Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/16)

At 1:45 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at Railroad Avenue
&amp; SW 5 Avenue.

At 2:56 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 51 S.
Washington Avenue.

At 3:52 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 130 on
NE K-156 Highway.

At 6:39 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th
&amp; 281 Bypass.

At 7:39 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 355 SW 60
Avenue.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/16)

At 9:27 a.m. a report of a theft was made at 1110 Morphy.
Incident occurred in McPherson.

At 10:13 a.m. an accident was reported at Broadway &amp;
McKinley.

At 11:36 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 725
Washington.

At 2 p.m. an accident was reported at 1649 K-96 Highway.

At 2:35 p.m. a hit-and-run accident was reported at 3503 10th
Street.

At 6:39 p.m. a white truck speeding and blowing black smoke in
the area was reported at 10th &amp; 281 Bypass.

At 6:52 p.m. a report of a moped without any lights was made
at 5605 10th Street.

At 7:42 p.m. a noise complaint was reported at 810 Coolidge.

At 8:14 p.m. a noise complaint was reported at 1010 8th
Street.

At 8:52 p.m. a hit-and-run case was reported at 3209 10th
Street.

At 10:12 p.m. criminal damage to property was reported at
1221 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/16)Cattle OutAt 1:45 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at Railroad Avenue
&amp; SW 5 Avenue.Animal Complaint At 2:56 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 51 S.
Washington Avenue.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 3:52 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 130 on
NE K-156 Highway.At 6:39 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th
&amp; 281 Bypass.At 7:39 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 355 SW 60
Avenue.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/16)TheftAt 9:27 a.m. a report of a theft was made at 1110 Morphy.
Incident occurred in McPherson.Non-Injury AccidentAt 10:13 a.m. an accident was reported at Broadway &amp;
McKinley.Structure FireAt 11:36 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 725
Washington.Non-Injury AccidentAt 2 p.m. an accident was reported at 1649 K-96 Highway.At 2:35 p.m. a hit-and-run accident was reported at 3503 10th
Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 6:39 p.m. a white truck speeding and blowing black smoke in
the area was reported at 10th &amp; 281 Bypass.At 6:52 p.m. a report of a moped without any lights was made
at 5605 10th Street.Noise ComplaintAt 7:42 p.m. a noise complaint was reported at 810 Coolidge.At 8:14 p.m. a noise complaint was reported at 1010 8th
Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 8:52 p.m. a hit-and-run case was reported at 3209 10th
Street.Criminal DamageAt 10:12 p.m. criminal damage to property was reported at
1221 10th Street.

Cop Shop (1/16)

1/16 BOOKED: Michael E. Krom on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S; and on Cowley County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $4,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Dezmon Sherwood on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $3,430.09 cash only.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>1/16 BOOKED: Michael E. Krom on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S; and on Cowley County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $4,000 C/S.BOOKED: Dezmon Sherwood on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $3,430.09 cash only.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/16)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A pair of Barton County leaders are joining forces to recognize and celebrate the leadership of volunteers and those who serve their communities. USD 428 will host the first FUEL Barton County Leadership Luncheon of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the District Education Center, 1809 24th Street in Great Bend. USD 428 Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said this luncheon will celebrate School Board Appreciation Month.

"As one of the largest employers in the area, we think FUEL is really important in helping people make connections and just get to know their community more and hopefully grow and stay here," Bauer said.

Barton County FUEL, formerly Barton County Young Professionals, was created with the goal of serving as a resource for young professionals seeking to expand their horizons and make meaningful contributions to their community. Aaron Emerson, vice president of the USD 428 Board of Education, will speak during the luncheon about what it means to volunteer.

"Then we're planning to have some other Q&amp;As, frequently asked questions on school curriculum choices, funding, our multi-tiered system of support - just those things people have questions about," Bauer said. "It will be a fun day, and we have crunchy-munchy chili coming from the Central Kitchen to provide lunch for everyone."

The free lunch is planned for up to 40 attendees so Bauer encourages interested parties to register early. The luncheon is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m.

<a href="https://greatbend.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/15018">CLICK HERE</a> to register for the event, or <a href="https://www.greatbend.org/fuel">CLICK HERE</a> to learn more about FUEL Barton County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715793479697.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA pair of Barton County leaders are joining forces to recognize and celebrate the leadership of volunteers and those who serve their communities. USD 428 will host the first FUEL Barton County Leadership Luncheon of the year on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at the District Education Center, 1809 24th Street in Great Bend. USD 428 Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said this luncheon will celebrate School Board Appreciation Month."As one of the largest employers in the area, we think FUEL is really important in helping people make connections and just get to know their community more and hopefully grow and stay here," Bauer said.Barton County FUEL, formerly Barton County Young Professionals, was created with the goal of serving as a resource for young professionals seeking to expand their horizons and make meaningful contributions to their community. Aaron Emerson, vice president of the USD 428 Board of Education, will speak during the luncheon about what it means to volunteer."Then we're planning to have some other Q&amp;As, frequently asked questions on school curriculum choices, funding, our multi-tiered system of support - just those things people have questions about," Bauer said. "It will be a fun day, and we have crunchy-munchy chili coming from the Central Kitchen to provide lunch for everyone."The free lunch is planned for up to 40 attendees so Bauer encourages interested parties to register early. The luncheon is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m.<a href="https://greatbend.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/15018">CLICK HERE</a> to register for the event, or <a href="https://www.greatbend.org/fuel">CLICK HERE</a> to learn more about FUEL Barton County.

USD 428, FUEL Barton County teaming up for luncheon on Jan. 28

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Expectations for a new daycare center in Hoisington were running high after Advancing Barton County Childcare (ABCC) received a $2.23 million grant from the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund Child Care Capacity Accelerator in June 2023. Groundbreaking for the Hoisington center was expected to follow a year later. USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis continued the conversation about the proposed center during Monday's board of education meeting.

