Barton Community College’s Center for Adult Education is holding orientation days Jan. 13-16 with multiple times available in preparation for its next nine-week session of high school diploma classes, which will start Jan. 21 or 22, depending on which class sessions are signed up for.

In-person attendance is required at all orientation day sessions for students to attend actual classes. Those wanting to sign up can contact Barton Support and Testing Specialist Gina Owen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:oweng@bartonccc.edu">oweng@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-7565 to select a time to attend orientation.

Once students complete orientation, they can choose from classes on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are three class times to choose from on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are 8-11 a.m., 1-4 p.m., or 6-9 p.m. There are two class times to choose from on Mondays and Wednesdays, which are 8-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. The Center for Adult Education is at 1025 Main Street in Great Bend.

Students will complete the required testing, learn how to navigate their GED.com account, and learn about WorkReady! Students will also meet one-on-one with their instructor to discuss goals, expectations, attendance requirements, and workload.

Those interested in taking the GED exam without any preparation instruction can do so right away but are urged to receive advising before moving forward.

Minors must bring a parent or legal guardian to enroll. A completed Compulsory Attendance Waiver is required for any student 16 or 17 years of age and will be provided by the Center for Adult Education at the time of sign-up. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://adulted.bartonccc.edu/">adulted.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734121845747.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Community College’s Center for Adult Education is holding orientation days Jan. 13-16 with multiple times available in preparation for its next nine-week session of high school diploma classes, which will start Jan. 21 or 22, depending on which class sessions are signed up for.In-person attendance is required at all orientation day sessions for students to attend actual classes. Those wanting to sign up can contact Barton Support and Testing Specialist Gina Owen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:oweng@bartonccc.edu">oweng@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-7565 to select a time to attend orientation.Once students complete orientation, they can choose from classes on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are three class times to choose from on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are 8-11 a.m., 1-4 p.m., or 6-9 p.m. There are two class times to choose from on Mondays and Wednesdays, which are 8-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. The Center for Adult Education is at 1025 Main Street in Great Bend.Students will complete the required testing, learn how to navigate their GED.com account, and learn about WorkReady! Students will also meet one-on-one with their instructor to discuss goals, expectations, attendance requirements, and workload.Those interested in taking the GED exam without any preparation instruction can do so right away but are urged to receive advising before moving forward.Minors must bring a parent or legal guardian to enroll. A completed Compulsory Attendance Waiver is required for any student 16 or 17 years of age and will be provided by the Center for Adult Education at the time of sign-up. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://adulted.bartonccc.edu/">adulted.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Barton Community College reschedules adult education classes in Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/7)

At 8:03 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at E. US 56
Highway in Ellinwood.

At 1:59 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 479 SW 30
Road.

At 6:15 p.m. convulsions/seizures were reported at 624 W. US
56 Highway in Pawnee Rock.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/7)

At 10:07 a.m. a fire alarm was reported at 705 10th
Street. False alarm.

At 10:30 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1615 16th
Street.

At 10:57 a.m. an accident was reported at 1004 Hubbard.

At 10:58 a.m. Dale Miller was eastbound turning south onto
Hubbard and struck Amanda Haugen’s vehicle that was also eastbound.

At 12:24 p.m. loud music was reported at 9th
&amp; Adams.

At 12:59 p.m. theft from the store was reported at 2301 10th
Street.

At 2 p.m. a vehicle fire was reported at 3111 10th
Street.

At 3:45 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 465
Evergreen.

At 3:48 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926
Eisenhower.

At 5:58 p.m. a possible vehicle theft was reported at 3503
10th Street.

At 11:21 p.m. a vehicle doing donuts, spinning tires was
reported at 301 Cedar. The vehicle was stuck.

At 11:57 p.m. Jackie Madera reported a dog barking
excessively at 1702 Morton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/7)Cattle OutAt 8:03 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at E. US 56
Highway in Ellinwood.Structure FireAt 1:59 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 479 SW 30
Road.Convulsions / SeizuresAt 6:15 p.m. convulsions/seizures were reported at 624 W. US
56 Highway in Pawnee Rock.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/7)Structure FireAt 10:07 a.m. a fire alarm was reported at 705 10th
Street. False alarm.Breathing ProblemsAt 10:30 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1615 16th
Street.Injury AccidentAt 10:57 a.m. an accident was reported at 1004 Hubbard.At 10:58 a.m. Dale Miller was eastbound turning south onto
Hubbard and struck Amanda Haugen’s vehicle that was also eastbound.Noise ComplaintAt 12:24 p.m. loud music was reported at 9th
&amp; Adams.TheftAt 12:59 p.m. theft from the store was reported at 2301 10th
Street.FireAt 2 p.m. a vehicle fire was reported at 3111 10th
Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 3:45 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 465
Evergreen.Sick PersonAt 3:48 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926
Eisenhower.TheftAt 5:58 p.m. a possible vehicle theft was reported at 3503
10th Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 11:21 p.m. a vehicle doing donuts, spinning tires was
reported at 301 Cedar. The vehicle was stuck.Animal ComplaintAt 11:57 p.m. Jackie Madera reported a dog barking
excessively at 1702 Morton.

Cop Shop (1/7)

Wednesday, Jan. 8 USD 112 Central Plains will be delayed two hours with no preschool.

USD 327 Ellsworth has canceled classes today.

USD 496 Pawnee Heights is delayed two hours with no preschool.

Great Bend Senior Center will be closed but Meals on Wheals will be delivered and transportation will run a limited route.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613519652437.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Wednesday, Jan. 8 USD 112 Central Plains will be delayed two hours with no preschool.USD 327 Ellsworth has canceled classes today.USD 496 Pawnee Heights is delayed two hours with no preschool.Ellsworth Senior Center is closed today.Great Bend Senior Center will be closed but Meals on Wheals will be delivered and transportation will run a limited route.

