Hear this month's Sunflower Show with Eagle Media's Steve Webster and Sunflower Diversified Services' Director of Planned Giving and Community Support Cody Harris. The show aired Oct. 9, 2024.

The Sunflower Show airs the second Wednesday each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Sunflower Show with Eagle Media's Steve Webster and Sunflower Diversified Services' Director of Planned Giving and Community Support Cody Harris. The show aired Oct. 9, 2024.<div><iframe title="Sunflower Diversified Services show - Cody Harris" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4m8wg-17000fa-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Sunflower Show airs the second Wednesday each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Sunflower Diversified Services' Cody Harris

USD 428 Board of Education meeting Oct. 14&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. 1809 24th Street, Great Bend

1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;• USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;• Written Communications / Correspondence

3. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• Congratulations to USD 428 for achieving a Bronze Graduation recognition in the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program! &nbsp; &nbsp;• Director’s Report: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; As the 2024-2025 school year begins, a monthly rotation of Directors in the district Report will present department updates to board members. The September guest director who will provide a report is Kristy Alvord, Director of Food Service.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Notification of Title VI B (3-21) and VI B (3-5) Early Childhood Flow-Through Budget Application &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Public notification of the Title VI B and VI B ECH budget, which covers salaries for licensed special education staff, is required. The 2024-2025 application amounts to $1,120,020 for Title VI B pass-through funds ($11,400 less than the prior year) and $40,834 for ECH ($1 less than the prior year). The budget application was available for public review at the Barton County Cooperative of Special Education for thirty days. The administration recommends approval.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of Local Consolidated Plan Allocation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The 2024-2025 Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) amounts total $1,220,792 which compares to a prior-year total of $1,232,981. The administration recommends board approval to make state and federal program allocations for 2024-2025. Programs with the allocated amounts are listed below.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title I - Improving Education Programs - $913,407 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title II - A Supporting Effective Instruction - $122,999&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title III - English Learner and Immigrant Programs - $45,530 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title IVA - Grants for Student Support/Academic Enrichment - $55,856 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title I Part C - Migrant - $83,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Total - $1,220,792

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Sale of Surplus Property &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration recommends board approval to request and accept sealed bids for the sale of the property at 2019 12th Street in Great Bend, KS. A reserve has been set, and the building is offered "as is where is" with no warranties expressed or implied. Submission of a bid indicates the buyer's desire to purchase the building at the bid price for the building in its current condition. Bids must be received by Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. The district reserves the right to refuse all bids that do not meet the appraised value of the building. With board approval, a public notice with bid details will be posted in the Great Bend Tribune. Interested parties may contact John Popp at the District Education Center for more information.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. October Professional Development &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will share details of the content for the three professional development sessions that licensed staff will attend.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Adoption Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on curriculum resource adoptions currently happening throughout the district.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Kansas Reads to Preschoolers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428's Little Panthers Preschool program is participating in the State Library of Kansas' 2024 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event. This is an addition to our GB Reads Initiative, specifically targeting preschoolers. This year's preschool book selection is How Do You Hug a Porcupine? by Laurie Isop, illustrated by Gwen Millward.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Family Engagement Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the district’s family engagement efforts and activities.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. After-school Program Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will share an update regarding the elementary after-school program.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Curriculum Meetings &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: 9/10/24 minutes, next meeting 11/5/24 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): 9/9/24 minutes, next meeting 11/4/24

7. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Lincoln Elementary Damages &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will update board members on recent water damage at Lincoln Elementary.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Public School Works training &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Public School Works program automatically assigns annual state and federallymandated training courses to our staff in an online testing format. Staff members have completed over 10,000 training modules ranging from fire extinguisher safety to suicide prevention and continue to do a fantastic job completing the assigned pieces of training on time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Flu Vaccination Clinics &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; For several years, USD 428 Nurses have collaborated with the Barton County Health Department to offer BCHD Flu Vaccination Clinics in each school building for students and staff. Flu vaccinations will be processed through each individual’s insurance company. Mr. Popp will share some clinic statistics with board members.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recruiting quality teachers for the 2025-26 school year has already begun, with upcoming recruiting fairs scheduled for virtual and in-person recruiting. In addition, new teachers graduating in December will be considered for employment now for positions currently filled by long-term substitute teachers until a permanent job is available.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Board members and the administration will discuss updates on the following projects. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;▪ Sale of properties update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;▪ District Surplus Sale update

8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Enrollment Numbers Update &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bus Safety Week, Oct. 21-25, 2024, “Safety First, Safety Always” &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Anti-Bullying Awareness Month October is a month-long event to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Student/Family Presentation: Value UP by Mike Donahue &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mike Donahue is the founder and director of Value Up, a motivational company based in Kearney, Nebraska, that focuses on positive school culture. Mike will present to both the middle and high schools on October 28-29, with a parent presentation on the evening of Oct. 28. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Approval of Grants / Contributions&nbsp;

10. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [September 9, 2024, September 20, 2024, and September 25, 2024] &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report

11. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Luncheon Meeting: at noon on October 30, 2024 (Little Panthers Preschool) &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2024, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;•Annual KASB Convention: on November 15-17, 2024, in Wichita, KS

