While planning for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Day, organizers are keeping one theme in mind.

The gist of the theme is “Where to Start,” which was conceived by Mental Health America, an organization that focuses on community education and engagement. The organization and its affiliates established May as Mental Health Month in 1949.

The 11th annual local observance is set for 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend. It is hosted by The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway.

“The theme of ‘Where to Start’ is especially appropriate for our annual event,” said Holly Bowyer, who heads up The Center’s planning committee. “Oftentimes, people who consider seeking help with mental-health issues are not sure where to begin.

“This is where the local event comes into play. The Center and approximately 20 other organizations are here to answer your questions. But even if you know a little bit about some local resources, exhibitors can provide fresh information at their booths.”

The Center’s booths will offer information about Community Support Services, Community Based Services, Care Coordination, Substance Abuse Disorder, Crisis Case Management and #ZeroReasonsWhy.

The non-profit agency’s medical and clinical departments also will be represented, along with information about The Center becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in the near future.

“We appreciate everyone here at The Center, as well as our many local partners,” Bowyer commented. “Each organization is committed to reducing the mental-health stigma and providing access to services.”

The whole family Since Mental Health Awareness Day is for the whole family, the event caters to all ages. This includes large tricycles, a bounce house, yard games, face painting, drum circle, and arts and crafts.

Hot dogs, chips and popcorn are available at no cost while supplies last.

“We want to share information about local mental-health resources, while offering a fun way for everyone to have a good time,” Bowyer said. “This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together to support one another and enjoy a few hours outside.”

Julie Kramp, The Center’s executive director, said the “community should applaud the efforts of the agency’s staff in organizing and participating in the event. They realize how important mental-health resources are to our entire community and deserve all the credit. I appreciate their commitment.”

Event sponsors are Sunflower Health Plan, Aetna Better Health of Kansas and Abbey Carpet &amp; Floor in Great Bend.

Mental Health America The full name of this year’s theme is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”

Mental Health America’s website notes that “in a world that is constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various challenges and changes happening around us. The pressures of work, relationships and societal factors like politics, climate change and the economy, can significantly impact our mental well-being, sometimes even more than we realize.”

The organization encourages everyone to “join us in promoting wellness, providing vital resources and education, and advocating for the mental health and well-being of us all.”

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715175492261.jpeg" alt="This file photo depicts one of the messages at the annual Mental Health Awareness Day observance in downtown Great Bend. This year’s event is set for 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 21 at Jack Kilby Square." />
 <figcaption>This file photo depicts one of the messages at the annual Mental Health Awareness Day observance in downtown Great Bend. This year’s event is set for 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 21 at Jack Kilby Square.</figcaption>
 </figure>While planning for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Day, organizers are keeping one theme in mind.The gist of the theme is “Where to Start,” which was conceived by Mental Health America, an organization that focuses on community education and engagement. The organization and its affiliates established May as Mental Health Month in 1949.The 11th annual local observance is set for 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend. It is hosted by The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway.“The theme of ‘Where to Start’ is especially appropriate for our annual event,” said Holly Bowyer, who heads up The Center’s planning committee. “Oftentimes, people who consider seeking help with mental-health issues are not sure where to begin.“This is where the local event comes into play. The Center and approximately 20 other organizations are here to answer your questions. But even if you know a little bit about some local resources, exhibitors can provide fresh information at their booths.”The Center’s booths will offer information about Community Support Services, Community Based Services, Care Coordination, Substance Abuse Disorder, Crisis Case Management and #ZeroReasonsWhy.The non-profit agency’s medical and clinical departments also will be represented, along with information about The Center becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in the near future.“We appreciate everyone here at The Center, as well as our many local partners,” Bowyer commented. “Each organization is committed to reducing the mental-health stigma and providing access to services.”The whole family Since Mental Health Awareness Day is for the whole family, the event caters to all ages. This includes large tricycles, a bounce house, yard games, face painting, drum circle, and arts and crafts.Hot dogs, chips and popcorn are available at no cost while supplies last.“We want to share information about local mental-health resources, while offering a fun way for everyone to have a good time,” Bowyer said. “This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together to support one another and enjoy a few hours outside.”Julie Kramp, The Center’s executive director, said the “community should applaud the efforts of the agency’s staff in organizing and participating in the event. They realize how important mental-health resources are to our entire community and deserve all the credit. I appreciate their commitment.”Event sponsors are Sunflower Health Plan, Aetna Better Health of Kansas and Abbey Carpet &amp; Floor in Great Bend.Mental Health America The full name of this year’s theme is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”Mental Health America’s website notes that “in a world that is constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various challenges and changes happening around us. The pressures of work, relationships and societal factors like politics, climate change and the economy, can significantly impact our mental well-being, sometimes even more than we realize.”The organization encourages everyone to “join us in promoting wellness, providing vital resources and education, and advocating for the mental health and well-being of us all.”The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

The Center organizes 11th annual Mental Health Awareness Day

Young learners in USD 428 are inviting the community to view highlights of their artistic accomplishments from the past year during the 24th Annual “Watching Artists Grow” virtual art show.

The show is categorized by school building and features over 1,300 works of art from USD 428 K-6 students. Students were asked to select a piece to share with the community – the piece they felt was their best work.

“Our students have learned a great deal throughout the year, and put a lot of effort into their work,” said Shannon Wedel, USD 428 art teacher. “This virtual art show is a great opportunity to showcase their efforts in a platform that can be shared with family near and far.” 

The community is invited to visit https://tinyurl.com/428k-6art to view the art show. For more information about the “Watching Artists Grow” art show or the K-6 art program led by Shannon Wedel and Miraya Starnes, please visit GreatBendSchools.net or contact the District Education Center at 620-793-1500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715175297239.jpeg" alt="Selected art pieces from “Watching Artists Grow” showcase a variety of mediums &amp; techniques in both 2D &amp; 3D formats." />
 <figcaption>Selected art pieces from “Watching Artists Grow” showcase a variety of mediums &amp; techniques in both 2D &amp; 3D formats.</figcaption>
 </figure>Young learners in USD 428 are inviting the community to view highlights of their artistic accomplishments from the past year during the 24th Annual “Watching Artists Grow” virtual art show.The show is categorized by school building and features over 1,300 works of art from USD 428 K-6 students. Students were asked to select a piece to share with the community – the piece they felt was their best work.“Our students have learned a great deal throughout the year, and put a lot of effort into their work,” said Shannon Wedel, USD 428 art teacher. “This virtual art show is a great opportunity to showcase their efforts in a platform that can be shared with family near and far.” The community is invited to visit https://tinyurl.com/428k-6art to view the art show. For more information about the “Watching Artists Grow” art show or the K-6 art program led by Shannon Wedel and Miraya Starnes, please visit GreatBendSchools.net or contact the District Education Center at 620-793-1500.<figure>
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Great Bend students share art with the community

I have been getting more phone calls this year than normal about wheat fields being infected with Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV).