Area delays, cancelations, and closures (Wednesday, Jan. 8)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

"But did you die" is a famous line from Hangover II, a sequel to the 2009 surprise box office hit. But one Ellinwood family may not be laughing at either of the The Hangover movies for a while. The Maxwells spent hours stuck in the ice and snow on and around I-70, passing the time by watching the first Hangover over and over. Twenty-six hours after leaving Gardner just southwest of Overland Park, the family arrived safely at home Monday morning.

Greg and Becca Maxwell were coaching their daughter, Mette, and the rest of the Velocity Volleyball Club team in Gardner at the Heart of America regional qualifier. They knew the winter weather was coming but at 8:30 a.m., attempted to beat the weather and avoid getting stuck at the hotel. Everything was slow going before coming to a complete stop between Manhattan and Junction City at 11:45.

"Hundreds of cars and trucks were stranded," Becca said. "Just parked on interstate. It wasn’t just us. It was back to back cars and trucks and so many semis stranded. The truck in front of us was from a furniture company that guaranteed delivery no matter the weather, and his customers in Colorado wanted the furniture. The young gentleman behind us was headed to his military base, and we were a family just trying to get home after a volleyball tournament to get home for work on Monday. We were just lucky we were on the road and not stuck in the ditch in the snow."

Biological functions do not cease just because cars are backed up on interstate. By 1 p.m., that's becoming an issue for several members in the Maxwell vehicle.

"It’s freezing cold," said Becca. "I braved the elements to try going outside, but apparently, my insides were frozen, too—no luck. I went back to the truck, but now we realize we can’t keep the truck running. We had to conserve gas so we would run the truck for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm."  

Now six hours into the trip and still not moving, Becca tried staying busy by editing photos but there was no cell service in the area. Greg, who grew up in Leadville, Colo., the highest-elevated city in the United States at 10,000 feet and an area that is no stranger to large snowfalls, could not listen to his beloved Denver Broncos. The girls were left without their social media accounts.

"For Greg to make the decision to drive in the snow and ice was like a Tuesday in Leadville," said Becca. "This was a normal, everyday occurrence in the Colorado area. Greg mentioned that Colorado definitely has the ability and the snowplows because this happens every weekend in Colorado. There's always a big storm. In Kansas, they were saying this was the 'storm of the decade.' I don't think we were prepared for a storm of this magnitude."

Bathroom problems persisted. By 3 p.m., Becca was considering crafting an adult diaper out of a roll of paper towels. Instead, she tried the going outside again only be be blasted by 30-mile-per-hour winds.

"Thankfully, we were behind a gigantic semi truck so it felt like you had your own private spot," Becca said. "I think everyone was getting out of their cars. You couldn't see much because of the blinding snow and wind and I don't think anyone stood out there a very long time. We just kind of minded our own business."

The Maxwells, traveling to and from a volleyball tournament, had accidentally packed a safety kit. The family devoured everything in the volleyball snack bag. With internet options limited, Mette remembered she had downloaded The Hangover and the family watched it for the first time.

"We were lucky to have a bag full with six bottles of water," said Becca. "We started to ration that and the gas, but when you have a volleyball bag full of beef jerky, oranges, bananas, crackers, and cheese, we were probably good to go for at least three days but we would have had to watch The Hangover more than just three times had we been there longer."

Seven hours after coming to a stop, the Maxwells were still stuck amongst hundreds of vehicles by 6 p.m. With nothing else to do, the family hit repeat on The Hangover. The irony of watching a movie that involved a travel mishap was not lost on them.

By 7 p.m., more than 11 hours after leaving Gardner, the Maxwells resigned to the fact that they would be sleeping in the truck. They made bunk beds out of blankets, suitcases, and jackets. 

Sleep was tough in the crowded automobile and an unexpected knock on the window by a police officer was a welcome surprise at 8:40 p.m. The officer said the Maxwells could follow him out of the traffic if they felt comfortable driving their 4-wheel-drive truck on the ice.

That slow-moving journey lasted approximately an hour before coming to a halt near Chapman due to a jackknifed semi truck blocking both lanes. Fifteen minutes later, the journey resumed. The Maxwells took the first clear exit and made their way to a gas station where they were able to purchase hot food before getting back on the road. Greg was trying to stay behind a semi driver he trusted.

"Another semi driver had just passed us," Becca said. "Greg didn't think that looked good and that truck ended up taking out a small vehicle. We saw him hit their vehicle, take off the bumper off the back of the car and their mirror. He just kept going because he couldn't stop. The smaller cars, if you weren't in far enough, the semi trucks were still trying to go because there was no stopping."

By 10:30, the Maxwells were stuck again. Interstate plowing had stopped and another plow was stuck in a nearby ditch. Mya approached two vehicles on an exit to ask if they could move over to allow room for the Maxwell vehicle to reach a nearby Love's gas station with the intent of staying the night there.  

"Morale was not good," Becca said. People were cranky. The was very little camaraderie as the night got longer.  We had made calls for hotels in Junction City and Abilene but you couldn’t get to them. Roads were impassable in town and the hotel employees and gas station workers I talked to had to walk into work. One employee said her car was snowed in at the gas station so she was just staying there for two days and most likely won’t get home for another day."

It took an hour to get to the Love's near Abilene. The family hand-shoveled space near the gas station where they were able to park and sleep.

"Maybe knowing you are steps from a bathroom and coffee helps," said Becca. "And, honestly, it was much warmer off interstate with a little block from the straight winds and blowing snow."