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715793479697.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education meeting Oct. 14&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. 1809 24th Street, Great BendAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum2. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;• USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;• Written Communications / Correspondence3. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• Congratulations to USD 428 for achieving a Bronze Graduation recognition in the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program! &nbsp; &nbsp;• Director’s Report: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; As the 2024-2025 school year begins, a monthly rotation of Directors in the district Report will present department updates to board members. The September guest director who will provide a report is Kristy Alvord, Director of Food Service.4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Notification of Title VI B (3-21) and VI B (3-5) Early Childhood Flow-Through Budget Application &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Public notification of the Title VI B and VI B ECH budget, which covers salaries for licensed special education staff, is required. The 2024-2025 application amounts to $1,120,020 for Title VI B pass-through funds ($11,400 less than the prior year) and $40,834 for ECH ($1 less than the prior year). The budget application was available for public review at the Barton County Cooperative of Special Education for thirty days. The administration recommends approval.5. NEW BUSINESS&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of Local Consolidated Plan Allocation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The 2024-2025 Local Consolidated Plan (LCP) amounts total $1,220,792 which compares to a prior-year total of $1,232,981. The administration recommends board approval to make state and federal program allocations for 2024-2025. Programs with the allocated amounts are listed below.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title I - Improving Education Programs - $913,407 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title II - A Supporting Effective Instruction - $122,999&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title III - English Learner and Immigrant Programs - $45,530 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title IVA - Grants for Student Support/Academic Enrichment - $55,856 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Title I Part C - Migrant - $83,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Total - $1,220,792&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Sale of Surplus Property &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration recommends board approval to request and accept sealed bids for the sale of the property at 2019 12th Street in Great Bend, KS. A reserve has been set, and the building is offered "as is where is" with no warranties expressed or implied. Submission of a bid indicates the buyer's desire to purchase the building at the bid price for the building in its current condition. Bids must be received by Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. The district reserves the right to refuse all bids that do not meet the appraised value of the building. With board approval, a public notice with bid details will be posted in the Great Bend Tribune. Interested parties may contact John Popp at the District Education Center for more information.6. CURRICULUM REPORT&nbsp; &nbsp;A. October Professional Development &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will share details of the content for the three professional development sessions that licensed staff will attend.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Adoption Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on curriculum resource adoptions currently happening throughout the district.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Kansas Reads to Preschoolers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428's Little Panthers Preschool program is participating in the State Library of Kansas' 2024 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers event. This is an addition to our GB Reads Initiative, specifically targeting preschoolers. This year's preschool book selection is How Do You Hug a Porcupine? by Laurie Isop, illustrated by Gwen Millward.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Family Engagement Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the district’s family engagement efforts and activities.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. After-school Program Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will share an update regarding the elementary after-school program.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Curriculum Meetings &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: 9/10/24 minutes, next meeting 11/5/24 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): 9/9/24 minutes, next meeting 11/4/247. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Lincoln Elementary Damages &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will update board members on recent water damage at Lincoln Elementary.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Public School Works training &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Public School Works program automatically assigns annual state and federallymandated training courses to our staff in an online testing format. Staff members have completed over 10,000 training modules ranging from fire extinguisher safety to suicide prevention and continue to do a fantastic job completing the assigned pieces of training on time.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Flu Vaccination Clinics &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; For several years, USD 428 Nurses have collaborated with the Barton County Health Department to offer BCHD Flu Vaccination Clinics in each school building for students and staff. Flu vaccinations will be processed through each individual’s insurance company. Mr. Popp will share some clinic statistics with board members.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recruiting quality teachers for the 2025-26 school year has already begun, with upcoming recruiting fairs scheduled for virtual and in-person recruiting. In addition, new teachers graduating in December will be considered for employment now for positions currently filled by long-term substitute teachers until a permanent job is available.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Board members and the administration will discuss updates on the following projects. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;▪ Sale of properties update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;▪ District Surplus Sale update8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Enrollment Numbers Update &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bus Safety Week, Oct. 21-25, 2024, “Safety First, Safety Always” &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Anti-Bullying Awareness Month October is a month-long event to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Student/Family Presentation: Value UP by Mike Donahue &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mike Donahue is the founder and director of Value Up, a motivational company based in Kearney, Nebraska, that focuses on positive school culture. Mike will present to both the middle and high schools on October 28-29, with a parent presentation on the evening of Oct. 28. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Approval of Grants / Contributions&nbsp;9. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION10. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [September 9, 2024, September 20, 2024, and September 25, 2024] &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report11. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Luncheon Meeting: at noon on October 30, 2024 (Little Panthers Preschool) &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for November 11, 2024, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;•Annual KASB Convention: on November 15-17, 2024, in Wichita, KS12. ADJOURNMENT

USD 428 school board meeting agenda (10/14)

FUEL Barton County is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for open positions on the Steering Committee. This is a unique opportunity for emerging leaders in Barton County to help shape the future of the program and foster growth and leadership within the communities they serve.

The Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the FUEL Barton County program, including by-laws, events, sponsorships, and membership. Members serve three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.

To apply, applicants must submit a paragraph explaining their desire to serve, the skills they bring to the table, and what they hope to experience as a committee member. In addition, an Employer Acknowledgement Form is required with the application. The form and additional details can be found online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbend.org%2Ffuel&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=b9191269a3b2a38308a861db046e2f251857bb9e3d9ee79e1ffa975d5985a53a">www.greatbend.org/fuel</a>.

Deadline for submissions is November 1, 2024. Applications should be submitted via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fuelbc@greatbend.org">fuelbc@greatbend.org</a>&nbsp;or delivered to the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce office.

FUEL Mission FUEL’s mission is to foster personal growth and strengthen community connections through active engagement and leadership. We aim to empower next-gen talent by creating an environment where members can:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Focus: Set and achieve personal and professional goals

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unite: Build a supportive network of peers

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Engage: Participate in impactful projects and initiatives

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lead: Develop leadership skills for career and community influence

Steering committee members are expected to:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maintain a FUEL membership in good standing – individual or corporate*

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attend 75% of monthly steering committee meetings and FUEL events

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participate in 50% of action committee meetings

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serve on at least one action team

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Share ideas, provide feedback, and advocate for FUEL

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maintain professional conduct and seek opportunities for growth

Join the FUEL Barton County Steering Committee and be a part of a dynamic team driving positive change for the next generation of leaders!

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbend.org%2Ffuel&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=b9191269a3b2a38308a861db046e2f251857bb9e3d9ee79e1ffa975d5985a53a">www.greatbend.org/fuel</a>&nbsp;or call (620) 792-2401. FUEL Barton County is a program of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728571048222.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FUEL Barton County is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for open positions on the Steering Committee. This is a unique opportunity for emerging leaders in Barton County to help shape the future of the program and foster growth and leadership within the communities they serve.The Steering Committee is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the FUEL Barton County program, including by-laws, events, sponsorships, and membership. Members serve three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.To apply, applicants must submit a paragraph explaining their desire to serve, the skills they bring to the table, and what they hope to experience as a committee member. In addition, an Employer Acknowledgement Form is required with the application. The form and additional details can be found online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbend.org%2Ffuel&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=b9191269a3b2a38308a861db046e2f251857bb9e3d9ee79e1ffa975d5985a53a">www.greatbend.org/fuel</a>.Deadline for submissions is November 1, 2024. Applications should be submitted via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fuelbc@greatbend.org">fuelbc@greatbend.org</a>&nbsp;or delivered to the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce office.FUEL Mission FUEL’s mission is to foster personal growth and strengthen community connections through active engagement and leadership. We aim to empower next-gen talent by creating an environment where members can:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Focus: Set and achieve personal and professional goals·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unite: Build a supportive network of peers·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Engage: Participate in impactful projects and initiatives·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lead: Develop leadership skills for career and community influenceSteering Committee ExpectationsSteering committee members are expected to:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maintain a FUEL membership in good standing – individual or corporate*·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Attend 75% of monthly steering committee meetings and FUEL events·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Participate in 50% of action committee meetings·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Serve on at least one action team·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Share ideas, provide feedback, and advocate for FUEL·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maintain professional conduct and seek opportunities for growthJoin the FUEL Barton County Steering Committee and be a part of a dynamic team driving positive change for the next generation of leaders!For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbend.org%2Ffuel&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=b9191269a3b2a38308a861db046e2f251857bb9e3d9ee79e1ffa975d5985a53a">www.greatbend.org/fuel</a>&nbsp;or call (620) 792-2401. FUEL Barton County is a program of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.