"On our project, we've ran into hurdle after hurdle in terms of surveying the site, getting an address, rezoning the site that is outside the exemptions that normal schools have," he said. "The idea was to break ground in June. We're obviously past June. There is still a plan to break ground. The ABCC group as a whole has agreed we still do want to pursue the Hoisington daycare."

But, there are some issues. Crowdis said the plan is still to construct a facility that will house 38-45 kids, but now additional funding will likely be needed.

"In terms of grant money, from the breaking ground of the Great Bend facility to when the Great Bend facility opened, through different legislative things that took place, about $500,000 of grant money was actually pulled back, not because of anything the daycare did but because there was some legislation that changed," Crowdis said. "So there is a need to support the financial cost of the facility."

One concern with the Bright Beginnings facility in Great Bend is that is it not filled to capacity. The opening of USD 428's new Little Panthers Preschool and the number of infants at Bright Beginnings have likely played a role. USD 431 Board Member Julia Debes said the Great Bend and Hoisington projects should not be directly compared.

"I will admit, I'm very frustrated we're doing an apples-to-apples comparison with Great Bend when the situations are very different," she said. "One, this is the school district system. Two, their daycare facility is not attached to a school. Ours is attached to a school that does have a preschool program for 3-4 year olds."

Debes confirmed with Crowdis that the land-use agreement the USD 431 Board approved last month has yet to be signed by ABCC. She said several details need to be ironed out before the district asks the community for financial support.

"I think before we have meetings asking for money from the community, we need to have a signed agreement with that organization," she said. "Also, with that, I would want to see detailed at that meeting or coming to present to the board the breakdown of the grant funding that was designated for non-Great Bend daycares."

In 2022, the Barton County Commission pledged $435,000 to assist with the development of childcare centers in the county. Debes encouraged Crowdis to invite commissioners to a future meeting.

"I don't think it's fair to ask anyone for financial donations when we don't even have a signed agreement and we were supposed to break ground last June," she said.

The board took no action on the matter Monday night. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702314809955.png" alt="A year ago, the USD 431 Board of Education approved a bid to remove the modular behind Roosevelt Elementary to create space for the new childcare center in Hoisington. Ground breaking for the new center was expected to happen last June but has still not happened seven months later." />
 <figcaption>A year ago, the USD 431 Board of Education approved a bid to remove the modular behind Roosevelt Elementary to create space for the new childcare center in Hoisington. Ground breaking for the new center was expected to happen last June but has still not happened seven months later.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostExpectations for a new daycare center in Hoisington were running high after Advancing Barton County Childcare (ABCC) received a $2.23 million grant from the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund Child Care Capacity Accelerator in June 2023. Groundbreaking for the Hoisington center was expected to follow a year later. USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis continued the conversation about the proposed center during Monday's board of education meeting."On our project, we've ran into hurdle after hurdle in terms of surveying the site, getting an address, rezoning the site that is outside the exemptions that normal schools have," he said. "The idea was to break ground in June. We're obviously past June. There is still a plan to break ground. The ABCC group as a whole has agreed we still do want to pursue the Hoisington daycare."But, there are some issues. Crowdis said the plan is still to construct a facility that will house 38-45 kids, but now additional funding will likely be needed."In terms of grant money, from the breaking ground of the Great Bend facility to when the Great Bend facility opened, through different legislative things that took place, about $500,000 of grant money was actually pulled back, not because of anything the daycare did but because there was some legislation that changed," Crowdis said. "So there is a need to support the financial cost of the facility."One concern with the Bright Beginnings facility in Great Bend is that is it not filled to capacity. The opening of USD 428's new Little Panthers Preschool and the number of infants at Bright Beginnings have likely played a role. USD 431 Board Member Julia Debes said the Great Bend and Hoisington projects should not be directly compared."I will admit, I'm very frustrated we're doing an apples-to-apples comparison with Great Bend when the situations are very different," she said. "One, this is the school district system. Two, their daycare facility is not attached to a school. Ours is attached to a school that does have a preschool program for 3-4 year olds."Debes confirmed with Crowdis that the land-use agreement the USD 431 Board approved last month has yet to be signed by ABCC. She said several details need to be ironed out before the district asks the community for financial support."I think before we have meetings asking for money from the community, we need to have a signed agreement with that organization," she said. "Also, with that, I would want to see detailed at that meeting or coming to present to the board the breakdown of the grant funding that was designated for non-Great Bend daycares."In 2022, the Barton County Commission pledged $435,000 to assist with the development of childcare centers in the county. Debes encouraged Crowdis to invite commissioners to a future meeting."I don't think it's fair to ask anyone for financial donations when we don't even have a signed agreement and we were supposed to break ground last June," she said.The board took no action on the matter Monday night.

Hoisington school board looks into ways to keep daycare project alive

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

At this week’s Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting, Rec Enrichment
Director Garet Fitzpatrick was able to give his recap on last month’s Santa’s
Workshop. With the holiday-themed booths, games, prizes and treats, the
workshop welcomed all children to kick off the Christmas month. 

The 28th
annual event again was highlighted by the opportunity to talk to Santa Claus.


"One thing we did this year is move the Santa line," said Fitzpatrick. "In the past, it has wandered and got in the way of everyone. This year we took it out into the hallway to free up more room in the main area. It worked out well so we'll continue that."

There were 700 cookies prepared for the event, and Rec staff spent two hours
blowing up 700 balloons. There were also 162 letters to Santa submitted by
children.
High school students, civic organizations and several community volunteers help
transform the City Auditorium into a Christmas paradise.


