Tatum Ditto had “heard many good things about” Renue Salon, Spa &amp; Fashion Boutique and said she now knows why.

Ditto is the new nail technician at Renue, 1419 Main, where she is available for clients who want manicures and pedicures.

“This is such a welcoming atmosphere,” Ditto said. “The whole facility is clean and neatly arranged for clients’ comfort and convenience. I am also really impressed with the number of services my colleagues offer.”

Ditto’s services include virtually all types of nail care, including acrylic, dip, gel and builder gel manicures.

“I also am here for those who want nail art, which has been popular for quite some time,” Ditto commented. “There is lots of interest in nail art that depicts our various holidays, as well as French tips, chrome nails, and cheetah and leopard prints.

“Having your nails done just makes you feel more confident,” she added. “Since your hands are sometimes the first things people notice, it is gratifying to know they are attractive.”

While Ditto realizes that most men don’t seek nail services, she encourages them to at least get a basic manicure. “I can clean up their cuticles and just make their nails look nicer.”

She is available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. the other weekdays.

Ditto moved to Great Bend from Hays a year ago; she is originally from Abilene.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business, with a finance emphasis at Fort Hays State University. Her nail technician license is from Hays Academy of Hair Design.

Susan Williams, salon and retail coordinator, said “Tatum brings an added level of service to our salon. Not only does she specialize in acrylic and gel nails, she also provides dip manicure services.

“Tatum is punctual and so professional and personable with her clients. I can see this young woman having a long career in her chosen field.”

Renue, 1419 Main, offers all hair-care treatments; face creams; lotions; facials, waxing and other skin-care treatments; manicures and pedicures; nail polishes; body wraps; hot-stone and deep-tissue massages; infrared sauna; and event room.

The boutique offers clothing for women of all ages.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723125905942.jpeg" alt="Tatum Ditto performs a manicure at Renue Salon, Spa &amp; Fashion Boutique. Ditto is the new nail technician at Renue." />
 <figcaption>Tatum Ditto performs a manicure at Renue Salon, Spa &amp; Fashion Boutique. Ditto is the new nail technician at Renue.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSTatum Ditto had “heard many good things about” Renue Salon, Spa &amp; Fashion Boutique and said she now knows why.Ditto is the new nail technician at Renue, 1419 Main, where she is available for clients who want manicures and pedicures.“This is such a welcoming atmosphere,” Ditto said. “The whole facility is clean and neatly arranged for clients’ comfort and convenience. I am also really impressed with the number of services my colleagues offer.”Ditto’s services include virtually all types of nail care, including acrylic, dip, gel and builder gel manicures.“I also am here for those who want nail art, which has been popular for quite some time,” Ditto commented. “There is lots of interest in nail art that depicts our various holidays, as well as French tips, chrome nails, and cheetah and leopard prints.“Having your nails done just makes you feel more confident,” she added. “Since your hands are sometimes the first things people notice, it is gratifying to know they are attractive.”While Ditto realizes that most men don’t seek nail services, she encourages them to at least get a basic manicure. “I can clean up their cuticles and just make their nails look nicer.”She is available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 2 to 8 p.m. the other weekdays.Ditto moved to Great Bend from Hays a year ago; she is originally from Abilene.She earned a bachelor’s degree in business, with a finance emphasis at Fort Hays State University. Her nail technician license is from Hays Academy of Hair Design.Susan Williams, salon and retail coordinator, said “Tatum brings an added level of service to our salon. Not only does she specialize in acrylic and gel nails, she also provides dip manicure services.“Tatum is punctual and so professional and personable with her clients. I can see this young woman having a long career in her chosen field.”Renue, 1419 Main, offers all hair-care treatments; face creams; lotions; facials, waxing and other skin-care treatments; manicures and pedicures; nail polishes; body wraps; hot-stone and deep-tissue massages; infrared sauna; and event room.The boutique offers clothing for women of all ages.

Ditto joins Renue Salon in Great Bend as nail technician

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

An investigation was conducted from the public right-of-way on the
accessory structure at 1441 9th Street in Great Bend, a property
owned by Thomas Pearson. The Great Bend City Council held a public hearing for
the dangerous building Monday night. 

Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns
said the building official’s letter referenced multiple deficiencies.


"This was a gable garage," said Burns. "All the sheeting is missing on the south side. All the trusses fell to the south. The gable is laying on the ground. You'll see the siding is missing."

The roof of the structure on 9th Street has collapsed. The rafters
and roof structure are also hanging into the alley.


The city council voted to set a date of Sept. 7 for the
structure to be repaired or demolished before the city decides to tear it down.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723044540201.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAn investigation was conducted from the public right-of-way on the
accessory structure at 1441 9th Street in Great Bend, a property
owned by Thomas Pearson. The Great Bend City Council held a public hearing for
the dangerous building Monday night. Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns
said the building official’s letter referenced multiple deficiencies.
"This was a gable garage," said Burns. "All the sheeting is missing on the south side. All the trusses fell to the south. The gable is laying on the ground. You'll see the siding is missing."The roof of the structure on 9th Street has collapsed. The rafters
and roof structure are also hanging into the alley.
The city council voted to set a date of Sept. 7 for the
structure to be repaired or demolished before the city decides to tear it down.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend moving forward with demo of dangerous 9th Street building

Drought-stressed crops tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. Crops such as forage and grain sorghum, sudangrass, hybrid sorghum-sudan, and pearl millet are notorious accumulators. Nitrates accumulate in the lower portion of these plants when stresses reduce crop yields to less than expected, based on the supplied nitrogen fertility level. Nitrate toxicity in livestock is caused by its absorption into the bloodstream and binding to hemoglobin, rendering it unable to carry oxygen throughout the body. The result is eventual asphyxiation and death.&nbsp;

Animals under stress (sick, hungry, lactating, or pregnant) are more susceptible to nitrate toxicity than healthy animals. Toxicity is related to the total amount of forage consumed and how quickly it is eaten. Generally, forages containing more than 6,000 ppm nitrate should be considered potentially toxic. Symptoms of toxicity may appear within a few hours after eating or not for several days. Signs include reduced appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, and runny eyes.