FUEL Barton Co. Steering Committee applications open now

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 8 shows a continued deterioration in drought conditions for the state. A small portion of Southeast Kansas has crept back into extreme drought conditions. Barton County is still entirely in moderate drought while Stafford and Pawnee counties lost the improvements from last week. The six to ten-day outlook (October 15 to 19) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 17 to 23) indicates a 60 to 80% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and normal to slightly below normal for precipitation. Great for harvest but not the 2025 wheat crop. With an expected La Nina of unknown intensity, it doesn’t look promising for the foreseeable future.

Today’s topic is the necessity for agricultural production to change how we do things and adapt to a changing climate. This drought stared in 2020 and we are almost to the end of 2024. Except for a few short periods of improvement, the drought is five years old and likely to continue. The Ogallala Aquifer is being significantly depleted in most areas and even areas like the aquifer in the Lower Arkansas River Basin are in trouble. Last weekend say temperatures her in the mid-90s with strong winds and if you were out and about, you say soil moving. The agriculture industry is facing a challenge far worse than the Dust Bowl. It’s not a matter of should ag adapt but how.

Ag adapted dramatically after the Dust Bowl in a myriad of ways. It continued adapting with the advent of new technologies and practices till today. It’s evident in the fact that during the last two droughts (including this one) we didn’t experience as much soil as the Dust Bowl even though conditions were worse. And while production has been down, the industry overall was able to produce crops. But as we enter what appears to be another year of drought and issues with declining groundwater, what’s next?

Like most challenges of this magnitude, there isn’t a one size fits all answer, even within Barton County. There isn’t space here to do more than make us think. It isn’t a question of will we keep producing crops and livestock but rather how we adapt. Several items to consider:

· We simply must find more efficient ways to store, conserve soil moisture and keep soil in place. Less tillage, residue cover, increasing organic matter levels, improving soil structure, and finding better ways to capture heavy rainfall events.

· Examining the best use of our land is paramount. Should some go back to rangeland for livestock, especially in areas dependent on a declining aquifer. Through genetic engineering and conventional breeding, conduct research to better adapt current crops or identify new crops to meet food, fiber, feed, and fuel needs.

· Determine the best way(s) to extend /maintain the life of our groundwater through a variety of ways from retiring water rights to new irrigation technologies and more water efficient crops to maintain the cattle industry.

· Finally, as a country, make a monetary commitment to solving the problems. He longer we wait, the more expensive it becomes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 8 shows a continued deterioration in drought conditions for the state. A small portion of Southeast Kansas has crept back into extreme drought conditions. Barton County is still entirely in moderate drought while Stafford and Pawnee counties lost the improvements from last week. The six to ten-day outlook (October 15 to 19) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 17 to 23) indicates a 60 to 80% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and normal to slightly below normal for precipitation. Great for harvest but not the 2025 wheat crop. With an expected La Nina of unknown intensity, it doesn’t look promising for the foreseeable future.Today’s topic is the necessity for agricultural production to change how we do things and adapt to a changing climate. This drought stared in 2020 and we are almost to the end of 2024. Except for a few short periods of improvement, the drought is five years old and likely to continue. The Ogallala Aquifer is being significantly depleted in most areas and even areas like the aquifer in the Lower Arkansas River Basin are in trouble. Last weekend say temperatures her in the mid-90s with strong winds and if you were out and about, you say soil moving. The agriculture industry is facing a challenge far worse than the Dust Bowl. It’s not a matter of should ag adapt but how.Ag adapted dramatically after the Dust Bowl in a myriad of ways. It continued adapting with the advent of new technologies and practices till today. It’s evident in the fact that during the last two droughts (including this one) we didn’t experience as much soil as the Dust Bowl even though conditions were worse. And while production has been down, the industry overall was able to produce crops. But as we enter what appears to be another year of drought and issues with declining groundwater, what’s next?Like most challenges of this magnitude, there isn’t a one size fits all answer, even within Barton County. There isn’t space here to do more than make us think. It isn’t a question of will we keep producing crops and livestock but rather how we adapt. Several items to consider:· We simply must find more efficient ways to store, conserve soil moisture and keep soil in place. Less tillage, residue cover, increasing organic matter levels, improving soil structure, and finding better ways to capture heavy rainfall events.· Examining the best use of our land is paramount. Should some go back to rangeland for livestock, especially in areas dependent on a declining aquifer. Through genetic engineering and conventional breeding, conduct research to better adapt current crops or identify new crops to meet food, fiber, feed, and fuel needs.· Determine the best way(s) to extend /maintain the life of our groundwater through a variety of ways from retiring water rights to new irrigation technologies and more water efficient crops to maintain the cattle industry.· Finally, as a country, make a monetary commitment to solving the problems. He longer we wait, the more expensive it becomes.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Agriculture must adapt

While Kevin Ford appreciated the wide range of information available at a recent opioid-related conference, he was especially moved by one presentation.

Ford is director of the Substance-Use Disorder (SUD) Program at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway. He attended the conference that was sponsored by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) in Washington, D.C., late in September.

“The most moving aspect of the three-day event was learning from a Sesame Street project designed for young children who have parents that use drugs and alcohol,” Ford said. “Through the voice of a therapist, a Muppet named Karli interacts with a child.

“The child’s sweet, innocent voice says things such as ‘my mom used drugs. I thought it was my fault. Now she is getting better.’ This is an awesome way for kids to open up when they don’t have anyone they can talk to.”

The Sesame Street program is called “Karli and Me” and can be found on YouTube. Ford and his colleagues are exploring ways to incorporate this into their treatment of children.

“Another conference topic was parenting classes for people with substance-use disorder (SUD),” Ford said. “I had thought about this earlier but the conference has made me want to enhance our efforts in this direction. It’s also important to refer kids of SUD clients to our children’s programming whenever appropriate.”

Overall, the FORE conference focused on community-based programs, education and prevention with many discussions about what is working, as well as the pitfalls.

“We also discussed harm reduction,” Ford recalled. “The goal of this is keeping people alive long enough to get clean and sober. One avenue is encouraging individuals to keep Narcan nearby. You don’t need a prescription and it can save the life of someone who has overdosed.”

