Musk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas, infesting over 420,000 acres. It has been reported in nearly every county in Kansas and is found primarily in pastures, rangeland, hay meadows, alfalfa, fallow, roadsides, and waste areas. Under the new Noxious Weed Law, musk thistle is considered a Category C weed. That means it is well established within the state and has an extensive population.&nbsp;

Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations, and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method.&nbsp; These include mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches.&nbsp; Mechanical control involves removing the entire plant or just the reproductive parts to prevent the plants from producing flowers/seeds.&nbsp; Mowing, digging, and hoeing are common mechanical methods of controlling musk thistle. Several herbicides are labeled for musk thistle control and are discussed below.&nbsp; Biological control requires a permit and needs to be integrated with other methods.&nbsp; Head and crown weevils are found in the state but cannot be transported across state lines.&nbsp; A flower fly is a new candidate species for biological control of musk thistle.

Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual species. Biennials take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Thistles germinating in the spring will spend the entire summer as a rosette, live through the winter, and bolt the next year in May and June. Winter annual plants will germinate with moisture and warm temperatures in the fall, live through the winter, and bolt the following year.

Most people recognize musk thistle during the early summer when the plants are actively blooming. However, musk thistle control is easiest as a rosette.

Fall is an excellent time to spray musk thistle as all are in the rosette growth stage. Another advantage of treatment in the fall is reduced risk of off-target drift. Waiting until most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and most crops are harvested will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from herbicide drift. A wider window of opportunity for treating musk thistle also exists in the fall. The spraying window in the fall probably extends until the ground is frozen, and the musk thistle plants have shut down activity until warmer temperatures in the spring. Freezing temperatures will start to damage musk thistle plants, with some yellowing and curling of leaves. However, the plants are susceptible to herbicides as long as green tissue exists.

Dry conditions in the fall can reduce control of musk thistle with certain herbicides. Still, studies in Kansas indicated that a fall application of 2,4-D LVE at 2 lbs per acre was more effective (80% control) than a similar rate of 2,4-D amine (49% control). Dicamba + 2,4-D amine at 0.25 + 0.75 lbs per acre and picloram at 0.125 lbs per acre were also effective (&gt;90% control) on musk thistle treated in the fall.&nbsp; Other herbicides that have proven effective include 3-5&nbsp; fl oz/acre aminopyralid (Milestone) and aminopyralid + metsulfuron (Chaparral at 1.5 oz/acre).&nbsp; Products containing picloram and aminopyralid will not only control rosettes treated in the fall but will have enough carryover to control emerging seedlings the following spring.

If you need to treat musk thistle this fall, select the proper herbicide for the job.&nbsp; If possible, select a warm, sunny day to spray. Scattered rosettes can be mechanically removed by digging below the crown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Musk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas, infesting over 420,000 acres. It has been reported in nearly every county in Kansas and is found primarily in pastures, rangeland, hay meadows, alfalfa, fallow, roadsides, and waste areas. Under the new Noxious Weed Law, musk thistle is considered a Category C weed. That means it is well established within the state and has an extensive population.&nbsp;Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations, and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method.&nbsp; These include mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches.&nbsp; Mechanical control involves removing the entire plant or just the reproductive parts to prevent the plants from producing flowers/seeds.&nbsp; Mowing, digging, and hoeing are common mechanical methods of controlling musk thistle. Several herbicides are labeled for musk thistle control and are discussed below.&nbsp; Biological control requires a permit and needs to be integrated with other methods.&nbsp; Head and crown weevils are found in the state but cannot be transported across state lines.&nbsp; A flower fly is a new candidate species for biological control of musk thistle.Musk thistle is primarily a biennial or winter annual species. Biennials take two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Thistles germinating in the spring will spend the entire summer as a rosette, live through the winter, and bolt the next year in May and June. Winter annual plants will germinate with moisture and warm temperatures in the fall, live through the winter, and bolt the following year.Most people recognize musk thistle during the early summer when the plants are actively blooming. However, musk thistle control is easiest as a rosette.Fall is an excellent time to spray musk thistle as all are in the rosette growth stage. Another advantage of treatment in the fall is reduced risk of off-target drift. Waiting until most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and most crops are harvested will greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from herbicide drift. A wider window of opportunity for treating musk thistle also exists in the fall. The spraying window in the fall probably extends until the ground is frozen, and the musk thistle plants have shut down activity until warmer temperatures in the spring. Freezing temperatures will start to damage musk thistle plants, with some yellowing and curling of leaves. However, the plants are susceptible to herbicides as long as green tissue exists.Dry conditions in the fall can reduce control of musk thistle with certain herbicides. Still, studies in Kansas indicated that a fall application of 2,4-D LVE at 2 lbs per acre was more effective (80% control) than a similar rate of 2,4-D amine (49% control). Dicamba + 2,4-D amine at 0.25 + 0.75 lbs per acre and picloram at 0.125 lbs per acre were also effective (&gt;90% control) on musk thistle treated in the fall.&nbsp; Other herbicides that have proven effective include 3-5&nbsp; fl oz/acre aminopyralid (Milestone) and aminopyralid + metsulfuron (Chaparral at 1.5 oz/acre).&nbsp; Products containing picloram and aminopyralid will not only control rosettes treated in the fall but will have enough carryover to control emerging seedlings the following spring.If you need to treat musk thistle this fall, select the proper herbicide for the job.&nbsp; If possible, select a warm, sunny day to spray. Scattered rosettes can be mechanically removed by digging below the crown. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Fall control of musk thistle 

The City of Great Bend Engineering Department would like to inform everyone that beginning today, Monday, Oct. 7, Venture Corporation will commence work on the 2024 Street Resurfacing Project.

The streets to be worked on are 281 Bypass (10th&nbsp;street to Main), 24th&nbsp;street (281&nbsp;Bypass to McCormick Street) and Harrison Street (10th&nbsp;street to Broadway Street). This work is expected to last at a minimum of two weeks. Please be attentive and careful in these areas. We thank you for your patience as we work to improve these locations.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sreehitha Kadiyala, Assistant City Engineer, 620.793.4150 or&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, 620.793.4150 jcauley@greatbendks.net.

From the City of Great Bend...The City of Great Bend Engineering Department would like to inform everyone that beginning today, Monday, Oct. 7, Venture Corporation will commence work on the 2024 Street Resurfacing Project.The streets to be worked on are 281 Bypass (10th&nbsp;street to Main), 24th&nbsp;street (281&nbsp;Bypass to McCormick Street) and Harrison Street (10th&nbsp;street to Broadway Street). This work is expected to last at a minimum of two weeks. Please be attentive and careful in these areas. We thank you for your patience as we work to improve these locations.If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sreehitha Kadiyala, Assistant City Engineer, 620.793.4150 or&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, 620.793.4150 jcauley@greatbendks.net.

