After sending out a survey last summer to residents to check what
material their water line is composed of, the City of Great Bend has sent out
another form to get more responses for the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) mandatory survey. For most homes and buildings built after 1988, the
presence of lead is less prevalent, but the EPA wants to know for sure. 

Great
Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said residents have responded well to
the new survey that helps residents determine what your water line material is.


"As of last week, we've had 100 more surveys come in from the public," said Cauley. "That has really boosted our numbers. We're up to 15% or 20% on responses from the public, which has been a great help."

Cauley said residents should find the water shut-off valve on their property
and look for the pipe that comes through the outside wall or floor of your home
that connects the water meter to your home. There is now a YouTube video on the
Explore Great Bend Facebook page that will help residents.

Citizens can fill out the results in the online survey, via email or mailing it
back to City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Send your results by going to this link and filling out the online survey&nbsp;<a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cc10f46f9cbe46d880ac562ea15ec4a8">https://arcg.is/1Srm191</a> (preferred method) or emailing them to lsli@greatbendks.net or submit the Water Line Inspection Form by printing it out and writing your answers which can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatbendks.net/DocumentCenter/View/3790/Project-Fact-Sheet_Great-Bend-04122024?bidId=">https://www.greatbendks.net/documentcenter/view/3790</a> and&nbsp;dropping it off at any location that has a utilities drop box or&nbsp;to City Hall at 1209 Williams Street or the Front Door 1615 10th&nbsp;Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717772972969.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostAfter sending out a survey last summer to residents to check what
material their water line is composed of, the City of Great Bend has sent out
another form to get more responses for the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) mandatory survey. For most homes and buildings built after 1988, the
presence of lead is less prevalent, but the EPA wants to know for sure. Great
Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said residents have responded well to
the new survey that helps residents determine what your water line material is.
"As of last week, we've had 100 more surveys come in from the public," said Cauley. "That has really boosted our numbers. We're up to 15% or 20% on responses from the public, which has been a great help."Cauley said residents should find the water shut-off valve on their property
and look for the pipe that comes through the outside wall or floor of your home
that connects the water meter to your home. There is now a YouTube video on the
Explore Great Bend Facebook page that will help residents.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgbcitycouncil%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0nEbbKuGm7cCALj6qhB7jbv2xVhUfMd4vrkkigACWZUTVgsJTvhGYFYpmShRVA89yl&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="478" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Citizens can fill out the results in the online survey, via email or mailing it
back to City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Send your results by going to this link and filling out the online survey&nbsp;<a href="https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cc10f46f9cbe46d880ac562ea15ec4a8">https://arcg.is/1Srm191</a> (preferred method) or emailing them to lsli@greatbendks.net or submit the Water Line Inspection Form by printing it out and writing your answers which can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greatbendks.net/DocumentCenter/View/3790/Project-Fact-Sheet_Great-Bend-04122024?bidId=">https://www.greatbendks.net/documentcenter/view/3790</a> and&nbsp;dropping it off at any location that has a utilities drop box or&nbsp;to City Hall at 1209 Williams Street or the Front Door 1615 10th&nbsp;Street.

Great Bend receiving better response from lead & copper surveys

This past week, Tamara and I had the opportunity to take seven Cottonwood 4-H Youth to Discovery Days at K-State. This three-day event lets 4-H youth from 13-18 explore career ideas, expand project knowledge, and experience navigating campus for a variety of classes. Additionally, they experience staying in the dorms and meals at the dining center. It is a great time to meet new friends, catch up with 4-H members from across the state, and have fun!

For the past few years, a special event has been scheduled to coincide with Discovery Days. Emerald Circle recognizes the top project record in each of the 4-H project categories. A special reception is held for award winners and their families along with Kansas 4-H Foundation donors. Following the reception, all of the Discovery Day participants are invited to celebrate the award winners and hear an address focused on leadership.

Project records are an important part of 4-H learning opportunities and progress from evaluation at a local level to regional competition. From the regional competition, one record book from each project area is promoted to state competition so the quality level of these project records is very high!

Jonas Kern is a member of the Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Club and is the state project award winner for the Wildlife project. Evaluators at every level were very impressed with his level of activity and leadership across this project. As a Kansas 4-H Project Award winner, Jonas is invited to attend the 2024 National 4-H Congress to be held in Atlanta GA in November.

Jonas is a 10-year 4-H member and involved in a wide variety of projects from meat goats to fiber arts to leadership to, of course, wildlife! His parents are Joseph and Amanda Kern and his siblings are Russell and Maggie. Please join me in congratulating Jonas on this excellent accomplishment!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>This past week, Tamara and I had the opportunity to take seven Cottonwood 4-H Youth to Discovery Days at K-State. This three-day event lets 4-H youth from 13-18 explore career ideas, expand project knowledge, and experience navigating campus for a variety of classes. Additionally, they experience staying in the dorms and meals at the dining center. It is a great time to meet new friends, catch up with 4-H members from across the state, and have fun!For the past few years, a special event has been scheduled to coincide with Discovery Days. Emerald Circle recognizes the top project record in each of the 4-H project categories. A special reception is held for award winners and their families along with Kansas 4-H Foundation donors. Following the reception, all of the Discovery Day participants are invited to celebrate the award winners and hear an address focused on leadership.Project records are an important part of 4-H learning opportunities and progress from evaluation at a local level to regional competition. From the regional competition, one record book from each project area is promoted to state competition so the quality level of these project records is very high!Jonas Kern is a member of the Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Club and is the state project award winner for the Wildlife project. Evaluators at every level were very impressed with his level of activity and leadership across this project. As a Kansas 4-H Project Award winner, Jonas is invited to attend the 2024 National 4-H Congress to be held in Atlanta GA in November.Jonas is a 10-year 4-H member and involved in a wide variety of projects from meat goats to fiber arts to leadership to, of course, wildlife! His parents are Joseph and Amanda Kern and his siblings are Russell and Maggie. Please join me in congratulating Jonas on this excellent accomplishment!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Emerald Circle honoring 4-H projects

USD 428 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING June 10&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. 1809 24th Street, Great Bend

1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent on citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· HOSA Trip Proposal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a national student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education Division that promotes career opportunities in the healthcare industry and biomedical sciences. Six GBHS HOSA students competed and qualified for the International Leadership Conference in Houston, TX. HOSA sponsor Mr. Joseph Bliven, GBHS Science teacher, will provide a schedule and a proposed budget for the trip and request approval to attend.

&nbsp; &nbsp;· Advanced Theatre Trip Highlights &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Holly Johnson, Drama Club sponsor, will provide an update and slideshow highlighting the recent Advanced Theater trip to Branson, MO.

&nbsp; &nbsp;· Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A special note of appreciation is extended to Karen Shaner, Jane Isern, and several local donors and volunteers for providing twenty-nine bikes to the Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away program. Over the past twelve years, the group has organized and contributed dozens of bicycles given away as perfect attendance incentives to USD 428 elementary students. Thank you to all participants who make this program possible!

3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of 2024-2025 Little Panther Handbook &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The 2024-2025 Little Panther Preschool handbook has been updated to include current information regarding the consolidation of the three district preschool programs. LPP Principal Tandi Jo Mai will briefly discuss the LPP handbook; the administration recommends approval.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of Gym Floor Bid &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Great Bend High School gymnasium floors are due for refinishing. The administration will review bid results for a flooring company to sand and refinish the 9,000 sq ft area and will make a recommendation for approval.

5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Athletic Trainer Discussion &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Matt Westerhaus, GBHS Activities Director, will discuss the vacant position for an athletic trainer and the procedure to fill the position before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. More information will be provided at the meeting.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of 2024-2025 KASB Risk Management &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The contract premium for KASB Risk Management Workers Compensation for 2024-2025 is $117,636, however, KASB offers a loyalty credit to participants who agree to a three-year agreement, offering a 10% savings the first year, 5% the second year, and 3% the third year. The premium for the 2024-2025 year with the first year 10% loyalty credit of $11,764 applied is $105,872. Last year’s premium was $113,819. The administration recommends approval of the discounted $105,872 premium.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Approval of 2024-2025 District Property Insurance &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool (KERMP) is a member-owned consortium comprising public K-12 Kansas school districts. The insurance renewal quote for $469,701.05 for the 2024-2025 school year has a .64% from the previous year in the amount of $2,998.85. Mr. Thexton will present details and make an approval recommendation to the Board.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. First Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BOE members are receiving copies of the following 18 policies, which are being presented as first readings. The policies will be returned to the BOE at a subsequent meeting for action. (NT=New Title, TC=Title change)

Deleted BBG Consultants Revision BCBK Executive Session Revision-form BCBK Executive Session (sample motions/revised form) Revision/NT CJ Use of Consultants Revision CL Administrative Teams New EBBG Cardiac Emergency Response Planning Revision EE Food Service Revision/NT GARIA Parental, Family, or Marital Status and Pregnant and Parenting Employees Revision/NT GAAC Sex Discrimination - staff Revision ID Instructional Program Revision IF Textbooks Instructional Materials and Media Center Revision JBCC Enrollment of Nonresident Students Revision-form JBE Truancy-Waiver of Compulsory Attendance Form Revision/NT JGEC Sex Discrimination – students New JGECAA Parental, Family, or Marital Status and Pregnancy or &nbsp; &nbsp;Related Conditions: Students Revision JGFGA Administration of Emergency Opioid Antagonists Revision JH Student Activities Revision KK Disposal of District Property

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Communication Table &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will discuss a KASB Communication Table program provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Lexia Power Up for GBHS Reading Intervention: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration seeks approval to purchase a subscription to Lexia PowerUp Literacy for use at GBHS for students in need of reading intervention.