As a reminder volunteer wheat ideally needs to be completely dead/killed two weeks before wheat is drilled in the Fall. Volunteer wheat, or wheat leftover from past crops, houses the wheat curl mite. Mite populations, ultimately, depend on the amount of volunteer wheat within an area. If you had some wheat in a neighboring field that survived after harvest, or maybe it was hidden in some double crop field nearby, that's where those curl mites survive. They can then blow into your field or a neighbor’s field in either the fall or the early spring and that's typically when you start to see damage.

You can get wheat samples tested for WSMV at the K-State plant pathology lab, just to confirm it. You can contact your local Extension Office to bring in your sample.

You get kind of a fan appearance, so it is worse on the edge of the field and gets progressively better as you move towards the center of the field.

Warm weather conditions induce the appearance of wheat streak mosaic within fields. While plants may be infected during the winter and times of cold, hot temperatures activate the viruses’ symptoms. “Usually, you don't see that streaking symptom until the weather starts to warm, so we can have some infection cooking there over the winter”, says K-State wheat disease specialist Kelsey Anderson Onofre.

Increased moisture and other weather events during the 2023 harvest contributed to more volunteer wheat and desirable conditions for the wheat streak mosaic virus to thrive in the current growing season.

One last note or observation from my experience is that in the spring when volunteer wheat gets terminated either with tillage or herbicide. If there is nearby wheat it will get WSMV. Because the curl mite must have green and living tissue to survive on. Once the wheat is dying or killed, the mite will leave the plants using the wind because they do not have wings. They will then infest other nearby healthy fields with the wheat curl mite and thus WSMV.

For further information about WSMV just search on-line for Wheat Streak Mosaic, KSU. If you have any questions give me a call at 785-628-9430.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>I have been getting more phone calls this year than normal about wheat fields being infected with Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV).As a reminder volunteer wheat ideally needs to be completely dead/killed two weeks before wheat is drilled in the Fall. Volunteer wheat, or wheat leftover from past crops, houses the wheat curl mite. Mite populations, ultimately, depend on the amount of volunteer wheat within an area. If you had some wheat in a neighboring field that survived after harvest, or maybe it was hidden in some double crop field nearby, that's where those curl mites survive. They can then blow into your field or a neighbor’s field in either the fall or the early spring and that's typically when you start to see damage.You can get wheat samples tested for WSMV at the K-State plant pathology lab, just to confirm it. You can contact your local Extension Office to bring in your sample.You get kind of a fan appearance, so it is worse on the edge of the field and gets progressively better as you move towards the center of the field.Warm weather conditions induce the appearance of wheat streak mosaic within fields. While plants may be infected during the winter and times of cold, hot temperatures activate the viruses’ symptoms. “Usually, you don't see that streaking symptom until the weather starts to warm, so we can have some infection cooking there over the winter”, says K-State wheat disease specialist Kelsey Anderson Onofre.Increased moisture and other weather events during the 2023 harvest contributed to more volunteer wheat and desirable conditions for the wheat streak mosaic virus to thrive in the current growing season.One last note or observation from my experience is that in the spring when volunteer wheat gets terminated either with tillage or herbicide. If there is nearby wheat it will get WSMV. Because the curl mite must have green and living tissue to survive on. Once the wheat is dying or killed, the mite will leave the plants using the wind because they do not have wings. They will then infest other nearby healthy fields with the wheat curl mite and thus WSMV.For further information about WSMV just search on-line for Wheat Streak Mosaic, KSU. If you have any questions give me a call at 785-628-9430.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning that aired May 8, 2024.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning that aired May 8, 2024.<div><iframe title="City Edition: Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jynhg-16087e8-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning

Barton County Sheriff's Office incident log (5/8)

At 7:49 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 130 Avenue &amp; NE 200 Road.

At 8:54 a.m. an accident was reported at 2601 10th Street.

At 10:36 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 20 SE 40 Avenue.

At 12:54 p.m. an accident was reported in the 100 block of SE 20 Road.

At 4:49 p.m. a sick person was reported at 134 SE 10 Avenue.

At 7:55 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway &amp; NE 140 Avenue in Claflin.

Great Bend Police Department incident log (5/8)

At 1:55 a.m. a battery case was reported at 1109 Main Street.

At 6:58 a.m. a loud music complaint was reported at 2122 Main Street.

At 8:43 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 1560 K-96 Highway.

At 9:32 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 701 Kansas Avenue.

At 10:32 a.m. a dog at large was reported in the 1800 block of 7th Street.

At 12:27 p.m. someone wanted to speak to an officer in reference to a possible marijuana plant at 2925 Gano Street.

At 2:04 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 525 Morton Street.

At 2:54 p.m. a vehicle speeding in the area was reported at 12th &amp; Washington.

At 3:59 p.m. someone wanted to speak with an officer in reference to his aunt at 2006 McKinley Street.

At 4:03 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 3820 Broadway Avenue. False alarm.

At 5:24 p.m. a large black dog running at large was reported at 19th &amp; Van Buren Street.

At 5:52 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 1720 Madison Street.

At 5:52 p.m. theft of money that she forgot to pick up from a register was reported at Walmart, 3503 10th Street.

At 9:57 p.m. a possible gas smell was reported at 1804 Monroe Street.

At 10:54 p.m. criminal damage to property was reported at 1118 8th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff's Office incident log (5/8)Cattle OutAt 7:49 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 130 Avenue &amp; NE 200 Road.Injury AccidentAt 8:54 a.m. an accident was reported at 2601 10th Street.Animal ComplainAt 10:36 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 20 SE 40 Avenue.Non-Injury AccidentAt 12:54 p.m. an accident was reported in the 100 block of SE 20 Road.Sick PersonAt 4:49 p.m. a sick person was reported at 134 SE 10 Avenue.Injury AccidentAt 7:55 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway &amp; NE 140 Avenue in Claflin.Great Bend Police Department incident log (5/8)BatteryAt 1:55 a.m. a battery case was reported at 1109 Main Street.Noise ComplaintAt 6:58 a.m. a loud music complaint was reported at 2122 Main Street.Structure FireAt 8:43 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 1560 K-96 Highway.Injury AccidentAt 8:54 a.m. an accident was reported at 2601 10th Street.Ambulance AssistanceAt 9:32 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 701 Kansas Avenue.Animal ComplaintAt 10:32 a.m. a dog at large was reported in the 1800 block of 7th Street.Narcotics ViolationAt 12:27 p.m. someone wanted to speak to an officer in reference to a possible marijuana plant at 2925 Gano Street.Traumatic InjuriesAt 2:04 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 525 Morton Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 2:54 p.m. a vehicle speeding in the area was reported at 12th &amp; Washington.Threats / Criminal ThreatsAt 3:59 p.m. someone wanted to speak with an officer in reference to his aunt at 2006 McKinley Street.Structure FireAt 4:03 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 3820 Broadway Avenue. False alarm.Animal ComplaintAt 5:24 p.m. a large black dog running at large was reported at 19th &amp; Van Buren Street.At 5:52 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 1720 Madison Street.TheftAt 5:52 p.m. theft of money that she forgot to pick up from a register was reported at Walmart, 3503 10th Street.Gas Leak / SpillAt 9:57 p.m. a possible gas smell was reported at 1804 Monroe Street.Criminal DamageAt 10:54 p.m. criminal damage to property was reported at 1118 8th Street.

