By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

First opened in 1964, the Geneseo City Museum, offers a good history of
the small town in northern Rice County. The museum also helped get Geneseo the
official title of UFO Capital of Kansas. Founder Dr. E.D. Janzen enjoyed
researching flying-saucer sightings and aliens. 

B&amp;B Metal Arts in
Hoisington, just over 30 miles to the west of Geneseo on K-4 Highway, will help
in the UFO fascination by creating a sculpture of Gort, the fictional robot
that appeared in the 1951 film, The Day the Earth Stood Still. Bruce Bitter,
with B&amp;B Metal Arts, said the connection to create this 8' tall
sculpture started decades ago when his business first started.


"The mercantile in Ellsworth, Jim Gray was running it," said Bitter. "We went in there with our metal art, and Gray just loved it. He asked if we could make an old, rusty, longhorn cow. So we made it and that was big hit. Gray has always thought a lot of us throughout the years, and 30 years later this came up and he knew exactly who to give a call."

The Geneseo City Museum received a Kansas Department of Commerce grant to help
fund the sculpture. The robot will be dedicated during the third annual Kansas
UFO Day at the museum on July 6.


"When I tell people what I'm doing, they just smile," said Bitter. "I don't know what that smile means...if it's kind of cute, are you serious or go right on ahead. In the past, I started off cutting flat silhouettes and then we added color. We've done three dimensional sculptures, but this a three-dimensional, exact duplicate of Gort."

Along with the statue dedication, Kansas UFO Day will include paranormal
speakers, vendors, spacecraft displays, kids games, UFO watch and an outdoor
movie.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/406552822030767/?ref=newsfeed">Geneseo City Museum Facebook page</a> for more details on Kansas UFO Day events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719244759565.jpeg" alt="Picture of Gort, the robot featured in the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still." B&amp;B Metal Arts in Hoisington is creating a life-size duplicate of Gort for the Geneseo City Museum." />
 <figcaption>Picture of Gort, the robot featured in the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still." B&amp;B Metal Arts in Hoisington is creating a life-size duplicate of Gort for the Geneseo City Museum.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFirst opened in 1964, the Geneseo City Museum, offers a good history of
the small town in northern Rice County. The museum also helped get Geneseo the
official title of UFO Capital of Kansas. Founder Dr. E.D. Janzen enjoyed
researching flying-saucer sightings and aliens. B&amp;B Metal Arts in
Hoisington, just over 30 miles to the west of Geneseo on K-4 Highway, will help
in the UFO fascination by creating a sculpture of Gort, the fictional robot
that appeared in the 1951 film, The Day the Earth Stood Still. Bruce Bitter,
with B&amp;B Metal Arts, said the connection to create this 8' tall
sculpture started decades ago when his business first started.
"The mercantile in Ellsworth, Jim Gray was running it," said Bitter. "We went in there with our metal art, and Gray just loved it. He asked if we could make an old, rusty, longhorn cow. So we made it and that was big hit. Gray has always thought a lot of us throughout the years, and 30 years later this came up and he knew exactly who to give a call."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719244871619.jpeg" alt="Geneseo City Museum" />
 <figcaption>Geneseo City Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>The Geneseo City Museum received a Kansas Department of Commerce grant to help
fund the sculpture. The robot will be dedicated during the third annual Kansas
UFO Day at the museum on July 6.
"When I tell people what I'm doing, they just smile," said Bitter. "I don't know what that smile means...if it's kind of cute, are you serious or go right on ahead. In the past, I started off cutting flat silhouettes and then we added color. We've done three dimensional sculptures, but this a three-dimensional, exact duplicate of Gort."Along with the statue dedication, Kansas UFO Day will include paranormal
speakers, vendors, spacecraft displays, kids games, UFO watch and an outdoor
movie.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/406552822030767/?ref=newsfeed">Geneseo City Museum Facebook page</a> for more details on Kansas UFO Day events.

Hoisington’s B&B Metal Arts’ creation for UFO enthusiasts 

Today A chance of showers before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 9 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 93. North-northwest wind 9 to 15 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 68. East wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Breezy, with a southeast wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99.

Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A chance of showers before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 9 mph becoming northwest after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 93. North-northwest wind 9 to 15 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 68. East wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Breezy, with a southeast wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99.Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

A field survey for proposed K-4 guardrail improvements will begin soon in Rush and Barton counties. The survey for the Kansas Department of Transportation will be 7 miles east of the&nbsp;K-4/U.S.183 junction at La Crosse, in Rush County. The survey also will be almost a quarter of a mile east of the K-4/120th Avenue junction near Claflin, in Barton County. The survey length is about 1,000&nbsp;feet. It will be based on the existing alignment. The field survey will begin around July 2 and be completed by July 31. The survey will gather information needed for the detailed design of the proposed improvements. A member of the survey crew first will contact property owners and/or tenants for permission to enter private property if needed. Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor. Michael Small, P.S., Survey Project Manager, MKEC, will be in charge of this survey for KDOT. The maps below show the project location, circled.

A field survey for proposed K-4 guardrail improvements will begin soon in Rush and Barton counties. The survey for the Kansas Department of Transportation will be 7 miles east of the&nbsp;K-4/U.S.183 junction at La Crosse, in Rush County. The survey also will be almost a quarter of a mile east of the K-4/120th Avenue junction near Claflin, in Barton County. The survey length is about 1,000&nbsp;feet. It will be based on the existing alignment. The field survey will begin around July 2 and be completed by July 31. The survey will gather information needed for the detailed design of the proposed improvements. A member of the survey crew first will contact property owners and/or tenants for permission to enter private property if needed. Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor. Michael Small, P.S., Survey Project Manager, MKEC, will be in charge of this survey for KDOT. The maps below show the project location, circled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261705614.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261720413.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Survey for guardrail improvements in Barton, Rush counties

