. My uncles and cousins all played. We got together and played. My mom's family was a family of 10 so I had 10 aunts and uncles, so we had a lot of cousins to play baseball."After college, Wetzel coached basketball for three years at Ell-Saline High School in Brookeville, leading the Cardinals to a state championship in 1980."What a great town," he recalls. "The people were very supportive there. You look back on that with fond memories. I had great kids when I got there. When I got there, I had two sophomores that were really, really good. As a group, they just liked each other and did everything together. They basically just knew what each other was going to do before they did it."Wetzel was working at a sporting goods store in Salina when some referees from his basketball games asked if he could umpire. The rest, as they say, is history. Out of the officiating game for 10 years now, Wetzel retired from Great Bend High School where he was assistant principal for 20 years. In 2023, he was elected to the USD 428 Board of Education. But he still fondly remembers his old officiating crew. "They were the most enjoyable people I was around," he said. "I feel like they were my brothers. We did so many things together and had so many great opportunities - working the national championship game in Alabama. It came from hard work. It came from everybody being dedicated. When you have a crew of six or seven, you have to have everybody on the same page and everybody working for the same goal. We had that, and that's hard to find sometimes."Being a former coach, Wetzel understood the psychology on the sideline. It made him a more patient official."There were key phrases like anything that began or ended with 'you,'" he said. "That would get you a flag or a (technical). I coached before I became an official so I kind of saw that side of it. You're not always mad at the official as much as you're mad at your team. I'm not going to see the official again so I'll yell at him instead of my team because I see them tomorrow."The Hall of Fame Class of 25 also included the late Willie Ramsdell, who was schooled in Chanute before pitching for five seasons in the Major League; the late Don Carlile, who made the Liberal Bee Jays one of the top summer programs in the nation; Kansas City native Neil Allen who pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues; Uniontown High School graduate and former Wichita Shocker Shane Dennis; Steve Jeltz, who grew up in Lawrence and became the first African-American to play baseball at the University of Kansas before playing several seasons in the big leagues; and former Bishop Ward (Kansas City) coach Dennis Hurla, who won 352 games and made 17 state appearances in his 20 years with the program.

Great Bend's Wetzel one of eight Class of '25 inductees into KS Baseball HOF

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. South-southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Tonight Areas of fog after 8 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. North-northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 35. East-northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.

Monday Night Snow showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday A 40 percent chance of snow showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.

Tuesday Night Snow showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 7. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.

Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 26.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. South-southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.Tonight Areas of fog after 8 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Saturday Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Breezy, with a north wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. North-northeast wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 35. East-northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34.Monday Night Snow showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Tuesday A 40 percent chance of snow showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.Tuesday Night Snow showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 7. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 26.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes that aired Feb. 5, 2025.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 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 week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes that aired Feb. 5, 2025.<div><iframe title="City Edition: Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes" 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=yden3-17eb0d2-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 City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes

Barton Community College’s Dance Department invites all dance students aged 12-18&nbsp;to be a college dance student for a day at the fourth annual “Barton Cougar Dance Day” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp;Feb. 21 in Studio 34 on the Barton Campus.

Participants will take various dance classes, rehearse with Barton’s dance company, observe a dance team practice, and learn what it’s like to dance in college.

Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek said the event is for all teens who like to dance.

“Dancing in college is for everyone who likes dance,” she said. “Even though Barton is one of the rare community colleges in the country to offer two associate degrees in dance (general dance and dance instruction), we also have many college and high school students of all levels of dance experience who take dance classes just because they want to learn dance in an environment that is welcoming for older students. Barton has so many opportunities to engage in dance in multiple ways, whether it be for pre-professional training, fitness, personal development, competitions, or artistic growth. It is incredible we can offer so much.”

The event will conclude with an opportunity for high school seniors interested in being considered for dance scholarships or performing with Barton’s dance company, Barton Dance Theatre, to audition from 3–4 p.m. To sign up for Barton Cougar Dance Day, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/bEreC49w2r" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">registration form</a>.

