The Hoisington High School football team plays at home against Haven on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Regional round of the Class 2A playoffs.

You can listen to the broadcast on 100.7 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/#//">HERE</a>.

Kickoff from Hoisington is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605287606602.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Hoisington High School football team plays at home against Haven on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Regional round of the Class 2A playoffs.You can listen to the broadcast on 100.7 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/#//">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Hoisington is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Hoisington 🏈 vs. Haven

Election Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.

Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.

Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.

As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.

An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.

Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.

Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.

As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.

Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.

First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.

Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.

Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.

The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.

In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.

Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.

This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!

These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.

Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!

Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.

Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also be returned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="written by: Alexandra Middlewood, PhD - associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University." />
 <figcaption>written by: Alexandra Middlewood, PhD - associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>Election Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.Make sure you get out and vote!Need voting information?Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also be returned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

Insight Kansas: Election preview from a political scientist

The Hoisington High School football team plays at Southeast of Saline on Friday, Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs. The game will be played at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.

Kickoff from Salina is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605287606602.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Hoisington High School football team plays at Southeast of Saline on Friday, Nov. 15 in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs. The game will be played at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.You can listen to the broadcast on 100.7 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/#//">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Salina is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Hoisington 🏈 at Southeast of Saline

The Great Bend High School football team plays at home against Hays on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Regional round of the Class 5A playoffs.

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

Kickoff from Great Bend is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend High School football team plays at home against Hays on Friday, Nov. 8 in the Regional round of the Class 5A playoffs.You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Great Bend is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Great Bend 🏈 vs. Hays

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_L_A5J6JQhA?si=mnNNqSfyc9mW5J9n" 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>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson.

🎤Forward Ever: Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson

From the Great Bend Fire Department...

At approximately 3:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the report of a vehicle on fire in the 1000 block of Roxanne Drive in Great Bend. 

Crews found a passenger vehicle with fire coming from the engine compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished. 

Investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and the Great Bend Police Department investigated the fire. At this time the cause of the fire is considered suspicious as the investigation continues.

At approximately 5:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the 1300 block of Holland Street in Great Bend for the report of a structure fire. Crews found smoke inside of the residence. Crews were able to isolate the burn area to an outside vent on the residence. 

Again investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and the Great Bend Police department investigated the fire. The fire was determined to be arson. 

A possible suspect has been identified and is currently being looked for by law enforcement. 

If anyone has any information about either of these calls today please contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120, Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300, or the Great Bend Fire Department at 620-793-4140

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730479884004.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Fire Department...At approximately 3:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the report of a vehicle on fire in the 1000 block of Roxanne Drive in Great Bend. Crews found a passenger vehicle with fire coming from the engine compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished. Investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and the Great Bend Police Department investigated the fire. At this time the cause of the fire is considered suspicious as the investigation continues.---At approximately 5:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the 1300 block of Holland Street in Great Bend for the report of a structure fire. Crews found smoke inside of the residence. Crews were able to isolate the burn area to an outside vent on the residence. Again investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and the Great Bend Police department investigated the fire. The fire was determined to be arson. A possible suspect has been identified and is currently being looked for by law enforcement. If anyone has any information about either of these calls today please contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120, Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300, or the Great Bend Fire Department at 620-793-4140

Two suspicious fires reported in Great Bend Friday morning

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Into November we go. In Great Bend, that means an activity or business
promotion each Saturday of the month, plus Black Friday specials. 

The Explore
Great Bend Month was created by local retail shop owners as a way to stir up
shopping leading up to the holiday season. Great Bend Community Coordinator
Christina Hayes said there are 17 businesses participating in this year’s
Explore Great Bend Month.


"The idea came up at our Great Bend retail meeting," said Hayes. "That started 14 years ago. They wanted to do something in November where there was a giveaway for the holiday season. They wanted to feature their stores so people might come to register, experience the stores and then shop local."

Citizens can sign up throughout the month's events for a chance to win a $1,000 first place prize, $500 second place prize and $250 third place prize. The winners will be announced after the parade on Nov. 30.

The month’s promotions begin this Saturday, Nov. 2, with a “Shop
Local Day.” Each store will have their own “shop local” specials as the businesses
prepare for more of their winter inventory. 


On Nov. 9, the theme will be open houses. Nov. 16 will be a scavenger hunt in stores. Nov. 23 will be “Find the Turkey
Day” with prizes awarded to those that find the turkey stuffed animal. Nov. 29 is Black Friday and then Nov. 30 will be the Home for the
Holidays Festival and Parade.


Find more about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExploreGreatBend">Explore Great Bend Month at their Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720202176820.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostInto November we go. In Great Bend, that means an activity or business
promotion each Saturday of the month, plus Black Friday specials. The Explore
Great Bend Month was created by local retail shop owners as a way to stir up
shopping leading up to the holiday season. Great Bend Community Coordinator
Christina Hayes said there are 17 businesses participating in this year’s
Explore Great Bend Month.
"The idea came up at our Great Bend retail meeting," said Hayes. "That started 14 years ago. They wanted to do something in November where there was a giveaway for the holiday season. They wanted to feature their stores so people might come to register, experience the stores and then shop local."Citizens can sign up throughout the month's events for a chance to win a $1,000 first place prize, $500 second place prize and $250 third place prize. The winners will be announced after the parade on Nov. 30.The month’s promotions begin this Saturday, Nov. 2, with a “Shop
Local Day.” Each store will have their own “shop local” specials as the businesses
prepare for more of their winter inventory. 
On Nov. 9, the theme will be open houses. Nov. 16 will be a scavenger hunt in stores. Nov. 23 will be “Find the Turkey
Day” with prizes awarded to those that find the turkey stuffed animal. Nov. 29 is Black Friday and then Nov. 30 will be the Home for the
Holidays Festival and Parade.
Find more about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExploreGreatBend">Explore Great Bend Month at their Facebook page</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Explore Great Bend Month set to begin this Saturday

Make plans to attend the Central Kansas Beef Summit on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 9:00 am – 3:15 pm. The event will be highlighted by a presentation on managing cold stress in livestock and calving preparedness. This presentation is given by KSU Beef Extension Veterinarian AJ Tarpoff.