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3KSJleF. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting June 25, 2024 9 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the June 11, 2024. Minutes of the June 18, 2024, Regular Meeting are not available. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. PROCLAMATION 2024-14: Great Bend Bat Cats Day ~ June 25, 2024: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will provide details. The Great Bend Bat Cats began playing in June, 2017, at Al Burns Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas. Managed by Roger Ward, Head Coach, the Bat Cats play from June through the end of season tournaments, with both home and away games. The Commission will be asked to adopt a Proclamation recognizing the players, staff and sponsors for their dedication to the game and their commitment to health, leadership and community.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. SOLID WASTE: Diesel Fuel Quote 2024-2025: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, will provide details. The Landfill accepted quotes to purchase 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The quote requested a price per gallon, with the fuel price extending through July 1, 2025, or the 25,000-gallon mark is exceeded.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. COUNTY ENGINEER: Design agreement for the replacement of Off-System Bridge No. 189: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. Requests for qualifications were accepted for the design work associated with replacing Off-System Bridge No. 189. The bridge is located on NE 20 Avenue, a short distance northeast of Great Bend over the Dry Walnut Creek. Kirkham Michael was the only firm to express interest. The firm has submitted a design agreement in the amount of $74,000.00 for design services.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. COUNTY APPRAISER: Continuation of Employment Agreement: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details. Per Kansas statute, an Appraiser must be appointed for a four-year term every fourth year following July 1, 1993. Wendy Prosser, currently serving as County Appraiser, was last appointed for a term beginning July 1, 2021. At that time, she was offered an employment agreement that ended in 2024. It is suggested that the employment agreement be extended to June 30, 2025, thus coinciding with the statutory end date of her current four-year term.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. GREAT PLAINS DEVELOPMENT INC: Continuation of Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Great Plains Development, Inc. (GPDI) boosts job creation, spurs economic development and improves the quality of life in Southwest Kansas. GPDI provides financing, loan packaging and business assistance to individuals, businesses and government agencies to stimulate economic development within their 28-county region. Partners include city and county governments, local banks, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas SBDC business planning, EDA, SBA, USDA and NetWork Kansas.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -County officials have been invited to attend the Sheriff’s Office Independence Day luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024. The luncheon is held at the Sheriff’s Administrative Building, 1416 Kansas, Great Bend, Kansas.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Review – Darren Williams, County Works Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. – Painting at the Health Department – Karen Winkelman, Health Director.

BUDGET MEETINGS &nbsp; &nbsp;10:30 a.m. Barton County Fair Association &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. Family Crisis Center &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. RSVP &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. Information Technology &nbsp; &nbsp;11:30 a.m. Golden Belt Humane Society &nbsp; &nbsp;1:15 p.m. The Center &nbsp; &nbsp;1:30 p.m. Solid Waste &nbsp; &nbsp;1:45 p.m. Treasurer &nbsp; &nbsp;2:00 p.m. Sheriff’s Office &nbsp; &nbsp;2:30 p.m. District Court &nbsp; &nbsp;2:45 p.m. Emergency Management &nbsp; &nbsp;3:00 p.m. County Appraiser &nbsp; &nbsp;3:15 p.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, is scheduled for June 27, 2024.

V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619714703743.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3KSJleF. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting June 25, 2024 9 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the June 11, 2024. Minutes of the June 18, 2024, Regular Meeting are not available. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. PROCLAMATION 2024-14: Great Bend Bat Cats Day ~ June 25, 2024: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will provide details. The Great Bend Bat Cats began playing in June, 2017, at Al Burns Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas. Managed by Roger Ward, Head Coach, the Bat Cats play from June through the end of season tournaments, with both home and away games. The Commission will be asked to adopt a Proclamation recognizing the players, staff and sponsors for their dedication to the game and their commitment to health, leadership and community.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. SOLID WASTE: Diesel Fuel Quote 2024-2025: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, will provide details. The Landfill accepted quotes to purchase 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The quote requested a price per gallon, with the fuel price extending through July 1, 2025, or the 25,000-gallon mark is exceeded.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. COUNTY ENGINEER: Design agreement for the replacement of Off-System Bridge No. 189: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. Requests for qualifications were accepted for the design work associated with replacing Off-System Bridge No. 189. The bridge is located on NE 20 Avenue, a short distance northeast of Great Bend over the Dry Walnut Creek. Kirkham Michael was the only firm to express interest. The firm has submitted a design agreement in the amount of $74,000.00 for design services.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. COUNTY APPRAISER: Continuation of Employment Agreement: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details. Per Kansas statute, an Appraiser must be appointed for a four-year term every fourth year following July 1, 1993. Wendy Prosser, currently serving as County Appraiser, was last appointed for a term beginning July 1, 2021. At that time, she was offered an employment agreement that ended in 2024. It is suggested that the employment agreement be extended to June 30, 2025, thus coinciding with the statutory end date of her current four-year term.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. GREAT PLAINS DEVELOPMENT INC: Continuation of Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Great Plains Development, Inc. (GPDI) boosts job creation, spurs economic development and improves the quality of life in Southwest Kansas. GPDI provides financing, loan packaging and business assistance to individuals, businesses and government agencies to stimulate economic development within their 28-county region. Partners include city and county governments, local banks, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas SBDC business planning, EDA, SBA, USDA and NetWork Kansas.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -County officials have been invited to attend the Sheriff’s Office Independence Day luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 27, 2024. The luncheon is held at the Sheriff’s Administrative Building, 1416 Kansas, Great Bend, Kansas.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Review – Darren Williams, County Works Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. – Painting at the Health Department – Karen Winkelman, Health Director.BUDGET MEETINGS &nbsp; &nbsp;10:30 a.m. Barton County Fair Association &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. Family Crisis Center &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. RSVP &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. Information Technology &nbsp; &nbsp;11:30 a.m. Golden Belt Humane Society &nbsp; &nbsp;1:15 p.m. The Center &nbsp; &nbsp;1:30 p.m. Solid Waste &nbsp; &nbsp;1:45 p.m. Treasurer &nbsp; &nbsp;2:00 p.m. Sheriff’s Office &nbsp; &nbsp;2:30 p.m. District Court &nbsp; &nbsp;2:45 p.m. Emergency Management &nbsp; &nbsp;3:00 p.m. County Appraiser &nbsp; &nbsp;3:15 p.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, is scheduled for June 27, 2024.V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2024.VI. ADJOURN

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (6/25)

If I sound excited, it is because I look forward to interacting with the community and, especially, our 4-H members as they share their year-long project work with judges and all of you!

I love walking through Expo III first thing in the morning to the sound of 4-H members and their families as they begin to feed, water, and clean pens. I love when a 4-H member is so excited to tell me about their judging interaction. I love watching a 4-H youth who struggles to look a judge in the eye and has gained confidence to have that conversation and beam as they walk away. I love to sit quietly with a 4-H member who is facing the finality of a market animal project or their last fair. I love watching family members – sometimes multiple generations – work together to help with livestock projects, learn how to make that angel food cake just right, or to write a thank you note to a buyer or award sponsor.

I am so proud of the patience and perseverance they are developing! Do they get it right every time? Nope, but neither do I. I am so proud of watching skills develop in woodworking or photography or foods – these are lifetime skills that may become hobbies or careers!

4-H is the only Extension program that comes with an inherent level of competition. Competition and good sportsmanship go hand-in-hand and learning how to work hard, be a fair competitor, and humble when you win, or don’t, are life skills that are hard to measure but recognizable when they happen.

This week the weather forecast is HOT! We encourage 4-H families and all participants at the fair to stay cool….in temperature and temperament.