&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Approval of Flashlight360 Pilot Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration seeks approval to conduct a pilot of the Flashlight360 program at Riley Elementary and Great Bend High School of its English language acquisition progress monitoring tool. The pilot will allow the district to determine if Flashlight360 would be a good fit for the district's PreK-12 English Language program.

&nbsp; &nbsp;H. Approval of Elementary, Middle School, and High School Fees for 2024-2025 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Please note the proposed schedule of enrollment fees for students in grades K-12. The administration recommends the following proposed meal fees for the 2024-2025 school year.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2023-2024, Proposed 2024-2025, Difference &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pre-K / Kdg $40.00, $40.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grades 1-6 55.00, 55.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grades 7-8 60.00, 60.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grades 9-12 95.00, 95.00, No change

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Additional Fees (do not qualify for Free/Reduced status) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HS/MS Activity Pass $30.00, $30.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; MS Technology Fee 5.00, 5.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HS Technology Fee 10.00, 10.00, No change

&nbsp; &nbsp;I. Approval of 2024-2025 Meal Prices &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below are proposed school meal prices for the 2024-2025 school year, indicating the following price increases. In addition, the milk fee may be changed based on upcoming bid pricing. The administration recommends approval.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;LUNCH 2023-2024, Proposed 2024-2025, Difference &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Preschool $1.85, $2.35, $.50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Elementary Schools 2.00, 2.50, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GB Middle School 2.30, 2.80, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GB High School 2.35, 2.85, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bright Beginnings Daycare NA, 3.50, new contract &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Holy Family 3.00, 3.50, 50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Adults 4.00, 4.50, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reduced Prices .40, .40, No increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Milk .50, .50, Possible increase

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;BREAKFAST 2023-2024 Proposed 2024-2025 Difference &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bright Beginnings Daycare NA, $1.50 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Students (PK-12) $1.25, $1.50, .25 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Adults 2.20, 2.50, .30 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reduced Prices .30, .30, No increase

&nbsp; &nbsp;J. Approval of 2023-2024 Mileage Reimbursement Rate for district parents/guardians &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428 pays mileage reimbursement to qualified parents/guardians for transporting students to and from their assigned attendance center. Eligibility is based on the completion of the application of students residing 2.5 miles or more from the designated attendance center and living outside the city limits of Great Bend but within the district’s boundaries. Ninety nine families participated, transporting 183 students, a total of 180,696 miles. The administration recommends a per-mile reimbursement rate of 54 cents&nbsp;

6. CURRICULUM REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. 2024 Summer School &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Summer school is in session from 8:30-11:30, June 3 - June 28, for select students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district offers a complimentary breakfast and lunch for students.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. District Needs Assessment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district administration has collected completed building needs assessments in order to draft the 2024 USD 428 District Needs Assessment that will be used to assist in setting budget and district priorities for 2024-2025.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Beginning of the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · July 30-31 – Capturing Kids Hearts Training for new licensed staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 1-2 – Enrollment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 1-2, 5-7 – New Teacher Orientation (5 Days) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 8-9 – Teacher Inservice &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 8 – District Kick-Off/Business Showcase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 12-13 – Teacher Workdays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 14 – First Day of Classes – K-6, Grades 7, 9 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 15 – First Day of Classes – Grades 8, 10-12

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Curriculum Meeting Minutes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Curriculum Steering Committee: Minutes: 5/7/24 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Professional Development Council (PDC): Minutes: 5/13/24, 6/3/24. Next meeting 8/12/24

7. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. District Inventory &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The inventory crew has new scanners and software, and after having worked with the professional scanning company last year, is set to complete the district inventory in June/July. The inventory is not a classroom supply type inventory. The district property insurance requires us to have a listing of any item $500 or greater in value for an accurate accounting in case of a large-scale disaster

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Student Withdrawal Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will present data and discuss trends of students who have dropped out or withdrawn from GBHS this past school year.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Little Panthers Preschool, District Office &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Summer Projects

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below is a summary of personnel details. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 63 position changes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 9 Retirements &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 14 Resignations &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 11 Transfers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 22 new-to-district hires &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 0 position reductions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 3 positions added 3 LPP Preschool, 1 RISE teacher, 1 RISE STA &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Positions yet to be hired: 10 Instructional Support, 2 Student Teachers

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Legislative Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Legislature has wrapped up their sessions. Mr. Thexton will discuss current Legislative issues affecting school districts, including possible tax cuts.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Summer Meal Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In June and July, USD 428 food service will provide a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students up to age 18.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Communities That Care &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Communities that Care survey is provided annually at no charge to all public and private Kansas school districts for administration to 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students, and takes one class period to administer. The survey examines factors that put students at risk for substance abuse, academic failure, and other negative outcomes, as well as the factors that protect students from those outcomes. This data is important to schools because reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors are correlated with increased student achievement.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KSDE Budget Workshop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton and other administrative staff plan to attend the annual KSDE Budget Workshop, which will be held on June 20 in Hutchinson, KS.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Schedule Special BOE Meeting &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton requests that the BOE will set a brief special meeting at the District Education Center in late June, possibly June 26, for the administration to propose expenditures, transfers, and closing balances for the 2023-2024 budget.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Grants / Contributions

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will recess into executive session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the increasing the base pay rate pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”

11. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (May 13, 2024) &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp;D. 2024-2025 Fees (5.H through 5.J) &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Acceptance of Negotiated Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Classified Pay Adjustment &nbsp; &nbsp;G. Director Contracts &nbsp; &nbsp;H. Administrative Contracts

12. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will recess into executive session. No action is expected after the session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss employee evaluation pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”

13. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Special Meeting 7:30 a.m., on June 26, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2024, at the District Education Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715793479697.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING June 10&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. 1809 24th Street, Great Bend Agenda1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent on citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum2. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· HOSA Trip Proposal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HOSA-Future Health Professionals is a national student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education Division that promotes career opportunities in the healthcare industry and biomedical sciences. Six GBHS HOSA students competed and qualified for the International Leadership Conference in Houston, TX. HOSA sponsor Mr. Joseph Bliven, GBHS Science teacher, will provide a schedule and a proposed budget for the trip and request approval to attend.&nbsp; &nbsp;· Advanced Theatre Trip Highlights &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Holly Johnson, Drama Club sponsor, will provide an update and slideshow highlighting the recent Advanced Theater trip to Branson, MO.&nbsp; &nbsp;· Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A special note of appreciation is extended to Karen Shaner, Jane Isern, and several local donors and volunteers for providing twenty-nine bikes to the Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away program. Over the past twelve years, the group has organized and contributed dozens of bicycles given away as perfect attendance incentives to USD 428 elementary students. Thank you to all participants who make this program possible!3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of 2024-2025 Little Panther Handbook &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The 2024-2025 Little Panther Preschool handbook has been updated to include current information regarding the consolidation of the three district preschool programs. LPP Principal Tandi Jo Mai will briefly discuss the LPP handbook; the administration recommends approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of Gym Floor Bid &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Great Bend High School gymnasium floors are due for refinishing. The administration will review bid results for a flooring company to sand and refinish the 9,000 sq ft area and will make a recommendation for approval.5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Athletic Trainer Discussion &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Matt Westerhaus, GBHS Activities Director, will discuss the vacant position for an athletic trainer and the procedure to fill the position before the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. More information will be provided at the meeting.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of 2024-2025 KASB Risk Management &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The contract premium for KASB Risk Management Workers Compensation for 2024-2025 is $117,636, however, KASB offers a loyalty credit to participants who agree to a three-year agreement, offering a 10% savings the first year, 5% the second year, and 3% the third year. The premium for the 2024-2025 year with the first year 10% loyalty credit of $11,764 applied is $105,872. Last year’s premium was $113,819. The administration recommends approval of the discounted $105,872 premium.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Approval of 2024-2025 District Property Insurance &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool (KERMP) is a member-owned consortium comprising public K-12 Kansas school districts. The insurance renewal quote for $469,701.05 for the 2024-2025 school year has a .64% from the previous year in the amount of $2,998.85. Mr. Thexton will present details and make an approval recommendation to the Board.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. First Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BOE members are receiving copies of the following 18 policies, which are being presented as first readings. The policies will be returned to the BOE at a subsequent meeting for action. (NT=New Title, TC=Title change)Deleted BBG Consultants Revision BCBK Executive Session Revision-form BCBK Executive Session (sample motions/revised form) Revision/NT CJ Use of Consultants Revision CL Administrative Teams New EBBG Cardiac Emergency Response Planning Revision EE Food Service Revision/NT GARIA Parental, Family, or Marital Status and Pregnant and Parenting Employees Revision/NT GAAC Sex Discrimination - staff Revision ID Instructional Program Revision IF Textbooks Instructional Materials and Media Center Revision JBCC Enrollment of Nonresident Students Revision-form JBE Truancy-Waiver of Compulsory Attendance Form Revision/NT JGEC Sex Discrimination – students New JGECAA Parental, Family, or Marital Status and Pregnancy or &nbsp; &nbsp;Related Conditions: Students Revision JGFGA Administration of Emergency Opioid Antagonists Revision JH Student Activities Revision KK Disposal of District Property&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Communication Table &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will discuss a KASB Communication Table program provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Lexia Power Up for GBHS Reading Intervention: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration seeks approval to purchase a subscription to Lexia PowerUp Literacy for use at GBHS for students in need of reading intervention.&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Approval of Flashlight360 Pilot Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration seeks approval to conduct a pilot of the Flashlight360 program at Riley Elementary and Great Bend High School of its English language acquisition progress monitoring tool. The pilot will allow the district to determine if Flashlight360 would be a good fit for the district's PreK-12 English Language program.Approval of 2024-2025 Fees&nbsp; &nbsp;H. Approval of Elementary, Middle School, and High School Fees for 2024-2025 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Please note the proposed schedule of enrollment fees for students in grades K-12. The administration recommends the following proposed meal fees for the 2024-2025 school year.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2023-2024, Proposed 2024-2025, Difference &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pre-K / Kdg $40.00, $40.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grades 1-6 55.00, 55.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grades 7-8 60.00, 60.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grades 9-12 95.00, 95.00, No change&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Additional Fees (do not qualify for Free/Reduced status) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HS/MS Activity Pass $30.00, $30.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; MS Technology Fee 5.00, 5.00, No change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; HS Technology Fee 10.00, 10.00, No change&nbsp; &nbsp;I. Approval of 2024-2025 Meal Prices &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below are proposed school meal prices for the 2024-2025 school year, indicating the following price increases. In addition, the milk fee may be changed based on upcoming bid pricing. The administration recommends approval.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;LUNCH 2023-2024, Proposed 2024-2025, Difference &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Preschool $1.85, $2.35, $.50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Elementary Schools 2.00, 2.50, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GB Middle School 2.30, 2.80, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GB High School 2.35, 2.85, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bright Beginnings Daycare NA, 3.50, new contract &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Holy Family 3.00, 3.50, 50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Adults 4.00, 4.50, .50 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reduced Prices .40, .40, No increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Milk .50, .50, Possible increase&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;BREAKFAST 2023-2024 Proposed 2024-2025 Difference &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bright Beginnings Daycare NA, $1.50 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Students (PK-12) $1.25, $1.50, .25 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Adults 2.20, 2.50, .30 increase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reduced Prices .30, .30, No increase&nbsp; &nbsp;J. Approval of 2023-2024 Mileage Reimbursement Rate for district parents/guardians &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428 pays mileage reimbursement to qualified parents/guardians for transporting students to and from their assigned attendance center. Eligibility is based on the completion of the application of students residing 2.5 miles or more from the designated attendance center and living outside the city limits of Great Bend but within the district’s boundaries. Ninety nine families participated, transporting 183 students, a total of 180,696 miles. The administration recommends a per-mile reimbursement rate of 54 cents&nbsp; 6. CURRICULUM REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. 2024 Summer School &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Summer school is in session from 8:30-11:30, June 3 - June 28, for select students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district offers a complimentary breakfast and lunch for students.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. District Needs Assessment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district administration has collected completed building needs assessments in order to draft the 2024 USD 428 District Needs Assessment that will be used to assist in setting budget and district priorities for 2024-2025.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Beginning of the 2024-2025 School Year Calendar &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · July 30-31 – Capturing Kids Hearts Training for new licensed staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 1-2 – Enrollment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 1-2, 5-7 – New Teacher Orientation (5 Days) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 8-9 – Teacher Inservice &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 8 – District Kick-Off/Business Showcase &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 12-13 – Teacher Workdays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 14 – First Day of Classes – K-6, Grades 7, 9 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 15 – First Day of Classes – Grades 8, 10-12&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Curriculum Meeting Minutes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Curriculum Steering Committee: Minutes: 5/7/24 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Professional Development Council (PDC): Minutes: 5/13/24, 6/3/24. Next meeting 8/12/247. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. District Inventory &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The inventory crew has new scanners and software, and after having worked with the professional scanning company last year, is set to complete the district inventory in June/July. The inventory is not a classroom supply type inventory. The district property insurance requires us to have a listing of any item $500 or greater in value for an accurate accounting in case of a large-scale disaster&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Student Withdrawal Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will present data and discuss trends of students who have dropped out or withdrawn from GBHS this past school year.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Little Panthers Preschool, District Office &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Summer Projects&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below is a summary of personnel details. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 63 position changes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 9 Retirements &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 14 Resignations &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 11 Transfers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 22 new-to-district hires &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 0 position reductions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· 3 positions added 3 LPP Preschool, 1 RISE teacher, 1 RISE STA &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;· Positions yet to be hired: 10 Instructional Support, 2 Student Teachers8. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Legislative Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Legislature has wrapped up their sessions. Mr. Thexton will discuss current Legislative issues affecting school districts, including possible tax cuts.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Summer Meal Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In June and July, USD 428 food service will provide a complimentary breakfast and lunch for all students up to age 18.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Communities That Care &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Communities that Care survey is provided annually at no charge to all public and private Kansas school districts for administration to 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students, and takes one class period to administer. The survey examines factors that put students at risk for substance abuse, academic failure, and other negative outcomes, as well as the factors that protect students from those outcomes. This data is important to schools because reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors are correlated with increased student achievement.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KSDE Budget Workshop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton and other administrative staff plan to attend the annual KSDE Budget Workshop, which will be held on June 20 in Hutchinson, KS.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Schedule Special BOE Meeting &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton requests that the BOE will set a brief special meeting at the District Education Center in late June, possibly June 26, for the administration to propose expenditures, transfers, and closing balances for the 2023-2024 budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Grants / Contributions9. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will recess into executive session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the increasing the base pay rate pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”11. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (May 13, 2024) &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp;D. 2024-2025 Fees (5.H through 5.J) &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Acceptance of Negotiated Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Classified Pay Adjustment &nbsp; &nbsp;G. Director Contracts &nbsp; &nbsp;H. Administrative Contracts12. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will recess into executive session. No action is expected after the session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss employee evaluation pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”13. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Special Meeting 7:30 a.m., on June 26, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2024, at the District Education Center.14. ADJOURNMENT

USD 428 school board meeting agenda (6/10)

Santa Fe Trail presentation in Great Bend June 24

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 4 shows a decrease overall for drought conditions. Most of our area is still firmly entrenched in severe drought with part of our area in extreme drought. The eastern third of the state continues to improve. The doesn’t include any rainfall since Tuesday. The six to ten-day outlook (June 11 to 15) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 13 to 19) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. Good for wheat harvest but not summer row crops.

As we near wheat harvest, it’s useful to understand in general terms how plants grow, today grasses. Several comments are common regarding the wheat crop; “It’s shorter than normal”; “Harvest is earlier than normal”; “I remember when wheat harvest was always during July Fourth.” Understanding the how and why of grass growth explains why this is true.

· Factors controlling plant growth include available moisture, sunlight/day length, air and soil temperature, and plant nutrients. These factors influence all plant growth in some way and how they react to these factors is a function of the species and where it originated from and well as crop breeding. Today our focus is on winter wheat. Other grass crops like corn and grain sorghum react different to some of these factors. Remember the purpose of the plant isn’t to provide grain but to produce seed for the next generation of wheat plants.

· Winter wheat is an annual cool-season grass. It germinates in the fall, establishes itself prior to winter and if winter conditions are cold enough will go dormant. Since until spring, the growing point is below the soil surface, it can even lose all the above ground foliage and is just fine. It resumes growth in the spring while flowering, producing seed and maturing (dying) in summer.

· Naturally, adequate moisture and temperature play a significant role in growth. All plants respond to temperature and have an optimum range of temperatures. Warmer temperatures, up to a point increases growth and speeds up development. As a cool-season grass, wheat isn’t a fan of hot temperatures. As opposed to say corn, daylength is a key in wheat development. It’s termed a long day-short night plant. In English, it won’t initiate flowering until day length increases past a certain amount. That coupled with vernalization, wheat won’t initiate flowering until exposed to a certain amount of cold, is designed for the plant not to start the process of flowering until winter is past. This is variety dependent.

· Now to answer the questions. Wheat is short as internode length, the length between joints is shorter due to growing conditions - lack of moisture. Wheat is shorter now period as we have bred for a shorter crop. Harvest is earlier now for two reason – a lack of moisture combined with warm temperatures (heat can essentially kill the plant instead of letting it mature normally, and we have bred for shorter season varieties. Full season varieties can have greater yield potential under ideal conditions but we seldom have ideal here. So a big part of the reason under any conditions harvest is now earlier is breeding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin, Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin, Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 4 shows a decrease overall for drought conditions. Most of our area is still firmly entrenched in severe drought with part of our area in extreme drought. The eastern third of the state continues to improve. The doesn’t include any rainfall since Tuesday. The six to ten-day outlook (June 11 to 15) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 13 to 19) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. Good for wheat harvest but not summer row crops.As we near wheat harvest, it’s useful to understand in general terms how plants grow, today grasses. Several comments are common regarding the wheat crop; “It’s shorter than normal”; “Harvest is earlier than normal”; “I remember when wheat harvest was always during July Fourth.” Understanding the how and why of grass growth explains why this is true.· Factors controlling plant growth include available moisture, sunlight/day length, air and soil temperature, and plant nutrients. These factors influence all plant growth in some way and how they react to these factors is a function of the species and where it originated from and well as crop breeding. Today our focus is on winter wheat. Other grass crops like corn and grain sorghum react different to some of these factors. Remember the purpose of the plant isn’t to provide grain but to produce seed for the next generation of wheat plants.· Winter wheat is an annual cool-season grass. It germinates in the fall, establishes itself prior to winter and if winter conditions are cold enough will go dormant. Since until spring, the growing point is below the soil surface, it can even lose all the above ground foliage and is just fine. It resumes growth in the spring while flowering, producing seed and maturing (dying) in summer.· Naturally, adequate moisture and temperature play a significant role in growth. All plants respond to temperature and have an optimum range of temperatures. Warmer temperatures, up to a point increases growth and speeds up development. As a cool-season grass, wheat isn’t a fan of hot temperatures. As opposed to say corn, daylength is a key in wheat development. It’s termed a long day-short night plant. In English, it won’t initiate flowering until day length increases past a certain amount. That coupled with vernalization, wheat won’t initiate flowering until exposed to a certain amount of cold, is designed for the plant not to start the process of flowering until winter is past. This is variety dependent.· Now to answer the questions. Wheat is short as internode length, the length between joints is shorter due to growing conditions - lack of moisture. Wheat is shorter now period as we have bred for a shorter crop. Harvest is earlier now for two reason – a lack of moisture combined with warm temperatures (heat can essentially kill the plant instead of letting it mature normally, and we have bred for shorter season varieties. Full season varieties can have greater yield potential under ideal conditions but we seldom have ideal here. So a big part of the reason under any conditions harvest is now earlier is breeding.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Crop growth 101