In addition to Dr. Tarpoff, the program will offer breakout sessions where attendees can pick and choose which topics apply to them. This year’s breakout topics will cover fence law &amp; leases, livestock risk protection insurance, strategies for managing woody encroachment, trees and brush, and feed testing techniques.

The day will conclude with a presentation by the staff at the Kansas Agriculture Mediation Services.

The summit will be held at the Ellsworth Health &amp; Recreation Center located at 221 West Douglas Ave, Ellsworth KS 67439. This program will be a collaboration among numerous K-State Research and Extension districts and will give producers a better chance to not only hear from industry leaders, but to also take part in conversation with one another.  

Make sure to RSVP by November 12th to reserve a meal. The cost to attend is $10 or late registration will be $15 at the door.

For more information on the event, or to register, please call Livestock Production Agent Clint Laflin at 785-483-3157 or send him an email at cllaflin@ksu.edu. This event has been generously sponsored by several agribusinesses in collaboration with K-State Research and Extension Districts, Midway, Central KS, Cottonwood, Midway, River Valley, Phillips/Rooks, and Post Rock. We look forward to you joining us!

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 an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Make plans to attend the Central Kansas Beef Summit on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, from 9:00 am – 3:15 pm. The event will be highlighted by a presentation on managing cold stress in livestock and calving preparedness. This presentation is given by KSU Beef Extension Veterinarian AJ Tarpoff.In addition to Dr. Tarpoff, the program will offer breakout sessions where attendees can pick and choose which topics apply to them. This year’s breakout topics will cover fence law &amp; leases, livestock risk protection insurance, strategies for managing woody encroachment, trees and brush, and feed testing techniques.The day will conclude with a presentation by the staff at the Kansas Agriculture Mediation Services.The summit will be held at the Ellsworth Health &amp; Recreation Center located at 221 West Douglas Ave, Ellsworth KS 67439. This program will be a collaboration among numerous K-State Research and Extension districts and will give producers a better chance to not only hear from industry leaders, but to also take part in conversation with one another.  Make sure to RSVP by November 12th to reserve a meal. The cost to attend is $10 or late registration will be $15 at the door.For more information on the event, or to register, please call Livestock Production Agent Clint Laflin at 785-483-3157 or send him an email at cllaflin@ksu.edu. This event has been generously sponsored by several agribusinesses in collaboration with K-State Research and Extension Districts, Midway, Central KS, Cottonwood, Midway, River Valley, Phillips/Rooks, and Post Rock. We look forward to you joining us!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 an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Central Kansas Beef Summit program to be held in Ellsworth

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (10/31)

At 6:31 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 214 SW 40
Avenue.

At 2:38 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1279 NE 100
Road in Claflin.

At 4:25 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56
Highway &amp; SW 40 Avenue.

At 7:10 p.m. an accident was reported at NE 180 Road &amp;
NE 110 Avenue in Hitschmann.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (10/31)

At 6:22 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1314 Hubbard.

At 7:52 a.m. dogs at large was reported at 900 Washington.

At 10:58 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5605 10th
Street.

At 2:29 p.m. an abandoned RV was reported at 800 Maple. The
RV was red tagged.

At 2:55 p.m. a report of two subjects trying to open her
door was made at 2110 Van Buren.

At 2:59 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 110 Kansas Avenue.

At 4:25 p.m. BTSO handled the call for a driving complaint.

At 4:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 3307 10th
Street.

At 4:56 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park.

At 4:59 p.m. an accident was reported at 2433 Coronado
Avenue.

At 6:32 p.m. a vehicle speeding was reported at 10th
&amp; Odell.

At 8:48 p.m. Brad Berscheidt reported a vehicle blocking his
driveway at 2104 30th Street.

At 11:16 p.m. a report of domestic disturbance was reported
at 1217 Polk. Steven Wilkinson was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (10/31)Structure FireAt 6:31 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 214 SW 40
Avenue.Animal ComplaintAt 2:38 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1279 NE 100
Road in Claflin.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:25 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56
Highway &amp; SW 40 Avenue.Non-Injury AccidentAt 7:10 p.m. an accident was reported at NE 180 Road &amp;
NE 110 Avenue in Hitschmann.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (10/31)Convulsions / SeizuresAt 6:22 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1314 Hubbard.Animal ComplaintAt 7:52 a.m. dogs at large was reported at 900 Washington.Traumatic InjuriesAt 10:58 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5605 10th
Street.Parking ComplaintAt 2:29 p.m. an abandoned RV was reported at 800 Maple. The
RV was red tagged.Burglary / In ProgressAt 2:55 p.m. a report of two subjects trying to open her
door was made at 2110 Van Buren.Chest PainAt 2:59 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 110 Kansas Avenue.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:25 p.m. BTSO handled the call for a driving complaint.Non-Injury AccidentAt 4:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 3307 10th
Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 4:56 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park.Non-Injury AccidentAt 4:59 p.m. an accident was reported at 2433 Coronado
Avenue.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 6:32 p.m. a vehicle speeding was reported at 10th
&amp; Odell.Parking ComplaintAt 8:48 p.m. Brad Berscheidt reported a vehicle blocking his
driveway at 2104 30th Street.DomesticAt 11:16 p.m. a report of domestic disturbance was reported
at 1217 Polk. Steven Wilkinson was arrested for aggravated domestic battery.

