By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Nearly one year has passed since wind and hail from July 16, 2023, wreaked havoc on Great Bend. One of the biggest scars from that storm is finally healed for good. On Sunday, July 14, First Southern Baptist Church, 3301 19th Street in Great Bend, will host Celebration Sunday. Pastor Tim Singleton called it a rededication with a purpose.

"The community has been great," he said. "We've had so many sub-contractors and contractors who have just been an enormous help to us. Then our church. Our church stepped up and shouldered a lot of the load and really got us to this point."

A steel beam was added to the north end of the church to reinforce the walls and ceiling against future wind events. In March, students from Great Bend High School's woodworking class used old lumber from the church to build a faux beam to cover the steel. 

"We've been in there for about two months but we still had finishing touches left," Singleton said. "We had some walls even go up this week. We've been in but it's now complete. We've hit that point really this week."

The special Celebration Sunday will begin on July 14 at 10:45 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719517350640.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNearly one year has passed since wind and hail from July 16, 2023, wreaked havoc on Great Bend. One of the biggest scars from that storm is finally healed for good. On Sunday, July 14, First Southern Baptist Church, 3301 19th Street in Great Bend, will host Celebration Sunday. Pastor Tim Singleton called it a rededication with a purpose."The community has been great," he said. "We've had so many sub-contractors and contractors who have just been an enormous help to us. Then our church. Our church stepped up and shouldered a lot of the load and really got us to this point."A steel beam was added to the north end of the church to reinforce the walls and ceiling against future wind events. In March, students from Great Bend High School's woodworking class used old lumber from the church to build a faux beam to cover the steel. "We've been in there for about two months but we still had finishing touches left," Singleton said. "We had some walls even go up this week. We've been in but it's now complete. We've hit that point really this week."The special Celebration Sunday will begin on July 14 at 10:45 a.m.

One year later: First Southern Baptist fully healed after July 16 storm

Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting July 8 - 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center

1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests

2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: June 10, 2024 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports

3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments

4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 June Attendance Report

5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 City Auditorium Mural &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Appointments &amp; Designations &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2024-2025 Intent to Exceed RNR &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 2024-2025 Budget and RNR Rate Publication Notice &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Floor Finishing &nbsp; &nbsp;5.6 My Backyard Playground Bathroom

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291691646.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting July 8 - 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation CenterAgenda1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: June 10, 2024 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 June Attendance Report5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 City Auditorium Mural &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Appointments &amp; Designations &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2024-2025 Intent to Exceed RNR &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 2024-2025 Budget and RNR Rate Publication Notice &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Floor Finishing &nbsp; &nbsp;5.6 My Backyard Playground Bathroom6. Other Business7. Adjournment

Great Bend Rec Board meeting agenda (7/8)

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the promotion of Len Couture to manager of substation operations.

In his new role, Couture will manage the construction, repair, and maintenance of Sunflower’s substation systems while ensuring proper planning and coordination with&nbsp;internal and external entities.

A native of Plainville, Kan., Couture obtained a technical degree in electronics from Wichita Automotive and Electronics Institute in Wichita, Kan. He began his career at Sunflower in 2007 as a senior substation technician and was promoted to substation supervisor in 2013. Couture has been instrumental in working with Sunflower’s member utilities to meet their business needs.

Couture and his wife, Maryanne, live in Great Bend, Kan. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Kelsey.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720190113814.jpeg" alt="Len Couture" />
 <figcaption>Len Couture</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSSunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the promotion of Len Couture to manager of substation operations.In his new role, Couture will manage the construction, repair, and maintenance of Sunflower’s substation systems while ensuring proper planning and coordination with&nbsp;internal and external entities.A native of Plainville, Kan., Couture obtained a technical degree in electronics from Wichita Automotive and Electronics Institute in Wichita, Kan. He began his career at Sunflower in 2007 as a senior substation technician and was promoted to substation supervisor in 2013. Couture has been instrumental in working with Sunflower’s member utilities to meet their business needs.Couture and his wife, Maryanne, live in Great Bend, Kan. They have two adult daughters, Jessica and Kelsey.

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation promotes Len Couture

Story by Maggie Harris Photo by Joe Vinduska&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College and the Barton Foundation invite staff, faculty, and community members to celebrate the dedication of the new Agriculture and Transportation Complex beginning at 4 p.m. July 17, with an open house to follow from 5-6 p.m.

Comments will be provided by Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki and the Training Development and Delivery Manager from CNH Industrial, James Meyers. Ribbon cuttings will follow for the L.L Alban Transportation Training Center, KanEquip Learning Center, and the Glenn and Elaine Mull Agriculture Center.

The open house will feature tours of the facility from program faculty, offering attendees a firsthand look at the innovative learning environments. Light refreshments will also be provided.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719868253770.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Maggie Harris Photo by Joe Vinduska&nbsp;&nbsp;Barton Community College and the Barton Foundation invite staff, faculty, and community members to celebrate the dedication of the new Agriculture and Transportation Complex beginning at 4 p.m. July 17, with an open house to follow from 5-6 p.m.Comments will be provided by Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki and the Training Development and Delivery Manager from CNH Industrial, James Meyers. Ribbon cuttings will follow for the L.L Alban Transportation Training Center, KanEquip Learning Center, and the Glenn and Elaine Mull Agriculture Center.The open house will feature tours of the facility from program faculty, offering attendees a firsthand look at the innovative learning environments. Light refreshments will also be provided.

Barton Community College to offer tours of new ag complex

Eating healthy isn’t always easy. Expert-recommended diets often emphasize fresh, whole foods and home-cooked meals. But that can be expensive and time-consuming. Highly processed foods are often cheap and convenient. But they also tend to be high in calories, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, and low in fiber.

Scientists are starting to learn that highly processed foods can have certain effects on your body that may make sticking to your healthy eating goals even harder. Eating too much of them may lead to weight gain and increase your risk for certain diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Most foods that we eat are processed to some extent—they’re modified from how they exist in nature. Chopping, grinding, drying, cooking, and freezing are all forms of food processing. Some forms of processing are good for your health. For example, cooking meat and pasteurizing milk can help prevent foodborne diseases. But if your food is processed too much, it may be harmful to your health.

Ultra-processed foods are those that have undergone the greatest level of processing. As a general rule, ultra-processed foods are those that have been made using additives, ingredients that you wouldn’t likely have in your home kitchen. These include things like hydrogenated oils, isolated proteins, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ultra-processed foods are often made using industrial processes that you can’t easily do at home.