Road work started for Harrison, 281 Bypass and 24th in Great Bend

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dobDNgOSMGA?si=lCBhPu7U5MDOzuTO" 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;American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright.

🎤Forward Ever: American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7454‑01 ‑ Statewide, Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), special, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $343,805.00.

&nbsp;Marshall ‑&nbsp;77‑58 KA‑3924‑01 – County road, bridge #019 over Deer Creek located 8.88 miles north of the U.S. 77/U.S. 36 west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $2,708,367.10.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;99‑58 KA‑5764‑01 ‑ K‑99, bridge #035 over Jim Creek located 4.26 miles north of the Pottawatomie County line, bridge replacement, Ebert Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $2,508,724.76.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5238‑01 – County road, bridge over Hendricks Creek located 1.0 mile north and 0.2 mile east of Alma, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $673,463.75.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5193‑01 – County road, RS 99 from K‑4 to Harveyville Road, grading and surfacing, 6.5 miles, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $360,113.00.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;69‑105 KA‑6964‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #130 over Merriam Lane and Turkey Creek located at the junction of Merriam Lane and U.S. 69 in Kansas City, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $773,608.50

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7238‑01 ‑ City of Whiting in Jackson County, city of Leavenworth in Leavenworth County, city of Garnett in Anderson County, city of Edna in Labette County, city of Kinsley in Edwards County, special, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $201,228.58.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;16‑106 KA‑7469‑01 ‑ K‑16: in Jefferson County, from the K‑92/K‑16 junction in McLouth east to the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line; and in Leavenworth County, from the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line southeast to the U.S. 24/K‑16/U.S. 40 junction, milling and overlay, 10.2 miles, J M Fahey Construction Company, Grandview, Missouri, $4,095,096.00.

Clay ‑&nbsp;82‑14 KA‑6721‑01 ‑ K‑82, bridge #025 over Cane Creek 1 mile east of K‑15, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $793,520.47.

Jewell ‑&nbsp;45 C‑5232‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Limestone Creek located 1.3 miles south and 6.0 miles west of Mankato, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $710,551.00.

Lincoln ‑&nbsp;18‑53 KA‑5713‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #027 over Saline River drainage located approximately 1 mile east of K‑252, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,105,443.78.

Ellis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑6954‑01 ‑ I‑70: bridge #038 over Old Highway 40 and Union Pacific Railroad located 3.62 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction; and bridge #39, over Old Highway 40/Union Pacific Railroad located 3.61 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $425,300.50.

Phillips ‑&nbsp;74 C‑5227‑01 – County road, bridge over West Cedar Creek located 6.5 miles north and 0.5 mile west of Agra, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $547,817.15.

Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7316‑01 – U.S. 40, from the east city limits of Sharon Springs east to Pebble Road, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,006,723.34

Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7313‑01 – U.S. 40, from the state line east to the east city limits of Sharon Springs, milling and overlay, 16.6 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $8,161,393.05.

Bourbon ‑&nbsp;3‑6 KA‑7449‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the Crawford/Bourbon county line north to the K‑39/K‑3 junction, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $344,452.90.

Crawford ‑&nbsp;7‑19 KA‑7451‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction north to the south city limits of Girard, overlay, 11.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,868,907.87.

Crawford ‑&nbsp;3‑19 KA‑7450‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the K‑47/K‑3 junction north to the Crawford/Bourbon county line, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, 1,297,702.39.

Labette ‑&nbsp;50 C‑5222‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Neosho River located 4.0 miles east of Parsons, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $525,146.05.

Wilson ‑&nbsp;103 U‑2404‑02 – In Neodesha, Ohio Street, from 8th Street to 2nd Street; 8th Street, from Ohio Street to alleyway (252 South 8th Street), and also from City Hall (1407 North 8th Street) to Fir Street; Fir Street, from 8th Street to 4th Street; and 6th Street, from Tank Street to Granby Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.2 miles, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $634,114.30.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6862‑01 – U.S. 69, U.S. 54, K‑7, K‑3, K‑65, K‑31 and K‑39 in Bourbon, Linn, Crawford and Allen counties, signing, Collins &amp; Hermann Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $2,100,000.00.

Barton ‑&nbsp;56‑5 KA‑6363‑01 ‑ U.S. 56/McKinley in Great Bend, traffic signals, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $899,021.50.

Butler ‑&nbsp;77‑8 KA‑7456‑01 – U.S. 77, from the four-lane to four-lane divided north to the Marion/Butler county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 15.7 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $2,365,085.02.

Cowley ‑&nbsp;15‑18 KA‑7432‑01 ‑ K‑15, from the U.S. 166/K‑15 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑15 junction, sealing, 12.2 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $514,362.30.

Edwards ‑&nbsp;24 C‑5199‑01 ‑ 260th Avenue, from the Kiowa county line to South Road and 270th Avenue from South Road to U.S. 50, shoulders, 14.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $871,453.80.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;81‑87 KA‑7458‑01 – U.S. 81, from the Sumner/Sedgwick county line north to 59th Street at the south city limits of Wichita, pavement patching, 7.5 miles, Interstate Improvement Inc., Faribault, Minnesota, $939,539.50.

Stafford ‑&nbsp;93 C‑5237‑01 – Local road, bridge over Rattlesnake Creek located 7.1 miles north and 13.5 miles east of Saint John, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $663,989.00.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;81‑96 KA‑5772‑01 – U.S. 81, bridge #040 over Bluff Creek located 0.93 mile north of the Oklahoma state line, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,983,484.43.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;55‑106 KA‑7048‑01 ‑ K‑55 in Sumner County, from the K‑55/U.S. 81 junction east to the Sumner/Cowley county line; and K‑55 in Cowley County, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the K‑15/K‑55 junction, recycle and overlay, 12.0 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,446,680.83.

Finney ‑&nbsp;156‑28 KA‑5759‑01 ‑ K‑156, bridge #008 over Pawnee River Drainage located 2.78 miles west of the K‑156/K‑23 west junction, bridge replacement, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $2,434,928.38.

Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑5802‑01 ‑ K‑156, from 4 miles west of Jetmore east 15 miles to 228 Road north of Hanston including Buckner Creek drainage bridges #005, 006, 007, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013 and 014 located within the project limits, shoulders, 15.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $21,508,140.12.