Cop Shop (10/31)

You have an opportunity today to become the next instant finalist in the $20k Christmas Cash Giveaway! It's presented by Bauer Computers, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, Your Bryant Dealer - Whatever it takes!

Sign up today at Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, 3 NW 90 Road, Hoisington. You can register from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730304239356.jpeg" alt="Ruhe Rituals" />
 <figcaption>Ruhe Rituals</figcaption>
 </figure>You have an opportunity today to become the next instant finalist in the $20k Christmas Cash Giveaway! It's presented by Bauer Computers, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, Your Bryant Dealer - Whatever it takes!Sign up today at Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, 3 NW 90 Road, Hoisington. You can register from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway - Sign up Today at Ruhe Rituals

10/31 BOOKED: Lucio Cordova on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Hailey Lewis on Reno County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Sheldon Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Tara Amador on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Nathan Greenwood on Barton County District Court case for Theft/Mistreatment of Dependent Adult or an Elder Person by Deception/False Pretenses/Duress $25K&gt;$100K, bond set at $50,000 C/S.

BOOKED: David Meitler on two Barton County District Court cases for Distribution of Methamphetamine, total bond set at $200,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of Weapons, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Lucio Cordova on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Ismael Dominguez III on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, on 48-hour OR bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/31 BOOKED: Lucio Cordova on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Hailey Lewis on Reno County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Sheldon Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Tara Amador on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Nathan Greenwood on Barton County District Court case for Theft/Mistreatment of Dependent Adult or an Elder Person by Deception/False Pretenses/Duress $25K&gt;$100K, bond set at $50,000 C/S.BOOKED: David Meitler on two Barton County District Court cases for Distribution of Methamphetamine, total bond set at $200,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of Weapons, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $20,000 C/S.RELEASED: Lucio Cordova on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Ismael Dominguez III on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, on 48-hour OR bond.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (10/31)

There was a lot of echoing noise, and a lot of rubble piled in one of the cavernous back rooms at Fuller Industries Inc. west of Great Bend last Friday.

Company employees had spent the last couple of days demolishing a wall in the chamber to make room for new machinery and equipment coming to Fuller from a sister plant in Canada. Two new garage-door-sized openings allow access to existing production areas.

All the items produced at the Canadian facility, also owned by Fuller’s parent company GDI, are now made here, said Joe Mann, Fuller vice president and general manager. While the plant covers 600,000 square feet, renovations to some areas are needed to make the space more usable.

“We have a tremendous building out here with a lot of potential,” he said. “And as the needs of manufacturing change, it gives us the flexibility to change with it.”

The addition of the lines from north of the border add more than 200 new items to Fuller's portfolio, Mann said, and although the products are focused on dish soap, laundry detergent, and commercial cleaning chemicals, “this consolidation helps us expand into new regions of North America and adds new customers.”

But all of this takes planning and a retooling of the structure. Last week’s effort was a part of that.

Deftly piloting a mini skid-steer loader last week, Fuller’s Facilities Manager Rick Zimmerman cleared the debris caused by the work. As he worked, more crumbled cinder blocks tumbled onto the heap.

“This is a huge opportunity for us,” Mann said. “Not only are we growing what we can offer to our customers, but we are growing our number of customers.”

“This also puts us in a position to continue to expand our workforce,” he said. Now, they are hiring not only more production line employees but also more specialized positions like chemistry technicians and robotics operators.

The new production lines will be up and running by the end of November, Mann said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730392113735.jpeg" alt="Piloting a mini skid-steer loader last week, Fuller Industries Inc.’s Facilities Manager Rick Zimmerman clears rubble caused by demolishing a wall in the company’s plant west of Great Bend. The wall was removed as part of a remodeling project to accommodate new lines for production expansion." />
 <figcaption>Piloting a mini skid-steer loader last week, Fuller Industries Inc.’s Facilities Manager Rick Zimmerman clears rubble caused by demolishing a wall in the company’s plant west of Great Bend. The wall was removed as part of a remodeling project to accommodate new lines for production expansion.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThere was a lot of echoing noise, and a lot of rubble piled in one of the cavernous back rooms at Fuller Industries Inc. west of Great Bend last Friday.Company employees had spent the last couple of days demolishing a wall in the chamber to make room for new machinery and equipment coming to Fuller from a sister plant in Canada. Two new garage-door-sized openings allow access to existing production areas.All the items produced at the Canadian facility, also owned by Fuller’s parent company GDI, are now made here, said Joe Mann, Fuller vice president and general manager. While the plant covers 600,000 square feet, renovations to some areas are needed to make the space more usable.“We have a tremendous building out here with a lot of potential,” he said. “And as the needs of manufacturing change, it gives us the flexibility to change with it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730392168870.jpeg" alt="Pictured is some of the new equipment that will help Fuller Industries Inc. in its expansion efforts. The company is doing some remodeling to accommodate the growth." />
 <figcaption>Pictured is some of the new equipment that will help Fuller Industries Inc. in its expansion efforts. The company is doing some remodeling to accommodate the growth.</figcaption>
 </figure>The addition of the lines from north of the border add more than 200 new items to Fuller's portfolio, Mann said, and although the products are focused on dish soap, laundry detergent, and commercial cleaning chemicals, “this consolidation helps us expand into new regions of North America and adds new customers.”But all of this takes planning and a retooling of the structure. Last week’s effort was a part of that.Deftly piloting a mini skid-steer loader last week, Fuller’s Facilities Manager Rick Zimmerman cleared the debris caused by the work. As he worked, more crumbled cinder blocks tumbled onto the heap.“This is a huge opportunity for us,” Mann said. “Not only are we growing what we can offer to our customers, but we are growing our number of customers.”There is another side to it as well.“This also puts us in a position to continue to expand our workforce,” he said. Now, they are hiring not only more production line employees but also more specialized positions like chemistry technicians and robotics operators.The new production lines will be up and running by the end of November, Mann said.