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be low cost and have long shelf lives. They’re tasty, convenient, and ready to eat. Examples include carbonated soft drinks, chips, chicken nuggets, and sausages. Having too much of these in your diet may result in overeating and can be harmful to your health.

Understanding Overeating It’s difficult for scientists to study exactly how ultra-processed foods affect overeating. That requires carefully controlling people’s diets for weeks at a time.

But NIH metabolism researcher Dr. Kevin Hall has done just that. In a recent study, he compared calorie intake and weight gain in participants who ate a highly processed diet with those who ate a minimally processed diet. Study participants stayed at NIH’s Metabolic Clinical Research Unit for four weeks, spending two weeks on each diet. Both diets offered the same amount of calories, sugar, fiber, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates on a daily basis. Participants could eat as much or as little as they wanted.

When people were on the diet with ultra-processed foods, they ate about 500 more calories each day. They also gained about 2 pounds on average. In contrast, when they were on the less-processed diet, they lost about 2 pounds.

The differences weren’t due to different nutrients in the overall diet. And, the participants rated the meals on both diets as equally pleasant. So why did people eat more of the diet filled with ultra-processed foods? The researchers aren’t sure.

Hall’s team is now looking at what else might be in ultra-processed foods that leads people to overeat. The brain may react differently to those foods, he says, or the gut may send out different signals after they’re digested.

The tendency for ultra-processed foods to lead to overeating may partly explain the recent rise in obesity. “But we rely on ultra-processed foods too much to get rid of them,” Hall says. “They’re tasty, they’re convenient, and it doesn’t take much time or effort or skill to prepare them.”

Hall hopes that a better understanding of what’s causing increased calorie consumption can help guide how such foods are made, or which ones people choose to eat.

“If we had ways to target problematic foods by understanding how they cause overeating, that might help manufacturers reformulate those foods so that they no longer cause problems,” says Hall. “Or it might help policymakers come up with ways to regulate potentially problematic foods.”

Changing the Brain One way that ultra-processed foods might lead to overeating is by altering the brain. MRI scans are being used to see how ultra-processed foods affect the brain’s reward system. These are the parts of the brain that are activated by pleasure and drive us to seek it out. Studies are being done on whether a diet high in ultra-processed foods affect this system, and if the changes lead to people eating more when they’re not hungry.

If consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks might make you want more, does that mean you can get addicted to them? Right now, it’s not clear whether ultra-processed foods are addictive. But some studies suggest they might be.

“These ultra-processed, highly rewarding foods have way more in common with a cigarette than they do with an apple or an orange or black beans,” says Dr. Ashley Gearhardt, a clinical psychologist who studies overeating behaviors at the University of Michigan. “Some of the same brain circuitry turns on when we’re craving drugs as when we’re craving these ultra-processed foods.”

Gearhardt says that eating ultra-processed foods may lead to a compulsive habit. This means you have difficulty cutting back even when you want to. This is similar to what happens with addictive substances.

Addictive substances can also cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. Symptoms can include irritability, agitation, depression, and strong cravings for the substance. Gearhardt and others are studying whether cutting back on ultra-processed foods can cause similar withdrawal symptoms. This research may help explain why eating healthier can be harder for some people.

“Right now, we tell people they should feel better if they’re eating healthier,” Gearhardt says. “But we hear a lot of people say: ‘When I start to eat healthier, I feel so irritable and agitated. My cravings are so strong that I don’t feel better. I feel worse.’”

If we recognize that these symptoms can occur, we could give people strategies to manage them, says Gearhardt. That might make it easier for people to change their eating habits. If you’re looking for ways to start eating healthier, stay tuned for next week’s article!

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>Eating healthy isn’t always easy. Expert-recommended diets often emphasize fresh, whole foods and home-cooked meals. But that can be expensive and time-consuming. Highly processed foods are often cheap and convenient. But they also tend to be high in calories, added sugar, saturated fat, and salt, and low in fiber.Scientists are starting to learn that highly processed foods can have certain effects on your body that may make sticking to your healthy eating goals even harder. Eating too much of them may lead to weight gain and increase your risk for certain diseases, like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.What Are Ultra-Processed Foods? Most foods that we eat are processed to some extent—they’re modified from how they exist in nature. Chopping, grinding, drying, cooking, and freezing are all forms of food processing. Some forms of processing are good for your health. For example, cooking meat and pasteurizing milk can help prevent foodborne diseases. But if your food is processed too much, it may be harmful to your health.Ultra-processed foods are those that have undergone the greatest level of processing. As a general rule, ultra-processed foods are those that have been made using additives, ingredients that you wouldn’t likely have in your home kitchen. These include things like hydrogenated oils, isolated proteins, and high-fructose corn syrup. Ultra-processed foods are often made using industrial processes that you can’t easily do at home.Ultra-processed foods are designed to be low cost and have long shelf lives. They’re tasty, convenient, and ready to eat. Examples include carbonated soft drinks, chips, chicken nuggets, and sausages. Having too much of these in your diet may result in overeating and can be harmful to your health.Understanding Overeating It’s difficult for scientists to study exactly how ultra-processed foods affect overeating. That requires carefully controlling people’s diets for weeks at a time.But NIH metabolism researcher Dr. Kevin Hall has done just that. In a recent study, he compared calorie intake and weight gain in participants who ate a highly processed diet with those who ate a minimally processed diet. Study participants stayed at NIH’s Metabolic Clinical Research Unit for four weeks, spending two weeks on each diet. Both diets offered the same amount of calories, sugar, fiber, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates on a daily basis. Participants could eat as much or as little as they wanted.When people were on the diet with ultra-processed foods, they ate about 500 more calories each day. They also gained about 2 pounds on average. In contrast, when they were on the less-processed diet, they lost about 2 pounds.The differences weren’t due to different nutrients in the overall diet. And, the participants rated the meals on both diets as equally pleasant. So why did people eat more of the diet filled with ultra-processed foods? The researchers aren’t sure.Hall’s team is now looking at what else might be in ultra-processed foods that leads people to overeat. The brain may react differently to those foods, he says, or the gut may send out different signals after they’re digested.The tendency for ultra-processed foods to lead to overeating may partly explain the recent rise in obesity. “But we rely on ultra-processed foods too much to get rid of them,” Hall says. “They’re tasty, they’re convenient, and it doesn’t take much time or effort or skill to prepare them.”Hall hopes that a better understanding of what’s causing increased calorie consumption can help guide how such foods are made, or which ones people choose to eat.“If we had ways to target problematic foods by understanding how they cause overeating, that might help manufacturers reformulate those foods so that they no longer cause problems,” says Hall. “Or it might help policymakers come up with ways to regulate potentially problematic foods.”Changing the Brain One way that ultra-processed foods might lead to overeating is by altering the brain. MRI scans are being used to see how ultra-processed foods affect the brain’s reward system. These are the parts of the brain that are activated by pleasure and drive us to seek it out. Studies are being done on whether a diet high in ultra-processed foods affect this system, and if the changes lead to people eating more when they’re not hungry.If consuming ultra-processed foods and drinks might make you want more, does that mean you can get addicted to them? Right now, it’s not clear whether ultra-processed foods are addictive. But some studies suggest they might be.“These ultra-processed, highly rewarding foods have way more in common with a cigarette than they do with an apple or an orange or black beans,” says Dr. Ashley Gearhardt, a clinical psychologist who studies overeating behaviors at the University of Michigan. “Some of the same brain circuitry turns on when we’re craving drugs as when we’re craving these ultra-processed foods.”Gearhardt says that eating ultra-processed foods may lead to a compulsive habit. This means you have difficulty cutting back even when you want to. This is similar to what happens with addictive substances.Addictive substances can also cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. Symptoms can include irritability, agitation, depression, and strong cravings for the substance. Gearhardt and others are studying whether cutting back on ultra-processed foods can cause similar withdrawal symptoms. This research may help explain why eating healthier can be harder for some people.“Right now, we tell people they should feel better if they’re eating healthier,” Gearhardt says. “But we hear a lot of people say: ‘When I start to eat healthier, I feel so irritable and agitated. My cravings are so strong that I don’t feel better. I feel worse.’”If we recognize that these symptoms can occur, we could give people strategies to manage them, says Gearhardt. That might make it easier for people to change their eating habits. If you’re looking for ways to start eating healthier, stay tuned for next week’s article!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: 'De-junking' your diet