For more information, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.ed">bielekd@bartonccc.ed</a>u or (620) 792-9253.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738786138164.jpeg" alt="Dancers learn a contemporary dance sequence in Barton’s Studio 34 at a past event." />
 <figcaption>Dancers learn a contemporary dance sequence in Barton’s Studio 34 at a past event.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Community College’s Dance Department invites all dance students aged 12-18&nbsp;to be a college dance student for a day at the fourth annual “Barton Cougar Dance Day” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp;Feb. 21 in Studio 34 on the Barton Campus.Participants will take various dance classes, rehearse with Barton’s dance company, observe a dance team practice, and learn what it’s like to dance in college.Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek said the event is for all teens who like to dance.“Dancing in college is for everyone who likes dance,” she said. “Even though Barton is one of the rare community colleges in the country to offer two associate degrees in dance (general dance and dance instruction), we also have many college and high school students of all levels of dance experience who take dance classes just because they want to learn dance in an environment that is welcoming for older students. Barton has so many opportunities to engage in dance in multiple ways, whether it be for pre-professional training, fitness, personal development, competitions, or artistic growth. It is incredible we can offer so much.”The event will conclude with an opportunity for high school seniors interested in being considered for dance scholarships or performing with Barton’s dance company, Barton Dance Theatre, to audition from 3–4 p.m. To sign up for Barton Cougar Dance Day, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/bEreC49w2r" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">registration form</a>.For more information, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.ed">bielekd@bartonccc.ed</a>u or (620) 792-9253.

Barton Dance Dept. to host 'Barton Cougar Dance Day'

The Larned Area Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Antique, Vintage &amp; Collectible Show on Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Larned Community Center, 1500 Toles.

The Larned Area Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Antique, Vintage &amp; Collectible Show on Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Larned Community Center, 1500 Toles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738767536819.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Larned's Antique, Vintage & Collectible Show this weekend

The City of Great Bend’s current finance software is through Tyler Technologies.
The current solution includes general ledger, payroll, accounts payable and
utility billing. The software company notified the city that their solution
would reach its end of life and retired by the end of 2026. 

Great Bend staff
sat through three software demos with different companies, and City Clerk
Shawna Schafer said staff liked the product from Edmunds GovTech.


"My staff all sat in on the demo," said Schafer. "It was a majority...we all really liked the Edmunds GovTech. It looked a lot more user-friendly. They have a lot of features that I think will be beneficial for the city."

The Great Bend City Council approved the quote from Edmunds GovTech for the
finance software for $98,778. Of the final cost, $59,715 is a one-time
conversion fee and just over $39,063 is the annual fee.


"All of my bank reconciliations are manual, I do them by hand," said Schafer. "This will be automated for me. Our 941s, we do that manually, that'll be a click of the button. It auto-formulates for you. There are some features that are really going to speed up our processes."

The funding for the software is coming from a year-end transfer to the capital
equipment fund. This was an overage in the police station sales tax money. The
council had the consensus to transfer the money back to the general fund to
replenish a portion of the $250,000 year-end transfer to the police station
fund in 2023.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend’s current finance software is through Tyler Technologies.
The current solution includes general ledger, payroll, accounts payable and
utility billing. The software company notified the city that their solution
would reach its end of life and retired by the end of 2026. Great Bend staff
sat through three software demos with different companies, and City Clerk
Shawna Schafer said staff liked the product from Edmunds GovTech.
"My staff all sat in on the demo," said Schafer. "It was a majority...we all really liked the Edmunds GovTech. It looked a lot more user-friendly. They have a lot of features that I think will be beneficial for the city."The Great Bend City Council approved the quote from Edmunds GovTech for the
finance software for $98,778. Of the final cost, $59,715 is a one-time
conversion fee and just over $39,063 is the annual fee.
"All of my bank reconciliations are manual, I do them by hand," said Schafer. "This will be automated for me. Our 941s, we do that manually, that'll be a click of the button. It auto-formulates for you. There are some features that are really going to speed up our processes."The funding for the software is coming from a year-end transfer to the capital
equipment fund. This was an overage in the police station sales tax money. The
council had the consensus to transfer the money back to the general fund to
replenish a portion of the $250,000 year-end transfer to the police station
fund in 2023.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend approves quote for $98,000 finance software

Most high schools have them, but who builds them? USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis reached out to several school districts for information about a locker room renovation at Hoisington High School. Several districts had a similar response: let us know what you find out. 