Fuller remodeling in Great Bend to accommodate expansion

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Hoisington's Sofia Simic has the right pedigree to be one of the best high school volleyball players in Kansas. Her mother, Sarah, is a Hoisington-native who went on to play the sport at the University of Alabama. Sofia's six-foot-seven father, Milan, played college basketball at Stephen F. Austin in Texas.

But Sofia's road to Hoisington is one that stretches across centuries and an ocean. Her grandfather, Dragan, traveled from his home in Serbia to the United States for the first time just days before the Lady Cardinal volleyball team punched its ticket to state for the first time since 2018 last Saturday at the Activity Center.

"He was quite emotional when he watched her play the other day when she was hitting the ball and doing things," Milan said. "He was just overwhelmed by the feeling because he doesn't get to see her play, especially in a competitive setting like this one was."

The Simics have traveled to Serbia a few times to see Milan's parents, and Milan's mother spent a few years in Hoisington, helping Sarah raise Sofia and her two sisters. The families use technology like FaceTime to communicate, and Dragan has seen videos of Sofia playing volleyball, but nothing beat watching her play in person.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d1e3bbc8-1a5b-4b67-8cbb-151a58f6a338">READ MORE: Simic breaks state record for aces in a season</a>

"It was very beautiful and amazing," Dragan said in his native Serbian with Milan translating. "The entire team played really well and Sofia contributed significantly to bringing the win. I'm very proud of her."

Dragan has enjoyed his stay in Hoisington thus far, making quick friends with a group of shoppers at Town &amp; Country Supermarket and enjoying a trip to Club 1 Fitness in Great Bend.

"The people are very kind here," he said. "They're very nice to one another and they have a very close-knit community. People are living for each other here. They're not strangers. When they meet each other, they say 'hi' and know who they are. It's not like living in a big city. That's what it's like where I come from."

Dragan is now a semi-retired farmer working some 50 acres of land in a village outside of Jagodina, Serbia, a city of nearly 35,000 in an area with nearly 65,000 inhabitants. 

"The soil where we live, the land is very fertile," he said. "The climate is very good. It's not dry like here. There is a lot of rain that's come in. For the last few years, we've had plenty of rain and plenty of good things happening here. There are a lot of sunny days, as well. It's very similar to Kansas when it comes to geography."

While some family farms are selling into larger corporate farms, many of the farms around Jagodina are still self-sustaining. Dragan's property features a multitude of trees.

"The only thing we don't have is tropical fruits, but we have everything else from a continental climate - peaches, pears, apples, everything is there," he said. "The difference between here and Serbia, we are very diverse and multifunctional. We don't focus only on a single crop. We grow a lot of crops and also grow a lot of vegetables for personal reasons. We are pretty much self-sustainable that way."

Fruit from the trees not immediately used can be turned into other products, like brandy. Serbia's largest plum winery is just a mile from Dragan's farm. Other farms in the area are similar.

"Every household in the village is striving to have a wholesome, very diverse diet that comes in a traditional household," said Dragan. "We don't necessarily go to the grocery store to get our stuff. Everything is already there, from breads to milk, to eggs, vegetables, meats. All that stuff, we have it."

But it has not always been that way. Dragan says the Serbians wanted to be neutral during World Wars I and II. Instead, Allied countries supported partisans and communists who were fighting the Nazis. After WWII, the Nazis killed thousands of Serbian youth in retribution. 

The end of the war gave rise to benevolent leaders like Josip Broz Tito, who served as prime minister and president of Yugoslavia and Serbia from 1943 until his death in 1980. Slobodan Milosevic, who was later convicted of war crimes, followed from 1989-1997. All the Serbians who wanted a democratic, multi-party government left the country. Those who remained had to chant their leader's name. Government-ran channels continuously praised the leaders.

Broz Tito died two years after Milan was born, but Milan still had to sing songs about the dictator several years later.

"That's why I think a lot of people need to be very thankful to be in this country, to share some of the democratic values, and to understand that, my kid going into an elementary school did not have to sing the songs and salute the benevolent leader who did not make any mistakes," said Milan. "He was basically acting like God in that country."

Milan was good enough at basketball to earn a Div. I scholarship at Stephen F. Austin in east Texas. He moved to the United States 29 years ago and has only returned to Serbia as a visitor. Milan and Sarah were living in the South upon graduating from their perspective universities. By chance, they met one weekend in New Orleans. They married and started a family. Sofia was just an elementary student with no volleyball experience when the family moved to Hoisington.

"After Hurricane Harvey happened in 2017, we came here because we did not like what was going on in Houston," he said. "It was borderline unsafe. Houston, in general, is unsafe, but we were just not feeling it so we came here."

Milan and Dragan are plenty optimistic about Serbia's future. Dragan said, without WWII, Serbia could today be as powerful as other European countries.

"If we were not the sacrificial lambs of WWII, today we would be on the same level with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland," he said. "But we're getting there. I think we're going to get there again because we have some good leadership. There's a lot of potential and peace."

Milan, who has been a successful businessman in the United States and is now a dual-citizen, is thankful for what both countries have provided.