Morton ‑&nbsp;27‑65 KA‑7467‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the U.S. 56/K‑27 junction north to the Morton/Stanton county line (excluding the section between the two K‑51 junctions), recycle and overlay, 18.9 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $3,148,159.20.

Stanton ‑&nbsp;27‑94 KA‑7466‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the Morton/Stanton county line, north to railroad crossings south of the U.S. 160/K‑27 junction, recycle and overlay, 11.4 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,957,474.27.

The following projects from the Aug. 21, 2024, letting have been approved.

Barber ‑&nbsp;281‑4 TE‑0527‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, from U.S. 160 to El Dorado Avenue, and El Dorado Avenue from U.S. 281 to Oak Street in Medicine Lodge, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.3 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $499,989.05.

Reno ‑&nbsp;78 C‑5198‑01 ‑ Major and minor collectors, located west of K‑14, signing, 317.0 miles, KOMO Construction LLC/DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $474,232.00.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 18, 2024, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7454‑01 ‑ Statewide, Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), special, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $343,805.00.District One — Northeast&nbsp;Marshall ‑&nbsp;77‑58 KA‑3924‑01 – County road, bridge #019 over Deer Creek located 8.88 miles north of the U.S. 77/U.S. 36 west junction, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $2,708,367.10.Marshall ‑&nbsp;99‑58 KA‑5764‑01 ‑ K‑99, bridge #035 over Jim Creek located 4.26 miles north of the Pottawatomie County line, bridge replacement, Ebert Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $2,508,724.76.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5238‑01 – County road, bridge over Hendricks Creek located 1.0 mile north and 0.2 mile east of Alma, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $673,463.75.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;99 C‑5193‑01 – County road, RS 99 from K‑4 to Harveyville Road, grading and surfacing, 6.5 miles, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $360,113.00.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;69‑105 KA‑6964‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #130 over Merriam Lane and Turkey Creek located at the junction of Merriam Lane and U.S. 69 in Kansas City, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $773,608.50Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7238‑01 ‑ City of Whiting in Jackson County, city of Leavenworth in Leavenworth County, city of Garnett in Anderson County, city of Edna in Labette County, city of Kinsley in Edwards County, special, Multicon Inc., Park City, Kansas, $201,228.58.Statewide ‑&nbsp;16‑106 KA‑7469‑01 ‑ K‑16: in Jefferson County, from the K‑92/K‑16 junction in McLouth east to the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line; and in Leavenworth County, from the Leavenworth/Jefferson county line southeast to the U.S. 24/K‑16/U.S. 40 junction, milling and overlay, 10.2 miles, J M Fahey Construction Company, Grandview, Missouri, $4,095,096.00.District Two — North CentralClay ‑&nbsp;82‑14 KA‑6721‑01 ‑ K‑82, bridge #025 over Cane Creek 1 mile east of K‑15, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $793,520.47.Jewell ‑&nbsp;45 C‑5232‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Limestone Creek located 1.3 miles south and 6.0 miles west of Mankato, bridge replacement, 0.3 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $710,551.00.Lincoln ‑&nbsp;18‑53 KA‑5713‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #027 over Saline River drainage located approximately 1 mile east of K‑252, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,105,443.78.District Three — NorthwestEllis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑6954‑01 ‑ I‑70: bridge #038 over Old Highway 40 and Union Pacific Railroad located 3.62 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction; and bridge #39, over Old Highway 40/Union Pacific Railroad located 3.61 miles east of the I‑70/K‑255 junction, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $425,300.50.Phillips ‑&nbsp;74 C‑5227‑01 – County road, bridge over West Cedar Creek located 6.5 miles north and 0.5 mile west of Agra, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $547,817.15.Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7316‑01 – U.S. 40, from the east city limits of Sharon Springs east to Pebble Road, milling and overlay, 9.9 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,006,723.34Wallace ‑&nbsp;40‑100 KA‑7313‑01 – U.S. 40, from the state line east to the east city limits of Sharon Springs, milling and overlay, 16.6 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $8,161,393.05.District Four — SoutheastBourbon ‑&nbsp;3‑6 KA‑7449‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the Crawford/Bourbon county line north to the K‑39/K‑3 junction, milling and overlay, 3.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $344,452.90.Crawford ‑&nbsp;7‑19 KA‑7451‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction north to the south city limits of Girard, overlay, 11.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,868,907.87.Crawford ‑&nbsp;3‑19 KA‑7450‑01 ‑ K‑3, from the K‑47/K‑3 junction north to the Crawford/Bourbon county line, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, 1,297,702.39.Labette ‑&nbsp;50 C‑5222‑01 – County road, bridge over tributary to Neosho River located 4.0 miles east of Parsons, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $525,146.05.Wilson ‑&nbsp;103 U‑2404‑02 – In Neodesha, Ohio Street, from 8th Street to 2nd Street; 8th Street, from Ohio Street to alleyway (252 South 8th Street), and also from City Hall (1407 North 8th Street) to Fir Street; Fir Street, from 8th Street to 4th Street; and 6th Street, from Tank Street to Granby Street, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.2 miles, pedestrian and bicycle paths, Heck &amp; Wicker Inc., Parsons, Kansas, $634,114.30.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑6862‑01 – U.S. 69, U.S. 54, K‑7, K‑3, K‑65, K‑31 and K‑39 in Bourbon, Linn, Crawford and Allen counties, signing, Collins &amp; Hermann Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $2,100,000.00.District Five — South CentralBarton ‑&nbsp;56‑5 KA‑6363‑01 ‑ U.S. 56/McKinley in Great Bend, traffic signals, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $899,021.50.Butler ‑&nbsp;77‑8 KA‑7456‑01 – U.S. 77, from the four-lane to four-lane divided north to the Marion/Butler county line, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 15.7 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $2,365,085.02.Cowley ‑&nbsp;15‑18 KA‑7432‑01 ‑ K‑15, from the U.S. 166/K‑15 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑15 junction, sealing, 12.2 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $514,362.30.Edwards ‑&nbsp;24 C‑5199‑01 ‑ 260th Avenue, from the Kiowa county line to South Road and 270th Avenue from South Road to U.S. 50, shoulders, 14.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $871,453.80.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;81‑87 KA‑7458‑01 – U.S. 81, from the Sumner/Sedgwick county line north to 59th Street at the south city limits of Wichita, pavement patching, 7.5 miles, Interstate Improvement Inc., Faribault, Minnesota, $939,539.50.Stafford ‑&nbsp;93 C‑5237‑01 – Local road, bridge over Rattlesnake Creek located 7.1 miles north and 13.5 miles east of Saint John, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $663,989.00.Sumner ‑&nbsp;81‑96 KA‑5772‑01 – U.S. 81, bridge #040 over Bluff Creek located 0.93 mile north of the Oklahoma state line, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,983,484.43.Statewide ‑&nbsp;55‑106 KA‑7048‑01 ‑ K‑55 in Sumner County, from the K‑55/U.S. 81 junction east to the Sumner/Cowley county line; and K‑55 in Cowley County, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the K‑15/K‑55 junction, recycle and overlay, 12.0 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,446,680.83.District Six — SouthwestFinney ‑&nbsp;156‑28 KA‑5759‑01 ‑ K‑156, bridge #008 over Pawnee River Drainage located 2.78 miles west of the K‑156/K‑23 west junction, bridge replacement, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $2,434,928.38.Hodgeman ‑&nbsp;156‑42 KA‑5802‑01 ‑ K‑156, from 4 miles west of Jetmore east 15 miles to 228 Road north of Hanston including Buckner Creek drainage bridges #005, 006, 007, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013 and 014 located within the project limits, shoulders, 15.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $21,508,140.12.Morton ‑&nbsp;27‑65 KA‑7467‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the U.S. 56/K‑27 junction north to the Morton/Stanton county line (excluding the section between the two K‑51 junctions), recycle and overlay, 18.9 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $3,148,159.20.Stanton ‑&nbsp;27‑94 KA‑7466‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the Morton/Stanton county line, north to railroad crossings south of the U.S. 160/K‑27 junction, recycle and overlay, 11.4 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,957,474.27.The following projects from the Aug. 21, 2024, letting have been approved.Barber ‑&nbsp;281‑4 TE‑0527‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, from U.S. 160 to El Dorado Avenue, and El Dorado Avenue from U.S. 281 to Oak Street in Medicine Lodge, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.3 miles, Barkley Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $499,989.05.Reno ‑&nbsp;78 C‑5198‑01 ‑ Major and minor collectors, located west of K‑14, signing, 317.0 miles, KOMO Construction LLC/DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $474,232.00.

