KINGMAN COUNTY —On Saturday afternoon, the Kingman County Sheriff's office reported the suspect was in custody. The sheriff's office did not release the suspect name, possible charges or additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it is released.

KINGMAN COUNTY —More than 40 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies assisted with this search on Friday and the search will continued overnight, according to the sheriff's office. This subject is not local to Kingman County.  Call 911 if you locate or see this subject.

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kingman County on Friday afternoon asked the public to watch for a suspect last seen southeast of Kingman, according to a social media report from the Kingman County Sheriff.

According to the sheriff's department, deputies found the vehicle but the subject is still at large. Authorities did not release details on a crime in connection with the search.

They asked the public to call 911 if you locate or see this subject.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720825502205.png" alt="-photo Kingman Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-photo Kingman Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KINGMAN COUNTY —On Saturday afternoon, the Kingman County Sheriff's office reported the suspect was in custody. The sheriff's office did not release the suspect name, possible charges or additional details.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it is released.----------------KINGMAN COUNTY —More than 40 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies assisted with this search on Friday and the search will continued overnight, according to the sheriff's office. This subject is not local to Kingman County. Call 911 if you locate or see this subject.-----------KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement in Kingman County on Friday afternoon asked the public to watch for a suspect last seen southeast of Kingman, according to a social media report from the Kingman County Sheriff.According to the sheriff's department, deputies found the vehicle but the subject is still at large. Authorities did not release details on a crime in connection with the search.They asked the public to call 911 if you locate or see this subject.

Sheriff: Suspect in Kingman Co. search is in custody

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

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/fd061dc3-cbb0-4f8f-b4fb-db1fc5b6ddd5">Anderson resigns as Great Bend City Administrator</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6badf130-42d5-4f5d-a2da-170483cc8ed0">Great Bend Rec to exceed RNR, will collect more tax dollars</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6cfa0ab1-d4de-47a9-93c4-1a28543a6191">Barton CC intends to remain revenue neutral, not raising taxes</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682986663540.jpeg" alt="Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson has submitted his resignation." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson has submitted his resignation.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3xnms1k4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/fd061dc3-cbb0-4f8f-b4fb-db1fc5b6ddd5">Anderson resigns as Great Bend City Administrator</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6badf130-42d5-4f5d-a2da-170483cc8ed0">Great Bend Rec to exceed RNR, will collect more tax dollars</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6cfa0ab1-d4de-47a9-93c4-1a28543a6191">Barton CC intends to remain revenue neutral, not raising taxes</a>

Eagle Radio's news week in review

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

A record number 21 members of Rosewood Services, along with four sponsors, participated in the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference last weekend, July 5-7, in Wichita. The amount of Rosewood representation eclipsed last year’s participation record by four. This year’s theme for SACK Conference was “Reach for the Stars.”

As the theme implies, half the contingent of Rosewood SACK Conference members ambitiously achieved new goals by attending the conference for the first time. Attending their inaugural conference for Kansans with disabilities were Rosewood’s Rylee Ankenman, Chris Devine, Ella Haberman, Codie Hardie, Beth Mattocks, Mary Minear, Curtis Schneweis, Caitlyn Stinger, Jeannie Triplett, and Jim Wonsetler. They were joined by Rosewood’s veteran conference attendees Charles Bortz, Darren Brown, David Edwardson, Rae Griffin , Shaun Ledesma, Michael Manka, Cole Morin, Kim Reynolds, Ivan Smith, and Josh Trimmer. Also attending were Rosewood SACK Conference sponsors Frankie Pelster and Tonya Burton, along with staff and the wife-husband team of Tahcoa and Patrick Strachan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “The comradery for our veteran conference goers helping to acclimate our new attendees this year warmed my heart,” said Pelster. “The vets helped the newcomers get where they needed to go, introduced them to new people, and went out of the way to ensure their first conference was a positive experience.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rosewood’s Kurtis Coleman traveled independently to the conference, arriving a day early where he volunteered by helping SACK Conference staff and members, alike. He even served as a panelist at one of the break-out sessions.

“Kurtis usually travels with us, but I was impressed to see him spread his wings and he did his own bit of reaching for the stars,” explained Pelster. “Throughout the conference, he did an amazing job of being hospitable and helpful to so many people.”

For the second consecutive year, the SACK Conference was held at Drury Plaza Hotel, Broadview, and provided an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to meet, share and learn from each other, as well as learn from experts in the field. Participants of this year’s annual conference had opportunity to choose from 12 workshops during four learning sessions that were held last Saturday. Additionally, all got to participate in the “Art As Therapy” session and they had the opportunity to listen to three keynote speakers talk about “Reaching for the Stars.”

Most of Rosewood’s SACK Conference attendees are members of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club. However, serving as the Club’s sponsor, Pelster said AKTION Club membership is not a requirement of someone to attend SACK Conference.

“Some of our folks we took this year are not active members of our AKTION Club, but they are people in our agency who are making good strides and doing positive things. They indicated to me that they wanted to experience SACK Conference, so together, we made that happen. I wouldn’t want them to miss the opportunity. The conference is a such a great place where our self-advocates can organically meet other people and create friendships from that one encounter.”

Another positive development from the conference this year was that Tahcoa Strachan was nominated and received the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award.” The award is voted on by all the SACK Conference attendees.

“I was overjoyed and super proud of Tahcoa because she is my daughter,” said Pelster, “but also because she has been helping me to staff this event for a lot of years. She does a wonderful job of enhancing the experience for our conference-goers. She has earned that award by gaining the respect and friendship of the conference members over the years.”

Pelster commended her other conference staff, as well. Tonya Burton went above and beyond by creating Rosewood awards for attendees from this year’s conference that will be handed out this summer. Patrick Strachan stepped in as a replacement staff member and is now encouraged to train and help as natural support for future events. And there were plenty of other positive effects from this year’s conference as explained by Pelster.

“Curtis found his advocacy voice; Jim learned a lesson in perseverance; at 77-years-old, Ella is a dynamo; Beth is literally making tremendous strides; Codie is a super-awesome all-around good guy … there’s just so many positive stories we now have from attending this year’s conference,” explained Pelster. “It’s an enormous amount of work to plan and attend the conference, but that effort is worth every minute that it takes because of the positive experiences and friendships made.