FORE’s goal is to foster innovative solutions to ending the nation’s opioid and drug-overdose crisis, its website says. It is an independent, private, national grant-making organization.

Grants have been awarded in many states and The Center is the only grantee in Kansas. FORE is a funder of the SUD Program at The Center and financed the trip to Washington.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728572175858.jpeg" alt="Kevin Ford, SUD director at The Center" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Ford, SUD director at The Center</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSWhile Kevin Ford appreciated the wide range of information available at a recent opioid-related conference, he was especially moved by one presentation.Ford is director of the Substance-Use Disorder (SUD) Program at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway. He attended the conference that was sponsored by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) in Washington, D.C., late in September.“The most moving aspect of the three-day event was learning from a Sesame Street project designed for young children who have parents that use drugs and alcohol,” Ford said. “Through the voice of a therapist, a Muppet named Karli interacts with a child.“The child’s sweet, innocent voice says things such as ‘my mom used drugs. I thought it was my fault. Now she is getting better.’ This is an awesome way for kids to open up when they don’t have anyone they can talk to.”The Sesame Street program is called “Karli and Me” and can be found on YouTube. Ford and his colleagues are exploring ways to incorporate this into their treatment of children.“Another conference topic was parenting classes for people with substance-use disorder (SUD),” Ford said. “I had thought about this earlier but the conference has made me want to enhance our efforts in this direction. It’s also important to refer kids of SUD clients to our children’s programming whenever appropriate.”Overall, the FORE conference focused on community-based programs, education and prevention with many discussions about what is working, as well as the pitfalls.“We also discussed harm reduction,” Ford recalled. “The goal of this is keeping people alive long enough to get clean and sober. One avenue is encouraging individuals to keep Narcan nearby. You don’t need a prescription and it can save the life of someone who has overdosed.”FORE’s goal is to foster innovative solutions to ending the nation’s opioid and drug-overdose crisis, its website says. It is an independent, private, national grant-making organization.Grants have been awarded in many states and The Center is the only grantee in Kansas. FORE is a funder of the SUD Program at The Center and financed the trip to Washington.The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

Ford brings opioid info to The Center for Counseling & Consultation

People of all ages are vulnerable while walking. Unfortunately, a total of 179 pedestrians across Kansas, ranging in ages from 4 to 93, have been hit and killed by vehicles in the five-year span from 2019-2023. October is National Pedestrian Safety Month: a time to remind people of the many factors involved in vehicle/pedestrian crashes and to focus on improving safety for everyone.&nbsp;

As the oldest form of transportation, walking should always be an easy and safe option. That’s why the Kansas Department of Transportation and other transportation organizations are working to raise awareness and improve safety for all pedestrians.

“Walking has many personal, physical, economic and environmental health benefits, and people should be able to walk without fear or stress,” said Jenny Kramer, KDOT Active Transportation Manager. “Building walkable communities can also improve the local economy and enhance social and community engagement.”

KDOT is supporting International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 9, as part of its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Schools and communities are encouraged to register and download free event planning toolkits, which includes flyers, banners, signs, pedestrian safety fact sheets and more. To register a school, access materials or learn more about SRTS, visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsaferoutes.ksdot.gov%2Fiwrsd%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101924822dbbf-552d172c-8025-4f98-919f-8b0c93058c30-000000/l3V4e9_nOSX6u_V1sXchf1AKWavOEVTxSpFSy-uCCo0=372">https://saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd</a>.

“KDOT works for all Kansans, no matter how they choose to travel,” said Matt Messina, KDOT Chief of Multimodal Transportation. “Pedestrian Safety Month is a great time to promote safer behaviors and share the resources we have to help make our roadways safer, especially for children and around schools.”

People of all ages are vulnerable while walking. Unfortunately, a total of 179 pedestrians across Kansas, ranging in ages from 4 to 93, have been hit and killed by vehicles in the five-year span from 2019-2023. October is National Pedestrian Safety Month: a time to remind people of the many factors involved in vehicle/pedestrian crashes and to focus on improving safety for everyone.&nbsp;As the oldest form of transportation, walking should always be an easy and safe option. That’s why the Kansas Department of Transportation and other transportation organizations are working to raise awareness and improve safety for all pedestrians.“Walking has many personal, physical, economic and environmental health benefits, and people should be able to walk without fear or stress,” said Jenny Kramer, KDOT Active Transportation Manager. “Building walkable communities can also improve the local economy and enhance social and community engagement.”KDOT is supporting International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 9, as part of its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Schools and communities are encouraged to register and download free event planning toolkits, which includes flyers, banners, signs, pedestrian safety fact sheets and more. To register a school, access materials or learn more about SRTS, visit:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsaferoutes.ksdot.gov%2Fiwrsd%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101924822dbbf-552d172c-8025-4f98-919f-8b0c93058c30-000000/l3V4e9_nOSX6u_V1sXchf1AKWavOEVTxSpFSy-uCCo0=372">https://saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd</a>.“KDOT works for all Kansans, no matter how they choose to travel,” said Matt Messina, KDOT Chief of Multimodal Transportation. “Pedestrian Safety Month is a great time to promote safer behaviors and share the resources we have to help make our roadways safer, especially for children and around schools.”A few safety tips to keep in mind:<ul>
 <li>All: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.</li><li>Drivers: Slow down and watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks, never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk and avoid blocking crosswalks or sidewalks. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions and invest in a camera or collision detection systems.</li><li>Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available; make eye contact with drivers at stop signs, traffic signals or slowing/stopped at crosswalks; and walk on sidewalks (if not available, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible).</li>
 </ul>

Drivers: Slow down, pay attention for pedestrians

Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive” is now a decade strong. During that span, AKTION Club members have donated thousands of coloring books and crayons to area children in need. They hope to continue their successful drive this year, once again, with the help of the community.

Rosewood AKTION Club is conducting its drive from now through Nov. 30. Upon completion of the drive, club members will distribute the donated items to&nbsp;Saint Francis Community Services, Great Bend; and&nbsp;Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. If enough items are collected, Rosewood AKTION Club will also donate to other community charities. The goal is to deliver the items to the local organizations during the Christmas season.

“It’s amazing to consider that we’ve conducted this drive for a decade,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Some of our AKTION Club members have been a part of every drive that we’ve had. It’s just as important today for them as it was the first year, knowing that what they do directly benefits children in our community.”&nbsp;

People can drop off coloring book and crayon donations, along with monetary donations for the purchase of coloring books and crayons to two locations in downtown Great Bend. Those locations are&nbsp;Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street; and&nbsp;Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street.