Giving Tuesday is fast approaching and will be on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. Planning for this year’s 11th Giving Tuesday has started at the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Again, this year the foundation is inviting all qualified charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties to participate in the giving campaign and celebration.

The first step in signing up for the first time or the 11th time is the registration form. The registration form will be shared to the GBCF Facebook page and website or stop by the office for a hard copy. Information will continue to be updated as time gets closer to December 3rd. #GoldenBeltGives

Any organization that would like to sign up for this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign for the first time, please email mackenzie@goldenbeltcf.org or call the office to start the process and/or ask any questions.

Giving Tuesday is open to: • Any qualified charitable organization in Barton, Pawnee, Rush or Stafford counties may participate • Funds raised may be granted directly back to the charitable organization or added to the organization’s endowment fund – it is the organization’s choice • Matching funds will be awarded proportionally to organizations with GBCF endowment funds • Other incentives to participate to be announced

Organizations must opt in for Giving Tuesday by September 18, 2024 in order to participate. Organizations must complete their registration form by email or in person at the GBCF office this year. 

GBCF has an opportunity to earn up to $70,000 again in matching funds thanks to the Patterson Family Foundation. Matching funds will be used as a proportional match for those funds who have an endowment with the foundation.

To learn more about this year’s Giving Tuesday, please visit the foundation website at www.goldenbeltcf.org and the Facebook page in the coming weeks. For additional questions please contact Mackenzie Mitchell, Development &amp; Communications Coordinator, at 620-792-3000 or mackenzie@goldenbeltcf.org.

Golden Belt Community Foundation At over $30 million in total assets and over 200 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720031718914.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Giving Tuesday is fast approaching and will be on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024. Planning for this year’s 11th Giving Tuesday has started at the Golden Belt Community Foundation. Again, this year the foundation is inviting all qualified charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties to participate in the giving campaign and celebration.The first step in signing up for the first time or the 11th time is the registration form. The registration form will be shared to the GBCF Facebook page and website or stop by the office for a hard copy. Information will continue to be updated as time gets closer to December 3rd. #GoldenBeltGivesAny organization that would like to sign up for this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign for the first time, please email mackenzie@goldenbeltcf.org or call the office to start the process and/or ask any questions.Giving Tuesday is open to: • Any qualified charitable organization in Barton, Pawnee, Rush or Stafford counties may participate • Funds raised may be granted directly back to the charitable organization or added to the organization’s endowment fund – it is the organization’s choice • Matching funds will be awarded proportionally to organizations with GBCF endowment funds • Other incentives to participate to be announcedOrganizations must opt in for Giving Tuesday by September 18, 2024 in order to participate. Organizations must complete their registration form by email or in person at the GBCF office this year. GBCF has an opportunity to earn up to $70,000 again in matching funds thanks to the Patterson Family Foundation. Matching funds will be used as a proportional match for those funds who have an endowment with the foundation.To learn more about this year’s Giving Tuesday, please visit the foundation website at www.goldenbeltcf.org and the Facebook page in the coming weeks. For additional questions please contact Mackenzie Mitchell, Development &amp; Communications Coordinator, at 620-792-3000 or mackenzie@goldenbeltcf.org.Golden Belt Community Foundation At over $30 million in total assets and over 200 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

GBCF's invitation to participate in Giving Tuesday

Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin joined the Wheat’s on Your Mind podcast this week to share his perspectives on the 2024 harvest, the new wheat export marketing year, Kansans serving as industry leaders and more.&nbsp;

No conversation with Gilpin can start in early July without commentary on harvest results. Talking with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations and host of the Wheat’s on Your Mind podcast, he commented that the phrase “better than expected” is the year’s common theme, but one that needs to be put into context.&nbsp;

“The fact that we are having a better crop in a lot of areas than we’ve had in the last couple of years, it is good to see,” Gilpin said.&nbsp;

He echoed farmer hopes from last winter of good prospects for harvest, having seen good stand establishment in the fall. But as the rains did not come for many, the crops started deteriorating through March, April and early May. As the combines started to roll, variability became the name of the game.&nbsp;

“Even within the same county and within miles of each other, you’re seeing pretty wide ranges in yields and overall performance from the wheat as it’s coming in,” Gilpin said. “That has to do with variety, whether somebody caught a rain, whether you were hit by a freeze or whether you’re seeing disease. This is one of those crops that have it all over.”&nbsp;

Gilpin and Harries both tipped their hats to wheat breeders and scientists for the genetics in today’s wheat varieties that allowed the crop to maximize the moisture it did receive - allowing farmers across the state to harvest fields they thought would not make it through the dry spell.&nbsp;

“We know that the genetics are better now than they were 10 years ago,” Gilpin said. “We know that farmers are implementing management practices that give the wheat crop a chance to have higher yield potential than we did a year ago. We just needed Mother Nature to cooperate.”&nbsp;

“We’re seeing that not just within the public varieties that are out there, but certainly the private varieties that are out there as well. It’s a real testament to the breeders, but then also the farmers that have worked to make that investment into those breeding programs.”