As far as other holiday-related activities, the Rec hosted a Christmas tree
contest that received 54 entries and a snow sculpture contest.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733328314303.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAt this week’s Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting, Rec Enrichment
Director Garet Fitzpatrick was able to give his recap on last month’s Santa’s
Workshop. With the holiday-themed booths, games, prizes and treats, the
workshop welcomed all children to kick off the Christmas month. The 28th
annual event again was highlighted by the opportunity to talk to Santa Claus.
"One thing we did this year is move the Santa line," said Fitzpatrick. "In the past, it has wandered and got in the way of everyone. This year we took it out into the hallway to free up more room in the main area. It worked out well so we'll continue that."There were 700 cookies prepared for the event, and Rec staff spent two hours
blowing up 700 balloons. There were also 162 letters to Santa submitted by
children.
High school students, civic organizations and several community volunteers help
transform the City Auditorium into a Christmas paradise.
As far as other holiday-related activities, the Rec hosted a Christmas tree
contest that received 54 entries and a snow sculpture contest.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Large numbers for last month’s Santa’s Workshop in Great Bend

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. Blustery, with a north wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -4. North wind 6 to 10 mph.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 19. North wind 5 to 9 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5.

M.L.King Day A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -1.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 24.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 13.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.

Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. Blustery, with a north wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -4. North wind 6 to 10 mph.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 19. North wind 5 to 9 mph.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5.M.L.King Day A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -1.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 24.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 13.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 38.Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weekend weather

The Annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference is around the corner on Jan. 21 &amp; 22 in Oberlin. The same program will be held each day with many different concurrent sessions and speakers to choose from.

Don’t delay the early bird registration is Jan. 15. For more information and to register go to www.coveryouracres.com.

The Annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference is around the corner on Jan. 21 &amp; 22 in Oberlin. The same program will be held each day with many different concurrent sessions and speakers to choose from.Don’t delay the early bird registration is Jan. 15. For more information and to register go to www.coveryouracres.com.

'Cover Your Acres' winter conference coming up

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Brown ‑&nbsp;73‑7 KA‑6944‑01 ‑ U.S. 73, bridge #009 over the Union Pacific Railroad located 4.0 miles north of the U.S. 73/K‑20 west junction, bridge repair, Comanche Construction Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $622,471.60.

Brown ‑&nbsp;75‑7 KA‑7630‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, from 0.25 mile south of 320th Street north 0.25 mile, crack repair, 0.3 mile, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $198,328.00.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;7‑46 KA‑7305‑01 ‑ K‑7, bridge #241 over Prairie Star Parkway located 1 mile north of the K‑7/K‑10 junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $126,800.44.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;35‑46 KA‑7546‑01 ‑ I‑35, from the West 93rd Street north 6.5 miles to north of I‑635, milling and overlay, 6.5 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $14,317,213.02.

Lyon ‑&nbsp;56 TE‑0516‑01 –24th Avenue, from Prairie Street to Lincoln Street; 12th Avenue, just west of Whittier Street to Rescue Mission just east of I‑35 Interchange; and Burlingame Road, from 12th Avenue to Riley Avenue in Emporia, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.0 mile, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $575,297.84.

Osage ‑&nbsp;278‑70 KA‑7556‑01 ‑ K‑278, from the Melvern recreational area east to the U.S. 75/K‑278 junction, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $383,115.33.

Osage ‑&nbsp;276‑70 KA‑7555‑01 ‑ K‑276, from the east city limits of Olivet east to the U.S. 75/K‑276 junction, milling and overlay, 1.7 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $366,300.37.

Osage ‑&nbsp;268‑70 KA‑7553‑01 ‑ K‑268, from 0.1 mile east of U.S. 75 east to the K‑68/K‑268 junction, milling and overlay, 9.4 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $2,135,058.38.

Osage ‑&nbsp;75‑70 KA‑7554‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, from 0.2 mile south of Jordan Road north to the K‑68/U.S. 75 junction, milling and overlay, 5.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,470,709.53.

Pottawatomie ‑&nbsp;63‑75 KA‑7557‑01 ‑ K‑63, from the north city limits of St. Marys north to the K‑63/K‑16 north junction, sealing, 18.0 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction Llc, Goddard, Kansas, $823,148.26.

Dickinson ‑&nbsp;43‑21 KA‑7496‑01 ‑ K‑43, from the K‑4/K‑43 junction north to the I‑70/K‑43 junction (exclude the city of Enterprise), milling and overlay, 19.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,086,848.54.

Marion ‑&nbsp;56‑57 KA‑7568‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the McPherson/Marion county line east to the K‑14/U.S. 56 east junction, milling and overlay, 8.4 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $2,131,995.49.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7492‑01 ‑ K‑197 in Dickinson County, from the east city limits of Industry east to the Dickinson/Clay county line; K‑197 in Clay County, from the Dickinson/Clay county line east to the K‑197/K‑15 junction; and K‑15 in Dickinson County, from the K‑18/K‑15 west junction east to the K‑18/K‑15 east junction, overlay, 6.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $981,973.94.

Cheyenne ‑&nbsp;36‑12 KA‑7189‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, bridge #012 over the Republican River located 0.37 mile east of the U.S. 36/K‑27 west junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $343,289.33.

Norton ‑&nbsp;9‑69 KA‑7567‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the U.S. 283/K‑9 east junction east to the Phillips/Norton county line, milling and overlay, 12.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,915,598.11.

Norton ‑&nbsp;383‑69 KA‑7527‑01 ‑ K‑383, from the Decatur/Norton county line northeast to the U.S. 36/K‑383 west junction, milling and overlay, 13.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,298,184.96.

Sheridan ‑&nbsp;23‑90 KA‑5756‑01 ‑ K‑23, bridge #019 over the North Fork Solomon River located 3.22 miles south of the K‑123/K‑23 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc, Newton, Kansas, $3,397,396.90.

Thomas ‑&nbsp;83‑97 KA‑7528‑01 ‑ U.S. 83, from the end of 10-foot shoulders north to the U.S. 24/U.S. 83 junction, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,306,946.71.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;283‑106 KA‑7574‑01 ‑ U.S. 283 in Norton County, from the U.S. 283/K‑9 west junction north to Washington Street in Norton; and U.S. 283 in Graham County, from 0.643 mile south of the south city limits of Hill City north to north side of Prout Street, milling and overlay, 15.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,801,464.80.

Miami ‑&nbsp;169‑61 KA‑7484‑01 ‑ U.S. 169, from 0.77 mile south of the K‑7/U.S. 169 south junction north to 1.42 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 21.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,899,976.50.