"I went ahead and reached out to ATG," Crowdis said. "We have a good working relationship with them. They don't do that. So I then went to the next company we've had a relationship with and that was Mammoth, and they actually do."

Now, the district can move forward with renovation plans. Crowdis wants to know what it will take to renovate all four locker rooms at the school though the project can always be scaled down.

"For the low cost of zero, they actually will send somebody out and do a two-dimensional drawing," he said. "I have a meeting set up later this week and next week with our primary coaches that are using those facilities, along with trying to get some students in there as well to start talking about what they would like to see that facility be."

Mammoth Sports Construction, based near Kansas City, will put together a rough estimate of the cost and allow the district to put out a construction bid to meet state of Kansas requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696440128700.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMost high schools have them, but who builds them? USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis reached out to several school districts for information about a locker room renovation at Hoisington High School. Several districts had a similar response: let us know what you find out. "I went ahead and reached out to ATG," Crowdis said. "We have a good working relationship with them. They don't do that. So I then went to the next company we've had a relationship with and that was Mammoth, and they actually do."Now, the district can move forward with renovation plans. Crowdis wants to know what it will take to renovate all four locker rooms at the school though the project can always be scaled down."For the low cost of zero, they actually will send somebody out and do a two-dimensional drawing," he said. "I have a meeting set up later this week and next week with our primary coaches that are using those facilities, along with trying to get some students in there as well to start talking about what they would like to see that facility be."Mammoth Sports Construction, based near Kansas City, will put together a rough estimate of the cost and allow the district to put out a construction bid to meet state of Kansas requirements.

First steps to renovate locker rooms at Hoisington High School

Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but they decline shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert, Cynthia Domenghini offers guidelines to extend the life of floral arrangements and loose stems.

“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water,” Domenghini said. “Add fresh, warm water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”

Domenghini suggests recutting loose stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, under water to allow the stem to draw water instead of air.

“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” Domenghini said.

For loose stems, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.

“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth,” Domenghini said, “Stems should be cut immediately before putting them in water.”

If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, Domenghini added.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but they decline shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert, Cynthia Domenghini offers guidelines to extend the life of floral arrangements and loose stems.“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with warm water,” Domenghini said. “Add fresh, warm water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”Domenghini suggests recutting loose stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, under water to allow the stem to draw water instead of air.“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” Domenghini said.For loose stems, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth,” Domenghini said, “Stems should be cut immediately before putting them in water.”If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, Domenghini added.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Extending the life of Valentine's Day flowers

The City of Great Bend put out bids for construction of C-CLIP Pavement
Surfacing Improvements. CCLIP stands for City Connecting Link Improvement Program
and is a federal and state-funded program that provides funds to cities to
address state highways that go through their city limits.


The Great Bend City Council approved a bid for improvements on both Main Street
and Patton Road. Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said the
project limits are Main from the bridge to 2nd Street. On Patton,
the project will go from 10th Street to 9th Street.


"The scope of this project generally consists of two-inch mill and overlay of pavement with full-depth patching as needed," said Kadiyala. "Venture Corporation is the only bid we received. The KDOT engineers sent their approval."

Venture Corporation’s bid was accepted for $477,328.20. The State’s participation
if 90% and City’s portion is 10% for the project. Funding will come from the
KDOT Grants Fund.


Kadiyala expected the project to begin at the end of March or early April.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686150539306.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend put out bids for construction of C-CLIP Pavement
Surfacing Improvements. CCLIP stands for City Connecting Link Improvement Program
and is a federal and state-funded program that provides funds to cities to
address state highways that go through their city limits.
The Great Bend City Council approved a bid for improvements on both Main Street
and Patton Road. Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said the
project limits are Main from the bridge to 2nd Street. On Patton,
the project will go from 10th Street to 9th Street.
"The scope of this project generally consists of two-inch mill and overlay of pavement with full-depth patching as needed," said Kadiyala. "Venture Corporation is the only bid we received. The KDOT engineers sent their approval."Venture Corporation’s bid was accepted for $477,328.20. The State’s participation
if 90% and City’s portion is 10% for the project. Funding will come from the
KDOT Grants Fund.
Kadiyala expected the project to begin at the end of March or early April.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sections of Main, Patton to be resurfaced in Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (2/5)

At 6:50 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 202 on W. US 56
Highway.