As Gilpin talks with Kansas producers, he’s listening for which of those public and private wheat varieties are performing well in test plots and farmers’ fields. One variety he’s on the lookout for is KS Bill Snyder - a new variety that will have limited seed available this fall for planting.&nbsp;

“With its disease package and yield potential, and with that name recognition, hopefully, it’ll be as worthwhile as that variety’s namesake,” Gilpin said, referring to K-State’s legendary football coach for which the new variety is named.&nbsp;

Gilpin and Harries also discussed the need for markets to cooperate to help farmers get the return on acre they need to maintain their operations - especially after emerging from a multi-year drought. The futures market has been rough on wheat, taking nearly a $1.50 break from the start of harvest, driven by harvest pressure, investment funds and global wheat market announcements.

“At the end of the day, you need that return per acre to ultimately define how good that wheat crop is for each of our producers,” Gilpin said. “Hopefully, if we do what we can, working with our breeding and research community to put those genetics in place, the capability of good yields can help out on that return per acre.”&nbsp;

In addition to discussing this year’s harvest, the conversation covered the latest announcements from Turkey and Russia about their wheat supplies, a strong start to the new wheat export marketing year, how border security issues are impacting rail delivery to Mexico, the climate-smart value of having wheat in crop rotations, Kansans in industry leadership programs and more.&nbsp;

Listen to the full discussion and check out other episodes of the Kansas Wheat podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bOWUvHNlS8gEANBZy6pTumtvBOveYkJhJ3ksJ6G6mgFI3eXQwdt_4cdErsWP6SwuD-Fim_5GHP0yFQsOS9YOVfG8ZEjI7E_mvZyuArSXjiCWOxx1NlZQ7Lr1JZ0kjN160qdsATSoRIvgx9FwIi-OKsc7WpT1dvgw&amp;c=BEinZONNrl7WMVs39DtJx9yN6A7cxYQXaiRBedzpBMxu6YbyP06f7g==&amp;ch=kDyvGzgWzRj_V5lkgWGKQ0GhDaUPjEoNqZ4X55exwuAY4xRAtuOIVQ==">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.&nbsp;

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720031512940.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin joined the Wheat’s on Your Mind podcast this week to share his perspectives on the 2024 harvest, the new wheat export marketing year, Kansans serving as industry leaders and more.&nbsp;No conversation with Gilpin can start in early July without commentary on harvest results. Talking with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations and host of the Wheat’s on Your Mind podcast, he commented that the phrase “better than expected” is the year’s common theme, but one that needs to be put into context.&nbsp;“The fact that we are having a better crop in a lot of areas than we’ve had in the last couple of years, it is good to see,” Gilpin said.&nbsp;He echoed farmer hopes from last winter of good prospects for harvest, having seen good stand establishment in the fall. But as the rains did not come for many, the crops started deteriorating through March, April and early May. As the combines started to roll, variability became the name of the game.&nbsp;“Even within the same county and within miles of each other, you’re seeing pretty wide ranges in yields and overall performance from the wheat as it’s coming in,” Gilpin said. “That has to do with variety, whether somebody caught a rain, whether you were hit by a freeze or whether you’re seeing disease. This is one of those crops that have it all over.”&nbsp;Gilpin and Harries both tipped their hats to wheat breeders and scientists for the genetics in today’s wheat varieties that allowed the crop to maximize the moisture it did receive - allowing farmers across the state to harvest fields they thought would not make it through the dry spell.&nbsp;“We know that the genetics are better now than they were 10 years ago,” Gilpin said. “We know that farmers are implementing management practices that give the wheat crop a chance to have higher yield potential than we did a year ago. We just needed Mother Nature to cooperate.”&nbsp;“We’re seeing that not just within the public varieties that are out there, but certainly the private varieties that are out there as well. It’s a real testament to the breeders, but then also the farmers that have worked to make that investment into those breeding programs.”As Gilpin talks with Kansas producers, he’s listening for which of those public and private wheat varieties are performing well in test plots and farmers’ fields. One variety he’s on the lookout for is KS Bill Snyder - a new variety that will have limited seed available this fall for planting.&nbsp;“With its disease package and yield potential, and with that name recognition, hopefully, it’ll be as worthwhile as that variety’s namesake,” Gilpin said, referring to K-State’s legendary football coach for which the new variety is named.&nbsp;Gilpin and Harries also discussed the need for markets to cooperate to help farmers get the return on acre they need to maintain their operations - especially after emerging from a multi-year drought. The futures market has been rough on wheat, taking nearly a $1.50 break from the start of harvest, driven by harvest pressure, investment funds and global wheat market announcements.“At the end of the day, you need that return per acre to ultimately define how good that wheat crop is for each of our producers,” Gilpin said. “Hopefully, if we do what we can, working with our breeding and research community to put those genetics in place, the capability of good yields can help out on that return per acre.”&nbsp;In addition to discussing this year’s harvest, the conversation covered the latest announcements from Turkey and Russia about their wheat supplies, a strong start to the new wheat export marketing year, how border security issues are impacting rail delivery to Mexico, the climate-smart value of having wheat in crop rotations, Kansans in industry leadership programs and more.&nbsp;Listen to the full discussion and check out other episodes of the Kansas Wheat podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bOWUvHNlS8gEANBZy6pTumtvBOveYkJhJ3ksJ6G6mgFI3eXQwdt_4cdErsWP6SwuD-Fim_5GHP0yFQsOS9YOVfG8ZEjI7E_mvZyuArSXjiCWOxx1NlZQ7Lr1JZ0kjN160qdsATSoRIvgx9FwIi-OKsc7WpT1dvgw&amp;c=BEinZONNrl7WMVs39DtJx9yN6A7cxYQXaiRBedzpBMxu6YbyP06f7g==&amp;ch=kDyvGzgWzRj_V5lkgWGKQ0GhDaUPjEoNqZ4X55exwuAY4xRAtuOIVQ==">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.&nbsp;Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Kansas Wheat CEO shares wheat outlook

