UPDATE: The Great Bend Police Department   reported that 84-year-old Donna L. Kimber was located overnight and is now safe, according to the KBI. The Silver Alert was canceled.

&nbsp;BARTON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Great Bend woman.

The whereabouts of 84-year-old Donna L. Kimber, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Kimber was last seen on Thursday around 10 p.m., on foot near 906 Main St. in Great Bend. 

She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a denim shirt.

Kimber is a white female who is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 125 pounds. She has grey hair and blue eyes. Kimber has Alzheimer’s, and wears a metal bracelet with her name and phone number.

If you see Donna Kimber, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Great Police Department at (620) 793-1920.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732275213274.png" alt="Donna Kimber courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Donna Kimber courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: The Great Bend Police Department reported that 84-year-old Donna L. Kimber was located overnight and is now safe, according to the KBI. The Silver Alert was canceled.-----------&nbsp;BARTON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Great Bend woman.The whereabouts of 84-year-old Donna L. Kimber, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Kimber was last seen on Thursday around 10 p.m., on foot near 906 Main St. in Great Bend. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a denim shirt.Kimber is a white female who is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 125 pounds. She has grey hair and blue eyes. Kimber has Alzheimer’s, and wears a metal bracelet with her name and phone number.If you see Donna Kimber, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Great Police Department at (620) 793-1920.

Silver Alert canceled; missing Great Bend woman found

With the election of three new members this year, the Kansas State Board of Education is expected to shift more conservative on issues like the recognition of Trans students, books in the school library, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.&nbsp; Yet for all the publicity these issues receive, they do not really capture what the Kansas School Board does most of the time.

There seems to be a bipartisan near-consensus behind the “career readiness” focus in schools.&nbsp; Such a focus undoubtedly has its advantages, but today it has become single-minded.&nbsp; Career readiness is crowding out vital civic education and extracurricular activities, to the detriment of students.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It started out well.&nbsp; Curricula like the Olathe School District’s 21st Century programs have been designed to keep students focused, connecting their coursework to intended careers.&nbsp; These programs offer internships and other opportunities so students can make connections and experience a typical workday in their intended field.&nbsp; Such programs can be useful, keeping students motivated and equipping them with valuable skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unfortunately, today, things are running off the rails.&nbsp; Consider college preparation.&nbsp; Not all students wish to attend college, and they should not be pressured to do so.&nbsp; Yet many do set their sights on college, and today’s high school environment bombards them with opportunities–and expectations–to take college courses while still in high school.&nbsp; These include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, in which students prepare for standardized tests, and dual enrollment courses, in which the high school teacher is also an adjunct faculty member at a local community college or university. Another option is Early College Admission (ECA), in which students are bussed from high school to an area college or university.&nbsp; Cramming in as many of these early college courses as possible displaces vital high school experiences like civic education and extracurricular activities.&nbsp; With students’ anxiety already running sky-high, adding this additional pressure only makes things worse, throwing the students’ lives out of balance and crowding out opportunities to do things they enjoy, like sports, debate, and drama.&nbsp; It also limits their opportunities to make friends face to face, so they turn to social media instead.&nbsp; Meanwhile, history and government classes keep getting cut while our civic culture lies in tatters. Today, many high school graduates struggle to distinguish between reliable sources of information and baseless conspiracy theories.&nbsp; Is it worth it?

Consider a future teacher who completes two full years of college courses while still in high school.&nbsp; They sail through college in only two years and hit the job market…&nbsp; at 20 years old.&nbsp; Can any Kansan seriously say that a 20 year old teacher who cannot even legally buy alcohol is emotionally ready to teach high school students only two or three years younger?&nbsp; Such nonsense is exactly what the Kansas School Board has been encouraging lately.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Remember, college-bound students can always take their university credits when they get to college.&nbsp; The best thing high school can do is send them there well-prepared and genuinely excited about the college experience. Students choosing non-college career paths also deserve this preparation, since they, too, will need additional training or schooling beyond high school.

In the latest&nbsp;Kansas Speaks&nbsp;poll, 47.8% of respondents agreed that the primary purpose of higher education is to produce an educated citizenry, versus only 32.9% who believed that the primary goal was workforce readiness, with others remaining neutral or undecided.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansans get it. &nbsp; The question is, will the new Kansas School Board listen?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="written by: Michael A. Smith, professor of political science at Emporia State University" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michael A. Smith, professor of political science at Emporia State University</figcaption>
 </figure>With the election of three new members this year, the Kansas State Board of Education is expected to shift more conservative on issues like the recognition of Trans students, books in the school library, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.&nbsp; Yet for all the publicity these issues receive, they do not really capture what the Kansas School Board does most of the time.There seems to be a bipartisan near-consensus behind the “career readiness” focus in schools.&nbsp; Such a focus undoubtedly has its advantages, but today it has become single-minded.&nbsp; Career readiness is crowding out vital civic education and extracurricular activities, to the detriment of students.&nbsp;&nbsp;It started out well.&nbsp; Curricula like the Olathe School District’s 21st Century programs have been designed to keep students focused, connecting their coursework to intended careers.&nbsp; These programs offer internships and other opportunities so students can make connections and experience a typical workday in their intended field.&nbsp; Such programs can be useful, keeping students motivated and equipping them with valuable skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, today, things are running off the rails.&nbsp; Consider college preparation.&nbsp; Not all students wish to attend college, and they should not be pressured to do so.&nbsp; Yet many do set their sights on college, and today’s high school environment bombards them with opportunities–and expectations–to take college courses while still in high school.&nbsp; These include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, in which students prepare for standardized tests, and dual enrollment courses, in which the high school teacher is also an adjunct faculty member at a local community college or university. Another option is Early College Admission (ECA), in which students are bussed from high school to an area college or university.&nbsp; Cramming in as many of these early college courses as possible displaces vital high school experiences like civic education and extracurricular activities.&nbsp; With students’ anxiety already running sky-high, adding this additional pressure only makes things worse, throwing the students’ lives out of balance and crowding out opportunities to do things they enjoy, like sports, debate, and drama.&nbsp; It also limits their opportunities to make friends face to face, so they turn to social media instead.&nbsp; Meanwhile, history and government classes keep getting cut while our civic culture lies in tatters. Today, many high school graduates struggle to distinguish between reliable sources of information and baseless conspiracy theories.&nbsp; Is it worth it?Consider a future teacher who completes two full years of college courses while still in high school.&nbsp; They sail through college in only two years and hit the job market…&nbsp; at 20 years old.&nbsp; Can any Kansan seriously say that a 20 year old teacher who cannot even legally buy alcohol is emotionally ready to teach high school students only two or three years younger?&nbsp; Such nonsense is exactly what the Kansas School Board has been encouraging lately.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember, college-bound students can always take their university credits when they get to college.&nbsp; The best thing high school can do is send them there well-prepared and genuinely excited about the college experience. Students choosing non-college career paths also deserve this preparation, since they, too, will need additional training or schooling beyond high school.In the latest&nbsp;Kansas Speaks&nbsp;poll, 47.8% of respondents agreed that the primary purpose of higher education is to produce an educated citizenry, versus only 32.9% who believed that the primary goal was workforce readiness, with others remaining neutral or undecided.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansans get it. &nbsp; The question is, will the new Kansas School Board listen?

