HODGEMAN COUNTY—Two. people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaty, Daymon J. Beaty, 23, Cleveland, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas 156 three miles east of the U.S. 283 Junction.

The driver failed to maintain the single lane of traffic. The passenger side of semi dropped off the southside of the roadway. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side.&nbsp;

EMS transported a Beaty and a passenge Tiffany A. Raley, 48, Cleveland, Texas, to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

HODGEMAN COUNTY—Two. people were injured in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Hodgeman County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;&nbsp;Beaty, Daymon J. Beaty, 23, Cleveland, Texas, was eastbound on Kansas 156 three miles east of the U.S. 283 Junction.The driver failed to maintain the single lane of traffic. The passenger side of semi dropped off the southside of the roadway. The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled over onto the passenger side.&nbsp;EMS transported a Beaty and a passenge Tiffany A. Raley, 48, Cleveland, Texas, to the hospital in Kinsley.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized after semi travels into ditch, rolls

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the alleged sexual assault of juvenile in rural Barton County and have made an arrest.

On Saturday afternoon, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an alleged rape case that occurred in rural Barton County, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The victim was identified as a juvenile and was known to the suspect. The Sheriff’s Office also received information that the suspect was armed.

&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office detectives and deputies conducted an investigation, which led to the identification of the suspect identified as 40-year-old James S. Swanson III was located on 35 Avenue, southeast of the city of Great Bend. 

A felony traffic stop was conducted by multiple officers and Swanson was taken into custody without incident. He was booked in the Barton County Jail just after 9p.m. Saturday on requested charges of kidnapping and rape on a $500,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761597407829.png" alt="Swanson photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Swanson photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the alleged sexual assault of juvenile in rural Barton County and have made an arrest.On Saturday afternoon, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an alleged rape case that occurred in rural Barton County, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The victim was identified as a juvenile and was known to the suspect. The Sheriff’s Office also received information that the suspect was armed.&nbsp;Sheriff’s Office detectives and deputies conducted an investigation, which led to the identification of the suspect identified as 40-year-old James S. Swanson III was located on 35 Avenue, southeast of the city of Great Bend. A felony traffic stop was conducted by multiple officers and Swanson was taken into custody without incident. He was booked in the Barton County Jail just after 9p.m. Saturday on requested charges of kidnapping and rape on a $500,000 bond.

Barton Co. man accused of sex assault of juvenile 

Halloween's tricks and treats can be frighteningly risky for pets, but a few simple precautions can keep them safe during the holiday festivities.

"There are many hazards associated with Halloween," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksvhc.org/services/pet-health-center/">Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center</a>. "From candy and costumes to spooky decorations, these things can pose real dangers to our pets. By planning ahead, we can help them stay safe and stress-free."

Keep candy and other spooky treats out of reach Nelson encourages pet owners to keep all candy out of reach. Chocolate, xylitol and other artificial sweeteners, raisins, and certain nuts can be toxic to pets or cause gastrointestinal blockages and injuries.

Moldy pumpkins should be discarded promptly to prevent pets from eating them and becoming ill.

Keep pets away from electrical cords,&nbsp;<a>candles</a>&nbsp;and decorations — like glow sticks — to prevent injuries or accidental ingestion.

Familiarize pets with costumes Costumes can also pose hazards. Nelson suggests choosing pet-friendly outfits that avoid small or loose decorations that could be swallowed and cause obstructions.

"Owners should try costumes on their pets in advance," she said. "If a costume makes them stressed or restricts their ability to see, hear, smell or breathe, it should be skipped altogether. Consider opting for a simple Halloween-themed bandana instead. This is a fun and safe alternative."

Pets may become frightened by even their own family members in costume. To help them feel at ease, consider letting the pets see and smell the costume in advance.

Consider your pet's needs during trick-or-treating time Keeping pets calm during trick-or-treating is also important. If your pet becomes anxious with strangers, children in costumes or frequent doorbell sounds, secure them in a quiet room.

Consider greeting trick-or-treaters at the end of the driveway — weather permitting — or temporarily disconnecting the doorbell to avoid constant ringing. Keep pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats, which can be targeted for pranks.

