By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend Recreation Commission has focused on revamping the City
Auditorium over the past year. Last summer, contractors repainted the
auditorium and replaced the lighting above the gym with LED lights. This past
spring, the Rec Board approved a remodel of the main restrooms on the northwest
corner of the auditorium. 

To finish off the gym renovations, Great Bend native
Anna Popp is painting a mural on the east wall above the seating.


"The Rec was strong with wanting a sports theme, but more than that they wanted some of their other activities portrayed," said Popp. "Other things the Rec does like art, cooking and classes outside of sports."

Popp graduated Great Bend High School in 2021 and is entering her senior year
at the University of Kansas this fall. Popp has already painted several murals
around the Great Bend area and other parts of the state but said the Rec
Center mural has provided exciting differences.


"This mural has a little more abstract shapes and a lot of people," said Popp. "I think the biggest difference is just the scale of this is large and having to work scaffolding behind chairs."

Having until August to finish the mural, Popp expected to have it complete in a
few weeks.
Popp added after college she would like to continue mural painting or possibly
working in a museum.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/745a5cb8-7d8b-4b0d-a929-bfca0eab52a2">RELATED STORY: Recent Great Bend grad completes large mural in western Kansas</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718120175502.jpeg" alt="Anna Popp is working on a mural inside the Great Bend City Auditorium this summer." />
 <figcaption>Anna Popp is working on a mural inside the Great Bend City Auditorium this summer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Recreation Commission has focused on revamping the City
Auditorium over the past year. Last summer, contractors repainted the
auditorium and replaced the lighting above the gym with LED lights. This past
spring, the Rec Board approved a remodel of the main restrooms on the northwest
corner of the auditorium. To finish off the gym renovations, Great Bend native
Anna Popp is painting a mural on the east wall above the seating.
"The Rec was strong with wanting a sports theme, but more than that they wanted some of their other activities portrayed," said Popp. "Other things the Rec does like art, cooking and classes outside of sports."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718120270029.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Popp graduated Great Bend High School in 2021 and is entering her senior year
at the University of Kansas this fall. Popp has already painted several murals
around the Great Bend area and other parts of the state but said the Rec
Center mural has provided exciting differences.
"This mural has a little more abstract shapes and a lot of people," said Popp. "I think the biggest difference is just the scale of this is large and having to work scaffolding behind chairs."Having until August to finish the mural, Popp expected to have it complete in a
few weeks.
Popp added after college she would like to continue mural painting or possibly
working in a museum.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/745a5cb8-7d8b-4b0d-a929-bfca0eab52a2">RELATED STORY: Recent Great Bend grad completes large mural in western Kansas</a>

Great Bend artist Popp working on next mural at City Auditorium

Today Sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South-southwest wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South-southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East-northeast wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. East-northeast wind 7 to 14 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Breezy.

Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Breezy.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Breezy.

Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Breezy.

Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South-southwest wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South-southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East-northeast wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. East-northeast wind 7 to 14 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Breezy.Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Breezy.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Breezy.Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Breezy.Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

According to the profit/loss report the Golden Belt Humane Society
submitted to the City of Great Bend, the animal shelter showed a loss of more than $62,000 in 2023. The Humane Society relies on funding from the city, Barton
County, donations and grants. 

While the City of Great Bend contributes more
than three times the funding to the Humane Society compared to the county,
Golden Belt offers animal control and other services to the entire county. Great
Bend City Council member Alan Moeder voiced concern for Great Bend residents.


"When the city pays for something and the county pays for something, the city people are paying for it twice," said Moeder. "That really bothers me. We're paying our county taxes and paying our city taxes. We're helping you out twice. Somehow, someway, we have to figure this out that the county throws more money in."

In 2024, the City of Great Bend contributed $107,500 to the Humane Society as
an outside agency request. Barton County contributed $31,500 this year. The
majority of calls handled by Golden Belt in 2023 came from within Great Bend
city limits, 1,175 from Great Bend compared to 198 around the county. 


Humane Society Board of Directors member Jim Welch said the cost of basic animal
care has increased over the years.


"The city first started funding the Humane Society in 2009," said Welch. "Before that, the Humane Society had no help from the city or county. It was all on a donation basis or the Board of Directors put money out of their pocket to keep it running."

Golden Belt requested an increase in their 2025 budget, asking for $115,500 from Great Bend and $40,000 from Barton County.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"If it's county-wide, then the county should take care of it," said Moeder. "If it's city-wide, then only the city should take care of it. That's how I feel about it."

"We appreciate everything the city does and everything the county does," replied Welch. "I see your point, but trying to get the county to move on this situation might be a little difficult."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718038490790.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAccording to the profit/loss report the Golden Belt Humane Society
submitted to the City of Great Bend, the animal shelter showed a loss of more than $62,000 in 2023. The Humane Society relies on funding from the city, Barton
County, donations and grants. While the City of Great Bend contributes more
than three times the funding to the Humane Society compared to the county,
Golden Belt offers animal control and other services to the entire county. Great
Bend City Council member Alan Moeder voiced concern for Great Bend residents.
"When the city pays for something and the county pays for something, the city people are paying for it twice," said Moeder. "That really bothers me. We're paying our county taxes and paying our city taxes. We're helping you out twice. Somehow, someway, we have to figure this out that the county throws more money in."In 2024, the City of Great Bend contributed $107,500 to the Humane Society as
an outside agency request. Barton County contributed $31,500 this year. The
majority of calls handled by Golden Belt in 2023 came from within Great Bend
city limits, 1,175 from Great Bend compared to 198 around the county. 
Humane Society Board of Directors member Jim Welch said the cost of basic animal
care has increased over the years.
"The city first started funding the Humane Society in 2009," said Welch. "Before that, the Humane Society had no help from the city or county. It was all on a donation basis or the Board of Directors put money out of their pocket to keep it running."Golden Belt requested an increase in their 2025 budget, asking for $115,500 from Great Bend and $40,000 from Barton County.&nbsp; &nbsp;"If it's county-wide, then the county should take care of it," said Moeder. "If it's city-wide, then only the city should take care of it. That's how I feel about it.""We appreciate everything the city does and everything the county does," replied Welch. "I see your point, but trying to get the county to move on this situation might be a little difficult."&nbsp;

GB councilmember: Residents taxed twice for humane society

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Barton County Fair is just a couple of weeks away. In January, the Barton County Fair Association announced this year's fair would be held June 26-30 to allow for the return of a carnival. Away for the midway, the lineup for the Celebrity Showmanship contest has been announced. Eagle Radio's Shannon Towns and Becca Tudor will be among the seven celebrities battling for bragging rights to who is the best handler of the bacon.

"I'm really looking forward to the competition this year, and it looks like it could be a tough one," Towns said. "We've got Kevin Burkey, Kelci Burkey, they're already talking some smack online. Wally Eldridge, how are we going to beat him? Angie Hicks, she's always ready for a good time. Micca Schneider at University of Kansas Health System, it could be a lot of fun this year. I definitely going to beat Becca."

Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson was new to his role with the city last July. He was not new to pigs and it showed by winning last year's competition. Towns is already doing her research to follow in his footsteps.

"The most dabbling I've done in pig showing is on TikTok," she said. "I found some tips and tricks, and I think one of the tactics is eye contact: maybe with the pig, maybe with the judges. We'll find out."