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/a9b7b913-fcca-4165-bf1f-5d2413d6a438">Kan. man dead, 3 hospitalized after storm at Wilson Lake</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/48ac360c-50d0-4599-831b-f30beed1b68e">Bat Cats not throwing in the towel after clubhouse burglarized</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/dde6938a-28ad-49a5-bbc8-9084e1686e78">Great Bend taking next step to left-turn signals at 10th &amp; McKinley</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/2ee6db95-647d-4592-93da-97365498e721">City of Russell awarded $122,783 grant for street lighting</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1688154074762.jpeg" alt="The City of Great Bend approved an agreement with KDOT to add protected left-turn signals for all sides of traffic at the 10th &amp; McKinley intersection." />
 <figcaption>The City of Great Bend approved an agreement with KDOT to add protected left-turn signals for all sides of traffic at the 10th &amp; McKinley intersection.</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/rhk5kas0/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a9b7b913-fcca-4165-bf1f-5d2413d6a438">Kan. man dead, 3 hospitalized after storm at Wilson Lake</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/48ac360c-50d0-4599-831b-f30beed1b68e">Bat Cats not throwing in the towel after clubhouse burglarized</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/dde6938a-28ad-49a5-bbc8-9084e1686e78">Great Bend taking next step to left-turn signals at 10th &amp; McKinley</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/2ee6db95-647d-4592-93da-97365498e721">City of Russell awarded $122,783 grant for street lighting</a>

Eagle Radio's news week in review

A line of storms with high winds was predicted to move across Kansas in the final hours leading into the Fourth of July holiday Thursday. Even so, the images displayed on radar were not particularly threatening around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Wilson Lake. Chase resident Mackenzie Oberle and family were staying in the Wheatgrass Campground in the Hell Creek area of the lake. Just as the storm arrived, she moved from her parents' camper to a truck just a few feet away.

"It felt like the wind had come up underneath the truck and picked it up," she said. "Something loud hit what I thought was the truck, but it hit the boat. I didn't think anything of it but I looked back and I could see my parents' camper flipped over sideways so I got out and called 911."

Oberle, who has ridden out other storms from inside a camper, said nothing seemed unusual about the storm as it came in. Winds estimated at 70 miles an hour hit the area just as the rain began. Several campers from the packed campgrounds were damaged. One camper near Oberle's truck was blown across the road and completely destroyed. Fortunately, its occupants were able to walk away.

"There wasn't a rhyme or reason why some blew over and some didn't," Oberle said. "There were tiny campers that didn't blow over, and there big, heavy campers that did blow over."

Oberle's parents were able to crawl out of their camper without injury. Three people were transported by Russell County EMS to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries. Christopher Montoya, 64, of Holyrood, was found deceased in the Hell Creek Area of the park.

The storm gained strength as it approached Russell late Wednesday, prompting the National Weather Service out of Wichita to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning shortly before 11:30 p.m. More warnings were later issued for Ellsworth and Rice counties. Torrential rain fell in a short period with more than an inch recorded in Great Bend, 2.06 inches reported in one location near Larned, and up to 1.90 inches reported near Little River. Most locations near Lawrence later reported more than two inches of rain. Most wind reports out of Ellsworth and Russell counties indicate gusts between 68 and 70 mph. Saline County reported the highest gust at 82 mph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720195934565.jpeg" alt="Several campers at Lake Wilson were blown over by wind gusts shortly before midnight on July 3. Three people were transported to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries and a Holyrood man was found deceased. (photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle)" />
 <figcaption>Several campers at Lake Wilson were blown over by wind gusts shortly before midnight on July 3. Three people were transported to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries and a Holyrood man was found deceased. (photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA line of storms with high winds was predicted to move across Kansas in the final hours leading into the Fourth of July holiday Thursday. Even so, the images displayed on radar were not particularly threatening around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Wilson Lake. Chase resident Mackenzie Oberle and family were staying in the Wheatgrass Campground in the Hell Creek area of the lake. Just as the storm arrived, she moved from her parents' camper to a truck just a few feet away."It felt like the wind had come up underneath the truck and picked it up," she said. "Something loud hit what I thought was the truck, but it hit the boat. I didn't think anything of it but I looked back and I could see my parents' camper flipped over sideways so I got out and called 911."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720196040317.jpeg" alt="photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy of Mackenzie Oberle</figcaption>
 </figure>Oberle, who has ridden out other storms from inside a camper, said nothing seemed unusual about the storm as it came in. Winds estimated at 70 miles an hour hit the area just as the rain began. Several campers from the packed campgrounds were damaged. One camper near Oberle's truck was blown across the road and completely destroyed. Fortunately, its occupants were able to walk away."There wasn't a rhyme or reason why some blew over and some didn't," Oberle said. "There were tiny campers that didn't blow over, and there big, heavy campers that did blow over."Oberle's parents were able to crawl out of their camper without injury. Three people were transported by Russell County EMS to Russell Regional Hospital with injuries. Christopher Montoya, 64, of Holyrood, was found deceased in the Hell Creek Area of the park.The storm gained strength as it approached Russell late Wednesday, prompting the National Weather Service out of Wichita to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning shortly before 11:30 p.m. More warnings were later issued for Ellsworth and Rice counties. Torrential rain fell in a short period with more than an inch recorded in Great Bend, 2.06 inches reported in one location near Larned, and up to 1.90 inches reported near Little River. Most locations near Lawrence later reported more than two inches of rain. Most wind reports out of Ellsworth and Russell counties indicate gusts between 68 and 70 mph. Saline County reported the highest gust at 82 mph.

Chase family escapes injury after camper overturned at Lake Wilson

Marketing Maven Consulting, a brand management and design firm based in Great Bend, announced the addition of a new part time employee. Brooklin Morgan, an Ellinwood native, started with the company in mid-June as a Projects Assistant and Student Intern. 

"Brooklin is so talented and intelligent and is learning so much already," said Rachel Mawhirter, Marketing Maven's Founder &amp; CEO. "Her primary focus is on administrative tasks for our firm internally, but she's also assisting with client tasks and taking on special projects."

Brooklin is currently a sophomore at Barton Community College, working toward an associate’s degree. Exploring a career path in STEM, Brooklin is interested in the natural sciences such as physics and astronomy. Critical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability are just a few of the qualities that make her a diligent worker. 