Cop Shop (5/8)

5/8 BOOKED: Chad Wornkey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $30,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Christopher Quintero-Reyes on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

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

BOOKED: Lee Leon on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $25,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Chelby Lamb on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Chad Wornkey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, with warrant withdrawn per county attorney.

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

RELEASED: Chelby Lamb on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Duncan Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Damage to Property, after posting a $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>5/8 BOOKED: Chad Wornkey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $30,000 C/S.BOOKED: Christopher Quintero-Reyes on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Sara Ehler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery Domestic Violence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Lee Leon on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $25,000 C/S.BOOKED: Chelby Lamb on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Chad Wornkey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, with warrant withdrawn per county attorney.RELEASED: Sara Ehler on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery Domestic Violence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Chelby Lamb on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Duncan Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Damage to Property, after posting a $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (5/8)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

For an insect that is typically no longer than 6 millimeters,
mosquitos garner a lot of attention during the spring and summer. 

Last month
Great Bend city officials mentioned crews were getting the mosquito foggers
calibrated for the upcoming season. Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the
first spraying for the insects will more than likely occur before the end of
the month.


"With the rain we received Monday, I'm looking at the temperatures," said Cauley. "I would imagine we probably need to start mosquito fogging. We're looking at 80-degree weather and moisture. I'm thinking we'll start around the Memorial Day weekend."

Last year, Great Bend used two different chemicals. One chemical kills the mosquitos
and the other sterilizes. One side of town gets the sterilizing chemical and
the other gets the one that kills the insects. The following week, the city
switches.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632351585102.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFor an insect that is typically no longer than 6 millimeters,
mosquitos garner a lot of attention during the spring and summer. Last month
Great Bend city officials mentioned crews were getting the mosquito foggers
calibrated for the upcoming season. Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the
first spraying for the insects will more than likely occur before the end of
the month.
"With the rain we received Monday, I'm looking at the temperatures," said Cauley. "I would imagine we probably need to start mosquito fogging. We're looking at 80-degree weather and moisture. I'm thinking we'll start around the Memorial Day weekend."Last year, Great Bend used two different chemicals. One chemical kills the mosquitos
and the other sterilizes. One side of town gets the sterilizing chemical and
the other gets the one that kills the insects. The following week, the city
switches.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend expects to spray for mosquitos by Memorial Day weekend

The City of Great Bend is hopeful to receive a grant to make sidewalk
repairs on downtown Main Street. The city applied for the Transportation
Alternatives program for sidewalk repair and accessibility improvements for an
estimated $800,000 project. 

Great Bend Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said she received response from the Kansas Department of Transportation
that the city would be responsible for a 20% match if the program is awarded.


"KDOT requires the city to provide letters of support from businesses," said Kadiyala. "They also require passing a resolution acknowledging the availability of the required local match and funds to pay it all up front. This is a cost reimbursement program so we pay for the whole project ahead, and then we apply for the reimbursement."

A rough estimate would put the city’s match at $160,000 for the sidewalk repair
on Main Street, from 10th to 17th. Funding for the
project would come from the KDOT grants fund and the city’s quarter-cent sales
tax fund if the program is awarded.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715247188303.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is hopeful to receive a grant to make sidewalk
repairs on downtown Main Street. The city applied for the Transportation
Alternatives program for sidewalk repair and accessibility improvements for an
estimated $800,000 project. Great Bend Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said she received response from the Kansas Department of Transportation
that the city would be responsible for a 20% match if the program is awarded.
"KDOT requires the city to provide letters of support from businesses," said Kadiyala. "They also require passing a resolution acknowledging the availability of the required local match and funds to pay it all up front. This is a cost reimbursement program so we pay for the whole project ahead, and then we apply for the reimbursement."A rough estimate would put the city’s match at $160,000 for the sidewalk repair
on Main Street, from 10th to 17th. Funding for the
project would come from the KDOT grants fund and the city’s quarter-cent sales
tax fund if the program is awarded.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend hopeful to repair Main St. sidewalk with grant

Today A chance of sprinkles with a slight chance of rain before 9 a.m., then a chance of sprinkles between 9 a.m. and noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 74. North-northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North northwest wind 5 to 11 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West-northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon.

Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Sunday A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night Rain and thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Tuesday A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Wednesday A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715253928786.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today A chance of sprinkles with a slight chance of rain before 9 a.m., then a chance of sprinkles between 9 a.m. and noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 74. North-northwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North northwest wind 5 to 11 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West-northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon.Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.Sunday A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Sunday Night Rain and thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., then rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Monday Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Monday Night A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.Tuesday A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.Wednesday A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The USD 431 Board of Education was presented with several options to replace one of the district's activity buses. At Monday's meeting, Superintendent Patrick Crowdis presented bids from three dealers, including a pair of buses from Midwest Bus.

"It intrigues me, the possibility of purchasing these buses," he said. "Purchasing these two at less than the price of the Coachmaster bus; we would have to rearrange a couple of things at the bus barn but we could park both of them inside. That would give us a spare if something mechanically were to go bad on any of our activity buses."

The district will replace a bus that has nearly half a million miles and has had electrical issues. Both of the buses from Midwest can seat up to 44 passengers, eight fewer than the district's most recent purchase. The buses will not have overhead storage but do have pleather seats and separate air conditioning units in the front and back. The used buses have 187,000 and 219,000 miles. Board Member Julia Debes was comforted knowing the district put about 16,000 miles on each of its activity buses this year.

"Knowing the mileage per year," she said, "those Midwest buses, as long as their maintenance records check out, seem like they'd be good options as long as it's not an issue that football or some of the larger sports have to take two buses and that doesn't cause a ripple effect."