Insight Kansas: Career readiness must share space with civic education

From Great Bend Economic Development...

The Great Bend Economic Development team is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated IGNITE Innovation Center, set for&nbsp;Thursday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. The event will take place at the site of the future center, located at the frontage lot on Farmers Plaza at&nbsp;K-96 and 10th Street.

This milestone marks the beginning of a project years in the making, designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community growth. The event will feature a ceremonial shovel dig and remarks from&nbsp;Sara Arnberger, President of Great Bend Economic Development. Dignitaries from the City, Barton County, partners, and board members have been invited to participate.

The Innovation Center, with an estimated budget of $7 million, is already three-quarters funded through grants and donations. It will include:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fab Lab: A makerspace equipped with 3D printers, flight simulators, drones, plasma cutters, CNC machines, welders, and more.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial Kitchen: Supporting childcare providers, startup restaurant incubators, and cooking classes.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leafy Green Farm Pod: Engaging youth in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Co-Working Space and Computer Lab: For remote workers, students, and community members.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Childcare Rooms: Providing care for shift workers during nontraditional hours.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting Rooms and Podcast Studio: Equipped with high-tech resources for training and content creation.

“We are committed to creating opportunities and inspiring growth in Barton County,” said Sara Arnberger. “The Innovation Center is a testament to our dedication to the community’s future.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to view&nbsp;architectural renderings&nbsp;of the completed center during the event. The groundbreaking is open to the public, and no RSVP is required.

For those interested in contributing to the project through donations or materials, please contact Sara Arnberger at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:director@gbedinc.com">director@gbedinc.com</a>. Join us as we take this exciting step toward the future of Great Bend and Barton County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722906031456.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend Economic Development...The Great Bend Economic Development team is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated IGNITE Innovation Center, set for&nbsp;Thursday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. The event will take place at the site of the future center, located at the frontage lot on Farmers Plaza at&nbsp;K-96 and 10th Street.This milestone marks the beginning of a project years in the making, designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community growth. The event will feature a ceremonial shovel dig and remarks from&nbsp;Sara Arnberger, President of Great Bend Economic Development. Dignitaries from the City, Barton County, partners, and board members have been invited to participate.The Innovation Center, with an estimated budget of $7 million, is already three-quarters funded through grants and donations. It will include:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fab Lab: A makerspace equipped with 3D printers, flight simulators, drones, plasma cutters, CNC machines, welders, and more.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial Kitchen: Supporting childcare providers, startup restaurant incubators, and cooking classes.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leafy Green Farm Pod: Engaging youth in agriculture and entrepreneurship.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Co-Working Space and Computer Lab: For remote workers, students, and community members.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Childcare Rooms: Providing care for shift workers during nontraditional hours.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meeting Rooms and Podcast Studio: Equipped with high-tech resources for training and content creation.“We are committed to creating opportunities and inspiring growth in Barton County,” said Sara Arnberger. “The Innovation Center is a testament to our dedication to the community’s future.”Attendees will have the opportunity to view&nbsp;architectural renderings&nbsp;of the completed center during the event. The groundbreaking is open to the public, and no RSVP is required.For those interested in contributing to the project through donations or materials, please contact Sara Arnberger at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:director@gbedinc.com">director@gbedinc.com</a>. Join us as we take this exciting step toward the future of Great Bend and Barton County.

Groundbreaking scheduled for Great Bend Innovation Center

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick that aired Nov. 20, 2024.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick that aired Nov. 20, 2024.<div><iframe title="City Edition: Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick" 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=knr6v-17460d8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Playing his home games in Claflin throughout high school, it was easy to
see that Myles Menges was good at football. Menges was the quarterback for
Central Plains High School when the Oilers went undefeated and won the state
championship in 2018. 

When the Bushton native signed to play at Fort Hays State
University, one might expect more success but few would have imagined the
success Menges had playing as a defensive lineman for the Tigers. 

Eagle Media
Sports Director in Hays and radio “Voice of the Tigers” Gerard Wellbrock said
Menges is a player that continued to build the culture for FHSU football.


"He's a great leader, on and off the field," said Wellbrock. "He was a COVID kid. He got the extra year. He's been in the program for a long time. He's a big reason why FHSU was able to build the program back up. He led by example."

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2024/11/19/fhsu-receive-18-selections-on-2024-all-miaa-football-team.aspx">RELATED STORY: FHSU receives 18 selections on 2024 All-MIAA Football Team</a>

Menges was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year this fall, becoming the
fourth Fort Hays player to earn the honor. He recorded 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks,
6.5 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery. 

"He's one of those players that the stats don't even show what he does, with the disruption he did," said Wellbrock. "He played a lot of linebacker, defensive end and even interior lineman. They moved him around everywhere on the defense. There's no one more deserving to be named Player of the Year defensively."

Menges went from being listed as 210 pounds in the signing day press release in
2019 to 260 pounds in his final year collegiately.