It is wise for producers to test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest. Nitrate testing can be done through several labs, including the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/plant-forage-grain-analysis/producers.html">K-State Soil Testing Laboratory</a>. Not all labs use the same testing procedure so be sure to use the scale provided by the testing lab. Harvesting the forage 6-to-12 inches above the ground to avoid the highest concentrations of nitrate in the plant is a good practice. Producers should collect a good representative forage sample above this cutting height to get an accurate determination of the nitrate concentration. It's important to consider factors like actual nitrate concentration, storing and feeding methods, and forage availability, as these can significantly impact the safety of your livestock. Toxicity is related to the total amount of nitrate in the diet and how quickly it is eaten. Generally, if forages contain more than 6,000 ppm nitrate, they should be considered potentially toxic.

Depending on the planned feeding method, a producer may wish to test different parts of the plant. If wrapping the forage into a bale and feeding it directly to livestock, a producer may want to test the lowest part of the stalk to determine the greatest risk of nitrate forage that the animal could ingest. If a producer was planning on grinding the bale, a whole plant sample above what will be left in the field may be a more accurate representation of what will be eaten. High-nitrate forages chopped for silage and properly ensiled are a safer option for livestock feeding. During the ensiling process, potentially 50 percent of the nitrates in the forage will be metabolized by the microbes and can vastly reduce the risk of poisoning.

Grazing high nitrate forages can be a dangerous practice. This option requires very careful management. Grazing pressure should be limited so that animals do not consume the parts of the plant forage testing has shown to be dangerous. Although animals tend to consume the leaves and the top portions of the plant, which contain less nitrates, the risk of consuming a high-nitrate portion of the plant still exists. In addition, the longer the animal is left on a field and the more that animal is forced to eat the remaining forage at the lower portions of the plant, the greater the risk of nitrate poisoning.&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 620-793-1910K-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>Drought-stressed crops tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. Crops such as forage and grain sorghum, sudangrass, hybrid sorghum-sudan, and pearl millet are notorious accumulators. Nitrates accumulate in the lower portion of these plants when stresses reduce crop yields to less than expected, based on the supplied nitrogen fertility level. Nitrate toxicity in livestock is caused by its absorption into the bloodstream and binding to hemoglobin, rendering it unable to carry oxygen throughout the body. The result is eventual asphyxiation and death.&nbsp;Animals under stress (sick, hungry, lactating, or pregnant) are more susceptible to nitrate toxicity than healthy animals. Toxicity is related to the total amount of forage consumed and how quickly it is eaten. Generally, forages containing more than 6,000 ppm nitrate should be considered potentially toxic. Symptoms of toxicity may appear within a few hours after eating or not for several days. Signs include reduced appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, and runny eyes.It is wise for producers to test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest. Nitrate testing can be done through several labs, including the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/soil-testing-lab/plant-forage-grain-analysis/producers.html">K-State Soil Testing Laboratory</a>. Not all labs use the same testing procedure so be sure to use the scale provided by the testing lab. Harvesting the forage 6-to-12 inches above the ground to avoid the highest concentrations of nitrate in the plant is a good practice. Producers should collect a good representative forage sample above this cutting height to get an accurate determination of the nitrate concentration. It's important to consider factors like actual nitrate concentration, storing and feeding methods, and forage availability, as these can significantly impact the safety of your livestock. Toxicity is related to the total amount of nitrate in the diet and how quickly it is eaten. Generally, if forages contain more than 6,000 ppm nitrate, they should be considered potentially toxic.Depending on the planned feeding method, a producer may wish to test different parts of the plant. If wrapping the forage into a bale and feeding it directly to livestock, a producer may want to test the lowest part of the stalk to determine the greatest risk of nitrate forage that the animal could ingest. If a producer was planning on grinding the bale, a whole plant sample above what will be left in the field may be a more accurate representation of what will be eaten. High-nitrate forages chopped for silage and properly ensiled are a safer option for livestock feeding. During the ensiling process, potentially 50 percent of the nitrates in the forage will be metabolized by the microbes and can vastly reduce the risk of poisoning.Grazing high nitrate forages can be a dangerous practice. This option requires very careful management. Grazing pressure should be limited so that animals do not consume the parts of the plant forage testing has shown to be dangerous. Although animals tend to consume the leaves and the top portions of the plant, which contain less nitrates, the risk of consuming a high-nitrate portion of the plant still exists. In addition, the longer the animal is left on a field and the more that animal is forced to eat the remaining forage at the lower portions of the plant, the greater the risk of nitrate poisoning.&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 620-793-1910K-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: Nitrate level testing

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Mike Courson and Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman that aired Aug. 8, 2024.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Mike Courson and Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman that aired Aug. 8, 2024.<div><iframe title="County Edition: Barton Co. Engineer Barry McManaman" 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=ymtdp-16959d5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Barton County Engineer Barry McManaman

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/8)

At 12:29 a.m. a noise complaint was reported in the 200
block of W. B Street in Ellinwood.

At 12:56 a.m. a sick person was reported at 113 8th
Street in Claflin.

At 1:45 p.m. an accident was reported at SW 40 Avenue &amp;
W. US 56 Highway.

At 11:24 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at E. Barton
County Road &amp; NE 160 in Ellinwood.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (8/8)

At 4:57 a.m. a commercial alarm was reported at 5200
Ridgeway Dr. False Alarm.

At 10:27 a.m. a vehicle being keyed was reported at 2205
Kansas Avenue.

At 12:59 p.m. possible third party threats was reported at
1718 Morphy.

At 1:15 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 301 Chestnut
Street.

At 1:36 p.m. theft of a backpack from a vehicle somewhere in
town over the last two days was reported at 800 Coolidge Street.