“I have already received requests from people who want to go back next year. That conference will be in June; we only have 11 months to plan!!”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720800179239.jpeg" alt="Three Rosewood members enjoy their time at this year’s Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference in Wichita. Left to right are Chris Devine, Cole Morin and Mary Minear. " />
 <figcaption>Three Rosewood members enjoy their time at this year’s Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference in Wichita. Left to right are Chris Devine, Cole Morin and Mary Minear. </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood ServicesA record number 21 members of Rosewood Services, along with four sponsors, participated in the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference last weekend, July 5-7, in Wichita. The amount of Rosewood representation eclipsed last year’s participation record by four. This year’s theme for SACK Conference was “Reach for the Stars.”As the theme implies, half the contingent of Rosewood SACK Conference members ambitiously achieved new goals by attending the conference for the first time. Attending their inaugural conference for Kansans with disabilities were Rosewood’s Rylee Ankenman, Chris Devine, Ella Haberman, Codie Hardie, Beth Mattocks, Mary Minear, Curtis Schneweis, Caitlyn Stinger, Jeannie Triplett, and Jim Wonsetler. They were joined by Rosewood’s veteran conference attendees Charles Bortz, Darren Brown, David Edwardson, Rae Griffin , Shaun Ledesma, Michael Manka, Cole Morin, Kim Reynolds, Ivan Smith, and Josh Trimmer. Also attending were Rosewood SACK Conference sponsors Frankie Pelster and Tonya Burton, along with staff and the wife-husband team of Tahcoa and Patrick Strachan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “The comradery for our veteran conference goers helping to acclimate our new attendees this year warmed my heart,” said Pelster. “The vets helped the newcomers get where they needed to go, introduced them to new people, and went out of the way to ensure their first conference was a positive experience.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720800223310.jpeg" alt="Rosewood’s Ella Haberman proudly shows her creation during the “Art As Therapy” session on Saturday morning, July 6th, at this year’s SACK Conference in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Rosewood’s Ella Haberman proudly shows her creation during the “Art As Therapy” session on Saturday morning, July 6th, at this year’s SACK Conference in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rosewood’s Kurtis Coleman traveled independently to the conference, arriving a day early where he volunteered by helping SACK Conference staff and members, alike. He even served as a panelist at one of the break-out sessions.“Kurtis usually travels with us, but I was impressed to see him spread his wings and he did his own bit of reaching for the stars,” explained Pelster. “Throughout the conference, he did an amazing job of being hospitable and helpful to so many people.”For the second consecutive year, the SACK Conference was held at Drury Plaza Hotel, Broadview, and provided an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to meet, share and learn from each other, as well as learn from experts in the field. Participants of this year’s annual conference had opportunity to choose from 12 workshops during four learning sessions that were held last Saturday. Additionally, all got to participate in the “Art As Therapy” session and they had the opportunity to listen to three keynote speakers talk about “Reaching for the Stars.”Most of Rosewood’s SACK Conference attendees are members of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club. However, serving as the Club’s sponsor, Pelster said AKTION Club membership is not a requirement of someone to attend SACK Conference.“Some of our folks we took this year are not active members of our AKTION Club, but they are people in our agency who are making good strides and doing positive things. They indicated to me that they wanted to experience SACK Conference, so together, we made that happen. I wouldn’t want them to miss the opportunity. The conference is a such a great place where our self-advocates can organically meet other people and create friendships from that one encounter.”Another positive development from the conference this year was that Tahcoa Strachan was nominated and received the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award.” The award is voted on by all the SACK Conference attendees.“I was overjoyed and super proud of Tahcoa because she is my daughter,” said Pelster, “but also because she has been helping me to staff this event for a lot of years. She does a wonderful job of enhancing the experience for our conference-goers. She has earned that award by gaining the respect and friendship of the conference members over the years.”Pelster commended her other conference staff, as well. Tonya Burton went above and beyond by creating Rosewood awards for attendees from this year’s conference that will be handed out this summer. Patrick Strachan stepped in as a replacement staff member and is now encouraged to train and help as natural support for future events. And there were plenty of other positive effects from this year’s conference as explained by Pelster.“Curtis found his advocacy voice; Jim learned a lesson in perseverance; at 77-years-old, Ella is a dynamo; Beth is literally making tremendous strides; Codie is a super-awesome all-around good guy … there’s just so many positive stories we now have from attending this year’s conference,” explained Pelster. “It’s an enormous amount of work to plan and attend the conference, but that effort is worth every minute that it takes because of the positive experiences and friendships made.“I have already received requests from people who want to go back next year. That conference will be in June; we only have 11 months to plan!!”

Rosewood Services members participate in advocacy conference

NESS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex allegations.

Just after 11:30 p.m. July 11, deputies from the Ness County Sheriffs Office executed an arrest warrant at 414 S Kansas Avenue in Ransom, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Braydan Lee Fringer, 22,&nbsp; was arrested after a cooperative investigation between the Ness County Sheriffs Office and the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZXYnBtgVGJ0QHx-1EJXjViED43b1Dn-KwE2fQjy3eIpZnPQ_s65RfMGg1pmAJs-SQ3G621PEY5twfelp1DXQN5Dju27M64D4QlQ7Nu27KmfFXF1I7Z6ihkz7iCJ6xjkX9Syn78w92CF-6tRttfgEZMUpQ4M9pVk5JKlPLCPQR362hpbY24h4NZ3fNwHaFM2QYqSAgtxNSBKryDPpBCfmyLP1KVPsdZ0AUNWfXwoyxWDWH3eCE6KvMX-w-zcNrnn3eQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R"> Kansas Bureau of Investigatio</a>n.

Fringer was booked into the Ness County Jail for one count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child, and four counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child.&nbsp;

NESS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex allegations.Just after 11:30 p.m. July 11, deputies from the Ness County Sheriffs Office executed an arrest warrant at 414 S Kansas Avenue in Ransom, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Braydan Lee Fringer, 22,&nbsp; was arrested after a cooperative investigation between the Ness County Sheriffs Office and the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZXYnBtgVGJ0QHx-1EJXjViED43b1Dn-KwE2fQjy3eIpZnPQ_s65RfMGg1pmAJs-SQ3G621PEY5twfelp1DXQN5Dju27M64D4QlQ7Nu27KmfFXF1I7Z6ihkz7iCJ6xjkX9Syn78w92CF-6tRttfgEZMUpQ4M9pVk5JKlPLCPQR362hpbY24h4NZ3fNwHaFM2QYqSAgtxNSBKryDPpBCfmyLP1KVPsdZ0AUNWfXwoyxWDWH3eCE6KvMX-w-zcNrnn3eQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R"> Kansas Bureau of Investigatio</a>n. Fringer was booked into the Ness County Jail for one count of Electronic Solicitation of a Child, and four counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child.&nbsp;

KBI: Ness County man accused of child sex crimes

Tracie Haselhorst may have changed titles at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation but her mission remains the same: “to ensure high-quality care for all clients.”

Haselhorst, a Great Bend native, recently was named clinical director at The Center, 5815 Broadway, where she most recently served as crisis coordinator.

“In my new position, I work with our therapists by helping them process their cases so that clients receive the best care possible,” Haselhorst said. “I also collaborate with law enforcement and hospitals about crisis services.”

One of her goals is to help the clinical team continue to make improvements that benefit clients.

“We have an excellent clinical team and are fortunate that we can build on the solid foundation that Gail Sullivan built,” Haselhorst noted, referring to the clinical director who recently retired. “Gail expertly guided us in the right direction in our practice as clinicians.”

Haselhorst came to The Center in 2017 with more than a decade of experience that has allowed her to fill various roles during her tenure at the non-profit agency.

“I am committed to this agency for many reasons,” she said. “For example, everyone here worked really hard to get our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) license way before the deadline. This was a significant achievement.

“The result is that we care for and treat the whole person with the full gamut of mental-health services and medication-assisted treatment, along with housing and employment guidance. Everything we do in this multidimensional program is client-centered.”

Even though Haselhorst works more closely with employees now, she continues with other responsibilities that include supporting clients in crisis and completing intakes.

She also maintains her roles as team leader for the Jail Program and the Assertive Community Treatment program.

“Since I am a bit of an extrovert, I do my best to constantly connect with staff and clients in all these roles,” Haselhorst commented. “In a special effort to keep the lines of communication open, we have formed several committees that bring together staff from various departments.

“It is crucial that we communicate within our agency and with our community partners.”

When Haselhorst arrived at The Center, she was a therapist for individuals and families. Her previous employment included: case manager and attendant care technician at Johnson County Mental Health; and case manager at Elizabeth Layton Center in Paola.

She has experience caring for adults and children.

Haselhorst earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice at Barton Community College in 1999 and a bachelor’s in psychology in 2002 at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. She received a master’s in social work in 2017 from The University of Kansas and is a licensed social worker.

Julie Kramp, executive director at The Center, said Haselhorst “brings an extensive background to the clinical-director position that will serve us well as a CCBHC. She also has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills in many capacities throughout her years at The Center.