Owners should also ensure that pets wear ID tags or have a microchip, ideally with a reflective collar, Nelson said.

"Halloween should be fun for the whole family — including pets," Nelson said. "A little extra caution can help prevent an emergency and make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone."

If you suspect your pet has ingested something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for guidance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761574562913.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From K-StateHalloween's tricks and treats can be frighteningly risky for pets, but a few simple precautions can keep them safe during the holiday festivities."There are many hazards associated with Halloween," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Kansas State University&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksvhc.org/services/pet-health-center/">Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center</a>. "From candy and costumes to spooky decorations, these things can pose real dangers to our pets. By planning ahead, we can help them stay safe and stress-free."Keep candy and other spooky treats out of reach Nelson encourages pet owners to keep all candy out of reach. Chocolate, xylitol and other artificial sweeteners, raisins, and certain nuts can be toxic to pets or cause gastrointestinal blockages and injuries.Moldy pumpkins should be discarded promptly to prevent pets from eating them and becoming ill.Keep pets away from electrical cords,&nbsp;<a>candles</a>&nbsp;and decorations — like glow sticks — to prevent injuries or accidental ingestion.Familiarize pets with costumes Costumes can also pose hazards. Nelson suggests choosing pet-friendly outfits that avoid small or loose decorations that could be swallowed and cause obstructions."Owners should try costumes on their pets in advance," she said. "If a costume makes them stressed or restricts their ability to see, hear, smell or breathe, it should be skipped altogether. Consider opting for a simple Halloween-themed bandana instead. This is a fun and safe alternative."Pets may become frightened by even their own family members in costume. To help them feel at ease, consider letting the pets see and smell the costume in advance.Consider your pet's needs during trick-or-treating time Keeping pets calm during trick-or-treating is also important. If your pet becomes anxious with strangers, children in costumes or frequent doorbell sounds, secure them in a quiet room.Consider greeting trick-or-treaters at the end of the driveway — weather permitting — or temporarily disconnecting the doorbell to avoid constant ringing. Keep pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats, which can be targeted for pranks.Owners should also ensure that pets wear ID tags or have a microchip, ideally with a reflective collar, Nelson said."Halloween should be fun for the whole family — including pets," Nelson said. "A little extra caution can help prevent an emergency and make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone."If you suspect your pet has ingested something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for guidance.

Prevent Halloween pet scares with these tips from a K-State veterinarian

The Barton Community College Instrumental Music Department will present a free Fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

The show will feature performances by the Prairie Winds Concert Band, Barton String Ensemble, Barton Rock Band, and Barton JazzCats.

The Prairie Winds Concert band consists of talented college students, as well as area high school students and community members.&nbsp; They will perform some contemporary concert band literature and feature guest conductor Maggie McKain, the daughter of the late Joe Boley, a music enthusiast from Great Bend.&nbsp; The JazzCats will perform an energetic set including select Glenn Miller songs as well as rock and funk tunes.&nbsp;

Barton Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman said she is excited to unveil some new additions to the performing arts family at this show.

“This semester, we have added two new talented groups,” she said. “The String Ensemble is a wonderful chamber group that will play some relaxing pieces, and then the Rock Band will be the complete opposite.&nbsp; This group of four gentlemen will rock the house with their abilities.”

For more information, contact Minneman at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:minnemanj@bartonccc.edu">minnemanj@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9396.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761588220409.jpeg" alt="The Barton JazzCats perform in the Fine Arts Auditorium during a concert earlier in the fall semester." />
 <figcaption>The Barton JazzCats perform in the Fine Arts Auditorium during a concert earlier in the fall semester.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA BCCThe Barton Community College Instrumental Music Department will present a free Fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.The show will feature performances by the Prairie Winds Concert Band, Barton String Ensemble, Barton Rock Band, and Barton JazzCats.The Prairie Winds Concert band consists of talented college students, as well as area high school students and community members.&nbsp; They will perform some contemporary concert band literature and feature guest conductor Maggie McKain, the daughter of the late Joe Boley, a music enthusiast from Great Bend.&nbsp; The JazzCats will perform an energetic set including select Glenn Miller songs as well as rock and funk tunes.&nbsp;Barton Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman said she is excited to unveil some new additions to the performing arts family at this show.“This semester, we have added two new talented groups,” she said. “The String Ensemble is a wonderful chamber group that will play some relaxing pieces, and then the Rock Band will be the complete opposite.&nbsp; This group of four gentlemen will rock the house with their abilities.”For more information, contact Minneman at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:minnemanj@bartonccc.edu">minnemanj@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9396.