For the sixth consecutive year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Rosewood AKTION Club receives the help of community donated items counting toward its numbers. Rosewood Day Services has won most times, but AKTION Club has proven victorious the past two years.

“The competition is fun, but the most important thing is that we bring a lot of coloring books and crayons to the children in need,” explained Pelster. “This community drive is always a labor of love for our members. They’ve brought thousands of smiles to children’s faces over the past decade and they are looking forward to continuing that tradition.”

For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-792-2536;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com">employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com</a>.

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728572754843.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSStory by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood ServicesRosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive” is now a decade strong. During that span, AKTION Club members have donated thousands of coloring books and crayons to area children in need. They hope to continue their successful drive this year, once again, with the help of the community.Rosewood AKTION Club is conducting its drive from now through Nov. 30. Upon completion of the drive, club members will distribute the donated items to&nbsp;Saint Francis Community Services, Great Bend; and&nbsp;Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. If enough items are collected, Rosewood AKTION Club will also donate to other community charities. The goal is to deliver the items to the local organizations during the Christmas season.“It’s amazing to consider that we’ve conducted this drive for a decade,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Some of our AKTION Club members have been a part of every drive that we’ve had. It’s just as important today for them as it was the first year, knowing that what they do directly benefits children in our community.”&nbsp;People can drop off coloring book and crayon donations, along with monetary donations for the purchase of coloring books and crayons to two locations in downtown Great Bend. Those locations are&nbsp;Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street; and&nbsp;Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street.For the sixth consecutive year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Rosewood AKTION Club receives the help of community donated items counting toward its numbers. Rosewood Day Services has won most times, but AKTION Club has proven victorious the past two years.“The competition is fun, but the most important thing is that we bring a lot of coloring books and crayons to the children in need,” explained Pelster. “This community drive is always a labor of love for our members. They’ve brought thousands of smiles to children’s faces over the past decade and they are looking forward to continuing that tradition.”For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-792-2536;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com">employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com</a>.Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Rosewood enters 10th year of Coloring Book and Crayon Drive

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Two years in the books. Thousands of dollars awarded to startup
businesses in Barton County. The second IGNITE Rural Business competition
concluded Thursday at the Crest Theater in downtown Great Bend where
entrepreneurs were given a chance to compete for $95,000 from NetworkKansas to
open or start their business idea. 

The event was livestreamed through Eagle
Media, and co-emcee Shannon Towns announced the first place winner of $50,000.


"First place goes to First Response Cleaning and Restoration!" exclaimed Towns. "Come up here and celebrate!"

First Response Cleaning and Restoration is a family-run business offering
cleaning and restoration services across Kansas, prioritizing health and safety
with a deep clean that’s safe for families. Co-owner Tallan Smith and the rest
of the finalists presented their sales pitch and answered questions from the
shark tank-style competition.


"This is surreal to be honest," said Smith. "I want to thank everybody for the opportunity. Without you guys out here, none of this would be possible. Thank you so much. We're so grateful."

Second place, and $30,000, went to Paxton Rein and her business, Proper Boards
&amp; Picnics. Third place, awarded $10,000, and the winner of the $5,000
People’s Choice Award, was Danielle Hunter with her business Ruhe Rituals.


You can watch the entire IGNITE Rural Business competition below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728667350050.jpeg" alt="First Response Cleaning and Restoration won the $50,000 first place award at the IGNITE Rural Business competition in Great Bend on Oct. 10, 2024." />
 <figcaption>First Response Cleaning and Restoration won the $50,000 first place award at the IGNITE Rural Business competition in Great Bend on Oct. 10, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostTwo years in the books. Thousands of dollars awarded to startup
businesses in Barton County. The second IGNITE Rural Business competition
concluded Thursday at the Crest Theater in downtown Great Bend where
entrepreneurs were given a chance to compete for $95,000 from NetworkKansas to
open or start their business idea. The event was livestreamed through Eagle
Media, and co-emcee Shannon Towns announced the first place winner of $50,000.
"First place goes to First Response Cleaning and Restoration!" exclaimed Towns. "Come up here and celebrate!"First Response Cleaning and Restoration is a family-run business offering
cleaning and restoration services across Kansas, prioritizing health and safety
with a deep clean that’s safe for families. Co-owner Tallan Smith and the rest
of the finalists presented their sales pitch and answered questions from the
shark tank-style competition.
"This is surreal to be honest," said Smith. "I want to thank everybody for the opportunity. Without you guys out here, none of this would be possible. Thank you so much. We're so grateful."Second place, and $30,000, went to Paxton Rein and her business, Proper Boards
&amp; Picnics. Third place, awarded $10,000, and the winner of the $5,000
People’s Choice Award, was Danielle Hunter with her business Ruhe Rituals.
You can watch the entire IGNITE Rural Business competition below.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/1418650?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

Barton County entrepreneurs win $95,000 to start businesses

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.

On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;

As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.

With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities. The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;

So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;

What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.

On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;

Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;

The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.

Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as storm water bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;

Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708024541249.jpeg" alt="written by: Bill Fiander - Teacher of university courses specializing in public administration and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka and holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from George Washington University." />
 <figcaption>written by: Bill Fiander - Teacher of university courses specializing in public administration and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka and holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from George Washington University.</figcaption>
 </figure>At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities. The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as storm water bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

Insight Kansas: Will climate migration be our new dust bowl?

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Media's Mike Courson and Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler that aired Oct. 10, 2024.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Media's Mike Courson and Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler that aired Oct. 10, 2024.<div><iframe title="County Edition: Barton Co. Clerk Bev Schmeidler" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9r5zu-17011a9-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler

Barton Community College will help area high school seniors plan for their futures at Senior Day, starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 20, with a sign-up deadline of Nov.&nbsp;4. Those interested can sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://seniorday.bartonccc.edu/">seniorday.bartonccc.edu</a>.

The annual senior day will feature campus tours, sessions with advisors and admissions representatives, housing information, and much more.&nbsp;Most importantly, students and parents can learn the countless benefits of attending Barton before attending a four-year college or choosing a career program to enter the workforce.&nbsp;

All participants will be entered in a drawing to win&nbsp;two&nbsp;$1,000 scholarships or one of&nbsp;eight&nbsp;$500 scholarships. Lunch is included.

Director of Admissions Tana Cooper encourages all seniors in the area to attend, even if they plan to go straight to a four-year school.

“It is a great idea to come and visit and fill out the&nbsp;admissions application and take a look around campus,” she said. “Things are constantly being updated and evolving out here, and I think some of our local students would be surprised at how much has changed since they were last out here.”

Cooper also highlighted the Barton Bound Scholarship application.

