By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Hoisington school district is approaching their second week of
optional mask wearing for students and staff after the USD 431 Board of
Education voted 7-0 to remove the mandatory mask wearing part from the original
back-to-school plan from last summer. The board cast their vote April 5. 
Students and teachers can still wear masks to protect themselves from the
spread of COVID-19, but they will not be forced to.

USD 431 Superintendent
Patrick Crowdis said the only exception now is that a teacher can still require
the mask in his or her classroom if they want. 
"Teachers will have the option to require masks in their classroom as they deem necessary," said Crowdis. "That is for some of our teachers that feel they could potentially be at risk." 
The Hoisington school district has also eliminated temperature checks.
Lunchrooms and classrooms will continue to use social distancing measures for
the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. 
"Teachers will also maintain assigned seating in classes," said Crowdis. "Just in case we have a positive case, we can pinpoint who would be quarantined at that point." 
Crowdis says there have been very few problems with the coronavirus and
quarantines since the Christmas break.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618491488050.png" alt="USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis (right) discusses making mask wearing optional at the April 5 Board of Education meeting. The school board voted 7-0 in favor of allowing masks to be optional." />
 <figcaption>USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis (right) discusses making mask wearing optional at the April 5 Board of Education meeting. The school board voted 7-0 in favor of allowing masks to be optional.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Hoisington school district is approaching their second week of
optional mask wearing for students and staff after the USD 431 Board of
Education voted 7-0 to remove the mandatory mask wearing part from the original
back-to-school plan from last summer. The board cast their vote April 5. 
Students and teachers can still wear masks to protect themselves from the
spread of COVID-19, but they will not be forced to. USD 431 Superintendent
Patrick Crowdis said the only exception now is that a teacher can still require
the mask in his or her classroom if they want. 
"Teachers will have the option to require masks in their classroom as they deem necessary," said Crowdis. "That is for some of our teachers that feel they could potentially be at risk." 
The Hoisington school district has also eliminated temperature checks.
Lunchrooms and classrooms will continue to use social distancing measures for
the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. 
"Teachers will also maintain assigned seating in classes," said Crowdis. "Just in case we have a positive case, we can pinpoint who would be quarantined at that point." 
Crowdis says there have been very few problems with the coronavirus and
quarantines since the Christmas break.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington school district operating with optional mask wearing

Today Rain and snow before 5pm, then a chance of snow. Some thunder is also possible. High near 42. Northeast wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tonight A 10 percent chance of rain before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North northwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Night Widespread frost, mainly after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Monday Patchy frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy.

Monday Night A slight chance of rain before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 11pm and 1am, then a chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am, then a slight chance of rain between 11am and 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night Widespread frost, mainly after 2am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Wednesday Widespread frost. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Rain and snow before 5pm, then a chance of snow. Some thunder is also possible. High near 42. Northeast wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.Tonight A 10 percent chance of rain before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North northwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Saturday Night Widespread frost, mainly after 4am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Sunday Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36.Monday Patchy frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy.Monday Night A slight chance of rain before 11pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 11pm and 1am, then a chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Tuesday A slight chance of rain and snow before 11am, then a slight chance of rain between 11am and 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tuesday Night Widespread frost, mainly after 2am. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 29.Wednesday Widespread frost. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 55.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.Thursday A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday Weather

EDWARDS COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Thursday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Brandon S. Reese, 31, Haysville, was&nbsp;eastbound on U.S. 50. just west of Lewis.

The pickup&nbsp; left the roadway, entered the south ditch, rolled multiple times and the driver was ejected.

Reese was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

EDWARDS COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Thursday in Edwards County.The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Brandon S. Reese, 31, Haysville, was&nbsp;eastbound on U.S. 50. just west of Lewis.The pickup&nbsp; left the roadway, entered the south ditch, rolled multiple times and the driver was ejected.Reese was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected when pickup rolls

Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after Democrats announced legislation to expand the U.S. Supreme Court – otherwise known as court packing. The legislation would expand the number of Supreme Court Justices from nine to 13 and in turn provide the ability for Democrats to pack the court with liberal activist judges. The legislation comes a week after President Joe Biden –&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1382720286487875591?s=20" target="_blank">who has previously opposed court packing</a>&nbsp;– launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-to-unveil-commission-to-study-possible-expansion-of-supreme-court/2021/04/09/f644552c-9944-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html" target="_blank">partisan commission</a>&nbsp;to study expanding the Supreme Court.

“This radical legislation will alter the very fabric of our Republic – all in the name of political greed and power,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “The Supreme Court is specifically designed to be an impartial check to Congress, yet now, Democrats have made it clear that they want the Supreme Court to be a political body of activist liberal judges. The shameless hypocrisy of this stunt is unmistakable as many democrats and even President Biden himself have been outspoken against court packing in the past.”

Senator Marshall recently appeared on FOX News to discuss court packing. You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1382693320552546304?s=20" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view his interview.

<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/07/24/744633713/justice-ginsburg-i-am-very-much-alive" target="_blank">NPR</a>: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Nine seems to be a good number. It's been that way for a long time. I think it was a bad idea when President Franklin Roosevelt tried to pack the court."

<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-says-hes-not-a-fan-of-court-packing/2020/10/13/4ea7af22-0d02-11eb-8a35-237ef1eb2ef7_story.html" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>: Biden says he’s ‘not a fan of court-packing’

<a href="https://twitter.com/judicialnetwork/status/1380603008954798087?s=20" target="_blank">C-SPAN</a>: President Biden in 1983 said it was “a bonehead idea” to pack the Supreme Court

<a href="https://twitter.com/judicialnetwork/status/1380603377646723073?s=20" target="_blank">C-SPAN</a>: President Biden called FDR’s attempt to pack the court “executive overreach” and said that FDR was “corrupted by power.”