KDOT announces approved September bids

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

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257CMitchell.Osterlund%2540ks.gov%257C1cd3a936536b4e59e9e108dc54e79f5f%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638478600986899489%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=gh0UOvfwui0cf3SYY%252FtSybeDtzaP0S0s30mSnLSZWLo%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%252F1163%252FReport-an-Illness-or-Health-Incident%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019258972679-077a2b6e-c77f-4252-9342-3eafd0ceb977-000000/uzB5_PfkdmbhdNX0xJBTnJdyYTQlTtz6rKPeI7p9JCc=373">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Fdata=05%257C02%257CMitchell.Osterlund%2540ks.gov%257C1cd3a936536b4e59e9e108dc54e79f5f%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638478600986899489%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26reserved=0%26sdata=gh0UOvfwui0cf3SYY%252FtSybeDtzaP0S0s30mSnLSZWLo%253D%26url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%252F1163%252FReport-an-Illness-or-Health-Incident%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019258972679-077a2b6e-c77f-4252-9342-3eafd0ceb977-000000/uzB5_PfkdmbhdNX0xJBTnJdyYTQlTtz6rKPeI7p9JCc=373">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active AdvisoriesWarning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Atchison City Lake #8, Atchison County</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>King Lake, Lyon County</li><li>Lake Afton, Sedgwick County</li><li>Melvern Outlet River Pond, Osage County</li>
 </ul>Watch&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Amesbury Lake, Johnson County</li><li>Atchison State Fishing Lake, Atchison County</li><li>Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County</li><li>Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County</li><li>Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County</li><li>Pratt County Lake, Pratt County</li><li>Rose's Pond (Lenexa), Johnson County</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.&nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.&nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.&nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.&nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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

The City of Great Bend and Great Bend Economic Development have been working with the State of Kansas on a proposed STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bond project at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The work to take place may include, but not limited to, improvements to the SRCA Dragstrip (increased seating capacity and additional amenities), livestock arena with amenities, a banquet hall with four multi-purpose courts for sporting events, an amphitheater, improvements to the existing rodeo grounds and an additional hangar/restaurant.

The proposed plans and project costs are not final until approved by the State of Kansas.

STAR bonds are repaid through the increased sales tax revenue generated by the development. The base sales tax revenue is calculated and the increase in sales tax revenue is used to pay off the STAR bond. The STAR bond project costs are to be paid by the issuance of bonds of the City and may be issued to reimburse expenditures and paid off in 20 years. There would be no additional sales tax that the City of Great Bend citizens would be subject to.

A resolution will be presented Monday, Oct. 7 to the Great Bend City Council calling for a public hearing to consider the establishment of the STAR bond project district on Oct. 21.

Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend and Great Bend Economic Development have been working with the State of Kansas on a proposed STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bond project at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The work to take place may include, but not limited to, improvements to the SRCA Dragstrip (increased seating capacity and additional amenities), livestock arena with amenities, a banquet hall with four multi-purpose courts for sporting events, an amphitheater, improvements to the existing rodeo grounds and an additional hangar/restaurant.The proposed plans and project costs are not final until approved by the State of Kansas.STAR bonds are repaid through the increased sales tax revenue generated by the development. The base sales tax revenue is calculated and the increase in sales tax revenue is used to pay off the STAR bond. The STAR bond project costs are to be paid by the issuance of bonds of the City and may be issued to reimburse expenditures and paid off in 20 years. There would be no additional sales tax that the City of Great Bend citizens would be subject to.A resolution will be presented Monday, Oct. 7 to the Great Bend City Council calling for a public hearing to consider the establishment of the STAR bond project district on Oct. 21.

Great Bend looking at STAR bond for dragstrip & Expo Complex project

10/4 BOOKED: Sedrick Hunter on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat and Harassment by Telecommunication, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Tanner Osborn on Barton County case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Isela Olivas on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.

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

BOOKED: Wesley Wilson on Garfield County (Colo.) warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

RELEASED: Sedrick Hunter on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat and Harassment by Telecommunication, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

10/5 BOOKED: Randy Johnson on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Patrick Meeks on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Violence, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Peyton Campbell on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery and Minor in Consumption, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Logan Jacobs on Saline County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Christian Ruiz o Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of THC, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving with no Headlamps, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Duncan Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court.

RELEASED: Logan Jacobs on Saline County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Christian Ruiz o Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of THC, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving with no Headlamps, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Cory Little on KDOC warrant after warrant withdrawn.