"I thrive in situations that allow for creativity and attention to detail," Morgan said. "I'm enjoying the opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes of business communications, and I hope to apply the things I'm learning in my future career after college."

Outside of work, Brooklin enjoys keeping up with current events, spending quality time with family, and practicing her faith. Additionally, she stays busy taking in nature, traveling, and listening to music.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720028822067.jpeg" alt="Brooklin Morgan" />
 <figcaption>Brooklin Morgan</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSMarketing Maven Consulting, a brand management and design firm based in Great Bend, announced the addition of a new part time employee. Brooklin Morgan, an Ellinwood native, started with the company in mid-June as a Projects Assistant and Student Intern. "Brooklin is so talented and intelligent and is learning so much already," said Rachel Mawhirter, Marketing Maven's Founder &amp; CEO. "Her primary focus is on administrative tasks for our firm internally, but she's also assisting with client tasks and taking on special projects."Brooklin is currently a sophomore at Barton Community College, working toward an associate’s degree. Exploring a career path in STEM, Brooklin is interested in the natural sciences such as physics and astronomy. Critical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability are just a few of the qualities that make her a diligent worker. "I thrive in situations that allow for creativity and attention to detail," Morgan said. "I'm enjoying the opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes of business communications, and I hope to apply the things I'm learning in my future career after college."Outside of work, Brooklin enjoys keeping up with current events, spending quality time with family, and practicing her faith. Additionally, she stays busy taking in nature, traveling, and listening to music.

Marketing Maven adds student intern from Ellinwood

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a cool drink of clean water to quench one’s thirst. For cattle out on pasture, their need for clean, accessible water is important for good health, said the experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast.

“Cattle that are eating dry hay will need to consume more water than cows eating fresh grass, and if they are in a hot environment they’ll drink about twice as much water as cows in the winter,” K-State beef cattle nutritionist Philip Lancaster said.

In the summer, Lancaster estimates the cows need to drink about two gallons of water for every 100 pounds of body weight. And adult cattle aren’t the only animals on pasture with a need for water.

“Even though their diet is mainly milk, calves also need to drink water to help their rumen properly digest any foods they are starting to consume,” Lancaster said.

Not only is it important to provide water access for cattle, but the quality of the water is key to good health, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.

“Anytime cattle are not hydrated as well as they could be, they are suspectable to disease as in the case of pneumonia,” Larson said.

One source of water for cattle on pastures is ponds.

“When the water quality is important, it is best to keep the cattle out of the ponds by fencing them out and piping the water to a tank,” K-State Research and Extension fisheries specialist Joe Gerken said. “Having a pipe that runs through an earthen dam regulates the temperature so the cattle will want to drink more.”

Another option is to grant the cattle limited access to the pond by fencing them out except for a gravel path to one part of the pond, Gerken said.

“Depending on the herd size, generally speaking, this path is from 20-40 feet wide, and because it is gravel, the cattle won’t linger as long due to the way it feels on their hooves,” Gerken said.

He also said the gravel keeps sediment from filling the pond.

“With this system, the pond can be healthy, and the cattle can still get the benefits they need from it,” Gerken said.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a cool drink of clean water to quench one’s thirst. For cattle out on pasture, their need for clean, accessible water is important for good health, said the experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast.“Cattle that are eating dry hay will need to consume more water than cows eating fresh grass, and if they are in a hot environment they’ll drink about twice as much water as cows in the winter,” K-State beef cattle nutritionist Philip Lancaster said.In the summer, Lancaster estimates the cows need to drink about two gallons of water for every 100 pounds of body weight. And adult cattle aren’t the only animals on pasture with a need for water.“Even though their diet is mainly milk, calves also need to drink water to help their rumen properly digest any foods they are starting to consume,” Lancaster said.Not only is it important to provide water access for cattle, but the quality of the water is key to good health, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.“Anytime cattle are not hydrated as well as they could be, they are suspectable to disease as in the case of pneumonia,” Larson said.One source of water for cattle on pastures is ponds.“When the water quality is important, it is best to keep the cattle out of the ponds by fencing them out and piping the water to a tank,” K-State Research and Extension fisheries specialist Joe Gerken said. “Having a pipe that runs through an earthen dam regulates the temperature so the cattle will want to drink more.”Another option is to grant the cattle limited access to the pond by fencing them out except for a gravel path to one part of the pond, Gerken said.“Depending on the herd size, generally speaking, this path is from 20-40 feet wide, and because it is gravel, the cattle won’t linger as long due to the way it feels on their hooves,” Gerken said.He also said the gravel keeps sediment from filling the pond.“With this system, the pond can be healthy, and the cattle can still get the benefits they need from it,” Gerken said.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Clean, accessible water for cows

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

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.Sd1qhyODPBDTfbpoeA78zXOAXA2lXW5qRQ3oJV5_-uQ/s/1305943094/br/245236026978-l">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.Sd1qhyODPBDTfbpoeA78zXOAXA2lXW5qRQ3oJV5_-uQ/s/1305943094/br/245236026978-l">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active AdvisoriesWarning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>King Lake, Lyon County</li><li>Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County</li><li>Webster Lake, Rooks County</li>
 </ul>Watch&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County</li><li>Gathering Pond, Geary County (Added July 3)</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lovewell Lake, Jewell County</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County</li><li>Woodland Park Pond (Mount Hope), Sedgwick County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Lifted&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.&nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.&nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.&nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.&nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

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

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

In a span of six weeks, legalizing golf carts on city streets has been discussed
three times at Great Bend City Council meetings. On May 20, the
council did not have the minimum of five votes needed to pass a new ordinance.
The topic was revisited June 17 with more council members present,
but the governing body voted 6-to-1 to deny making golf carts legal on city
streets, citing lack of support, safety and extra enforcement for the police
department as reasons against the idea.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6f5312e5-cc0e-4f21-8c4d-2f51916e96f3">RELATED STORY: Great Bend council denies golf carts on city streets again</a>

At the July 1 meeting,
citizen Troy McFarren addressed the council in support of a golf cart
ordinance.


"I believe we have a very sizable group that would enjoy this," said McFarren. "I think it's an addition to the community that would give another activity for people to get out, see things and enjoy their time off."

The initial ordinance called for golf carts to keep off of federal or state
highways, McKinley Street, Broadway Avenue or any street with a speed limit in
excess of 30 miles per hour. In 2020, the city began distributing plates and
tags for the legal use of UTVs and side-by-sides.