<a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/harry-reid-cautions-dems-against-court-packing-predicts-filibuster-on-its-way-out/" target="_blank">National Review</a>: Harry Reid Cautions Dems against Court-Packing, Predicts Filibuster ‘On Its Way Out’

Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after Democrats announced legislation to expand the U.S. Supreme Court – otherwise known as court packing. The legislation would expand the number of Supreme Court Justices from nine to 13 and in turn provide the ability for Democrats to pack the court with liberal activist judges. The legislation comes a week after President Joe Biden –&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1382720286487875591?s=20" target="_blank">who has previously opposed court packing</a>&nbsp;– launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-to-unveil-commission-to-study-possible-expansion-of-supreme-court/2021/04/09/f644552c-9944-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html" target="_blank">partisan commission</a>&nbsp;to study expanding the Supreme Court.“This radical legislation will alter the very fabric of our Republic – all in the name of political greed and power,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “The Supreme Court is specifically designed to be an impartial check to Congress, yet now, Democrats have made it clear that they want the Supreme Court to be a political body of activist liberal judges. The shameless hypocrisy of this stunt is unmistakable as many democrats and even President Biden himself have been outspoken against court packing in the past.”Senator Marshall recently appeared on FOX News to discuss court packing. You may click&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1382693320552546304?s=20" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view his interview.Background:<a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/07/24/744633713/justice-ginsburg-i-am-very-much-alive" target="_blank">NPR</a>: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Nine seems to be a good number. It's been that way for a long time. I think it was a bad idea when President Franklin Roosevelt tried to pack the court."<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/biden-says-hes-not-a-fan-of-court-packing/2020/10/13/4ea7af22-0d02-11eb-8a35-237ef1eb2ef7_story.html" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>: Biden says he’s ‘not a fan of court-packing’<a href="https://twitter.com/judicialnetwork/status/1380603008954798087?s=20" target="_blank">C-SPAN</a>: President Biden in 1983 said it was “a bonehead idea” to pack the Supreme Court<a href="https://twitter.com/judicialnetwork/status/1380603377646723073?s=20" target="_blank">C-SPAN</a>: President Biden called FDR’s attempt to pack the court “executive overreach” and said that FDR was “corrupted by power.”<a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/news/harry-reid-cautions-dems-against-court-packing-predicts-filibuster-on-its-way-out/" target="_blank">National Review</a>: Harry Reid Cautions Dems against Court-Packing, Predicts Filibuster ‘On Its Way Out’

Sen. Marshall: Packing the Supreme Court will alter the very fabric of our republic

STAFFORD COUNTY —Just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Stafford County, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by Barry C. Ragan, 78, St. John, was&nbsp;stopped at the stop sign on 4th Avenue and U.S. 281 in St. John.

The Toyota pulled onto U.S. 281 and into the path of a northbound 2014 Kenworth semi driven by Terry Gene Bomhak, 58, El Reno, Oklahoma.

The semi struck the Toyota's passenger side. Both vehicles came to rest on the east shoulder of the highway.

EMS transported Ragan to a Wichita hospital. Bomhak was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

STAFFORD COUNTY —Just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Stafford County, the Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Toyota Camry driven by Barry C. Ragan, 78, St. John, was&nbsp;stopped at the stop sign on 4th Avenue and U.S. 281 in St. John.The Toyota pulled onto U.S. 281 and into the path of a northbound 2014 Kenworth semi driven by Terry Gene Bomhak, 58, El Reno, Oklahoma.The semi struck the Toyota's passenger side. Both vehicles came to rest on the east shoulder of the highway.EMS transported Ragan to a Wichita hospital. Bomhak was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Man from St. John hospitalized after crash with semi

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place March 17, 2021, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;69‑46 KA‑5684‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, bridge #094 over 191st Street and bridge #097 over W. 179th Street located 3.02 miles and 4.52 miles, respectively, north of the Miami/Johnson county line, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $846,863.77.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;10‑46 KA‑5774‑01 ‑ K‑10, bridge #177 over Lexington Avenue (eastbound) located 4.44 miles east of the Douglas County line, bridge deck, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $2,693,082.00.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;169‑46 KA‑5943‑01 ‑ U. S. 169, from 175th Street north to 151st Street in Olathe, milling and overlay, 2.7 miles, Ideker Incorporated, Saint Joseph, Missouri, $2,795,229.49.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;35‑46 KA‑6051‑01 ‑ I‑35 at various locations in the county, pavement marking, 7.5 miles, Twin Traffic Marking Corporation, Kansas City, Kansas, $660,957.00.

Osage ‑&nbsp;31‑70 KA‑2365‑01 ‑ K‑31, from the east city limits of Osage City, east to the U.S. 75/K‑31 junction, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $15,628,203.09.

Pottawatomie ‑&nbsp;16‑75 KA‑5720‑01 ‑ K‑16, bridge #021 over Mill Creek located 0.72 mile west of K‑259, bridge overlay, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $118,888.99.

Riley ‑&nbsp;24‑81 KA‑3926‑01 ‑ U. S. 24, bridge #008 over Wildcat Creek Drainage located 8.92 miles southeast of the U. S. 24/K‑82 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $412,828.43.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;35‑105 KA‑6052‑01 ‑ I‑35, at various locations in the county, pavement marking, 4.0 miles, Twin Traffic Marking Corporation, Kansas City, Kansas, $354,506.90.

Chase ‑&nbsp;50‑9 KA‑5983‑01 – U.S. 50, from approximately 438 feet east of the RS 92/U.S. 50 junction east 4.2 miles to the west edge of the wearing surface of the Simmons Creek Bridge (#065), overlay, 4.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,352,341.91.

Dickinson ‑&nbsp;70‑21 KA‑6067‑01 ‑ I‑70, from approximately 1,616 feet west of the west Abilene city limits (the west end of project KA‑0732‑01 at reference point 274.79) east 8.5 miles (to the east end of KA‑0732‑01 at reference point 283.31), pavement patching, 8.5 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $663,318.50.

Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;156‑27 KA‑6101‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the north city limits of Ellsworth northeast to K‑156/I‑70 junction, sealing, 11.2 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $504,466.32.

Jewell ‑&nbsp;45 C‑4984‑01 ‑ Major collector roads located east of K‑14 and south of U. S. 36, signing, 55.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $72,347.00.

Logan ‑&nbsp;25‑55 KA‑5981‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the Wichita/Logan county line north approximately 14 miles, 4-inch overlay, 14.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,458,059.10.

Thomas ‑&nbsp;25‑97 KA‑5982‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the north city limits of Colby north to the Rawlins/Thomas county line, overlay, 11.5 miles, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $2,625,372.02.

Franklin ‑&nbsp;68‑30 KA‑5694‑01 ‑ K‑68, bridge #073 located 13.15 miles east of the Osage county line, bridge, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,160,402.00.

Pawnee ‑&nbsp;56‑73 KA‑3265‑02 ‑ U. S. 56, beginning at bridge #001 (over Big Coon Creek) northeast to the west city limits of Garfield, milling and overlay, 0.5 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,459,106.64.