“We are so fortunate that someone of Tracie’s caliber is serving in this capacity. Her background and willingness to look to the future make her a perfect fit for the job.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720635122677.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSTracie Haselhorst may have changed titles at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation but her mission remains the same: “to ensure high-quality care for all clients.”Haselhorst, a Great Bend native, recently was named clinical director at The Center, 5815 Broadway, where she most recently served as crisis coordinator.“In my new position, I work with our therapists by helping them process their cases so that clients receive the best care possible,” Haselhorst said. “I also collaborate with law enforcement and hospitals about crisis services.”One of her goals is to help the clinical team continue to make improvements that benefit clients.“We have an excellent clinical team and are fortunate that we can build on the solid foundation that Gail Sullivan built,” Haselhorst noted, referring to the clinical director who recently retired. “Gail expertly guided us in the right direction in our practice as clinicians.”Haselhorst came to The Center in 2017 with more than a decade of experience that has allowed her to fill various roles during her tenure at the non-profit agency.“I am committed to this agency for many reasons,” she said. “For example, everyone here worked really hard to get our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) license way before the deadline. This was a significant achievement.“The result is that we care for and treat the whole person with the full gamut of mental-health services and medication-assisted treatment, along with housing and employment guidance. Everything we do in this multidimensional program is client-centered.”Even though Haselhorst works more closely with employees now, she continues with other responsibilities that include supporting clients in crisis and completing intakes.She also maintains her roles as team leader for the Jail Program and the Assertive Community Treatment program.“Since I am a bit of an extrovert, I do my best to constantly connect with staff and clients in all these roles,” Haselhorst commented. “In a special effort to keep the lines of communication open, we have formed several committees that bring together staff from various departments.“It is crucial that we communicate within our agency and with our community partners.”When Haselhorst arrived at The Center, she was a therapist for individuals and families. Her previous employment included: case manager and attendant care technician at Johnson County Mental Health; and case manager at Elizabeth Layton Center in Paola.She has experience caring for adults and children.Haselhorst earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice at Barton Community College in 1999 and a bachelor’s in psychology in 2002 at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. She received a master’s in social work in 2017 from The University of Kansas and is a licensed social worker.Julie Kramp, executive director at The Center, said Haselhorst “brings an extensive background to the clinical-director position that will serve us well as a CCBHC. She also has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills in many capacities throughout her years at The Center.“We are so fortunate that someone of Tracie’s caliber is serving in this capacity. Her background and willingness to look to the future make her a perfect fit for the job.”The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

Haselhorst promoted to clinical director at The Center in Great Bend

Ok, I know I have already had an article on chinch bugs, but I thought I would wrap it up with a quick overview and summary of some keys points to ponder for farmers when facing them again next year.

Chinch bugs in Kansas are a perennial pest of just about any type of grass. Since they are true bugs, chinch bugs may attack any grass where they insert their mouthparts into the plants and suck out the juice.

They have caused problems in turf farms, golf courses, and lawns. In crops, they mainly affect sorghum and sorghum/sudan hay fields, but are occasionally problematic in corn and wheat.

Primarily, it is because of timing. As wheat is quickly maturing, chinch bug nymphs, which have been feeding on the wheat until the plants started drying, move elsewhere, seeking a new food source. Often, this is seedling sorghum or sorghum/sudan planted adjacent to those wheat fields that are now maturing, but in which the chinch bugs were perfectly happy feeding. This is called the walking migration because these nymphs can't fly or jump. They walk out of the maturing wheat seeking succulent grass to feed on. However, these small nymphs can only live a few days without food and can only walk about 50 yards without finding a suitable food source, says Jeff Whitworkh K-State Extension Entomologists.

Furthermore, it needs to be noted that the first generation of chinch bug nymphs migrating out of the wheat will not migrate through the entire sorghum field, and thus that is why you get the edge effect, of anywhere between 6 to 16 rows, give or take, of plants being affected.

There are two generations of chinch bugs in Kansas each growing season. But the first generation that is coming out of mature wheat fields and feeding on young seedling sorghum or sorghum/sudan plants is the main concern. Generally, by the time the second generation of chinch bugs nymphs are hatching and feeding, the sorghum and sorghum/sudan plants are big enough to withstand the feeding and will continue to grow well.

Insecticide-treated seed also helps as the nymphs seem susceptible. However, the bugs need to feed on the plant juice to get the toxin, and if there are too many bugs inserting their mouthparts and sucking out the fluid, especially on seedling plants or plants under less than ideal growing conditions, this may kill the bug, but also kill the small plant.

Last year, in 2023, much of Kansas experienced large populations of chinch bugs, so there were potentially large numbers going into the fall/winter. And this year, sure enough the number of chinch bugs was probably in all estimations the largest we have seen to date.

Also, because they float, says Withworth, chinch bugs do not generally drown in heavy rain. So, water running off infested wheat fields moves chinch bugs, often accumulating wherever runoff water pools. Good growing conditions really help plants withstand chinch bug feeding though. So once sorghum plants get bigger they can withstand the feeding of the chinch bugs without killing the plants.

The first generation of nymphs produced now has most likely became adults. Then they mate and start the process all over again for another generation, (two generations in KS each year) which will then move to fall-planted wheat, then on to overwintering sites. They overwinter in bunch grasses then move to wheat in the spring to deposit eggs and start all over again.

For more information, please refer to the following KSRE publications. Sorghum Insect Pest Management 2024 MF742, and Chinch Bugs MF3107, or give me a call in the Cottonwood Extension District Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720535183362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Ok, I know I have already had an article on chinch bugs, but I thought I would wrap it up with a quick overview and summary of some keys points to ponder for farmers when facing them again next year.Chinch bugs in Kansas are a perennial pest of just about any type of grass. Since they are true bugs, chinch bugs may attack any grass where they insert their mouthparts into the plants and suck out the juice.They have caused problems in turf farms, golf courses, and lawns. In crops, they mainly affect sorghum and sorghum/sudan hay fields, but are occasionally problematic in corn and wheat.Primarily, it is because of timing. As wheat is quickly maturing, chinch bug nymphs, which have been feeding on the wheat until the plants started drying, move elsewhere, seeking a new food source. Often, this is seedling sorghum or sorghum/sudan planted adjacent to those wheat fields that are now maturing, but in which the chinch bugs were perfectly happy feeding. This is called the walking migration because these nymphs can't fly or jump. They walk out of the maturing wheat seeking succulent grass to feed on. However, these small nymphs can only live a few days without food and can only walk about 50 yards without finding a suitable food source, says Jeff Whitworkh K-State Extension Entomologists.Furthermore, it needs to be noted that the first generation of chinch bug nymphs migrating out of the wheat will not migrate through the entire sorghum field, and thus that is why you get the edge effect, of anywhere between 6 to 16 rows, give or take, of plants being affected.There are two generations of chinch bugs in Kansas each growing season. But the first generation that is coming out of mature wheat fields and feeding on young seedling sorghum or sorghum/sudan plants is the main concern. Generally, by the time the second generation of chinch bugs nymphs are hatching and feeding, the sorghum and sorghum/sudan plants are big enough to withstand the feeding and will continue to grow well.Insecticide-treated seed also helps as the nymphs seem susceptible. However, the bugs need to feed on the plant juice to get the toxin, and if there are too many bugs inserting their mouthparts and sucking out the fluid, especially on seedling plants or plants under less than ideal growing conditions, this may kill the bug, but also kill the small plant.Last year, in 2023, much of Kansas experienced large populations of chinch bugs, so there were potentially large numbers going into the fall/winter. And this year, sure enough the number of chinch bugs was probably in all estimations the largest we have seen to date.Also, because they float, says Withworth, chinch bugs do not generally drown in heavy rain. So, water running off infested wheat fields moves chinch bugs, often accumulating wherever runoff water pools. Good growing conditions really help plants withstand chinch bug feeding though. So once sorghum plants get bigger they can withstand the feeding of the chinch bugs without killing the plants.The first generation of nymphs produced now has most likely became adults. Then they mate and start the process all over again for another generation, (two generations in KS each year) which will then move to fall-planted wheat, then on to overwintering sites. They overwinter in bunch grasses then move to wheat in the spring to deposit eggs and start all over again.For more information, please refer to the following KSRE publications. Sorghum Insect Pest Management 2024 MF742, and Chinch Bugs MF3107, or give me a call in the Cottonwood Extension District Office in Hays at 785-628-9430.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Understanding chinch bugs

Jeannie Kolb “loves” having the opportunity to care for patients and believes the best place to share her passion for nursing is Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) in Larned.