The district also received bids from Kansas Truck Equipment Company and Coach Master's. A new bus from Kansas Truck would take 12-16 months to arrive. The board voted to purchase the two buses from Midwest for $119,000, contingent on satisfactory maintenance records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715175545839.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe USD 431 Board of Education was presented with several options to replace one of the district's activity buses. At Monday's meeting, Superintendent Patrick Crowdis presented bids from three dealers, including a pair of buses from Midwest Bus."It intrigues me, the possibility of purchasing these buses," he said. "Purchasing these two at less than the price of the Coachmaster bus; we would have to rearrange a couple of things at the bus barn but we could park both of them inside. That would give us a spare if something mechanically were to go bad on any of our activity buses."The district will replace a bus that has nearly half a million miles and has had electrical issues. Both of the buses from Midwest can seat up to 44 passengers, eight fewer than the district's most recent purchase. The buses will not have overhead storage but do have pleather seats and separate air conditioning units in the front and back. The used buses have 187,000 and 219,000 miles. Board Member Julia Debes was comforted knowing the district put about 16,000 miles on each of its activity buses this year."Knowing the mileage per year," she said, "those Midwest buses, as long as their maintenance records check out, seem like they'd be good options as long as it's not an issue that football or some of the larger sports have to take two buses and that doesn't cause a ripple effect."The district also received bids from Kansas Truck Equipment Company and Coach Master's. A new bus from Kansas Truck would take 12-16 months to arrive. The board voted to purchase the two buses from Midwest for $119,000, contingent on satisfactory maintenance records.

Hoisington school board approves purchase of two buses

April showers bring May flowers, but an April without showers brings disappointment to a wheat crop that had a lot of promise coming out of the winter.

According to Ross Janssen, Chief Meteorologist for Storm Team 12 in Wichita, the precipitation in Dodge City last month was 0.02 inches, tying the 1909 record for the driest April on record.

What’s even worse than a continuing multiyear drought is the loss of hope being felt throughout central and southern Kansas for a crop that, in January and February, was one of the better-looking wheat crops they’d seen in the past ten years.

The condition of the crop has been deteriorating rapidly, especially over the past few weeks, going from 57 percent good to excellent on February 25 to only 31 percent good to excellent by April 28, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

It has suffered from lack of moisture for much of the growing season, especially during the spring green-up. The Kansas wheat crop is also ahead of schedule, with one-third already headed, well ahead of 9 percent last year and 6 percent average. A March 26-27 freeze event took a toll on it, as there was not enough snow cover, and the plants were more advanced than they typically are at the end of March.

Mike Hubbell, a farmer from the Spearville area in Ford County, said his wheat came up good last fall, received a decent snow in February, was pretty wet in late January and February, and was looking pretty good. However, the last decent moisture it received was on February 5. Since then drought has killed off some tillers and it’s going downhill pretty rapidly.

A field of T158, planted on September 28, 2023, showed drought stress and freeze damage. Hubbell said most of the fields in the area were the same, with brown parts across the fields, mostly due to the drought. He reports that wheat in the area still has some potential — if the weather starts to cooperate from here on out and provides decent grain fill conditions.

In Rice County, Brian Sieker, who farms near Chase, said, “Wheat is just such a good thing in our rotation.” His early planted fields suffered the most from the freeze but are still his best fields despite that fact. Some of the late planted wheat didn’t come up until January. His best-looking field was planted to KS Providence on September 18, 2023, but even it was only knee-high because of the drought. Sieker credited improved genetics for giving it the ability to weather the drought as well as it has.

“In February, we had some of the best wheat we’d seen in years,” Sieker said. "Hope’s not a good thing.” This year will be his third year in a row with an insurance claim on wheat, making him seriously question whether he can justify the cost of applying a fungicide.

In McPherson County, Derek Sawyer says his wheat had a lot more hope in February than it does now.

“It needs a rain,” he said. His area received 0.5 inch of moisture in April, but that’s 2.5 inches less than normal.

He said he wasn’t overly excited about planting last fall, but with fall rains in October and some moisture through the winter, it looked like his wheat showed promise. After freeze damage and drought, that promise is withering away, much like his wheat.

“There was not enough snow when the cold snap hit,” said Sawyer. “There’s always a storm that wipes out our hopes. It’s all too common lately.”

He reports that his wheat is going downhill very rapidly, and some is even having trouble shooting a head.

The loss of potential for the 2024 Kansas wheat crop has been a disappointment to all who saw promise this winter. There’s still time for Mother Nature to salvage what’s left with some optimal grain fill conditions. Participants in the Wheat Quality Council’s annual hard winter wheat tour will have a chance to take a closer look at this year’s crop during the week of May 13.

Written by Marsha Boswell for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714747755949.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>April showers bring May flowers, but an April without showers brings disappointment to a wheat crop that had a lot of promise coming out of the winter.According to Ross Janssen, Chief Meteorologist for Storm Team 12 in Wichita, the precipitation in Dodge City last month was 0.02 inches, tying the 1909 record for the driest April on record.What’s even worse than a continuing multiyear drought is the loss of hope being felt throughout central and southern Kansas for a crop that, in January and February, was one of the better-looking wheat crops they’d seen in the past ten years.The condition of the crop has been deteriorating rapidly, especially over the past few weeks, going from 57 percent good to excellent on February 25 to only 31 percent good to excellent by April 28, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.It has suffered from lack of moisture for much of the growing season, especially during the spring green-up. The Kansas wheat crop is also ahead of schedule, with one-third already headed, well ahead of 9 percent last year and 6 percent average. A March 26-27 freeze event took a toll on it, as there was not enough snow cover, and the plants were more advanced than they typically are at the end of March.Mike Hubbell, a farmer from the Spearville area in Ford County, said his wheat came up good last fall, received a decent snow in February, was pretty wet in late January and February, and was looking pretty good. However, the last decent moisture it received was on February 5. Since then drought has killed off some tillers and it’s going downhill pretty rapidly.A field of T158, planted on September 28, 2023, showed drought stress and freeze damage. Hubbell said most of the fields in the area were the same, with brown parts across the fields, mostly due to the drought. He reports that wheat in the area still has some potential — if the weather starts to cooperate from here on out and provides decent grain fill conditions.In Rice County, Brian Sieker, who farms near Chase, said, “Wheat is just such a good thing in our rotation.” His early planted fields suffered the most from the freeze but are still his best fields despite that fact. Some of the late planted wheat didn’t come up until January. His best-looking field was planted to KS Providence on September 18, 2023, but even it was only knee-high because of the drought. Sieker credited improved genetics for giving it the ability to weather the drought as well as it has.“In February, we had some of the best wheat we’d seen in years,” Sieker said. "Hope’s not a good thing.” This year will be his third year in a row with an insurance claim on wheat, making him seriously question whether he can justify the cost of applying a fungicide.In McPherson County, Derek Sawyer says his wheat had a lot more hope in February than it does now.“It needs a rain,” he said. His area received 0.5 inch of moisture in April, but that’s 2.5 inches less than normal.He said he wasn’t overly excited about planting last fall, but with fall rains in October and some moisture through the winter, it looked like his wheat showed promise. After freeze damage and drought, that promise is withering away, much like his wheat.“There was not enough snow when the cold snap hit,” said Sawyer. “There’s always a storm that wipes out our hopes. It’s all too common lately.”He reports that his wheat is going downhill very rapidly, and some is even having trouble shooting a head.The loss of potential for the 2024 Kansas wheat crop has been a disappointment to all who saw promise this winter. There’s still time for Mother Nature to salvage what’s left with some optimal grain fill conditions. Participants in the Wheat Quality Council’s annual hard winter wheat tour will have a chance to take a closer look at this year’s crop during the week of May 13.Written by Marsha Boswell for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Wheat crop deteriorates due to lack of moisture

The owners of a property on 12th Street in Great Bend were
given 30 days to repair dangerous buildings or the city will demolish the
house. The Great Bend City Council held a public hearing on Monday for the
unsafe building at 2421 12th Street. 

Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said an inspection was conducted on the house as part of a search warrant by
the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. The exterior shows missing shingles and
windows boarded up and the front porch has deteriorated.


"There are no utilities to the house currently," said Burns. "I have noticed the door is opening in so I think we're having people going through it again. You'll see the sheetrock that is coming off and that is due to roof leaks. You also have open electrical pieces."

With no utilities to the structure, there are multiple makeshift wood-burning
stoves inside the house. During the search warrant, somebody was arrested for
living inside one of the rooms.


The City of Great Bend has not received any contact from the owners. If no
repairs are made to the property by June 8, the city will contract
out the demolition of the buildings.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710867324106.jpeg" alt="The property at 2421 12th Street in Great Bend will be demolished if no repairs are made within the next 30 days." />
 <figcaption>The property at 2421 12th Street in Great Bend will be demolished if no repairs are made within the next 30 days.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe owners of a property on 12th Street in Great Bend were
given 30 days to repair dangerous buildings or the city will demolish the
house. The Great Bend City Council held a public hearing on Monday for the
unsafe building at 2421 12th Street. Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said an inspection was conducted on the house as part of a search warrant by
the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. The exterior shows missing shingles and
windows boarded up and the front porch has deteriorated.
"There are no utilities to the house currently," said Burns. "I have noticed the door is opening in so I think we're having people going through it again. You'll see the sheetrock that is coming off and that is due to roof leaks. You also have open electrical pieces."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710867295547.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With no utilities to the structure, there are multiple makeshift wood-burning
stoves inside the house. During the search warrant, somebody was arrested for
living inside one of the rooms.
The City of Great Bend has not received any contact from the owners. If no
repairs are made to the property by June 8, the city will contract
out the demolition of the buildings.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend moves forward with demolishing unsafe 12th Street house

Few details have emerged about a missing woman and her infant son following the Great Bend Police Department's attempt to locate 32-year-old Crystal DeMoss Monday. The post on Facebook has elicited more than 1,700 shares. A friend of DeMoss, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it's not unlikely for DeMoss to take a break from social media.

"It's normal for her to get off social media for a couple weeks but she will always contact somebody," the friend said. "It was a shock when we saw the poster of her missing. We're looking at like, you reported her missing in May, but she's actually been missing since January, but no one understood she's the type of person that will step away from media for a while."

The post from the GBPD states DeMoss' vehicle was located at the residence of 25-year-old Tyler Epp in Great Bend. DeMoss and Epp share the missing infant son, and DeMoss had been residing at his residence. GBPD officers served two search warrants in Great Bend on Sunday in relation to DeMoss. Epp was booked into the Barton County Jail on May 6 on charges of criminal use of a firearm and possession of marijuana. He posted a $10,000 surety bond the same day.

Last September, Epp was charged in Russell County District Court for allegedly choking DeMoss in a Sept. 24, 2023 incident. The Russell County Sheriff's Office attempted to serve DeMoss a subpoena for a Jan. 22, 2024 court hearing but was unable to locate her at her Russell address. The case was dismissed on March 12, 2024, after DeMoss failed to make an appearance. 

Some friends of DeMoss say she was once active of social media but has not made any posts since January. The anonymous friend has not had contact with DeMoss since the summer of 2022, but remembers a fun-loving mother of three at the time.

"There's a bar in Russell that would have karaoke and we'd go," said the friend. "We would also hang out, just shopping and doing girls' stuff and having fun. We talked about going to the pool when it opened."

The friend also said a source she believes to be credible claims to have spoken with DeMoss on the phone as late as April 29.&nbsp;

Anyone with information about DeMoss or her son can contact the Police Department via 911, or you can do so anonymously through the TIPS Hotline (620) 792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715190495177.jpeg" alt="32-year-old Crystal DeMoss and her infant son were reported missing in Great Bend&nbsp; on Sunday." />
 <figcaption>32-year-old Crystal DeMoss and her infant son were reported missing in Great Bend&nbsp; on Sunday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFew details have emerged about a missing woman and her infant son following the Great Bend Police Department's attempt to locate 32-year-old Crystal DeMoss Monday. The post on Facebook has elicited more than 1,700 shares. A friend of DeMoss, who wishes to remain anonymous, said it's not unlikely for DeMoss to take a break from social media."It's normal for her to get off social media for a couple weeks but she will always contact somebody," the friend said. "It was a shock when we saw the poster of her missing. We're looking at like, you reported her missing in May, but she's actually been missing since January, but no one understood she's the type of person that will step away from media for a while."The post from the GBPD states DeMoss' vehicle was located at the residence of 25-year-old Tyler Epp in Great Bend. DeMoss and Epp share the missing infant son, and DeMoss had been residing at his residence. GBPD officers served two search warrants in Great Bend on Sunday in relation to DeMoss. Epp was booked into the Barton County Jail on May 6 on charges of criminal use of a firearm and possession of marijuana. He posted a $10,000 surety bond the same day.Last September, Epp was charged in Russell County District Court for allegedly choking DeMoss in a Sept. 24, 2023 incident. The Russell County Sheriff's Office attempted to serve DeMoss a subpoena for a Jan. 22, 2024 court hearing but was unable to locate her at her Russell address. The case was dismissed on March 12, 2024, after DeMoss failed to make an appearance. Some friends of DeMoss say she was once active of social media but has not made any posts since January. The anonymous friend has not had contact with DeMoss since the summer of 2022, but remembers a fun-loving mother of three at the time."There's a bar in Russell that would have karaoke and we'd go," said the friend. "We would also hang out, just shopping and doing girls' stuff and having fun. We talked about going to the pool when it opened."The friend also said a source she believes to be credible claims to have spoken with DeMoss on the phone as late as April 29.&nbsp;Anyone with information about DeMoss or her son can contact the Police Department via 911, or you can do so anonymously through the TIPS Hotline (620) 792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Details remain murky about missing Great Bend woman, infant son

Six students from Barton Community College in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society were recognized as members of the PTK All-State Academic team during an award luncheon on April 12 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Junction City.&nbsp;

Barton’s PTK honorees were Ce’Ara Evans of Kansas City and Sarah Showers of Lansing, from the Fort Leavenworth campus, Breyanna Baize of Fort Riley from the Fort Riley campus, Rachel Sims of Salina from the Barton County campus, and Brooke McReynolds and Heather Ramirez, both of Great Bend, who represented the Barton County campus and Barton Online respectively.

PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges and symbolizes excellence in higher education.&nbsp; Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK. The PTK group at Barton spends significant time sponsoring local events and volunteering to support others’ events.

Students must go through a selection process to join PTK, and their applications are reviewed by an anonymous panel on their respective campuses. All six students will have a chance to be named to PTK’s All-USA Academic Team, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Evans was named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and was chosen to address the audience during the celebration. She credits PTK for helping her push herself to accomplish more during her time at Barton.

“PTK recognized my academic endeavors, brilliance, and persistence to achieve and excel in the world of academics and helped me branch out to bigger and greater things,” she said. “Joining PTK gave me the fellowship, community, and support to encourage me on my journey of learning.”

As part of her recognition as a Coca-Cola scholar, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her future academic journey toward becoming a librarian at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715174971369.jpeg" alt="Attendees of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-State Academic Team awards were (front row, from left) Erika Jenkins-Moss, Breyanna Baize, Ce’Ara Evans, Sarah Showers, Brooke McReynolds, Rachel Sims, Angie Maddy, (back row, from left) Kathy Kottas, Elaine Simmons, Janet Belk, Carley Page, Kurtis Teal, and Kurt Konda" />
 <figcaption>Attendees of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-State Academic Team awards were (front row, from left) Erika Jenkins-Moss, Breyanna Baize, Ce’Ara Evans, Sarah Showers, Brooke McReynolds, Rachel Sims, Angie Maddy, (back row, from left) Kathy Kottas, Elaine Simmons, Janet Belk, Carley Page, Kurtis Teal, and Kurt Konda</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by Maggie HarrisSix students from Barton Community College in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society were recognized as members of the PTK All-State Academic team during an award luncheon on April 12 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Junction City.&nbsp;Barton’s PTK honorees were Ce’Ara Evans of Kansas City and Sarah Showers of Lansing, from the Fort Leavenworth campus, Breyanna Baize of Fort Riley from the Fort Riley campus, Rachel Sims of Salina from the Barton County campus, and Brooke McReynolds and Heather Ramirez, both of Great Bend, who represented the Barton County campus and Barton Online respectively.PTK is the international honor society for two-year colleges and symbolizes excellence in higher education.&nbsp; Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are invited to join PTK. The PTK group at Barton spends significant time sponsoring local events and volunteering to support others’ events.Students must go through a selection process to join PTK, and their applications are reviewed by an anonymous panel on their respective campuses. All six students will have a chance to be named to PTK’s All-USA Academic Team, which will be announced in the coming weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715175049848.jpeg" alt="Barton Fort Leavenworth student Ce’Ara Evans was named to the 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team as a bronze scholar." />
 <figcaption>Barton Fort Leavenworth student Ce’Ara Evans was named to the 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team as a bronze scholar.</figcaption>
 </figure>Evans was named a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and was chosen to address the audience during the celebration. She credits PTK for helping her push herself to accomplish more during her time at Barton.“PTK recognized my academic endeavors, brilliance, and persistence to achieve and excel in the world of academics and helped me branch out to bigger and greater things,” she said. “Joining PTK gave me the fellowship, community, and support to encourage me on my journey of learning.”As part of her recognition as a Coca-Cola scholar, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her future academic journey toward becoming a librarian at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa.The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

Barton CC students honored for academic achievements

The 50th Biking Across Kansas (BAK) event does not begin until June but May is National Bike Month. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission approved a proclamation to recognize the month locally. Dale Hogg, who is gearing up for his sixth BAK next month, said National Bike Month is a useful tool to bring awareness to the benefits and dangers of cycling.

"Citizens are urged to be mindful of bicyclists in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities and improve the health and safety of everyone on the roads," Hogg said. "And further, citizens are reminded that biking is a low-impact form of exercise and can help protect citizens from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis."

BAK begins on Friday, June 7 with a short 16-mile ride from the Colorado border to Tribune. Hoisington is scheduled for an overnight stop on Monday, June 10.

"If you want to come over and see what it looks like for a storm of locusts to hit a town and eat every piece of pie and drink every ounce of beer, that's the time to go see it," Hogg said. "It's unbelievable what 700 riders will do to a community."

BAK wraps up in Atchison on June 15, 505 miles from the original starting point. The event is typically capped at approximately 700 riders, but with support personnel, the caravan can easily grow to more than 1,000 people moving through Kansas communities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627500843308.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe 50th Biking Across Kansas (BAK) event does not begin until June but May is National Bike Month. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission approved a proclamation to recognize the month locally. Dale Hogg, who is gearing up for his sixth BAK next month, said National Bike Month is a useful tool to bring awareness to the benefits and dangers of cycling."Citizens are urged to be mindful of bicyclists in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities and improve the health and safety of everyone on the roads," Hogg said. "And further, citizens are reminded that biking is a low-impact form of exercise and can help protect citizens from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis."BAK begins on Friday, June 7 with a short 16-mile ride from the Colorado border to Tribune. Hoisington is scheduled for an overnight stop on Monday, June 10."If you want to come over and see what it looks like for a storm of locusts to hit a town and eat every piece of pie and drink every ounce of beer, that's the time to go see it," Hogg said. "It's unbelievable what 700 riders will do to a community."BAK wraps up in Atchison on June 15, 505 miles from the original starting point. The event is typically capped at approximately 700 riders, but with support personnel, the caravan can easily grow to more than 1,000 people moving through Kansas communities.

May proclaimed as National Bike Month in Barton County

Russell City Manager Jon Quinday was presented with the 2024 Edgar P. Schowalter Award by Kansas Municipal Utilities, the statewide association of community-owned and operated electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities in Kansas.

The award, the highest honor presented by KMU, is given to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the municipal utility industry. Quinday was presented the award at the KMU 2024 Conference in Wichita on April 25 by KMU Executive Director Brad Mears.

"Jon Quinday has been a strong voice for the municipal utility business model to provide essential utility services to the community they serve, and he has represented the municipal utility interests of his community to members of Congress and the Kansas Legislature," said Mears. "Jon also has provided thoughtful guidance on utility-related issues as well as valued input on the operation and planning for Kansas Municipal Utilities."

With a background as a combat veteran in the US Army and former Russell Police Chief, he was named City Manager of Russell in 2012. Russell is a full-service municipality with over 90 employees and an annual budget exceeding $30 million, with electric, water, wastewater, sewer and sanitation utilities, along with countywide 911 communications.

Throughout his career, he has firsthand insight into the complexities of municipal governance and municipal utility management. In addition, his public service extends beyond local government. Quinday has also served as school board president, president of the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency and a board member for Kansas Municipal Utilities and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. He has always been a strong advocate of the importance of public service.