If you see me at the fair, ask me about my favorite thing of the day! If you see a 4-H member at the fair, ask about their favorite thing of the day also. Mostly, come out and support our 4-H members and the community who have entered open class entries. You will be amazed at the Blue Jeans and Big Dreams on display in the Expo buildings.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>If I sound excited, it is because I look forward to interacting with the community and, especially, our 4-H members as they share their year-long project work with judges and all of you!I love walking through Expo III first thing in the morning to the sound of 4-H members and their families as they begin to feed, water, and clean pens. I love when a 4-H member is so excited to tell me about their judging interaction. I love watching a 4-H youth who struggles to look a judge in the eye and has gained confidence to have that conversation and beam as they walk away. I love to sit quietly with a 4-H member who is facing the finality of a market animal project or their last fair. I love watching family members – sometimes multiple generations – work together to help with livestock projects, learn how to make that angel food cake just right, or to write a thank you note to a buyer or award sponsor.I am so proud of the patience and perseverance they are developing! Do they get it right every time? Nope, but neither do I. I am so proud of watching skills develop in woodworking or photography or foods – these are lifetime skills that may become hobbies or careers!4-H is the only Extension program that comes with an inherent level of competition. Competition and good sportsmanship go hand-in-hand and learning how to work hard, be a fair competitor, and humble when you win, or don’t, are life skills that are hard to measure but recognizable when they happen.This week the weather forecast is HOT! We encourage 4-H families and all participants at the fair to stay cool….in temperature and temperament.If you see me at the fair, ask me about my favorite thing of the day! If you see a 4-H member at the fair, ask about their favorite thing of the day also. Mostly, come out and support our 4-H members and the community who have entered open class entries. You will be amazed at the Blue Jeans and Big Dreams on display in the Expo buildings.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: It's Fair time!

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes thanked the Great Bend
City Council Monday night for their continued support of June Jaunt. The
outdoor festival was over three weeks ago, and Hayes and her staff are able to review
what went well and what improvements are needed. 


The three-day festival, which falls on the first weekend of June each year, is
filled with live music, games, food vendors and entertainment in downtown Great
Bend. Hayes told the council she is looking at changes for future June Jaunts.


"What's unique about Party in the Park and June Jaunt is that it's an opportunity for us to give a festival to the community without asking the businesses to strongly support it," said Hayes. "That kind of what city council wanted 14 years ago."

The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Board will discuss June Jaunt
changes and then the council will receive a questionnaire on proposed
improvements.


With the help of Great Bend Economic Development, a parade down Main Street was
added to this year’s June Jaunt, which marked the 13th year of the
festival.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718815632927.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes thanked the Great Bend
City Council Monday night for their continued support of June Jaunt. The
outdoor festival was over three weeks ago, and Hayes and her staff are able to review
what went well and what improvements are needed. 
The three-day festival, which falls on the first weekend of June each year, is
filled with live music, games, food vendors and entertainment in downtown Great
Bend. Hayes told the council she is looking at changes for future June Jaunts.
"What's unique about Party in the Park and June Jaunt is that it's an opportunity for us to give a festival to the community without asking the businesses to strongly support it," said Hayes. "That kind of what city council wanted 14 years ago."The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Board will discuss June Jaunt
changes and then the council will receive a questionnaire on proposed
improvements.
With the help of Great Bend Economic Development, a parade down Main Street was
added to this year’s June Jaunt, which marked the 13th year of the
festival.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FExploreGreatBend%2Fvideos%2F1573852396805727%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Possible changes to be discussed for Great Bend’s June Jaunt

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.iLyn9JYszrzkQFqifQKqJNUzr1WNHk1Wfgdm_tDKCwE/s/1305943097/br/244581164468-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;

When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.iLyn9JYszrzkQFqifQKqJNUzr1WNHk1Wfgdm_tDKCwE/s/1305943097/br/244581164468-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active AdvisoriesWarning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County</li><li>Webster Lake, Rooks County</li>
 </ul>Watch&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>King Lake, Lyon County (Added June 21)</li><li>Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County</li><li>Lovewell Lake, Jewell County</li><li>Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County (Added June 21)</li><li>Woodland Park Pond (Mount Hope), Sedgwick County</li>
 </ul>Lifted&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Overbrook City Lake, Osage County</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.&nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.&nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.&nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.&nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

Public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae

Cohen Gunn, 15, loves playing sports. So when a stress fracture in spring 2023 derailed his summer baseball season and a thumb injury in December 2023 threatened to do the same for spring baseball this year, Cohen knew he needed some extra help.

That help came through physical therapy with Jake Thompson, DPT, regional manager of rehabilitation services for The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend.

“I was throwing while warming up for baseball practice and I felt a pop in my shoulder,” said Cohen, who pitches and plays center field. “It was really painful, and I couldn’t keep playing.”

Angie Gunn, Cohen’s mother, took Cohen to see his physician, family and sports medicine specialist Tom Dagg, MD, after a couple of her friends recommended him. Dr. Dagg diagnosed the shoulder injury – a stress fracture in his growth plate – and prescribed rehabilitation.

“I’m glad I could help Cohen get the help he needed in a timely fashion,” said Dr. Dagg. “My nurse, Jenny Parker, is outstanding at recognizing urgent needs communicated to her from the community, and this isn’t the first time her skill has resulted in better care for our patients.”

Motivation drives healing While Cohen was grateful that he didn’t need surgery, he did have to rest his shoulder before he could begin rehabilitation. Once he was ready for physical therapy, Cohen started working with Thompson, who is also Cohen’s pitching coach.

“I was worried with the shoulder specifically about Cohen being able to get back to playing baseball at all,” said Angie.

But Cohen recovered fully thanks to his dedication to the physical therapy regimen and specialized throwing program Thompson developed. Then, in December, Cohen was playing dodgeball when he broke and tore a ligament in his thumb.

Unfortunately, Dr. Dagg said this injury required surgery. Cohen had the surgery later in December and when his thumb was healed enough, he started a new regimen of physical therapy with Thompson.

“I was really motivated to get through all the rehab for my thumb so I could play baseball this year,” Cohen said. “Jake gave me exercises to help me heal and get my strength back, like one that uses an elastic band for my thumb that I can do anywhere.”

In fact, Cohen continued doing physical therapy exercises for his shoulder after his physical therapy was complete. He said the exercises using tension bands and weights are particularly helpful in keeping his shoulder healthy, and he’s had no issues with his shoulder this year.

“Even though I wondered a few times why I was doing this, I realized how much the therapy exercises have helped,” Cohen said. “When you’re doing physical therapy, don’t take days off and do all your exercises; otherwise, it takes a lot longer to heal.”

Serious about rehab Angie appreciates Cohen’s dedication to physical therapy and healing.

“We encourage him to continue doing his exercises so he can retain his strength,” Angie said. “We want to avoid any more injuries if at all possible.”

“Cohen had to face several instances of adversity, which is never easy as a young student-athlete,” said Thompson. “His dedication to improve allowed him to play baseball this spring. Cohen is the definition of a competitor.”

That drive to compete means that Cohen takes his physical therapy and healing seriously.

“Take your rehab seriously,” Cohen said. “Caring for an injury and taking a break from sports – even though it’s hard to think that you might not be able to play again – is an important part of healing.”