"We currently have motorized bicycles and scooters that run up and down the streets everyday," said McFarren. "I believe these golf carts, in the ordinance we talked about, are being made as safe as possible."

McFarrren asked the city council to revisit the allowance of golf carts on city
streets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720018958741.png" alt="Troy McFarren spoke at the July 1, 2024 Great Bend City Council meeting in favor of an ordinance to legalize golf carts on city streets." />
 <figcaption>Troy McFarren spoke at the July 1, 2024 Great Bend City Council meeting in favor of an ordinance to legalize golf carts on city streets.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn a span of six weeks, legalizing golf carts on city streets has been discussed
three times at Great Bend City Council meetings. On May 20, the
council did not have the minimum of five votes needed to pass a new ordinance.
The topic was revisited June 17 with more council members present,
but the governing body voted 6-to-1 to deny making golf carts legal on city
streets, citing lack of support, safety and extra enforcement for the police
department as reasons against the idea.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6f5312e5-cc0e-4f21-8c4d-2f51916e96f3">RELATED STORY: Great Bend council denies golf carts on city streets again</a>At the July 1 meeting,
citizen Troy McFarren addressed the council in support of a golf cart
ordinance.
"I believe we have a very sizable group that would enjoy this," said McFarren. "I think it's an addition to the community that would give another activity for people to get out, see things and enjoy their time off."The initial ordinance called for golf carts to keep off of federal or state
highways, McKinley Street, Broadway Avenue or any street with a speed limit in
excess of 30 miles per hour. In 2020, the city began distributing plates and
tags for the legal use of UTVs and side-by-sides.
"We currently have motorized bicycles and scooters that run up and down the streets everyday," said McFarren. "I believe these golf carts, in the ordinance we talked about, are being made as safe as possible."McFarrren asked the city council to revisit the allowance of golf carts on city
streets.

Citizen asks Great Bend council to revisit golf cart ordinance

From Eagle Radio and Great Bend Post, thank you to all the military men and women serving our country!

<div><iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d3CEsFTmZE1qK2IKorP0YGP-l1VZ3JtQ/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe></div>From Eagle Radio and Great Bend Post, thank you to all the military men and women serving our country!

🎥Local freedom salutes...thanks to all military women & men

There are several ways to register to vote. There are also deadlines. The Aug. 6 primary election is now just a month away, and Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler reminds voters that, by state law, registrations or changes in registration information, must be completed 21 days before the election.

"If anyone has not registered to vote yet, the last day would be July 16 to vote in the August election," she said. "They can come to the county clerk's office on the second floor of the courthouse. They can also get the forms off our website and fill them out."

No photo ID is required to register to vote, and registration can be completed in several locations throughout Barton County. Registration may also be completed online through the Kansas Secretary of State's website. July 17 is the first day mail ballots may be sent, and registered voters may request mail ballots with an application deadline of July 30.

June 3 was the final day to change party affiliation, but unaffiliated voters may declare their affiliation through election day. Voting may begin as early as July 17 around Kansas, but Schmeidler said that date is dependent on getting materials from vendors. She encouraged early voters to call the clerk's office at (620) 793-1835 before arriving to vote. The Barton County Clerk's office will also be open for early voting on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

<a href="https://www.bartoncounty.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/5182bb9a8b044/Voter%20Reg%20%20Places2.pdf">CLICK HERE</a> for a list of places to register to vote.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg">CLICK HERE</a> to access a digital voter registration application.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719948041742.jpeg" alt="The Barton County Clerk's office has been outfitted with five new voting stalls ahead of the Aug. 6 primary election." />
 <figcaption>The Barton County Clerk's office has been outfitted with five new voting stalls ahead of the Aug. 6 primary election.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere are several ways to register to vote. There are also deadlines. The Aug. 6 primary election is now just a month away, and Barton County Clerk Bev Schmeidler reminds voters that, by state law, registrations or changes in registration information, must be completed 21 days before the election."If anyone has not registered to vote yet, the last day would be July 16 to vote in the August election," she said. "They can come to the county clerk's office on the second floor of the courthouse. They can also get the forms off our website and fill them out."No photo ID is required to register to vote, and registration can be completed in several locations throughout Barton County. Registration may also be completed online through the Kansas Secretary of State's website. July 17 is the first day mail ballots may be sent, and registered voters may request mail ballots with an application deadline of July 30.June 3 was the final day to change party affiliation, but unaffiliated voters may declare their affiliation through election day. Voting may begin as early as July 17 around Kansas, but Schmeidler said that date is dependent on getting materials from vendors. She encouraged early voters to call the clerk's office at (620) 793-1835 before arriving to vote. The Barton County Clerk's office will also be open for early voting on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.<a href="https://www.bartoncounty.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/5182bb9a8b044/Voter%20Reg%20%20Places2.pdf">CLICK HERE</a> for a list of places to register to vote.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg">CLICK HERE</a> to access a digital voter registration application.

July 16 is final day to register to vote in Aug. 6 primary election

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/3)

At 9 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 3307 10th
Street.

At 11:20 a.m. an unconscious/fainting case was reported at
115 Cleveland Avenue in Olmitz.

At 3:57 p.m. an accident was reported at 159 N. US 281 Highway.


At 5:24 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 428
Comanche Road.

At 10:59 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 19th
&amp; Kansas.

At 12:40 a.m. an accident was reported at 19th
&amp; Madison.

At 1:15 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at SW 60
Avenue.

At 1:47 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 3rd
&amp; Holland.

At 11:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56
Highway &amp; Kiowa Road.

At 1:07 p.m. an accident was reported at N. US 281 Highway
&amp; NW 90 Road in Hoisington.

At 5:27 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at SW 110
Avenue &amp; SW 40 Road in Pawnee Rock.

At 6:56 p.m. a fire was reported in the 5300 block of
Railroad Avenue.

At 7:33 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 305 2nd
Street.

At 9:30 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 1200 block
of Morton Street.