Beginning Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, the City of Ellsworth Water/Sewer Department will be conducting valve maintenance in Quadrant B as shown on the map below. This may cause interruption in water service and sedimentary or discolored water in the area. Please plan accordingly. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

From the City of Ellsworth...Beginning Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, the City of Ellsworth Water/Sewer Department will be conducting valve maintenance in Quadrant B as shown on the map below. This may cause interruption in water service and sedimentary or discolored water in the area. Please plan accordingly. Thank you for your patience and understanding.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717703388443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Water valve maintenance this week in Ellsworth

Summer's here, and with it comes the opportunities for outdoor activities. When you pack your cooler, chairs, and sporting equipment, remember it's your responsibility to make sure nothing can fall out of or fly off off your vehicle.

Anything falling from your vehicle can collide with other vehicles or pedestrians, causing serious injuries or fatalities. It is essential for drivers to properly secure their load.

From 2016 to 2020, an average of 16,878 people were injured per year when a vehicle collided with another object that was not properly secured. During this same time period, an average of 732 people per year lost their lives. Non-commercial passenger vehicles accounted for 81% of these crashes, in which cargo was not properly secured.

In their rush to get on the road, drivers may overlook the importance of properly securing a vehicle’s cargo. Before transporting a load, drivers should check that the vehicle’s load is secured on the top, sides, and back, and make sure nothing can blow or fall out.

Think about if you had to suddenly brake, take a tight turn, or went over a bump. Ask yourself: Would I feel safe driving behind my vehicle?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717699344899.jpeg" alt="from the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office" />
 <figcaption>from the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Summer's here, and with it comes the opportunities for outdoor activities. When you pack your cooler, chairs, and sporting equipment, remember it's your responsibility to make sure nothing can fall out of or fly off off your vehicle.Anything falling from your vehicle can collide with other vehicles or pedestrians, causing serious injuries or fatalities. It is essential for drivers to properly secure their load.From 2016 to 2020, an average of 16,878 people were injured per year when a vehicle collided with another object that was not properly secured. During this same time period, an average of 732 people per year lost their lives. Non-commercial passenger vehicles accounted for 81% of these crashes, in which cargo was not properly secured.In their rush to get on the road, drivers may overlook the importance of properly securing a vehicle’s cargo. Before transporting a load, drivers should check that the vehicle’s load is secured on the top, sides, and back, and make sure nothing can blow or fall out.Think about if you had to suddenly brake, take a tight turn, or went over a bump. Ask yourself: Would I feel safe driving behind my vehicle?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Drive Safe: Secure your load

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

At the past few Great Bend City Council meetings, Police Chief Steve
Haulmark has updated the governing body that the Police Department is four
positions short of being fully staffed. 

Haulmark said the city made a
conditional offer to an individual a couple of weeks ago. The candidate is
finishing testing and Haulmark is hopeful to offer him a permanent position
soon. Last week, the police department held new recruit testing.


"Three people successfully passed the testing process as well as the interview process," said Haulmark. "They're moving into the background phase. There's two of them that we're pretty excited about."

In August 2022, Haulmark announced the Police Department was at full strength
for the first time since 2018. At that time, the department was designed for 33
full-time commissioned police officers.
Since then, the Police Department moved into a new 20,100 square-foot facility
this past winter at the intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717685477787.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAt the past few Great Bend City Council meetings, Police Chief Steve
Haulmark has updated the governing body that the Police Department is four
positions short of being fully staffed. Haulmark said the city made a
conditional offer to an individual a couple of weeks ago. The candidate is
finishing testing and Haulmark is hopeful to offer him a permanent position
soon. Last week, the police department held new recruit testing.
"Three people successfully passed the testing process as well as the interview process," said Haulmark. "They're moving into the background phase. There's two of them that we're pretty excited about."In August 2022, Haulmark announced the Police Department was at full strength
for the first time since 2018. At that time, the department was designed for 33
full-time commissioned police officers.
Since then, the Police Department moved into a new 20,100 square-foot facility
this past winter at the intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Police short 4 officers, hopeful on applicants

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

WILSON—Take cover and spend the night in an underground missile base in Wilson, transformed into a tourist stop and Airbnb.

Built during the Cold War, the Atlas F Missile Base once housed a weapon of mass destruction but is now a site for camping, an RV park, hiking trails and campfires.

Owner Matthew Fulkerson of Ad Astra Missile Silo purchased the bunker in 2013 but couldn't do much with it initially due to financial issues.

"In 2017, I realized that 'You know what, nothing is going to happen here unless you come out and start working,'" he said.

The Adventure Resort, 354 Fourth Road, is on the 24-acre property and is accessed through a steel door and a flight of stairs.

Around a few corners and behind two massive 2,000-pound doors, guests will find the Launch Control Center, now equipped with home utilities and living spaces.

Fulkerson began remodeling the property, and since 2019, visitors from around the globe have been able to travel through time.

"Most missile base owners will keep it very private, but I'm one of the few people in the world that opened up a place for people to tour and stay," he said.

For $350 a night for up to six guests, you can <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/655066825417773535?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3_Q-civBDYSztjEqVKfIhOJN8jHGKKti6E7jYnDDMSju3MCK6-Wv0tj74_aem_AbBQ24HI1tbmYXpX4p3KsXEcm3cozROxgH23gE3R3zWMOWhwKdOXVOniUAJDrml8hWtBeHSoUhixCrXmPqbVvrSE&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1717427997_ETZKlLQqP0mYlaaS&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1">book a stay</a> at Atlas Ad Astra or schedule a <a href="https://atlas-ad-astra.checkfront.com/reserve/">one-hour tour</a> to learn about the Atlas Program and structures built by the U.S. Army.

With required reservations, regular tours are at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Prices vary for ages 10 and older, while children 9 and younger are free but must be supervised.

You can also <a href="https://www.campspot.com/book/atlasadastra">book </a>tent camping from March to November, car camping all year and RV parking with amenities.

"Originally, [the control center] was suspended from the ceiling at four different points around the room. If an explosion happened at the bottom, everything would be safe inside," Fulkerson said.

Below the remodeled Airbnb floor is the silo that once housed the U.S.'s first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, prepared for the Nuclear War during the 1950s and '60s.

According to Fulkerson, Kansas was a target during the height of the Cold War because it could launch a retaliatory strike.

"We had about a 30-minute window if we saw that we were being attacked," he said. "The concept was if you launched on us, then we would launch on you; nobody wins and mutually assured destruction."

The silo was decommissioned in 1965 after four years of operation. It was the first structure built to withstand a blast within a one-mile radius, making it the most hardened structure of its time.

The construction costs for the structure alone amount to more than $120 million in today's currency.

Grow Ellsworth congratulated Fulkerson on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=848275910673655&amp;set=a.554937336674182">Facebook </a>after receiving an $80,000 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Tourism and support from Airbnb.

"It's been an incredible journey. The more hard work I put in, the more people believe in what I'm doing," Fulkerson said.

Within the silo, Fulkerson intends to transform the Launch Control Center into an Educational Center for Space Habitat Studies, offering simulations of life in a space station or colony.

Plans for the property's surface level include a gourmet coffee shop, sauna, event center, obstacle course and other amenities for travelers' convenience.

To support Fulkerson, you can donate to his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/missilesilo?attribution_id=undefined&amp;utm_campaign=unknown&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=website_widget">GoFundMe</a> campaign. For every dollar donated, you will receive two entries for a chance to win a two-night stay at the silo.

Since 2020, Fulkerson has lived on the property in his RV and a tiny house he built near the silo entrance, accompanied by the Missile Silo dog, Buddy.

"I'm super excited to have my life revolve around hospitality, meeting new people and sharing this piece of history," Fulkerson said.

You can find more information on Atlas Ad Astra-Adventure Resort and its history on its <a href="https://www.atlasadastra.com/">website</a>.