Kolb recently was recognized for her nursing skills by earning the DAISY Award, which honors extraordinary nurses locally, nationally and internationally.

“I am in the right place because after every shift, I feel a sense of gratitude from my patients,” Kolb said. “I have a drive to improve a patient’s situation. Oftentimes, it is the little things that make a significant difference; a simple touch or smile means a lot.

“I love to see that our care here at the hospital can make a positive change in someone’s life. This is what keeps me going every day.”

Kolb, long-time Larned resident, has more than 25 years of nursing experience and cares for patients in Special Nursing Services. This includes treatments such as IV therapy, wound care, blood transfusions, catheter management and assessing central lines for blood draws.

When she is needed, Kolb also works in pre-op and fills in for the charge nurse, which involves Acute Care and the Emergency Department.

Kolb acknowledged she was surprised by the DAISY nomination, which came from a patient who was receiving long-term antibiotics and daily dressing changes for many weeks.

“I am honored and grateful for the nomination and the award,” Kolb commented. “It is gratifying to know that our patient care is appreciated. It is what we do every day.

The whole nursing team deserves the DAISY Award. To work alongside these compassionate and professional nurses, doctors and other staff at PVCH is incredibly rewarding.

“As a team, we do make a difference and take pride in our patient-centered care,” she continued. “I love being part of this skilled team that has one goal in mind – to collaborate with one another to provide high-quality healthcare.”

The PVCH Family Advisory Council sponsors the DAISY Award each year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720706551341.jpeg" alt="Jeannie Kolb, second from right, recently was honored with the DAISY Award for her nursing skills at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. Others helping her celebrate the recognition, from left to right, are: Kolb’s daughters, Summer Snyder, Devri Viegra and Tabatha Snyder, along with Cindy Burton, PVCH director of nursing." />
 <figcaption>Jeannie Kolb, second from right, recently was honored with the DAISY Award for her nursing skills at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. Others helping her celebrate the recognition, from left to right, are: Kolb’s daughters, Summer Snyder, Devri Viegra and Tabatha Snyder, along with Cindy Burton, PVCH director of nursing.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSJeannie Kolb “loves” having the opportunity to care for patients and believes the best place to share her passion for nursing is Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) in Larned.Kolb recently was recognized for her nursing skills by earning the DAISY Award, which honors extraordinary nurses locally, nationally and internationally.“I am in the right place because after every shift, I feel a sense of gratitude from my patients,” Kolb said. “I have a drive to improve a patient’s situation. Oftentimes, it is the little things that make a significant difference; a simple touch or smile means a lot.“I love to see that our care here at the hospital can make a positive change in someone’s life. This is what keeps me going every day.”Kolb, long-time Larned resident, has more than 25 years of nursing experience and cares for patients in Special Nursing Services. This includes treatments such as IV therapy, wound care, blood transfusions, catheter management and assessing central lines for blood draws.When she is needed, Kolb also works in pre-op and fills in for the charge nurse, which involves Acute Care and the Emergency Department.Kolb acknowledged she was surprised by the DAISY nomination, which came from a patient who was receiving long-term antibiotics and daily dressing changes for many weeks.“I am honored and grateful for the nomination and the award,” Kolb commented. “It is gratifying to know that our patient care is appreciated. It is what we do every day.The whole nursing team deserves the DAISY Award. To work alongside these compassionate and professional nurses, doctors and other staff at PVCH is incredibly rewarding.“As a team, we do make a difference and take pride in our patient-centered care,” she continued. “I love being part of this skilled team that has one goal in mind – to collaborate with one another to provide high-quality healthcare.”The PVCH Family Advisory Council sponsors the DAISY Award each year.

Kolb earns DAISY Award at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Two summers ago, the California-based Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps made a stop in Great Bend en route to winning the Drum Corps International World Championships. The team will again be making a stop in Great Bend on Monday, July 15. Greg Jewell, a former Argonne Rebel and staffer with the Blue Devils, wanted to make sure the community was aware. 

"They were here two years ago," he said. "They kind of slipped into town unannounced. Word got around eventually, and in the evening a lot people showed up. This year, I wanted to make sure anyone who was interested would be able to see them."

The Blue Devils travel in style. The 2022 stop at Great Bend High School featured an 18-vehicle convoy, including four sleeper buses for staff, four charter buses for members, a semi-truck and trailer for food, and two more semis for equipment and props. The Blue Devils hail from Concord, Calif., but will soon be making their way across the Midwest.

"They're on tour now," Jewell said. "They have a show in Ft. Collins, Colo. on Saturday night. They'll get here on Sunday morning around 2 a.m. and they'll put the kids to bed in the field house at the high school. They'll get up, have breakfast, then they're going to rehearse all day long at the high school."

As they did in 2022, the Blue Devils will travel from Great Bend to Broken Arrow, Okla. for a performance on July 16. Jewell expects a complete run-through of that performance shortly after 7 p.m. Monday night.

The Blue Devils are used to the heat. California and Nevada recently experienced record highs. The Corps spent the first 10 days of July in California before traveling to West Wendover, Nev. on July 8 and Plain City, Utah on July 9. The forecasted high for Great Bend on Monday is 102 degrees. Last year, the team traveled from Great Bend to Broken Arrow when high temperatures were expected to hit 107 degrees.

"The kids are used to it," Jewell said. "Two years ago, Marc Webster and I helped by taking them ice. The staff is watchful as far as making sure they're getting through it okay."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720794457965.jpeg" alt="The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps during a rehearsal day at Great Bend High School in 2022." />
 <figcaption>The Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps during a rehearsal day at Great Bend High School in 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTwo summers ago, the California-based Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps made a stop in Great Bend en route to winning the Drum Corps International World Championships. The team will again be making a stop in Great Bend on Monday, July 15. Greg Jewell, a former Argonne Rebel and staffer with the Blue Devils, wanted to make sure the community was aware. "They were here two years ago," he said. "They kind of slipped into town unannounced. Word got around eventually, and in the evening a lot people showed up. This year, I wanted to make sure anyone who was interested would be able to see them."The Blue Devils travel in style. The 2022 stop at Great Bend High School featured an 18-vehicle convoy, including four sleeper buses for staff, four charter buses for members, a semi-truck and trailer for food, and two more semis for equipment and props. The Blue Devils hail from Concord, Calif., but will soon be making their way across the Midwest."They're on tour now," Jewell said. "They have a show in Ft. Collins, Colo. on Saturday night. They'll get here on Sunday morning around 2 a.m. and they'll put the kids to bed in the field house at the high school. They'll get up, have breakfast, then they're going to rehearse all day long at the high school."As they did in 2022, the Blue Devils will travel from Great Bend to Broken Arrow, Okla. for a performance on July 16. Jewell expects a complete run-through of that performance shortly after 7 p.m. Monday night.The Blue Devils are used to the heat. California and Nevada recently experienced record highs. The Corps spent the first 10 days of July in California before traveling to West Wendover, Nev. on July 8 and Plain City, Utah on July 9. The forecasted high for Great Bend on Monday is 102 degrees. Last year, the team traveled from Great Bend to Broken Arrow when high temperatures were expected to hit 107 degrees."The kids are used to it," Jewell said. "Two years ago, Marc Webster and I helped by taking them ice. The staff is watchful as far as making sure they're getting through it okay."