Rice ‑&nbsp;80 C‑4969‑01 ‑ Major collector roads located south of U. S. 56 and east of K‑14, signing, 71.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $67,980.00.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;96‑87 KA‑5690‑01 ‑ K‑96, bridge #283 over Little Slough Creek located approximately 3,221 feet east of Tyler Road and bridge #285 over Ridge Road located at the K‑96/Ridge Road junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $491,953.05.

Stafford ‑&nbsp;93 C‑4979‑01 ‑ Major collector roads including Rural Secondary routes 38, 634, 636, 974, 1483, 1518, pavement marking, 53.0 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wisconsin, $261,754.69.

Grant ‑&nbsp;34 C‑4981‑01 ‑ Major collector roads including Rural Secondary routes 282, 1536, and 1991, signing, 39.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $25,290.75.

Gray ‑&nbsp;35 C‑4994‑01 ‑ All minor collector roads, signing, 50.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $27,740.50.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597694281633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place March 17, 2021, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastJohnson ‑&nbsp;69‑46 KA‑5684‑01 ‑ U.S. 69, bridge #094 over 191st Street and bridge #097 over W. 179th Street located 3.02 miles and 4.52 miles, respectively, north of the Miami/Johnson county line, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $846,863.77.Johnson ‑&nbsp;10‑46 KA‑5774‑01 ‑ K‑10, bridge #177 over Lexington Avenue (eastbound) located 4.44 miles east of the Douglas County line, bridge deck, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $2,693,082.00.Johnson ‑&nbsp;169‑46 KA‑5943‑01 ‑ U. S. 169, from 175th Street north to 151st Street in Olathe, milling and overlay, 2.7 miles, Ideker Incorporated, Saint Joseph, Missouri, $2,795,229.49.Johnson ‑&nbsp;35‑46 KA‑6051‑01 ‑ I‑35 at various locations in the county, pavement marking, 7.5 miles, Twin Traffic Marking Corporation, Kansas City, Kansas, $660,957.00.Osage ‑&nbsp;31‑70 KA‑2365‑01 ‑ K‑31, from the east city limits of Osage City, east to the U.S. 75/K‑31 junction, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $15,628,203.09.Pottawatomie ‑&nbsp;16‑75 KA‑5720‑01 ‑ K‑16, bridge #021 over Mill Creek located 0.72 mile west of K‑259, bridge overlay, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $118,888.99.Riley ‑&nbsp;24‑81 KA‑3926‑01 ‑ U. S. 24, bridge #008 over Wildcat Creek Drainage located 8.92 miles southeast of the U. S. 24/K‑82 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $412,828.43.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;35‑105 KA‑6052‑01 ‑ I‑35, at various locations in the county, pavement marking, 4.0 miles, Twin Traffic Marking Corporation, Kansas City, Kansas, $354,506.90.District Two — North CentralChase ‑&nbsp;50‑9 KA‑5983‑01 – U.S. 50, from approximately 438 feet east of the RS 92/U.S. 50 junction east 4.2 miles to the west edge of the wearing surface of the Simmons Creek Bridge (#065), overlay, 4.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,352,341.91.Dickinson ‑&nbsp;70‑21 KA‑6067‑01 ‑ I‑70, from approximately 1,616 feet west of the west Abilene city limits (the west end of project KA‑0732‑01 at reference point 274.79) east 8.5 miles (to the east end of KA‑0732‑01 at reference point 283.31), pavement patching, 8.5 miles, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, Columbia, Missouri, $663,318.50.Ellsworth ‑&nbsp;156‑27 KA‑6101‑01 ‑ K‑156, from the north city limits of Ellsworth northeast to K‑156/I‑70 junction, sealing, 11.2 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $504,466.32.Jewell ‑&nbsp;45 C‑4984‑01 ‑ Major collector roads located east of K‑14 and south of U. S. 36, signing, 55.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $72,347.00.District Three — NorthwestLogan ‑&nbsp;25‑55 KA‑5981‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the Wichita/Logan county line north approximately 14 miles, 4-inch overlay, 14.0 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,458,059.10.Thomas ‑&nbsp;25‑97 KA‑5982‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the north city limits of Colby north to the Rawlins/Thomas county line, overlay, 11.5 miles, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $2,625,372.02.District Four — SoutheastFranklin ‑&nbsp;68‑30 KA‑5694‑01 ‑ K‑68, bridge #073 located 13.15 miles east of the Osage county line, bridge, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $1,160,402.00.District Five — South CentralPawnee ‑&nbsp;56‑73 KA‑3265‑02 ‑ U. S. 56, beginning at bridge #001 (over Big Coon Creek) northeast to the west city limits of Garfield, milling and overlay, 0.5 mile, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,459,106.64.Rice ‑&nbsp;80 C‑4969‑01 ‑ Major collector roads located south of U. S. 56 and east of K‑14, signing, 71.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $67,980.00.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;96‑87 KA‑5690‑01 ‑ K‑96, bridge #283 over Little Slough Creek located approximately 3,221 feet east of Tyler Road and bridge #285 over Ridge Road located at the K‑96/Ridge Road junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $491,953.05.Stafford ‑&nbsp;93 C‑4979‑01 ‑ Major collector roads including Rural Secondary routes 38, 634, 636, 974, 1483, 1518, pavement marking, 53.0 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wisconsin, $261,754.69.District Six — SouthwestGrant ‑&nbsp;34 C‑4981‑01 ‑ Major collector roads including Rural Secondary routes 282, 1536, and 1991, signing, 39.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $25,290.75.Gray ‑&nbsp;35 C‑4994‑01 ‑ All minor collector roads, signing, 50.0 miles, Signs Up LTD DBA Haren's Trees and Critters, Webster City, Iowa, $27,740.50.

KDOT announces approved March bids

New arrival: Capybaras at the Great Bend zoo

Year five of Great Bend Bat Cats baseball is set to get underway June 1 as the team will travel to face the Sunflower Seeds. The first home game is a doubleheader slated for June 2 at Al Burns Memorial Field. 