Angie agrees, saying, “Do your therapy and exercises, because healing takes a lot longer without physical therapy. Jake has gone above and beyond to check on Cohen and make sure he continues to do well. That personal approach is rare.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719236599349.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSCohen Gunn, 15, loves playing sports. So when a stress fracture in spring 2023 derailed his summer baseball season and a thumb injury in December 2023 threatened to do the same for spring baseball this year, Cohen knew he needed some extra help.That help came through physical therapy with Jake Thompson, DPT, regional manager of rehabilitation services for The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend.“I was throwing while warming up for baseball practice and I felt a pop in my shoulder,” said Cohen, who pitches and plays center field. “It was really painful, and I couldn’t keep playing.”Angie Gunn, Cohen’s mother, took Cohen to see his physician, family and sports medicine specialist Tom Dagg, MD, after a couple of her friends recommended him. Dr. Dagg diagnosed the shoulder injury – a stress fracture in his growth plate – and prescribed rehabilitation.“I’m glad I could help Cohen get the help he needed in a timely fashion,” said Dr. Dagg. “My nurse, Jenny Parker, is outstanding at recognizing urgent needs communicated to her from the community, and this isn’t the first time her skill has resulted in better care for our patients.”Motivation drives healing While Cohen was grateful that he didn’t need surgery, he did have to rest his shoulder before he could begin rehabilitation. Once he was ready for physical therapy, Cohen started working with Thompson, who is also Cohen’s pitching coach.“I was worried with the shoulder specifically about Cohen being able to get back to playing baseball at all,” said Angie.But Cohen recovered fully thanks to his dedication to the physical therapy regimen and specialized throwing program Thompson developed. Then, in December, Cohen was playing dodgeball when he broke and tore a ligament in his thumb.Unfortunately, Dr. Dagg said this injury required surgery. Cohen had the surgery later in December and when his thumb was healed enough, he started a new regimen of physical therapy with Thompson.“I was really motivated to get through all the rehab for my thumb so I could play baseball this year,” Cohen said. “Jake gave me exercises to help me heal and get my strength back, like one that uses an elastic band for my thumb that I can do anywhere.”In fact, Cohen continued doing physical therapy exercises for his shoulder after his physical therapy was complete. He said the exercises using tension bands and weights are particularly helpful in keeping his shoulder healthy, and he’s had no issues with his shoulder this year.“Even though I wondered a few times why I was doing this, I realized how much the therapy exercises have helped,” Cohen said. “When you’re doing physical therapy, don’t take days off and do all your exercises; otherwise, it takes a lot longer to heal.”Serious about rehab Angie appreciates Cohen’s dedication to physical therapy and healing.“We encourage him to continue doing his exercises so he can retain his strength,” Angie said. “We want to avoid any more injuries if at all possible.”“Cohen had to face several instances of adversity, which is never easy as a young student-athlete,” said Thompson. “His dedication to improve allowed him to play baseball this spring. Cohen is the definition of a competitor.”That drive to compete means that Cohen takes his physical therapy and healing seriously.“Take your rehab seriously,” Cohen said. “Caring for an injury and taking a break from sports – even though it’s hard to think that you might not be able to play again – is an important part of healing.”Angie agrees, saying, “Do your therapy and exercises, because healing takes a lot longer without physical therapy. Jake has gone above and beyond to check on Cohen and make sure he continues to do well. That personal approach is rare.”

Physical therapy in Great Bend gets athlete back on the field

6/21 BOOKED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Clayton Hines on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Kevin Mata-Alcala on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, no bond set.

RELEASED: Jason Fox on Stafford County District Court case for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

6/22 BOOKED: Brandon Henning on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Bailey Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault on LEO, Interference with LEO, and Minor in Consumption, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Shives on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Richard Etim on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $2,004 cash only.

BOOKED: Selena Armstrong on Barton County District Court case for DUI and Fail to Stop at a Stop Sign, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Pojuer Achas on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Warren on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault and Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: David Lomas on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $5,000 C/S; and on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $1,871 cash only or up to 81 days in jail.

RELEASED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Bailey Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault on LEO, Interference with LEO, and Minor in Consumption, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brandon Henning on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

RELEASED: Selena Armstrong on Barton County District Court case for DUI and Fail to Stop at a Stop Sign, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Pojuer Achas on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

6/23 BOOKED: Tylan Kurth on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Harley Truan on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on four Morris County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, no bond set.

RELEASED: Tylan Kurth on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Clayton Hines on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>6/21 BOOKED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Clayton Hines on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Kevin Mata-Alcala on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, no bond set.RELEASED: Jason Fox on Stafford County District Court case for Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.6/22 BOOKED: Brandon Henning on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Bailey Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault on LEO, Interference with LEO, and Minor in Consumption, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Shives on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Richard Etim on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $2,004 cash only.BOOKED: Selena Armstrong on Barton County District Court case for DUI and Fail to Stop at a Stop Sign, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Pojuer Achas on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Warren on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault and Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: David Lomas on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $5,000 C/S; and on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $1,871 cash only or up to 81 days in jail.RELEASED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Bailey Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault on LEO, Interference with LEO, and Minor in Consumption, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brandon Henning on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.RELEASED: Selena Armstrong on Barton County District Court case for DUI and Fail to Stop at a Stop Sign, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Pojuer Achas on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.6/23 BOOKED: Tylan Kurth on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Harley Truan on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on four Morris County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, no bond set.RELEASED: Tylan Kurth on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Clayton Hines on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (6/21 - 6/23)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Current Barton County Attorney Levi Morris has seen the gamut of law practice in Kansas. He practiced various aspects of civil law in his hometown of Newton before being hired as an assistant with the Barton County Attorney's Office. He later opened his own firm, focusing primarily on criminal cases, then was appointed as Barton County Attorney in 2018. He's hoping to continue the progression as a candidate for district judge in the 20th Judicial District.

"At some point, it's the good old American dream," he said. "You work hard for the company and, after having done a good job, you feel comfortable asking for a promotion and more responsibility. While it's not exactly the same model as working for a corporation, it's the same idea. We have x amount of attorneys in the county and not all of them get to be judges. I've not been shy to run on my credentials of what I've done after taking over as county attorney. I think I've earned the opportunity to do more."

Morris ran his private practice for four years before moving into the county attorney's office. In 2020, he lost a primary election for a district judge spot. With no candidates on the county attorney ballot, he ran a successful write-in campaign where he collected nearly 1,700 votes in the general election to retain his office. He now brings even more experience to the judicial ballot.

'We have three district court judges in the district and it's interesting that none of them have ever been (elected as) prosecutor," Morris said. "None of them have ever been charged with public safety. I think the voters would like to see one of our three spots, perhaps when appropriate, be somebody with prosecution experience."

In his six years as county attorney, Morris has reduced office size, maintained the same level of felony convictions despite filing fewer cases, and nearly tripled the number of felony convictions that require either drug, sex, or violent offender registration.