Miami ‑&nbsp;279‑61 KA‑7485‑01 ‑ K‑279, from the U.S. 169/K‑279 junction north to State Hospital, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 0.5 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $81,054.79.

Butler ‑&nbsp;400‑8 KA‑7455‑01 ‑ U.S. 400, east city limits of Leon east to the Greenwood/Butler county line, milling and overlay, 14.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,099,228.78.

Harvey ‑&nbsp;135‑40 KA‑7547‑01 ‑ I‑135, from the K‑15/I‑135 junction north to the Harvey/McPherson county line, pavement patching, 8.3 miles, RA Knapp Construction Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, $369,409.50.

Finney ‑&nbsp;50‑28 KA‑7464‑01 ‑ U.S. 50B, from the North Campus Drive in Garden City east to the U.S. 83/US50B east junction, milling and overlay, 0.4 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $208,067.53.

Finney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑6732‑01 ‑ U.S. 83, bridge #017 located at the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction, bridge repair, Bridges Inc, Newton, Kansas, $1,128,633.30.

Finney ‑&nbsp;50‑28 KA‑7465‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction east to North Towns Road in Garden City, milling and overlay, 2.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,228,366.71.

Finney ‑&nbsp;50‑28 KA‑7463‑01 ‑ U.S. 50B, from West Mary Street in Garden City north to south of the U.S. 83/U.S. 400 north junction, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $289,936.80.

Gray ‑&nbsp;50‑35 KA‑7565‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, from the Finney/Gray county line to the west city limits of Cimarron, milling and overlay, 18.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,908,116.40.

Morton ‑&nbsp;27‑65 KA‑6730‑01 ‑ K‑27, bridge #013 over the Cimarron River located 8.85 miles north of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $394,294.26

The following projects were approved from the Nov. 20, 2024, letting.

McPherson ‑&nbsp;260‑59 KA‑6896‑01 – K-260, pavement restoration in Moundridge from Christian Avenue to Wedel Avenue, grading and surfacing, 0.1 mile, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, Moundridge, Kansas, $367,794.06.

Mitchell ‑&nbsp;24‑62 KA‑6437‑01 ‑ Geometric improvements, in Cawker City on U.S. 24/K‑9 from Oak Street to Elm Street and on Oak Street from 9th Street to the U.S. 24/K‑9 junction, grading and surfacing, 0.4 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $1,093,252.74.