At 4:08 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 811 Grant Street.

At 4:22 p.m. a possible theft of a vehicle was made at 5714
Rosewood. It had been impounded.

At 4:34 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park.

At 5:58 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 12th
&amp; Adams.

At 6:05 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1208 Holland.

At 10:29 p.m. an officer arrested Danielle Werth with DUI
and battery LEO in the 5600 block of Broadway.

At 11:31 p.m. loud music was reported at 1206 Hubbard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/8)Noise ComplaintAt 12:29 a.m. a noise complaint was reported in the 200
block of W. B Street in Ellinwood.Sick PersonAt 12:56 a.m. a sick person was reported at 113 8th
Street in Claflin.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:45 p.m. an accident was reported at SW 40 Avenue &amp;
W. US 56 Highway.Traffic ArrestAt 11:24 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at E. Barton
County Road &amp; NE 160 in Ellinwood.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (8/8)Structure FireAt 4:57 a.m. a commercial alarm was reported at 5200
Ridgeway Dr. False Alarm.Criminal DamageAt 10:27 a.m. a vehicle being keyed was reported at 2205
Kansas Avenue.Threats / Criminal ThreatsAt 12:59 p.m. possible third party threats was reported at
1718 Morphy.Animal ComplaintAt 1:15 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 301 Chestnut
Street.Burglary / Not in ProgressAt 1:36 p.m. theft of a backpack from a vehicle somewhere in
town over the last two days was reported at 800 Coolidge Street.StrokeAt 4:08 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 811 Grant Street.TheftAt 4:22 p.m. a possible theft of a vehicle was made at 5714
Rosewood. It had been impounded.Medical AlarmAt 4:34 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park.Animal ComplaintAt 5:58 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 12th
&amp; Adams.Overdose / Poisoning At 6:05 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1208 Holland.Traffic ArrestAt 10:29 p.m. an officer arrested Danielle Werth with DUI
and battery LEO in the 5600 block of Broadway.Noise ComplaintAt 11:31 p.m. loud music was reported at 1206 Hubbard.

Cop Shop (8/8)

8/8 BOOKED: Joshua Frydendall on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License and Driving on Left Side, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jesus Meza on Barton County District Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Making a Left Turn Without Using a Signal, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Christopher Herl on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Bobbi Sowell on Rice County District Court warrant for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Joshua Frydendall on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License and Driving on Left Side, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jesus Meza on Barton County District Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Making a Left Turn Without Using a Signal, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Bobbi Sowell on Rice County District Court warrant for Criminal Trespass, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8/8 BOOKED: Joshua Frydendall on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License and Driving on Left Side, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jesus Meza on Barton County District Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Making a Left Turn Without Using a Signal, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Christopher Herl on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Bobbi Sowell on Rice County District Court warrant for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Joshua Frydendall on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License and Driving on Left Side, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jesus Meza on Barton County District Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Making a Left Turn Without Using a Signal, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Bobbi Sowell on Rice County District Court warrant for Criminal Trespass, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (8/8)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Pawnee Rock is set to be a hub of activity on Saturday, Aug. 10. The second annual Pawnee Rock Hard Rock Race  and 1-mile Fun Walk begin at 7:30 a.m. Pawnee Rock Revitalization Project Chairperson Denise Penn said the name is no accident.

"We call it the Hard Rock Run because it is a 5K," she said. "It's up a hill, down a hill, up a hill, up and around the Rock. It's quite hilly and quite challenging, but fun. We also have the 1-mile Fun Walk, which just goes from downtown, up and around the Rock, and back down for fun."

Pre-registration is available online through Friday, Aug. 9 <a href="https://pawneerockhardrockrun.racewire.com/register.php?id=14156">(CLICK HERE)</a>. The cost is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the 1-mile event. Add $5 for day-of registration which begins at 7 a.m. Funds benefit the Revitalization Project, which continues its efforts to improve downtown Pawnee Rock with sidewalk and parking improvements planned.

"In the past, we have used those funds along with other donors' funds, along with the Golden Belt Foundation contributions, as well as the Barton County Commissioner contributions to create a gazebo, a gathering spot in the park in downtown," Penn said.

There will be no breakfast before the run this year as attendees are encouraged to stop at the Depot for a donation-based breakfast from 8-10 a.m. As part of the Pawnee Rock All School Reunion, class pictures, annuals, and other memorabilia will also be available to view.

From 1-3 p.m., enjoy a hamburger or hot dog lunch for a $5 donation at the Pawnee Rock Fire Department. Attendees can meet the volunteer firefighters, see the equipment, and vote for and watch a firefighter take a pie to the face.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722873206250.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostPawnee Rock is set to be a hub of activity on Saturday, Aug. 10. The second annual Pawnee Rock Hard Rock Race and 1-mile Fun Walk begin at 7:30 a.m. Pawnee Rock Revitalization Project Chairperson Denise Penn said the name is no accident."We call it the Hard Rock Run because it is a 5K," she said. "It's up a hill, down a hill, up a hill, up and around the Rock. It's quite hilly and quite challenging, but fun. We also have the 1-mile Fun Walk, which just goes from downtown, up and around the Rock, and back down for fun."Pre-registration is available online through Friday, Aug. 9 <a href="https://pawneerockhardrockrun.racewire.com/register.php?id=14156">(CLICK HERE)</a>. The cost is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the 1-mile event. Add $5 for day-of registration which begins at 7 a.m. Funds benefit the Revitalization Project, which continues its efforts to improve downtown Pawnee Rock with sidewalk and parking improvements planned."In the past, we have used those funds along with other donors' funds, along with the Golden Belt Foundation contributions, as well as the Barton County Commissioner contributions to create a gazebo, a gathering spot in the park in downtown," Penn said.There will be no breakfast before the run this year as attendees are encouraged to stop at the Depot for a donation-based breakfast from 8-10 a.m. As part of the Pawnee Rock All School Reunion, class pictures, annuals, and other memorabilia will also be available to view.From 1-3 p.m., enjoy a hamburger or hot dog lunch for a $5 donation at the Pawnee Rock Fire Department. Attendees can meet the volunteer firefighters, see the equipment, and vote for and watch a firefighter take a pie to the face.