“This scholarship program allows students from Kansas with GPAs from 2.5-4.0 to get scholarship dollars from Barton,” she said. “I think it’s important students realize that awarded scholarship money turns into actual cash in their pockets later in life when they have all kinds of bills to pay and things they want to buy. This is money that can go towards a house down payment, car payment, or even a fun vacation later in life instead of student loan payments.”

Cooper said there is much to know about Barton’s programs and opportunities.

“Barton offers many of the same classes as four-year schools, but at about half the cost, and some of Barton’s career and technical programs take only a year to complete and can lead to a rewarding career,” she said. “Of course, I would love Barton to be everyone’s first choice, but some students may already think they are going elsewhere.&nbsp; I always say it never hurts to come and visit and have a backup plan. It’s a fun and free day.”

For more information, contact Cooper at (620) 792-9241 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coopert@bartonccc.edu">coopert@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728402429627.jpeg" alt="Students play a game in the Kirkman Activity Center during last year’s Senior Day event. Students can win free Barton items throughout the day, as well as win scholarships, raffle prizes and learn about various aspects of the college." />
 <figcaption>Students play a game in the Kirkman Activity Center during last year’s Senior Day event. Students can win free Barton items throughout the day, as well as win scholarships, raffle prizes and learn about various aspects of the college.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Community College will help area high school seniors plan for their futures at Senior Day, starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 20, with a sign-up deadline of Nov.&nbsp;4. Those interested can sign up at&nbsp;<a href="http://seniorday.bartonccc.edu/">seniorday.bartonccc.edu</a>.The annual senior day will feature campus tours, sessions with advisors and admissions representatives, housing information, and much more.&nbsp;Most importantly, students and parents can learn the countless benefits of attending Barton before attending a four-year college or choosing a career program to enter the workforce.&nbsp;All participants will be entered in a drawing to win&nbsp;two&nbsp;$1,000 scholarships or one of&nbsp;eight&nbsp;$500 scholarships. Lunch is included.Director of Admissions Tana Cooper encourages all seniors in the area to attend, even if they plan to go straight to a four-year school.“It is a great idea to come and visit and fill out the&nbsp;admissions application and take a look around campus,” she said. “Things are constantly being updated and evolving out here, and I think some of our local students would be surprised at how much has changed since they were last out here.”Cooper also highlighted the Barton Bound Scholarship application.“This scholarship program allows students from Kansas with GPAs from 2.5-4.0 to get scholarship dollars from Barton,” she said. “I think it’s important students realize that awarded scholarship money turns into actual cash in their pockets later in life when they have all kinds of bills to pay and things they want to buy. This is money that can go towards a house down payment, car payment, or even a fun vacation later in life instead of student loan payments.”Cooper said there is much to know about Barton’s programs and opportunities.“Barton offers many of the same classes as four-year schools, but at about half the cost, and some of Barton’s career and technical programs take only a year to complete and can lead to a rewarding career,” she said. “Of course, I would love Barton to be everyone’s first choice, but some students may already think they are going elsewhere.&nbsp; I always say it never hurts to come and visit and have a backup plan. It’s a fun and free day.”For more information, contact Cooper at (620) 792-9241 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:coopert@bartonccc.edu">coopert@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Community College to host Senior Day, $6,000 in scholarships

From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...

Do you or a staff member want to get more involved in the community? Consider becoming a Chamber Ambassador! Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of our Chamber, helping staff stay connected to the needs, concerns, and opportunities within the business community and our 550+ Chamber members.

Chamber Ambassadors gain valuable exposure, build relationships, and support the Chamber’s mission, making a meaningful impact. Ambassadors often include business owners or employees seeking to deepen their community engagement.

Nominees must be employed by a Chamber Member in good standing and have their employer’s support. Submit your nominations by Oct. 31&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.greatbend.org%2Fform%2Fview%2F27691&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=8bcf8aa6e9b597db6b07c76c63be4b3b68dd7d3ac13b5d59c0141c9f9003bef1">here</a>.

Read full details on Ambassador roles &amp; responsibilities&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fchambermaster.blob.core.windows.net%2Fuserfiles%2FUserFiles%2Fchambers%2F2303%2FFile%2F2024%2F2024RoleofaChamberAmbassador.pdf&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=8f910b4b36bef8b498c46adf805172be2d702f912482026f8ca7625e3d666e3b">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728570591603.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...Do you or a staff member want to get more involved in the community? Consider becoming a Chamber Ambassador! Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of our Chamber, helping staff stay connected to the needs, concerns, and opportunities within the business community and our 550+ Chamber members.Chamber Ambassadors gain valuable exposure, build relationships, and support the Chamber’s mission, making a meaningful impact. Ambassadors often include business owners or employees seeking to deepen their community engagement.Nominees must be employed by a Chamber Member in good standing and have their employer’s support. Submit your nominations by Oct. 31&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.greatbend.org%2Fform%2Fview%2F27691&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=8bcf8aa6e9b597db6b07c76c63be4b3b68dd7d3ac13b5d59c0141c9f9003bef1">here</a>.Read full details on Ambassador roles &amp; responsibilities&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=788470&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1826298&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fchambermaster.blob.core.windows.net%2Fuserfiles%2FUserFiles%2Fchambers%2F2303%2FFile%2F2024%2F2024RoleofaChamberAmbassador.pdf&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=8f910b4b36bef8b498c46adf805172be2d702f912482026f8ca7625e3d666e3b">here</a>.

Great Bend Chamber Ambassador nominations open

Kevin Horner is a veteran comedian, ventriloquist, and magician. His unique style, voice, and adaptability spans all ages and personalities. His timing, energy, quick wit, and reactions to all audiences are guaranteed to inspire uproarious laughter. Kevin is a 3 times “People’s Choice Award Winner” for the art of ventriloquism. He has performed for Comicon, the Improv, Great Wolf Lodge, Whiteman Air Force Base, Fort Riley Military Base, as well as at many other events, schools, libraries, fairs, and festivals.

Kevin will be performing TWO DIFFERENT shows Sunday, Oct. 13 at the City Auditorium.&nbsp;Each show will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

SHOW 1&nbsp;– The Anti-Bullying Show will start at 4:00 pm with the doors opening at 3:30 pm. This show will be free to all Elementary students and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend this show.