Morris lives in Great Bend with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Warren and Theodore.

Donald E. Anderson II has also filed as a candidate to fill the vacancy left by the upcoming retirement of the Hon. Steve Johnson. The winner of the Aug. 6 primary will advance to the general election in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718801323222.jpeg" alt="Levi Morris with wife, Chelsea, and sons Warren and Theodore." />
 <figcaption>Levi Morris with wife, Chelsea, and sons Warren and Theodore.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostCurrent Barton County Attorney Levi Morris has seen the gamut of law practice in Kansas. He practiced various aspects of civil law in his hometown of Newton before being hired as an assistant with the Barton County Attorney's Office. He later opened his own firm, focusing primarily on criminal cases, then was appointed as Barton County Attorney in 2018. He's hoping to continue the progression as a candidate for district judge in the 20th Judicial District."At some point, it's the good old American dream," he said. "You work hard for the company and, after having done a good job, you feel comfortable asking for a promotion and more responsibility. While it's not exactly the same model as working for a corporation, it's the same idea. We have x amount of attorneys in the county and not all of them get to be judges. I've not been shy to run on my credentials of what I've done after taking over as county attorney. I think I've earned the opportunity to do more."Morris ran his private practice for four years before moving into the county attorney's office. In 2020, he lost a primary election for a district judge spot. With no candidates on the county attorney ballot, he ran a successful write-in campaign where he collected nearly 1,700 votes in the general election to retain his office. He now brings even more experience to the judicial ballot.'We have three district court judges in the district and it's interesting that none of them have ever been (elected as) prosecutor," Morris said. "None of them have ever been charged with public safety. I think the voters would like to see one of our three spots, perhaps when appropriate, be somebody with prosecution experience."In his six years as county attorney, Morris has reduced office size, maintained the same level of felony convictions despite filing fewer cases, and nearly tripled the number of felony convictions that require either drug, sex, or violent offender registration.Morris lives in Great Bend with his wife, Chelsea, and their two sons, Warren and Theodore.Donald E. Anderson II has also filed as a candidate to fill the vacancy left by the upcoming retirement of the Hon. Steve Johnson. The winner of the Aug. 6 primary will advance to the general election in November.

Current Barton Co. Attorney running for new office in Aug. 6 primary

Many times,  a photograph only tells part of the story. A picture from June 30, 2008, at the finish line of Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. is a prime example. Christian Smith, a former standout from Pawnee Heights High School and Kansas State University, is caught falling across the finish line to secure a third-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials and secure his spot in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. The unlikely road to China, full of bumps, began when Smith was growing up in Pawnee County.

"Being out there, hard work is just how you live your life," he said. "You don't cut corners. You do the job and you do it to the best of your ability. I think I had a lot of people in my life where that was the emphasis."

Those people included his parents and coaches, in particular his basketball coach and PE teacher, Jay Artaz.

"We did pushups, situps,and laps in PE," Smith said. "Some kids probably hated it but I loved PE. It was like training."

Making the Olympic games draws a certain amount of fame, but Smith's third-place finish in the Olympic Trials is noted as one of the greatest in American history.

Nick Symmonds, a seven-time outdoor track champion at Div. III Willamette University in Oregon, won the race in a personal best 1:44.10. The University of Oregon's Andrew Wheating finished second in 1:45.03. Needing a top-three finish to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, Smith was in fourth place until a big lean at the tape secured the third-place finish by six-hundredths of a second in 1:45.47. It was the first time Smith ran under the Olympic qualifying time of 1:46 required to run in Beijing.

"I was behind him with 10 meters left," said Smith. "I knew it was going to take a ridiculous lean, so I knew it was going to end up with me on the ground. It wasn't a question of whether that was going to happen. At the end, I just leaned as hard as I could and dove."

Symmonds, a club training partner of Smith's, and Wheating were at the back of the pack with 200 meters to go. Symmonds cut through traffic and cruised to the win by nearly a second. Wheating made his move on the outside.

"Wheating went by with about 40 meters left," Smith said. "I thought he went by with 80 meters left. That last 40 meters was an eternity almost. It was just building and building."

On Aug. 20, 2008, Smith ran in the sixth of eight preliminary heats at the Olympic Games in Beijing. The top two runners in each heat plus the next eight overall fastest runners qualified for the next round. Smith ran a 1:48.20 to place fourth in his heat and miss round two by 0.27 seconds. Wheating also failed to make it out of round one. Symmonds placed fifth in his semifinal heat to miss the finals by half a second. He later placed fifth in the 2012 Games in London.

Smith's story began long before the trials in Oregon. As a freshman at Pawnee Heights, he finished fourth in the Class 1A 800m run (2:02.50). He was part of the 4x8 team that won the title, and the Tigers missed the team championship by just three points.

Pawnee Heights won the state title in 2000. The 4x8 team won another title and Christian and his brother, Trevor, swept the mid-distance events with Trevor winning titles in the 800 and 1600, and Christian finishing behind him.

Christian was again a 4x8 state champion as a junior (8:17.44), and the 800m champion in 2001 (1:59.65). He completed the sweep of 4x8 titles as a senior (8:18.70), and also won titles that year in the 4x4 (3:26.28), 800 (1:53.29) and 1600 (4:26.77). The Tigers beat Deerfield by 11 points for the 1A championship.

Smith received one final gift before graduating from Pawnee Heights. Artaz, that hard-nosed coach and PE teacher, carried the 2002 Olympic Torch through Wichita ahead of the Salt Lake City Games. After he passed away on March 4, 2002, his wife, Nancy, gave Smith the gloves Artaz wore during the torch run.

"He was someone who really emphasized hard work in athletics," said Smith. "He was always a believer that if you worked hard enough, you really could accomplish anything if you wanted it."

At Kansas State University, Smith set the indoor NCAA record at 1,000 meters in 2:19.57, a time that has since been surpassed. That time still stands as the school record 18 years later, as do his times in the outdoor 800 (1:44.86) and 1,500 runs (3:38.10).

As a sophomore at Pawnee Heights, Smith once had to write down his goals. That included a far-fetched idea of making the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, Calif. He made the trials and just missed a spot in the 800m finals.

"I was just happy to be there in 2004, and I outdid my expectations," he said. "That definitely propelled me into thinking more was possible."

In 2006, Smith won the NCAA indoor title in the mile (4:12.75). Later that year, he set the K-State outdoor record in the 800m run in Italy. In 2006, he was the only American to crack 1:45 in the 800 and 3:39 in the 1500.

After graduating from K-State, Smith moved to Oregon and joined the famed Oregon Track Club alongside Symmonds. On a return trip to Manhattan in 2007, Smith woke to a stabbing pain in his abdomen. Smith's appendix had burst, but even doctors had difficulty believing him because, as a runner used to dealing with pain, he rated the pain only 6 out of 10.