This year's Celebrity Showmanship is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the Expo III Aaron's Repair Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688996046918.jpeg" alt="Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson won last year's Celebrity Showmanship at the Barton County Fair. Seven area celebrities will vow for this year's title, including Eagle Radio's Shannon Towns and Becca Tudor." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson won last year's Celebrity Showmanship at the Barton County Fair. Seven area celebrities will vow for this year's title, including Eagle Radio's Shannon Towns and Becca Tudor.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Barton County Fair is just a couple of weeks away. In January, the Barton County Fair Association announced this year's fair would be held June 26-30 to allow for the return of a carnival. Away for the midway, the lineup for the Celebrity Showmanship contest has been announced. Eagle Radio's Shannon Towns and Becca Tudor will be among the seven celebrities battling for bragging rights to who is the best handler of the bacon."I'm really looking forward to the competition this year, and it looks like it could be a tough one," Towns said. "We've got Kevin Burkey, Kelci Burkey, they're already talking some smack online. Wally Eldridge, how are we going to beat him? Angie Hicks, she's always ready for a good time. Micca Schneider at University of Kansas Health System, it could be a lot of fun this year. I definitely going to beat Becca."Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson was new to his role with the city last July. He was not new to pigs and it showed by winning last year's competition. Towns is already doing her research to follow in his footsteps."The most dabbling I've done in pig showing is on TikTok," she said. "I found some tips and tricks, and I think one of the tactics is eye contact: maybe with the pig, maybe with the judges. We'll find out."This year's Celebrity Showmanship is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the Expo III Aaron's Repair Arena.

Barton County Fair announces lineup for Celebrity Showmanship contest

The City of Great Bend Public Lands Department announces that the large playground on the south side of Veterans Lake will be closed for repairs starting Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The closure is expected to last one week.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve the safety and quality of our recreational facilities. The repairs are essential to ensure the playground remains a safe and enjoyable space for our community.

For more information, please contact the City of Great Bend Public Lands Department at (620-793-4111). Thank you for your cooperation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584729121180.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the City of Great Bend...The City of Great Bend Public Lands Department announces that the large playground on the south side of Veterans Lake will be closed for repairs starting Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The closure is expected to last one week.We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve the safety and quality of our recreational facilities. The repairs are essential to ensure the playground remains a safe and enjoyable space for our community.For more information, please contact the City of Great Bend Public Lands Department at (620-793-4111). Thank you for your cooperation.

Vets Park playground in Great Bend closed for repairs

News from the Oil Patch, June 10 John P. Tretbar

Four states now boast average prices for regular gasoline below $3 per gallon. The cheapest pump prices are in Mississippi, followed by Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. The auto club AAA reports Kansas prices are down four cents to $3.04 per gallon, with some counties in northeastern Kansas below $3.The near-month contract for light sweet crude in New York settled Friday at $75.53 per barrel, a weekly loss of more than a dollar and a half. Futures prices gained a dollar and change by midday Monday, with Nymex crude topping $76 and London Brent over $80 a barrel.

Kansas prices start the week at $65.75 per barrel, down two dollars from the first of the month but up nearly four dollars from the first of the year.&nbsp; Prices in McPherson in May dropped from $69.25 to $67.25 per barrel, for a monthly average of $68.81 per barrel.

The crude export group known as OPEC-Plus will extend its production cuts, but also set an end-date, or at least the beginning of one. Some output cuts will stay, some will be phased out. But, prices dropped more than three percent, to four-month lows, on the announcement from a group with the stated goal of increasing prices. Eight OPEC-Plus members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia will pump up production by more than two million barrels per day beginning in October.

The Energy Secretary says SPR refills could start to happen faster. The U.S. could speed up current efforts to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as maintenance on the stockpile is completed by the end of the year. That's according to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in an interview with Reuters. Granholm said she does not expect a big increase in oil and gas prices soon. The Energy Department this year has been buying about 3 million barrels of oil per month for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after selling 180 million barrels in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The government added another 900,000 barrels to our strategic reserves last week bringing the total to 370.2 million barrels as of May 31. They're paying less than $80 a barrel, after selling strategic barrels for over $95. That's a paper profit over $5.5 Billion.

EIA said commercial inventories increased by 1.2 million barrels to just under 456 million barrels. Stockpiles are about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

Crude production in the United States held steady with some modest increases in Alaska raising last week's total to 13,126,000 barrels per day.

Crude production in the United States rose to 408.6 million barrels in March. That's 13,182,000 barrels per day, up 77-thousand daily barrels from the month before. The Energy Information Administration reports production in Kansas averaged 74-thousand barrels a day. That's up one-and-a-half percent from February but down nearly four percent from a year ago.

EIA reports a big drop in quarterly averages, due largely to the weather downturn across the US in January. First quarter production drops to 12.9 million barrels per day across the US, and 70-thousand barrels per day in Kansas.

Output continues to decline in Texas, the nation's biggest oil producer. The latest preliminary numbers from the Railroad Commission shows crude production of 120.7 million barrels in March, which is the lowest monthly tally since February of 2022. It's more than a million barrels lower than February, &nbsp;more than seven million barrels lower than January and more than 20-million barrels less than the all-time high in July of last year. The total for January through March is 370.6 million barrels, or 4.07 million per day.&nbsp; The all time best first-quarter production total in The Lone Star State was a year ago, when three-month production averaged over 4.4 million barrels a day.

U.S. crude oil imports averaged 7.1 million barrels per day last week, an increase of 289 thousand barrels per day from the previous week.&nbsp; Crude imports outpace exports by more than 2.5 million barrels a day. Four week average imports are up more than three percent from last year.