Barton ‑&nbsp;281‑5 KA‑6443‑01 – Hoisington, pavement restoration on U.S. 281/K‑4 from North Center Street (west intersection) to North Main Street (west intersection), pavement reconstruction, 0.3 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., Lacrosse, Kansas, $1,489,285.02.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastBrown ‑&nbsp;73‑7 KA‑6944‑01 ‑ U.S. 73, bridge #009 over the Union Pacific Railroad located 4.0 miles north of the U.S. 73/K‑20 west junction, bridge repair, Comanche Construction Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $622,471.60.Brown ‑&nbsp;75‑7 KA‑7630‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, from 0.25 mile south of 320th Street north 0.25 mile, crack repair, 0.3 mile, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $198,328.00.Johnson ‑&nbsp;7‑46 KA‑7305‑01 ‑ K‑7, bridge #241 over Prairie Star Parkway located 1 mile north of the K‑7/K‑10 junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $126,800.44.Johnson ‑&nbsp;35‑46 KA‑7546‑01 ‑ I‑35, from the West 93rd Street north 6.5 miles to north of I‑635, milling and overlay, 6.5 miles, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $14,317,213.02.Lyon ‑&nbsp;56 TE‑0516‑01 –24th Avenue, from Prairie Street to Lincoln Street; 12th Avenue, just west of Whittier Street to Rescue Mission just east of I‑35 Interchange; and Burlingame Road, from 12th Avenue to Riley Avenue in Emporia, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.0 mile, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $575,297.84.Osage ‑&nbsp;278‑70 KA‑7556‑01 ‑ K‑278, from the Melvern recreational area east to the U.S. 75/K‑278 junction, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $383,115.33.Osage ‑&nbsp;276‑70 KA‑7555‑01 ‑ K‑276, from the east city limits of Olivet east to the U.S. 75/K‑276 junction, milling and overlay, 1.7 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $366,300.37.Osage ‑&nbsp;268‑70 KA‑7553‑01 ‑ K‑268, from 0.1 mile east of U.S. 75 east to the K‑68/K‑268 junction, milling and overlay, 9.4 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $2,135,058.38.Osage ‑&nbsp;75‑70 KA‑7554‑01 ‑ U.S. 75, from 0.2 mile south of Jordan Road north to the K‑68/U.S. 75 junction, milling and overlay, 5.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,470,709.53.Pottawatomie ‑&nbsp;63‑75 KA‑7557‑01 ‑ K‑63, from the north city limits of St. Marys north to the K‑63/K‑16 north junction, sealing, 18.0 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction Llc, Goddard, Kansas, $823,148.26.District Two — North CentralDickinson ‑&nbsp;43‑21 KA‑7496‑01 ‑ K‑43, from the K‑4/K‑43 junction north to the I‑70/K‑43 junction (exclude the city of Enterprise), milling and overlay, 19.8 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,086,848.54.Marion ‑&nbsp;56‑57 KA‑7568‑01 ‑ U.S. 56, from the McPherson/Marion county line east to the K‑14/U.S. 56 east junction, milling and overlay, 8.4 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $2,131,995.49.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7492‑01 ‑ K‑197 in Dickinson County, from the east city limits of Industry east to the Dickinson/Clay county line; K‑197 in Clay County, from the Dickinson/Clay county line east to the K‑197/K‑15 junction; and K‑15 in Dickinson County, from the K‑18/K‑15 west junction east to the K‑18/K‑15 east junction, overlay, 6.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $981,973.94.District Three — NorthwestCheyenne ‑&nbsp;36‑12 KA‑7189‑01 ‑ U.S. 36, bridge #012 over the Republican River located 0.37 mile east of the U.S. 36/K‑27 west junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $343,289.33.Norton ‑&nbsp;9‑69 KA‑7567‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the U.S. 283/K‑9 east junction east to the Phillips/Norton county line, milling and overlay, 12.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,915,598.11.Norton ‑&nbsp;383‑69 KA‑7527‑01 ‑ K‑383, from the Decatur/Norton county line northeast to the U.S. 36/K‑383 west junction, milling and overlay, 13.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,298,184.96.Sheridan ‑&nbsp;23‑90 KA‑5756‑01 ‑ K‑23, bridge #019 over the North Fork Solomon River located 3.22 miles south of the K‑123/K‑23 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc, Newton, Kansas, $3,397,396.90.Thomas ‑&nbsp;83‑97 KA‑7528‑01 ‑ U.S. 83, from the end of 10-foot shoulders north to the U.S. 24/U.S. 83 junction, milling and overlay, 8.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,306,946.71.Statewide ‑&nbsp;283‑106 KA‑7574‑01 ‑ U.S. 283 in Norton County, from the U.S. 283/K‑9 west junction north to Washington Street in Norton; and U.S. 283 in Graham County, from 0.643 mile south of the south city limits of Hill City north to north side of Prout Street, milling and overlay, 15.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,801,464.80.District Four — SoutheastMiami ‑&nbsp;169‑61 KA‑7484‑01 ‑ U.S. 169, from 0.77 mile south of the K‑7/U.S. 169 south junction north to 1.42 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 21.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,899,976.50.Miami ‑&nbsp;279‑61 KA‑7485‑01 ‑ K‑279, from the U.S. 169/K‑279 junction north to State Hospital, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 0.5 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $81,054.79.District Five — South CentralButler ‑&nbsp;400‑8 KA‑7455‑01 ‑ U.S. 400, east city limits of Leon east to the Greenwood/Butler county line, milling and overlay, 14.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,099,228.78.Harvey ‑&nbsp;135‑40 KA‑7547‑01 ‑ I‑135, from the K‑15/I‑135 junction north to the Harvey/McPherson county line, pavement patching, 8.3 miles, RA Knapp Construction Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, $369,409.50.District Six — SouthwestFinney ‑&nbsp;50‑28 KA‑7464‑01 ‑ U.S. 50B, from the North Campus Drive in Garden City east to the U.S. 83/US50B east junction, milling and overlay, 0.4 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $208,067.53.Finney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑6732‑01 ‑ U.S. 83, bridge #017 located at the U.S. 50/U.S. 83 junction, bridge repair, Bridges Inc, Newton, Kansas, $1,128,633.30.Finney ‑&nbsp;50‑28 KA‑7465‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50 east junction east to North Towns Road in Garden City, milling and overlay, 2.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,228,366.71.Finney ‑&nbsp;50‑28 KA‑7463‑01 ‑ U.S. 50B, from West Mary Street in Garden City north to south of the U.S. 83/U.S. 400 north junction, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $289,936.80.Gray ‑&nbsp;50‑35 KA‑7565‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, from the Finney/Gray county line to the west city limits of Cimarron, milling and overlay, 18.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,908,116.40.Morton ‑&nbsp;27‑65 KA‑6730‑01 ‑ K‑27, bridge #013 over the Cimarron River located 8.85 miles north of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $394,294.26The following projects were approved from the Nov. 20, 2024, letting.McPherson ‑&nbsp;260‑59 KA‑6896‑01 – K-260, pavement restoration in Moundridge from Christian Avenue to Wedel Avenue, grading and surfacing, 0.1 mile, Vogts-Parga Construction LLC, Moundridge, Kansas, $367,794.06.Mitchell ‑&nbsp;24‑62 KA‑6437‑01 ‑ Geometric improvements, in Cawker City on U.S. 24/K‑9 from Oak Street to Elm Street and on Oak Street from 9th Street to the U.S. 24/K‑9 junction, grading and surfacing, 0.4 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $1,093,252.74.Barton ‑&nbsp;281‑5 KA‑6443‑01 – Hoisington, pavement restoration on U.S. 281/K‑4 from North Center Street (west intersection) to North Main Street (west intersection), pavement reconstruction, 0.3 mile, Morgan Brothers Construction, Inc., Lacrosse, Kansas, $1,489,285.02.

KDOT announces approved December bids

The Barton County Conservation District (BCCD) will be holding its annual meeting at the Hoisington Columbus Club on Thursday, Jan. 23. BCCD Manager Veronica Coons said this year's guest speaker will be beekeeper Greg Swob.

"He's going to be talking about the forgotten farmer, beekeeping in America," Coons said. "That's going to be pretty cool. We're going to be doing our Barton County Banker's Association Conservation Awards. We have three winners this year."

Brian Bitter will be presented the soil conservation award, Terry Reif will be presented the established windbreak award, and Lynn Dougherty will be presented the wildlife award for her pollinator plantings.

BCCD's annual meeting is free to attend for any Barton County resident interested in conservation. This year's meal will be catered by Hoisington's JK Catering &amp; BBQ.

"We just ask that people RSVP directly to the Barton County Conservation District office," said Coons. "Our phone number is (620) 792-3346, ext. 303. They need to do that by Jan. 20 so we have a headcount for the meal."

On Jan. 29, BCCD and Cottonwood Extension District will host a brush management workshop from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hoisington Activity Center. That event will also include a meal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620306273203.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Barton County Conservation District (BCCD) will be holding its annual meeting at the Hoisington Columbus Club on Thursday, Jan. 23. BCCD Manager Veronica Coons said this year's guest speaker will be beekeeper Greg Swob."He's going to be talking about the forgotten farmer, beekeeping in America," Coons said. "That's going to be pretty cool. We're going to be doing our Barton County Banker's Association Conservation Awards. We have three winners this year."Brian Bitter will be presented the soil conservation award, Terry Reif will be presented the established windbreak award, and Lynn Dougherty will be presented the wildlife award for her pollinator plantings.BCCD's annual meeting is free to attend for any Barton County resident interested in conservation. This year's meal will be catered by Hoisington's JK Catering &amp; BBQ."We just ask that people RSVP directly to the Barton County Conservation District office," said Coons. "Our phone number is (620) 792-3346, ext. 303. They need to do that by Jan. 20 so we have a headcount for the meal."On Jan. 29, BCCD and Cottonwood Extension District will host a brush management workshop from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hoisington Activity Center. That event will also include a meal.