You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AtlasAdAstra">Atlas Ad Astra-Missile Silo Adventure Resort</a> on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517740083.jpeg" alt="Mathew Fulkerson and Buddy the Missile Silo dog at the base entrance. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mathew Fulkerson and Buddy the Missile Silo dog at the base entrance. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717536573500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostWILSON—Take cover and spend the night in an underground missile base in Wilson, transformed into a tourist stop and Airbnb.Built during the Cold War, the Atlas F Missile Base once housed a weapon of mass destruction but is now a site for camping, an RV park, hiking trails and campfires.Owner Matthew Fulkerson of Ad Astra Missile Silo purchased the bunker in 2013 but couldn't do much with it initially due to financial issues."In 2017, I realized that 'You know what, nothing is going to happen here unless you come out and start working,'" he said.The Adventure Resort, 354 Fourth Road, is on the 24-acre property and is accessed through a steel door and a flight of stairs.Around a few corners and behind two massive 2,000-pound doors, guests will find the Launch Control Center, now equipped with home utilities and living spaces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717516883399.jpeg" alt="Two large 2,000-pound steel doors to prevent an explosive force from reaching inside. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Two large 2,000-pound steel doors to prevent an explosive force from reaching inside. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717516948013.jpeg" alt="The kitchen space in the Launch Control Center of the base. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The kitchen space in the Launch Control Center of the base. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717516997429.jpeg" alt="Bunk beds and kitchen utilities located in the Launch Control Center.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Bunk beds and kitchen utilities located in the Launch Control Center.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517049327.jpeg" alt="Private room with a king-size bed in the Launch Control Center of the base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Private room with a king-size bed in the Launch Control Center of the base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517176217.jpeg" alt="Mathew Fulkerson sitting in the living room space with a TV.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mathew Fulkerson sitting in the living room space with a TV.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Fulkerson began remodeling the property, and since 2019, visitors from around the globe have been able to travel through time."Most missile base owners will keep it very private, but I'm one of the few people in the world that opened up a place for people to tour and stay," he said.For $350 a night for up to six guests, you can <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/655066825417773535?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3_Q-civBDYSztjEqVKfIhOJN8jHGKKti6E7jYnDDMSju3MCK6-Wv0tj74_aem_AbBQ24HI1tbmYXpX4p3KsXEcm3cozROxgH23gE3R3zWMOWhwKdOXVOniUAJDrml8hWtBeHSoUhixCrXmPqbVvrSE&amp;source_impression_id=p3_1717427997_ETZKlLQqP0mYlaaS&amp;guests=1&amp;adults=1">book a stay</a> at Atlas Ad Astra or schedule a <a href="https://atlas-ad-astra.checkfront.com/reserve/">one-hour tour</a> to learn about the Atlas Program and structures built by the U.S. Army.With required reservations, regular tours are at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Prices vary for ages 10 and older, while children 9 and younger are free but must be supervised.You can also <a href="https://www.campspot.com/book/atlasadastra">book </a>tent camping from March to November, car camping all year and RV parking with amenities."Originally, [the control center] was suspended from the ceiling at four different points around the room. If an explosion happened at the bottom, everything would be safe inside," Fulkerson said.Below the remodeled Airbnb floor is the silo that once housed the U.S.'s first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, prepared for the Nuclear War during the 1950s and '60s.According to Fulkerson, Kansas was a target during the height of the Cold War because it could launch a retaliatory strike."We had about a 30-minute window if we saw that we were being attacked," he said. "The concept was if you launched on us, then we would launch on you; nobody wins and mutually assured destruction."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517252564.jpeg" alt="The tunnel leading to the silo with a door meant to protect the base from an explosion of its own missile.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The tunnel leading to the silo with a door meant to protect the base from an explosion of its own missile.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517332843.jpeg" alt="The doorway leading to an overlook view of the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The doorway leading to an overlook view of the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517392630.jpeg" alt="The 176-foot-deep silo with 70 feef of water inside where the missile was once stored.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The 176-foot-deep silo with 70 feef of water inside where the missile was once stored.&nbsp;Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517436465.jpeg" alt="The blast doors which would conceal the missile inside the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The blast doors which would conceal the missile inside the silo.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The silo was decommissioned in 1965 after four years of operation. It was the first structure built to withstand a blast within a one-mile radius, making it the most hardened structure of its time.The construction costs for the structure alone amount to more than $120 million in today's currency.Grow Ellsworth congratulated Fulkerson on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=848275910673655&amp;set=a.554937336674182">Facebook </a>after receiving an $80,000 Attraction Development Grant from the Kansas Department of Tourism and support from Airbnb."It's been an incredible journey. The more hard work I put in, the more people believe in what I'm doing," Fulkerson said.Within the silo, Fulkerson intends to transform the Launch Control Center into an Educational Center for Space Habitat Studies, offering simulations of life in a space station or colony.Plans for the property's surface level include a gourmet coffee shop, sauna, event center, obstacle course and other amenities for travelers' convenience.To support Fulkerson, you can donate to his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/missilesilo?attribution_id=undefined&amp;utm_campaign=unknown&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=website_widget">GoFundMe</a> campaign. For every dollar donated, you will receive two entries for a chance to win a two-night stay at the silo.Since 2020, Fulkerson has lived on the property in his RV and a tiny house he built near the silo entrance, accompanied by the Missile Silo dog, Buddy."I'm super excited to have my life revolve around hospitality, meeting new people and sharing this piece of history," Fulkerson said.You can find more information on Atlas Ad Astra-Adventure Resort and its history on its <a href="https://www.atlasadastra.com/">website</a>.You can also follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AtlasAdAstra">Atlas Ad Astra-Missile Silo Adventure Resort</a> on Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517568427.jpeg" alt="The blast doors above the missile silo made from 9 feet of concrete.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The blast doors above the missile silo made from 9 feet of concrete.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517612765.jpeg" alt="The entrance to the missile base next to a small island.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The entrance to the missile base next to a small island.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717517680882.jpeg" alt="Mathew and Buddy exiting the missile base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Mathew and Buddy exiting the missile base.&nbsp;Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Stay the night at Wilson's missile silo turned Airbnb

Barton County Youth Crew members reminisced about jobs well done, while enjoying activities, dinner and camaraderie at their recent End-of-the-Year Celebration. (End-of-the-year refers to the fiscal year.)

The young people and many of their parents attended the annual event Monday, June 3, at Corinthian Hill Event Center.

“The kids were tremendous last year and had good reasons to celebrate,” said Tyler Morton, Youth Crew prevention advocate. “They donated more of their own time to organize events in schools and the community. These were great opportunities to interact with their peers and share information about Youth Crew.”

School events included Blow Bubbles, Not Smoke and Lei Off Tobacco. Both offered entertaining ways to learn about the harmful effects of smoking.

In addition, Youth Crew played a major role in erecting a billboard on U.S. 281, near the turnoff to Barton Community College.

When traveling south on the highway, motorists can see the message: “How come being high leaves you feeling low.”

The smaller print says: “Research has linked cannabis use with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teens in the United States – National Institute on Drug Abuse 2023.”

Approximately 100 people attended the celebration, which included Get to Know You Bingo.

“This interactive game is designed to encourage the group to mix and mingle with one another,” Morton explained. “They talk with their friends and families, while becoming acquainted with newcomers.”

When they weren’t reminiscing about last year’s successes, they discussed their Action Plan for the future. This would include youth-led leadership throughout the community and at Youth Crew’s monthly meetings in Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood.

“Our emphasis this year will be on more youth involvement in education,” Morton commented. “Instead of adults leading the charge, there will be more youth-led school-prevention events, public-speaking opportunities and attendance at conferences.

“We want them to expand beyond a program that helps kids stay away from drugs and tobacco – to dig deeper into the meaning of healthy communities and form relationships to help them through the challenges of life. We want them to amplify their voices so that their ideas can be heard.”

Youth Crew is open to any Barton County student in grades 6-12. For more information, contact Morton by calling 620-793-1930.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717768077160.jpeg" alt="Youth Crew members, and their families and friends participate in Get to Know You Bingo, which offers the opportunity to interact with one another. The activity was part of Youth Crew’s End-of-the-Year Celebration on Monday, June 3." />
 <figcaption>Youth Crew members, and their families and friends participate in Get to Know You Bingo, which offers the opportunity to interact with one another. The activity was part of Youth Crew’s End-of-the-Year Celebration on Monday, June 3.</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Youth Crew members reminisced about jobs well done, while enjoying activities, dinner and camaraderie at their recent End-of-the-Year Celebration. (End-of-the-year refers to the fiscal year.)The young people and many of their parents attended the annual event Monday, June 3, at Corinthian Hill Event Center.“The kids were tremendous last year and had good reasons to celebrate,” said Tyler Morton, Youth Crew prevention advocate. “They donated more of their own time to organize events in schools and the community. These were great opportunities to interact with their peers and share information about Youth Crew.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717768115622.jpeg" alt="Youth Crew members recognized for their community-service hours, from left to right, are: MaKiah Webber, Mya Brewer, Jasmine Figueroa, Damian Palma and Brooklyn Cooley. Not pictured are Branson Holinde and Jamesray Short. In addition, Webber won the Next Generation Leader Award and Figueroa earned the Outstanding Achievement Award." />
 <figcaption>Youth Crew members recognized for their community-service hours, from left to right, are: MaKiah Webber, Mya Brewer, Jasmine Figueroa, Damian Palma and Brooklyn Cooley. Not pictured are Branson Holinde and Jamesray Short. In addition, Webber won the Next Generation Leader Award and Figueroa earned the Outstanding Achievement Award.</figcaption>
 </figure>School events included Blow Bubbles, Not Smoke and Lei Off Tobacco. Both offered entertaining ways to learn about the harmful effects of smoking.In addition, Youth Crew played a major role in erecting a billboard on U.S. 281, near the turnoff to Barton Community College.When traveling south on the highway, motorists can see the message: “How come being high leaves you feeling low.”The smaller print says: “Research has linked cannabis use with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teens in the United States – National Institute on Drug Abuse 2023.”Approximately 100 people attended the celebration, which included Get to Know You Bingo.“This interactive game is designed to encourage the group to mix and mingle with one another,” Morton explained. “They talk with their friends and families, while becoming acquainted with newcomers.”When they weren’t reminiscing about last year’s successes, they discussed their Action Plan for the future. This would include youth-led leadership throughout the community and at Youth Crew’s monthly meetings in Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood.“Our emphasis this year will be on more youth involvement in education,” Morton commented. “Instead of adults leading the charge, there will be more youth-led school-prevention events, public-speaking opportunities and attendance at conferences.“We want them to expand beyond a program that helps kids stay away from drugs and tobacco – to dig deeper into the meaning of healthy communities and form relationships to help them through the challenges of life. We want them to amplify their voices so that their ideas can be heard.”Youth Crew is open to any Barton County student in grades 6-12. For more information, contact Morton by calling 620-793-1930.