RELEASED: Michael Carroll on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Battery and Domestic Battery, after posting $20,000 surety bond.

10/6 BOOKED: Diana Hejny on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Humberto Granados-Dormuz on Barton County District Court case for DUI, No Driver's License, and Driving on Right Side of Roadway, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Shawna Contrerez on two Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $40,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Diana Hejny on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Tanner Osborn on Barton County case, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/4 BOOKED: Sedrick Hunter on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat and Harassment by Telecommunication, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Tanner Osborn on Barton County case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Isela Olivas on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Michael Carroll on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Battery and Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Wesley Wilson on Garfield County (Colo.) warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.RELEASED: Sedrick Hunter on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat and Harassment by Telecommunication, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.10/5 BOOKED: Randy Johnson on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Patrick Meeks on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Violence, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Peyton Campbell on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery and Minor in Consumption, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Logan Jacobs on Saline County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,500 C/S.BOOKED: Christian Ruiz o Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of THC, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving with no Headlamps, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Duncan Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court.RELEASED: Logan Jacobs on Saline County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Christian Ruiz o Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of THC, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving with no Headlamps, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Cory Little on KDOC warrant after warrant withdrawn.RELEASED: Michael Carroll on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Battery and Domestic Battery, after posting $20,000 surety bond.10/6 BOOKED: Diana Hejny on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Humberto Granados-Dormuz on Barton County District Court case for DUI, No Driver's License, and Driving on Right Side of Roadway, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Shawna Contrerez on two Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $40,000 C/S.RELEASED: Diana Hejny on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Tanner Osborn on Barton County case, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (10/4 - 10/6)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to remind Kansans as we approach the respiratory virus season to remain aware of symptoms, preventative measures and when to seek medical treatment.

Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season.

“We know the risk of contracting and spreading respiratory viruses will increase as we move into the fall and winter months,”&nbsp;KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said.&nbsp;“It is imperative that people follow common-sense preventative measures and consider getting a vaccine, especially if they fall into a high-risk category.”

Getting an immunization is an important preventative measure against respiratory viruses. &nbsp;Vaccines are available for all three major fall and winter respiratory diseases – flu, COVID-19, and RSV (for groups eligible for RSV immunization). In addition, pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for children younger than five years, adults, 65 years and older, and individuals at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Kansas will receive approximately $780,000 from the federal government this year to cover about 9,380 COVID-19 doses for uninsured and underinsured adults. These doses will be equitably distributed across Kansas to Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and other vaccination locations to help provide vaccine coverage to uninsured and underinsured adults in Kansas.&nbsp;

While anyone can become sick from common respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease, some individuals have risk factors that can increase their chances of getting a severe illness.

Groups of people at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses

If you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness, seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment.

If you test positive for the flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment should be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.

Examples of respiratory virus symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, decrease in appetite, sore throat, vomiting, new loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and/or weakness.

For more information on respiratory viruses from KDHE read&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F2108%2FRespiratory-Syncytial-Virus-RSV%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019248636094-fef5daf4-b7f0-4575-a550-ad480da138a5-000000/c5JBw8OKva7yUVbHHU6beDgrI0iqhqnw3eHWjA-PCZo=372">here</a>.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to remind Kansans as we approach the respiratory virus season to remain aware of symptoms, preventative measures and when to seek medical treatment.Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season.“We know the risk of contracting and spreading respiratory viruses will increase as we move into the fall and winter months,”&nbsp;KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said.&nbsp;“It is imperative that people follow common-sense preventative measures and consider getting a vaccine, especially if they fall into a high-risk category.”Getting an immunization is an important preventative measure against respiratory viruses. &nbsp;Vaccines are available for all three major fall and winter respiratory diseases – flu, COVID-19, and RSV (for groups eligible for RSV immunization). In addition, pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for children younger than five years, adults, 65 years and older, and individuals at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease.Kansas will receive approximately $780,000 from the federal government this year to cover about 9,380 COVID-19 doses for uninsured and underinsured adults. These doses will be equitably distributed across Kansas to Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and other vaccination locations to help provide vaccine coverage to uninsured and underinsured adults in Kansas.&nbsp;While anyone can become sick from common respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease, some individuals have risk factors that can increase their chances of getting a severe illness.Groups of people at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses<ul>
 <li>Older adults</li><li>Young children</li><li>People with weakened immune systems</li><li>People with disabilities</li><li>Pregnant and recently pregnant individuals</li>
 </ul>If you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness, seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment.If you test positive for the flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment should be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.Examples of respiratory virus symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, decrease in appetite, sore throat, vomiting, new loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and/or weakness.Keep in mind:<ul>
 <li>Washing hands and improving airflow in the places where people live and work are important to lowering risk from respiratory viruses.</li><li>Effective treatments are available for those who get flu or COVID-19 and are recommended for those at higher risk for severe illness. Treatment can reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death.</li><li>You should seek emergency care‎ if you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing or chest pain), seek emergency medical care immediately.</li><li>Everyday actions like masking and physical distancing can provide an additional layer of protection and can protect their family, friends, and coworkers.</li><li>Tests are available that can quickly detect these respiratory viruses.</li>
 </ul>For more information on respiratory viruses from KDHE read&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F2108%2FRespiratory-Syncytial-Virus-RSV%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019248636094-fef5daf4-b7f0-4575-a550-ad480da138a5-000000/c5JBw8OKva7yUVbHHU6beDgrI0iqhqnw3eHWjA-PCZo=372">here</a>.

KDHE reminds Kansans to be aware as respiratory virus season approaches

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The streets are not a courtroom. Photos and a partial video from a traffic stop by the Barton County Sheriff's Office went viral on social media Monday. Given the amount of attention the video received, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir released the full video of the incident just after noon Tuesday. He said the departure from normal policy is sometimes necessary.

"I do not release body cam footage on a regular basis," he said. We don't do that because it's time consuming to get it downloaded. You have to be careful what you put out. There are legal restrictions on what body cam footage we can put out. In this particular case, there was so much misinformation and disinformation."

Just after 2 a.m. Monday morning, a driver later identified as 18-year-old Daniel Zuniga of Hoisington was pulled over by a sheriff's office deputy for a traffic infraction at the intersection of 10th and Main Street in Great Bend. A brief struggle ensued after Zuniga refused to show the deputy his his driver's license. The deputy deployed an electronic control device when Zuniga tried to flee the scene. Bellendir reminded the public that, even if they disagree with law enforcement, they are still required to obey lawful commands.