Hess Corp. shareholders approved the company’s buyout by Chevron for $53 billion. Just 51% of outstanding shares voted to accept the offer.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped by five horizontal rigs, down four oil rigs and two gas rigs to 594 nationwide. Oklahoma was down four from last week.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up seven percent, but still down 24% from a year ago, at 32 active rigs. There are 13 in eastern Kansas and 19 west of Wichita. Both tallies are up one for the week. Operators reached total depth this week on wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. They're rigging up and preparing to spud on a lease in Stafford county.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, June 10 John P. TretbarFour states now boast average prices for regular gasoline below $3 per gallon. The cheapest pump prices are in Mississippi, followed by Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. The auto club AAA reports Kansas prices are down four cents to $3.04 per gallon, with some counties in northeastern Kansas below $3.The near-month contract for light sweet crude in New York settled Friday at $75.53 per barrel, a weekly loss of more than a dollar and a half. Futures prices gained a dollar and change by midday Monday, with Nymex crude topping $76 and London Brent over $80 a barrel.Kansas prices start the week at $65.75 per barrel, down two dollars from the first of the month but up nearly four dollars from the first of the year.&nbsp; Prices in McPherson in May dropped from $69.25 to $67.25 per barrel, for a monthly average of $68.81 per barrel.The crude export group known as OPEC-Plus will extend its production cuts, but also set an end-date, or at least the beginning of one. Some output cuts will stay, some will be phased out. But, prices dropped more than three percent, to four-month lows, on the announcement from a group with the stated goal of increasing prices. Eight OPEC-Plus members led by Saudi Arabia and Russia will pump up production by more than two million barrels per day beginning in October.The Energy Secretary says SPR refills could start to happen faster. The U.S. could speed up current efforts to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as maintenance on the stockpile is completed by the end of the year. That's according to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in an interview with Reuters. Granholm said she does not expect a big increase in oil and gas prices soon. The Energy Department this year has been buying about 3 million barrels of oil per month for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve after selling 180 million barrels in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.The government added another 900,000 barrels to our strategic reserves last week bringing the total to 370.2 million barrels as of May 31. They're paying less than $80 a barrel, after selling strategic barrels for over $95. That's a paper profit over $5.5 Billion.EIA said commercial inventories increased by 1.2 million barrels to just under 456 million barrels. Stockpiles are about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.Crude production in the United States held steady with some modest increases in Alaska raising last week's total to 13,126,000 barrels per day.Crude production in the United States rose to 408.6 million barrels in March. That's 13,182,000 barrels per day, up 77-thousand daily barrels from the month before. The Energy Information Administration reports production in Kansas averaged 74-thousand barrels a day. That's up one-and-a-half percent from February but down nearly four percent from a year ago.EIA reports a big drop in quarterly averages, due largely to the weather downturn across the US in January. First quarter production drops to 12.9 million barrels per day across the US, and 70-thousand barrels per day in Kansas.Output continues to decline in Texas, the nation's biggest oil producer. The latest preliminary numbers from the Railroad Commission shows crude production of 120.7 million barrels in March, which is the lowest monthly tally since February of 2022. It's more than a million barrels lower than February, &nbsp;more than seven million barrels lower than January and more than 20-million barrels less than the all-time high in July of last year. The total for January through March is 370.6 million barrels, or 4.07 million per day.&nbsp; The all time best first-quarter production total in The Lone Star State was a year ago, when three-month production averaged over 4.4 million barrels a day.U.S. crude oil imports averaged 7.1 million barrels per day last week, an increase of 289 thousand barrels per day from the previous week.&nbsp; Crude imports outpace exports by more than 2.5 million barrels a day. Four week average imports are up more than three percent from last year.Hess Corp. shareholders approved the company’s buyout by Chevron for $53 billion. Just 51% of outstanding shares voted to accept the offer.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped by five horizontal rigs, down four oil rigs and two gas rigs to 594 nationwide. Oklahoma was down four from last week.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up seven percent, but still down 24% from a year ago, at 32 active rigs. There are 13 in eastern Kansas and 19 west of Wichita. Both tallies are up one for the week. Operators reached total depth this week on wells in Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. They're rigging up and preparing to spud on a lease in Stafford county.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Pump prices drop below $3 in four states

The “Shank Tank” style business competition, IGNITE Rural Business, is
still accepting applications for entrepreneurs to start their companies in
Barton County. 

Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said the
competition is back for a second year to provide participants with business
exposure, mentorship and the chance of cash prizes to begin their business
idea.


"If you're reading this and you're still thinking of getting your submission in, please do," said Arnberger. "We would love to have you. As a reminder, we give away $95,000 in prize money that we raise through the sale of tax credits for NetWork Kansas."

Within the $95,000 available in prize money, the first-place winner receives
$50,000.


The deadline to submit an application is this Thursday, June 13. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.igniteks.com/" target="_blank">www.igniteks.com</a>&nbsp;for complete details and to complete the application.

The top 10 businesses will be selected by early August. The top five
participants will make a Shark Tank style pitch to a live audience during the
finale event at the Crest Theater in Great Bend in October.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717776200373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe “Shank Tank” style business competition, IGNITE Rural Business, is
still accepting applications for entrepreneurs to start their companies in
Barton County. Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said the
competition is back for a second year to provide participants with business
exposure, mentorship and the chance of cash prizes to begin their business
idea.
"If you're reading this and you're still thinking of getting your submission in, please do," said Arnberger. "We would love to have you. As a reminder, we give away $95,000 in prize money that we raise through the sale of tax credits for NetWork Kansas."Within the $95,000 available in prize money, the first-place winner receives
$50,000.
The deadline to submit an application is this Thursday, June 13. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.igniteks.com/" target="_blank">www.igniteks.com</a>&nbsp;for complete details and to complete the application.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F6NcFTJ5n3E?si=z4xEiZICUlxsLWbc" 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>The top 10 businesses will be selected by early August. The top five
participants will make a Shark Tank style pitch to a live audience during the
finale event at the Crest Theater in Great Bend in October.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Entrepreneur competition in Barton Co. approaching, deadline Thursday

Hear this week's Ask the Expert episode with Eagle Radio's Dakota Tucker and Dr. Kurt Williams from Central Kansas Dentistry in Ellsworth that aired June 11, 2024.

The Central Kansas Dentistry program airs the second Tuesday each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's Ask the Expert episode with Eagle Radio's Dakota Tucker and Dr. Kurt Williams from Central Kansas Dentistry in Ellsworth that aired June 11, 2024.<div><iframe title="Central Kansas Dentistry June show (Sponsored)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6bvdt-163bb82-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Central Kansas Dentistry program airs the second Tuesday each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast (Sponsored): Central Kansas Dentistry June show

The consent agenda at a board of education meeting is usually the easy part. The USD 428 Board of Education entered into a healthy debate Monday evening regarding food services to the new Bright Beginnings childcare facility in Great Bend. Board Member Chad Burroughs voiced the loudest concern to Superintendent Khris Thexton.

"When the daycare was first announced, before the first shovel of dirt was turned over, I was approached by a taxpayer who was concerned and he heard that the district was going to provide meals for this daycare," Burroughs said. "They said, 'Why are my tax dollars for the school district paying for meals at the daycare?' I came to you, and that's when you said I don't think that's something we're going to be interested in doing. 

"When I saw this new contract on here, we're in the education business. We're not in the daycare business. This is going to, I believe, set a precedent. All daycares are having a hard time making ends meet with the rising cost of everything. I'll be the bad guy, it doesn't matter to me. If we set the precedent for this daycare, what will stop the other daycares just down the alley here from saying we need to cut costs. We'll pay the $3.50 a plate and it will be one less thing we have to worry about?"

Thexton said, upon learning of the need for food services at Bright Beginnings, he approached USD 428 Food Services Director Kristy Alvord to see what kind of impacts assisting the daycare would have on her staff and finances.

"We've had a lot of situations where we've worked with the rec department, the city," Thexton said. "We've had these opportunities to help make our community better. This is a program that's needed in our community. We don't have enough childcare facilities. This is an opportunity to help them get on their feet, get them moving forward."

Board President Jacquie Disque asked Alvord how many meals a day the district would be providing. Alvord said the district is currently providing meals for 10 students, and the pair discussed what additional students would mean for the district.

"It doesn't matter whether I'm making 500 servings of chili in a big pot or 530, it's one person making it," Alvord said. "It's all the same, so it's not really increasing my labor too much at all."

Alvord also explained that, with the new Little Panthers Preschool, the district will be making fewer stops to transport lunches to schools. Bright Beginnings is not off the district's normal route, and any staff or fuel expenses would be paid for through the lunches and breakfasts. The board did approve increases for preschool meals to total $3.85 for breakfast and lunch at the preschool level. The district would charge Bright Beginnings $5 for the same meals.

Disque asked when Bright Beginnings expects to have its own kitchen, to which Thexton said the latest expected date is 2026.

"This is a short-term thing," he said. "We could be in this one year and done. Like I said, with the partnership they've created to get this thing off the ground, it put a little more urgency on helping them."

The board continued with questions. Randy Wetzel asked about federal grant requirements and if a kitchen was included in plans for Bright Beginnings. Board Vice President Aaron Emerson asked Alvord if there are any laws restricting a school district from providing meals to a daycare. Alvord said there were not. Burroughs asked if the 12-month contract with Bright Beginnings had already been signed.