Second annual Pawnee Rock Hard Rock 5K Run is this Saturday

Today A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. East-northeast wind 6 to 11 mph.

Tonight A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 a.m., then a chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South-southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.

Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South-southeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

Monday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.

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

Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 93.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. East-northeast wind 6 to 11 mph.Tonight A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.Saturday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 a.m., then a chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Saturday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South-southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.Sunday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. South-southeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Sunday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 84.Monday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 93.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

Josh Webb saved the Kanopolis Drive In when he reopened the facility in 2011, five years after the last time it was open. A strong storm in 2021 again threatened to close the facility, which was shut down for the 2022 season but returned in 2023. Business at one of the last remaining drive-ins around the state is booming in 2024, thanks in part to some big titles, but also because of Webb's revamped use of social media. 

"Prior to this year, I kept it nice and boring and mundane," he said. "Just the facts. This year, I was trying to do something fun with it and inject a little humor into it. That's kind of what Facebook is good for is satire, humor, and getting the word out. People have really responded to some of the posts."

Webb's posts now include jokes about the concession stand menu (somehow, they are usually out of Peking Duck and Alaskan King Crab), local events, the movies, and behavior that is expected at a drive-in theater. His posts are routinely shared more than 60 times now, helping drive in a regional crowd for the double features that are shown each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night during movie season, which is typically the first weekend of April through Labor Day.

"It's almost like families will tell other families," Webb said. "We'll see one family from Lyons, then we'll see their friends the next weekend. It's kind of odd how it works. They'll put it on Facebook that they were there. Someone else will see it and take their kids."

As the drive-in's webpage says, the theater uses a 60-foot screen to display its movies. Whereas indoor theaters have switches to dim their house lights, the drive-in "has to wait for God to dim ours." 

"We'll usually open the gates at 7 or 8 p.m., depending on when it gets dark," Webb said. "We try to open an hour before dark hits. That's usually enough time for people to get flooded in and get through the concession stand."

The Kanopolis Drive In is now fully digital. Audio can be heard by tuning to 101.1 FM on a radio. For those who want to watch from a lawn chair or the benches near the screen, the Drive In has that covered.

"Inside the concession stand, we have little portable FM radios," said Webb. "All you have to do is fill out a little piece of paper and leave a credit or debit card and you get your radio. We'll tune it for you and turn the volume up. You can take it out to your car and, as long as you bring it back, it's a free rental."

The drive-in cannot book movies in advance and Webb usually announces which movies are playing the Monday before the weekend. "Twisters" and "Deadpool &amp; Wolverine" are the features for the Aug. 9-11 dates. Webb said the drive-in will take a short break after the Labor Day weekend, then re-open for its all-night Monsterrama sometime in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722950801789.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostJosh Webb saved the Kanopolis Drive In when he reopened the facility in 2011, five years after the last time it was open. A strong storm in 2021 again threatened to close the facility, which was shut down for the 2022 season but returned in 2023. Business at one of the last remaining drive-ins around the state is booming in 2024, thanks in part to some big titles, but also because of Webb's revamped use of social media. "Prior to this year, I kept it nice and boring and mundane," he said. "Just the facts. This year, I was trying to do something fun with it and inject a little humor into it. That's kind of what Facebook is good for is satire, humor, and getting the word out. People have really responded to some of the posts."Webb's posts now include jokes about the concession stand menu (somehow, they are usually out of Peking Duck and Alaskan King Crab), local events, the movies, and behavior that is expected at a drive-in theater. His posts are routinely shared more than 60 times now, helping drive in a regional crowd for the double features that are shown each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night during movie season, which is typically the first weekend of April through Labor Day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722950960961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"It's almost like families will tell other families," Webb said. "We'll see one family from Lyons, then we'll see their friends the next weekend. It's kind of odd how it works. They'll put it on Facebook that they were there. Someone else will see it and take their kids."As the drive-in's webpage says, the theater uses a 60-foot screen to display its movies. Whereas indoor theaters have switches to dim their house lights, the drive-in "has to wait for God to dim ours." "We'll usually open the gates at 7 or 8 p.m., depending on when it gets dark," Webb said. "We try to open an hour before dark hits. That's usually enough time for people to get flooded in and get through the concession stand."The Kanopolis Drive In is now fully digital. Audio can be heard by tuning to 101.1 FM on a radio. For those who want to watch from a lawn chair or the benches near the screen, the Drive In has that covered."Inside the concession stand, we have little portable FM radios," said Webb. "All you have to do is fill out a little piece of paper and leave a credit or debit card and you get your radio. We'll tune it for you and turn the volume up. You can take it out to your car and, as long as you bring it back, it's a free rental."The drive-in cannot book movies in advance and Webb usually announces which movies are playing the Monday before the weekend. "Twisters" and "Deadpool &amp; Wolverine" are the features for the Aug. 9-11 dates. Webb said the drive-in will take a short break after the Labor Day weekend, then re-open for its all-night Monsterrama sometime in October.

Social media helping one of state's last drive-ins thrive in Kanopolis

On the road or in the classroom, cell phones are a known distraction. School districts around the state continue to battle electronic devices during class time. At Monday's USD 431 Board of Education meeting, Hoisington High School Principal Joel Mason asked the board to amend the school's current cell phone policy.

"Our policy right now is kids just can't be on their phones during class time," he said. "Our policy doesn't state they can't have it on them or even on their desk or under the desk. Kids are just like adults, I guess. I know if I'm working at my desk and my phone buzzes, I'm looking over at it."

Mason purchased pouches that can be hung on the wall in each classroom and used for storage. The new policy will require students place their phones in the pouches barring a medical exception.