Former Larned High School player Mason Perez was also recognized as an All-MIAA
first-team selection at defensive back.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732132967722.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State University senior Myles Menges was named the 2024 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo by Madison Shapland, <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State University senior Myles Menges was named the 2024 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo by Madison Shapland, <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>)</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostPlaying his home games in Claflin throughout high school, it was easy to
see that Myles Menges was good at football. Menges was the quarterback for
Central Plains High School when the Oilers went undefeated and won the state
championship in 2018. When the Bushton native signed to play at Fort Hays State
University, one might expect more success but few would have imagined the
success Menges had playing as a defensive lineman for the Tigers. Eagle Media
Sports Director in Hays and radio “Voice of the Tigers” Gerard Wellbrock said
Menges is a player that continued to build the culture for FHSU football.
"He's a great leader, on and off the field," said Wellbrock. "He was a COVID kid. He got the extra year. He's been in the program for a long time. He's a big reason why FHSU was able to build the program back up. He led by example."<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/news/2024/11/19/fhsu-receive-18-selections-on-2024-all-miaa-football-team.aspx">RELATED STORY: FHSU receives 18 selections on 2024 All-MIAA Football Team</a>Menges was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year this fall, becoming the
fourth Fort Hays player to earn the honor. He recorded 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks,
6.5 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery. "He's one of those players that the stats don't even show what he does, with the disruption he did," said Wellbrock. "He played a lot of linebacker, defensive end and even interior lineman. They moved him around everywhere on the defense. There's no one more deserving to be named Player of the Year defensively."Menges went from being listed as 210 pounds in the signing day press release in
2019 to 260 pounds in his final year collegiately.
Former Larned High School player Mason Perez was also recognized as an All-MIAA
first-team selection at defensive back.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Central Plains, Bushton native Menges turns into Defensive Player of the Year at FHSU

Body Condition Scoring is one of the most valuable management tools at the disposal of the cattle manager. The number associated with a condition score gives us a direct indication of a cow’s previous plane of nutrition and future reproductive capability. Although the individual body condition scores are important. We don’t manage individual cows, we manage groups of cows. Thus, it is important for us to look beyond the individual scores and look at the distribution of body condition scores within the herd.&nbsp;If we have a herd (Herd 1) with an average body condition score of 5 that is essentially characterized by the classic bell curve, with a few thin cows (3s), the bulk of cows in the middle (4s and 5s) and few over-conditioned cows (7s) everything is good. Alternatively, we could have a herd (Herd 2) with an average body condition score of 5 that is essentially the result of a few thin cows (3s) and some over conditioned cows (6s and 7s).

Body Conditioning Scoring also has more value when it is done on the same group of cows at multiple times during the production year. If Herd 2 was scored at calving and had been previously scored at weaning and had an essentially normal distribution (similar to Herd 1). We need to ask ourselves what happened. Did we change anything? Although these examples are somewhat extreme they illustrate that we have to look beyond the individual body condition scores of cows at one point during the production year to get the most of body condition scoring.

We have several resources on body condition scoring available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://ksubeef.org/feedandwater.html#main%20management">ksubeef.org/feedandwater.html#main management</a>&nbsp;including the quick reference guide to body condition scoring. You can also come into our offices and we can get the references to you.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Body Condition Scoring is one of the most valuable management tools at the disposal of the cattle manager. The number associated with a condition score gives us a direct indication of a cow’s previous plane of nutrition and future reproductive capability. Although the individual body condition scores are important. We don’t manage individual cows, we manage groups of cows. Thus, it is important for us to look beyond the individual scores and look at the distribution of body condition scores within the herd.&nbsp;If we have a herd (Herd 1) with an average body condition score of 5 that is essentially characterized by the classic bell curve, with a few thin cows (3s), the bulk of cows in the middle (4s and 5s) and few over-conditioned cows (7s) everything is good. Alternatively, we could have a herd (Herd 2) with an average body condition score of 5 that is essentially the result of a few thin cows (3s) and some over conditioned cows (6s and 7s).Body Conditioning Scoring also has more value when it is done on the same group of cows at multiple times during the production year. If Herd 2 was scored at calving and had been previously scored at weaning and had an essentially normal distribution (similar to Herd 1). We need to ask ourselves what happened. Did we change anything? Although these examples are somewhat extreme they illustrate that we have to look beyond the individual body condition scores of cows at one point during the production year to get the most of body condition scoring.We have several resources on body condition scoring available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://ksubeef.org/feedandwater.html#main%20management">ksubeef.org/feedandwater.html#main management</a>&nbsp;including the quick reference guide to body condition scoring. You can also come into our offices and we can get the references to you.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp; &nbsp;

BOOR: Body Condition Scoring for cattle managers

The July 2023 hailstorm caused a lot damage throughout Great Bend and
the surrounding area. The positive from that storm, many residents and
businesses were given a chance to get new roofs, siding, windows and just an overall
upgrade with insurance money. 

The City of Great Bend and City Administrator
Logan Burns were able to show off the recently renovated City Hall at this week’s
city council meeting.


"That got completed last week," said Burns. "I'm very happy with out that turned out. Thank you to Roofmasters and Mark's Custom Signs for getting that done. I think it was the 1980s the last time this building was touched. It looks very good."

The facelift included repairs, a fresh coat of paint and a new sign outside of
the building at 1209 Williams Street.


Beyond insurance money to repair buildings, the Barton County Commission announced
a third round of <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/2388d3e9-3398-4cde-aab1-7660b99ac3b5">Façade Improvement Grants</a> to improve the exterior of downtown
shops. Barton County pledged $120,000 for 2025 to give matching grants to
business owners.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732118207020.jpeg" alt="Before and after improvements to Great Bend's City Hall at 1209 Williams." />
 <figcaption>Before and after improvements to Great Bend's City Hall at 1209 Williams.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe July 2023 hailstorm caused a lot damage throughout Great Bend and
the surrounding area. The positive from that storm, many residents and
businesses were given a chance to get new roofs, siding, windows and just an overall
upgrade with insurance money. The City of Great Bend and City Administrator
Logan Burns were able to show off the recently renovated City Hall at this week’s
city council meeting.
"That got completed last week," said Burns. "I'm very happy with out that turned out. Thank you to Roofmasters and Mark's Custom Signs for getting that done. I think it was the 1980s the last time this building was touched. It looks very good."The facelift included repairs, a fresh coat of paint and a new sign outside of
the building at 1209 Williams Street.
Beyond insurance money to repair buildings, the Barton County Commission announced
a third round of <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/2388d3e9-3398-4cde-aab1-7660b99ac3b5">Façade Improvement Grants</a> to improve the exterior of downtown
shops. Barton County pledged $120,000 for 2025 to give matching grants to
business owners.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend City Hall receives a facelift

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (11/20)

At 12:41 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 217 on E. US 56
Highway.

At 2:41 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 1100
block of NW 90 Road in Olmitz.

At 10:25 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at MM 114 on
N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington.

At 1:21 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 10th &amp;
Madison.

At 2:30 p.m. a theft was reported at 421 Washington.

At 3:41 p.m. an accident was reported at 30 Road, Unit 11.