"Are we committed?" she responded. "No, it's not signed, but we did tell them we would help them out."

Thexton said Alvord has already helped Bright Beginnings by instructing them what equipment they would need to cook and serve food.

"If we go that way where it's not signed and moved forward, I'll need to notify them so they can make other arrangements moving forward," he said.

Burroughs then made a motion to not sign the contract. There was no second to the motion, thus the motion failed.

"I'm just afraid it's going to set too big of a precedent for other daycares and it's going to open us up into a wormhole I don't think we can get ourselves into and be viewed as playing favorites," he said. "It's been a concern when it was first announced to me and for the taxpayers. We get enough grief for raising the mill levy and tax increases. I just can't do it."

Disque also balked at a 12-month contract before knowing how and when the district would be reimbursed. Alvord said the contract could be shortened but not lengthened past a year. Assistant Superintendent John Popp and Alvord discussed that the current contract does require payment within 30 days of services. Disque suggested the district try a six-month contract that could be renewed before it expires.

"That will give you until Christmas," she said, "and I think it would give us a good idea, if we have other daycares present and ask the question, 'Why can't we do this as well.'" 

Popp said he was not concerned a contract with Bright Beginnings would set a precedent, and that the daycare does have a second option with food services from USD 431 Hoisington.

"I get that it could open up a thing with other daycares, but honestly, we're not obligated to provide anything for any daycare at any point," Popp said. "I don't believe this opens up any kind of precedent we would have to comply with. This is a one-time special situation to support an entity that is trying to get off the ground for something we desperately need in this community, which is daycare. If we partner with them for a year or six months, personally, I felt it looked a little bit bad if we allowed a different school district to provide lunches for these kiddos when we're right here."

The board had already scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, June 26 at 7:30 a.m. Members agreed to approve increases in lunch and breakfast fees during Monday's meeting but agreed to table a vote on the Bright Beginnings contract until the June 26 meeting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718123426043.jpeg" alt="The USD 428 Board of Education and district administrators discussed a potential food services contract with Bright Beginnings during Monday's meeting. The contract will be further discussed at a June 26 meeting." />
 <figcaption>The USD 428 Board of Education and district administrators discussed a potential food services contract with Bright Beginnings during Monday's meeting. The contract will be further discussed at a June 26 meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe consent agenda at a board of education meeting is usually the easy part. The USD 428 Board of Education entered into a healthy debate Monday evening regarding food services to the new Bright Beginnings childcare facility in Great Bend. Board Member Chad Burroughs voiced the loudest concern to Superintendent Khris Thexton."When the daycare was first announced, before the first shovel of dirt was turned over, I was approached by a taxpayer who was concerned and he heard that the district was going to provide meals for this daycare," Burroughs said. "They said, 'Why are my tax dollars for the school district paying for meals at the daycare?' I came to you, and that's when you said I don't think that's something we're going to be interested in doing. "When I saw this new contract on here, we're in the education business. We're not in the daycare business. This is going to, I believe, set a precedent. All daycares are having a hard time making ends meet with the rising cost of everything. I'll be the bad guy, it doesn't matter to me. If we set the precedent for this daycare, what will stop the other daycares just down the alley here from saying we need to cut costs. We'll pay the $3.50 a plate and it will be one less thing we have to worry about?"Thexton said, upon learning of the need for food services at Bright Beginnings, he approached USD 428 Food Services Director Kristy Alvord to see what kind of impacts assisting the daycare would have on her staff and finances."We've had a lot of situations where we've worked with the rec department, the city," Thexton said. "We've had these opportunities to help make our community better. This is a program that's needed in our community. We don't have enough childcare facilities. This is an opportunity to help them get on their feet, get them moving forward."Board President Jacquie Disque asked Alvord how many meals a day the district would be providing. Alvord said the district is currently providing meals for 10 students, and the pair discussed what additional students would mean for the district."It doesn't matter whether I'm making 500 servings of chili in a big pot or 530, it's one person making it," Alvord said. "It's all the same, so it's not really increasing my labor too much at all."Alvord also explained that, with the new Little Panthers Preschool, the district will be making fewer stops to transport lunches to schools. Bright Beginnings is not off the district's normal route, and any staff or fuel expenses would be paid for through the lunches and breakfasts. The board did approve increases for preschool meals to total $3.85 for breakfast and lunch at the preschool level. The district would charge Bright Beginnings $5 for the same meals.Disque asked when Bright Beginnings expects to have its own kitchen, to which Thexton said the latest expected date is 2026."This is a short-term thing," he said. "We could be in this one year and done. Like I said, with the partnership they've created to get this thing off the ground, it put a little more urgency on helping them."The board continued with questions. Randy Wetzel asked about federal grant requirements and if a kitchen was included in plans for Bright Beginnings. Board Vice President Aaron Emerson asked Alvord if there are any laws restricting a school district from providing meals to a daycare. Alvord said there were not. Burroughs asked if the 12-month contract with Bright Beginnings had already been signed."Are we committed?" she responded. "No, it's not signed, but we did tell them we would help them out."Thexton said Alvord has already helped Bright Beginnings by instructing them what equipment they would need to cook and serve food."If we go that way where it's not signed and moved forward, I'll need to notify them so they can make other arrangements moving forward," he said.Burroughs then made a motion to not sign the contract. There was no second to the motion, thus the motion failed."I'm just afraid it's going to set too big of a precedent for other daycares and it's going to open us up into a wormhole I don't think we can get ourselves into and be viewed as playing favorites," he said. "It's been a concern when it was first announced to me and for the taxpayers. We get enough grief for raising the mill levy and tax increases. I just can't do it."Disque also balked at a 12-month contract before knowing how and when the district would be reimbursed. Alvord said the contract could be shortened but not lengthened past a year. Assistant Superintendent John Popp and Alvord discussed that the current contract does require payment within 30 days of services. Disque suggested the district try a six-month contract that could be renewed before it expires."That will give you until Christmas," she said, "and I think it would give us a good idea, if we have other daycares present and ask the question, 'Why can't we do this as well.'" Popp said he was not concerned a contract with Bright Beginnings would set a precedent, and that the daycare does have a second option with food services from USD 431 Hoisington."I get that it could open up a thing with other daycares, but honestly, we're not obligated to provide anything for any daycare at any point," Popp said. "I don't believe this opens up any kind of precedent we would have to comply with. This is a one-time special situation to support an entity that is trying to get off the ground for something we desperately need in this community, which is daycare. If we partner with them for a year or six months, personally, I felt it looked a little bit bad if we allowed a different school district to provide lunches for these kiddos when we're right here."The board had already scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, June 26 at 7:30 a.m. Members agreed to approve increases in lunch and breakfast fees during Monday's meeting but agreed to table a vote on the Bright Beginnings contract until the June 26 meeting.