"My original thought was just no cell phones in the classroom," Mason said. "They have to stay in the locker. I can see where that's going: longer trips are going to exponentially increase, bathroom breaks will exponentially increase, tardies will increase. I still want to be able to teach these kids how to use their phones responsibly, not just completely take them from them."

Under current policy, phones must be off or silenced. If a teacher hears a phone go off during class, the phone is confiscated and taken to the office to be retrieved after school. Subsequent violations require the student to serve a detention before the phone can be retrieved. The revised policy still allows students access to their phones in the event of an emergency.

"I know some of the active-shooter training wanted kids to be able to have access to a phone in case of a lockdown situation," said Board Member Julia Debes. "I think the phones in the pocket in the classroom are a good first step."

The board voted 7-0 to approve the amendment effective for the 2024-25 school year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663768695151.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOn the road or in the classroom, cell phones are a known distraction. School districts around the state continue to battle electronic devices during class time. At Monday's USD 431 Board of Education meeting, Hoisington High School Principal Joel Mason asked the board to amend the school's current cell phone policy."Our policy right now is kids just can't be on their phones during class time," he said. "Our policy doesn't state they can't have it on them or even on their desk or under the desk. Kids are just like adults, I guess. I know if I'm working at my desk and my phone buzzes, I'm looking over at it."Mason purchased pouches that can be hung on the wall in each classroom and used for storage. The new policy will require students place their phones in the pouches barring a medical exception."My original thought was just no cell phones in the classroom," Mason said. "They have to stay in the locker. I can see where that's going: longer trips are going to exponentially increase, bathroom breaks will exponentially increase, tardies will increase. I still want to be able to teach these kids how to use their phones responsibly, not just completely take them from them."Under current policy, phones must be off or silenced. If a teacher hears a phone go off during class, the phone is confiscated and taken to the office to be retrieved after school. Subsequent violations require the student to serve a detention before the phone can be retrieved. The revised policy still allows students access to their phones in the event of an emergency."I know some of the active-shooter training wanted kids to be able to have access to a phone in case of a lockdown situation," said Board Member Julia Debes. "I think the phones in the pocket in the classroom are a good first step."The board voted 7-0 to approve the amendment effective for the 2024-25 school year.

Hoisington High School amends policy for cell phones in the classroom

Lincoln, Neb. - University of Nebraska - Kearney broadcasting students took home some hardware from the 2024 Nebraska Broadcasting Association Awards convention on Wednesday. The students won awards in the College Student radio category. The students who won awards in the college category were North Platte native Kade Mohr, Jon Willis of Omaha and Alex Hammeke of Ellinwood, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kade Mohr of North Platte won "Best news feature" for his "Focus on UNK" radio segment.&nbsp;

Alex Hammeke of Ellinwood, KS won "Best Promotional Announcement" creating a promo for the morning news show on 91.1 KLPR "KLPR Daybreak"&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jon Willis of Omaha was recognized for winning a $5,000 scholarship from the Nebraska Broadcaster Association.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723130690235.jpeg" alt="L-R: Alex Hammeke, Jon Willis (Courtesy of Jon Willis)" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Alex Hammeke, Jon Willis (Courtesy of Jon Willis)</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte Post&nbsp;Lincoln, Neb. - University of Nebraska - Kearney broadcasting students took home some hardware from the 2024 Nebraska Broadcasting Association Awards convention on Wednesday. The students won awards in the College Student radio category. The students who won awards in the college category were North Platte native Kade Mohr, Jon Willis of Omaha and Alex Hammeke of Ellinwood, KS.&nbsp;&nbsp;Award Winners:&nbsp;Kade Mohr of North Platte won "Best news feature" for his "Focus on UNK" radio segment.&nbsp;Alex Hammeke of Ellinwood, KS won "Best Promotional Announcement" creating a promo for the morning news show on 91.1 KLPR "KLPR Daybreak"&nbsp;&nbsp;Jon Willis of Omaha was recognized for winning a $5,000 scholarship from the Nebraska Broadcaster Association.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723130775732.jpeg" alt="L-R: Kade Mohr, Jon Willis (Courtesy of Traeton Harimon)" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Kade Mohr, Jon Willis (Courtesy of Traeton Harimon)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Ellinwood native wins college award from Nebraska Broadcasting Association

The “Air Fest 2024 Preview Show” is hosted by Steve Webster on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. Guests include Kevin Lockwood with Lockwood’s Warhorses. Lockwood restores and exhibits historical war machines and will have some of these vehicles at AirFest 2024 in September at Great Bend Municipal Airport. The show aired on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.

Great Bend Airfest is Sept. 20-22. Find more information and buy tickets at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatbendairfest.com/buy-tickets">greatbendairfest.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The “Air Fest 2024 Preview Show” is hosted by Steve Webster on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. Guests include Kevin Lockwood with Lockwood’s Warhorses. Lockwood restores and exhibits historical war machines and will have some of these vehicles at AirFest 2024 in September at Great Bend Municipal Airport. The show aired on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.<div><iframe title="Great Bend Airfest Preview Show - Kevin Lockwood" 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=t92ug-1692876-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>Great Bend Airfest is Sept. 20-22. Find more information and buy tickets at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatbendairfest.com/buy-tickets">greatbendairfest.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Airfest - Kevin Lockwood

During the budget workshop, the City of Great Bend administration
discussed a few ways to provide more incentives to their employees. A few of
the city departments run tight on staff throughout the year, specifically when
employees are not allowed to rollover their vacation hours and are forced to
use them. 

City Administrator Brandon Anderson said staff and department heads
agreed a vacation buy-back option would be a good addition for employees.


"If an individual is willing to build that kind of leave and not use that leave, it defeats the purpose when we're short-staffed making someone take vacation and having to pay overtime," said Anderson.

Under the approved buy-back policy, city employees with between 200-240
hours of accrued vacation leave, or 300-360 hours for fire department shift
employees, are eligible to participate in the vacation buy-back.