Barton County Conservation District's annual meeting set for Jan. 23

After the settlement from the SRCA Dragstrip lawsuit, the City of Great
Bend is moving forward with the design for the build of the track. The
dragstrip was reconstructed in May 2021 by Suchy Construction but several
issues followed the completion of the project making the surface unsafe and
forcing the cancellation of the last two race seasons.


Bartlett &amp; West (B&amp;W) was an expert for the rebuild as part of the
lawsuit and the City of Great Bend has been in conversation with Bartlett &amp;
West to provide the design for the rebuild. The contract provides for a lump
sum design feed in the amount of $40,000 to develop a schematic concept design
defining project requirements coordinating with the city, SRCA, NHRA, along
with engineers who were experts in the lawsuit.


Also included in the contract is preconstruction services for a lump sum fee of
$15,000 that provides management, developing budgets, project planning,
scheduling, coordinating design meetings and developing bid packages.


B&amp;W hopes for 60% conceptual drawings by April and anticipate all work to
be completed in time for racing before the season in spring 2026.


A motion will be presented to the Great Bend City Council to sign the contract
for the rebuild design in the amount of $55,000. The council meeting is Monday,
Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603813855128.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostAfter the settlement from the SRCA Dragstrip lawsuit, the City of Great
Bend is moving forward with the design for the build of the track. The
dragstrip was reconstructed in May 2021 by Suchy Construction but several
issues followed the completion of the project making the surface unsafe and
forcing the cancellation of the last two race seasons.
Bartlett &amp; West (B&amp;W) was an expert for the rebuild as part of the
lawsuit and the City of Great Bend has been in conversation with Bartlett &amp;
West to provide the design for the rebuild. The contract provides for a lump
sum design feed in the amount of $40,000 to develop a schematic concept design
defining project requirements coordinating with the city, SRCA, NHRA, along
with engineers who were experts in the lawsuit.
Also included in the contract is preconstruction services for a lump sum fee of
$15,000 that provides management, developing budgets, project planning,
scheduling, coordinating design meetings and developing bid packages.
B&amp;W hopes for 60% conceptual drawings by April and anticipate all work to
be completed in time for racing before the season in spring 2026.
A motion will be presented to the Great Bend City Council to sign the contract
for the rebuild design in the amount of $55,000. The council meeting is Monday,
Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend presents rebuild design for SRCA Dragstrip after lawsuit

Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) a part of Kansas State University’s Agriculture Economics department will host Agricultural Payroll for Producers seminar January 22nd at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and January 23rd at the Ellis County Extension Office in Hays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

One of the hardest parts about owning a small business is the rules and laws of getting your employees paid. This workshop is perfect for ag businesses with a few employees or farm hands to understand the details of payroll. While geared towards ag businesses, this workshop could be useful to nearly any small business just getting started. The following topics will be covered:

Cost is $40 to attend. Please pre-register by contacting Chelsea Plummer at KFMA for additional information or to register. Contact Chelsea Plummer at (316) 393-1830 or ecplummer@ksu.edu. Payment can be made via cash or check at the door. Lunch is included. All participants will receive a copy of the KFMA Payroll Manual. Visit agmanager.info/events for more info and event flyers.

You are also welcome to contact either Cottonwood Extension Office in Great Bend at 620-793-1910 or Hays 785-628-9430.

Two other programs that might be of interest to agricultural producers are both being held on Wednesday, January 29th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Keeping Grass Grass - Rangeland Brush Management: Identification and Control at Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank Rd. Topics covered will be targeting control options of invasive plants and discussion of a proposed Prescribed Fire Association. A complimentary meal will be provided, RSVP is appreciated by calling Cottonwood District Office in Great Bend at 620-793-1910.

The next program on Wednesday, January 29th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. is a Soil Fertility School being held in Rush Center at Township Hall, 220 Union St. Topics of discussion will be new fertility recommendations from K-State Research &amp; Extension Agronomy with emphasis on application methods, fertilizer additives and soil biologicals and soil sampling. No cost to attend registration is requested by Friday, January 24th. Call or email Lacey Noterman 866-755-1654, lnote@ksu.edu or Stacy Campbell 785-628-9430, scampbel@ksu.edu

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA) a part of Kansas State University’s Agriculture Economics department will host Agricultural Payroll for Producers seminar January 22nd at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and January 23rd at the Ellis County Extension Office in Hays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.One of the hardest parts about owning a small business is the rules and laws of getting your employees paid. This workshop is perfect for ag businesses with a few employees or farm hands to understand the details of payroll. While geared towards ag businesses, this workshop could be useful to nearly any small business just getting started. The following topics will be covered:· Employee Classification· Labor Laws· Payroll Computation· Payroll Deposits· Employee BenefitsCost is $40 to attend. Please pre-register by contacting Chelsea Plummer at KFMA for additional information or to register. Contact Chelsea Plummer at (316) 393-1830 or ecplummer@ksu.edu. Payment can be made via cash or check at the door. Lunch is included. All participants will receive a copy of the KFMA Payroll Manual. Visit agmanager.info/events for more info and event flyers.You are also welcome to contact either Cottonwood Extension Office in Great Bend at 620-793-1910 or Hays 785-628-9430.Two other programs that might be of interest to agricultural producers are both being held on Wednesday, January 29th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Keeping Grass Grass - Rangeland Brush Management: Identification and Control at Hoisington Activity Center, 1200 Susank Rd. Topics covered will be targeting control options of invasive plants and discussion of a proposed Prescribed Fire Association. A complimentary meal will be provided, RSVP is appreciated by calling Cottonwood District Office in Great Bend at 620-793-1910.The next program on Wednesday, January 29th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. is a Soil Fertility School being held in Rush Center at Township Hall, 220 Union St. Topics of discussion will be new fertility recommendations from K-State Research &amp; Extension Agronomy with emphasis on application methods, fertilizer additives and soil biologicals and soil sampling. No cost to attend registration is requested by Friday, January 24th. Call or email Lacey Noterman 866-755-1654, lnote@ksu.edu or Stacy Campbell 785-628-9430, scampbel@ksu.eduStacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Agricultural payroll for producers, Jan. 22 and 23

Youth and adult soccer playoffs are wrapping up through the Great Bend
Recreation Commission this month. Rec Sports Director Shane Sandberg said he is
now getting prepared for basketball leagues. 