At 5:47 p.m. a theft was reported at 288 S. US 281 Highway.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (2/5)

At 8:30 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 4200
Broadway Avenue.

At 9:55 a.m. Heidi Clausen reported a driving complaint at
301 Cedar.

At 11:35 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5964 Westridge
Dr.

At 12:12 p.m. Chris McCord reported criminal trespassing at
2820 20th Street. 

At 3:19 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 21st
&amp; Morton.

At 3:29 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1300 Roosevelt
Street.

At 5:21 p.m. an animal bite was reported at 1205 Patton
Road.

At 9:42 p.m. K-9 Niko was used during a traffic stop at
Broadway &amp; Odell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (2/5)Injury AccidentAt 6:50 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 202 on W. US 56
Highway.TheftAt 5:47 p.m. a theft was reported at 288 S. US 281 Highway.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (2/5)Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 8:30 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 4200
Broadway Avenue.At 9:55 a.m. Heidi Clausen reported a driving complaint at
301 Cedar.Heart ProblemsAt 11:35 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5964 Westridge
Dr.Trespassing / CriminalAt 12:12 p.m. Chris McCord reported criminal trespassing at
2820 20th Street. Parking ComplaintAt 3:19 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 21st
&amp; Morton.Chest PainAt 3:29 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1300 Roosevelt
Street.Animal ComplaintAt 5:21 p.m. an animal bite was reported at 1205 Patton
Road.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 9:42 p.m. K-9 Niko was used during a traffic stop at
Broadway &amp; Odell.

Cop Shop (2/5)

2/5 BOOKED: Derek S. Marley on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Meagan R. Guile on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $603 cash only.

RELEASED: Meagan R. Guile on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting the $603 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>2/5 BOOKED: Derek S. Marley on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Meagan R. Guile on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $603 cash only.RELEASED: Meagan R. Guile on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting the $603 cash bond.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (2/5)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, councilmember Davis Jimenez
brought up the changes in funding for Great Bend Economic Development. In recent years, Barton
County was matching the city’s contribution to Economic Development of
$250,000.
 In a letter addressed to Great Bend Economic Development Board President Paul
Snapp from December 2024, the Barton County Commission outlined their move to
fund economic development differently throughout the county.
 The Commission decided to transition to “project-base economic development
funding” effective Jan. 1, 2025. Barton County will no longer
automatically allocate funding or participate in the selection committee or
other Great Bend Economic Development board responsibilities. 
The Commission stated they will be a funding source for projects benefitting the
entirety of the county. Rather than releasing funds directly to Great Bend
Economic Development, the county will prioritize funding based on project
selection with the highest priority given to the completion of the Hoisington
child care center.
 The Great Bend City Council will discuss Great Bend Economic Development
funding at their budget work sessions this spring and summer.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738772158136.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend Post At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, councilmember Davis Jimenez
brought up the changes in funding for Great Bend Economic Development. In recent years, Barton
County was matching the city’s contribution to Economic Development of
$250,000.
 In a letter addressed to Great Bend Economic Development Board President Paul
Snapp from December 2024, the Barton County Commission outlined their move to
fund economic development differently throughout the county.
 The Commission decided to transition to “project-base economic development
funding” effective Jan. 1, 2025. Barton County will no longer
automatically allocate funding or participate in the selection committee or
other Great Bend Economic Development board responsibilities. 
The Commission stated they will be a funding source for projects benefitting the
entirety of the county. Rather than releasing funds directly to Great Bend
Economic Development, the county will prioritize funding based on project
selection with the highest priority given to the completion of the Hoisington
child care center.
 The Great Bend City Council will discuss Great Bend Economic Development
funding at their budget work sessions this spring and summer.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738771559100.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton Co. explains new plan on funding economic development

Like the cowboy, the cheerleader has become an American icon. The young ladies - and young men - may not receive the same glory as the players on the gridiron or basketball court, but they serve an equally crucial function at sporting events. Senior Leah Mai, a member of this year's varsity cheer squad at Great Bend High School, enjoys hyping up a crowd before a big game.