Great Bend BOE not ready to enter into lunch agreement with new daycare

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, June 11 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building

2. Property/Liability/Work Comp Insurance Review – Mark Dean

3. Department of Labor Standards – Mark Dean

4. Digital Opportunities Connecting Kansans (DOCK) – Kathy Kottas

5. Innovative Strategies to Growing Enrollment – Elaine Simmons

6. KACC Quarterly Meeting Review – Chairman Johnson

7. Trustee Replacement Review – Chairman Johnson

8. Dr. Heilman approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Grant acceptance w/Institutional Obligation less than $50,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Corporation Commission Grant; Kansas Corporation Commission &nbsp; &nbsp; MOU &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership – 5 year renewal &nbsp; &nbsp; Application &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA) &nbsp; &nbsp; Military On-Sire Training (MOST) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • 5th Engineer Battalion; Fort Leonard Wood, MO – Training Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; Barton Great Plains OSHA Training Institute Education Center (GPOEC) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Jacam Catalyst; Sterling, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Assistant &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Clara Barton Hospital; Hoisington, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Citizens Medical Center; Colby, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, June 11 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts BuildingDiscussion Topics1. May Financial Statement – Mark Dean2. Property/Liability/Work Comp Insurance Review – Mark Dean3. Department of Labor Standards – Mark Dean4. Digital Opportunities Connecting Kansans (DOCK) – Kathy Kottas5. Innovative Strategies to Growing Enrollment – Elaine Simmons6. KACC Quarterly Meeting Review – Chairman Johnson7. Trustee Replacement Review – Chairman Johnson8. Dr. Heilman approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Grant acceptance w/Institutional Obligation less than $50,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Corporation Commission Grant; Kansas Corporation Commission &nbsp; &nbsp; MOU &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership – 5 year renewal &nbsp; &nbsp; Application &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA) &nbsp; &nbsp; Military On-Sire Training (MOST) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • 5th Engineer Battalion; Fort Leonard Wood, MO – Training Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; Barton Great Plains OSHA Training Institute Education Center (GPOEC) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Jacam Catalyst; Sterling, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Assistant &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Clara Barton Hospital; Hoisington, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Citizens Medical Center; Colby, KS

Barton CC Trustees study session agenda (6/11)

Repairs from the July 16 storm that ripped through Great Bend nearly a year ago are still in the works. Due to the nature of the roofing material at the Barton County Health Department, repairs were best served in warmer weather. Tuesday morning, County Administrator Matt Patzner presented the commission with three bids to complete the repairs.

"It's my recommendation to go with Washington Roofing Company because, included in their bid, was a urethane coating," he said. "The original application of the roof was done with urethane, and if you don't keep the same adhesive with future applications, that can cause issues going forward. Washington Roofing Company was the only one that included that urethane."

Washington Roofing, based in Great Bend, came in with the high bid at $39,576. Another Great Bend company bid the project at $37,875, and a Lenexa-based firm bid the work at $27,902. Commissioner Duane Reif pointed out that Washington's warranty for the work also far exceeded that of competitors.

"The urethane, I think that is supposed to be the best we can get," he said. "For a 10-year warranty, I think that's worth it."

Insurance paid out $40,000 for the roof repairs, minus a deductible. Patzner said that payout would pay for most of the repair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642101488564.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostRepairs from the July 16 storm that ripped through Great Bend nearly a year ago are still in the works. Due to the nature of the roofing material at the Barton County Health Department, repairs were best served in warmer weather. Tuesday morning, County Administrator Matt Patzner presented the commission with three bids to complete the repairs."It's my recommendation to go with Washington Roofing Company because, included in their bid, was a urethane coating," he said. "The original application of the roof was done with urethane, and if you don't keep the same adhesive with future applications, that can cause issues going forward. Washington Roofing Company was the only one that included that urethane."Washington Roofing, based in Great Bend, came in with the high bid at $39,576. Another Great Bend company bid the project at $37,875, and a Lenexa-based firm bid the work at $27,902. Commissioner Duane Reif pointed out that Washington's warranty for the work also far exceeded that of competitors."The urethane, I think that is supposed to be the best we can get," he said. "For a 10-year warranty, I think that's worth it."Insurance paid out $40,000 for the roof repairs, minus a deductible. Patzner said that payout would pay for most of the repair.

Barton Commission approves roof repairs at health department

As discussed in 2021, the Great Bend Recreation Commission made a plan
to increase their tax rate to stay competitive with staff wages. The Rec
Commission Board was able to follow through on the move Monday by approving
$110,500 in wage increases for the GBRC staff. Board Member Dr. Jon Pike made the
motion that was approved with a 4-0 vote.


"We made a motion to approve $110,500 to appropriate wage increases for administration, supervisory and seasonal staff effective July 1, 2024," said Pike.

The Great Bend Rec increased their mill levy by one mill in the 2022-2023
budget from 8.75 mills to 9.75. At that time, administration noted the increase
was to invest in their employees.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3111943e-78ae-4678-a1f2-ec964274cea0">RELATED STORY: Great Bend Rec approves $227,000 more in taxes for 2024</a>

Before this year’s budget, the Great Bend Recreation Commission was given a
Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) of 8.595 to collect the same amount of tax dollars
as the year prior. The Rec Board approved a motion to exceed the RNR and
distribute a 9.75 mill levy to taxpayers, thus collecting an additional
$227,000 in tax dollars for the 2024 fiscal budget compared to the year before.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718114251720.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs discussed in 2021, the Great Bend Recreation Commission made a plan
to increase their tax rate to stay competitive with staff wages. The Rec
Commission Board was able to follow through on the move Monday by approving
$110,500 in wage increases for the GBRC staff. Board Member Dr. Jon Pike made the
motion that was approved with a 4-0 vote.
"We made a motion to approve $110,500 to appropriate wage increases for administration, supervisory and seasonal staff effective July 1, 2024," said Pike.The Great Bend Rec increased their mill levy by one mill in the 2022-2023
budget from 8.75 mills to 9.75. At that time, administration noted the increase
was to invest in their employees.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3111943e-78ae-4678-a1f2-ec964274cea0">RELATED STORY: Great Bend Rec approves $227,000 more in taxes for 2024</a>Before this year’s budget, the Great Bend Recreation Commission was given a
Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) of 8.595 to collect the same amount of tax dollars
as the year prior. The Rec Board approved a motion to exceed the RNR and
distribute a 9.75 mill levy to taxpayers, thus collecting an additional
$227,000 in tax dollars for the 2024 fiscal budget compared to the year before.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Rec approves $110,500 for wage increases

Beginning June 11, Great Bend residents should expect multiple road closures due to work being completed by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, our wholesale power supplier.&nbsp;

Work will begin around 9:30 AM CDT on Tuesday, June 11 at the intersection of 8th Street and Hubbard Street. Residents should expect a road closure in the area, detailed in the map below.&nbsp;

Work will continue through at least Tuesday, June 25, beginning at 8 a.m. CDT daily, and road closures are expected every working/business day, Monday through Friday. See our maps below for more detailed information.&nbsp;

Sunflower will be replacing wooden poles in the areas with upgraded steel poles along their transmission lines. Wheatland&nbsp; Electric line crews will be assisting with work throughout this multi-week project.&nbsp;

All motorists and pedestrians should steer clear of the designated work areas on the dates indicated below until all work is complete. No outages are expected during most days of this project. A short outage is expected on Thursday, June 24, potentially up to four hours, and extends from 281 Bypass to Baker St., for residences between 16th St. and Broadway Ave. Operations crews will be notifying affected residents 24-48 hours in advance by traveling door to door and with front door hangers for residents who are away from home.&nbsp;

Questions? Please contact&nbsp;<a href="emailto:memberservices@weci.net">memberservices@weci.net</a>&nbsp;today. We thank our co-op members in Great Bend for their patience and understanding during this extended upgrade project.&nbsp;

Tuesday, June 11: Road closure expected at 8th St. and Hubbard St. intersection

Wednesday, June 12: Road closure along Hubbard St. between 10th St. and 11th St.&nbsp;

Thursday, June 13: Road closure expected at Lakin Ave. and Hubbard St.