 Just after midnight, the clan journeyed inside the gas station for one last restroom break. Once back in the vehicle, they decided on one more play of The Hangover. With gas options now available, they were also able to run the truck for heat.

With little to no sleep, by 6:15 a.m., 22 hours after leaving the original hotel, the Maxwells could see the nearby offramp is cleared, meaning traffic was likely again allowed on I-70. More than four hours later, the family finally arrived in Ellinwood, 26 hours after the trip began.

Becca said the trip was a learning experience that made her family extra grateful for the road workers and law enforcement who tried to keep roads open and assisted those who needed it.

"The semi trucks rule the road," she said. "There are so many of them it is really difficult to shut down interstate. There were clearly not enough stops and cleared space for all of them to just stop driving and get off the road.  That was not possible. They had to park on interstate. I don’t know where else they could have gone."

Still, the decision was not an easy when she the Maxwells made the decision to drive home. The volleyball tournament was a large one with teams spending a lot of money to attend. Rules dictate how and when teams can drop out of tournaments and what happens to those teams if they break the rules.

"Tournaments are difficult to reschedule and I understand the need to not cancel because it’s very difficult to make things up with how busy families are," Becca said. "It was a significant cost for us to play in that tournament, so there is a financial burden as well."

The storm ended up dropping nearly six inches of snow around Gardner, but was part of a larger storm that dumped up to 18 inches of snow in the region. The official measurement at Kansas City International Airport was 11 inches, marking the fourth-largest single-day snowfall total in Kansas City history.

Becca said the biggest lesson learned was for drivers to take heed of precautions and stay off the road when officials advise.

Several serious accidents were reported across northeast and north central Kansas Saturday through Monday. On Monday afternoon, a man was killed at the gas station near the I-70 and K-156 junction north of Ellsworth. The man was attempted to help a semi truck navigate a snow-covered parking lot when he was ran over by the truck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736260509071.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post"But did you die" is a famous line from Hangover II, a sequel to the 2009 surprise box office hit. But one Ellinwood family may not be laughing at either of the The Hangover movies for a while. The Maxwells spent hours stuck in the ice and snow on and around I-70, passing the time by watching the first Hangover over and over. Twenty-six hours after leaving Gardner just southwest of Overland Park, the family arrived safely at home Monday morning.Greg and Becca Maxwell were coaching their daughter, Mette, and the rest of the Velocity Volleyball Club team in Gardner at the Heart of America regional qualifier. They knew the winter weather was coming but at 8:30 a.m., attempted to beat the weather and avoid getting stuck at the hotel. Everything was slow going before coming to a complete stop between Manhattan and Junction City at 11:45."Hundreds of cars and trucks were stranded," Becca said. "Just parked on interstate. It wasn’t just us. It was back to back cars and trucks and so many semis stranded. The truck in front of us was from a furniture company that guaranteed delivery no matter the weather, and his customers in Colorado wanted the furniture. The young gentleman behind us was headed to his military base, and we were a family just trying to get home after a volleyball tournament to get home for work on Monday. We were just lucky we were on the road and not stuck in the ditch in the snow."Biological functions do not cease just because cars are backed up on interstate. By 1 p.m., that's becoming an issue for several members in the Maxwell vehicle."It’s freezing cold," said Becca. "I braved the elements to try going outside, but apparently, my insides were frozen, too—no luck. I went back to the truck, but now we realize we can’t keep the truck running. We had to conserve gas so we would run the truck for 10 minutes every hour to stay warm." Now six hours into the trip and still not moving, Becca tried staying busy by editing photos but there was no cell service in the area. Greg, who grew up in Leadville, Colo., the highest-elevated city in the United States at 10,000 feet and an area that is no stranger to large snowfalls, could not listen to his beloved Denver Broncos. The girls were left without their social media accounts."For Greg to make the decision to drive in the snow and ice was like a Tuesday in Leadville," said Becca. "This was a normal, everyday occurrence in the Colorado area. Greg mentioned that Colorado definitely has the ability and the snowplows because this happens every weekend in Colorado. There's always a big storm. In Kansas, they were saying this was the 'storm of the decade.' I don't think we were prepared for a storm of this magnitude."Bathroom problems persisted. By 3 p.m., Becca was considering crafting an adult diaper out of a roll of paper towels. Instead, she tried the going outside again only be be blasted by 30-mile-per-hour winds."Thankfully, we were behind a gigantic semi truck so it felt like you had your own private spot," Becca said. "I think everyone was getting out of their cars. You couldn't see much because of the blinding snow and wind and I don't think anyone stood out there a very long time. We just kind of minded our own business."The Maxwells, traveling to and from a volleyball tournament, had accidentally packed a safety kit. The family devoured everything in the volleyball snack bag. With internet options limited, Mette remembered she had downloaded The Hangover and the family watched it for the first time."We were lucky to have a bag full with six bottles of water," said Becca. "We started to ration that and the gas, but when you have a volleyball bag full of beef jerky, oranges, bananas, crackers, and cheese, we were probably good to go for at least three days but we would have had to watch The Hangover more than just three times had we been there longer."Seven hours after coming to a stop, the Maxwells were still stuck amongst hundreds of vehicles by 6 p.m. With nothing else to do, the family hit repeat on The Hangover. The irony of watching a movie that involved a travel mishap was not lost on them.By 7 p.m., more than 11 hours after leaving Gardner, the Maxwells resigned to the fact that they would be sleeping in the truck. They made bunk beds out of blankets, suitcases, and jackets. Sleep was tough in the crowded automobile and an unexpected knock on the window by a police officer was a welcome surprise at 8:40 p.m. The officer said the Maxwells could follow him out of the traffic if they felt comfortable driving their 4-wheel-drive truck on the ice.That slow-moving journey lasted approximately an hour before coming to a halt near Chapman due to a jackknifed semi truck blocking both lanes. Fifteen minutes later, the journey resumed. The Maxwells took the first clear exit and made their way to a gas station where they were able to purchase hot food before getting back on the road. Greg was trying to stay behind a semi driver he trusted."Another semi driver had just passed us," Becca said. "Greg didn't think that looked good and that truck ended up taking out a small vehicle. We saw him hit their vehicle, take off the bumper off the back of the car and their mirror. He just kept going because he couldn't stop. The smaller cars, if you weren't in far enough, the semi trucks were still trying to go because there was no stopping."By 10:30, the Maxwells were stuck again. Interstate plowing had stopped and another plow was stuck in a nearby ditch. Mya approached two vehicles on an exit to ask if they could move over to allow room for the Maxwell vehicle to reach a nearby Love's gas station with the intent of staying the night there. "Morale was not good," Becca said. People were cranky. The was very little camaraderie as the night got longer. We had made calls for hotels in Junction City and Abilene but you couldn’t get to them. Roads were impassable in town and the hotel employees and gas station workers I talked to had to walk into work. One employee said her car was snowed in at the gas station so she was just staying there for two days and most likely won’t get home for another day."It took an hour to get to the Love's near Abilene. The family hand-shoveled space near the gas station where they were able to park and sleep."Maybe knowing you are steps from a bathroom and coffee helps," said Becca. "And, honestly, it was much warmer off interstate with a little block from the straight winds and blowing snow." Just after midnight, the clan journeyed inside the gas station for one last restroom break. Once back in the vehicle, they decided on one more play of The Hangover. With gas options now available, they were also able to run the truck for heat.With little to no sleep, by 6:15 a.m., 22 hours after leaving the original hotel, the Maxwells could see the nearby offramp is cleared, meaning traffic was likely again allowed on I-70. More than four hours later, the family finally arrived in Ellinwood, 26 hours after the trip began.Becca said the trip was a learning experience that made her family extra grateful for the road workers and law enforcement who tried to keep roads open and assisted those who needed it."The semi trucks rule the road," she said. "There are so many of them it is really difficult to shut down interstate. There were clearly not enough stops and cleared space for all of them to just stop driving and get off the road. That was not possible. They had to park on interstate. I don’t know where else they could have gone."Still, the decision was not an easy when she the Maxwells made the decision to drive home. The volleyball tournament was a large one with teams spending a lot of money to attend. Rules dictate how and when teams can drop out of tournaments and what happens to those teams if they break the rules."Tournaments are difficult to reschedule and I understand the need to not cancel because it’s very difficult to make things up with how busy families are," Becca said. "It was a significant cost for us to play in that tournament, so there is a financial burden as well."The storm ended up dropping nearly six inches of snow around Gardner, but was part of a larger storm that dumped up to 18 inches of snow in the region. The official measurement at Kansas City International Airport was 11 inches, marking the fourth-largest single-day snowfall total in Kansas City history.Becca said the biggest lesson learned was for drivers to take heed of precautions and stay off the road when officials advise.Several serious accidents were reported across northeast and north central Kansas Saturday through Monday. On Monday afternoon, a man was killed at the gas station near the I-70 and K-156 junction north of Ellsworth. The man was attempted to help a semi truck navigate a snow-covered parking lot when he was ran over by the truck.