"That's what makes this country great are people who come from the rest of the world," he said. "Believe it or not, they support this system with more passion, more power, and more love, and they understand why this system is superior to any other system in the world because they come from a system where benevolent leaders lead, where there is a caste or class of people who are better, not based on merit, intelligence, or hard work, but just because they're born into a family. That's not the case in the United States. You can achieve a lot of great things in life just by working hard, being committed, exploiting your talents and building a business."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730392506361.jpeg" alt="Hoisington sophomore Sofia Simic with her grandfather, Dragan." />
 <figcaption>Hoisington sophomore Sofia Simic with her grandfather, Dragan.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostHoisington's Sofia Simic has the right pedigree to be one of the best high school volleyball players in Kansas. Her mother, Sarah, is a Hoisington-native who went on to play the sport at the University of Alabama. Sofia's six-foot-seven father, Milan, played college basketball at Stephen F. Austin in Texas.But Sofia's road to Hoisington is one that stretches across centuries and an ocean. Her grandfather, Dragan, traveled from his home in Serbia to the United States for the first time just days before the Lady Cardinal volleyball team punched its ticket to state for the first time since 2018 last Saturday at the Activity Center."He was quite emotional when he watched her play the other day when she was hitting the ball and doing things," Milan said. "He was just overwhelmed by the feeling because he doesn't get to see her play, especially in a competitive setting like this one was."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730392686399.jpeg" alt="Sofia teaches Grandpa Dragan the art of volleyball in his village near Jagodina, Serbia." />
 <figcaption>Sofia teaches Grandpa Dragan the art of volleyball in his village near Jagodina, Serbia.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Simics have traveled to Serbia a few times to see Milan's parents, and Milan's mother spent a few years in Hoisington, helping Sarah raise Sofia and her two sisters. The families use technology like FaceTime to communicate, and Dragan has seen videos of Sofia playing volleyball, but nothing beat watching her play in person.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d1e3bbc8-1a5b-4b67-8cbb-151a58f6a338">READ MORE: Simic breaks state record for aces in a season</a>"It was very beautiful and amazing," Dragan said in his native Serbian with Milan translating. "The entire team played really well and Sofia contributed significantly to bringing the win. I'm very proud of her."Dragan has enjoyed his stay in Hoisington thus far, making quick friends with a group of shoppers at Town &amp; Country Supermarket and enjoying a trip to Club 1 Fitness in Great Bend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730392870323.jpeg" alt="Dragan's house on the hill surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees." />
 <figcaption>Dragan's house on the hill surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees.</figcaption>
 </figure>"The people are very kind here," he said. "They're very nice to one another and they have a very close-knit community. People are living for each other here. They're not strangers. When they meet each other, they say 'hi' and know who they are. It's not like living in a big city. That's what it's like where I come from."Dragan is now a semi-retired farmer working some 50 acres of land in a village outside of Jagodina, Serbia, a city of nearly 35,000 in an area with nearly 65,000 inhabitants. "The soil where we live, the land is very fertile," he said. "The climate is very good. It's not dry like here. There is a lot of rain that's come in. For the last few years, we've had plenty of rain and plenty of good things happening here. There are a lot of sunny days, as well. It's very similar to Kansas when it comes to geography."While some family farms are selling into larger corporate farms, many of the farms around Jagodina are still self-sustaining. Dragan's property features a multitude of trees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730393022444.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The only thing we don't have is tropical fruits, but we have everything else from a continental climate - peaches, pears, apples, everything is there," he said. "The difference between here and Serbia, we are very diverse and multifunctional. We don't focus only on a single crop. We grow a lot of crops and also grow a lot of vegetables for personal reasons. We are pretty much self-sustainable that way."Fruit from the trees not immediately used can be turned into other products, like brandy. Serbia's largest plum winery is just a mile from Dragan's farm. Other farms in the area are similar."Every household in the village is striving to have a wholesome, very diverse diet that comes in a traditional household," said Dragan. "We don't necessarily go to the grocery store to get our stuff. Everything is already there, from breads to milk, to eggs, vegetables, meats. All that stuff, we have it."But it has not always been that way. Dragan says the Serbians wanted to be neutral during World Wars I and II. Instead, Allied countries supported partisans and communists who were fighting the Nazis. After WWII, the Nazis killed thousands of Serbian youth in retribution. The end of the war gave rise to benevolent leaders like Josip Broz Tito, who served as prime minister and president of Yugoslavia and Serbia from 1943 until his death in 1980. Slobodan Milosevic, who was later convicted of war crimes, followed from 1989-1997. All the Serbians who wanted a democratic, multi-party government left the country. Those who remained had to chant their leader's name. Government-ran channels continuously praised the leaders.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730400588791.jpeg" alt="Hoisington is 63-15 in Sofia's first two seasons of varsity volleyball." />
 <figcaption>Hoisington is 63-15 in Sofia's first two seasons of varsity volleyball.</figcaption>
 </figure>Broz Tito died two years after Milan was born, but Milan still had to sing songs about the dictator several years later."That's why I think a lot of people need to be very thankful to be in this country, to share some of the democratic values, and to understand that, my kid going into an elementary school did not have to sing the songs and salute the benevolent leader who did not make any mistakes," said Milan. "He was basically acting like God in that country."Milan was good enough at basketball to earn a Div. I scholarship at Stephen F. Austin in east Texas. He moved to the United States 29 years ago and has only returned to Serbia as a visitor. Milan and Sarah were living in the South upon graduating from their perspective universities. By chance, they met one weekend in New Orleans. They married and started a family. Sofia was just an elementary student with no volleyball experience when the family moved to Hoisington."After Hurricane Harvey happened in 2017, we came here because we did not like what was going on in Houston," he said. "It was borderline unsafe. Houston, in general, is unsafe, but we were just not feeling it so we came here."Milan and Dragan are plenty optimistic about Serbia's future. Dragan said, without WWII, Serbia could today be as powerful as other European countries."If we were not the sacrificial lambs of WWII, today we would be on the same level with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland," he said. "But we're getting there. I think we're going to get there again because we have some good leadership. There's a lot of potential and peace."Milan, who has been a successful businessman in the United States and is now a dual-citizen, is thankful for what both countries have provided."That's what makes this country great are people who come from the rest of the world," he said. "Believe it or not, they support this system with more passion, more power, and more love, and they understand why this system is superior to any other system in the world because they come from a system where benevolent leaders lead, where there is a caste or class of people who are better, not based on merit, intelligence, or hard work, but just because they're born into a family. That's not the case in the United States. You can achieve a lot of great things in life just by working hard, being committed, exploiting your talents and building a business."