Barton Co. Youth Crew gathers for end-of-the-year celebration

One branch of Mom’s family settled in Ford, Kansas, soon after it became a town in 1885. That group migrated to Kansas from Greene County, Indiana, and one family established a boarding house and livery stable. My great-grandmother was one of the first babies born in Ford in 1887.

Growing up, I discovered Ford because I visited the cemetery each year with my grandparents to put out Memorial Day flowers for my grandfather’s maternal and paternal families. Traveling to Ford, our grandparents enchanted us with tales about our ancestors and their struggles to survive in Southwest Kansas.

After we placed flowers on numerous plots, Grandpa drove around town recollecting locations of the schools, church, and homes where he and his many relatives once lived. To finish our journey, he’d cruise north toward the Ark River to check out the condition of the old Hatfield Livery Stable and Boarding House site where his mom grew up. During my lifetime, only the boarding house remained, but grandpa pointed out where the outbuildings and livery once stood. He’d embellish stories about ornery uncles and his grandma who kept them in line.

At that time, I thought I’d forever remember those stories and later on my mother’s so who needed to write stuff down? Now that I’ve joined the oldest generation, I wished I’d recorded those tales in indelible ink. Details once engraved in my brain have dwindled to knowing the location of the boarding house and finding family graves so I can decorate them.

Over the last ten years, something occurring all over rural Kansas has also happened in Ford. Original buildings dwindle away one broken window, fallen brick, and leaky roof at a time. Until recently, a sequence of families continued occupying that aging boarding house. Despite its decline, I loved spying evidence that kids still played in the yard.

Just south of the old house, Grandma pointed out the red brick Hatfield Mercantile building. In one rendition, this building played a role in our Canadian immigrant family connecting with Hatfields who came from Indiana. Somehow—details fade--a shopping trip led to a marriage and later on births of my grandfather and his brother.

Many Memorial Day visits ago, I can’t even recollect which era, I arrived to decorate and make the pilgrimage to the big white house, where I discovered that old store had tumbled into a pile of brick and dust. Only a foundation positioned just north of an insurance office that also functions as the city office remains.

For the past few years, no one has occupied the old Hatfield house, deteriorated to the point I wondered if this was the year I’d find only a foundation when I showed up Memorial Weekend. Though trees grow very near the base, hope prevailed. I spied a blue scaffold on the north side of the house and two replaced upper story windows.

While that old home once so full of busy lives needs considerable work, I hope new windows indicate its salvageability. I like to imagine a family resuscitating this building full of fascinating stories. What tales those walls could tell! If they start talking, I hope listeners write those stories down.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717291484349.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINOne branch of Mom’s family settled in Ford, Kansas, soon after it became a town in 1885. That group migrated to Kansas from Greene County, Indiana, and one family established a boarding house and livery stable. My great-grandmother was one of the first babies born in Ford in 1887.Growing up, I discovered Ford because I visited the cemetery each year with my grandparents to put out Memorial Day flowers for my grandfather’s maternal and paternal families. Traveling to Ford, our grandparents enchanted us with tales about our ancestors and their struggles to survive in Southwest Kansas.After we placed flowers on numerous plots, Grandpa drove around town recollecting locations of the schools, church, and homes where he and his many relatives once lived. To finish our journey, he’d cruise north toward the Ark River to check out the condition of the old Hatfield Livery Stable and Boarding House site where his mom grew up. During my lifetime, only the boarding house remained, but grandpa pointed out where the outbuildings and livery once stood. He’d embellish stories about ornery uncles and his grandma who kept them in line.At that time, I thought I’d forever remember those stories and later on my mother’s so who needed to write stuff down? Now that I’ve joined the oldest generation, I wished I’d recorded those tales in indelible ink. Details once engraved in my brain have dwindled to knowing the location of the boarding house and finding family graves so I can decorate them.Over the last ten years, something occurring all over rural Kansas has also happened in Ford. Original buildings dwindle away one broken window, fallen brick, and leaky roof at a time. Until recently, a sequence of families continued occupying that aging boarding house. Despite its decline, I loved spying evidence that kids still played in the yard.Just south of the old house, Grandma pointed out the red brick Hatfield Mercantile building. In one rendition, this building played a role in our Canadian immigrant family connecting with Hatfields who came from Indiana. Somehow—details fade--a shopping trip led to a marriage and later on births of my grandfather and his brother.Many Memorial Day visits ago, I can’t even recollect which era, I arrived to decorate and make the pilgrimage to the big white house, where I discovered that old store had tumbled into a pile of brick and dust. Only a foundation positioned just north of an insurance office that also functions as the city office remains.For the past few years, no one has occupied the old Hatfield house, deteriorated to the point I wondered if this was the year I’d find only a foundation when I showed up Memorial Weekend. Though trees grow very near the base, hope prevailed. I spied a blue scaffold on the north side of the house and two replaced upper story windows.While that old home once so full of busy lives needs considerable work, I hope new windows indicate its salvageability. I like to imagine a family resuscitating this building full of fascinating stories. What tales those walls could tell! If they start talking, I hope listeners write those stories down.

MADORIN: Memorial Day memories, more

Fuel up for summer with the Pawnee County Summer Food Service Program. Grab-and-go lunches and breakfasts will be available Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church (701 Main St., Larned) from June 3 - July 31. All kids aged 1-18 eat for free. 

Parents, don't forget to bring your child(ren) the first time you pick up meals to complete the required paperwork, and you will then need to bring your card with the number of children from there on out when picking up your meals.

If your child needs a pick-me-up, they can stop by Jordaan Library during operating hours to grab a snack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619205387108.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Fuel up for summer with the Pawnee County Summer Food Service Program. Grab-and-go lunches and breakfasts will be available Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church (701 Main St., Larned) from June 3 - July 31. All kids aged 1-18 eat for free. Parents, don't forget to bring your child(ren) the first time you pick up meals to complete the required paperwork, and you will then need to bring your card with the number of children from there on out when picking up your meals.If your child needs a pick-me-up, they can stop by Jordaan Library during operating hours to grab a snack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Free lunches for kids this summer in Larned

Great Bend Community Theatre is hosting a youth theatre camp for students this summer. For children 5-9 years old, theatre camp will be July 29 - Aug. 2 (one week) from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. The cost will be $25 per student.

For ages 10 and up, theatre camp will be July 22-August 2 (2 weeks) from 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. The cost will be $100 per student. Students will need to bring a sack lunch each day.

There will be a $100 max per family. A daily snack will be provided, and each student will receive a camp t-shirt. 

Both groups will have performances Aug. 2 and Aug. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Register by clicking <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgBqbX34zdB_UyVpiLXdzeb688yqd9sOFt7vmMxU7vcm6AjA/viewform">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717699087710.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Community Theatre is hosting a youth theatre camp for students this summer. For children 5-9 years old, theatre camp will be July 29 - Aug. 2 (one week) from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. The cost will be $25 per student.For ages 10 and up, theatre camp will be July 22-August 2 (2 weeks) from 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. The cost will be $100 per student. Students will need to bring a sack lunch each day.There will be a $100 max per family. A daily snack will be provided, and each student will receive a camp t-shirt. Both groups will have performances Aug. 2 and Aug. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Register by clicking <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgBqbX34zdB_UyVpiLXdzeb688yqd9sOFt7vmMxU7vcm6AjA/viewform">HERE</a>.

Summer youth theatre camp in Great Bend

Kansas farmers set to harvest their 150th crop of hard red winter wheat

The world is holding its breath this year for the Kansas wheat harvest to kick into full swing, but 150 years ago, the first harvest of Turkey Red wheat was largely dismissed as a small experiment. The introduction and adoption of this single variety, however, would forever change the wheat industry and establish the genetic lineage for the wheat Kansas farmers will harvest this summer.&nbsp;

“Probably no year holds more significance to the wheat industry in Kansas than 1874,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “The Mennonite farmers who emigrated that year to Kansas from Ukraine helped develop Kansas into a rich and productive agricultural economy. These families brought with them Turkey Red winter wheat, and — as they say, the rest is history.”&nbsp;

The Kansas territory officially became the state of Kansas on January 28, 1861. Just months before the start of the Civil War, frontier farming looked very different than today’s modern farmsteads. The soft wheat planted in Western Europe was considered ill-suited for Kansas, requiring substantial labor to plant by hand and to thresh by beating wheat heads against rocks.&nbsp;

The 34th state changed quickly, thanks to the signing of the Homestead Act in 1862, which gave citizens or future citizens up to 160 acres of land if they lived on and improved it for five years. The first train tracks from east to west were laid the next year. Homesteaders loaded into covered wagons and train cars, answering the call to “Go West, young man” and carve out new lives for themselves and their families on the Kansas prairie.&nbsp;

One hopeful homesteader, Bernard Warkentin, a Mennonite miller from Crimea, settled near Halstead, Kansas, in 1871. He carried the seeds of Turkey Red wheat, a hard winter wheat variety that was tremendously successful in Eastern Europe. The hardy variety was planted in the fall and could be harvested in the summer, allowing it to take advantage of timely moisture and withstand the cold Kansas winters that left settlers burning buffalo chips to stay warm. The first field of Turkey Red wheat was planted in Marion County in 1873 and harvested in the summer of 1874.&nbsp;

That same year would change the trajectory of Kansas agriculture forever, thanks to 12,000 German Mennonites who left modern Ukraine specifically to settle in Kansas at the invitation from the railroad and with promised religious freedom from the young state government.&nbsp;

Like Warkentin, his fellow Mennonites brought their favorite wheat, toting hand-picked seeds in large jars and sacks. They also brought game-changing farming practices like leaving fields fallow in between planting cycles, applying fertilizer to fields and using large threshing stones to separate the wheat kernels from the stalks that enveloped them.