Ellinwood family home safe after being stuck on I-70 for 24 hours

1/7 BOOKED: Nathan D. Hilligeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery Domestic Violence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Krom on Barton County District Court case for Stalking/Violation of PFA, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Brendon S. Dry on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Zachary D. Coster on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Nathan D. Hilligeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery Domestic Violence, on 18-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Michael Krom on Barton County District Court case for Stalking/Violation of PFA, after posting a $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Zachary D. Coster on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>1/7 BOOKED: Nathan D. Hilligeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery Domestic Violence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Krom on Barton County District Court case for Stalking/Violation of PFA, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Brendon S. Dry on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Zachary D. Coster on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Nathan D. Hilligeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery Domestic Violence, on 18-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Michael Krom on Barton County District Court case for Stalking/Violation of PFA, after posting a $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Zachary D. Coster on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/7)

Pawnee County Pheasants Forever Annual Banquet is Jan. 18 at the Knights of Columbus, 1216 M Road. Social starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and a raffle and auction after dinner.&nbsp; 

Tickets are available by contacting any board member, or Jamie Holoperik, Tim George, Josh Riedel,&nbsp;Cory Johnson, Larry, or Gage Skelton.&nbsp; 

All proceeds raised go to the 4-H Trap Club and the High School program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733926963511.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Pawnee County Pheasants Forever Annual Banquet is Jan. 18 at the Knights of Columbus, 1216 M Road. Social starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and a raffle and auction after dinner.&nbsp; Tickets are available by contacting any board member, or Jamie Holoperik, Tim George, Josh Riedel,&nbsp;Cory Johnson, Larry, or Gage Skelton.&nbsp; All proceeds raised go to the 4-H Trap Club and the High School program.

Pawnee Co. Pheasants Forever banquet Jan. 18

Today Sunny, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as -9. Light southwest wind becoming west-southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 14. South-southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 32. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. North-northwest wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 15.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 38.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 34.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 26. Wind chill values as low as -9. Light southwest wind becoming west-southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 14. South-southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.Thursday A 20 percent chance of snow after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 32. Southwest wind 7 to 13 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. North-northwest wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 15.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 38.Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16.Monday Sunny, with a high near 34.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Just a trace of snow is expected late Thursday night or early Friday
morning, nothing compared to what Barton County and most of the state
experienced this past weekend. 