As the players will
start arriving to Great Bend in May, the Bat Cats and coach Roger Ward are
looking to secure a few more host families to give the players a place to stay
during their summer with the team. 
"You can really let the previous host families share stories about what their experience has been," said Ward. "We have had a lot of good experiences and memories have been made." 
Ward noted they are still looking for host families to house eight or nine more
players. 
The Bat Cats are hosting a dinner Friday, April 16 at the
Ellinwood American Legion in appreciation for the host families already
onboard. Ward welcomes anyone interested in becoming a host family to come out
and get more information. The meal will start at 6 p.m. and you will receive one
drink ticket.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618496772775.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend Bat Cats, summer collegiate baseball team, is looking for host families this summer." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend Bat Cats, summer collegiate baseball team, is looking for host families this summer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostYear five of Great Bend Bat Cats baseball is set to get underway June 1 as the team will travel to face the Sunflower Seeds. The first home game is a doubleheader slated for June 2 at Al Burns Memorial Field. As the players will
start arriving to Great Bend in May, the Bat Cats and coach Roger Ward are
looking to secure a few more host families to give the players a place to stay
during their summer with the team. 
"You can really let the previous host families share stories about what their experience has been," said Ward. "We have had a lot of good experiences and memories have been made." 
Ward noted they are still looking for host families to house eight or nine more
players. 
The Bat Cats are hosting a dinner Friday, April 16 at the
Ellinwood American Legion in appreciation for the host families already
onboard. Ward welcomes anyone interested in becoming a host family to come out
and get more information. The meal will start at 6 p.m. and you will receive one
drink ticket.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Become a host family for the Great Bend Bat Cats

Hoisington Rec looking for coaches

There was a brief stretch last spring that the Great Bend Recreation
Commission completely shut down their activities and programming due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. As the Rec Commission has reintroduced classes and
activities, the number of participants is growing too. 

In March, there were
2,380 people enrolled in programs sponsored by GBRC. 

Great Bend Rec Enrichment
Director Megan Hammeke said even their special needs adaptive programs are
starting to see participants again. 
"They are starting to sign up for the April programs, and they even asked for us to get the special needs bowling going," said Hammeke. "We will get that back on the schedule." 
The Great Bend Rec offers programs and activities for developmentally disabled
individuals who choose not to participate in the integrated recreation
programs. 
The tie dye shirt craft class on April 21 and game night April 29 are scheduled special needs programs this month. 
Online registration through GBRC is offered at the website, greatbendrec.com or
by calling 620-793-3755.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601044777784.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThere was a brief stretch last spring that the Great Bend Recreation
Commission completely shut down their activities and programming due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. As the Rec Commission has reintroduced classes and
activities, the number of participants is growing too. In March, there were
2,380 people enrolled in programs sponsored by GBRC. Great Bend Rec Enrichment
Director Megan Hammeke said even their special needs adaptive programs are
starting to see participants again. 
"They are starting to sign up for the April programs, and they even asked for us to get the special needs bowling going," said Hammeke. "We will get that back on the schedule." 
The Great Bend Rec offers programs and activities for developmentally disabled
individuals who choose not to participate in the integrated recreation
programs. 
The tie dye shirt craft class on April 21 and game night April 29 are scheduled special needs programs this month. 
Online registration through GBRC is offered at the website, greatbendrec.com or
by calling 620-793-3755.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Numbers starting to rise for GBRC participants 

The Barton County Landfill will host the first scheduled household hazardous waste collection of 2021:

Saturday, April 17 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Barton County Landfill, 350 NE 30 Rd

The HHW program is provided at no cost to the public to prevent household hazardous materials from being placed in the landfill and to protect the environment. Landfill staff will be on-site to assist unloading of vehicles.

Acceptable Wastes: Household cleaning products Paint/Finishing products Garden/Pest Control products Automotive products Waste Oil Used Antifreeze

Unacceptable Wastes: Commercial, Business, or Farm waste Infectious waste Radioactive waste Asbestos Explosives Laboratory Chemicals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616519194077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Landfill will host the first scheduled household hazardous waste collection of 2021:Saturday, April 17 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Barton County Landfill, 350 NE 30 RdThe HHW program is provided at no cost to the public to prevent household hazardous materials from being placed in the landfill and to protect the environment. Landfill staff will be on-site to assist unloading of vehicles.Acceptable Wastes: Household cleaning products Paint/Finishing products Garden/Pest Control products Automotive products Waste Oil Used AntifreezeUnacceptable Wastes: Commercial, Business, or Farm waste Infectious waste Radioactive waste Asbestos Explosives Laboratory Chemicals

1st scheduled household hazardous waste collection is Saturday

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis that aired April 14, 2021.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis that aired April 14, 2021.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/mccaecue/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙City Edition: Administrator Kendal Francis

BOOKED: Brenda Vasquez-Loera on GBMC cases on a serve
sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Miguel Garay on Great Bend Municipal warrant for failure to appear with
a bond of $250 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Horacio Carrasco on KDOC warrant for parole violation, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Freddy Miller on Barton County District warrant for probation
violation, no bond. BCDC warrant for probation violation, no bond. BCDC warrant
for probation violation, no bond. 
 
RELEASED: Petrik Stuart for contempt of court on Great Bend Municipal warrant
for contempt of court. Probation violation on Saline County warrant,
transferred to Saline County. 
 
RELEASED: Brenda Vasquez-Loera on GBMC case on a serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Miguel Garay on GBMC case on failure to appear, posted $250 cash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586549258879.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Brenda Vasquez-Loera on GBMC cases on a serve
sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Miguel Garay on Great Bend Municipal warrant for failure to appear with
a bond of $250 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Horacio Carrasco on KDOC warrant for parole violation, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Freddy Miller on Barton County District warrant for probation
violation, no bond. BCDC warrant for probation violation, no bond. BCDC warrant
for probation violation, no bond. 
 
RELEASED: Petrik Stuart for contempt of court on Great Bend Municipal warrant
for contempt of court. Probation violation on Saline County warrant,
transferred to Saline County. 
 
RELEASED: Brenda Vasquez-Loera on GBMC case on a serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Miguel Garay on GBMC case on failure to appear, posted $250 cash.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (4/14)

There is a slightly different format, but the end destination is still
the same…to save you money. 

The Eagle Radio Auction presented by Stone Sand
Company and Stone Waste Management is already underway online at <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=55">greatbendpost.com</a>. From 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday, April 15, items will be showcased with an on-air segment on 100.7 Eagle Country and 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. 
"We are really excited about the online auction," said Eagle Radio Promotions Director Shannon Stafford. "We need you to go online to register so you can bid on the items. We have over $40,000 of goods and services." In order to bid on an
item, listeners will be directed to the website, <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=55">greatbendpost.com</a> and
asked to register. 
"We have a lot of food items and spring items...really something for everyone," said Stafford. "The highest bidder gets the item. It is all online, no call-ins this time. If you want it, go get yourself registered." 
You will have until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 15 to place your bids on the items. If you get
outbid, you will be notified via email to ask if you want to increase your bid.
You can also set a maximum bid which will incrementally increase if you’re
outbid until you don’t want to go higher.