From Serbia to Hoisington: Grandpa enjoying Lady Cardinal volleyball

Today Sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tonight A chance of showers before 4 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 48. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 62. South-southeast wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Saturday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 57. South wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers after 7 a.m. High near 58. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Monday Night Showers likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 57.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Tonight A chance of showers before 4 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 48. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Saturday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 62. South-southeast wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.Saturday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 57. South wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.Sunday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Sunday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Monday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers after 7 a.m. High near 58. Chance of precipitation is 80%.Monday Night Showers likely, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 57.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

Little Panthers Preschool Principal Tandi Mai has the best staff and the cutest clientele in the district. That's how she opened Wednesday's USD 428 Board of Education luncheon at the new District Education Center just off the 281 Bypass. She provided an update to the board on how staff and students have handled the transition to the new facility.

"You have built this for us, but the teachers are working so hard to build inside what our students and families need to get them ready for kindergarten," she said. "That is the most overwhelmingly inspiring thing I have ever seen, is to see all of these teachers working together."

The board tasked Mai and staff with coming up with a three-year plan for Little Panthers Preschool. Mai said the first year is about establishing and unifying.

"Not eight months ago, we were steel studs," she said. "That's all we had here. Now, we have teachers working, we have kids learning, we have families coming in, and everyone is adjusting to our new status here."

Year two will include leveling-up - adding some new ideas and refining practices already in place. By year three, she expects full autonomy or self-determination.

Four-year-olds were given the FastBridge Fall Benchmark test. Seventy-nine percent tested in Tier 1, or the most advanced, and just nine percent tested in Tier 3. In math, 68 percent tested in Tier 1 and 13 percent tested in Tier 3. The new preschool is helping to replace the need for developmental screenings.

"What we are finding is that, now that we have so many students here with us already, the number of students being screened has decreased," Mai said. "They're here. We're able to see them. We're able to expose them to instruction. We're able to get them moving just a little bit faster."

Total enrollment at Little Panthers Preschool as of Oct. 30 was 245 students. Attendance percentage for the fall parent-teacher conferences exceeded 93 percent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730399880325.jpeg" alt="Little Panthers Preschool Principal Tandi Mai" />
 <figcaption>Little Panthers Preschool Principal Tandi Mai</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLittle Panthers Preschool Principal Tandi Mai has the best staff and the cutest clientele in the district. That's how she opened Wednesday's USD 428 Board of Education luncheon at the new District Education Center just off the 281 Bypass. She provided an update to the board on how staff and students have handled the transition to the new facility."You have built this for us, but the teachers are working so hard to build inside what our students and families need to get them ready for kindergarten," she said. "That is the most overwhelmingly inspiring thing I have ever seen, is to see all of these teachers working together."The board tasked Mai and staff with coming up with a three-year plan for Little Panthers Preschool. Mai said the first year is about establishing and unifying."Not eight months ago, we were steel studs," she said. "That's all we had here. Now, we have teachers working, we have kids learning, we have families coming in, and everyone is adjusting to our new status here."Year two will include leveling-up - adding some new ideas and refining practices already in place. By year three, she expects full autonomy or self-determination.Four-year-olds were given the FastBridge Fall Benchmark test. Seventy-nine percent tested in Tier 1, or the most advanced, and just nine percent tested in Tier 3. In math, 68 percent tested in Tier 1 and 13 percent tested in Tier 3. The new preschool is helping to replace the need for developmental screenings."What we are finding is that, now that we have so many students here with us already, the number of students being screened has decreased," Mai said. "They're here. We're able to see them. We're able to expose them to instruction. We're able to get them moving just a little bit faster."Total enrollment at Little Panthers Preschool as of Oct. 30 was 245 students. Attendance percentage for the fall parent-teacher conferences exceeded 93 percent.

Much progress being made in little time at Little Panthers Preschool

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/f4902082-93cc-4b60-bda4-371175da209f">Clara Barton Foundation surpasses annual benefit goal; kickstarts new project</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729871673409.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/f4902082-93cc-4b60-bda4-371175da209f">Clara Barton Foundation surpasses annual benefit goal; kickstarts new project</a>

Hoisington DQ partnering with Clara Barton for fundraiser

A “profound story worth telling,” The Amish Project will be presented by FHSU’s Music and Theatre Department Nov. 15 through 17. Show times are Nov. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

The play centers on the radical acts of forgiveness of the Amish community following the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in 2006. Written by Jessica Dickey, the play uses ten fictional characters to tell the story of the shooting, exploring the ripple effect of the Amish community’s compassion toward the family of the shooter.

Directed by Catherine Trieschmann Miller, FHSU Theatre Program Specialist, the play incorporates four chorale pieces and has flexible casting. Chorale selections will be directed by Allie Straub, Hays sophomore with choreography by Brooke Raacke, Hays freshman. Cast members include:&nbsp;Grace Betts, Russell senior; Caleb Johnson, Hays sophomore; Allie Straub; Holly Trullinger, Jetmore freshman; Rebecca Cole, Hays MPS student; Hailey Maldonado, Hugoton sophomore; Lillyan Kimberlin, Holton junior; Kasheia Peterson, Salina freshman; Karter Smith, Great Bend junior; and Addyson Brown, Ottawa freshman. The stage manager is Jacob Wegner, Garden City senior; and the assistant director is Lauryn Gaddis, Smith Center senior.