Famed Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps making Great Bend stop

Hear this month's Sunflower Show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Sunflower Diversified Services' Director of Planned Giving and Community Support Cody Harris. The show aired July 10, 2024.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Sunflower Show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Sunflower Diversified Services' Director of Planned Giving and Community Support Cody Harris. The show aired July 10, 2024.<div><iframe title="Sunflower Diversified Services' Cody Harris" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mj97c-166518a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Sunflower Show airs the second Wednesday each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Sunflower Diversified Services' Cody Harris

The City of Great Bend Public Lands Department announced that the Splash Pad at Veterans Memorial Park is currently out of order due to a pump failure. The city is awaiting the delivery of a replacement part, and the splash pad is expected to remain closed until the middle of next week.

The city apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the public's patience as they work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.&nbsp; 

For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Scott Keeler at skeeler@greatbendks.net or call 620-793-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715096022648.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Great Bend Public Lands Department announced that the Splash Pad at Veterans Memorial Park is currently out of order due to a pump failure. The city is awaiting the delivery of a replacement part, and the splash pad is expected to remain closed until the middle of next week.The city apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the public's patience as they work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.&nbsp; For any additional questions or concerns, please contact Scott Keeler at skeeler@greatbendks.net or call 620-793-4111.

Splash pad at Vets Park temporarily out of order

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/11)

At 8:46 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1214 SE 30
Road in Ellinwood.

At 11:37 a.m. an accident was reported at 19th
&amp; Morton.

At 4:35 p.m. a fire was reported at 1065 NW 90 Avenue in
Olmitz.

At 9:46 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE K-156
Highway &amp; NE 100 Avenue.

At 9:55 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway at
MM 147 in Rice County.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (7/11)

At 9:23 a.m. a vehicle weaving all over the roadway was reported
at SW 40 Avenue &amp; W. US 56 Highway.

At 11:06 a.m. a hit and run was reported at 3511 10th
Street ¾. 

At 3:09 p.m. a subject on a mini bike passing on the right
was reported at Broadway &amp; K-96 Highway.

At 3:34 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 2100 Broadway
Avenue.

At 4:56 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1806 12th
Street.

At 6:37 p.m. a dog bite was reported on 25th
Street.

At 7:55 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2529 9th
Street.

At 8:41 p.m. a bat inside of her residence was reported at
1411 12th Street.

At 9:19 p.m. a theft of a window AC unit was reported at 224
Hickory.

At 10:41 p.m. a juvenile hanging out of a vehicle was
reported at 3307 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/11)Animal Complaint At 8:46 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1214 SE 30
Road in Ellinwood.Non-Injury AccidentAt 11:37 a.m. an accident was reported at 19th
&amp; Morton.FireAt 4:35 p.m. a fire was reported at 1065 NW 90 Avenue in
Olmitz.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 9:46 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE K-156
Highway &amp; NE 100 Avenue.Non-Injury AccidentAt 9:55 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway at
MM 147 in Rice County.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (7/11)Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 9:23 a.m. a vehicle weaving all over the roadway was reported
at SW 40 Avenue &amp; W. US 56 Highway.Non-Injury AccidentAt 11:06 a.m. a hit and run was reported at 3511 10th
Street ¾. Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 3:09 p.m. a subject on a mini bike passing on the right
was reported at Broadway &amp; K-96 Highway.Structure FireAt 3:34 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 2100 Broadway
Avenue.Sick PersonAt 4:56 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1806 12th
Street.Animal ComplaintAt 6:37 p.m. a dog bite was reported on 25th
Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 7:55 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2529 9th
Street.Animal ComplaintAt 8:41 p.m. a bat inside of her residence was reported at
1411 12th Street.TheftAt 9:19 p.m. a theft of a window AC unit was reported at 224
Hickory.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 10:41 p.m. a juvenile hanging out of a vehicle was
reported at 3307 10th Street.

Cop Shop (7/11)

7/11 BOOKED: Emily Bond on Barton County District Court warrants, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Eric Zecha on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving with No License, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Bonnie Kuhn on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting a $250 cash bond.

RELEASED: Andrew Moran on Rush County District Court warrants for Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, and Contempt of Court (2), on $40,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Victoria Richmond on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/11 BOOKED: Emily Bond on Barton County District Court warrants, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Eric Zecha on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving with No License, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Bonnie Kuhn on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting a $250 cash bond.RELEASED: Andrew Moran on Rush County District Court warrants for Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, and Contempt of Court (2), on $40,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Victoria Richmond on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Endangerment of a Child, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/11)

United Way of Central Kansas is preparing to Stuff the Bus again this
year. The date is set for this Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. at Walmart and both Dillons locations in Great Bend. 

United Way
Executive Director Charell Owings said Stuff the Bus is aimed at making a
difference in the lives of children by helping students in need start the
school year with the essential supplies. 


"We know that in Barton County, about 47% of families are living paycheck to paycheck," said Owings. "That makes back to school time difficult for so many across our community. Stuff the Bus aims to alleviate some of the financial strain that this time of year can put on families. We're always amazed at the generosity of the community."

This year, United Way has set a goal of filling 250 backpacks for students
across Great Bend. The campaign is a collaborative effort with USD 428 as well
as Central Kansas Christian Academy and Holy Family Elementary.


Along with dropping off items Saturday, monetary contributions will be
accepted.


"There are those that donate an item or two," said Owings. "There are some that are able to contribute more, but every item truly makes a difference and can impact a family. We hope we see a steady stream of shoppers on Saturday. Donations can also be made online or by dropping them off at the office."

Volunteers are also welcome to help collect items this Saturday for Stuff the
Bus. United Way will assemble the backpacks and distribute them to the schools,
which will then allocate them to families in need.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720634435907.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostUnited Way of Central Kansas is preparing to Stuff the Bus again this
year. The date is set for this Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. at Walmart and both Dillons locations in Great Bend. United Way
Executive Director Charell Owings said Stuff the Bus is aimed at making a
difference in the lives of children by helping students in need start the
school year with the essential supplies. 
"We know that in Barton County, about 47% of families are living paycheck to paycheck," said Owings. "That makes back to school time difficult for so many across our community. Stuff the Bus aims to alleviate some of the financial strain that this time of year can put on families. We're always amazed at the generosity of the community."This year, United Way has set a goal of filling 250 backpacks for students
across Great Bend. The campaign is a collaborative effort with USD 428 as well
as Central Kansas Christian Academy and Holy Family Elementary.
Along with dropping off items Saturday, monetary contributions will be
accepted.
"There are those that donate an item or two," said Owings. "There are some that are able to contribute more, but every item truly makes a difference and can impact a family. We hope we see a steady stream of shoppers on Saturday. Donations can also be made online or by dropping them off at the office."Volunteers are also welcome to help collect items this Saturday for Stuff the
Bus. United Way will assemble the backpacks and distribute them to the schools,
which will then allocate them to families in need.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Stuff the Bus is Saturday in Great Bend to help students in need

Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before&nbsp; 7a.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. South wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.

Tuesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.

Tuesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Wednesday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.

Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before&nbsp; 7a.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74. South wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. South wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.Tuesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.Tuesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68.Wednesday A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

For 40 years, Margaret Huntwork has done it her way. In 1984, she left a fast food franchise to start a restaurant of her own - a small hamburger and ice cream shack near 23rd and Washington in Great Bend. First, she had to have a name. Leann's Restaurant &amp; Carryout was born. Still going strong after 40 years, Huntwork is now trying to sell the business.

"Everyone in the family was either a Lee or an Ann," she said. "When we first started, the state wouldn't give me a license. You need to have a name for your business before you can have a license. I just took our names."

The first iteration of the business had a limited menu, largely due to its size. Great Bend was booming in the late 80s and early 90s, and bigger spaces were limited. When the Sugar Shack went out of business on 10th Street, Huntwork jumped at the chance to move into a bigger facility. She moved Leann's to 2520 10th Street in 1991 and expanded her menu.