The high pain tolerance nearly cost Smith his life. A week later, the burst appendix remained untreated. A CT scan revealed the damage but Smith's infection was so severe it had to be drained before surgeons could operate. Two liters of fluid were drained from his lungs. Smith remained in the hospital for weeks and did not eat solid food for four months. He lost 20 pounds from his already light 165-pound racing frame.

Beginning in 1952, a series of Olympic trials were held at various California venues. As the University of Oregon track and field program gained fame under coach Bill Bowerman in the 1960s and 70s, the trials were moved to the old Hayward Field for the 1972 and 1976 trials. Subsequent trials were held in Los Angels, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Sacramento before returning to Hayward in 2008, 10 years before it was replaced by the current version of the stadium.

"I grew up loving Steve Prefontaine," Smith said. "There are two movies that were shot at Hayward. The new stadium is awesome but the old one was historic. When you go to Europe and race, a lot of places really love track. Eugene is a place in the United States that loves track. There's just a different atmosphere there than in other places."

With the 2008 Olympic trials looming, Smith still had not run a qualifying team to earn a place in Eugene.&nbsp;A week before the trials, Smith had climbed to No. 31 in the U.S. 800m rankings. Unfortunately, only the top-30 would run at Hayward. Then Smith finally caught a break. Alan Webb, whose American mile record lasted from 2007 to 2023, scratched from the 800 to focus on the 1500. Smith was in and the rest, as they say, is history.

Despite entering the field as the No. 30 seed, Smith ran a 1:47.97 for fifth place in the preliminaries. He missed the Olympic standard by 0.011 seconds to place third in the semifinals. The top six finishers in the final all came in under the 1:46 standard to compete in Beijing. Other notables at the trials that year include Tyson Gay, former Barton Cougar and still the American record holder in the 100m dash, American 400m record holder Sanya Richards (Ross), and Allyson Felix, the most decorated athlete in U.S. track and field history.

Smith ran his final race at the 2012 Olympic Trials, again in Eugene. He now lives in Gardner with his wife, Sara, a doctor of veterinary medicine, and their three children. His life is more ordinary now than it was then, but every four years as the Olympic Games approach, he reaches into the memory bank for one of the great sports stories in American history.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OeIY_M7YJxk?si=35P8anj6qZgqdntd" 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>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMany times, a photograph only tells part of the story. A picture from June 30, 2008, at the finish line of Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. is a prime example. Christian Smith, a former standout from Pawnee Heights High School and Kansas State University, is caught falling across the finish line to secure a third-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials and secure his spot in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. The unlikely road to China, full of bumps, began when Smith was growing up in Pawnee County."Being out there, hard work is just how you live your life," he said. "You don't cut corners. You do the job and you do it to the best of your ability. I think I had a lot of people in my life where that was the emphasis."Those people included his parents and coaches, in particular his basketball coach and PE teacher, Jay Artaz."We did pushups, situps,and laps in PE," Smith said. "Some kids probably hated it but I loved PE. It was like training."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718908582140.jpeg" alt="Former Pawnee Heights Tiger Christian Smith won a national track title at Kansas State University and still holds two outdoor records at the school. In 2008, Smith ran in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. (photo courtesy of K-State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Former Pawnee Heights Tiger Christian Smith won a national track title at Kansas State University and still holds two outdoor records at the school. In 2008, Smith ran in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. (photo courtesy of K-State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Making the Olympic games draws a certain amount of fame, but Smith's third-place finish in the Olympic Trials is noted as one of the greatest in American history.Nick Symmonds, a seven-time outdoor track champion at Div. III Willamette University in Oregon, won the race in a personal best 1:44.10. The University of Oregon's Andrew Wheating finished second in 1:45.03. Needing a top-three finish to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, Smith was in fourth place until a big lean at the tape secured the third-place finish by six-hundredths of a second in 1:45.47. It was the first time Smith ran under the Olympic qualifying time of 1:46 required to run in Beijing."I was behind him with 10 meters left," said Smith. "I knew it was going to take a ridiculous lean, so I knew it was going to end up with me on the ground. It wasn't a question of whether that was going to happen. At the end, I just leaned as hard as I could and dove."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718908709867.jpeg" alt="Smith won the national title in the NCAA indoor mile in 2006. (photo by K-State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Smith won the national title in the NCAA indoor mile in 2006. (photo by K-State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Symmonds, a club training partner of Smith's, and Wheating were at the back of the pack with 200 meters to go. Symmonds cut through traffic and cruised to the win by nearly a second. Wheating made his move on the outside."Wheating went by with about 40 meters left," Smith said. "I thought he went by with 80 meters left. That last 40 meters was an eternity almost. It was just building and building."On Aug. 20, 2008, Smith ran in the sixth of eight preliminary heats at the Olympic Games in Beijing. The top two runners in each heat plus the next eight overall fastest runners qualified for the next round. Smith ran a 1:48.20 to place fourth in his heat and miss round two by 0.27 seconds. Wheating also failed to make it out of round one. Symmonds placed fifth in his semifinal heat to miss the finals by half a second. He later placed fifth in the 2012 Games in London.Smith's story began long before the trials in Oregon. As a freshman at Pawnee Heights, he finished fourth in the Class 1A 800m run (2:02.50). He was part of the 4x8 team that won the title, and the Tigers missed the team championship by just three points.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718973725259.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pawnee Heights won the state title in 2000. The 4x8 team won another title and Christian and his brother, Trevor, swept the mid-distance events with Trevor winning titles in the 800 and 1600, and Christian finishing behind him.Christian was again a 4x8 state champion as a junior (8:17.44), and the 800m champion in 2001 (1:59.65). He completed the sweep of 4x8 titles as a senior (8:18.70), and also won titles that year in the 4x4 (3:26.28), 800 (1:53.29) and 1600 (4:26.77). The Tigers beat Deerfield by 11 points for the 1A championship.Smith received one final gift before graduating from Pawnee Heights. Artaz, that hard-nosed coach and PE teacher, carried the 2002 Olympic Torch through Wichita ahead of the Salt Lake City Games. After he passed away on March 4, 2002, his wife, Nancy, gave Smith the gloves Artaz wore during the torch run.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718908784958.jpeg" alt="Smith was a four-time 4x800m relay champion while at Pawnee Heights and also competed in relays at the collegiate level, including this run at the Drake Relays in Iowa. (photo by K-State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Smith was a four-time 4x800m relay champion while at Pawnee Heights and also competed in relays at the collegiate level, including this run at the Drake Relays in Iowa. (photo by K-State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>"He was someone who really emphasized hard work in athletics," said Smith. "He was always a believer that if you worked hard enough, you really could accomplish anything if you wanted it."At Kansas State University, Smith set the indoor NCAA record at 1,000 meters in 2:19.57, a time that has since been surpassed. That time still stands as the school record 18 years later, as do his times in the outdoor 800 (1:44.86) and 1,500 runs (3:38.10).As a sophomore at Pawnee Heights, Smith once had to write down his goals. That included a far-fetched idea of making the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials in Sacramento, Calif. He made the trials and just missed a spot in the 800m finals."I was just happy to be there in 2004, and I outdid my expectations," he said. "That definitely propelled me into thinking more was possible."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718973762453.jpeg" alt="After graduating from Pawnee Heights High School in 2002, Smith was given these gloves worn by former PHHS teacher and coach Jay Artaz, who carried the Olympic torch for the 2004 Olympics." />
 <figcaption>After graduating from Pawnee Heights High School in 2002, Smith was given these gloves worn by former PHHS teacher and coach Jay Artaz, who carried the Olympic torch for the 2004 Olympics.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2006, Smith won the NCAA indoor title in the mile (4:12.75). Later that year, he set the K-State outdoor record in the 800m run in Italy. In 2006, he was the only American to crack 1:45 in the 800 and 3:39 in the 1500.After graduating from K-State, Smith moved to Oregon and joined the famed Oregon Track Club alongside Symmonds. On a return trip to Manhattan in 2007, Smith woke to a stabbing pain in his abdomen. Smith's appendix had burst, but even doctors had difficulty believing him because, as a runner used to dealing with pain, he rated the pain only 6 out of 10.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719186347937.png" alt="The photo from the Lynx camera system at the finish line shows how Smith beat the fourth-place finisher by 0.06s. (photo courtesy of KSHB)." />
 <figcaption>The photo from the Lynx camera system at the finish line shows how Smith beat the fourth-place finisher by 0.06s. (photo courtesy of KSHB).</figcaption>
 </figure>The high pain tolerance nearly cost Smith his life. A week later, the burst appendix remained untreated. A CT scan revealed the damage but Smith's infection was so severe it had to be drained before surgeons could operate. Two liters of fluid were drained from his lungs. Smith remained in the hospital for weeks and did not eat solid food for four months. He lost 20 pounds from his already light 165-pound racing frame.Beginning in 1952, a series of Olympic trials were held at various California venues. As the University of Oregon track and field program gained fame under coach Bill Bowerman in the 1960s and 70s, the trials were moved to the old Hayward Field for the 1972 and 1976 trials. Subsequent trials were held in Los Angels, Indianapolis, Atlanta, and Sacramento before returning to Hayward in 2008, 10 years before it was replaced by the current version of the stadium.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719186191921.jpeg" alt="An artist's rendition of the photo of Smith diving across the finish line at Hayward Field to secure his spot in the Olympics." />
 <figcaption>An artist's rendition of the photo of Smith diving across the finish line at Hayward Field to secure his spot in the Olympics.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I grew up loving Steve Prefontaine," Smith said. "There are two movies that were shot at Hayward. The new stadium is awesome but the old one was historic. When you go to Europe and race, a lot of places really love track. Eugene is a place in the United States that loves track. There's just a different atmosphere there than in other places."With the 2008 Olympic trials looming, Smith still had not run a qualifying team to earn a place in Eugene.&nbsp;A week before the trials, Smith had climbed to No. 31 in the U.S. 800m rankings. Unfortunately, only the top-30 would run at Hayward. Then Smith finally caught a break. Alan Webb, whose American mile record lasted from 2007 to 2023, scratched from the 800 to focus on the 1500. Smith was in and the rest, as they say, is history.Despite entering the field as the No. 30 seed, Smith ran a 1:47.97 for fifth place in the preliminaries. He missed the Olympic standard by 0.011 seconds to place third in the semifinals. The top six finishers in the final all came in under the 1:46 standard to compete in Beijing. Other notables at the trials that year include Tyson Gay, former Barton Cougar and still the American record holder in the 100m dash, American 400m record holder Sanya Richards (Ross), and Allyson Felix, the most decorated athlete in U.S. track and field history.Smith ran his final race at the 2012 Olympic Trials, again in Eugene. He now lives in Gardner with his wife, Sara, a doctor of veterinary medicine, and their three children. His life is more ordinary now than it was then, but every four years as the Olympic Games approach, he reaches into the memory bank for one of the great sports stories in American history.