While citizens are bracing themselves for wind chills
below zero degrees this week, Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley
said city crews are busy removing the snow that was plowed or graded.


"I'd like the public to know as we're doing the removal be attentive," said Cauley. "I know in the past, we've had some pretty close calls with people trying to get past us. Please be patient as we remove the snow."

Great Bend crews were out clearing roads for 13 hours on Sunday and another 11
hours on Monday.


"I do want to say thanks to all of our crews," said Cauley. "They did a lot of work and did a stellar job. I'm really proud of them."

Local law enforcement and state officials warned Barton County citizens to not
drive on Kansas roads for a 48-hour stretch starting on Saturday. The Barton
County Sheriff’s Office noted blowing and drifting snow, making it difficult
for patrol units and wreckers in reaching stranded motorists.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704830622082.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostJust a trace of snow is expected late Thursday night or early Friday
morning, nothing compared to what Barton County and most of the state
experienced this past weekend. While citizens are bracing themselves for wind chills
below zero degrees this week, Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley
said city crews are busy removing the snow that was plowed or graded.
"I'd like the public to know as we're doing the removal be attentive," said Cauley. "I know in the past, we've had some pretty close calls with people trying to get past us. Please be patient as we remove the snow."Great Bend crews were out clearing roads for 13 hours on Sunday and another 11
hours on Monday.
"I do want to say thanks to all of our crews," said Cauley. "They did a lot of work and did a stellar job. I'm really proud of them."Local law enforcement and state officials warned Barton County citizens to not
drive on Kansas roads for a 48-hour stretch starting on Saturday. The Barton
County Sheriff’s Office noted blowing and drifting snow, making it difficult
for patrol units and wreckers in reaching stranded motorists.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend city crews putting in the time with snow removal

From the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce...

It has been a busy 2024 at the Larned Area Chamber, to say the least!&nbsp; We love our community and their support of local businesses, and we are excited for a great and productive 2025!&nbsp; Please stop by and see our updated space inside the Chamber.

From the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce...It has been a busy 2024 at the Larned Area Chamber, to say the least!&nbsp; We love our community and their support of local businesses, and we are excited for a great and productive 2025!&nbsp; Please stop by and see our updated space inside the Chamber.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736265451629.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Larned Chamber's accomplishments & stats of 2024

The University of Kansas Health System announced the arrival of the first baby of the year at its facility in Great Bend.

The Great Bend Campus welcomed Sergio Jr. on Jan. 3 at 2:40 pm to parents Ashley Juergensen and Sergio Ramirez. Sergio Jr. weighed in at 7 lbs and 13 ounces. He’s 20.5 inches long.

To celebrate the special arrival, the family received a gift basket filled with baby items from the Chiefs, Royals, and KC Current, as well as a selection of health system-branded items.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736277322325.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas Health System announced the arrival of the first baby of the year at its facility in Great Bend.The Great Bend Campus welcomed Sergio Jr. on Jan. 3 at 2:40 pm to parents Ashley Juergensen and Sergio Ramirez. Sergio Jr. weighed in at 7 lbs and 13 ounces. He’s 20.5 inches long.To celebrate the special arrival, the family received a gift basket filled with baby items from the Chiefs, Royals, and KC Current, as well as a selection of health system-branded items.&nbsp;

The first baby arrival of the new year at Great Bend hospital

For 125 years, the National Audobon Society has collected bird data via its Christmas Bird Count. Cheyenne Bottoms and Barton County got involved in the count in 1974, and Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said that 50-year stretch makes for a solid set of data locally and afar.

"The ultimate goal of the Christmas Bird Count is to provide baseline information on these bird populations across all of the U.S. and really see what bird populations are doing," he said.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4deaba3e-d96f-43a6-b032-6a9e6dadf92a">READ MORE: All-time highs observed during 2024 Christmas Bird Count</a>

Hundreds of counts are conducted across the United States each year between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The Cheyenne Bottoms Count now includes a 15-mile radius around the Bottoms and includes most communities in Barton County. The area included in the count has changed slightly over the last 50 years.

"It hasn't been done every year and several of those, the location of the count was a little different," Wolf said. "It was more of a Barton County-type thing, then it was shifted a little bit and it's included all of Cheyenne Bottoms and a good portion of Barton County."

<a href="https://netapp.audubon.org/CBCObservation/Historical/ResultsByCount.aspx">The National Audobon's website allows for easy tracking of the Cheyenne Bottoms count since 2013.</a> Given the time of the count in December each year, temperatures have varied from five degrees in 2016 to highs in the 50s this year. Twenty-three volunteer counters recorded 89 species in 2017, and 13 volunteers counted just 76 species on that chilly 2016 day. Since 2013, as few as 61 species have been documented on count day and as many as 97 species in 2020. This year's counted featured all-time highs of snow geese (269,077), green-winged teal (15,145), mourning doves (199), and white-crowned sparrows (182).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708533031047.jpeg" alt="Bufflehead ducks at Cheyenne Bottoms. According to National Audobon Society Christmas Bird Count data, more of the birds were spotted in 2021 than in any other year since 1967. Since 2013, buffleheads have showed up in just six counts at Cheyenne Bottoms, with a maximum of 24 of the ducks in 2014." />
 <figcaption>Bufflehead ducks at Cheyenne Bottoms. According to National Audobon Society Christmas Bird Count data, more of the birds were spotted in 2021 than in any other year since 1967. Since 2013, buffleheads have showed up in just six counts at Cheyenne Bottoms, with a maximum of 24 of the ducks in 2014.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFor 125 years, the National Audobon Society has collected bird data via its Christmas Bird Count. Cheyenne Bottoms and Barton County got involved in the count in 1974, and Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said that 50-year stretch makes for a solid set of data locally and afar."The ultimate goal of the Christmas Bird Count is to provide baseline information on these bird populations across all of the U.S. and really see what bird populations are doing," he said.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4deaba3e-d96f-43a6-b032-6a9e6dadf92a">READ MORE: All-time highs observed during 2024 Christmas Bird Count</a>Hundreds of counts are conducted across the United States each year between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The Cheyenne Bottoms Count now includes a 15-mile radius around the Bottoms and includes most communities in Barton County. The area included in the count has changed slightly over the last 50 years."It hasn't been done every year and several of those, the location of the count was a little different," Wolf said. "It was more of a Barton County-type thing, then it was shifted a little bit and it's included all of Cheyenne Bottoms and a good portion of Barton County."<a href="https://netapp.audubon.org/CBCObservation/Historical/ResultsByCount.aspx">The National Audobon's website allows for easy tracking of the Cheyenne Bottoms count since 2013.</a> Given the time of the count in December each year, temperatures have varied from five degrees in 2016 to highs in the 50s this year. Twenty-three volunteer counters recorded 89 species in 2017, and 13 volunteers counted just 76 species on that chilly 2016 day. Since 2013, as few as 61 species have been documented on count day and as many as 97 species in 2020. This year's counted featured all-time highs of snow geese (269,077), green-winged teal (15,145), mourning doves (199), and white-crowned sparrows (182).