The Schowalter Award is named after the late Ed Schowalter, who was an outstanding leader in the municipal utility industry, both in Kansas and across the United States. Schowalter served the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities for 28 years and was as a guiding force for KMU for over 27 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715185736244.jpeg" alt="Russell City Manager Jon Quinday was presented the 2024 Edgar P. Schowalter Award by Kansas Municipal Utilities." />
 <figcaption>Russell City Manager Jon Quinday was presented the 2024 Edgar P. Schowalter Award by Kansas Municipal Utilities.</figcaption>
 </figure>Russell City Manager Jon Quinday was presented with the 2024 Edgar P. Schowalter Award by Kansas Municipal Utilities, the statewide association of community-owned and operated electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities in Kansas.The award, the highest honor presented by KMU, is given to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the municipal utility industry. Quinday was presented the award at the KMU 2024 Conference in Wichita on April 25 by KMU Executive Director Brad Mears."Jon Quinday has been a strong voice for the municipal utility business model to provide essential utility services to the community they serve, and he has represented the municipal utility interests of his community to members of Congress and the Kansas Legislature," said Mears. "Jon also has provided thoughtful guidance on utility-related issues as well as valued input on the operation and planning for Kansas Municipal Utilities."With a background as a combat veteran in the US Army and former Russell Police Chief, he was named City Manager of Russell in 2012. Russell is a full-service municipality with over 90 employees and an annual budget exceeding $30 million, with electric, water, wastewater, sewer and sanitation utilities, along with countywide 911 communications.Throughout his career, he has firsthand insight into the complexities of municipal governance and municipal utility management. In addition, his public service extends beyond local government. Quinday has also served as school board president, president of the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency and a board member for Kansas Municipal Utilities and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. He has always been a strong advocate of the importance of public service.The Schowalter Award is named after the late Ed Schowalter, who was an outstanding leader in the municipal utility industry, both in Kansas and across the United States. Schowalter served the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities for 28 years and was as a guiding force for KMU for over 27 years.

Russell City Manager receives municipal utility industry award

The explosive cracking sounds of trees crashing to the ground are sickening to the stomach. With the damaging storms that have affected the area lately, trees will require special care and can make a full recovery.

Remove debris, then assess the damage The first step in caring for damaged trees is to remove all debris. This is mainly a safety factor, but also enables you to completely assess the extent of the damage.

Can the tree be saved? Next, determine whether the tree can be saved. Most trees will be salvageable and will need time to recover. If there is heavy splitting of the bark and the cambium, growth layer is exposed, or the main trunk is split, the tree will probably not survive and should be removed.

Also, if there are so many broken limbs that the form of the tree is destroyed, replacement may be the best option.

Once it has been determined that the tree can be saved then pruning begins. Broken branches should be cut back to the next larger branch or back to the trunk. Never leave a stub when making a pruning cut. Stubs lead to rot and decay, and slow the healing process.

When cutting back to the next larger crotch or branch angle, do not cut flush with the branch. Instead make the cut in the area referred to as the branch collar. The collar is a transition area between the branch and the trunk. Cutting flush with the branch or trunk leaves a larger wound, which takes longer to heal. The collar area is raised with bark tissue, much like the crease on your hand where your thumb joins the other fingers.

Larger limbs should be taken off in stages. Cutting a large branch at once often leads to a strip of bark being ripped from the tree increasing the amount of damage. The following steps to removing large branches are:

1. First cut about fifteen inches from the trunk or next larger branch. Start from the bottom and cut about one third of the way up through the branch.

2. The second cut should be made from the top down, a few inches out from the first under cut. The branch will break away at the first cut as you make the second cut.

3. Lastly, cut the remaining branch at the collar, which can be supported to prevent the bark stripping.

Avoid "door knockers." Hire a local reputable tree company Large trees are best handled by a reputable tree care service. When selecting a firm always ask for a certified arborist and never pay in advance. Quality companies will bill or collect after the work is completed.

Topping is not a recommended practice of repairing storm damage. Topping weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to disease. If the damage is this severe then the tree should be removed. Also, no wound dressings are needed.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The explosive cracking sounds of trees crashing to the ground are sickening to the stomach. With the damaging storms that have affected the area lately, trees will require special care and can make a full recovery.Remove debris, then assess the damage The first step in caring for damaged trees is to remove all debris. This is mainly a safety factor, but also enables you to completely assess the extent of the damage.Can the tree be saved? Next, determine whether the tree can be saved. Most trees will be salvageable and will need time to recover. If there is heavy splitting of the bark and the cambium, growth layer is exposed, or the main trunk is split, the tree will probably not survive and should be removed.Also, if there are so many broken limbs that the form of the tree is destroyed, replacement may be the best option.Once it has been determined that the tree can be saved then pruning begins. Broken branches should be cut back to the next larger branch or back to the trunk. Never leave a stub when making a pruning cut. Stubs lead to rot and decay, and slow the healing process.When cutting back to the next larger crotch or branch angle, do not cut flush with the branch. Instead make the cut in the area referred to as the branch collar. The collar is a transition area between the branch and the trunk. Cutting flush with the branch or trunk leaves a larger wound, which takes longer to heal. The collar area is raised with bark tissue, much like the crease on your hand where your thumb joins the other fingers.Larger limbs should be taken off in stages. Cutting a large branch at once often leads to a strip of bark being ripped from the tree increasing the amount of damage. The following steps to removing large branches are:1. First cut about fifteen inches from the trunk or next larger branch. Start from the bottom and cut about one third of the way up through the branch.2. The second cut should be made from the top down, a few inches out from the first under cut. The branch will break away at the first cut as you make the second cut.3. Lastly, cut the remaining branch at the collar, which can be supported to prevent the bark stripping.Avoid "door knockers." Hire a local reputable tree company Large trees are best handled by a reputable tree care service. When selecting a firm always ask for a certified arborist and never pay in advance. Quality companies will bill or collect after the work is completed.Topping is not a recommended practice of repairing storm damage. Topping weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to disease. If the damage is this severe then the tree should be removed. Also, no wound dressings are needed.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Pruning after storms

After a year of growth and development, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation is celebrating its 31st Annual Benefit over Father’s Day weekend (June 14 – 15). This year’s event theme “Through the Looking Glass: Finding something special for you at Clara Barton” symbolizes the wonder of what can be achieved through community support, unlocking the latest medical advancements. Proceeds will go towards upgrading the lab’s chemistry analyzer.

To kick off Father’s Day Weekend the four-man scramble golf tournament will be held on Friday, June 14 at Lake Barton Golf Course, with tee times beginning at 7 a.m. The cost to enter the tournament is $100 per player or $400 per team. Registration includes green fees, golf cart rental, lunch on the course, and a player gift. During this year’s tournament, you will have the chance to win awards for three tournament flights – top three places, thanks to sponsors Ehler Chevrolet, First Kansas Bank, and Barton County Transfer Service. The registration deadline is Tuesday, June 11.