All of the Rec basketball rules
are remaining the same this year except for the height of the rim for the 3rd
and 4th grade league. Sandberg mentioned the rim will go from 8'6" to nine feet this year for that age group.

"Other recreation commissions and the traveling league with Hoisington, Ellinwood and all of them use different goal heights," said Sandberg. "I did some research online seeing anywhere from eight feet to 10 feet. All the traveling leagues use 10 feet. I fee like nine feet will be a little more realistic for 3rd and 4th graders."

The 1st and 2nd grade players will play 3-on-3 on a rim
set at eight feet. The older children will all play 5-on-5. 

Now, the 3rd
and 4th graders will compete on a nine-foot goal and 5th
and 6th graders will shoot on a 10-foot rim.


While enrollment for youth basketball is closed, there are online,
over-the-phone and in-person availability to sign up for future Great Bend Rec
courses.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostYouth and adult soccer playoffs are wrapping up through the Great Bend
Recreation Commission this month. Rec Sports Director Shane Sandberg said he is
now getting prepared for basketball leagues. All of the Rec basketball rules
are remaining the same this year except for the height of the rim for the 3rd
and 4th grade league. Sandberg mentioned the rim will go from 8'6" to nine feet this year for that age group."Other recreation commissions and the traveling league with Hoisington, Ellinwood and all of them use different goal heights," said Sandberg. "I did some research online seeing anywhere from eight feet to 10 feet. All the traveling leagues use 10 feet. I fee like nine feet will be a little more realistic for 3rd and 4th graders."The 1st and 2nd grade players will play 3-on-3 on a rim
set at eight feet. The older children will all play 5-on-5. Now, the 3rd
and 4th graders will compete on a nine-foot goal and 5th
and 6th graders will shoot on a 10-foot rim.
While enrollment for youth basketball is closed, there are online,
over-the-phone and in-person availability to sign up for future Great Bend Rec
courses.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Rec raising competition for 3rd & 4th grade basketball

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/15)

At 6:27 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 1300
block of N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington.

At 6:41 a.m. an accident was reported in the 1300 block of
N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington.

At 9:12 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 1443 NE 10
Road in Ellinwood.

At 4:39 p.m. a burglary was reported at 705 10th
Street.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/15)

At 7:54 a.m. an accident was reported at 9th
&amp; Pine.

At 11:44 a.m. an accident was reported at 17th
&amp; Morton.

At 11:45 a.m. an accident was reported at 1602 Morton.

At 12:50 p.m. a golden retriever running around the parking
lot was reported at 3503 10th Street.

At 1:49 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2214 Tyler.

At 4:01 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th
&amp; Harrison.

At 4:39 p.m. a report of a subject in her residence was made
at 705 10th Street.

At 5:48 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 1936 McKinney Dr.

At 8:04 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 705 10th
Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/15)Animal ComplaintAt 6:27 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 1300
block of N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington.Non-Injury AccidentAt 6:41 a.m. an accident was reported in the 1300 block of
N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington.Controlled BurnAt 9:12 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 1443 NE 10
Road in Ellinwood.Burglary / In ProgressAt 4:39 p.m. a burglary was reported at 705 10th
Street.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/15)Non-Injury AccidentAt 7:54 a.m. an accident was reported at 9th
&amp; Pine.At 11:44 a.m. an accident was reported at 17th
&amp; Morton.At 11:45 a.m. an accident was reported at 1602 Morton.Animal ComplaintAt 12:50 p.m. a golden retriever running around the parking
lot was reported at 3503 10th Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 1:49 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2214 Tyler.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:01 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th
&amp; Harrison.Burglary / In ProgressAt 4:39 p.m. a report of a subject in her residence was made
at 705 10th Street.Animal ComplaintAt 5:48 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 1936 McKinney Dr.At 8:04 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 705 10th
Street.

Cop Shop (1/15)

1/15 BOOKED: Alexandra L. Dirreen on three Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, bonds set at none, $1,000 C/S, and $500 cash only.

BOOKED: David Sims on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Rick E. Novotny on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine 3.5g &gt; 100g, No Drug Tax Stamp, Improper Safety Belt, and Failure to Yield or Stop at Stop Sign, after posting $10,000 surety bond.

RELEASED: Jonathan R. Hiner on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Talal Elfellah on Barton County District Court warrant for Mistreatment of Dependent, after posting $50,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>1/15 BOOKED: Alexandra L. Dirreen on three Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, bonds set at none, $1,000 C/S, and $500 cash only.BOOKED: David Sims on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Rick E. Novotny on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine 3.5g &gt; 100g, No Drug Tax Stamp, Improper Safety Belt, and Failure to Yield or Stop at Stop Sign, after posting $10,000 surety bond.RELEASED: Jonathan R. Hiner on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Talal Elfellah on Barton County District Court warrant for Mistreatment of Dependent, after posting $50,000 bond.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/15)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The beginning of a new year means another set of deadlines for county offices. The Barton County Appraiser's Office will soon be sending out another round of property valuations. Tuesday morning, Appraiser Wendy Prosser sought approval from the board of commissioners for a bulk mailing contract.