Friday, June 14:&nbsp; Road closure expected near 16th St. and Heizer St.&nbsp;

Monday, June 17: Road closure expected along Hubbard St. between Broadway Ave. and Park Ave.&nbsp;

Tuesday, June 18, to Thursday, June 20: Intersection of Hubbard St. and 16th St.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday, June 24: Road closure along Hubbard St., between 16th St. and Broadway Ave., with outages expected from 281 Bypass to Baker between 16th and Broadway

Tuesday, June 25: 16th Street between Hubbard St. and Heizer St.

From Wheatland Electric...Beginning June 11, Great Bend residents should expect multiple road closures due to work being completed by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, our wholesale power supplier.&nbsp;Work will begin around 9:30 AM CDT on Tuesday, June 11 at the intersection of 8th Street and Hubbard Street. Residents should expect a road closure in the area, detailed in the map below.&nbsp;Work will continue through at least Tuesday, June 25, beginning at 8 a.m. CDT daily, and road closures are expected every working/business day, Monday through Friday. See our maps below for more detailed information.&nbsp;Sunflower will be replacing wooden poles in the areas with upgraded steel poles along their transmission lines. Wheatland&nbsp; Electric line crews will be assisting with work throughout this multi-week project.&nbsp;All motorists and pedestrians should steer clear of the designated work areas on the dates indicated below until all work is complete. No outages are expected during most days of this project. A short outage is expected on Thursday, June 24, potentially up to four hours, and extends from 281 Bypass to Baker St., for residences between 16th St. and Broadway Ave. Operations crews will be notifying affected residents 24-48 hours in advance by traveling door to door and with front door hangers for residents who are away from home.&nbsp;Questions? Please contact&nbsp;<a href="emailto:memberservices@weci.net">memberservices@weci.net</a>&nbsp;today. We thank our co-op members in Great Bend for their patience and understanding during this extended upgrade project.&nbsp;<h2>Tuesday, June 11: Road closure expected at 8th St. and Hubbard St. intersection</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116283522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Wednesday, June 12: Road closure along Hubbard St. between 10th St. and 11th St.&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116411408.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Thursday, June 13: Road closure expected at Lakin Ave. and Hubbard St.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116457056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Friday, June 14:&nbsp; Road closure expected near 16th St. and Heizer St.&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116510598.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Monday, June 17: Road closure expected along Hubbard St. between Broadway Ave. and Park Ave.&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116564559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tuesday, June 18, to Thursday, June 20: Intersection of Hubbard St. and 16th St.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116608373.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Thursday, June 24: Road closure along Hubbard St., between 16th St. and Broadway Ave., with outages expected from 281 Bypass to Baker between 16th and Broadway</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116657029.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tuesday, June 25: 16th Street between Hubbard St. and Heizer St.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718116704076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Road closures in Great Bend; replacing utility poles

6/10 BOOKED: Larissa Eggers on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $446.03 cash only or 90-day sanction.

BOOKED: Daniel Gallagher on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Violation of Protection Order, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Joedy Estrada on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.

RELEASED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Domynick Clone on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>6/10 BOOKED: Larissa Eggers on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $446.03 cash only or 90-day sanction.BOOKED: Daniel Gallagher on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Violation of Protection Order, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Joedy Estrada on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.RELEASED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Domynick Clone on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (6/10)

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 9 to 11 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 94. South-southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South-southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South-southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Breezy.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 96. Breezy.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Breezy.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 96. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 9 to 11 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 66. South wind 7 to 9 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 94. South-southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South-southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South-southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Thursday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Breezy.Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 96. Breezy.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Breezy.Monday Sunny, with a high near 96. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

This is day 1 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is now 5 percent complete, ahead of 1 percent complete last year and on average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending June 9, 2024. Winter wheat conditions were rated at 33 percent very poor to poor, 35 percent fair and 32 percent good to excellent.

Growers on the Kansas/Oklahoma border started cutting in earnest around Monday, June 3, according to Chris Fryer, grain merchandiser with CoMark Equity Alliance, LLC. The southern tier of counties in his coverage area — Barber, Harper, Sumner and Cowley — are now about 20 to 30 percent complete with harvest.&nbsp;

Proteins are variable from field-to-field, ranging anywhere from 9.5 percent up to 14.5 percent. Moisture is dry and test weights are well above 60 pounds per bushel with several loads above 62 pounds per bushel. Overall, Fryer estimates the harvest will come in a tick higher than the five-year average.&nbsp;

“Yields are better than expected, so everyone is in a pretty good mood,” Fryer said.&nbsp;

Elsewhere in the coverage area, harvest in Sedgwick and Harvey counties is about 15 percent complete, with combines shut down by rains over the weekend. Harvest in Marion County in central Kansas is just getting started at about 5 percent complete and soft red winter wheat harvest is just beginning in Crawford County near McCune.&nbsp;

Overall, acres were stable this year and prices and yields are higher. Fryer noted most of the early wheat is going straight into the elevator bin to fill up space left empty from previous disappointing harvests. He also reported wheat is being sold to fill inelastic mill demand and they’re seeing some exports start to pick back up after last year’s dramatic drop-off related to the strong U.S. dollar and short supplies.&nbsp;

Harvest is now 20 to 25 percent complete near Clearwater, according to farmer Scott Van Allen, who reported in from the parts store where he was picking up what he needed to fix a fan belt for the combine.&nbsp;

He started cutting on Thursday, June 6, but in addition to the current equipment breakdown, he was delayed over the weekend by storms that brought straight-line winds and took him out of the field to clean up debris at his son’s place by Wellington Lake. Despite trees and irrigated corn blown down, the wheat was still standing nicely and they were back in the field on Monday, June 10.&nbsp;

Harvest has been a mix. Full-season wheat benefitted from nice filling weather and there is a lot of grain in the heads, resulting in heavy test weights of 63 to 65 pounds per bushel. Fields that were double-cropped behind soybeans were knocked back by dry weather and are more disappointing. Overall, the final yield for the farm should come in much better than last year.&nbsp;

Combines are also rolling again across Sumner County after a small rain delay, according to Chris Stevens, manager of Farmers Coop Grain Association, based in Conway Springs. Farmers in the area have been hopping and skipping around to catch ripe wheat fields and avoid green suckerheads since Wednesday, June 5. Most producers should have some good wheat, but there were fields that suffered from either a prolonged lack of moisture or drowned out in recent storms.&nbsp;

Quantity and quality exceed that of the last several years and are maybe even better than anticipated, so Stevens said no one is complaining. Test weights are good and heavy, averaging 61 to 62 pounds per bushel, and moisture has stayed dry around 12 percent.&nbsp;

It’s too early for good yield information, but Stevens said to expect a wide range from 30 to 50 bushels per acre. That is still 15 to 18 bushels per acre higher than last year’s average of 22 bushels per acre, and this year’s crop should hit within the area’s five-year average.&nbsp;

“Everyone is in a lot better mood when they are seeing the bushels coming into the bin,” Stevens said.&nbsp;