SHOW 2&nbsp;– This Adult show that is also Family Friendly will start at 7:00 pm with the doors opening at 6:30 pm. There will be a $5.00 per person fee taken at the door for BOTH adults and children for this performance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728571909286.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Horner is a veteran comedian, ventriloquist, and magician. His unique style, voice, and adaptability spans all ages and personalities. His timing, energy, quick wit, and reactions to all audiences are guaranteed to inspire uproarious laughter. Kevin is a 3 times “People’s Choice Award Winner” for the art of ventriloquism. He has performed for Comicon, the Improv, Great Wolf Lodge, Whiteman Air Force Base, Fort Riley Military Base, as well as at many other events, schools, libraries, fairs, and festivals.Kevin will be performing TWO DIFFERENT shows Sunday, Oct. 13 at the City Auditorium.&nbsp;Each show will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.SHOW 1&nbsp;– The Anti-Bullying Show will start at 4:00 pm with the doors opening at 3:30 pm. This show will be free to all Elementary students and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend this show.SHOW 2&nbsp;– This Adult show that is also Family Friendly will start at 7:00 pm with the doors opening at 6:30 pm. There will be a $5.00 per person fee taken at the door for BOTH adults and children for this performance.

Ventriloquist comes to Great Bend Rec for free shows Sunday

In 1991, the Jeanne Clery Act took effect requiring colleges and
universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log and
provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about threats. 

The
report filed this year at Barton Community College reflects the statistics in
2023. Barton’s Director of Campus Safety Lucas Stoelting said there were 33
liquor law violations on campus last year.


"It sounds like a lot," said Stoelting. "Last year, I think we had 25. That means 33 people. It's defined on actual events. Last year, we caught 33 people drinking. One incident alone was 15 people."

Stoelting presented the past three years of statistics that showed no hate
crimes were reported in 2023 at Barton. President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said the
report is created in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies in the area.


"One of the things parents and perspective students look at when deciding on a college to attend is safety," said Garstecki. "Every study I ever read now talks about how it's usually in the top two or three reasons a student will select a college is being the safety factor."

The 2024 Annual Security Report for Barton Community College can be found at
<a href="https://bartonccc.edu/campussafety">bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728578644292.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn 1991, the Jeanne Clery Act took effect requiring colleges and
universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log and
provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about threats. The
report filed this year at Barton Community College reflects the statistics in
2023. Barton’s Director of Campus Safety Lucas Stoelting said there were 33
liquor law violations on campus last year.
"It sounds like a lot," said Stoelting. "Last year, I think we had 25. That means 33 people. It's defined on actual events. Last year, we caught 33 people drinking. One incident alone was 15 people."Stoelting presented the past three years of statistics that showed no hate
crimes were reported in 2023 at Barton. President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said the
report is created in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies in the area.
"One of the things parents and perspective students look at when deciding on a college to attend is safety," said Garstecki. "Every study I ever read now talks about how it's usually in the top two or three reasons a student will select a college is being the safety factor."The 2024 Annual Security Report for Barton Community College can be found at
<a href="https://bartonccc.edu/campussafety">bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton CC reviews annual security report from 2023 incidents

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5cc321c7-76ae-4893-a1cd-932f0f7df217">Great Bend prepping incentives for hotel/restaurant development</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2af0421-c8a5-43a8-a71c-c70d2fccefb8">Court upholds woman's conviction in 2018 Barton County Fair murders</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/0e0a19e9-d77a-4a15-91c3-afba0c454eab">Drug arrest made after stop behind Great Bend grocery store</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728357828551.jpeg" alt="A proposed layout for a new hotel at 3017 10th Street in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A proposed layout for a new hotel at 3017 10th Street in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/0ey4dh0c/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5cc321c7-76ae-4893-a1cd-932f0f7df217">Great Bend prepping incentives for hotel/restaurant development</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2af0421-c8a5-43a8-a71c-c70d2fccefb8">Court upholds woman's conviction in 2018 Barton County Fair murders</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/0e0a19e9-d77a-4a15-91c3-afba0c454eab">Drug arrest made after stop behind Great Bend grocery store</a>

Eagle Media's news week in review

Attention all John Deere Fans - come to the Santa Fe Trail Center in Larned on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 and enjoy a family-friendly environment. There will be anvil shoots, antique tractor parades, tractor pulls, food trucks, collectibles&nbsp;and crafts and many farming demonstrations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728569783236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Attention all John Deere Fans - come to the Santa Fe Trail Center in Larned on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 and enjoy a family-friendly environment. There will be anvil shoots, antique tractor parades, tractor pulls, food trucks, collectibles&nbsp;and crafts and many farming demonstrations.

Santa Fe Trail Tired Iron Show in Larned this weekend

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 14, Liberal 7 Hays 26, Dodge City 0 Garden City 48, Wichita Southeast 0 Central Kansas League Hoisington 48, Lakin 31 Larned 14, Southwestern Heights 7 Pratt 49, Phillipsburg 20 Halstead 31, Ellsworth 13 Nickerson 26, Lyons 21 Andale 54, Smoky Valley 0 Hesston 55, Wichita Trinity 14 Haven 49, Belle Plaine 7 Southeast of Saline 36, Hillsboro 8 Other 11-Man Games Hutch-Trinity 26, Ellinwood 15 Norton 42, Russell 22 TMP 28, Oakley 20 Conway Springs 41, Sterling 14 Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 46, Canton-Galva 0 Hodgeman County 46, Macksville 0 Wichita County 70, La Crosse 6 Minneola 52, St. John 6 Victoria 72, Stafford 14 Kinsley 30, Meade 14 Oxford 84, Kiowa County 58 Ell-Saline 38, Little River 36 Area 6-Man Games Tescott 27, Otis-Bison 20 Pawnee Heights 66, Moscow 20 Cunningham 1, Chase 0

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend 14, Liberal 7 Hays 26, Dodge City 0 Garden City 48, Wichita Southeast 0 Central Kansas League Hoisington 48, Lakin 31 Larned 14, Southwestern Heights 7 Pratt 49, Phillipsburg 20 Halstead 31, Ellsworth 13 Nickerson 26, Lyons 21 Andale 54, Smoky Valley 0 Hesston 55, Wichita Trinity 14 Haven 49, Belle Plaine 7 Southeast of Saline 36, Hillsboro 8 Other 11-Man Games Hutch-Trinity 26, Ellinwood 15 Norton 42, Russell 22 TMP 28, Oakley 20 Conway Springs 41, Sterling 14 Area 8-Man Games Central Plains 46, Canton-Galva 0 Hodgeman County 46, Macksville 0 Wichita County 70, La Crosse 6 Minneola 52, St. John 6 Victoria 72, Stafford 14 Kinsley 30, Meade 14 Oxford 84, Kiowa County 58 Ell-Saline 38, Little River 36 Area 6-Man Games Tescott 27, Otis-Bison 20 Pawnee Heights 66, Moscow 20 Cunningham 1, Chase 0

Area high school football scores - Week 6

The Great Bend High School football team plays at Garden City on Friday, Oct. 25.