"You're dealing with an employee that's pretty dedicated, and has allowed their leave pool to build," said Anderson. "We're rewarding them with an extra perk."

Eligible employees will meet with the department secretary at the city’s annual
open enrollment held in late October to complete the buy-back form. Employees
may only buy back up to 40 hours of vacation or up to 60 hours for fire
department staff. Vacation buy-back will be paid in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723046894652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostDuring the budget workshop, the City of Great Bend administration
discussed a few ways to provide more incentives to their employees. A few of
the city departments run tight on staff throughout the year, specifically when
employees are not allowed to rollover their vacation hours and are forced to
use them. City Administrator Brandon Anderson said staff and department heads
agreed a vacation buy-back option would be a good addition for employees.
"If an individual is willing to build that kind of leave and not use that leave, it defeats the purpose when we're short-staffed making someone take vacation and having to pay overtime," said Anderson.Under the approved buy-back policy, city employees with between 200-240
hours of accrued vacation leave, or 300-360 hours for fire department shift
employees, are eligible to participate in the vacation buy-back.
"You're dealing with an employee that's pretty dedicated, and has allowed their leave pool to build," said Anderson. "We're rewarding them with an extra perk."Eligible employees will meet with the department secretary at the city’s annual
open enrollment held in late October to complete the buy-back form. Employees
may only buy back up to 40 hours of vacation or up to 60 hours for fire
department staff. Vacation buy-back will be paid in November.

City of Great Bend approves vacation buy-back for employees

Benefit Management Inc. (BMI) in Great Bend shut down Wednesday morning and has filed for bankruptcy.

BMI, with their main location on 16th Street in downtown Great Bend, notified approximately 100 employees Wednesday that all operations were coming to an end.

The business, which started in 1995, served as a health insurance and benefit administrator for several entities, including local businesses such as USD 428 and Barton Community College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723138529214.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostBenefit Management Inc. (BMI) in Great Bend shut down Wednesday morning and has filed for bankruptcy.BMI, with their main location on 16th Street in downtown Great Bend, notified approximately 100 employees Wednesday that all operations were coming to an end.The business, which started in 1995, served as a health insurance and benefit administrator for several entities, including local businesses such as USD 428 and Barton Community College.

BMI in Great Bend has shut down

Small items continue to trickle in on the Barton County Courthouse HVAC Renovation Project. Staff returned to the 106-year-old building in mid-May, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 31. Tuesday morning, County Administrator Matt Patzner presented a change order to the commission for approval.

"Barton County has received notice of work completed by Brentwood Builders outside the scope of the original HVAC Project plans," he said. "Work areas include the roof, break room, clerk's office, treasurer's office, and restrooms."

Barton County will pay Brentwood Builders $52,933.34 for the work. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said the work was necessary.

"I just hate the word 'change order,'" he said. "It makes it sound like we went over budget on things we had bid out. But that's not the case here. These were things we added to the scope of the work once we started getting into the job. Any time you've torn apart a 100-year-old building, you realize there are a few things you probably want to do while it's torn apart, like adding roof access, for instance."

With two change orders approved since the ribbon cutting, the project price tag now sits at $5,122,433.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716305097788.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSmall items continue to trickle in on the Barton County Courthouse HVAC Renovation Project. Staff returned to the 106-year-old building in mid-May, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 31. Tuesday morning, County Administrator Matt Patzner presented a change order to the commission for approval."Barton County has received notice of work completed by Brentwood Builders outside the scope of the original HVAC Project plans," he said. "Work areas include the roof, break room, clerk's office, treasurer's office, and restrooms."Barton County will pay Brentwood Builders $52,933.34 for the work. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said the work was necessary."I just hate the word 'change order,'" he said. "It makes it sound like we went over budget on things we had bid out. But that's not the case here. These were things we added to the scope of the work once we started getting into the job. Any time you've torn apart a 100-year-old building, you realize there are a few things you probably want to do while it's torn apart, like adding roof access, for instance."With two change orders approved since the ribbon cutting, the project price tag now sits at $5,122,433.

Barton commission approves new change order on courthouse project

You are probably asking yourself, “What is QPR?” QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. QPR is a suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question "Are you thinking about suicide?" and then helping others get appropriate help.

The world is experiencing a global mental health crisis and Kansas is not exempt. There has been a statistically significant 51.4% increase in the suicide death rate from 2011 to 2022 and in 2022 there were 8,453 Kansans who visited an Emergency Department for suicidal ideation (KDHE Suicide-Related Data). The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to helping the mental health crisis in Kansas by creating the Stress and Resiliency Transdisciplinary team. Our Stress and Resiliency team provides educational information about stress, stress management and resiliency, or one’s ability to adapt positively to difficult experiences. Areas of focus include all types of stress and general mental health information, because stress impacts all of us – regardless of demographic.

Increasing awareness and people’s willingness to talk about mental health will encourage more Kansans to get the help they need. Another goal is to equip Kansans with tools and techniques that help them recognize and manage stress within their lives, families and communities. Our team also strives to educate Kansans about resiliency - how to enhance it and how to incorporate it into their daily lives.

One of the initiatives of the Stress and Resiliency Team is to train agents in QPR among other educational trainings. Recently, Monique Koerner joined Alicia Boor in becoming a QPR

gatekeeper for the Cottonwood Extension District. We are available to present QPR to a wide variety of audiences. Some examples would include workplaces, schools, colleges and universities, faith communities, emergency departments and services, and other civic organizations that are interested in learning more about the mental health crisis and suicide prevention.