"We've done all right all these years because we're different," Huntwork said. "We're not fast food. It's just home-cooked food. Every week is different. I try not to serve the same special more than once a month, so it's a lot of different menu ideas. People like homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, and I think we're about the only ones in town that still do that."

That was a busy time for Huntwork and her daughters. From 1989-1997, Huntwork served breakfast out of Kitty's Diner on east 10th Street before finishing out the day at Leann's. For 15 years, she sold food at the Sale Barn in Great Bend.&nbsp;

Huntwork got her start in the kitchen at a young age. Before implements were popular, she was part of the farming community in Greenwood County south of Emporia. Farmers helped one another with the harvest. Men did the work and the women did the cooking. Even four decades later, when she purchased the shack on Washington Ave., things were done a little differently.

"The opportunities women have now are amazing compared to how it was back then," said Huntwork. "I could not even get a loan, a small loan. My husband had to sign for me."

Leann's has always been a small operation. Huntwork currently has four part-time employees and one full-time employee. That full-time employee has been along for most of the ride. Tammy Helfrich began working for Huntwork just before she turned 20. She's still there 39 years later.

The customers have also been loyal. Huntwork and Helfrich remember how customers kept the business alive during the COVID pandemic.

"They came through the drive-thru day after day," Helfrich said. "You could come in and get an order to go but you couldn't dine in. They were very good."

"We just had a nucleus," said Huntwork. "They carried us."

In return, Huntwork has provided for the community. For five years, she catered lunch for Eagle Radio's Kans for Kids Radiothon. Leann's catered to Great Bend Industries for half a decade. The restaurant has also catered countless weddings and other community events over the decades. One special group has been the Great Bend High School Class of '53, which has met three evenings each year since graduation. Leann's has handled the catering for the last 25 years.&nbsp;

Huntwork buys her meat from Ellinwood Packing and buys as much as she can locally. She's even offered a helping hand to the homeless who have passed by.

"They'll come in and drop down all their stuff," said Huntwork. "We usually give them something to eat and drink and send them on their way."

Huntwork does not own the building at 2520 10th Street, so only the business is for sale. Forty years later, she still prepares the daily lunch specials and desserts. She hopes whoever purchases Leann's will keep it the same.

"It's hard to leave, it really is," she said. "It isn't anything I would do; if I were able to stay, I would stay forever and ever. I don't know of anyone else, for a long time, that has served just a homecooked meal, plus a dessert, maybe with ice cream. We've met a lot of nice people and we have a lot of great memories."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720619511802.jpeg" alt="Margaret Huntwork (left) opened Leann's in Great Bend 40 years ago. Tammy Helfrich has worked at the restaurant for 39 years. The business is now for sale." />
 <figcaption>Margaret Huntwork (left) opened Leann's in Great Bend 40 years ago. Tammy Helfrich has worked at the restaurant for 39 years. The business is now for sale.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFor 40 years, Margaret Huntwork has done it her way. In 1984, she left a fast food franchise to start a restaurant of her own - a small hamburger and ice cream shack near 23rd and Washington in Great Bend. First, she had to have a name. Leann's Restaurant &amp; Carryout was born. Still going strong after 40 years, Huntwork is now trying to sell the business."Everyone in the family was either a Lee or an Ann," she said. "When we first started, the state wouldn't give me a license. You need to have a name for your business before you can have a license. I just took our names."The first iteration of the business had a limited menu, largely due to its size. Great Bend was booming in the late 80s and early 90s, and bigger spaces were limited. When the Sugar Shack went out of business on 10th Street, Huntwork jumped at the chance to move into a bigger facility. She moved Leann's to 2520 10th Street in 1991 and expanded her menu."We've done all right all these years because we're different," Huntwork said. "We're not fast food. It's just home-cooked food. Every week is different. I try not to serve the same special more than once a month, so it's a lot of different menu ideas. People like homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, and I think we're about the only ones in town that still do that."That was a busy time for Huntwork and her daughters. From 1989-1997, Huntwork served breakfast out of Kitty's Diner on east 10th Street before finishing out the day at Leann's. For 15 years, she sold food at the Sale Barn in Great Bend.&nbsp;Huntwork got her start in the kitchen at a young age. Before implements were popular, she was part of the farming community in Greenwood County south of Emporia. Farmers helped one another with the harvest. Men did the work and the women did the cooking. Even four decades later, when she purchased the shack on Washington Ave., things were done a little differently."The opportunities women have now are amazing compared to how it was back then," said Huntwork. "I could not even get a loan, a small loan. My husband had to sign for me."Leann's has always been a small operation. Huntwork currently has four part-time employees and one full-time employee. That full-time employee has been along for most of the ride. Tammy Helfrich began working for Huntwork just before she turned 20. She's still there 39 years later.The customers have also been loyal. Huntwork and Helfrich remember how customers kept the business alive during the COVID pandemic."They came through the drive-thru day after day," Helfrich said. "You could come in and get an order to go but you couldn't dine in. They were very good.""We just had a nucleus," said Huntwork. "They carried us."In return, Huntwork has provided for the community. For five years, she catered lunch for Eagle Radio's Kans for Kids Radiothon. Leann's catered to Great Bend Industries for half a decade. The restaurant has also catered countless weddings and other community events over the decades. One special group has been the Great Bend High School Class of '53, which has met three evenings each year since graduation. Leann's has handled the catering for the last 25 years.&nbsp;Huntwork buys her meat from Ellinwood Packing and buys as much as she can locally. She's even offered a helping hand to the homeless who have passed by."They'll come in and drop down all their stuff," said Huntwork. "We usually give them something to eat and drink and send them on their way."Huntwork does not own the building at 2520 10th Street, so only the business is for sale. Forty years later, she still prepares the daily lunch specials and desserts. She hopes whoever purchases Leann's will keep it the same."It's hard to leave, it really is," she said. "It isn't anything I would do; if I were able to stay, I would stay forever and ever. I don't know of anyone else, for a long time, that has served just a homecooked meal, plus a dessert, maybe with ice cream. We've met a lot of nice people and we have a lot of great memories."

Four decades strong: Great Bend's Leann's up for sale

USD 428's summer school programs wrapped up at the end of June. Students in the Great Bend schools participated in Olympic-themed project-based learning ahead of the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. The Great Bend Fire Department closed out summer school programming at Riley Elementary with some cool water from high up on the ladder truck. District Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins detailed summer participation to the USD 428 Board of Education Monday night.

"They say summer is supposed to be a little slower but not for the kids in Great Bend," she said. "They kept on learning and being active and that's pretty exciting. Another successful summer school is in the books. Now, we can gear up for August."

Two hundred and one elementary students completed 2,680 hours of reading and the same amount of science, and also had 2,010 hours of active play over the four weeks. Fifty-three high school and 79 middle school students participated in summer school. One hundred and seventy-eight students were enrolled in driver's education, and 150 middle and high school students are engaged in strength and conditioning training. In June, USD 428 served just shy of 38,000 meals.

The district's free summer lunch program will continue through July 19 at Eisenhower, Jefferson, and Riley schools. The program is offered 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, for anyone 18 years of age or younger.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720626373106.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend Fire Department provided some fun to close out summer school at Riley Elementary. (photo courtesy of USD 428)" />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend Fire Department provided some fun to close out summer school at Riley Elementary. (photo courtesy of USD 428)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostUSD 428's summer school programs wrapped up at the end of June. Students in the Great Bend schools participated in Olympic-themed project-based learning ahead of the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. The Great Bend Fire Department closed out summer school programming at Riley Elementary with some cool water from high up on the ladder truck. District Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins detailed summer participation to the USD 428 Board of Education Monday night."They say summer is supposed to be a little slower but not for the kids in Great Bend," she said. "They kept on learning and being active and that's pretty exciting. Another successful summer school is in the books. Now, we can gear up for August."Two hundred and one elementary students completed 2,680 hours of reading and the same amount of science, and also had 2,010 hours of active play over the four weeks. Fifty-three high school and 79 middle school students participated in summer school. One hundred and seventy-eight students were enrolled in driver's education, and 150 middle and high school students are engaged in strength and conditioning training. In June, USD 428 served just shy of 38,000 meals.The district's free summer lunch program will continue through July 19 at Eisenhower, Jefferson, and Riley schools. The program is offered 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, for anyone 18 years of age or younger.