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

Kickoff from Garden City is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend High School football team plays at Garden City on Friday, Oct. 25.You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/#//">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Garden City is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Great Bend 🏈 at Garden City

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A company called Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. An artist featuring Kansas landscapes and sunsets. It seemed like a natural pairing for another Artist by Candlelight event at Ellinwood's Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. Store co-owner Jennie Andersen said Russell's Angela Muller will again be the featured artist for the free event.

"We've done an Artist by Candlelight event with her previously, prior to COVID, and it was a very well-attended event, so we want to welcome her back to do another Artist by Candlelight talk," Andersen said.

The focus of this event will be prairie moons. Muller, a fifth-generation Kansas with deep farming roots, will share the inspirations behind some of her prairie-based paintings. Adding to the candlelight ambiance, Kansas Earth and Sky will also reveal a limited-edition fragrance Long Nights Moon candle. Purchases, however, are optional.

"It's 100 percent free, and if they want to buy stuff, she will have a collection of small moon paintings they can purchase," Andersen said. "If they want to purchase a Long Nights Moon candle they can but the talk itself is free and we do a reception here."

Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. is located at 23 N. Main Street in Ellinwood. The reception following Muller's presentation will include light refreshments.

For more information about this event or Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co., visit <a href="https://www.kansasearthandskycandle.com/">www.kansasearthandskycandle.com</a> or contact the Andersens at 620-240-3949 or order@kansasearthandskycandle.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728480657560.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA company called Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. An artist featuring Kansas landscapes and sunsets. It seemed like a natural pairing for another Artist by Candlelight event at Ellinwood's Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. Store co-owner Jennie Andersen said Russell's Angela Muller will again be the featured artist for the free event."We've done an Artist by Candlelight event with her previously, prior to COVID, and it was a very well-attended event, so we want to welcome her back to do another Artist by Candlelight talk," Andersen said.The focus of this event will be prairie moons. Muller, a fifth-generation Kansas with deep farming roots, will share the inspirations behind some of her prairie-based paintings. Adding to the candlelight ambiance, Kansas Earth and Sky will also reveal a limited-edition fragrance Long Nights Moon candle. Purchases, however, are optional."It's 100 percent free, and if they want to buy stuff, she will have a collection of small moon paintings they can purchase," Andersen said. "If they want to purchase a Long Nights Moon candle they can but the talk itself is free and we do a reception here."Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. is located at 23 N. Main Street in Ellinwood. The reception following Muller's presentation will include light refreshments.For more information about this event or Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co., visit <a href="https://www.kansasearthandskycandle.com/">www.kansasearthandskycandle.com</a> or contact the Andersens at 620-240-3949 or order@kansasearthandskycandle.com.&nbsp;

Ellinwood's Kansas Earth and Sky Candle Co. hosting Artist by Candlelight Oct. 26

The Hoisington High School football team plays at home against Cimarron on Friday, Oct. 25.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605287606602.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Hoisington High School football team plays at home against Cimarron on Friday, Oct. 25.You can listen to the broadcast on 100.7 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://khokfm.com/#//">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Hoisington is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show beginning at 6:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Hoisington 🏈 vs. Cimarron

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Fort Hays State University assistant professor Morgan Steele.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5uGgZJcEk14?si=BIOfD3gx_ktb8BtA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Fort Hays State University assistant professor Morgan Steele.

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU Criminalistics Professor Morgan Steele

The City of Great Bend stopped taking applications Oct. 4 for the assistant city administrator position, and there were 25 applications
submitted. Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt said Monday he hopes to be in the interview
process within seven to 10 days with a committee overviewing the recommended
selection.


"I recommend Rickee Maddox, Lindsey Krom-Craven, Kevyn Soupiset, Megan Barfield, Jordan Elliott, Jenna Pitchford, Allen Glendenning, Logan Burns and myself will serve on that committee," said Schmidt.

With Logan Burns taking over the role of Great Bend City Administrator on Aug.
12, the City of Great Bend is looking to fill the assistant city administrator
position he left vacant. 

The assistant administrator position was left vacant
for several years prior to Burns getting appointed to the position in November
2022.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686018784195.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend stopped taking applications Oct. 4 for the assistant city administrator position, and there were 25 applications
submitted. Great Bend Mayor Cody Schmidt said Monday he hopes to be in the interview
process within seven to 10 days with a committee overviewing the recommended
selection.
"I recommend Rickee Maddox, Lindsey Krom-Craven, Kevyn Soupiset, Megan Barfield, Jordan Elliott, Jenna Pitchford, Allen Glendenning, Logan Burns and myself will serve on that committee," said Schmidt.With Logan Burns taking over the role of Great Bend City Administrator on Aug.
12, the City of Great Bend is looking to fill the assistant city administrator
position he left vacant. The assistant administrator position was left vacant
for several years prior to Burns getting appointed to the position in November
2022.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend received 25 applications for assistant admin spot

The Larned High School football team plays at Lakin on Friday, Oct. 25.

You can listen to the broadcast on 106.9 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://hits1069.com/">HERE</a>.

Kickoff from Lakin is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show beginning at 6:45 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630523438598.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Larned High School football team plays at Lakin on Friday, Oct. 25.You can listen to the broadcast on 106.9 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://hits1069.com/">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Lakin is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show beginning at 6:45 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Larned 🏈 at Lakin

The Great Bend High School football team will host Hays on Friday, Oct. 18.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend High School football team will host Hays on Friday, Oct. 18.You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/#//">HERE</a>.Kickoff from Great Bend is at 7 p.m. with the pregame show starting at 6:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Great Bend 🏈 vs. Hays

The Great Bend Police Department will receive new vehicle and body-worn
cameras after the Great Bend City Council approved a $187,846 purchase from
Digital Ally.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728486770255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Police Department will receive new vehicle and body-worn
cameras after the Great Bend City Council approved a $187,846 purchase from
Digital Ally.
Great Bend Police has deployed in-car cameras since 2006 and body-worn cameras
since 2014. The current cameras are becoming obsolete and are nearing their end
of life. Police Chief Steve Haulmark received bids from Digital Ally and Axon,
with the Digital Ally bid coming in nearly $70,000 cheaper.
"These two companies, and Motorola, are the three big companies being utilized," said Haulmark. "We have spoken to different agencies that use both of the two systems. There's pros and cons to both sides. Overall, folks are happy with Digital Ally and we've been happy with their customer service for the past 10 years."The bid is for a five-year contract with the company based out of Lenexa,
Kansas. The Police Department has $65,000 funded for cameras through fiscal
year 2025 and were approved an additional $35,000 per budget year through 2029.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;