At 8 p.m. an accident was reported at 400 SE 20 Road.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (11/20)

At 8:05 a.m. a parking complaint was reported in the 2100
block of Pine Street.

At 9:03 a.m. an accident was reported at 4904 12th
Street.

At 11:22 a.m. an accident was reported at 1037 Sheridan.

At 4:29 p.m. a male subject in her residence was reported at
1407 Baker. Dustin Hawkins was arrested for aggravated burglary.

At 5:28 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 3rd
&amp; Hickory.

At 6:22 p.m. a semi almost ran into her on the highway was reported
at MM 202 on W. US 56 Highway.

At 10:21 p.m. a report of falls was made at 4430 Prairie
Rose Cir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (11/20)Non-Injury AccidentAt 12:41 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 217 on E. US 56
Highway.Animal ComplaintAt 2:41 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 1100
block of NW 90 Road in Olmitz.Cattle OutAt 10:25 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at MM 114 on
N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 1:21 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 10th &amp;
Madison.TheftAt 2:30 p.m. a theft was reported at 421 Washington.Non-Injury AccidentAt 3:41 p.m. an accident was reported at 30 Road, Unit 11.At 8 p.m. an accident was reported at 400 SE 20 Road.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (11/20)Parking ComplaintAt 8:05 a.m. a parking complaint was reported in the 2100
block of Pine Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 9:03 a.m. an accident was reported at 4904 12th
Street.At 11:22 a.m. an accident was reported at 1037 Sheridan.Burglary / In ProgressAt 4:29 p.m. a male subject in her residence was reported at
1407 Baker. Dustin Hawkins was arrested for aggravated burglary.Animal Complaint At 5:28 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 3rd
&amp; Hickory.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 6:22 p.m. a semi almost ran into her on the highway was reported
at MM 202 on W. US 56 Highway.FallsAt 10:21 p.m. a report of falls was made at 4430 Prairie
Rose Cir.

Cop Shop (11/20)

11/20 RELEASED: Domynick Clone on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Karie McBride on Rush County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, and on two Barton County District Court cases, on $10,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Jazmin Rodriguez-Orozco on Barton County District Court case for DUI with a child present, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Endangering a Child, on $10,000 OR bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>11/20 RELEASED: Domynick Clone on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, to KDOC.RELEASED: Karie McBride on Rush County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, and on two Barton County District Court cases, on $10,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Jazmin Rodriguez-Orozco on Barton County District Court case for DUI with a child present, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Endangering a Child, on $10,000 OR bond.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (11/20)

The new internship program at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation has already attracted two college students majoring in the mental-health field.

The Fort Hays State University students currently are working on their practicum responsibilities at The Center and will begin their formal internships in January.

“They are getting a front-line look at the care and treatment of people struggling with mental-health concerns in central Kansas,” said Tracie Haselhorst, clinical director. “The students are here just a few hours a week but will be here more often when the internships begin.”

So far, most of their time is spent helping with the intake process and individual therapy.

“They also will work with our Jail Program, which serves current and former inmates, and shadow the professionals during crisis response and competency evaluations,” Haselhorst noted.

Haselhorst and Chris Gahagan, psychologist, oversee all the interns’ work.

One intern is majoring in psychology, while the other is a mental-health counseling major.

Since private insurance companies do not cover an intern’s services, the students can work only with those who are un-insured.

“This increases the number of therapists who work with our uninsured clients,” Haselhorst said. “Our interns are eager to fill this role, with the support of The Center’s staff.”

Another priority of the internship program is to “open our doors to hiring more clinicians,” Haselhorst commented. “We hope these two young women, as well as future interns, will consider a career at The Center after graduation.

“There is a shortage of therapists throughout the country; it is not just a local problem,” she added. “We are so grateful to Fort Hays State for collaborating with us as we do all we can to recruit new mental-health professionals to serve the growing number of clients who need care and treatment.”

Julie Kramp, The Center’s executive director, echoed many of Haselhorst’s comments, noting “we are thrilled and thankful for this partnership with Fort Hays State. This relationship is absolutely necessary to develop the workforce in the mental-health field.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732029924144.jpeg" alt="Tracie Haselhorst, The Center’s clinical director" />
 <figcaption>Tracie Haselhorst, The Center’s clinical director</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThe new internship program at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation has already attracted two college students majoring in the mental-health field.The Fort Hays State University students currently are working on their practicum responsibilities at The Center and will begin their formal internships in January.“They are getting a front-line look at the care and treatment of people struggling with mental-health concerns in central Kansas,” said Tracie Haselhorst, clinical director. “The students are here just a few hours a week but will be here more often when the internships begin.”So far, most of their time is spent helping with the intake process and individual therapy.“They also will work with our Jail Program, which serves current and former inmates, and shadow the professionals during crisis response and competency evaluations,” Haselhorst noted.Haselhorst and Chris Gahagan, psychologist, oversee all the interns’ work.One intern is majoring in psychology, while the other is a mental-health counseling major.Since private insurance companies do not cover an intern’s services, the students can work only with those who are un-insured.“This increases the number of therapists who work with our uninsured clients,” Haselhorst said. “Our interns are eager to fill this role, with the support of The Center’s staff.”Another priority of the internship program is to “open our doors to hiring more clinicians,” Haselhorst commented. “We hope these two young women, as well as future interns, will consider a career at The Center after graduation.“There is a shortage of therapists throughout the country; it is not just a local problem,” she added. “We are so grateful to Fort Hays State for collaborating with us as we do all we can to recruit new mental-health professionals to serve the growing number of clients who need care and treatment.”Julie Kramp, The Center’s executive director, echoed many of Haselhorst’s comments, noting “we are thrilled and thankful for this partnership with Fort Hays State. This relationship is absolutely necessary to develop the workforce in the mental-health field.”The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

The Center’s new internship program attracts two FHSU students

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Mike Sharkey deals with blueprints all the time. Yet an Otis park project to honor his late grandson, Kanyn, gave him anxiety. Since Kanyn's unexpected death from medication complications last December at the age of one, his mother, Taylor Sharkey, donated a climbing wall to the Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend. She worked with the Otis Fire Department to purchase a new toddler playground for the park in Otis.

"I didn't think it was going to be as intense or intricate as it was," she said. "I honestly had a smaller playground in mind so it's surpassed my expectations. My dad spent three weeknights cutting and rebuilding the bases. He rewelded everything. It was, honestly, probably twice the size of what I thought it was going to be."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/46ecf3eb-bede-4897-89fc-cf858f8056a7">READ MORE: Otis mother keeping son's memory alive with gifts to local parks</a>

Sharkey Construction employees poured concrete for the playground on Nov. 7. The Sharkeys unpacked two pallets of playground equipment and kept outside help to a minimum due to the complexity of the project.