🎥From Rozel to Beijing: Smith remembers unlikely road to 2008 Olympics

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 105. South-southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South-southeast wind around 9 mph becoming north after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

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

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.

Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 105. South-southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South-southeast wind around 9 mph becoming north after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 91. East wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90.Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100.Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.Saturday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.

The unemployment rate in Barton County is up from 2.7 percent in April to 3 percent. The rate is also at 3 percent in Pawnee County and up slightly in counties across the region.

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.

“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”

Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718981035315.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.The unemployment rate in Barton County is up from 2.7 percent in April to 3 percent. The rate is also at 3 percent in Pawnee County and up slightly in counties across the region.Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

Jobless rate is up in Barton County and across the region

BARTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Barton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford Fiesta driven by Skyler L.&nbsp;Bergelt, 21, Fort Bliss, Texas, was eastbound&nbsp;on Kansas 156 seven&nbsp; miles northeast of U.S. 56.

The driver was attempting to pass a semi.&nbsp;&nbsp;The car and a westbound 2016 GMC Yukon driven by Dan A.&nbsp;Weippert, 71, Garden City,&nbsp;collided head-on on the north shoulder.

EMS transported&nbsp;Bergelt to Wesley Medical Center. EMS transported Weippert and a passenger Julie K. Weippert, 64, Garden City, to the hospital in Great Bend. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BARTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Sunday in Barton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford Fiesta driven by Skyler L.&nbsp;Bergelt, 21, Fort Bliss, Texas, was eastbound&nbsp;on Kansas 156 seven&nbsp; miles northeast of U.S. 56.The driver was attempting to pass a semi.&nbsp;&nbsp;The car and a westbound 2016 GMC Yukon driven by Dan A.&nbsp;Weippert, 71, Garden City,&nbsp;collided head-on on the north shoulder.EMS transported&nbsp;Bergelt to Wesley Medical Center. EMS transported Weippert and a passenger Julie K. Weippert, 64, Garden City, to the hospital in Great Bend. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 hospitalized in Great Bend after car, SUV head-on crash

Barton Community College has named 254 students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.