Great Bend students not slowing down in the summer months

PAWNEE COUNTY– James Speer, 32, of Larned, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court this week for trial regarding two alleged Jessica’s Law sexual offenses alleged to have occurred in 2013, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

The matter was originally scheduled to be presented to a jury, but Speer waived his right to a jury trial on July 3, 2024, and asked to proceed with a bench trial. 

Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman presided over the bench trial. Prior to trial, the defendant gave the State notice of his intent to rely on an alibi defense.

The State presented testimony that during a conversation with her mother in August of 2020 the victim disclosed that, when she was approximately 8 years old, she had been sexually assaulted at a party her father took her to. 

She stated the assault occurred when a man asked her to sit on his lap near a bonfire. The girl also told her mother that they ultimately spent the night at the party because her father had been drinking heavily. After she had fallen asleep, the victim remembered being awakened to find the same man’s face and he was assaulting her. The victim told her mother that she did not know that man that did it, but she would “definitely remember his face if she saw it again.”

The mother testified at trial that after her daughter’s disclosure she reached out to the girl’s father and was able to determine the party in question occurred sometime in 2013 in Garfield, Kansas. While the father could not remember the names of the men at the party, he did remember the names of a couple woman that he had attended the party with. The mother further testified that she utilized social media to reach out to the women. One of the women responded to her and gave her the names of two men at the party, one of whom was James Speer. The mother was able to obtain pictures of Speer and the other man and sent the photos to her daughter electronically. The girl testified at trial that when she opened the photo of the other man, she thought it kind of looked like the assailant, but not exactly. However, when she opened the photo of Speer she instantly couldn’t breathe, and she had a panic attack.

The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department was then notified about the allegations by the mother after the victim identified James Speer as her assailant. A formal forensic interview of the girl was performed by the Child Advocacy Center in Great Bend, Kansas.

Law enforcement testified at trial their investigation revealed that the father had in fact learned of the allegation the day following the party and had told the women he had attended the party with about the allegation. His daughter, however, later downplayed the actual touching after the father said he was going to kill the man. As such, the father never notified law enforcement.

When law enforcement interviewed the two women identified by the father, they learned that one of the two women had been the live-in girlfriend of James Speer at the time of the party. Both women testified that Speer was at the party, that they saw the girl on his lap, that Speer was the only person’s lap the girl sat on, and that they had also saw Speer carry the girl into the house after she fell asleep. They further testified the other man identified at the party had left before anyone had gone to bed. The other man identified at the party died in 2015.

 The victim’s father also testified at the trial about remembering Speer being at the party and how his daughter had sat on Speer’s lap.

Additionally, law enforcement discovered that after Speer’s girlfriend learned about the allegation against Speer the day following the party in question, the woman immediately took her own daughter, who was two years old at the time, to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) for a sexual assault exam. 

The medical records reflected that the exam took place on May 26, 2013. The records also indicated the exam was being requested due to an allegation that the child’s mother’s boyfriend, James Speer, had put his hands on a 7 year old girl the night before. The records also indicated that the mother lived with James Speer in Garfield but did not intend to return to the home. Based on the information provided, PVCH made referrals to law enforcement and DCF.

A current detective for the sheriff’s department assigned to the case testified that based on his review of the file it appeared no follow-up was done on the referral as Speer was arrested on July 2, 2013, and subsequently charged with having a sexual relationship with a 14 year old girl. Speer has been in custody since that time.

As part of the evidence at trial, the parties stipulated that in 2015 a jury of twelve persons convicted, James Edwin Speer, of two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a 14 year old child. Specifically, the jury found (1) James Edwin Speer had sexual intercourse with a 14 year old child in an apartment in Larned, Kansas, on or about 24th day of May to on or about the 7th day of June, 2013; and (2) James Edwin Speer had sexual intercourse with a 14 year old child in an apartment in Larned, Kansas, on or about 7th day of June to on or about the 30th day of June, 2013.

Following the presentation of the State’s case, the defendant took the stand on his own behalf. Speer testified that he had not been at the party in question as he had already moved out of the home on May 1st and that based on the evidence presented at the jury trial in his 2015 conviction it was impossible for him to have committed the crimes currently charged as he was having a sexual relationship with the 14 year old during that time frame. Defense counsel then asked in support of their alibi defense that the Court to take judicial notice of the trial testimony of the prior jury trial.

The parties presented closing arguments on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

On Wednesday afternoon Judge Gatterman announced that as the trier of fact he found the victim’s identification of Speer being her assailant persuasive and when combining that with the eyewitness testimony placing Speer at the party, the victim being on Speer’s lap, and there being no other identifiable possible perpetrator, the Court found the State had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about May 25 or 26, 2013, in Pawnee County, Kansas, the defendant James Edwin Speer had sexual intercourse as defined by Kansas law and then engaged in oral sodomy as defined by Kansas law with a child under the age of 14 years of age at a time when the defendant was 18 years of age or older. Accordingly, the Court found the defendant guilty of Rape of a Child Under 14 years of age and guilty of Aggravated Oral Sodomy of a Child Under 14 years of age.

Following the reading of his verdicts, Judge Gatterman advised Speer of his duty to register as sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act and ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.

Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, Speer faces a presumptive prison sentence between 147 months and 653 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history. Based on his prior sex offenses, Speer now also faces the possibility of a mandatory 40 year sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions.