"It's fun to see everybody get excited before the game and even between," she said. "During the whole game, you see the expression on everybody's face, even the players, just the excitement for everybody."

Another unsung hero at varsity sporting events are the marching and pep bands. Elle Anne Reed, another senior cheerleader at GBHS this year, knows how the cheerleaders and crowd can both feed off a good band performance.

"Games would not be the same without them," she said. "It would be very silent. Nothing would be as exciting without them there. Whenever we go out for timeouts, they were there and we shine through them."

Reed and Mai have been cheering since the seventh grade and both have been dancing much longer. During last Friday's basketball games against Hays High School, both replaced their cheer uniforms for a dance routine between the boys' and girls' games.

"I just love performing," said Reed, who also tumbles down the sideline during games. "No matter what it is: dance, cheer, singing, I love to perform."

Like all sports, cheer comes with its own set of risk. GBHS cheerleaders do not do any high-flying acrobatics but there is still a learning curve for pyramids and other stunts. Senior Briley Richter, who began cheering for the Argonne Competition Team when she was seven, said any mistakes on stunts must be addressed quickly.

"We're always trying to learn if it's the flyer that's doing it or the bases doing it," she said. "We're always trying to figure out where the issue is coming from so we can fix that."

Coach Sarah Burkhead said a lack of consistent personnel can make stunting even more difficult. Mai said it all comes down to trusting those teammates you do have.

"I'm personally not a flyer but seeing it from their standpoint, it's a big trust thing," she said. "You have to learn to trust the people below you and that your team will be there whenever you fall."

The Panthers have had plenty of success on the gridiron and hardwood this academic year. Regardless, Mai, Reed, and Richter all agree that cheering in front of the larger crowds at football games is more fun - even without the controlled climate inside the GBHS gymnasium. Richter said there are also safety benefits to being outdoors.

"There's more of a cushion on the track than there is on the basketball floor," she said. "I personally think if anything were to go wrong,  it would be better to be on a track than a basketball court."

Cheerleaders are active throughout games but especially during full timeouts during basketball games. Some squads have preset routines to follow during games. Burkhead likes to keep options open.

"I always have a plan, then I kind of leave it up to the girls to talk and communicate about what they want to do, which cheer they want to do during a quarter," she said. "It's kind of both. We plan but I also give them some free range to be creative."

All three students also agreed on the perks of being a cheerleader, from the camaraderie, to the hype, to the way little kids look up to them and imitate what they do.

"I also like seeing the little kids we influence in the crowd," Richter said. "There are always little girls and boys who are so happy to see us."

Mai and Reed are joined by senior Addie Sheets and junior Heidi Jording as members of both the cheer and dance squads.&nbsp;

Other members of the cheer squad this year are: sophomores Khloe Trudeau, Makayla Suppes, and Brooklynn Mayberry, and freshmen Sydney Bailey and Delisha Karshan. Sophomores Aleah Petz and Beth Hammeke are cheerleaders for basketball season only.