"If you do not agree, if you think there's something wrong with that traffic stop, if you believe the officer's mistaken, or you believe it was an unconstitutional stop, there are remedies for that: it's the judicial system," he said.

Bellendir said the decision to release the video was further made because administrative staff at the sheriff's office had reviewed the tape and concluded any investigations regarding the deputy's behavior. Bellendir said the deputy acted in accordance with state statute and departmental policy.

"The majority of the time, these videos and footage exonerate officers that are being accused of something," said Bellendir. "It's been an excellent tool for law enforcement."

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=311&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbtsokansas%2Fvideos%2F1895057217654838%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="311" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe streets are not a courtroom. Photos and a partial video from a traffic stop by the Barton County Sheriff's Office went viral on social media Monday. Given the amount of attention the video received, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir released the full video of the incident just after noon Tuesday. He said the departure from normal policy is sometimes necessary."I do not release body cam footage on a regular basis," he said. We don't do that because it's time consuming to get it downloaded. You have to be careful what you put out. There are legal restrictions on what body cam footage we can put out. In this particular case, there was so much misinformation and disinformation."Just after 2 a.m. Monday morning, a driver later identified as 18-year-old Daniel Zuniga of Hoisington was pulled over by a sheriff's office deputy for a traffic infraction at the intersection of 10th and Main Street in Great Bend. A brief struggle ensued after Zuniga refused to show the deputy his his driver's license. The deputy deployed an electronic control device when Zuniga tried to flee the scene. Bellendir reminded the public that, even if they disagree with law enforcement, they are still required to obey lawful commands."If you do not agree, if you think there's something wrong with that traffic stop, if you believe the officer's mistaken, or you believe it was an unconstitutional stop, there are remedies for that: it's the judicial system," he said.Bellendir said the decision to release the video was further made because administrative staff at the sheriff's office had reviewed the tape and concluded any investigations regarding the deputy's behavior. Bellendir said the deputy acted in accordance with state statute and departmental policy."The majority of the time, these videos and footage exonerate officers that are being accused of something," said Bellendir. "It's been an excellent tool for law enforcement."

Barton Sheriff: Body cam footage necessary to negate misinformation

Today Sunny, with a high near 79. Light east-southeast wind becoming south-southeast 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 82. South-southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. South-southeast wind around 6 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 6 to 11 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 86.

Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 56.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 88.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.

Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 79. Light east-southeast wind becoming south-southeast 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 82. South-southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 51. South-southeast wind around 6 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 6 to 11 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 86.Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 56.Friday Sunny, with a high near 88.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 56.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

From Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler:&nbsp;

Now is the time for registered voters in Barton County to apply for advanced ballots for the Nov. 5 General Election. Any registered voter may contact the County Election Officer of Barton County either by mail, by phone, or in person for an application for an advanced voting ballot. Anyone requesting an advanced ballot must first provide a photo ID. Applications may also be downloaded from the Barton County website at: www.bartoncounty.org (click: Departments&gt;Elections&gt;Advance Vote). Signed applications may be delivered or mailed to the County Clerk or faxed to (620) 793-1990. 

Upon receipt of a completed and signed application, the County Election Officer will provide said elector with an advanced ballot for the Primary Election. An elector cannot apply for a ballot for another voter. An elector may vote in the office of the Barton County Clerk beginning Oct. 16, 2024, through 12 p.m.(noon) on the day preceding said Primary Election. An application for an advanced ballot for someone who is sick/disabled/illiterate may be filed during the regular advanced ballot application period until the close of polls on the day of the Election. 

If returning your advanced ballot in person, the ballot must be returned to the County Election Officer before the close of the polls on the day of said Election. Your advanced ballot may now also be delivered to your polling location. If returning by mail, your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received on or before the Friday following the election. Affidavits of Assistance forms are available to assist another elector in the application and voting processes.

Ballots will not be counted until Election Day.

Tuesday Oct. 15: Deadline to register to vote.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: In-person Early voting may begin. Advance ballots by mail are transmitted.

Tuesday Oct. 29: Deadline to apply for advanced ballots to be mailed.

Monday, Nov. 4&nbsp;(NOON): Deadline for voters to vote advanced ballots in person in the Office of the County Clerk/Election Officer.

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Deadline for sick/disabled/illiterate voters to apply for an advanced voting ballot.

Tuesday, Nov. 5: Advanced ballots must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office or Polling Place before 7 p.m. If returning by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received on or before the Friday following the election.

Individuals may register to vote at the following locations during regular business hours:

Barton County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse, Great Bend

All City Clerk’s offices in Barton County

Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams, Great Bend

First Kansas Bank, 101 N Main, Hoisington

Credit Union of America, 4708 10th, Great Bend

Persons who apply for services at voter registration agencies may register at the following locations during regular business hours:

Kansas Department of Social &amp; Rehabilitation Services, 1305 Patton Rd, Great Bend

The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway, Great Bend

Barton County Health Department, 1300 Kansas, Great Bend

Kansas Drivers’ License Examination Department, Barton County Courthouse,

Sunflower Diversified Services Inc. 8823 4th St., Great Bend

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727885504031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler:&nbsp;Now is the time for registered voters in Barton County to apply for advanced ballots for the Nov. 5 General Election. Any registered voter may contact the County Election Officer of Barton County either by mail, by phone, or in person for an application for an advanced voting ballot. Anyone requesting an advanced ballot must first provide a photo ID. Applications may also be downloaded from the Barton County website at: www.bartoncounty.org (click: Departments&gt;Elections&gt;Advance Vote). Signed applications may be delivered or mailed to the County Clerk or faxed to (620) 793-1990. Upon receipt of a completed and signed application, the County Election Officer will provide said elector with an advanced ballot for the Primary Election. An elector cannot apply for a ballot for another voter. An elector may vote in the office of the Barton County Clerk beginning Oct. 16, 2024, through 12 p.m.(noon) on the day preceding said Primary Election. An application for an advanced ballot for someone who is sick/disabled/illiterate may be filed during the regular advanced ballot application period until the close of polls on the day of the Election. If returning your advanced ballot in person, the ballot must be returned to the County Election Officer before the close of the polls on the day of said Election. Your advanced ballot may now also be delivered to your polling location. If returning by mail, your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received on or before the Friday following the election. Affidavits of Assistance forms are available to assist another elector in the application and voting processes.Ballots will not be counted until Election Day.Tuesday Oct. 15: Deadline to register to vote.Wednesday, Oct. 16: In-person Early voting may begin. Advance ballots by mail are transmitted.Tuesday Oct. 29: Deadline to apply for advanced ballots to be mailed.Monday, Nov. 4&nbsp;(NOON): Deadline for voters to vote advanced ballots in person in the Office of the County Clerk/Election Officer.Tuesday, Nov. 5: Deadline for sick/disabled/illiterate voters to apply for an advanced voting ballot.Tuesday, Nov. 5: Advanced ballots must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office or Polling Place before 7 p.m. If returning by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day and received on or before the Friday following the election.Individuals may register to vote at the following locations during regular business hours:Barton County Clerk’s Office, Courthouse, Great BendAll City Clerk’s offices in Barton CountyFront Door, 1615 10th, Great BendGreat Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams, Great BendFirst Kansas Bank, 101 N Main, HoisingtonCredit Union of America, 4708 10th, Great BendPersons who apply for services at voter registration agencies may register at the following locations during regular business hours:Kansas Department of Social &amp; Rehabilitation Services, 1305 Patton Rd, Great BendThe Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway, Great BendBarton County Health Department, 1300 Kansas, Great BendKansas Drivers’ License Examination Department, Barton County Courthouse,1400 Main, Room 207, Great BendSunflower Diversified Services Inc. 8823 4th St., Great Bend