For more information about mental health, stress, stress management or to schedule a QPR training, please contact Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. Or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu or Alica at aboor@ksu.edu

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent. You can reach her at 620-793-1910 or aboor@ksu.edu. Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>You are probably asking yourself, “What is QPR?” QPR stands for Question, Persuade and Refer. Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. QPR is a suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide. QPR training helps people get comfortable asking the question "Are you thinking about suicide?" and then helping others get appropriate help.The world is experiencing a global mental health crisis and Kansas is not exempt. There has been a statistically significant 51.4% increase in the suicide death rate from 2011 to 2022 and in 2022 there were 8,453 Kansans who visited an Emergency Department for suicidal ideation (KDHE Suicide-Related Data). The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.K-State Research and Extension is committed to helping the mental health crisis in Kansas by creating the Stress and Resiliency Transdisciplinary team. Our Stress and Resiliency team provides educational information about stress, stress management and resiliency, or one’s ability to adapt positively to difficult experiences. Areas of focus include all types of stress and general mental health information, because stress impacts all of us – regardless of demographic.Increasing awareness and people’s willingness to talk about mental health will encourage more Kansans to get the help they need. Another goal is to equip Kansans with tools and techniques that help them recognize and manage stress within their lives, families and communities. Our team also strives to educate Kansans about resiliency - how to enhance it and how to incorporate it into their daily lives.One of the initiatives of the Stress and Resiliency Team is to train agents in QPR among other educational trainings. Recently, Monique Koerner joined Alicia Boor in becoming a QPRgatekeeper for the Cottonwood Extension District. We are available to present QPR to a wide variety of audiences. Some examples would include workplaces, schools, colleges and universities, faith communities, emergency departments and services, and other civic organizations that are interested in learning more about the mental health crisis and suicide prevention.For more information about mental health, stress, stress management or to schedule a QPR training, please contact Cottonwood Extension District at 785-628-9430 or 620-793-1910. Or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu or Alica at aboor@ksu.eduAlicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent. You can reach her at 620-793-1910 or aboor@ksu.edu. Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Question, persuade and refer

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 11:35 pm, an Ellinwood Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a white SUV in the 100 block of East Santa Fe Blvd. The driver stopped briefly then fled from the officer. After driving down several streets in the City of Ellinwood, the driver continued west on Highway 56 toward the City of Great Bend. 

The pursuit continued through Great Bend then continued west on 56 Highway. During the pursuit, the driver reached speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour, avoided stop sticks, turned its headlights off and on, and at one point traveled head on with a semi that was able to avoid the collision.

At mile marker 194, near the town of Pawnee Rock, the Ellinwood officer, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir and several deputies with the Sheriff’s Office were able to use a rolling roadblock to bring the vehicle safely to a stop. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Methamphetamine and paraphernalia were later located in the vehicle. 

The driver, Amanda Marie Enrriquez of Great Bend, was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked in for felony flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine / paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.

This case is still under investigation, anyone with information about this crime or any other crime is asked to contact the Ellinwood Police Department at 620-564-3001.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723124603799.jpeg" alt="Amanda Enrriquez&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Enrriquez&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 11:35 pm, an Ellinwood Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a white SUV in the 100 block of East Santa Fe Blvd. The driver stopped briefly then fled from the officer. After driving down several streets in the City of Ellinwood, the driver continued west on Highway 56 toward the City of Great Bend. The pursuit continued through Great Bend then continued west on 56 Highway. During the pursuit, the driver reached speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour, avoided stop sticks, turned its headlights off and on, and at one point traveled head on with a semi that was able to avoid the collision.At mile marker 194, near the town of Pawnee Rock, the Ellinwood officer, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir and several deputies with the Sheriff’s Office were able to use a rolling roadblock to bring the vehicle safely to a stop. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Methamphetamine and paraphernalia were later located in the vehicle. The driver, Amanda Marie Enrriquez of Great Bend, was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked in for felony flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine / paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.This case is still under investigation, anyone with information about this crime or any other crime is asked to contact the Ellinwood Police Department at 620-564-3001.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Arrest made following chase through Ellinwood & Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/7)

At 1:30 a.m. a prowler was reported at 1718 Morphy.

At 4:31 a.m. an accident was reported at 300 N. Park Avenue
in Ellinwood.

At 10:52 a.m. a fire was reported at 32nd &amp;
Washington.

At 11:01 a.m. a fire was reported at N. US 281 Highway &amp;
NW 50 Road.

At 6:11 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 1602
Morton.

At 9 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 1900 10th
Street.

At 10:31 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 8th
&amp; Williams.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (8/7)

At 8:57 a.m. a report of having contact and locating Richard
Stanley, who had been reported missing, was made at 3104 Williams.

At 10:38 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2314 16th
Street.

At 10:52 a.m. a tractor mower on fire was reported at 32nd
&amp; Washington.

At 12:51 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2800 10th
Street.

At 3:33 p.m. Marcuz Beltz battering two juveniles was reported
at 3503 10th Street.

At 4:46 p.m. an accident was reported at 821 Main Street.

At 4:53 p.m. a theft was reported at 3620 23rd
Street.

At 7:49 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 302
Hubbard.

At 8:12 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 1515 Morton.

At 9:24 p.m. Patricia Mix reported loud music at 1437 2nd
Street.

At 10:31 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2611 16th
Street.

At 11:26 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2615 Lakin
Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/7)ProwlerAt 1:30 a.m. a prowler was reported at 1718 Morphy.Non-Injury AccidentAt 4:31 a.m. an accident was reported at 300 N. Park Avenue
in Ellinwood.FireAt 10:52 a.m. a fire was reported at 32nd &amp;
Washington.At 11:01 a.m. a fire was reported at N. US 281 Highway &amp;
NW 50 Road.Missing Person / RunawayAt 6:11 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 1602
Morton.Traffic ArrestAt 9 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 1900 10th
Street.At 10:31 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 8th
&amp; Williams.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (8/7)ProwlerAt 1:30 a.m. a prowler was reported at 1718 Morphy.Locate Runaway / MissingAt 8:57 a.m. a report of having contact and locating Richard
Stanley, who had been reported missing, was made at 3104 Williams.Sick PersonAt 10:38 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2314 16th
Street.FireAt 10:52 a.m. a tractor mower on fire was reported at 32nd
&amp; Washington.Traumatic InjuriesAt 12:51 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2800 10th
Street.BatteryAt 3:33 p.m. Marcuz Beltz battering two juveniles was reported
at 3503 10th Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 4:46 p.m. an accident was reported at 821 Main Street.TheftAt 4:53 p.m. a theft was reported at 3620 23rd
Street.Animal ComplaintAt 7:49 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 302
Hubbard.Criminal DamageAt 8:12 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 1515 Morton.Traffic ArrestAt 9 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 1900 10th
Street.Noise ComplaintAt 9:24 p.m. Patricia Mix reported loud music at 1437 2nd
Street.Diabetic ProblemsAt 10:31 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2611 16th
Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 11:26 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2615 Lakin
Avenue.