Catherine said she is very excited about the talent level of the students she is working with for The Amish Project.

“Half the students have done plays at FHSU before and half have not, which is also very exciting,” she said. “It’s young and diverse and fresh – a good mix.”

Because of violence, the play is recommended for mature audiences, although Catherine said the violence is handled “very poetically and not explicitly.”

“It is really a beautiful play that is intended to provoke conversation and meditation when you leave the theatre. The play doesn’t politicize the issue at all. It is really a spiritual journey.

Although this is her first theatrical production at Fort Hays State, Catherine is no stranger to theatre or life in Western Kansas. She and her husband, Carl Miller, FHSU associate professor of philosophy, have been Hays residents for almost twenty years. Catherine joined FHSU’s faculty in August when “the timing was just right.”

Catherine and Carl were living in Washington, D.C. in 2006, when Carl was offered a faculty position at FHSU. Catherine had just lined up her first theatre agent and was preparing for her first professional play in London. After careful consideration, though, she decided that Western Kansas might be a quiet place for her to continue her writing career.

“I moved here and never looked back,” she said. The move proved to be a positive one. In her first decade here, she had three plays performed off-Broadway and wrote a movie script that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Her belief that geography influences artistic production has proven true over the years.

“When I moved out here, I started writing plays about this landscape, which I found so poetic and beautiful and strange,” Catherine said. “It has really infused my writing. You can create art anywhere.”

During the COVID pandemic, when she was unable to travel outside Hays, Catherine began to look for projects she could do locally.

“I just started to see the possibilities of the great art I could do right here in my own backyard,” she said. “That was such a blessing and so eye-opening. I thought of this position at FHSU as a good mirror to where I am in life right now.”

Catherine looks forward to collaborations with other departments and FHSU organizations as she undertakes her new role on campus.

For tickets to The Amish Project, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0SSl-2Fsj6Q5LaLFRAJwBKaL1PFYTX-2BjkUz6WC8wJFLzJLf2Nv5SWLvPMSfquaY1oGQV0hfUNbjo4tC3aTgnymVp4-3DxT3__x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtshd-2BMBWd-2FWyrHbr7qn6FXsTIeHoAGnhjkIICDgCkbS67HfkK-2FfC6z-2BOys39cVo2Rc-2Fl6rxS-2FpyQqxRcPk-2Fy6x9AB20ZMEd-2FEzIc00-2FJdBSq9cU3nhJdCxjPa6orOnsx770sGZTn8-2BSYbjMAecuIKYtSN4VEFR7VZOUC-2FtUs35dTJqMP3caE2i0jLUI9ephRd-2FPE88AvSlfhCmgjJ-2FsW9sRgVMCICMkURKVd6P3OBiyHBrQoCdhhsocNWSEti-2F8v7a">https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=18717</a>.

A “profound story worth telling,” The Amish Project will be presented by FHSU’s Music and Theatre Department Nov. 15 through 17. Show times are Nov. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m.The play centers on the radical acts of forgiveness of the Amish community following the Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in 2006. Written by Jessica Dickey, the play uses ten fictional characters to tell the story of the shooting, exploring the ripple effect of the Amish community’s compassion toward the family of the shooter.Directed by Catherine Trieschmann Miller, FHSU Theatre Program Specialist, the play incorporates four chorale pieces and has flexible casting. Chorale selections will be directed by Allie Straub, Hays sophomore with choreography by Brooke Raacke, Hays freshman. Cast members include:&nbsp;Grace Betts, Russell senior; Caleb Johnson, Hays sophomore; Allie Straub; Holly Trullinger, Jetmore freshman; Rebecca Cole, Hays MPS student; Hailey Maldonado, Hugoton sophomore; Lillyan Kimberlin, Holton junior; Kasheia Peterson, Salina freshman; Karter Smith, Great Bend junior; and Addyson Brown, Ottawa freshman. The stage manager is Jacob Wegner, Garden City senior; and the assistant director is Lauryn Gaddis, Smith Center senior.Catherine said she is very excited about the talent level of the students she is working with for The Amish Project.“Half the students have done plays at FHSU before and half have not, which is also very exciting,” she said. “It’s young and diverse and fresh – a good mix.”Because of violence, the play is recommended for mature audiences, although Catherine said the violence is handled “very poetically and not explicitly.”“It is really a beautiful play that is intended to provoke conversation and meditation when you leave the theatre. The play doesn’t politicize the issue at all. It is really a spiritual journey.Although this is her first theatrical production at Fort Hays State, Catherine is no stranger to theatre or life in Western Kansas. She and her husband, Carl Miller, FHSU associate professor of philosophy, have been Hays residents for almost twenty years. Catherine joined FHSU’s faculty in August when “the timing was just right.”Catherine and Carl were living in Washington, D.C. in 2006, when Carl was offered a faculty position at FHSU. Catherine had just lined up her first theatre agent and was preparing for her first professional play in London. After careful consideration, though, she decided that Western Kansas might be a quiet place for her to continue her writing career.“I moved here and never looked back,” she said. The move proved to be a positive one. In her first decade here, she had three plays performed off-Broadway and wrote a movie script that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.Her belief that geography influences artistic production has proven true over the years.“When I moved out here, I started writing plays about this landscape, which I found so poetic and beautiful and strange,” Catherine said. “It has really infused my writing. You can create art anywhere.”During the COVID pandemic, when she was unable to travel outside Hays, Catherine began to look for projects she could do locally.“I just started to see the possibilities of the great art I could do right here in my own backyard,” she said. “That was such a blessing and so eye-opening. I thought of this position at FHSU as a good mirror to where I am in life right now.”Catherine looks forward to collaborations with other departments and FHSU organizations as she undertakes her new role on campus.For tickets to The Amish Project, go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0SSl-2Fsj6Q5LaLFRAJwBKaL1PFYTX-2BjkUz6WC8wJFLzJLf2Nv5SWLvPMSfquaY1oGQV0hfUNbjo4tC3aTgnymVp4-3DxT3__x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtshd-2BMBWd-2FWyrHbr7qn6FXsTIeHoAGnhjkIICDgCkbS67HfkK-2FfC6z-2BOys39cVo2Rc-2Fl6rxS-2FpyQqxRcPk-2Fy6x9AB20ZMEd-2FEzIc00-2FJdBSq9cU3nhJdCxjPa6orOnsx770sGZTn8-2BSYbjMAecuIKYtSN4VEFR7VZOUC-2FtUs35dTJqMP3caE2i0jLUI9ephRd-2FPE88AvSlfhCmgjJ-2FsW9sRgVMCICMkURKVd6P3OBiyHBrQoCdhhsocNWSEti-2F8v7a">https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=18717</a>.