"We counted every pole," Taylor said. "We counted and inventoried every bolt and pipe. We touched every piece to double-count."

Taylor estimates 15-20 hours of prep work went into setting up the base of the playground. Many more hours went into piecing the playground together. Several area businesses donated materials to help finish the project.

"I kind of shot the idea to have it done by Thanksgiving," Taylor said. "I thought maybe that was unrealistic, but with everybody's donations and my dad pushing to persevere through it, it's going to happen by Thanksgiving."

One of Kanyn's favorite songs was "Wheels on the Bus." Fittingly, one of Taylor's favorite parts of the new playground is a bus step-up. She hopes the new playground will help families create their own special memories.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732113887122.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMike Sharkey deals with blueprints all the time. Yet an Otis park project to honor his late grandson, Kanyn, gave him anxiety. Since Kanyn's unexpected death from medication complications last December at the age of one, his mother, Taylor Sharkey, donated a climbing wall to the Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend. She worked with the Otis Fire Department to purchase a new toddler playground for the park in Otis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729104808380.jpeg" alt="Taylor and Kanyn" />
 <figcaption>Taylor and Kanyn</figcaption>
 </figure>"I didn't think it was going to be as intense or intricate as it was," she said. "I honestly had a smaller playground in mind so it's surpassed my expectations. My dad spent three weeknights cutting and rebuilding the bases. He rewelded everything. It was, honestly, probably twice the size of what I thought it was going to be."<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/46ecf3eb-bede-4897-89fc-cf858f8056a7">READ MORE: Otis mother keeping son's memory alive with gifts to local parks</a>Sharkey Construction employees poured concrete for the playground on Nov. 7. The Sharkeys unpacked two pallets of playground equipment and kept outside help to a minimum due to the complexity of the project."We counted every pole," Taylor said. "We counted and inventoried every bolt and pipe. We touched every piece to double-count."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732113936938.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Taylor estimates 15-20 hours of prep work went into setting up the base of the playground. Many more hours went into piecing the playground together. Several area businesses donated materials to help finish the project."I kind of shot the idea to have it done by Thanksgiving," Taylor said. "I thought maybe that was unrealistic, but with everybody's donations and my dad pushing to persevere through it, it's going to happen by Thanksgiving."One of Kanyn's favorite songs was "Wheels on the Bus." Fittingly, one of Taylor's favorite parts of the new playground is a bus step-up. She hopes the new playground will help families create their own special memories.&nbsp;

New playground in Otis to be completed by Thanksgiving

Today Sunny, with a high near 50. North-northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light in the afternoon.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 57. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. South wind around 6 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 44.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 50. North-northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light in the afternoon.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Calm wind.Friday Sunny, with a high near 57. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the morning.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33. South wind around 6 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. South wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.Monday Sunny, with a high near 44.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 44.Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

Holiday volunteers are needed once again this year for the City of Great
Bend’s trail of lights and skate shack. Greeters for the trail of lights will
be positioned at the Brit Spaugh Zoo. 

Great Bend Community Coordinator
Christina Hayes said there are open dates to volunteer between Dec. 1 and Dec. 22. 


"The volunteers are so wonderful to help us," said Hayes. "They're the friendly faces that people see from other counties and communities. They can tell them where to go, and sometimes the visitors have questions about our community. They're our cheerleaders for Great Bend."

The greeters, working from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., also help collect donations that
are used for the upkeep of the decorations and purchasing new lights.


Volunteers are also needed to operate the skate shack at Jack Kilby Square. While
renting the skates is free, volunteers will help patrons to get their skates
during open hours.


"Volunteers will hold down the fort at Jack Kilby Square," said Hayes. "This helps save city employees' time for being paid to be out there. It also gives others a chance to have buy-in to the community and love our Christmas season as much as we do."

The skate shack hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On
Saturdays and Sundays, the shack is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.


Those interested in volunteering can contact Hayes at City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606834343066.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostHoliday volunteers are needed once again this year for the City of Great
Bend’s trail of lights and skate shack. Greeters for the trail of lights will
be positioned at the Brit Spaugh Zoo. Great Bend Community Coordinator
Christina Hayes said there are open dates to volunteer between Dec. 1 and Dec. 22. 
"The volunteers are so wonderful to help us," said Hayes. "They're the friendly faces that people see from other counties and communities. They can tell them where to go, and sometimes the visitors have questions about our community. They're our cheerleaders for Great Bend."The greeters, working from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., also help collect donations that
are used for the upkeep of the decorations and purchasing new lights.
Volunteers are also needed to operate the skate shack at Jack Kilby Square. While
renting the skates is free, volunteers will help patrons to get their skates
during open hours.
"Volunteers will hold down the fort at Jack Kilby Square," said Hayes. "This helps save city employees' time for being paid to be out there. It also gives others a chance to have buy-in to the community and love our Christmas season as much as we do."The skate shack hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. On
Saturdays and Sundays, the shack is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Hayes at City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe title="City Edition: Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ybfhf-1723dcc-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>

Volunteers needed for Great Bend’s holiday-themed events

At 19 years old, Eston Juno of Otis will be set to enter the workforce when he graduates this spring after just one year in Barton’s Natural Gas Program and is ready to see his efforts pay off.

“While searching for careers during high school, I came across the oil and natural gas field and it sparked an interest in me,” he said. “I saw that it had a lot of different types of jobs, good pay, and you can work just about anywhere.”

Barton Natural Gas Instructor Coordinator Keith Frank said that technicians can make approximately $21 to $35 per hour based on his conversations and observations with industry partners, and benefits like insurance and retirement plans are always excellent. He said the salary and benefits for natural gas technicians are a very attractive part of the industry, but as an alumnus of the program and a technician in the field for decades, that is only part of what makes this career path fulfilling.

“The Barton program and my career in natural gas were the best things that ever happened to me,” he said. “The job can be challenging in certain weather conditions, but most of the time I enjoyed being outdoors, and that you get to work with your hands, and you get to work without somebody staring over your shoulder all the time.”

Juno said having an instructor with so much field experience has been invaluable in the classroom.

“The instructors have been great,” he said. “All the experience Keith had in the field is important because he saw everything you can see, and all kinds of problems you see when working for a gas company and how to solve them. He knows what skills that you will need. We get plenty of practice on both bookwork and hands-on skills so that we can do both and fully understand what we are doing.”