Cop Shop (8/7)

8/7 Amanda Enrriquez on Barton County District Court case for Felony Flee and Elude while Driving in the Wrong Lane of Traffic, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Aaron Newsome on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Zackery Best on Reno County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Randy Baker on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Payten Oxford on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Maynard Charles on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Suspended Driver's License, No Insurance, and No Registration, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Loni Fiscus on Saline County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, transferred to Saline County.

RELEASED: Zackery Best on Reno County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Guadalupe Ramirez on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Randy Baker on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

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 </figure>8/7 Amanda Enrriquez on Barton County District Court case for Felony Flee and Elude while Driving in the Wrong Lane of Traffic, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Aaron Newsome on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Zackery Best on Reno County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Randy Baker on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Payten Oxford on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Maynard Charles on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Suspended Driver's License, No Insurance, and No Registration, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Loni Fiscus on Saline County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, transferred to Saline County.RELEASED: Zackery Best on Reno County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Guadalupe Ramirez on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Randy Baker on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (8/7)

The event must go on, rain or shine. The Perseid meteor shower is visible annually from mid-July to late August. With no control over the timing of Earth's movement or the weather, Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said the facility's watch party is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., regardless of what the weather does.

"It typically peaks around Aug. 12," he said. "We try to do our activity on a Friday, so we're a few days before the peak on Aug. 9. It's a fun event for us. We've had some great response for this activity the last few years and plan to again this year."

As Earth passes through the dust and debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, stargazers may see between 60-100 meteors per hour. KWEC provides a dark venue from which to watch, but the meteors may be visible from any place away from the lights of the city.

"Even if you're not able to come out on Friday, spend some time outside in the nighttime and look at the sky to look for the Perseid meteor shower," said Wolf. "Starting probably anywhere around now through next week, Earth is passing through all the dust and debris from the comet that had come through a long time ago." 

Friday's come-and-go party will also include s'mores, straw rockets, a glow-in-the-dark comet craft, fizzing meteors, and the inflatable planetarium from Fort Hays State University. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659622692617.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe event must go on, rain or shine. The Perseid meteor shower is visible annually from mid-July to late August. With no control over the timing of Earth's movement or the weather, Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said the facility's watch party is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., regardless of what the weather does."It typically peaks around Aug. 12," he said. "We try to do our activity on a Friday, so we're a few days before the peak on Aug. 9. It's a fun event for us. We've had some great response for this activity the last few years and plan to again this year."As Earth passes through the dust and debris of the Swift-Tuttle comet, stargazers may see between 60-100 meteors per hour. KWEC provides a dark venue from which to watch, but the meteors may be visible from any place away from the lights of the city."Even if you're not able to come out on Friday, spend some time outside in the nighttime and look at the sky to look for the Perseid meteor shower," said Wolf. "Starting probably anywhere around now through next week, Earth is passing through all the dust and debris from the comet that had come through a long time ago." Friday's come-and-go party will also include s'mores, straw rockets, a glow-in-the-dark comet craft, fizzing meteors, and the inflatable planetarium from Fort Hays State University. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

KWEC hosting Perseid meteor shower watch party this Friday

As the budget season continues to draw nearer, those taxing entities that plan to collect more tax dollars than they did a year ago must announce their intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. Monday night, USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis explained to the Hoisington Board of Education how some prior mistakes have been corrected, and now the district will likely exceed the revenue-neutral rate.

"Because of the mistakes that were made in the pre-populated information for the budget, I had us not exceeding revenue neutral," he said. "After the budget, and I adjusted the local option budget numbers, we did go ahead and exceed revenue neutral."

Crowdis said the proposed budget will assess 49.64 total mills, compared to 49.5 mills last year. By statute, districts can levy up to eight mills for capital outlay. USD 431 has been at approximately six mills in previous years but will increase to 7.729 mills next year. That should generate approximately $410,000 in capital outlay, compared to $310,000 last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696440128700.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAs the budget season continues to draw nearer, those taxing entities that plan to collect more tax dollars than they did a year ago must announce their intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate. Monday night, USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis explained to the Hoisington Board of Education how some prior mistakes have been corrected, and now the district will likely exceed the revenue-neutral rate."Because of the mistakes that were made in the pre-populated information for the budget, I had us not exceeding revenue neutral," he said. "After the budget, and I adjusted the local option budget numbers, we did go ahead and exceed revenue neutral."Crowdis said the proposed budget will assess 49.64 total mills, compared to 49.5 mills last year. By statute, districts can levy up to eight mills for capital outlay. USD 431 has been at approximately six mills in previous years but will increase to 7.729 mills next year. That should generate approximately $410,000 in capital outlay, compared to $310,000 last year."That is not a random number," Crowdis said. "That is the maximum number that I can go in capital outlay and bonds and interest, according to the mills I submitted to the county for revenue neutral."Crowdis said the state usually contributes $0.55 for every dollar raised via capital outlay, but that number could be as high as $0.85 for every dollar this year. The Hoisington district is planning to hold its revenue-neutral hearing and budget hearing at its September meeting."If you do have people getting their postcards in the mail saying we're going to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, if they have questions or concerns, have them give me a call," Crowdis told the board. "I'm more than happy to sit down and talk with anybody about it."

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