Great Bend hosts Liberal this Friday with girls' action tipping off at 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738700020010.jpeg" alt="Elle Anne Reed and fellow cheerleaders during last Friday's basketball games against Hays High School." />
 <figcaption>Elle Anne Reed and fellow cheerleaders during last Friday's basketball games against Hays High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLike the cowboy, the cheerleader has become an American icon. The young ladies - and young men - may not receive the same glory as the players on the gridiron or basketball court, but they serve an equally crucial function at sporting events. Senior Leah Mai, a member of this year's varsity cheer squad at Great Bend High School, enjoys hyping up a crowd before a big game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/stxkib0o/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>"It's fun to see everybody get excited before the game and even between," she said. "During the whole game, you see the expression on everybody's face, even the players, just the excitement for everybody."Another unsung hero at varsity sporting events are the marching and pep bands. Elle Anne Reed, another senior cheerleader at GBHS this year, knows how the cheerleaders and crowd can both feed off a good band performance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738700106801.jpeg" alt="Briley Richter" />
 <figcaption>Briley Richter</figcaption>
 </figure>"Games would not be the same without them," she said. "It would be very silent. Nothing would be as exciting without them there. Whenever we go out for timeouts, they were there and we shine through them."Reed and Mai have been cheering since the seventh grade and both have been dancing much longer. During last Friday's basketball games against Hays High School, both replaced their cheer uniforms for a dance routine between the boys' and girls' games."I just love performing," said Reed, who also tumbles down the sideline during games. "No matter what it is: dance, cheer, singing, I love to perform."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738700168257.jpeg" alt="Leah Mai" />
 <figcaption>Leah Mai</figcaption>
 </figure>Like all sports, cheer comes with its own set of risk. GBHS cheerleaders do not do any high-flying acrobatics but there is still a learning curve for pyramids and other stunts. Senior Briley Richter, who began cheering for the Argonne Competition Team when she was seven, said any mistakes on stunts must be addressed quickly."We're always trying to learn if it's the flyer that's doing it or the bases doing it," she said. "We're always trying to figure out where the issue is coming from so we can fix that."Coach Sarah Burkhead said a lack of consistent personnel can make stunting even more difficult. Mai said it all comes down to trusting those teammates you do have."I'm personally not a flyer but seeing it from their standpoint, it's a big trust thing," she said. "You have to learn to trust the people below you and that your team will be there whenever you fall."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738700223428.jpeg" alt="Reed and Mai are also members of the GBHS Dance Line." />
 <figcaption>Reed and Mai are also members of the GBHS Dance Line.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Panthers have had plenty of success on the gridiron and hardwood this academic year. Regardless, Mai, Reed, and Richter all agree that cheering in front of the larger crowds at football games is more fun - even without the controlled climate inside the GBHS gymnasium. Richter said there are also safety benefits to being outdoors."There's more of a cushion on the track than there is on the basketball floor," she said. "I personally think if anything were to go wrong, it would be better to be on a track than a basketball court."Cheerleaders are active throughout games but especially during full timeouts during basketball games. Some squads have preset routines to follow during games. Burkhead likes to keep options open."I always have a plan, then I kind of leave it up to the girls to talk and communicate about what they want to do, which cheer they want to do during a quarter," she said. "It's kind of both. We plan but I also give them some free range to be creative."All three students also agreed on the perks of being a cheerleader, from the camaraderie, to the hype, to the way little kids look up to them and imitate what they do."I also like seeing the little kids we influence in the crowd," Richter said. "There are always little girls and boys who are so happy to see us."Mai and Reed are joined by senior Addie Sheets and junior Heidi Jording as members of both the cheer and dance squads.&nbsp;Other members of the cheer squad this year are: sophomores Khloe Trudeau, Makayla Suppes, and Brooklynn Mayberry, and freshmen Sydney Bailey and Delisha Karshan. Sophomores Aleah Petz and Beth Hammeke are cheerleaders for basketball season only.Great Bend hosts Liberal this Friday with girls' action tipping off at 6 p.m.

GBHS cheerleaders just another part of the excitement on game day

Today Sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north-northeast wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 24. East wind 6 to 9 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. East-southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. East-southeast wind around 7 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 35.

Monday A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.

Monday Night Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23.

Tuesday Night A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Wednesday A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north-northeast wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 24. East wind 6 to 9 mph.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. East-southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. East-southeast wind around 7 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 35.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.Monday A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33.Monday Night Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Tuesday A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23.Tuesday Night A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.Wednesday A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Feb. 3, 2024.

The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Feb. 3, 2024.<div><iframe title="KS Wetlands Education Center show - Director Curtis Wolf" 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=iv5h8-17e9ab6-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 KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: KS Wetlands Ed. Center Director Curtis Wolf

The Larned Knights of Columbus is having their 55th Annual Sausage Supper, Thursday, Feb. 6 from 5-7 p.m at 1216 M Road.&nbsp; Tickets are $12 per adult and $6 for children under age 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Larned Knights of Columbus is having their 55th Annual Sausage Supper, Thursday, Feb. 6 from 5-7 p.m at 1216 M Road.&nbsp; Tickets are $12 per adult and $6 for children under age 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738767301638.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Larned Knights of Columbus sausage supper Thursday

The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Butler on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Butler on Wednesday, Feb. 5.You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.Tip-off from Great Bend is at 5:30 p.m. for the women's game with the men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

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