View the auction items, register and start bidding by clicking <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=55">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618431283759.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There is a slightly different format, but the end destination is still
the same…to save you money. The Eagle Radio Auction presented by Stone Sand
Company and Stone Waste Management is already underway online at <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=55">greatbendpost.com</a>. From 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday, April 15, items will be showcased with an on-air segment on 100.7 Eagle Country and 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. 
"We are really excited about the online auction," said Eagle Radio Promotions Director Shannon Stafford. "We need you to go online to register so you can bid on the items. We have over $40,000 of goods and services." In order to bid on an
item, listeners will be directed to the website, <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=55">greatbendpost.com</a> and
asked to register. 
"We have a lot of food items and spring items...really something for everyone," said Stafford. "The highest bidder gets the item. It is all online, no call-ins this time. If you want it, go get yourself registered." 
You will have until 7 p.m. Thursday, April 15 to place your bids on the items. If you get
outbid, you will be notified via email to ask if you want to increase your bid.
You can also set a maximum bid which will incrementally increase if you’re
outbid until you don’t want to go higher.View the auction items, register and start bidding by clicking <a href="https://www.rabezauction.com/gocart/main.cfm?mid=55">HERE</a>.

Online Eagle Radio Auction going on now!

Today Cloudy, with a high near 51. East wind 7 to 11 mph.

Tonight Rain likely, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 35. East wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Friday Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 43. North wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Night Patchy frost between 11pm and midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Monday Night A slight chance of rain showers after 1am, mixing with snow after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Wednesday Widespread frost. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Cloudy, with a high near 51. East wind 7 to 11 mph.Tonight Rain likely, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 35. East wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.Friday Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 43. North wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Night Patchy frost between 11pm and midnight. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 30.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.Monday Night A slight chance of rain showers after 1am, mixing with snow after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.Wednesday Widespread frost. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday Weather

Program at 9:30&nbsp;a.m. –Virtually&nbsp;(FaceBook LIVE&nbsp;&amp; YouTube)

Visit The Beauty Bar and we'll achieve your unique, fresh look to send you into the world with confidence. With four stylists, including two award-winning stylists, The Beauty Bar provides a wide array of services including cuts, color, manicures/pedicures, nail art, lash tint and lifts, and more!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, April 15, 2021<h2>Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee</h2>Program at 9:30&nbsp;a.m. –Virtually&nbsp;(FaceBook LIVE&nbsp;&amp; YouTube)The Beauty Bar SalonVisit The Beauty Bar and we'll achieve your unique, fresh look to send you into the world with confidence. With four stylists, including two award-winning stylists, The Beauty Bar provides a wide array of services including cuts, color, manicures/pedicures, nail art, lash tint and lifts, and more!

Great Bend Chamber VIRTUAL coffee hour (Thurs, April 15)

Hear this month's Sunflower Show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Sunflower Diversified Services Director Jon Prescott and Director of Planned Giving and Community Supports Cody Harris that aired April 14, 2021.

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/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Sunflower Show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Sunflower Diversified Services Director Jon Prescott and Director of Planned Giving and Community Supports Cody Harris that aired April 14, 2021.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/xbatvywz/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Sunflower Show airs the second Wednesday each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎤Sunflower Show: Jon Prescott & Cody Harris

Along with a $1.6 million project that tore out and reconstructed the
dragstrip, the SRCA put together a $250,000 fundraising goal to replace the
protection wall or barriers and timing system. 
The barriers line the track for safety reasons for the fast moving dragsters.
Trying to get the new protection wall and time system to be installed to
coincide with the reconstructed dragstrip, the SRCA received a $160,000 loan from the City of Great Bend to
move forward with the purchase.

SRCA President Hank Denning said the
organization does not want to be in debt to the city very long, but need to
lock in the price before costs rise. 
"If we don't pre-buy, we'll never be able to pay for this project, because every dollar we are raising, it's only good for about 50 cents," said Denning. "It is going to get worse as the year goes on. Let us lock in the price for the wall, because last year it was $25 a foot and now it is $31 per foot." 
The SRCA currently has 704 removable barriers that weigh 3,700 pounds apiece and
stretch out 7,900 feet to line the track. In order to stay in line with the
NHRA, a very particular timing system needs to be in place. 
"Since we are a Lucas Oil Division track, we have to use&nbsp;CompuLink," said Denning. "CompuLink is the timing system used at the national event tracks and we must use that." 
The $160,000 loan will be based on a 10-year limit with 0% interest. In 2012,
the city gave the SRCA a $60,000, 0% interest loan to grind the track. 
The SRCA Dragstrip reconstruction project is part of the Cost Share Program
through the Kansas Department of Transportation. Along with the resurfacing of
10th Street, KDOT is covering 75% of the construction costs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618417824889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAlong with a $1.6 million project that tore out and reconstructed the
dragstrip, the SRCA put together a $250,000 fundraising goal to replace the
protection wall or barriers and timing system. 
The barriers line the track for safety reasons for the fast moving dragsters.
Trying to get the new protection wall and time system to be installed to
coincide with the reconstructed dragstrip, the SRCA received a $160,000 loan from the City of Great Bend to
move forward with the purchase. SRCA President Hank Denning said the
organization does not want to be in debt to the city very long, but need to
lock in the price before costs rise. 
"If we don't pre-buy, we'll never be able to pay for this project, because every dollar we are raising, it's only good for about 50 cents," said Denning. "It is going to get worse as the year goes on. Let us lock in the price for the wall, because last year it was $25 a foot and now it is $31 per foot." 
The SRCA currently has 704 removable barriers that weigh 3,700 pounds apiece and
stretch out 7,900 feet to line the track. In order to stay in line with the
NHRA, a very particular timing system needs to be in place. 
"Since we are a Lucas Oil Division track, we have to use&nbsp;CompuLink," said Denning. "CompuLink is the timing system used at the national event tracks and we must use that." 
The $160,000 loan will be based on a 10-year limit with 0% interest. In 2012,
the city gave the SRCA a $60,000, 0% interest loan to grind the track. 
The SRCA Dragstrip reconstruction project is part of the Cost Share Program
through the Kansas Department of Transportation. Along with the resurfacing of
10th Street, KDOT is covering 75% of the construction costs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

City helps SRCA with a loan to finish remake of the dragstrip

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

While Kevin Burkey was in college in Wichita he worked downtown at a
credit union. Across the street from his work was a store called What’s Brewin’,
a home brewing store. Burkey had no idea that there were people that made their own beer and wine. 
“I didn’t know what was in beer,” said Burkey. “I just knew how good the cheap
stuff tasted and that’s what I went after.” 
Not long after going into that store, he built equipment in his driveway and
made his first batch of beer in 2011. 
Ryan Fairchild has friends that went into the brewing industry and started
learning tidbits about brewing. Fairchild learned a lot more about brewing when
he organized the Bike Brew Q Craft Brew Expo, an event to benefit the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. 
“I had done some home brew stuff with other people, but never was really hands
on,” said Fairchild. “I decided I could do this. I went all in, much to my wife’s
dismay. I filled the house up with different fermenters. We couldn’t fit the car
in the garage anymore because we were brewing.”