50 years of Christmas Bird Count data paints picture of Cheyenne Bottoms

Take Control of Your Health and Participate in K-State Research and Extension’s Upcoming Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp)

•Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leadingcauses of death in the United States.

•Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.

•Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.

To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Research and Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton County. HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:

· A FREE validated blood pressure monitor.

· An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.

· Monthly nutrition education workshops.

· Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.

•Participants must be at least 18 years old.

•Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have been prescribed high bloodpressure medication.

•Have not experienced a cardiac event within the last 6 months.

•Have not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.

•Have not been diagnosed with or be at risk for lymphedema.

There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure. If you want to participate but are unsure if you meet the requirements, please contact your primary care provider for written permission to participate.

•Participants are expected to attend the Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

•Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).

•Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled at the Kick-Off meeting.

•Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February 25th, March 25th, April 29th, May 27th).

*All events will be held at the Ellis County or Barton County Extension Offices and by zoom. Registration opens on January 7, 2025, and closes on February 3, 2025. The program is FREE, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. To register, please call the office at 785-628-9430.

Please note – HAPp Coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants: learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.

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

K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Take Control of Your Health and Participate in K-State Research and Extension’s Upcoming Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp)The Facts…•Having hypertension increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leadingcauses of death in the United States.•Nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.•Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.To address hypertension in Kansas, K-State Research and Extension is bringing the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention program (HAPp) to Ellis and Barton County. HAPp is a four-month self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program that will provide participants with:· A FREE validated blood pressure monitor.· An opportunity to meet with a trained HAPp Coach twice a month to help take and track blood pressure.· Monthly nutrition education workshops.· Stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies.Participation Requirements:•Participants must be at least 18 years old.•Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have been prescribed high bloodpressure medication.•Have not experienced a cardiac event within the last 6 months.•Have not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.•Have not been diagnosed with or be at risk for lymphedema.There is strong evidence that suggests that participants who engage in SMBP along with clinical or community support can lower their high blood pressure. If you want to participate but are unsure if you meet the requirements, please contact your primary care provider for written permission to participate.What to Expect:•Participants are expected to attend the Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.•Participants are expected to measure their blood pressure at home at least twice per month (February – May).•Participants are expected to attend office hours to discuss SMBP readings and healthy lifestyle strategies twice per month (February – May). Office hours will be scheduled at the Kick-Off meeting.•Participants are highly encouraged to attend nutrition education workshops once per month (February 25th, March 25th, April 29th, May 27th).*All events will be held at the Ellis County or Barton County Extension Offices and by zoom. Registration opens on January 7, 2025, and closes on February 3, 2025. The program is FREE, but you must register to attend. For any questions, please contact Monique Koerner at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. To register, please call the office at 785-628-9430.Please note – HAPp Coaches will not be diagnosing conditions or interpreting blood pressure readings. The HAPp Coach’s role is to help participants: learn proper self-monitoring blood pressure techniques; make their own determination if blood pressure readings are within a healthy range; learn healthy lifestyle strategies that can reduce high blood pressure; and connect to community resources or other Extension programs that can improve health and well-being.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.eduK-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Extension offering new hypertension awareness program

Over the last 10 years, Matt Patzner has continuously worked his way up the ladder of importance in Barton County. He began in the treasurer's office in 2014, then took over as finance and human relations officer in 2016. After spending 14 months as county director of operations, he was named county administrator in February 2023. He will keep that role into 2029 after Donna Zimmerman and the rest of the Barton County Commission approved a new contract extension Tuesday morning.

"I was lucky enough to get to interview him when he first came here," Zimmerman said. "I knew we needed to find a good spot for him because I knew he would be a gem for Barton County and he has certainly proven to be that and then some. His financial background is such a plus in his role as county administrator."

Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson, who was first elected to the body in 2020, has enjoyed working alongside Patzner through some major county projects.

"Him and I got to learn what a county administrator does together, I feel like," Hutchinson said. "We made a few mistakes along the way, but we just decided as we made those mistakes we're going to own them and never do it again. The few times that's happened, I've seen true character."