The Hole-In-One contest will offer golfers two chances to win $1,000 thanks to Ehler Chevrolet. Other contests sponsored by Cardinal Pharmacy include longest drive, longest putt, closest to the hole, and straightest shot for both men’s and women’s divisions.

On Saturday, June 15, a catered dinner sponsored by Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will be available at the Columbus Club Hall (114 N. Main Street in Hoisington) with doors opening at 6 p.m. and dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. This year’s dinner includes creamy herb chicken breast, seasoned wild rice blend, green beans, dinner roll, fresh veggie basket with ranch, and cream cheese and fruit tarts.

Dinner tickets are $30 each and must be purchased by Wednesday, June 5. All tickets must be secured in advance as there will be no ticket sales on the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the foundation at 620-292-0814 before June 5. Ticket(s) must be presented by the attendee in exchange for the meal(s).

The benefit auction will be a hybrid event like last year – with a live, in-person event after dinner and an online silent auction. After the benefit dinner on Saturday, June 15, around 7:30 p.m., specialty items, trips, and experiences will be available for live bidding. Additional silent auction items will be available for bidding online beginning Friday, June 14, and closing Saturday, June 15. To view these items and register to bid, visit www.one.bidpal.net/clarabarton or text clarabarton to 243725.

Auction items include a week-long Branson getaway, Benelli Ethos shotgun, Arkansas trip including 2-night stay in luxurious treehouse, guided fishing trip, KC Royals tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, Kansas concert tickets, MadHatter Breakout Room experience, Wichita Zoo package, hand-crafted wine cabinet, round-trip airfare for 2 between Saline and Denver or Chicago, Worlds of Fun/Ocean of Fun passes, and hand-crafted specialty items. The traveling longhorn horns will again be part of the auction this year.

We are calling on all community members to mark their calendars and plan to attend the annual benefit event and help the Clara Barton organization fund the Wonder of Innovation! To download the benefit registration form for the golf tournament or to purchase dinner tickets, please visit www.one.bidpal.net/clarabarton or call Michelle Moshier at 620-292-0814. Your support of this event is appreciated!

Please contact the foundation office if you are interested in volunteering or supporting the event. For more information about the event and for a complete listing of sponsors who make this important fundraiser possible, go to www.clarabartonhospital.com/benefit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715174695730.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSAfter a year of growth and development, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation is celebrating its 31st Annual Benefit over Father’s Day weekend (June 14 – 15). This year’s event theme “Through the Looking Glass: Finding something special for you at Clara Barton” symbolizes the wonder of what can be achieved through community support, unlocking the latest medical advancements. Proceeds will go towards upgrading the lab’s chemistry analyzer.To kick off Father’s Day Weekend the four-man scramble golf tournament will be held on Friday, June 14 at Lake Barton Golf Course, with tee times beginning at 7 a.m. The cost to enter the tournament is $100 per player or $400 per team. Registration includes green fees, golf cart rental, lunch on the course, and a player gift. During this year’s tournament, you will have the chance to win awards for three tournament flights – top three places, thanks to sponsors Ehler Chevrolet, First Kansas Bank, and Barton County Transfer Service. The registration deadline is Tuesday, June 11.The Hole-In-One contest will offer golfers two chances to win $1,000 thanks to Ehler Chevrolet. Other contests sponsored by Cardinal Pharmacy include longest drive, longest putt, closest to the hole, and straightest shot for both men’s and women’s divisions.On Saturday, June 15, a catered dinner sponsored by Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless will be available at the Columbus Club Hall (114 N. Main Street in Hoisington) with doors opening at 6 p.m. and dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. This year’s dinner includes creamy herb chicken breast, seasoned wild rice blend, green beans, dinner roll, fresh veggie basket with ranch, and cream cheese and fruit tarts.Dinner tickets are $30 each and must be purchased by Wednesday, June 5. All tickets must be secured in advance as there will be no ticket sales on the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the foundation at 620-292-0814 before June 5. Ticket(s) must be presented by the attendee in exchange for the meal(s).The benefit auction will be a hybrid event like last year – with a live, in-person event after dinner and an online silent auction. After the benefit dinner on Saturday, June 15, around 7:30 p.m., specialty items, trips, and experiences will be available for live bidding. Additional silent auction items will be available for bidding online beginning Friday, June 14, and closing Saturday, June 15. To view these items and register to bid, visit www.one.bidpal.net/clarabarton or text clarabarton to 243725.Auction items include a week-long Branson getaway, Benelli Ethos shotgun, Arkansas trip including 2-night stay in luxurious treehouse, guided fishing trip, KC Royals tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, Kansas concert tickets, MadHatter Breakout Room experience, Wichita Zoo package, hand-crafted wine cabinet, round-trip airfare for 2 between Saline and Denver or Chicago, Worlds of Fun/Ocean of Fun passes, and hand-crafted specialty items. The traveling longhorn horns will again be part of the auction this year.We are calling on all community members to mark their calendars and plan to attend the annual benefit event and help the Clara Barton organization fund the Wonder of Innovation! To download the benefit registration form for the golf tournament or to purchase dinner tickets, please visit www.one.bidpal.net/clarabarton or call Michelle Moshier at 620-292-0814. Your support of this event is appreciated!Please contact the foundation office if you are interested in volunteering or supporting the event. For more information about the event and for a complete listing of sponsors who make this important fundraiser possible, go to www.clarabartonhospital.com/benefit.

Clara Barton Foundation hosting annual benefit event

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (5/7)

At 12:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 57 SE 20 Road.

At 4:48 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at N. US 281
Highway &amp; K-4 Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (5/7)Non-Injury AccidentAt 12:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 57 SE 20 Road.Traffic ArrestAt 4:48 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at N. US 281
Highway &amp; K-4 Highway.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:58 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at K-96 &amp;
NW 30 Avenue.At 6:45 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56
Highway &amp; SW 50 Avenue.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (5/7)Traffic ArrestAt 12:58 a.m. McKenna Tinkler reported a possible drunk
driver at 3307 10th Street. A traffic stop was conducted. Adolfo
Garza was arrested.Cardiac / RespiratoryAt 1:49 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2609 Lakin Avenue.Non-Injury AccidentAt 3:43 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th
&amp; Heizer.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:58 p.m. a vehicle speeding in the county was reported at
K-96 Highway &amp; NW 30 Avenue.Sick PersonAt 5:17 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1715 3rd
Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 6:07 p.m. an accident was reported at 3413 10th
Street.BatteryAt 9:34 p.m. Chris Reed was arrested at 1618 Jefferson
Street for aggravated battery.Disorderly ConductAt 10:28 p.m. disorderly conduct was reported at 1001
Parrish Ct.

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