Burkey is originally from Great Bend and moved back with his wife and family.
Fairchild, a Larned native, has lived in Great Bend most of his adult life with
his family. The two reconnected through a home brewers club in Great Bend. 
“Ryan and I built a commercial quality, not necessarily scale, brewery in my shop
in Hoisington,” Burkey said. “Just in brewing batches, you have eight hours
standing there talking. We would daydream of what we would do if we opened a
brewery.” 
Known locally as the homebrewers, Fairchild and Burkey were introduced to a “prominent
individual” in Barton County that organized a meeting to discuss a possible
brewery in the area. The meeting took place the summer of 2019 at Great Bend
Coffee. 
The very next day following their meeting, Brown’s Shoe Fit closed their doors
at their business at 1305 Main Street in Great Bend. 
“A week later from having that meeting, we had the building under contract,”
said Burkey. “Without a business plan, without really any money or investors,
we went all in.”

It was in August 2019 that Burkey and Fairchild took possession of the old shoe
store and started their journey of owning a brewery and bar. 
“We knew we wanted to be downtown,” said Fairchild. “We want to be that spark
that lights downtown back up and gets people down there on a Saturday night.” 
Reconstructing the 7,000 square-foot building meant nearly every interior wall
came down, carpet removed, plaster torn down, the removal of 40 light fixtures,
10 fans and 600 ceiling tiles. The building received a new roof, a back garage door
to fit new equipment in and a front patio. 
“We took out the front wall and moved it back 20 feet to create a patio space,”
said Burkey. “We have a brew house, kitchen space for future use, 20-person event
room and two much larger bathrooms.”

When Burkey and Fairchild wrote their initial business plan, there was an
opening date of July 2020. Getting their finances in order, the two were ready
to schedule contractors in early 2020. Not too much longer after they were
ready to begin, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced the brewery construction
to be put on hold. 
“We jumped in,” said Burkey. “We were involved in the drywall and concrete work.
It was time consuming day after day but we were able to put our blood, sweat
and tears into the building.” 
As the building was coming together, the brewery needed a name. Both Fairchild and
Burkey competed as individuals at brewing competitions. Fairchild worked under
the name Fairchild Brewing and Burkey worked under South Town Brewing. 
“One of the things Ryan and I have in common is we are both cyclists,” said
Burkey. “We really like riding bikes out at Lake Barton with all the trails.
Lake Barton has such a cool history and used to be the social center of Barton
County. We want downtown Great Bend to be that social center.” 
The name Dry Lake Brewing came from the dry lake in which a two-mile trail
circles around.

“We knew we would have support,” said Fairchild. “Frankly, the lack of any negativity
towards it has been absolutely amazing. We really appreciate the support we
received from everyone.” 
Dry Lake is slated to open May 6 at 5 p.m. The plan is to open the brewery
Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. The hours Thursday will be from 3 p.m. to 10
p.m. and then 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. 
“Our hope is by mid- to late summer, we can add Sunday,” added Burkey. “We
definitely want Sunday open once football season comes back around.”

Along with themselves, Burkey and Fairchild will have a bar manager and six
other employees as bartenders and servers. Until they find someone to run their
kitchen, Dry Lake will make use of food truck vendors to operate out of their
kitchen space to offer food items to customers. 
“We want Great Bend to pick what our food will be,” said Fairchild. “We can
bring in food trucks from all over the state. You can come in Thursday night
and have one kind of food, Friday you can get something different and Saturday get
something different.” 
By the time Dry Lake opens in May, there will be 10 beers on tap ranging from
an American lager, blonde ale, pale wheat, regular wheat, IPAs, sours and a
porter. 
“Ryan and I really like trying the new things out there and putting our own
spin on those recipes,” said Burkey. “We still like the traditional beers.”

Going from kits in their garages and shops that they hand scrubbed to now having
tanks larger than them, Burkey and Fairchild have a meticulous method to making
sure their investment tastes good. 
“Every single day we are testing the beer and checking the metrics to make sure
the beer is progressing as it needs to,” said Burkey. “Before, if the beer did
not turn out, there went $50. Now that it is multiples of thousands, we do a lot
more babysitting of the beer.” 
Along with televisions, Dry Lake plans on having board games available. There
will also be non-alcoholic drinks for children and a full bar of liquor and
wine. 
“Great Bend has done so much to bring people to the downtown square,” said
Burkey. “I think that our little block receives the most foot traffic in
Great Bend. For purposes of accessibility and people watching, I think our
patio space is going to be fantastic for that.”