Area students to perform in FHSU's theatre program

The local record books have her down as Jennie Vopat. Now married, Jennifer Davis still holds the Great Bend High School record for career free throw percentage. The feat helped her to a pair of basketball scholarships after high school and set her on the path to new recognition as the 2025 USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

"I did not think, especially in my second year coming back, that would be an honor I would be able to achieve," she said. "It's kind of fitting that it's here in Great Bend where I started my journey down this path. It's a very full-circle moment."

After graduating GBHS in 2005, Davis attended Hutchinson Community College and Kansas Wesleyan University to play basketball. Upon graduating from Wesleyan, she accepted her first teaching job in Southeast Kansas where she met her husband, Tanner. She fell in love with the communities of Yates Center and Neodesha.

"I wouldn't be the teacher I am today without that experience," she said. "Southeast Kansas was an amazing place. We absolutely adored both towns. My daughters were both born there and raised there for a little while."

But Davis wanted her daughters, Addilynn and Izabella, to experience some of the same childhood moments she did. And she wanted to be closer to family. Tanner wanted to work in a larger school district. The move back to Great Bend was a natural one.

Davis jumped right into the mix of things at GBHS, now as the C-team volleyball coach and the main assistant for the Lady Panther varsity basketball team. She teaches world history, mostly to freshmen, and geography and economics, mostly to sophomores. She credits her success as a teacher to her communication skills.

"My most people know my dad is Jim Vopat," David said. "He's very talkative and I definitely inherited that skill from him - being able to communicate with my students in maybe a way they would understand in a different format."

That means the students know they can always come in after class to chat with Davis one on one, and she uses a variety of formats to reach kids who learn in different ways.

"I wasn't the greatest student," she said. "I got good grades but I had to really work at those. I'm willing to work with (students). I'm willing to help them on deadlines and work with any of the subjects we're going over to make sure they really understand the topic."

Davis was joined in the honor by Elementary Teacher of the Year Traci Miller, an English Learner teacher at Riley Elementary. Both teachers will represent USD 428 in the upcoming 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729699371990.jpeg" alt="Jennifer Davis, history teacher at Great Bend High School, is the 2025 USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year. This is Davis’ second year at Great Bend High School, with 14 years of teaching experience in all. Pictured left to right, Brock Funke, GBHS principal; Jennifer Davis; Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent; JoAnn Blevins, director of teaching and learning; and Dustin Klassen, GBHS assistant principal." />
 <figcaption>Jennifer Davis, history teacher at Great Bend High School, is the 2025 USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year. This is Davis’ second year at Great Bend High School, with 14 years of teaching experience in all. Pictured left to right, Brock Funke, GBHS principal; Jennifer Davis; Khris Thexton, USD 428 superintendent; JoAnn Blevins, director of teaching and learning; and Dustin Klassen, GBHS assistant principal.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe local record books have her down as Jennie Vopat. Now married, Jennifer Davis still holds the Great Bend High School record for career free throw percentage. The feat helped her to a pair of basketball scholarships after high school and set her on the path to new recognition as the 2025 USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year."I did not think, especially in my second year coming back, that would be an honor I would be able to achieve," she said. "It's kind of fitting that it's here in Great Bend where I started my journey down this path. It's a very full-circle moment."After graduating GBHS in 2005, Davis attended Hutchinson Community College and Kansas Wesleyan University to play basketball. Upon graduating from Wesleyan, she accepted her first teaching job in Southeast Kansas where she met her husband, Tanner. She fell in love with the communities of Yates Center and Neodesha."I wouldn't be the teacher I am today without that experience," she said. "Southeast Kansas was an amazing place. We absolutely adored both towns. My daughters were both born there and raised there for a little while."But Davis wanted her daughters, Addilynn and Izabella, to experience some of the same childhood moments she did. And she wanted to be closer to family. Tanner wanted to work in a larger school district. The move back to Great Bend was a natural one.Davis jumped right into the mix of things at GBHS, now as the C-team volleyball coach and the main assistant for the Lady Panther varsity basketball team. She teaches world history, mostly to freshmen, and geography and economics, mostly to sophomores. She credits her success as a teacher to her communication skills."My most people know my dad is Jim Vopat," David said. "He's very talkative and I definitely inherited that skill from him - being able to communicate with my students in maybe a way they would understand in a different format."That means the students know they can always come in after class to chat with Davis one on one, and she uses a variety of formats to reach kids who learn in different ways."I wasn't the greatest student," she said. "I got good grades but I had to really work at those. I'm willing to work with (students). I'm willing to help them on deadlines and work with any of the subjects we're going over to make sure they really understand the topic."Davis was joined in the honor by Elementary Teacher of the Year Traci Miller, an English Learner teacher at Riley Elementary. Both teachers will represent USD 428 in the upcoming 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year competition.