Among other accomplishments, Patzner was recognized by the commission in May for going above and beyond his duties during the HVAC Renovation Project at the courthouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736268484452.jpeg" alt="Barton County Administrator Matt Patzner" />
 <figcaption>Barton County Administrator Matt Patzner</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOver the last 10 years, Matt Patzner has continuously worked his way up the ladder of importance in Barton County. He began in the treasurer's office in 2014, then took over as finance and human relations officer in 2016. After spending 14 months as county director of operations, he was named county administrator in February 2023. He will keep that role into 2029 after Donna Zimmerman and the rest of the Barton County Commission approved a new contract extension Tuesday morning."I was lucky enough to get to interview him when he first came here," Zimmerman said. "I knew we needed to find a good spot for him because I knew he would be a gem for Barton County and he has certainly proven to be that and then some. His financial background is such a plus in his role as county administrator."Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson, who was first elected to the body in 2020, has enjoyed working alongside Patzner through some major county projects."Him and I got to learn what a county administrator does together, I feel like," Hutchinson said. "We made a few mistakes along the way, but we just decided as we made those mistakes we're going to own them and never do it again. The few times that's happened, I've seen true character."Among other accomplishments, Patzner was recognized by the commission in May for going above and beyond his duties during the HVAC Renovation Project at the courthouse.

Barton County extends county administrator's contract through 2029

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2025 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 33rd consecutive session at KSU and 87th overall.

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2025 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2025 program is Wednesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. In addition, those who register by Friday, Jan. 31, will receive a $50 early-bird discount.

Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110]) through Kansas State University, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed to receive a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at info@ksbstate.org or (785) 550-6492.

For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org.

For information about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 6, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county&nbsp;and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For&nbsp;more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736259806016.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2025 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 33rd consecutive session at KSU and 87th overall.Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2025 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2025 program is Wednesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. In addition, those who register by Friday, Jan. 31, will receive a $50 early-bird discount.Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110]) through Kansas State University, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed to receive a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at info@ksbstate.org or (785) 550-6492.For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org.For information about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 6, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.— #KSBoysState —The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county&nbsp;and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For&nbsp;more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

Applications for 2025 Boys State of Kansas session open

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/6)

At 7:59 a.m. an accident was reported at W. K-4 Highway
&amp; NW 130 Avenue.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/6)

At 6:25 a.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 1315 10th
Street.

At 6:42 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1307
Jefferson.

At 12:19 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2815 28th
Street.

At 4:26 p.m. a request for assistance in getting an oversize
load down the road was made at 10th &amp; Harrison.

At 5:32 p.m. a report of loud music from a vehicle was made
at 9th &amp; Adams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/6)Injury AccidentAt 7:59 a.m. an accident was reported at W. K-4 Highway
&amp; NW 130 Avenue.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/6)Traumatic InjuriesAt 6:25 a.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 1315 10th
Street.Animal Complaint At 6:42 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1307
Jefferson.StrokeAt 12:19 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2815 28th
Street.Traffic EnforcementAt 4:26 p.m. a request for assistance in getting an oversize
load down the road was made at 10th &amp; Harrison.Noise ComplaintAt 5:32 p.m. a report of loud music from a vehicle was made
at 9th &amp; Adams.

Cop Shop (1/6)

1/6 BOOKED: Leroy Miessler II on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Illegal Tag and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Carlos Tejeda-Zaldivar on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Driver's License, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Andrew J. Cline on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $743 cash only.

RELEASED: Leroy Miessler II on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Illegal Tag and Driving While Suspended, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Victor B. Ortiz on Barton County District Court case for DUI, Maximum Speed, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Driving While Suspended, after posting $1,000 cash bond.

RELEASED: Lee S. Leon on Barton County order to report for Probation Violation, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>1/6 BOOKED: Leroy Miessler II on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Illegal Tag and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Carlos Tejeda-Zaldivar on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Driver's License, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Andrew J. Cline on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $743 cash only.RELEASED: Leroy Miessler II on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Illegal Tag and Driving While Suspended, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Victor B. Ortiz on Barton County District Court case for DUI, Maximum Speed, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Driving While Suspended, after posting $1,000 cash bond.RELEASED: Lee S. Leon on Barton County order to report for Probation Violation, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/6)

There will likely be snow on the ground this Friday, Jan. 10 when USD 428 kicks off another installment of its Great Bend Reads - GB Reads for short - Initiative. So throw out the dog days of summer but every K-6 student in the district will receive a copy of "Dog Days" by Karen English as part of the initiative. District Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said the popular scavenger hunt returns for a second year.

"To partner with that and get more families involved, we're again doing a community scavenger hunt on Goosechase, which is a mobile app," she said. "Students are going to be with their families, out exploring Great Bend and finding dog bones that have been hidden around."

Last year's book, "The Wild Robot," was turned into a successful motion picture. A 13-foot-tall robot was part of the celebration at the conclusion of last year's initiative. More than 130 families participated in last year's scavenger hunt to find more than a dozen robots created by students in Great Bend High School's manufacturing and woods classes. This year, elementary students decorated the bones to be found.

"We had a really great participation so we felt like we would try it again this year," Bauer said. "It's photo/video/text responses to some scavenger hunt questions and some trivia questions that help get the whole family involved."

GB Reads was started in 2015. USD 428 has eight book buddies business sponsors for the 2025 initiative. The top five points winners from this year's scavenger hunt will win family fun packages.