Listen below to the entire interview with Fairchild and Burkey with Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407542147.jpeg" alt="Ryan Fairchild and Kevin Burkey, co-owners of Dry Lake Brewing, are set to open their brewery in Great Bend May 6." />
 <figcaption>Ryan Fairchild and Kevin Burkey, co-owners of Dry Lake Brewing, are set to open their brewery in Great Bend May 6.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhile Kevin Burkey was in college in Wichita he worked downtown at a
credit union. Across the street from his work was a store called What’s Brewin’,
a home brewing store. Burkey had no idea that there were people that made their own beer and wine. 
“I didn’t know what was in beer,” said Burkey. “I just knew how good the cheap
stuff tasted and that’s what I went after.” 
Not long after going into that store, he built equipment in his driveway and
made his first batch of beer in 2011. 
Ryan Fairchild has friends that went into the brewing industry and started
learning tidbits about brewing. Fairchild learned a lot more about brewing when
he organized the Bike Brew Q Craft Brew Expo, an event to benefit the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. 
“I had done some home brew stuff with other people, but never was really hands
on,” said Fairchild. “I decided I could do this. I went all in, much to my wife’s
dismay. I filled the house up with different fermenters. We couldn’t fit the car
in the garage anymore because we were brewing.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407758741.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Burkey is originally from Great Bend and moved back with his wife and family.
Fairchild, a Larned native, has lived in Great Bend most of his adult life with
his family. The two reconnected through a home brewers club in Great Bend. 
“Ryan and I built a commercial quality, not necessarily scale, brewery in my shop
in Hoisington,” Burkey said. “Just in brewing batches, you have eight hours
standing there talking. We would daydream of what we would do if we opened a
brewery.” 
Known locally as the homebrewers, Fairchild and Burkey were introduced to a “prominent
individual” in Barton County that organized a meeting to discuss a possible
brewery in the area. The meeting took place the summer of 2019 at Great Bend
Coffee. 
The very next day following their meeting, Brown’s Shoe Fit closed their doors
at their business at 1305 Main Street in Great Bend. 
“A week later from having that meeting, we had the building under contract,”
said Burkey. “Without a business plan, without really any money or investors,
we went all in.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407795215.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It was in August 2019 that Burkey and Fairchild took possession of the old shoe
store and started their journey of owning a brewery and bar. 
“We knew we wanted to be downtown,” said Fairchild. “We want to be that spark
that lights downtown back up and gets people down there on a Saturday night.” 
Reconstructing the 7,000 square-foot building meant nearly every interior wall
came down, carpet removed, plaster torn down, the removal of 40 light fixtures,
10 fans and 600 ceiling tiles. The building received a new roof, a back garage door
to fit new equipment in and a front patio. 
“We took out the front wall and moved it back 20 feet to create a patio space,”
said Burkey. “We have a brew house, kitchen space for future use, 20-person event
room and two much larger bathrooms.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407818567.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When Burkey and Fairchild wrote their initial business plan, there was an
opening date of July 2020. Getting their finances in order, the two were ready
to schedule contractors in early 2020. Not too much longer after they were
ready to begin, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and forced the brewery construction
to be put on hold. 
“We jumped in,” said Burkey. “We were involved in the drywall and concrete work.
It was time consuming day after day but we were able to put our blood, sweat
and tears into the building.” 
As the building was coming together, the brewery needed a name. Both Fairchild and
Burkey competed as individuals at brewing competitions. Fairchild worked under
the name Fairchild Brewing and Burkey worked under South Town Brewing. 
“One of the things Ryan and I have in common is we are both cyclists,” said
Burkey. “We really like riding bikes out at Lake Barton with all the trails.
Lake Barton has such a cool history and used to be the social center of Barton
County. We want downtown Great Bend to be that social center.” 
The name Dry Lake Brewing came from the dry lake in which a two-mile trail
circles around.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407862815.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We knew we would have support,” said Fairchild. “Frankly, the lack of any negativity
towards it has been absolutely amazing. We really appreciate the support we
received from everyone.” 
Dry Lake is slated to open May 6 at 5 p.m. The plan is to open the brewery
Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. The hours Thursday will be from 3 p.m. to 10
p.m. and then 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. 
“Our hope is by mid- to late summer, we can add Sunday,” added Burkey. “We
definitely want Sunday open once football season comes back around.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407890775.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Along with themselves, Burkey and Fairchild will have a bar manager and six
other employees as bartenders and servers. Until they find someone to run their
kitchen, Dry Lake will make use of food truck vendors to operate out of their
kitchen space to offer food items to customers. 
“We want Great Bend to pick what our food will be,” said Fairchild. “We can
bring in food trucks from all over the state. You can come in Thursday night
and have one kind of food, Friday you can get something different and Saturday get
something different.” 
By the time Dry Lake opens in May, there will be 10 beers on tap ranging from
an American lager, blonde ale, pale wheat, regular wheat, IPAs, sours and a
porter. 
“Ryan and I really like trying the new things out there and putting our own
spin on those recipes,” said Burkey. “We still like the traditional beers.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407954879.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Going from kits in their garages and shops that they hand scrubbed to now having
tanks larger than them, Burkey and Fairchild have a meticulous method to making
sure their investment tastes good. 
“Every single day we are testing the beer and checking the metrics to make sure
the beer is progressing as it needs to,” said Burkey. “Before, if the beer did
not turn out, there went $50. Now that it is multiples of thousands, we do a lot
more babysitting of the beer.” 
Along with televisions, Dry Lake plans on having board games available. There
will also be non-alcoholic drinks for children and a full bar of liquor and
wine. 
“Great Bend has done so much to bring people to the downtown square,” said
Burkey. “I think that our little block receives the most foot traffic in
Great Bend. For purposes of accessibility and people watching, I think our
patio space is going to be fantastic for that.”Listen below to the entire interview with Fairchild and Burkey with Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/tdbgaej4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618407583246.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎧Nothing dry about Great Bend’s brewery set to open in May

Barton Dance Theater will host a magical, fantasy-inspired spring concert titled “Once Upon a Time” at 7 p.m. April 29 and 30 in the Fine Arts Auditorium with a live-stream option available. Children ages 4 and younger get in free. Buying tickets in advance is recommended and additional ticket information can be found at shows.bartonccc.edu. Barton Dance Theatre Director Danika Bielek said audience members will have tea with the Mad Hatter, dance with Anastasia, and immerse themselves into an Edgar Allen Poe story.

“The dances are a celebration of stories,” she said. “They are inspired by fairytales, myths, literature, and even personal stories from the dancers’ lives.” The concert is divided into two nights and will include multiple dances and guests, while allowing the audience to have enough room to socially distance. Each night will include different dances.

The show will feature guest dancers including members of the Danceography studio on April 29, and the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts and Euphoria Dance Studio on April 30. They will share the stage with Barton’s dance technique classes and the college’s dance company, Barton Dance Theatre.