The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp37rv3rpFfV4Fuk2MwF70lUUO2j2r7ERqUepKNgm0EkoA5pUQ93ECnFjZA8YDl8dV_wMMlVdxD1qiVweY_tZvj7kkGdZiXCSq3QU7d7jWXhnbOdMNe9hkXSUfbOaMdSrj0uFckW2MDww6sDVDBg-fuQbHP5OmjQjAsNXvSWhfNC4kVOawYjHG4Ds=&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp31SNs7oDqjRy9v25YknHizt62wnMKS6EPdFdntsNyDhCLwLL7m_1kzLk7imQSRWryDCoDg4jN8NhSN3n4YkkmWhCqW6jJ-F0RkFRD5H548V2oJG5c_E6Lh4=&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp3x9BHp2V_W4SPqgxtcWCQwtJm5idwb5JWW3CFb0aFX9C-quBa3NlDGKF1R4wWb3xM9OSZcVnENFBgw1BMUc6AnK4SaP33lU64aAa2Rw19Tac&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp374YkzUcHpW9tRXcFGuC-CwnC91fqhkuo72kIYP43XO07ZB-WE7b709V6Of8L89hE9IN6j22pUP9RyNe7jmJLBjOVk7wUUDOoDzI7LlYs_FP&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718057197507.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 1 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is now 5 percent complete, ahead of 1 percent complete last year and on average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending June 9, 2024. Winter wheat conditions were rated at 33 percent very poor to poor, 35 percent fair and 32 percent good to excellent.Growers on the Kansas/Oklahoma border started cutting in earnest around Monday, June 3, according to Chris Fryer, grain merchandiser with CoMark Equity Alliance, LLC. The southern tier of counties in his coverage area — Barber, Harper, Sumner and Cowley — are now about 20 to 30 percent complete with harvest.&nbsp;Proteins are variable from field-to-field, ranging anywhere from 9.5 percent up to 14.5 percent. Moisture is dry and test weights are well above 60 pounds per bushel with several loads above 62 pounds per bushel. Overall, Fryer estimates the harvest will come in a tick higher than the five-year average.&nbsp;“Yields are better than expected, so everyone is in a pretty good mood,” Fryer said.&nbsp;Elsewhere in the coverage area, harvest in Sedgwick and Harvey counties is about 15 percent complete, with combines shut down by rains over the weekend. Harvest in Marion County in central Kansas is just getting started at about 5 percent complete and soft red winter wheat harvest is just beginning in Crawford County near McCune.&nbsp;Overall, acres were stable this year and prices and yields are higher. Fryer noted most of the early wheat is going straight into the elevator bin to fill up space left empty from previous disappointing harvests. He also reported wheat is being sold to fill inelastic mill demand and they’re seeing some exports start to pick back up after last year’s dramatic drop-off related to the strong U.S. dollar and short supplies.&nbsp;Harvest is now 20 to 25 percent complete near Clearwater, according to farmer Scott Van Allen, who reported in from the parts store where he was picking up what he needed to fix a fan belt for the combine.&nbsp;He started cutting on Thursday, June 6, but in addition to the current equipment breakdown, he was delayed over the weekend by storms that brought straight-line winds and took him out of the field to clean up debris at his son’s place by Wellington Lake. Despite trees and irrigated corn blown down, the wheat was still standing nicely and they were back in the field on Monday, June 10.&nbsp;Harvest has been a mix. Full-season wheat benefitted from nice filling weather and there is a lot of grain in the heads, resulting in heavy test weights of 63 to 65 pounds per bushel. Fields that were double-cropped behind soybeans were knocked back by dry weather and are more disappointing. Overall, the final yield for the farm should come in much better than last year.&nbsp;Combines are also rolling again across Sumner County after a small rain delay, according to Chris Stevens, manager of Farmers Coop Grain Association, based in Conway Springs. Farmers in the area have been hopping and skipping around to catch ripe wheat fields and avoid green suckerheads since Wednesday, June 5. Most producers should have some good wheat, but there were fields that suffered from either a prolonged lack of moisture or drowned out in recent storms.&nbsp;Quantity and quality exceed that of the last several years and are maybe even better than anticipated, so Stevens said no one is complaining. Test weights are good and heavy, averaging 61 to 62 pounds per bushel, and moisture has stayed dry around 12 percent.&nbsp;It’s too early for good yield information, but Stevens said to expect a wide range from 30 to 50 bushels per acre. That is still 15 to 18 bushels per acre higher than last year’s average of 22 bushels per acre, and this year’s crop should hit within the area’s five-year average.&nbsp;“Everyone is in a lot better mood when they are seeing the bushels coming into the bin,” Stevens said.&nbsp;The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp37rv3rpFfV4Fuk2MwF70lUUO2j2r7ERqUepKNgm0EkoA5pUQ93ECnFjZA8YDl8dV_wMMlVdxD1qiVweY_tZvj7kkGdZiXCSq3QU7d7jWXhnbOdMNe9hkXSUfbOaMdSrj0uFckW2MDww6sDVDBg-fuQbHP5OmjQjAsNXvSWhfNC4kVOawYjHG4Ds=&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp31SNs7oDqjRy9v25YknHizt62wnMKS6EPdFdntsNyDhCLwLL7m_1kzLk7imQSRWryDCoDg4jN8NhSN3n4YkkmWhCqW6jJ-F0RkFRD5H548V2oJG5c_E6Lh4=&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp3x9BHp2V_W4SPqgxtcWCQwtJm5idwb5JWW3CFb0aFX9C-quBa3NlDGKF1R4wWb3xM9OSZcVnENFBgw1BMUc6AnK4SaP33lU64aAa2Rw19Tac&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010CSV6nmxn-B6VDYioE7zE2jiHPrDSykf6hw5lW07hCD64drdbyMp374YkzUcHpW9tRXcFGuC-CwnC91fqhkuo72kIYP43XO07ZB-WE7b709V6Of8L89hE9IN6j22pUP9RyNe7jmJLBjOVk7wUUDOoDzI7LlYs_FP&amp;c=nyqXCYTkB8V8yHU5Kz7Uaxp-SY88fPnBGKMvJ6FkAK5Mm5o473Z3yg==&amp;ch=grtoKu8Q3R7KtxyRaCTsT796SC_twDXkOmJlOZV8dE1zTTzZFMzucQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Day 1, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

The population of Odin in northeast Barton County was listed at 131 people in 2022. On nights when The Odin Store is hopping, that population can nearly double. Edgar and Sue Jacobs bought the store on Dec. 1, 1972. Sue passed away in 2021, and Edgar died unexpectedly in January. Instead of selling the business, their son, Monte Jacobs, took the reigns. Now, he's following in his father's footsteps with a grand re-opening of the store on Friday, June 21.

"He was in the hospital a little bit and he always came back," Monte said. "It kind of feels like he left and he's going to come back, or mom's going to come back and I'm just covering for them. Here recently, it's setting in that it's my baby and now I'm calling the shots. I wanted to do it as an appreciation-type thing for the people and something to kick my career off. I just thought with the way my dad liked to promote things and liked the people around, I thought it might be a good thing to do."

Jimmy Dee &amp; The Fabulous Destinations will provide live music from 9 p.m. to midnight. The celebration will include dollar beers and dollar pulled-pork sandwiches from Boots Style BBQ. 

The Odin Store's success was no guarantee when Edgar and Sue bought it in 1972. Edgar gave up a job on the railroad, and the bank would not give him a loan to purchase the store until he was married. So he married Sue on April 21, 1972.

"I think there were lots of doubters," Monte said. "My dad was 24 and my mom was 22 when they bought this place. I always remember my mom saying there were several people in the area who thought they were crazy for what they were doing, to take on something like this."