Barton Co. Clerk now taking applications for advanced ballots

Listen to this month's Chamber Connect show with Eagle Media's Rebecca Tudor and Megan Barfield and Julie Mazouch from the&nbsp;Great Bend Chamber of Commerce that aired Oct. 3, 2024.

The Chamber Connect show airs the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Listen to this month's Chamber Connect show with Eagle Media's Rebecca Tudor and Megan Barfield and Julie Mazouch from the&nbsp;Great Bend Chamber of Commerce that aired Oct. 3, 2024.<div><iframe title="Chamber Connect: Great Bend Chamber's Barfield & Mazouch" 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=cwfyt-16f2779-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 Chamber Connect show airs the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Chamber's Barfield & Mazouch

Larned State Hospital is offering a free movie on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m.  It will be hosted at the State Theater and the movie is Inside Out 2. 

 The movie is to make aware of Mental Illness Awareness Week and all attendees are encouraged to arrive early to see the poster displays made by the Larned Middle and High School students based on the theme "Mental Health in the Workplace." 

An adult must accompany children under 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727967585110.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Larned State Hospital is offering a free movie on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. It will be hosted at the State Theater and the movie is Inside Out 2. The movie is to make aware of Mental Illness Awareness Week and all attendees are encouraged to arrive early to see the poster displays made by the Larned Middle and High School students based on the theme "Mental Health in the Workplace." An adult must accompany children under 12.

Watch free movie at Larned's State Theater Oct. 9

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 1 shows a deterioration in drought conditions for the state. 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 8 to 12) indicates a 60 to 80% chance of likely above normal temperatures and a 40 to 60% chance of likely below normal precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 10 to 16) indicates a 60 to 80% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a continued 40 to 50 % chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.

Wheat, along with other small grain winter cereals such as rye and triticale, is in the ground and trying to emerge. Summer crop harvest is underway, especially soybeans and corn. With the hot, dry forecast, harvest should proceed rapidly. Those wanting to plant after a summer crop are considering if they can get the wheat out of the ground and through the winter. Some parts of the state are in much better shape than our immediate area. Very little of the state is totally out of dry conditions. Today, what is the Climate Prediction Center’s crystal ball seeing in our weather future? As an aside, they are usually pretty spot on.

· For October through December, the temperature outlook is 33 to 50% of leaning above normal for temperature and 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. This is the time of year when liquid precipitation is only about one inch per month in November and December. Not what wheat growers want to hear.

· For November through January, the temperature outlook is still for 33 to 40% above normal for temperatures and the precipitation outlook is normal. Again, normal is only about one inch per month. Again, not good for wheat, especially with above normal temperatures. Not good for spring planted summer crops as producers want subsoil moisture recharge.

· January through March is for equal chances regarding temperature and precipitation. This is somewhat better but not great. Cold temperatures help with insect and disease control. And normal march precipitation is approximately two inches of liquid precipitation.

· Finally, March through May is like January through March. In April, moisture normally increases to a little over three inches and in May, 3.5 to 4 inches. With normal temperatures, this helps the wheat crop and with establishing summer row crops.

These outlooks can change. Depending on what happens off the west coast of South America. Additionally, as Oceans warm along with the other effects of climate change, prediction becomes more difficult as we lack data.

<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 1 shows a deterioration in drought conditions for the state. 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 8 to 12) indicates a 60 to 80% chance of likely above normal temperatures and a 40 to 60% chance of likely below normal precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 10 to 16) indicates a 60 to 80% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a continued 40 to 50 % chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.Wheat, along with other small grain winter cereals such as rye and triticale, is in the ground and trying to emerge. Summer crop harvest is underway, especially soybeans and corn. With the hot, dry forecast, harvest should proceed rapidly. Those wanting to plant after a summer crop are considering if they can get the wheat out of the ground and through the winter. Some parts of the state are in much better shape than our immediate area. Very little of the state is totally out of dry conditions. Today, what is the Climate Prediction Center’s crystal ball seeing in our weather future? As an aside, they are usually pretty spot on.· For October through December, the temperature outlook is 33 to 50% of leaning above normal for temperature and 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. This is the time of year when liquid precipitation is only about one inch per month in November and December. Not what wheat growers want to hear.· For November through January, the temperature outlook is still for 33 to 40% above normal for temperatures and the precipitation outlook is normal. Again, normal is only about one inch per month. Again, not good for wheat, especially with above normal temperatures. Not good for spring planted summer crops as producers want subsoil moisture recharge.· January through March is for equal chances regarding temperature and precipitation. This is somewhat better but not great. Cold temperatures help with insect and disease control. And normal march precipitation is approximately two inches of liquid precipitation.· Finally, March through May is like January through March. In April, moisture normally increases to a little over three inches and in May, 3.5 to 4 inches. With normal temperatures, this helps the wheat crop and with establishing summer row crops.These outlooks can change. Depending on what happens off the west coast of South America. Additionally, as Oceans warm along with the other effects of climate change, prediction becomes more difficult as we lack data.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Fall and winter climate outlook

Local and area residents are encouraged to take advantage of reduced-priced blood tests when Pawnee Valley Community Hospital sponsors its upcoming Fall Health Fair, said Kristi Engle, PVCH laboratory manager.

The event is set for 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at First Southern Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 13th and Mann in Larned.

The lab tests include: Hemagram; Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP); Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH); Lipid Panel for triglycerides, cholesterol and direct HDL; Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA); Hemoglobin A1c; Free T4; Iron; and Vitamin D.