Turkey Red was revolutionary, but it took time for the milling industry to adjust from milling soft wheat with lower protein and weaker gluten (think soft cookies) to the new hard red winter wheat, which had higher protein and stronger gluten (think of a loaf of bread that holds its shape). Just as the farmers discovered the hardiness of Turkey Red and the millers unlocked its better quality, the variety quickly spread and took over Kansas agriculture.&nbsp;

By 1919, Turkey Red wheat constituted more than 82 percent of planted acres in Kansas. It remained the most popular variety until 1939 — maintaining its dominance as superior genetics for crossing into new varieties.&nbsp;

“There was simply nothing like it at that time,” Harries said. “Turkey Red became the most desirable wheat in the world, and Kansas became the world’s breadbasket.”&nbsp;

Today, half of Kansas wheat varieties can trace their lineage back to Turkey Red. Wheat breeders improved on Turkey Red wheat, establishing shorter modern varieties with built-in disease resistance and improved yield potential while maintaining milling and baking quality. That research into what made Turkey Red so special continues, with researchers unlocking the variety’s genetic coding and using the variety in&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lNiTUV68Eu0y4_ctgsymgOUH5spkQaWRs2gdvdvChnNKbQhaODC-zACNlrAjzx09uvgjt5KZq1-fHv5sl5BNWxGW-gGIEqmdldMp5CUh0dMjEJGjS-KEvR0SdRrnn3IP74M9w_2_XiIASmuLMfXbK8L4n_u1hqBFgqEpbetYeki4rYkeaGpvI5HzxILy2fy813jsVvw8H5ju_KT4QAHgMNQCo5vORdS-zyf5sHHNLauDvxE_PATKHPPvRCdKqCsR&amp;c=vy_Q1iKmPy3VKlVhkBkeFEDPZ8ZunvFAxNaOyjTpA6eYXCt_k6xtPA==&amp;ch=qDhtWOtmT-7NjrBbrAn8UnGsBVf2sFoh2pLOVCE_TFDDewmV7Yyufg==" target="_blank">research projects</a>&nbsp;comparing responses to management — like nutrient uptake — between heritage and modern varieties.&nbsp;

Thanks to Turkey Red, Kansas farmers will harvest their 150th hard red winter wheat crop this summer, and billions of bread loaves and other products will be baked to feed families around the world.&nbsp;

Learn more about Turkey Red and the Mennonite farmers who brought the variety to Kansas in an episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind”&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lNiTUV68Eu0y4_ctgsymgOUH5spkQaWRs2gdvdvChnNKbQhaODC-zN1CmpY5d5jmO3h3TIqd0M5YGlJJNO0PLKAgAVg9L087LzBY_tF0rhM-XCUR2PZ9BUq9qHOX-ScLSXLE1-MgHKtQIF7i6Y128Wwoom8iTYJTlNf3PZkaBHXloXkpkNNkftRqq5P6rokys-dnq0keiKbOSBT9PjxAy6fVUrNDu0_Y9tSZPIruTgU0fhpId-yBqw==&amp;c=vy_Q1iKmPy3VKlVhkBkeFEDPZ8ZunvFAxNaOyjTpA6eYXCt_k6xtPA==&amp;ch=qDhtWOtmT-7NjrBbrAn8UnGsBVf2sFoh2pLOVCE_TFDDewmV7Yyufg==" target="_blank">podcast</a>.&nbsp;

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717697858509.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas farmers set to harvest their 150th crop of hard red winter wheat</h2>The world is holding its breath this year for the Kansas wheat harvest to kick into full swing, but 150 years ago, the first harvest of Turkey Red wheat was largely dismissed as a small experiment. The introduction and adoption of this single variety, however, would forever change the wheat industry and establish the genetic lineage for the wheat Kansas farmers will harvest this summer.&nbsp;“Probably no year holds more significance to the wheat industry in Kansas than 1874,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “The Mennonite farmers who emigrated that year to Kansas from Ukraine helped develop Kansas into a rich and productive agricultural economy. These families brought with them Turkey Red winter wheat, and — as they say, the rest is history.”&nbsp;The Kansas territory officially became the state of Kansas on January 28, 1861. Just months before the start of the Civil War, frontier farming looked very different than today’s modern farmsteads. The soft wheat planted in Western Europe was considered ill-suited for Kansas, requiring substantial labor to plant by hand and to thresh by beating wheat heads against rocks.&nbsp;The 34th state changed quickly, thanks to the signing of the Homestead Act in 1862, which gave citizens or future citizens up to 160 acres of land if they lived on and improved it for five years. The first train tracks from east to west were laid the next year. Homesteaders loaded into covered wagons and train cars, answering the call to “Go West, young man” and carve out new lives for themselves and their families on the Kansas prairie.&nbsp;One hopeful homesteader, Bernard Warkentin, a Mennonite miller from Crimea, settled near Halstead, Kansas, in 1871. He carried the seeds of Turkey Red wheat, a hard winter wheat variety that was tremendously successful in Eastern Europe. The hardy variety was planted in the fall and could be harvested in the summer, allowing it to take advantage of timely moisture and withstand the cold Kansas winters that left settlers burning buffalo chips to stay warm. The first field of Turkey Red wheat was planted in Marion County in 1873 and harvested in the summer of 1874.&nbsp;That same year would change the trajectory of Kansas agriculture forever, thanks to 12,000 German Mennonites who left modern Ukraine specifically to settle in Kansas at the invitation from the railroad and with promised religious freedom from the young state government.&nbsp;Like Warkentin, his fellow Mennonites brought their favorite wheat, toting hand-picked seeds in large jars and sacks. They also brought game-changing farming practices like leaving fields fallow in between planting cycles, applying fertilizer to fields and using large threshing stones to separate the wheat kernels from the stalks that enveloped them.Turkey Red was revolutionary, but it took time for the milling industry to adjust from milling soft wheat with lower protein and weaker gluten (think soft cookies) to the new hard red winter wheat, which had higher protein and stronger gluten (think of a loaf of bread that holds its shape). Just as the farmers discovered the hardiness of Turkey Red and the millers unlocked its better quality, the variety quickly spread and took over Kansas agriculture.&nbsp;By 1919, Turkey Red wheat constituted more than 82 percent of planted acres in Kansas. It remained the most popular variety until 1939 — maintaining its dominance as superior genetics for crossing into new varieties.&nbsp;“There was simply nothing like it at that time,” Harries said. “Turkey Red became the most desirable wheat in the world, and Kansas became the world’s breadbasket.”&nbsp;Today, half of Kansas wheat varieties can trace their lineage back to Turkey Red. Wheat breeders improved on Turkey Red wheat, establishing shorter modern varieties with built-in disease resistance and improved yield potential while maintaining milling and baking quality. That research into what made Turkey Red so special continues, with researchers unlocking the variety’s genetic coding and using the variety in&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lNiTUV68Eu0y4_ctgsymgOUH5spkQaWRs2gdvdvChnNKbQhaODC-zACNlrAjzx09uvgjt5KZq1-fHv5sl5BNWxGW-gGIEqmdldMp5CUh0dMjEJGjS-KEvR0SdRrnn3IP74M9w_2_XiIASmuLMfXbK8L4n_u1hqBFgqEpbetYeki4rYkeaGpvI5HzxILy2fy813jsVvw8H5ju_KT4QAHgMNQCo5vORdS-zyf5sHHNLauDvxE_PATKHPPvRCdKqCsR&amp;c=vy_Q1iKmPy3VKlVhkBkeFEDPZ8ZunvFAxNaOyjTpA6eYXCt_k6xtPA==&amp;ch=qDhtWOtmT-7NjrBbrAn8UnGsBVf2sFoh2pLOVCE_TFDDewmV7Yyufg==" target="_blank">research projects</a>&nbsp;comparing responses to management — like nutrient uptake — between heritage and modern varieties.&nbsp;Thanks to Turkey Red, Kansas farmers will harvest their 150th hard red winter wheat crop this summer, and billions of bread loaves and other products will be baked to feed families around the world.&nbsp;Learn more about Turkey Red and the Mennonite farmers who brought the variety to Kansas in an episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind”&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001lNiTUV68Eu0y4_ctgsymgOUH5spkQaWRs2gdvdvChnNKbQhaODC-zN1CmpY5d5jmO3h3TIqd0M5YGlJJNO0PLKAgAVg9L087LzBY_tF0rhM-XCUR2PZ9BUq9qHOX-ScLSXLE1-MgHKtQIF7i6Y128Wwoom8iTYJTlNf3PZkaBHXloXkpkNNkftRqq5P6rokys-dnq0keiKbOSBT9PjxAy6fVUrNDu0_Y9tSZPIruTgU0fhpId-yBqw==&amp;c=vy_Q1iKmPy3VKlVhkBkeFEDPZ8ZunvFAxNaOyjTpA6eYXCt_k6xtPA==&amp;ch=qDhtWOtmT-7NjrBbrAn8UnGsBVf2sFoh2pLOVCE_TFDDewmV7Yyufg==" target="_blank">podcast</a>.&nbsp;Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: A love letter to Turkey Red

From the Kansas Wetlands Education Center...