After purchasing the store, Edgar never took a day off because he loved what he did. That work ethic and love of the small community were handed down to Monte.

"It was just something that became part of the family," he said. "I've been with them since day one as far as helping. I just grew up here. I spent a lot of time here as a grade school kid, just because it was a place to be and we lived across the street. It was such a big part of our family."

Things were much different in rural Kansas in the 1970s: the store operated out of a simple cash register, there was no lottery, and fuel was regulated far less than it is today. The eight TVs The Odin Store now has were out of the question, as were credit and debit cards.

"That was a big deal to get that credit card machine," said Monte. "That was probably in the middle 80s. Before, there was no internet, limited cable TV. Now, the fuel is highly regulated. The lottery machine is here. The amount of change my dad has seen is probably pretty crazy as far as day-to-day stuff."

The Odin Store was always a little different by design. For many, it became a one-stop shop to pick up some essential grocery items and grab something to drink on the way home. Cars can fuel up and providing diesel is important for the local farming community.

"You just swing through and grab a pop or a sack of ice or a six-pack of beer," Monte said. "My dad always thought carrying all that stuff was important just to maybe get them in the doors in case they needed something else."

The Jacobs also kept The Odin Store relevant. The store was a takeoff point for Kansas City Chiefs bus trips. It provided concessions and a beer garden for the local rodeo. The store began catering alcohol to weddings more than a decade ago and has hosted BBQ competitions and chili cookoffs. A big sporting event can transform the store from a quiet bar into a hub of activity.

Then there's the ceiling. It's been a tradition of many to sign the store's ceiling for nearly 30 years after former Barton Cougar Alek Radojevic first did it in 1997.

"My dad made a comment, 'If you were to sign the ceiling, you wouldn't even need to stand on anything,'" Monte said. "He grabbed a magic marker and was the first one. Of course, now everyone likes to sign the ceiling."

Edgar was still enjoying his labor of love until an accident in January. Monte said selling the store was never really an option. His parents would have wanted him to carry on the tradition.

"I just really appreciate how they have taught me," he said. "I couldn't have had a better role model to assume the position."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717779702917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe population of Odin in northeast Barton County was listed at 131 people in 2022. On nights when The Odin Store is hopping, that population can nearly double. Edgar and Sue Jacobs bought the store on Dec. 1, 1972. Sue passed away in 2021, and Edgar died unexpectedly in January. Instead of selling the business, their son, Monte Jacobs, took the reigns. Now, he's following in his father's footsteps with a grand re-opening of the store on Friday, June 21."He was in the hospital a little bit and he always came back," Monte said. "It kind of feels like he left and he's going to come back, or mom's going to come back and I'm just covering for them. Here recently, it's setting in that it's my baby and now I'm calling the shots. I wanted to do it as an appreciation-type thing for the people and something to kick my career off. I just thought with the way my dad liked to promote things and liked the people around, I thought it might be a good thing to do."Jimmy Dee &amp; The Fabulous Destinations will provide live music from 9 p.m. to midnight. The celebration will include dollar beers and dollar pulled-pork sandwiches from Boots Style BBQ. The Odin Store's success was no guarantee when Edgar and Sue bought it in 1972. Edgar gave up a job on the railroad, and the bank would not give him a loan to purchase the store until he was married. So he married Sue on April 21, 1972.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717779729255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I think there were lots of doubters," Monte said. "My dad was 24 and my mom was 22 when they bought this place. I always remember my mom saying there were several people in the area who thought they were crazy for what they were doing, to take on something like this."After purchasing the store, Edgar never took a day off because he loved what he did. That work ethic and love of the small community were handed down to Monte."It was just something that became part of the family," he said. "I've been with them since day one as far as helping. I just grew up here. I spent a lot of time here as a grade school kid, just because it was a place to be and we lived across the street. It was such a big part of our family."Things were much different in rural Kansas in the 1970s: the store operated out of a simple cash register, there was no lottery, and fuel was regulated far less than it is today. The eight TVs The Odin Store now has were out of the question, as were credit and debit cards."That was a big deal to get that credit card machine," said Monte. "That was probably in the middle 80s. Before, there was no internet, limited cable TV. Now, the fuel is highly regulated. The lottery machine is here. The amount of change my dad has seen is probably pretty crazy as far as day-to-day stuff."The Odin Store was always a little different by design. For many, it became a one-stop shop to pick up some essential grocery items and grab something to drink on the way home. Cars can fuel up and providing diesel is important for the local farming community."You just swing through and grab a pop or a sack of ice or a six-pack of beer," Monte said. "My dad always thought carrying all that stuff was important just to maybe get them in the doors in case they needed something else."The Jacobs also kept The Odin Store relevant. The store was a takeoff point for Kansas City Chiefs bus trips. It provided concessions and a beer garden for the local rodeo. The store began catering alcohol to weddings more than a decade ago and has hosted BBQ competitions and chili cookoffs. A big sporting event can transform the store from a quiet bar into a hub of activity.Then there's the ceiling. It's been a tradition of many to sign the store's ceiling for nearly 30 years after former Barton Cougar Alek Radojevic first did it in 1997."My dad made a comment, 'If you were to sign the ceiling, you wouldn't even need to stand on anything,'" Monte said. "He grabbed a magic marker and was the first one. Of course, now everyone likes to sign the ceiling."Edgar was still enjoying his labor of love until an accident in January. Monte said selling the store was never really an option. His parents would have wanted him to carry on the tradition."I just really appreciate how they have taught me," he said. "I couldn't have had a better role model to assume the position."

The Odin Store hosting Grand Re-opening on June 21

Last Wednesday marked a significant ribbon cutting for the Great Bend
Recreation Commission by unveiling the first Ninja Course playground in Kansas.
While the new climbing features at the My Backyard Playground were highly anticipated,
the Rec also revealed their new mascot…the squirrel.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/11060ae2-8516-47f6-a3a3-860338726a8a">RELATED STORY: Calling all ninjas and climbers...Great Bend playground feature open</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718044205806.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Recreation Commission's new squirrel mascot. A contest is taking name suggestions until June 13." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Recreation Commission's new squirrel mascot. A contest is taking name suggestions until June 13.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast Wednesday marked a significant ribbon cutting for the Great Bend
Recreation Commission by unveiling the first Ninja Course playground in Kansas.
While the new climbing features at the My Backyard Playground were highly anticipated,
the Rec also revealed their new mascot…the squirrel.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/11060ae2-8516-47f6-a3a3-860338726a8a">RELATED STORY: Calling all ninjas and climbers...Great Bend playground feature open</a>Great Bend Rec Director
Chris Umphres said the idea for a mascot came at a national parks and recreation
convention.
"We had this in place six months ago, but it takes awhile to get a professional-grade mascot," said Umphres. "We're proud of it. It's something that squirrels always get involved with everything. It's the Rec life...we get in there and 'Rec' everything. We thought the squirrel would be a good mascot for our area."The squirrel has accessory items that allow for outfit changes for different occasions.

Known simply as “squirrel” for the moment, the Great Bend Rec is conducting a mascot naming
contest that is open to the public. The contest is open to all ages, and a
prize will be awarded to the person who submits the winning name. Entries can
be picked up and dropped off at the downtown Recreation Center (1214 Stone) or the Activity
Center (2715 18th). Entries are due by Thursday, June 13. A winner will be chosen by mid-July.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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