<a href="https://sites.google.com/usd428.net/gbreads/scavenger-hunt?authuser=0">CLICK HERE </a>for more information on this year's scavenger hunt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731606789147.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere will likely be snow on the ground this Friday, Jan. 10 when USD 428 kicks off another installment of its Great Bend Reads - GB Reads for short - Initiative. So throw out the dog days of summer but every K-6 student in the district will receive a copy of "Dog Days" by Karen English as part of the initiative. District Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said the popular scavenger hunt returns for a second year."To partner with that and get more families involved, we're again doing a community scavenger hunt on Goosechase, which is a mobile app," she said. "Students are going to be with their families, out exploring Great Bend and finding dog bones that have been hidden around."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708532382880.jpeg" alt="Students at Jefferson Elementary close out last year's initiative with a 13-foot tall robot that made stops at each of the district's elementary schools." />
 <figcaption>Students at Jefferson Elementary close out last year's initiative with a 13-foot tall robot that made stops at each of the district's elementary schools.</figcaption>
 </figure>Last year's book, "The Wild Robot," was turned into a successful motion picture. A 13-foot-tall robot was part of the celebration at the conclusion of last year's initiative. More than 130 families participated in last year's scavenger hunt to find more than a dozen robots created by students in Great Bend High School's manufacturing and woods classes. This year, elementary students decorated the bones to be found."We had a really great participation so we felt like we would try it again this year," Bauer said. "It's photo/video/text responses to some scavenger hunt questions and some trivia questions that help get the whole family involved."GB Reads was started in 2015. USD 428 has eight book buddies business sponsors for the 2025 initiative. The top five points winners from this year's scavenger hunt will win family fun packages.<a href="https://sites.google.com/usd428.net/gbreads/scavenger-hunt?authuser=0">CLICK HERE </a>for more information on this year's scavenger hunt.

2025 GB Reads Initiative kicks off Friday with a new scavenger hunt

One reason natural wetlands are important to the environment is their ability to filter water as it moves throughout a basin. That task may be working against Cheyenne Bottoms. Moderate rains in November, a dry December, and powdery snow that fell over the weekend have kept the Bottoms mostly dry. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said that could be a result of the everchanging landscape at the Bottoms.

"I still think the wetlands themselves are different than they were 40 or 50 years ago in that there's so much more silt in that basin," he said. "If that silt wasn't there, I actually think we'd have more permanent water in there and we'd have water now."

Wolf pointed to recent digging projects completed by Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner and staff. Water stands where silt has been removed in those areas. But the state-controlled portion of the Bottoms is some 20,000 acres. Approximately 1,000 dump trucks full of silt were removed from less than one acre of that land. Ultimately, Mother Nature will have to play a larger role than land management in refilling the Bottoms.

"It's going to take a large rain that produces runoff and comes in through the watershed," said Wolf. "What that amount is, who knows. I think a 3-4 inch rain would do wonders if it was in the right place."

Wolf said a big rain near Odin at the end of summer nearly benefitted the Bottoms greatly. As watersheds go, however, the precipitation fell just north of where it needed and emptied into the Smoky Hill basin instead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736178178021.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOne reason natural wetlands are important to the environment is their ability to filter water as it moves throughout a basin. That task may be working against Cheyenne Bottoms. Moderate rains in November, a dry December, and powdery snow that fell over the weekend have kept the Bottoms mostly dry. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said that could be a result of the everchanging landscape at the Bottoms."I still think the wetlands themselves are different than they were 40 or 50 years ago in that there's so much more silt in that basin," he said. "If that silt wasn't there, I actually think we'd have more permanent water in there and we'd have water now."Wolf pointed to recent digging projects completed by Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner and staff. Water stands where silt has been removed in those areas. But the state-controlled portion of the Bottoms is some 20,000 acres. Approximately 1,000 dump trucks full of silt were removed from less than one acre of that land. Ultimately, Mother Nature will have to play a larger role than land management in refilling the Bottoms."It's going to take a large rain that produces runoff and comes in through the watershed," said Wolf. "What that amount is, who knows. I think a 3-4 inch rain would do wonders if it was in the right place."Wolf said a big rain near Odin at the end of summer nearly benefitted the Bottoms greatly. As watersheds go, however, the precipitation fell just north of where it needed and emptied into the Smoky Hill basin instead.

Dry snow not enough to lift Cheyenne Bottoms out of drought

Schools USD 428 Great Bend has canceled classes.&nbsp; Staff will be allowed to work in their classrooms if they want, but we ask they not enter buildings before 10 a.m. to allow crews time to treat slick sidewalks and parking lots.

Holy Family in Great Bend has canceled Tuesday classes.

USD 112 Central Plains has canceled classes for Tuesday. The basketball games scheduled for Tuesday evening are to be determined.

USD 401 Chase-Raymond has canceled classes for Tuesday.

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 </figure>Tuesday, Jan. 7 Schools USD 428 Great Bend has canceled classes.&nbsp; Staff will be allowed to work in their classrooms if they want, but we ask they not enter buildings before 10 a.m. to allow crews time to treat slick sidewalks and parking lots.Holy Family in Great Bend has canceled Tuesday classes.USD 112 Central Plains has canceled classes for Tuesday. The basketball games scheduled for Tuesday evening are to be determined.USD 401 Chase-Raymond has canceled classes for Tuesday.USD 431 Hoisington has canceled classes for Tuesday. The board of education meeting scheduled for Monday night has been moved to Jan. 13.USD 350 St. John-Hudson has canceled classes for Tuesday.USD 351 Macksville has canceled classes for Tuesday.USD 355 Ellinwood has canceled classes for Tuesday.USD 495 Ft. Larned has canceled classes for Tuesday.USD 496 Pawnee Heights has canceled classes for Tuesday.Great Bend Learning Center has canceled services for Tuesday.Other closings Great Bend Senior Center will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 7. There will be no Friendship Meal or Meals on Wheels, and GB General Public Transportation will also be out of service.Great Bend Public Library is closed on Tuesday.Otis Community Library is closed on Tuesday.Great Bend Rec locations will remain closed Tuesday, Jan. 7. There will be no activities or programs during this time.&nbsp;Larned's Welcome Inn Leisure Senior Center will have no Meals on Wheels or Friendship Meals on Tuesday.Wilson Senior Center is closed on Tuesday.