Juno said that while the technical training and equipment are top-notch, Barton’s program also teaches soft skills and goes above and beyond to help its students find jobs quickly after they complete the program.

“They bring in gas companies, and you get to meet their people directly and learn about the everyday tasks and what different job options there are,” he said.

Making friends was not something that Juno was planning on when he enrolled in the program, but he said it has been a surprising and enjoyable added benefit to coming to Barton.

“All of us are always working on projects together, so we are always talking through problems, and we all get along very well,” he said. “We all have the same sense of humor and have a lot of the same drive when it comes to working. I have become very good friends with all my classmates.”

For more information on the Barton Natural Gas Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://landing.gobarton.com/natural-gas" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">landing.gobarton.com/natural-gas</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732030571512.jpeg" alt="Barton Natural Gas student Eston Juno loosens a nut on a piece of practice equipment just outside of the Midwest Utility and Pipeline Training Center on the Barton Campus this fall." />
 <figcaption>Barton Natural Gas student Eston Juno loosens a nut on a piece of practice equipment just outside of the Midwest Utility and Pipeline Training Center on the Barton Campus this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photo by Joe VinduskaAt 19 years old, Eston Juno of Otis will be set to enter the workforce when he graduates this spring after just one year in Barton’s Natural Gas Program and is ready to see his efforts pay off.“While searching for careers during high school, I came across the oil and natural gas field and it sparked an interest in me,” he said. “I saw that it had a lot of different types of jobs, good pay, and you can work just about anywhere.”Barton Natural Gas Instructor Coordinator Keith Frank said that technicians can make approximately $21 to $35 per hour based on his conversations and observations with industry partners, and benefits like insurance and retirement plans are always excellent. He said the salary and benefits for natural gas technicians are a very attractive part of the industry, but as an alumnus of the program and a technician in the field for decades, that is only part of what makes this career path fulfilling.“The Barton program and my career in natural gas were the best things that ever happened to me,” he said. “The job can be challenging in certain weather conditions, but most of the time I enjoyed being outdoors, and that you get to work with your hands, and you get to work without somebody staring over your shoulder all the time.”Juno said having an instructor with so much field experience has been invaluable in the classroom.“The instructors have been great,” he said. “All the experience Keith had in the field is important because he saw everything you can see, and all kinds of problems you see when working for a gas company and how to solve them. He knows what skills that you will need. We get plenty of practice on both bookwork and hands-on skills so that we can do both and fully understand what we are doing.”Juno said that while the technical training and equipment are top-notch, Barton’s program also teaches soft skills and goes above and beyond to help its students find jobs quickly after they complete the program.“They bring in gas companies, and you get to meet their people directly and learn about the everyday tasks and what different job options there are,” he said.Making friends was not something that Juno was planning on when he enrolled in the program, but he said it has been a surprising and enjoyable added benefit to coming to Barton.“All of us are always working on projects together, so we are always talking through problems, and we all get along very well,” he said. “We all have the same sense of humor and have a lot of the same drive when it comes to working. I have become very good friends with all my classmates.”For more information on the Barton Natural Gas Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://landing.gobarton.com/natural-gas" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">landing.gobarton.com/natural-gas</a>.

Local resident prepares for workforce with Barton’s Natural Gas Program

The City of Great Bend is part of several national bike trails. With
bicyclists, from different parts of the country, riding through town, the city
tries to accommodate the visitors by providing clear instructions about the
route and also the locations of attractions.


A bike campground exists just north of the 10th Street and Harrison
Street intersection, behind the Central Baptist Church. Great Bend Convention
and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said the words “Bike Campground”
will be added to one of the city’s wayfinding signs along the side of the
street.


"There will be additional small signs that match the theme of our other wayfinding signs," said Hayes. "These will replace some of the yellow bicycle signs in the town. It will be very cohesive with all of our welcome signs."

The signs will help steer bicyclists to the campground that provides a charging
station, picnic tables, porta-potty and a water well.


"This was saved money from a bike share program," said Hayes. "It didn't come out of the CVB budget or city dollars. It was money we needed to find a good use for. We feel like it matches and looks great."

In partnership with the church and Be Well Barton County, the campground also
includes a bicycle repair area.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732034293379.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is part of several national bike trails. With
bicyclists, from different parts of the country, riding through town, the city
tries to accommodate the visitors by providing clear instructions about the
route and also the locations of attractions.
A bike campground exists just north of the 10th Street and Harrison
Street intersection, behind the Central Baptist Church. Great Bend Convention
and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said the words “Bike Campground”
will be added to one of the city’s wayfinding signs along the side of the
street.
"There will be additional small signs that match the theme of our other wayfinding signs," said Hayes. "These will replace some of the yellow bicycle signs in the town. It will be very cohesive with all of our welcome signs."The signs will help steer bicyclists to the campground that provides a charging
station, picnic tables, porta-potty and a water well.
"This was saved money from a bike share program," said Hayes. "It didn't come out of the CVB budget or city dollars. It was money we needed to find a good use for. We feel like it matches and looks great."In partnership with the church and Be Well Barton County, the campground also
includes a bicycle repair area.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Signage to direct bicyclists to Great Bend campground

Earlier this year, the Barton County Commission approved a mowing services proposal  for the Golden Belt and Hillcrest Memorial Parks from James Bingaman with Mow-N. Bingaman's work drew wide praise after it was on full display at the county's Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 9. Tuesday morning, the commission and County Works Director Chris Schartz recognized Bingaman for his work.

"I'd just like to say since that time, Mr. Bingaman has actively contributed to the beautification of the cemeteries," Schartz said. "He's come up with great ideas of what we can do out there. He checks frequently with me to make sure he's doing a good job."

Commission Chair Barb Esfeld thanked Bingaman for his dedication to the work. Bingaman thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to work at the memorial parks.

"I'm a veteran," he said, "and I know there are a ton of veterans who are buried out there. They deserve the utmost respect, and their tombstones need to be seen to people can read them and honor them."

The county's Memorial Parks Advisory Committee recently made it clear it will be enforcing a county resolution that allows for decorations outside of vases seven days before and after a holiday like Veterans Day. Bingaman said he understands the resolution but also respects those who honor family members.

"I've been to my dad's gravesite twice in the last, say seven years, in Colorado because I live here," he said. "When I do go there, I leave something and I hope it stays there but I understand if it doesn't. But that's a lost tradition in our world today: people going and remembering the lost."