"By statute, we send out our new county evaluation notices for our real estate as of March 1," she said. "These values represent the market value as of Jan. 1, 2025. Because of the number of pieces of mail we send out every year, it's actually cheaper for us to look into bulk mailing companies as they're able to get their supplies and postage at reduced rates that we, as county members, cannot."

Last year, Prosser said the valuations would entail approximately 15,000 pieces of mail. The county received two bids for the work. The board of commissioners approved the low bid of $8,457.03 from Master's Touch, which was nearly $2,000 cheaper than the other bid. The county paid $8,305 for similar services last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719495429741.jpeg" alt="Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser" />
 <figcaption>Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe beginning of a new year means another set of deadlines for county offices. The Barton County Appraiser's Office will soon be sending out another round of property valuations. Tuesday morning, Appraiser Wendy Prosser sought approval from the board of commissioners for a bulk mailing contract."By statute, we send out our new county evaluation notices for our real estate as of March 1," she said. "These values represent the market value as of Jan. 1, 2025. Because of the number of pieces of mail we send out every year, it's actually cheaper for us to look into bulk mailing companies as they're able to get their supplies and postage at reduced rates that we, as county members, cannot."Last year, Prosser said the valuations would entail approximately 15,000 pieces of mail. The county received two bids for the work. The board of commissioners approved the low bid of $8,457.03 from Master's Touch, which was nearly $2,000 cheaper than the other bid. The county paid $8,305 for similar services last year.

Barton Commission approves bulk mailing contract for valuation notices

Old buildings require maintenance. The USD 428 Board of Education approved $761,342 in repairs to Great Bend High School and Great Bend Middle School during its meeting Monday night. Assistant Superintendent John Popp said the majority of that will be spent to replace an air handler in the middle hallway of the middle school. 

"That air handler is really at end of life," he said. "I think it's 25-plus years in operation. It has a lot of complexities to it to allow it to be able to service each and every room along there."

Wichita-based Innovative Groups submitted the winning bid on the projects. The air handler work will cost the district $467,806, and the board also opted to pay $143,668 to replace the ceiling and lights in that wing of the school.

"It's going to completely change how the ducting and everything works," Popp said. "They're going to be up in the ceiling a ton. It's either do a patchwork to get the ceiling to match back in, or you replace all of the ceiling and lighting - you put high-efficiency lighting, which is something we want to do in all of the buildings anyway."

The other project approved by the board is the replacement of a large boiler between the GBHS gymnasium and woodshop building. That carries a price tag of $149,850.

"It's a boiler that provides hot water to every shower and every faucet in almost all of Great Bend High School," said Popp. "You have to have a certain amount of storage and flow rate based on the number of nozzles you have."

Popp said the current boiler is always in disrepair and is inefficient for providing hot water to the school. The old boiler will be replaced by two smaller boilers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736956448264.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOld buildings require maintenance. The USD 428 Board of Education approved $761,342 in repairs to Great Bend High School and Great Bend Middle School during its meeting Monday night. Assistant Superintendent John Popp said the majority of that will be spent to replace an air handler in the middle hallway of the middle school. "That air handler is really at end of life," he said. "I think it's 25-plus years in operation. It has a lot of complexities to it to allow it to be able to service each and every room along there."Wichita-based Innovative Groups submitted the winning bid on the projects. The air handler work will cost the district $467,806, and the board also opted to pay $143,668 to replace the ceiling and lights in that wing of the school."It's going to completely change how the ducting and everything works," Popp said. "They're going to be up in the ceiling a ton. It's either do a patchwork to get the ceiling to match back in, or you replace all of the ceiling and lighting - you put high-efficiency lighting, which is something we want to do in all of the buildings anyway."The other project approved by the board is the replacement of a large boiler between the GBHS gymnasium and woodshop building. That carries a price tag of $149,850."It's a boiler that provides hot water to every shower and every faucet in almost all of Great Bend High School," said Popp. "You have to have a certain amount of storage and flow rate based on the number of nozzles you have."Popp said the current boiler is always in disrepair and is inefficient for providing hot water to the school. The old boiler will be replaced by two smaller boilers.

USD 428 board approves sizeable repairs at GBHS, GBMS

Today Sunny, with a high near 45. West-northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming north 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.

Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 19. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. North wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3.

M.L.King Day Mostly cloudy, with a high near 14.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 0.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 25.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 12.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 45. West-northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming north 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 19. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. North wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 7.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3.M.L.King Day Mostly cloudy, with a high near 14.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 0.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 25.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 12.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

Exercising while playing a game? That is part of goal for the latest
addition at the Great Bend Activity Center on 18th Street. In the spot
to place the old vending machines, the Great Bend Recreation Commission
inserted an interactive touch wall for all ages and fitness levels. 

Rec
Executive Director Chris Umphres said the screen allows participants to play
several games.


"You can compete against someone else and play one versus one," said Umphres. "You can also do the whole board by yourself which gets you spread out pretty good. It tests your peripheral vision and stretching. It's a cool game."

The Great Bend Rec plans to use the touch wall for fitness classes and also to
entertain children in the lobby while they wait for their classes or practices
to start.


A variety of games will challenge users’ reaction, hand-eye coordination and
neurological development.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736955434108.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostExercising while playing a game? That is part of goal for the latest
addition at the Great Bend Activity Center on 18th Street. In the spot
to place the old vending machines, the Great Bend Recreation Commission
inserted an interactive touch wall for all ages and fitness levels. Rec
Executive Director Chris Umphres said the screen allows participants to play
several games.
"You can compete against someone else and play one versus one," said Umphres. "You can also do the whole board by yourself which gets you spread out pretty good. It tests your peripheral vision and stretching. It's a cool game."The Great Bend Rec plans to use the touch wall for fitness classes and also to
entertain children in the lobby while they wait for their classes or practices
to start.
A variety of games will challenge users’ reaction, hand-eye coordination and
neurological development.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9gkZKX49pSc?si=soBEsN9LogKwz2KA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

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