At 10:57 p.m. an accident was reported at MM 197 on W. US 56
Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/3)Animal ComplaintAt 9 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 3307 10th
Street.Unconscious / FaintingAt 11:20 a.m. an unconscious/fainting case was reported at
115 Cleveland Avenue in Olmitz.Non-Injury AccidentAt 3:57 p.m. an accident was reported at 159 N. US 281 Highway.
Traumatic InjuriesAt 5:24 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 428
Comanche Road.Traffic ArrestAt 10:59 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 19th
&amp; Kansas.7/4Injury AccidentAt 12:40 a.m. an accident was reported at 19th
&amp; Madison.Animal ComplaintAt 1:15 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at SW 60
Avenue.Traffic ArrestAt 1:47 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 3rd
&amp; Holland.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 11:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56
Highway &amp; Kiowa Road.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:07 p.m. an accident was reported at N. US 281 Highway
&amp; NW 90 Road in Hoisington.Cattle OutAt 5:27 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at SW 110
Avenue &amp; SW 40 Road in Pawnee Rock.FireAt 6:56 p.m. a fire was reported in the 5300 block of
Railroad Avenue.Animal ComplaintAt 7:33 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 305 2nd
Street.Traffic ArrestAt 9:30 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 1200 block
of Morton Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 10:57 p.m. an accident was reported at MM 197 on W. US 56
Highway.

Cop Shop (7/3 - 7/4)

7/3 BOOKED: Laveina White on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, bond set at $700 cash only.

BOOKED: Jeffrey Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Eva Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: James Blake on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Esequiel Calzada-Flores on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without Ignition Interlock Device, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

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

RELEASED: David Ramos-Hernandez on Barton County District Court case for Driving with No License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Marvin Magnuson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jeffrey Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Eva Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: James Blake on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, after posting $1,000 surety bond.

RELEASED: Richard Fletcher, Jr., to KDOC.

RELEASED: Laveina White on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Michael Hurd on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, on $10,000 OR bond.

7/4 BOOKED: Oscar Alaniz on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Carmito Gutierrez-Lopez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, Improper Turn, No Driver's License, and No Insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Brayan Olivas on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

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

BOOKED: Gabriel Adair on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Adair on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Bradley Damm on Stafford County District Court warrant for Theft by Deception, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

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

RELEASED: Michael Adair on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, on $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brayan Olivas on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Bradley Damm on Stafford County District Court warrant for Theft by Deception, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/3 BOOKED: Laveina White on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, bond set at $700 cash only.BOOKED: Jeffrey Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Eva Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: James Blake on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Esequiel Calzada-Flores on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without Ignition Interlock Device, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.RELEASED: David Ramos-Hernandez on Barton County District Court case for Driving with No License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Marvin Magnuson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jeffrey Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Eva Miessler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: James Blake on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, after posting $1,000 surety bond.RELEASED: Richard Fletcher, Jr., to KDOC.RELEASED: Laveina White on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, by order of the court.RELEASED: Michael Hurd on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, on $10,000 OR bond.7/4 BOOKED: Oscar Alaniz on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Carmito Gutierrez-Lopez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, Improper Turn, No Driver's License, and No Insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Brayan Olivas on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Gabriel Adair on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Adair on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Bradley Damm on Stafford County District Court warrant for Theft by Deception, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Oscar Alaniz on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Michael Adair on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, on $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brayan Olivas on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery and Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Bradley Damm on Stafford County District Court warrant for Theft by Deception, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/3 and 7/4)

Through the quality-of-life sales tax, dog park fencing at Veterans
Memorial Park in Great Bend was a project slated for 2023. This would separate large dogs and
small dogs, as the city has experienced dog fights and altercations between
citizens. 

Great Bend Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the
additional fencing will not expand the dog park; instead, the project will
divide the existing footprint into two sections.


"Right when you walk in, we'd look to put a gate and another slab," said Burns. "Lastly, the project will split the dog water and go between the pavilion so there's shade on both sides."

The Great Bend City Council approved the $8,900 proposal from Eldridge Fencing
for the installation of 384' of 4'-chain-link fencing. The slab of
concrete added and modification to the watering station will put the project at
$10,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664308122710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThrough the quality-of-life sales tax, dog park fencing at Veterans
Memorial Park in Great Bend was a project slated for 2023. This would separate large dogs and
small dogs, as the city has experienced dog fights and altercations between
citizens. Great Bend Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the
additional fencing will not expand the dog park; instead, the project will
divide the existing footprint into two sections.
"Right when you walk in, we'd look to put a gate and another slab," said Burns. "Lastly, the project will split the dog water and go between the pavilion so there's shade on both sides."The Great Bend City Council approved the $8,900 proposal from Eldridge Fencing
for the installation of 384' of 4'-chain-link fencing. The slab of
concrete added and modification to the watering station will put the project at
$10,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Separation approved for large/small dogs at Great Bend dog park

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center on K-156 Highway just northeast of Great Bend already provided guests of all ages with information about Cheyenne Bottoms and the surrounding area. KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said even more educational options are on the way with nature-themed musical pieces for kids and a metal-framed kiosk that will help travelers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719854180809.jpeg" alt="Staff from Aaron's Repair &amp; Supply recently designed and installed brackets to hang curtains inside the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Aaron's Repair donated the work." />
 <figcaption>Staff from Aaron's Repair &amp; Supply recently designed and installed brackets to hang curtains inside the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Aaron's Repair donated the work.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Kansas Wetlands Education Center on K-156 Highway just northeast of Great Bend already provided guests of all ages with information about Cheyenne Bottoms and the surrounding area. KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said even more educational options are on the way with nature-themed musical pieces for kids and a metal-framed kiosk that will help travelers."We're going to put this area right in front of the center," he said. "I think it's going to be a wonderful attraction - just a new feature that I think kids will enjoy and will be able to spend a little time out there."The Percussion Play instruments will include cattail chimes, bongo drums, flowers with bells, and a Cyclone - a wheel with marbles that sounds like rain when turned. The area, which will be near the pollinator garden, will also have artificial turf for easy access. Wolf hopes to have the instruments installed by September before the Butterfly Festival. Concrete was poured last week for the kiosk."That Kiosk will have several panels that have information about Cheyenne Bottoms, the Wetland Educations Center, and our programs, but it will also have spots for brochures. We oftentimes have people stop at the Wetlands Center when we're closed. They will still be able to get the map of Cheyenne Bottoms and some of the other local brochures we go through a lot of."Projects have also improved the interior of the facility. Afternoon sunlight makes a lighted projection on the floor difficult to see. The height of the windows letting in that sunlight posed a problem for KWEC staff. Aaron's Repair &amp; Supply designed and installed a bracket to hold a curtain rod to help block out the light. After the bracket was successfully installed, Wolf learned Aaron's Repair was donating the work."It's worked out just how I wanted it to," Wolf said. "In the afternoons, you can see that floor projection. It's been a great project."