Barton Music Department fall concert to showcase new string ensemble and rock band

News from the Oil Patch Oct. 27 by John P. Tretbar

Kansas Common crude drops 25 cents a barrel on the day Friday. The benchmark in McPherson remains four dollars higher than a week ago, but just 25 cents behind the first of the month. Current prices are just 25 cents behind the same week a year ago, but they're twenty-five DOLLARS lower than two years ago.

NYMEX crude prices dropped slightly on Friday, but closed the day and the week at sixty-one fifty ($61.50) per barrel, a four dollar weekly gain. Prices posted slight gains Monday. By lunchtime WTI was trading over $61 a barrel and London Brent was a few cents over $66.Crude production in the United States drops slightly from last week's all-time high, to tie for the third highest weekly tally ever: 13,629,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Weekly output has exceeded 13.6 million just four times in history, three times this month, and once in December of last year.

Commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by a million barrels this week. EIA reports stockpiles of just under 423 million barrels, or about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

The Energy Information Administration reported another weekly spike in strategic crude stockpiles. now up 800-thousand barrels from a week ago and 24 million from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA on Tuesday announced another million-barrel offer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, at prices more than $30 cheaper than the sales price three years ago.

The government said crude-oil imports rose by nearly half a million barrels a day to 5.9 million. Crude exports dropped by 250-thousand daily barrels but remained over four million. Four-week average imports are down nearly five percent from a year ago.

Fuel ethanol demand in the US is dragging, but international demand is not. The government now says exports of fuel ethanol, refined largely from corn, are poised to set a record for the second year in a row, and could exceed 138,000 barrels a day this year.

The Energy Information Administration reports big drops in stockpiles of diesel and regular gasoline, but demand for gasoline continues to drag. Average demand over the last four weeks trails last year by three percent.

The US rig count from Baker Hughes rose this week fueled largely by an increase of four offshore drilling rigs.&nbsp; Louisiana reports an increase of three active rigs on land. Wyoming is up two, while Texas is down one.

Overall drilling activity in Kansas is down 34 percent compared to a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose one in eastern Kansas and one west of Wichita for a total of 19 active rigs.&nbsp; Drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Ellis, Gove and Haskell counties.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports eight new drilling permits across Kansas this week. That's 552 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 918 by this time last year. There are four new permits east of Wichita and five in the western half of the state, including one new permit in Ellis County.

Operators competed 37 wells this week across the state, with 26 in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, with two new well-completions in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Gove County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 936 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,082 a year ago.

Despite falling prices, economic uncertainty, layoffs and reduced investment, Texas output is pumping two-thirds of a BILLION dollars into state coffers...per month.&nbsp; Tax payments from the oil patch in Texas help fund public education, roads and bridges, first-responders and other public services. All told, in just the month of September, energy producers paid $444 million in oil production taxes and $224 million in natural gas production taxes, according to data from the Texas Comptroller's Office. In fiscal 2024, the industry pumped more than $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.