Claflin Matthew Donecker Emma Hickel

Clay Center&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Chayla Maichel

Dodge City Charlee Bitler Karina Estrada

Elkhart&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Cesar Gomez

Ellinwood Daegan Johnson Brittany Simpson Kelly Ann Williams

Ellsworth Erik Lewis Jazlynn Schultz

Fort Leavenworth Anasia Bravo Tasha Bravo Louis Cogswell Benedict Roeder Joseph Stuewe Meisha Wilson

Barton Community College has named 254 students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester. To qualify for this honor, students must have been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and maintained a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.99 on a 4.0 or "A" letter scale.Abilene Tyler GoukerAttica Brenna RickeBel Aire Javan TitusBelpre Sean KenyonBucklin Nathan BowmanChapman Aniya BryanCheney Keegan O'SheaCimarron Seth McGinnesClaflin Matthew Donecker Emma HickelClay Center&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Chayla MaichelColby Harley HeadleyDerby Tatum BoettjerDodge City Charlee Bitler Karina EstradaDodge City Aidan SowersElkhart&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Cesar GomezEllinwood Daegan Johnson Brittany Simpson Kelly Ann WilliamsEllsworth Erik Lewis Jazlynn SchultzEnterprise Laura SquierEureka Cole BurtinFort Leavenworth Anasia Bravo Tasha Bravo Louis Cogswell Benedict Roeder Joseph Stuewe Meisha WilsonFort Riley Kehinde Adejumo Christi Brannon Kassandra Deleon Kallie Diorio Michelle Gholar Nathaniel Grund Zidania Henry Byanca Koehler Stella Laureano Mendez Keilaisha Lyles Carlos Martinez Hayley Martinez Zohra Murtaza Yasmin Orellana Martinez Gianna Pelham Humberto Sierra Valdes Jesse SonodaGarden City Cole BrownGarfield Skye FeldmanGlasco Braya DarnallGorham Tiffany Dortland Courtney LinesGreat Bend Rylee Ayon Kadie Bailey Kyndall Blessing Leiny Carrillo-Ponce Jenna Dean Cole Ewy Adison Galusha Gabriale Jacobs Gisela Jaquez Ian Jennings Karson Kern Braxton Love Anahi Mendez Mohamed Sayedah Mohamed Alexa Overman Annely Partida Laura Patzner Johana Perales Nineth Pereyra Zuany Olivia Petrik Jade Poe Jeanna Richter Analiz Rivas Cadin Spore Kamron Stude Mariah Viegra Kaid Wagner Karter WolfGreensburg Brady DeterdingGypsum Jennifer AlnorHays Tara Rollins Elijah ZimmermanHoisington Ally Karst Kevin Patterson Logan Philbern Deryk YottHutchinson Aspyn King Angel Morrow Mya ThompsonJunction City Marcos Alegre Ameera Ashraf Carl Baskerville Harrison Corn Lillian Duke Madison Franks Junior Guillomette Madison Kirk Nicole Philen-Braun Noah Solano Justin Wisner-Mclane Kloe YoungKansas City Juan OrozcoKingman Brandy KrehbielKinsley Olivia BerryLansing Jesse Gutierrez Mary Hanley Taylor LawsonLarned Brandon Carter Quade Cobb Michelle East Cagney Lemuz Kelly Lopez Kimberly Roland Reed Russum Billy WellsLawrence Kisha DodsonLeavenworth Carson Bean Miko Edwards Nathanael Hathaway Juan Lopez James McLin Kleber ZambranoLenexa Lily WatersLeonardville Nicholas HodgesLyons Erica FitzgeraldManhattan Taylor Bailey Ian Bluemel Adrienne Bryan Kylee Ezzio Cory Field Peter Hughes Gabriel Jernigan Jaden Lang Sarah Luedders Heather Manfredi Autumn McDonnell Cade McNeil Mayami Muniz Alexander WambachMilford Logan LindsleyMulvane Hunter SeierOakley Dallas StewartOlmitz Katie KuhlmanOsborne Stasha ConwayOttawa Paige HirachetaOverbrook Brandon HagemanOverland Park Austin YoungPawnee Rock Emilianna De TelloRandolph Benjamine SawayaRussell Hannah DapognySt. George Justin BiehlerSt. John Brenda Ramirez Darby Smith Hunter SmithSalina Sharon DolanSt. John Angel Ibarra Gracey NemecStafford Evelin ValadezSterling Braylie KroneTopeka Robert Bolin Kiernan Meredith Mia Osier Kamea Rice Kaleb WellshearWakeeney Brooke HelmickWellington Robin HoytWichita Owen Clyne Laci Dryden Lani Dryden Jessica Everitt Bailey Kisner Alyson Lawrence Gabriel Nshuti Cole SchiefferWright Erica WhalerMilitary Overseas Zianna Dredden Melissa CooperMenifee, Calif. Ring BanggolBakersfield, Calif. Ronit BhavsarLittleton, Colo.&nbsp; Hank OrrWaterbury, Conn. Clinton BurkeDeerfield Beach, Fla. Jasiah ClappMelbourne, Fla. Amanda DoveFort Lauderdale, Fla. Paola MaloTallahassee, Fla. Jonathan MillerCottondale, Fla. Donald MouserDecatur, Ga. Raeven HatcherWahiawa, Hawaii Brooke HumphreysGreenfield, Ind. Delanie JanesHickman, Ky. Nicholas PeckhamSouthgate, Ky. Chris MartinDedham, Mass. Katiana ChaudrySalem, Mass. Ana MesaBowie, Md. Malachi CarterPlatte City, Mo. Amanda DeasonBelton, Mo.&nbsp; Paige GillundFayetteville, N.C. Timothy KlingbeilRalston, Neb. Taylor GarrisLincoln, Neb.&nbsp; Grant NottlemannJersey City, N.J. Roxanne AgostoEvans Mills, N.Y. Alexus Barlow-McKennaNew York, N.Y. Dinesh DakshinamoorthyYonkers, N.Y. Sofia NicolasBinghamton, N.Y.&nbsp; Calvin ShukSulphur, Okla. Gracie FullertonPhiladelphia, Pa. David ChunEagle Butte, S.D. Michael BarbosaEl Paso, Texas Shelia CleekKaty, Texas Abigail HardisonKeller, Texas&nbsp; Laney RoderickDel Rio, Texas Myla TaboraWest Valley City, Utah Jadelyn HooperSalem, Utah Christian KernsFairfax, Va. Justin ReedMadison, Wisc. Manjot SinghCheyenne, Wyo.&nbsp; Bradley FeezerArgentina Mateo PradoBelgium Nicolas GalanisEndrit TahirajBolivia Luigi BallivianBrazil Augusto Moreno Barbosa Ferreira Militao Lucas Dos Santos Ana Alice Pauli Tosetto Arthur Prado Anna Clara Rodrigues Wierzbicki Catarina TribstDominican Republic Maurin Reyes Phoebe ReyesFrance Siaome Bagnost Martin ChevallierGuyana Trevon HamerIsrael Naya DanenbergJamaica Corlando Chambers Kay Lagay ClarkeJapan Hayate Furumoto Shoei Kawamura Yuki Minari Aya SaikiMexico Silvana Jacquez Viveros Layda Elena Lara SandovalFederated States of Micronesia Kimito Christop FritzNetherlands Kyra De BoerNigeria Vivian OnughaParaguay Juan AzzaroSaudi Arabia Haneen Alanazi Sami AlotaibiSerbia Elena StankovicSouth Africa Oliver NaudeSouth Sudan Aleng MayenSwaziland Hayden LofflerTrinidad and Tobago Christopher CrawfordZimbabwe Quinten Tapera

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