Bingaman was presented with a certification of appreciation by the board of commissioners, Schartz, and County Administrator Matt Patzner. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732040653503.jpeg" alt="James Bingaman with Mow-N was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the Barton County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning for his work at the Hillcrest and Golden Belt Memorial Parks." />
 <figcaption>James Bingaman with Mow-N was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the Barton County Board of Commissioners Tuesday morning for his work at the Hillcrest and Golden Belt Memorial Parks.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEarlier this year, the Barton County Commission approved a mowing services proposal for the Golden Belt and Hillcrest Memorial Parks from James Bingaman with Mow-N. Bingaman's work drew wide praise after it was on full display at the county's Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 9. Tuesday morning, the commission and County Works Director Chris Schartz recognized Bingaman for his work."I'd just like to say since that time, Mr. Bingaman has actively contributed to the beautification of the cemeteries," Schartz said. "He's come up with great ideas of what we can do out there. He checks frequently with me to make sure he's doing a good job."Commission Chair Barb Esfeld thanked Bingaman for his dedication to the work. Bingaman thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to work at the memorial parks."I'm a veteran," he said, "and I know there are a ton of veterans who are buried out there. They deserve the utmost respect, and their tombstones need to be seen to people can read them and honor them."The county's Memorial Parks Advisory Committee recently made it clear it will be enforcing a county resolution that allows for decorations outside of vases seven days before and after a holiday like Veterans Day. Bingaman said he understands the resolution but also respects those who honor family members."I've been to my dad's gravesite twice in the last, say seven years, in Colorado because I live here," he said. "When I do go there, I leave something and I hope it stays there but I understand if it doesn't. But that's a lost tradition in our world today: people going and remembering the lost."Bingaman was presented with a certification of appreciation by the board of commissioners, Schartz, and County Administrator Matt Patzner.

Bingaman recognized by Barton County for grounds keeping work

The USD 428 Board of Education plans to wrap up the sale of all three of its surplus properties by Christmas. The board approved a bid on the former central kitchen building at 2201 Broadway Ave. in Great Bend during Wednesday's luncheon at Eisenhower Elementary. 

"We have an offer for $100,000 on the central kitchen," said Assistant Superintendent John Popp. "It was appraised at $230,000, but this is the only offer we've received. We feel like its a good offer from Parr Sound &amp; Lighting. They are interested in moving with this commercial real estate contract so I don't see any reason to not accept the contract at this point."

In September, the board approved the sale of the former district education office on Patton Road for $700,000. Earlier this month, a bid was accepted on the former maintenance building at 2019 12th Street for $211,111.

Popp said the Broadway property will be sold as-is, where-is with no warranties expressed or implied with the purchase, and Parr has accepted those conditions. Other parties have toured the facility but determined it was not a good fit.

"What they're really saying is it's a good building, but for their purposes it would take a lot of cost and renovation," Popp said. "If they were going to give an offer it would be less than $100,000."

The board voted 5-0 to approve the bid from Parr Sound &amp; Lighting. After the building failed to draw any bids in August, MPIRE Realty was hired to assist&nbsp; with the sale. Board Member Karen Lindberg, an MPIRE employee, abstained from Wednesday's conversation and vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732132183457.jpeg" alt="Eisenhower Elementary, taught by music teacher Kelsey Strickland, performed in front of the USD 428 Board of Education during Wednesday's luncheon at the school." />
 <figcaption>Eisenhower Elementary, taught by music teacher Kelsey Strickland, performed in front of the USD 428 Board of Education during Wednesday's luncheon at the school.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe USD 428 Board of Education plans to wrap up the sale of all three of its surplus properties by Christmas. The board approved a bid on the former central kitchen building at 2201 Broadway Ave. in Great Bend during Wednesday's luncheon at Eisenhower Elementary. "We have an offer for $100,000 on the central kitchen," said Assistant Superintendent John Popp. "It was appraised at $230,000, but this is the only offer we've received. We feel like its a good offer from Parr Sound &amp; Lighting. They are interested in moving with this commercial real estate contract so I don't see any reason to not accept the contract at this point."In September, the board approved the sale of the former district education office on Patton Road for $700,000. Earlier this month, a bid was accepted on the former maintenance building at 2019 12th Street for $211,111.Popp said the Broadway property will be sold as-is, where-is with no warranties expressed or implied with the purchase, and Parr has accepted those conditions. Other parties have toured the facility but determined it was not a good fit."What they're really saying is it's a good building, but for their purposes it would take a lot of cost and renovation," Popp said. "If they were going to give an offer it would be less than $100,000."The board voted 5-0 to approve the bid from Parr Sound &amp; Lighting. After the building failed to draw any bids in August, MPIRE Realty was hired to assist&nbsp; with the sale. Board Member Karen Lindberg, an MPIRE employee, abstained from Wednesday's conversation and vote.

USD 428 accepts bid on central kitchen building during festive luncheon

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has promised to provide more hospital beds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3df19ed1b2db0247cff89f62c2020e1b">mentally ill criminal defendants</a>&nbsp;to settle a federal lawsuit filed over defendants waiting months for evaluations of whether they were fit for a trial.

The agreement between state officials and representatives of five defendants requires the state to “use its best efforts”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/state-hospitals/south-central-regional-psychiatric-hospital">to open a new psychiatric hospital</a>&nbsp;by January 2027 in Wichita, the state's largest city. Officials also must seek funding from the Kansas Legislature to reopen a previously closed 30-bed unit at its psychiatric hospital in Larned in western Kansas, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) northwest of Wichita.

The agreement was announced this week by the two groups pursuing the lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the National Police Accountability Project, based in the Seattle area. The groups sued in 2022 on behalf of attorneys for four defendants and the mother of a fifth. The accused were identified only by their initials.

The state operates two psychiatric hospitals, but only the one in Larned has a unit for evaluating whether mentally ill criminal defendants can understand their cases and participate in their own defense. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Larned State Hospital has had fewer than 80 beds for defendants awaiting evaluation.

The state Department for Aging and Disability Services, which runs the Larned facility, acknowledged before the lawsuit was filed that defendants were waiting an average of about 11 months to be evaluated. The lawsuit said defendants remained in county jails that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-health-kansas-lawrence-d3ede575eff20302e7fc0b5ad4006c72">weren't providing adequate treatment</a>, making the inmates' conditions worse and violating their rights. The lawsuit also said the state was violating the federal Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against people with mental health problems.