Other PVCH departments will be on site with information about the Sleep &amp; Diagnostic Center, advanced directives, living wills, durable power of attorney and DNR/DNI, which stands for do not resuscitate/do not intubate.

The Pawnee County Health Department will be on hand to offer influenza vaccines, while Emergency Medical Services provides blood-pressure checks.

In addition, Gentiva Hospice representatives will provide information.

“My colleagues and I always look forward to the Health Fair because it allows us to meet more of our neighbors,” Engle said. “It also provides opportunities for other PVCH departments and outside local entities to provide services and share information in one convenient location.

“We are aware that not everyone is comfortable going to the doctor or they can’t find time for healthcare visits in their busy schedules,” she added. “Participating in the Health Fair offers a convenient way for them to get a quick glimpse of their health status.”

The PVCH Auxiliary will provide cinnamon rolls during the special event.

The hospital also hosts a Spring Health Fair in April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727966735703.jpeg" alt="Nishka McKenzie, medical lab technician, is helping organize the upcoming Fall Health Fair sponsored by Pawnee Valley Community Hospital." />
 <figcaption>Nishka McKenzie, medical lab technician, is helping organize the upcoming Fall Health Fair sponsored by Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSLocal and area residents are encouraged to take advantage of reduced-priced blood tests when Pawnee Valley Community Hospital sponsors its upcoming Fall Health Fair, said Kristi Engle, PVCH laboratory manager.The event is set for 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at First Southern Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 13th and Mann in Larned.The lab tests include: Hemagram; Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP); Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH); Lipid Panel for triglycerides, cholesterol and direct HDL; Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA); Hemoglobin A1c; Free T4; Iron; and Vitamin D.Other PVCH departments will be on site with information about the Sleep &amp; Diagnostic Center, advanced directives, living wills, durable power of attorney and DNR/DNI, which stands for do not resuscitate/do not intubate.The Pawnee County Health Department will be on hand to offer influenza vaccines, while Emergency Medical Services provides blood-pressure checks.In addition, Gentiva Hospice representatives will provide information.“My colleagues and I always look forward to the Health Fair because it allows us to meet more of our neighbors,” Engle said. “It also provides opportunities for other PVCH departments and outside local entities to provide services and share information in one convenient location.“We are aware that not everyone is comfortable going to the doctor or they can’t find time for healthcare visits in their busy schedules,” she added. “Participating in the Health Fair offers a convenient way for them to get a quick glimpse of their health status.”The PVCH Auxiliary will provide cinnamon rolls during the special event.The hospital also hosts a Spring Health Fair in April.

Hospital in Larned is hosting Health Fair Oct. 11

In a way to solve staffing needs, Fuller Industries Inc. has tapped the Kansas Department of Corrections private industry work program, employing residents from Larned State Correctional Facility.

“This is truly a win-win for all parties,” said Angi Beck, Fuller human resources director. “It helps us fill positions we were struggling to fill, and it allows these residents to make a better life for themselves after they are released.”

The inmates perform a wide variety of jobs at the massive plant. They change air filters in the heating/ventilation system, run forklifts hauling heavily laden pallets, jump into the production lines to help fill orders and handle other tasks as needed.

The participants are transported to Fuller each morning, work a full eight-hour day, and then back to LSCF.

“They are great employees,” Beck said. There was some skepticism at first, but that has proved unfounded.

“They are hard workers, they are polite and well-mannered, and they are eager to learn,” Beck said.

“I just want to be a sponge,” one of the inmates said, taking a short break from his duties. “I just want to learn all that I can.”

Only minimum-security inmates are eligible for the private industry (PI) jobs, and no sex offenders are allowed to leave LSCF, said Teyve Sturtz, the LSCF unit team manager who oversees the program. To participate, the inmate must be at the facility for at least 30 days, be recommended for the program, and be approved by a LSCF administrative committee.

They then fill out applications and send them to participating companies. The businesses have the final say, and the inmate is paid the same as other employees.

“The program is their way to get to get away from the facility for eight hours each day,” Sturtz said. “They can also get away from the politics of correctional facility life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727966433569.jpeg" alt="Three residents from Larned State Correctional Facility label boxes at Fuller Industries Inc. recently. Several participants in the LSCF private industry work program are employed at Fuller and perform a host of job functions while helping the company solve its staffing needs." />
 <figcaption>Three residents from Larned State Correctional Facility label boxes at Fuller Industries Inc. recently. Several participants in the LSCF private industry work program are employed at Fuller and perform a host of job functions while helping the company solve its staffing needs.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSIn a way to solve staffing needs, Fuller Industries Inc. has tapped the Kansas Department of Corrections private industry work program, employing residents from Larned State Correctional Facility.“This is truly a win-win for all parties,” said Angi Beck, Fuller human resources director. “It helps us fill positions we were struggling to fill, and it allows these residents to make a better life for themselves after they are released.”The inmates perform a wide variety of jobs at the massive plant. They change air filters in the heating/ventilation system, run forklifts hauling heavily laden pallets, jump into the production lines to help fill orders and handle other tasks as needed.The participants are transported to Fuller each morning, work a full eight-hour day, and then back to LSCF.“They are great employees,” Beck said. There was some skepticism at first, but that has proved unfounded.“They are hard workers, they are polite and well-mannered, and they are eager to learn,” Beck said.“I just want to be a sponge,” one of the inmates said, taking a short break from his duties. “I just want to learn all that I can.”Only minimum-security inmates are eligible for the private industry (PI) jobs, and no sex offenders are allowed to leave LSCF, said Teyve Sturtz, the LSCF unit team manager who oversees the program. To participate, the inmate must be at the facility for at least 30 days, be recommended for the program, and be approved by a LSCF administrative committee.They then fill out applications and send them to participating companies. The businesses have the final say, and the inmate is paid the same as other employees.“The program is their way to get to get away from the facility for eight hours each day,” Sturtz said. “They can also get away from the politics of correctional facility life.”But there is more to it than that, he said.“This gives them a chance to make some money,” Sturtz said. “They can pay off their bills before they are released and put money into savings to help them get back on their feet. A lot of them have burned a lot of bridges with family and friends, and this helps them get started again.”This program is also designed to help inmates learn and practice the pro-social skills and good work habits required to be self-sufficient, productive citizens ready to practice responsible crime-free behavior, according to information from the KDOC.The program has been around for several years, Sturtz said, noting there are a handful of other area businesses taking part. It is also offered at other Kansas Department of Corrections sites around the state.