Speer is currently in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections serving a sentence for his 2015 convictions.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett presented the State’s case. Speer was represented by Joe Shepack of Great Bend, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720657861287.png" alt="Speer has four previous convictions for sex crime and convictions for criminal threat, obstruction and aggravated intimidation of a witness, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Speer has four previous convictions for sex crime and convictions for criminal threat, obstruction and aggravated intimidation of a witness, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections -photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S NOTE: Caution graphic contentPAWNEE COUNTY– James Speer, 32, of Larned, appeared in the Pawnee County District Court this week for trial regarding two alleged Jessica’s Law sexual offenses alleged to have occurred in 2013, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.The matter was originally scheduled to be presented to a jury, but Speer waived his right to a jury trial on July 3, 2024, and asked to proceed with a bench trial. Pawnee County District Judge Bruce Gatterman presided over the bench trial. Prior to trial, the defendant gave the State notice of his intent to rely on an alibi defense.The State presented testimony that during a conversation with her mother in August of 2020 the victim disclosed that, when she was approximately 8 years old, she had been sexually assaulted at a party her father took her to. She stated the assault occurred when a man asked her to sit on his lap near a bonfire. The girl also told her mother that they ultimately spent the night at the party because her father had been drinking heavily. After she had fallen asleep, the victim remembered being awakened to find the same man’s face and he was assaulting her. The victim told her mother that she did not know that man that did it, but she would “definitely remember his face if she saw it again.”The mother testified at trial that after her daughter’s disclosure she reached out to the girl’s father and was able to determine the party in question occurred sometime in 2013 in Garfield, Kansas. While the father could not remember the names of the men at the party, he did remember the names of a couple woman that he had attended the party with. The mother further testified that she utilized social media to reach out to the women. One of the women responded to her and gave her the names of two men at the party, one of whom was James Speer. The mother was able to obtain pictures of Speer and the other man and sent the photos to her daughter electronically. The girl testified at trial that when she opened the photo of the other man, she thought it kind of looked like the assailant, but not exactly. However, when she opened the photo of Speer she instantly couldn’t breathe, and she had a panic attack.The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department was then notified about the allegations by the mother after the victim identified James Speer as her assailant. A formal forensic interview of the girl was performed by the Child Advocacy Center in Great Bend, Kansas.Law enforcement testified at trial their investigation revealed that the father had in fact learned of the allegation the day following the party and had told the women he had attended the party with about the allegation. His daughter, however, later downplayed the actual touching after the father said he was going to kill the man. As such, the father never notified law enforcement.When law enforcement interviewed the two women identified by the father, they learned that one of the two women had been the live-in girlfriend of James Speer at the time of the party. Both women testified that Speer was at the party, that they saw the girl on his lap, that Speer was the only person’s lap the girl sat on, and that they had also saw Speer carry the girl into the house after she fell asleep. They further testified the other man identified at the party had left before anyone had gone to bed. The other man identified at the party died in 2015. The victim’s father also testified at the trial about remembering Speer being at the party and how his daughter had sat on Speer’s lap.Additionally, law enforcement discovered that after Speer’s girlfriend learned about the allegation against Speer the day following the party in question, the woman immediately took her own daughter, who was two years old at the time, to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) for a sexual assault exam. The medical records reflected that the exam took place on May 26, 2013. The records also indicated the exam was being requested due to an allegation that the child’s mother’s boyfriend, James Speer, had put his hands on a 7 year old girl the night before. The records also indicated that the mother lived with James Speer in Garfield but did not intend to return to the home. Based on the information provided, PVCH made referrals to law enforcement and DCF.A current detective for the sheriff’s department assigned to the case testified that based on his review of the file it appeared no follow-up was done on the referral as Speer was arrested on July 2, 2013, and subsequently charged with having a sexual relationship with a 14 year old girl. Speer has been in custody since that time.As part of the evidence at trial, the parties stipulated that in 2015 a jury of twelve persons convicted, James Edwin Speer, of two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a 14 year old child. Specifically, the jury found (1) James Edwin Speer had sexual intercourse with a 14 year old child in an apartment in Larned, Kansas, on or about 24th day of May to on or about the 7th day of June, 2013; and (2) James Edwin Speer had sexual intercourse with a 14 year old child in an apartment in Larned, Kansas, on or about 7th day of June to on or about the 30th day of June, 2013.Following the presentation of the State’s case, the defendant took the stand on his own behalf. Speer testified that he had not been at the party in question as he had already moved out of the home on May 1st and that based on the evidence presented at the jury trial in his 2015 conviction it was impossible for him to have committed the crimes currently charged as he was having a sexual relationship with the 14 year old during that time frame. Defense counsel then asked in support of their alibi defense that the Court to take judicial notice of the trial testimony of the prior jury trial.The parties presented closing arguments on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;On Wednesday afternoon Judge Gatterman announced that as the trier of fact he found the victim’s identification of Speer being her assailant persuasive and when combining that with the eyewitness testimony placing Speer at the party, the victim being on Speer’s lap, and there being no other identifiable possible perpetrator, the Court found the State had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about May 25 or 26, 2013, in Pawnee County, Kansas, the defendant James Edwin Speer had sexual intercourse as defined by Kansas law and then engaged in oral sodomy as defined by Kansas law with a child under the age of 14 years of age at a time when the defendant was 18 years of age or older. Accordingly, the Court found the defendant guilty of Rape of a Child Under 14 years of age and guilty of Aggravated Oral Sodomy of a Child Under 14 years of age.Following the reading of his verdicts, Judge Gatterman advised Speer of his duty to register as sex offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act and ordered a presentence investigation report be completed to determine the defendant’s criminal history. Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.Under the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines, Speer faces a presumptive prison sentence between 147 months and 653 months in the custody of the Department of Corrections depending on his criminal history. Based on his prior sex offenses, Speer now also faces the possibility of a mandatory 40 year sentence under the Jessica’s Law sentencing provisions.Speer is currently in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections serving a sentence for his 2015 convictions.Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett presented the State’s case. Speer was represented by Joe Shepack of Great Bend, Kansas.

Judge rules Larned man guilty of another child sex crime

Do people vote against their self-interest?

For example, there are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/politics/356033/gay-republican-lgbtq-pride-month-history-voter-election-2024">LGBTQ Americans</a>&nbsp;that vote Republican, despite the party’s track record of unfavorable policies toward the LGBTQ community.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="

written by: Dr. Mark Joslyn, professor of political science at the University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>

written by: Dr. Mark Joslyn, professor of political science at the University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>Do people vote against their self-interest?For example, there are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vox.com/politics/356033/gay-republican-lgbtq-pride-month-history-voter-election-2024">LGBTQ Americans</a>&nbsp;that vote Republican, despite the party’s track record of unfavorable policies toward the LGBTQ community.&nbsp; &nbsp;Similarly, affluent Americans back President Biden, even though his tax policies target high-income households.&nbsp;And despite Donald Trump’s persistent attacks on migrants, and support for harsh immigration policies, many Latinos&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/69f3206f-37a7-4561-bebf-5929e7df850d">support</a>&nbsp;him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Writing after the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004, Kansas native Thomas Frank claimed in his bestseller,&nbsp;What’s the Matter with Kansas, that the white working class were deceived into voting against their economic interests. Republicans convinced them that a liberal, coastal, urban elite threatened traditional American values and it was the responsibility of heartland farmers, factory workers, and waitresses to protect those values.And so, they voted Republican.&nbsp;But according to Frank, traditional values were a ploy.&nbsp; Republicans after all represented big business and the wealthy.&nbsp; What the working class received for their support was lower wages, tax cuts for the rich, business deregulations, and sustained attacks on labor unions.Frank did not hold back:&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;"Strip today's Kansans of their job security, and they head out to become registered Republicans. Push them off their land, and next thing you know they're protesting in front of abortion clinics. Squander their life savings on manicures for the CEO, and there's a good chance they'll join the John Birch Society.”&nbsp;&nbsp; What’s the Matter with Kansas?&nbsp; (2004, 67-68).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;As it turned out, Frank was wrong.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.vanneman.umd.edu/socy789b/Bartels06.pdf">Systematic research</a>&nbsp;showed the working class was not tricked.&nbsp; Economic issues, compared to traditional values, were the main drivers of their vote.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, the working class are not the only group to switch party allegiances – affluent voters have as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In 1996, the highest income voters went for Republican Bob Dole by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/elections/natl.exit.poll/index1.html">16 points</a>.&nbsp; But that margin completely disappeared by 2020. Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Elections/exit-polls-2020-us-presidential-election-results-analysis">split the wealthy vote</a>&nbsp;evenly with Trump. This change impacted Kansas. In 1996, Johnson County went for Dole by 22 points. By 2020, Biden won by 8 points, flipping Kansas’s wealthiest county for the first time in decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Does this mean Democrats hoodwinked affluent Johnson County voters into acting against their material interests?&nbsp;Of course not. Wealthy Americans that support Democrats may do so because they believe in the values championed by the party – protecting the environment, universal health care, and a larger role for government in fighting racial and economic inequalities.&nbsp;Similarly, LGBTQ and Latino Americans who cast their votes for Republicans may do so because they identify with the values the party upholds - limited government, strong national defense, free markets, and lower taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;All of this serves as a reminder that self-interest manifests in countless ways and its interpretation is entirely subjective.&nbsp; Voters prioritize certain interests over others.&nbsp; It’s ultimately a personal matter. The strength of democracy lies in the freedom of voters to choose candidates that align with their self-interests.&nbsp; But when doubts are raised about what in fact those interests are, and the political choices that arise from them, democracy suffers.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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