“This settlement is more than a legal agreement; it’s a lifeline for those who have been lost in the system, a promise that their dignity and humanity will no longer be ignored,” said Lauren Bonds, the police accountability group's executive director.

One of the five defendants covered by the lawsuit had been held in a county jail for 13 months facing criminal threat charges when the lawsuit was filed. That's longer than the maximum prison sentence for a conviction on that charge.

“Remaining in the jail environment is devastating and deeply harmful even for those whose mental health is not in question, and condemning Kansans to languish across the state in their county jails was contradictory to our values of justice," said Monica Bennett, the ACLU of Kansas' legal director.

State officials argued that they already had been addressing the long waits. The state began having Larned State Hospital officials operate a mobile evaluation unit in 2019; and in 2022, the Legislature passed a law to allow other qualified hospitals and organizations to examine criminal defendants.

The state and Wichita's home county hope to start construction early next year on a secure, $101.5 million psychiatric hospital with 104 beds, half of them set aside for the state. Federal COVID-19 relief dollars provided part of the funding.

KDADS spokesperson Cara Sloan-Ramos said the department and Gov. Laura Kelly are committed to reducing wait times.

Republican state Rep. Stephen Owens, chair of the House committee handling criminal justice issues, was pleased that the state could settle the lawsuit.

“We’ve certainly been aware of this issue and have been working on solutions," Owens said Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587581286279.png" alt="Larned State Hospital" />
 <figcaption>Larned State Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has promised to provide more hospital beds for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3df19ed1b2db0247cff89f62c2020e1b">mentally ill criminal defendants</a>&nbsp;to settle a federal lawsuit filed over defendants waiting months for evaluations of whether they were fit for a trial.The agreement between state officials and representatives of five defendants requires the state to “use its best efforts”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdads.ks.gov/state-hospitals/south-central-regional-psychiatric-hospital">to open a new psychiatric hospital</a>&nbsp;by January 2027 in Wichita, the state's largest city. Officials also must seek funding from the Kansas Legislature to reopen a previously closed 30-bed unit at its psychiatric hospital in Larned in western Kansas, about 130 miles (209 kilometers) northwest of Wichita.The agreement was announced this week by the two groups pursuing the lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the National Police Accountability Project, based in the Seattle area. The groups sued in 2022 on behalf of attorneys for four defendants and the mother of a fifth. The accused were identified only by their initials.The state operates two psychiatric hospitals, but only the one in Larned has a unit for evaluating whether mentally ill criminal defendants can understand their cases and participate in their own defense. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Larned State Hospital has had fewer than 80 beds for defendants awaiting evaluation.The state Department for Aging and Disability Services, which runs the Larned facility, acknowledged before the lawsuit was filed that defendants were waiting an average of about 11 months to be evaluated. The lawsuit said defendants remained in county jails that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mental-health-kansas-lawrence-d3ede575eff20302e7fc0b5ad4006c72">weren't providing adequate treatment</a>, making the inmates' conditions worse and violating their rights. The lawsuit also said the state was violating the federal Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against people with mental health problems.“This settlement is more than a legal agreement; it’s a lifeline for those who have been lost in the system, a promise that their dignity and humanity will no longer be ignored,” said Lauren Bonds, the police accountability group's executive director.One of the five defendants covered by the lawsuit had been held in a county jail for 13 months facing criminal threat charges when the lawsuit was filed. That's longer than the maximum prison sentence for a conviction on that charge.“Remaining in the jail environment is devastating and deeply harmful even for those whose mental health is not in question, and condemning Kansans to languish across the state in their county jails was contradictory to our values of justice," said Monica Bennett, the ACLU of Kansas' legal director.State officials argued that they already had been addressing the long waits. The state began having Larned State Hospital officials operate a mobile evaluation unit in 2019; and in 2022, the Legislature passed a law to allow other qualified hospitals and organizations to examine criminal defendants.The state and Wichita's home county hope to start construction early next year on a secure, $101.5 million psychiatric hospital with 104 beds, half of them set aside for the state. Federal COVID-19 relief dollars provided part of the funding.KDADS spokesperson Cara Sloan-Ramos said the department and Gov. Laura Kelly are committed to reducing wait times.Republican state Rep. Stephen Owens, chair of the House committee handling criminal justice issues, was pleased that the state could settle the lawsuit.“We’ve certainly been aware of this issue and have been working on solutions," Owens said Tuesday.

Kansas agrees to increase hospital beds for mentally ill defendants

Hear last week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Media's Steve Webster and Barton Community College Criminal Justice Department Coordinator Christian Rivas that aired Nov. 11, 2024.

The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear last week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Media's Steve Webster and Barton Community College Criminal Justice Department Coordinator Christian Rivas that aired Nov. 11, 2024.<div><iframe title="Barton CC Criminal Justice Coordinator Christian Rivas" 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=jzduv-174605f-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 Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Barton CC Criminal Justice Coordinator Christian Rivas

While the City of Great Bend is still sorting through all the numbers
from this fall’s citywide cleanup, the cost to the city was down significantly
due to not accepting tires this year. The third consecutive cleanup spanned
over nine days in late October at Sunflower Diversified Services. 

Great Bend
City Administrator Logan Burns said after all the invoices, the total cost for
the dumpsters was $3,788.


"Comparing this to last year, I think we were in the $40,000 range when we were taking tires," said Burns. "Big decrease. This does not include any equipment or labor costs. We'll be working on getting some of those numbers."

Last year’s tire disposal fee was nearly $40,000. Last year’s cleanup saw
residents fill 76 dumpsters, with the majority of the items consisting of 160
tons of tires.


A quality-of-life feature, the citywide cleanup allows citizens to dump off
metal, mattresses, appliances and other items with city staff helping during
the drop-off.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732032321667.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhile the City of Great Bend is still sorting through all the numbers
from this fall’s citywide cleanup, the cost to the city was down significantly
due to not accepting tires this year. The third consecutive cleanup spanned
over nine days in late October at Sunflower Diversified Services. Great Bend
City Administrator Logan Burns said after all the invoices, the total cost for
the dumpsters was $3,788.
"Comparing this to last year, I think we were in the $40,000 range when we were taking tires," said Burns. "Big decrease. This does not include any equipment or labor costs. We'll be working on getting some of those numbers."Last year’s tire disposal fee was nearly $40,000. Last year’s cleanup saw
residents fill 76 dumpsters, with the majority of the items consisting of 160
tons of tires.
A quality-of-life feature, the citywide cleanup allows citizens to dump off
metal, mattresses, appliances and other items with city staff helping during
the drop-off.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;