Bielek said the concert will be an unforgettable experience and the concept of the concert is that storytelling through dance helps connect the audience with the meaning of the dances in entertaining ways. "The dancers are so excited to get back into the theatre, and in front of the audience,” she said. “Everyone is committed to creating a fun and enchanting show. We want to bring wonder and fantasy into people's lives. This is a year when escaping into a story with a happy ending is good for the soul." Social distancing will be practiced and masks will be encouraged when attendees are not seated. For more information, contact Bielek at (620) 792-9253 or bielekd@bartonccc.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618339263680.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Dance Theater will host a magical, fantasy-inspired spring concert titled “Once Upon a Time” at 7 p.m. April 29 and 30 in the Fine Arts Auditorium with a live-stream option available. Children ages 4 and younger get in free. Buying tickets in advance is recommended and additional ticket information can be found at shows.bartonccc.edu. Barton Dance Theatre Director Danika Bielek said audience members will have tea with the Mad Hatter, dance with Anastasia, and immerse themselves into an Edgar Allen Poe story.“The dances are a celebration of stories,” she said. “They are inspired by fairytales, myths, literature, and even personal stories from the dancers’ lives.” The concert is divided into two nights and will include multiple dances and guests, while allowing the audience to have enough room to socially distance. Each night will include different dances.The show will feature guest dancers including members of the Danceography studio on April 29, and the Bethel College Academy of Performing Arts and Euphoria Dance Studio on April 30. They will share the stage with Barton’s dance technique classes and the college’s dance company, Barton Dance Theatre.Bielek said the concert will be an unforgettable experience and the concept of the concert is that storytelling through dance helps connect the audience with the meaning of the dances in entertaining ways. "The dancers are so excited to get back into the theatre, and in front of the audience,” she said. “Everyone is committed to creating a fun and enchanting show. We want to bring wonder and fantasy into people's lives. This is a year when escaping into a story with a happy ending is good for the soul." Social distancing will be practiced and masks will be encouraged when attendees are not seated. For more information, contact Bielek at (620) 792-9253 or bielekd@bartonccc.edu.

Barton Dance to host Spring Concert

Wheatland Electric annual meeting/lunch open to members today

By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend Post

Great Bend's school district is on track to open the Little Panthers Preschool at the start of the next school year in August. The preschool is an extension of Eisenhower Elementary School. It will be housed at the First Congregational Church of Christ on 21st Street where the District's Head Start program was located until it closed in 2019. 

JoAnn Blevins, the Principal at Eisenhower, told the USD 428 Board of Education on Monday that she has been getting help from the church in furnishing the Little Panthers facility.

 "They have furniture," Blevins said. "Some of it was left behind by Head Start.  Some of it is theirs, and they have been very generous to say if you can use any of it, please do."

The preschool will welcome the three and four-year-old children of USD 428 employees for full-day preschool at a cost of $80 per week.  If space is available, other children will be allowed to attend half-day preschool at no charge. 

A $40 enrollment fee will be charged. The facility is expected to serve up to 48 children. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618410442214.jpeg" alt="Little Panther Preschool will open at First Congregational Church in August" />
 <figcaption>Little Panther Preschool will open at First Congregational Church in August</figcaption>
 </figure>By KEN CARPENTER Great Bend PostGreat Bend's school district is on track to open the Little Panthers Preschool at the start of the next school year in August. The preschool is an extension of Eisenhower Elementary School. It will be housed at the First Congregational Church of Christ on 21st Street where the District's Head Start program was located until it closed in 2019. JoAnn Blevins, the Principal at Eisenhower, told the USD 428 Board of Education on Monday that she has been getting help from the church in furnishing the Little Panthers facility. "They have furniture," Blevins said. "Some of it was left behind by Head Start. Some of it is theirs, and they have been very generous to say if you can use any of it, please do."The preschool will welcome the three and four-year-old children of USD 428 employees for full-day preschool at a cost of $80 per week. If space is available, other children will be allowed to attend half-day preschool at no charge. A $40 enrollment fee will be charged. The facility is expected to serve up to 48 children.

Little Panther Preschool is opening this summer

BOOKED: Brenda Vazquez-Loera on GBMC case for serve
sentence. 
 
BOOKED: James Miller on Barton County case for driving under the influence with
a bond of $2,500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: James Miller on Barton County case for driving under the influence,
posted bond of $2,500. 
 
RELEASED: Brenda Vazquez-Loera on GBMC case for a serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Tyler Lynd on BCDC case for time served. 
 
RELEASED: Dustin Chambers on case for aggravated battery, posted $20,000 surety
through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Rebekah Johnson on GBMC case for battery DV, released on 48-hour OR.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586549258879.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Brenda Vazquez-Loera on GBMC case for serve
sentence. 
 
BOOKED: James Miller on Barton County case for driving under the influence with
a bond of $2,500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: James Miller on Barton County case for driving under the influence,
posted bond of $2,500. 
 
RELEASED: Brenda Vazquez-Loera on GBMC case for a serve sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Tyler Lynd on BCDC case for time served. 
 
RELEASED: Dustin Chambers on case for aggravated battery, posted $20,000 surety
through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Rebekah Johnson on GBMC case for battery DV, released on 48-hour OR.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (4/13)

Pool season is approaching and the Great Bend Recreation Commission is
getting their lifeguards trained and ready to go to staff the Great Bend
Wetlands Waterpark. 

Aquatic Director Megan Hammeke mentioned she will have just
over 30 lifeguards hired and then approximately 10 more employees that help with
the concession stand. 

GBRC offered lifeguard certification courses at Barton
Community College’s pool but had to switch venues following a problem at the
pool. 
"Throughout spring break, unfortunately the college had issues with their pool and the chemical in it," said Hammeke. "Everyone got kicked out. I called the Holiday Inn at the last minute to see if we could use their pool. They closed down their pool to let us use it. I was very appreciative of that." 
GBRC offered two lifeguard certification classes with 18 participating. There
were 19 participants for the lifeguard recertification course.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589988418787.jpeg" alt="The Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites in Great Bend allowed the Great Bend Recreation Commission to us their pool to finish lifeguard certification classes in March." />
 <figcaption>The Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites in Great Bend allowed the Great Bend Recreation Commission to us their pool to finish lifeguard certification classes in March.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostPool season is approaching and the Great Bend Recreation Commission is
getting their lifeguards trained and ready to go to staff the Great Bend
Wetlands Waterpark. Aquatic Director Megan Hammeke mentioned she will have just
over 30 lifeguards hired and then approximately 10 more employees that help with
the concession stand. GBRC offered lifeguard certification courses at Barton
Community College’s pool but had to switch venues following a problem at the
pool. 
"Throughout spring break, unfortunately the college had issues with their pool and the chemical in it," said Hammeke. "Everyone got kicked out. I called the Holiday Inn at the last minute to see if we could use their pool. They closed down their pool to let us use it. I was very appreciative of that." 
GBRC offered two lifeguard certification classes with 18 participating. There
were 19 participants for the lifeguard recertification course.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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