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is excited to again offer a summer library program for area public libraries. We will present "Wetland Adventures!" 

Visit one of the libraries below to learn what adventures you can find in your own backyard by flipping rocks and identifying the creatures you might find. From snakes to scorpions, and pill bugs to dragonfly larva, there is a whole world of critters to discover on our adventure. We'll also learn about the adventures you could have at Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest wetland in the interior of the United States. Come explore through stories, nature journaling, and meeting live animals.

Check with your library about details for these programs.

June 11 - 9:30am - Independent Township Library - Claflin June 12 - 9:30 am - Farmer Township Library - Bushton June 12 - 1pm - Hoisington Public Library June 13 - 10:30am - Lincoln Carnegie Library June 18 - 10am - Agra F. Lee Doctor Library June 18 - 1pm - Phillipsburg City Library June 20 - 10am - Barnard Library - La Crosse June 20 - 11:45am - Bison Community Library June 20 - 1:30pm - Otis Community Library June 24 - 10am - Lang Memorial Library - Wilson June 24 - 1pm - Russell Public Library June 25 - 10am Frank Carlson Library - Concordia June 25 - 12pm - Scandia City Library June 25 - 2pm - Glasco City Library June 26 - 10am - Ellinwood School Community Library July 1 - 11am - Cunningham Public Library July 1 - 3pm - Macksville City Library July 2 - 10am - Sylvan Grove Public Library July 2 - 1pm - J.H. Robbins Memorial Library - Ellsworth July 8 - 11am - Hays Public Library July 9 - 10am or 1pm - Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library - St. John July 10 - 10:30am - Great Bend Public Library July 24 - 10am - Jordaan Memorial Library - Larned July 26 - 10:30am - Mankato City Library July 26 - 1pm - Lebanon City Library&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717702220402.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Kansas Wetlands Education Center...Coming to a library near you.The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is excited to again offer a summer library program for area public libraries. We will present "Wetland Adventures!" Visit one of the libraries below to learn what adventures you can find in your own backyard by flipping rocks and identifying the creatures you might find. From snakes to scorpions, and pill bugs to dragonfly larva, there is a whole world of critters to discover on our adventure. We'll also learn about the adventures you could have at Cheyenne Bottoms, the largest wetland in the interior of the United States. Come explore through stories, nature journaling, and meeting live animals.Check with your library about details for these programs.June 11 - 9:30am - Independent Township Library - Claflin June 12 - 9:30 am - Farmer Township Library - Bushton June 12 - 1pm - Hoisington Public Library June 13 - 10:30am - Lincoln Carnegie Library June 18 - 10am - Agra F. Lee Doctor Library June 18 - 1pm - Phillipsburg City Library June 20 - 10am - Barnard Library - La Crosse June 20 - 11:45am - Bison Community Library June 20 - 1:30pm - Otis Community Library June 24 - 10am - Lang Memorial Library - Wilson June 24 - 1pm - Russell Public Library June 25 - 10am Frank Carlson Library - Concordia June 25 - 12pm - Scandia City Library June 25 - 2pm - Glasco City Library June 26 - 10am - Ellinwood School Community Library July 1 - 11am - Cunningham Public Library July 1 - 3pm - Macksville City Library July 2 - 10am - Sylvan Grove Public Library July 2 - 1pm - J.H. Robbins Memorial Library - Ellsworth July 8 - 11am - Hays Public Library July 9 - 10am or 1pm - Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library - St. John July 10 - 10:30am - Great Bend Public Library July 24 - 10am - Jordaan Memorial Library - Larned July 26 - 10:30am - Mankato City Library July 26 - 1pm - Lebanon City Library&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Wetlands Education Center offering summer library program

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/6a6dbaae-9c0c-4d4c-9ab4-b1af91a88d3d">Great Bend's license plate recognition successful even when damaged</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d2858a82-e326-47d4-9083-5bfa1bd81d17">Day one is in the books at Great Bend's newest childcare center</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/11060ae2-8516-47f6-a3a3-860338726a8a">Calling all ninjas and climbers...Great Bend playground feature open</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717612969628.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend Recreation Commission held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the new features at the Activity Center." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend Recreation Commission held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the new features at the Activity Center.</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/yalnx0hs/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6a6dbaae-9c0c-4d4c-9ab4-b1af91a88d3d">Great Bend's license plate recognition successful even when damaged</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d2858a82-e326-47d4-9083-5bfa1bd81d17">Day one is in the books at Great Bend's newest childcare center</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/11060ae2-8516-47f6-a3a3-860338726a8a">Calling all ninjas and climbers...Great Bend playground feature open</a>

Eagle Radio's news week in review

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Todd and Amanda VanSkike are living the American dream as local business owners. The couple purchased Golden Belt Bicycle on Main Street in Great Bend in April 2018. Fixing and selling bicycles may have been more Todd's speed, but Amanda is now living out her dream after the couple recently purchased Forest Avenue Antiques in downtown Great Bend.

"It has been a dream, oddly, of mine for 20 years or so," she said. "My sister and I, we always dreamed about having an antique store. When this became available, I jumped on it."

As the name suggests, the store specializes in antiques from vendors who collect goods from real estate sales, garage sales, and by other means. But there's more inside 2025 Forest Ave.

"We have some Kansas-made items in terms of cheeses and sausage and stuff, but most of this is truly antique stuff," Amanda said. "There are some replicas and some things that are vintage looking, but most of it is 100 percent antiques."

Todd grew up in Great Bend and met Amanda when she moved to town in high school. She spent several years umpiring baseball at all levels with her dad, Eric Dowson, who is now a sixth-grade teacher at Park Elementary School. 

"(Baseball) was actually what he did most of the time," said Amanda. "He tried to get me into softball but I just love the game of baseball."

With those umpiring days behind her, Amanda can spend more time with her family, including, Gavin, 15, and Gentry, 12. She's also ready to tackle a second business.

"I definitely feel like (Todd has) ahold of his thing," she said. "It's not stressful by any means, it's just busy. This is a good time for me. I feel like he's settled so now it's a good time for something new."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717696969894.jpeg" alt="Todd and Amanda VanSkike recently purchased Forest Avenue Antiques, 2025 Forest Ave. in Great Bend. The couple already owns Golden Belt Bicycle in downtown Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>Todd and Amanda VanSkike recently purchased Forest Avenue Antiques, 2025 Forest Ave. in Great Bend. The couple already owns Golden Belt Bicycle in downtown Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTodd and Amanda VanSkike are living the American dream as local business owners. The couple purchased Golden Belt Bicycle on Main Street in Great Bend in April 2018. Fixing and selling bicycles may have been more Todd's speed, but Amanda is now living out her dream after the couple recently purchased Forest Avenue Antiques in downtown Great Bend."It has been a dream, oddly, of mine for 20 years or so," she said. "My sister and I, we always dreamed about having an antique store. When this became available, I jumped on it."As the name suggests, the store specializes in antiques from vendors who collect goods from real estate sales, garage sales, and by other means. But there's more inside 2025 Forest Ave."We have some Kansas-made items in terms of cheeses and sausage and stuff, but most of this is truly antique stuff," Amanda said. "There are some replicas and some things that are vintage looking, but most of it is 100 percent antiques."Todd grew up in Great Bend and met Amanda when she moved to town in high school. She spent several years umpiring baseball at all levels with her dad, Eric Dowson, who is now a sixth-grade teacher at Park Elementary School. "(Baseball) was actually what he did most of the time," said Amanda. "He tried to get me into softball but I just love the game of baseball."With those umpiring days behind her, Amanda can spend more time with her family, including, Gavin, 15, and Gentry, 12. She's also ready to tackle a second business."I definitely feel like (Todd has) ahold of his thing," she said. "It's not stressful by any means, it's just busy. This is a good time for me. I feel like he's settled so now it's a good time for something new."

Community invested: VanSkikes purchase second Great Bend business

The City of Russell announced that a sidewalk project is underway to enhance pedestrian safety at the intersection of 8th Street and Fossil Street, continuing along State Street to Russell High School. Enhanced safety provisions include fully reconstructing the sidewalk, new pavement markings, and the addition of pedestrian crossing signage. 

This project will cause some temporary traffic changes and street closures as it progresses. The project started June 3 and includes:

• Traffic on Fossil Street around the 8th Street and State Street intersection will be reduced to two (2) lanes, eliminating the middle turn lane.

• The 300 block of E. 8th Street will be closed to thru traffic. Those wishing to access the Police Department will have to do so from the 8th and Elm Street intersection. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654577194558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Russell announced that a sidewalk project is underway to enhance pedestrian safety at the intersection of 8th Street and Fossil Street, continuing along State Street to Russell High School. Enhanced safety provisions include fully reconstructing the sidewalk, new pavement markings, and the addition of pedestrian crossing signage. This project will cause some temporary traffic changes and street closures as it progresses. The project started June 3 and includes:• Traffic on Fossil Street around the 8th Street and State Street intersection will be reduced to two (2) lanes, eliminating the middle turn lane.• The 300 block of E. 8th Street will be closed to thru traffic. Those wishing to access the Police Department will have to do so from the 8th and Elm Street intersection. Other traffic changes and street closures may be necessary during this project. Those changes will be publicized as needed. This project is estimated to be completed by the end of August.This project was funded completely through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Kansas Active Transportation Enhancement Program.

Local