The number-three crude producing state notes a slight drop in output. Operators in North Dakota pumped one-point-one-five (1.15) million barrels a day, according to the latest numbers from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The 19,607 producing wells across the state in August is up sixty wells from July, which was the previous all time record high.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574803826328.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch Oct. 27 by John P. TretbarKansas Common crude drops 25 cents a barrel on the day Friday. The benchmark in McPherson remains four dollars higher than a week ago, but just 25 cents behind the first of the month. Current prices are just 25 cents behind the same week a year ago, but they're twenty-five DOLLARS lower than two years ago.NYMEX crude prices dropped slightly on Friday, but closed the day and the week at sixty-one fifty ($61.50) per barrel, a four dollar weekly gain. Prices posted slight gains Monday. By lunchtime WTI was trading over $61 a barrel and London Brent was a few cents over $66.Crude production in the United States drops slightly from last week's all-time high, to tie for the third highest weekly tally ever: 13,629,000 barrels per day.&nbsp; Weekly output has exceeded 13.6 million just four times in history, three times this month, and once in December of last year.Commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by a million barrels this week. EIA reports stockpiles of just under 423 million barrels, or about four percent below the five year average for this time of year.The Energy Information Administration reported another weekly spike in strategic crude stockpiles. now up 800-thousand barrels from a week ago and 24 million from a year ago.&nbsp; EIA on Tuesday announced another million-barrel offer for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, at prices more than $30 cheaper than the sales price three years ago.The government said crude-oil imports rose by nearly half a million barrels a day to 5.9 million. Crude exports dropped by 250-thousand daily barrels but remained over four million. Four-week average imports are down nearly five percent from a year ago.Fuel ethanol demand in the US is dragging, but international demand is not. The government now says exports of fuel ethanol, refined largely from corn, are poised to set a record for the second year in a row, and could exceed 138,000 barrels a day this year.The Energy Information Administration reports big drops in stockpiles of diesel and regular gasoline, but demand for gasoline continues to drag. Average demand over the last four weeks trails last year by three percent.The US rig count from Baker Hughes rose this week fueled largely by an increase of four offshore drilling rigs.&nbsp; Louisiana reports an increase of three active rigs on land. Wyoming is up two, while Texas is down one.Overall drilling activity in Kansas is down 34 percent compared to a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service rose one in eastern Kansas and one west of Wichita for a total of 19 active rigs.&nbsp; Drilling was underway on Friday on leases in Ellis, Gove and Haskell counties.The Kansas Corporation Commission reports eight new drilling permits across Kansas this week. That's 552 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 918 by this time last year. There are four new permits east of Wichita and five in the western half of the state, including one new permit in Ellis County.Operators competed 37 wells this week across the state, with 26 in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, with two new well-completions in Barton County, one in Ellis County and one in Gove County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 936 new well completions so far this year, compared to 1,082 a year ago.Despite falling prices, economic uncertainty, layoffs and reduced investment, Texas output is pumping two-thirds of a BILLION dollars into state coffers...per month.&nbsp; Tax payments from the oil patch in Texas help fund public education, roads and bridges, first-responders and other public services. All told, in just the month of September, energy producers paid $444 million in oil production taxes and $224 million in natural gas production taxes, according to data from the Texas Comptroller's Office. In fiscal 2024, the industry pumped more than $27 billion in state and local taxes and royalties.The number-three crude producing state notes a slight drop in output. Operators in North Dakota pumped one-point-one-five (1.15) million barrels a day, according to the latest numbers from the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The 19,607 producing wells across the state in August is up sixty wells from July, which was the previous all time record high.

News from the Oil Patch: Ups and downs in the crude markets

GBRC outdoor soccer championship games took place on Saturday, Oct. 18.&nbsp; Here are the championship photos:

GBRC outdoor soccer championship games took place on Saturday, Oct. 18.&nbsp; Here are the championship photos:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536317448.jpeg" alt="K-1st grade league:&nbsp; The Heat - Head Coach Edgar Rocha" />
 <figcaption>K-1st grade league:&nbsp; The Heat - Head Coach Edgar Rocha</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536344246.jpeg" alt="2nd-3rd grade league:&nbsp; Lil' Bandidos - Head Coach Rafael Espinosa" />
 <figcaption>2nd-3rd grade league:&nbsp; Lil' Bandidos - Head Coach Rafael Espinosa</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536380014.jpeg" alt="4th-5th grade league:&nbsp; Neon Force - Head Coach Rafael Espinosa" />
 <figcaption>4th-5th grade league:&nbsp; Neon Force - Head Coach Rafael Espinosa</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536407178.jpeg" alt="6th-8th grade league:&nbsp; Bandidos - Head Coach Rafael Espinosa" />
 <figcaption>6th-8th grade league:&nbsp; Bandidos - Head Coach Rafael Espinosa</figcaption>
 </figure>

GBRC announces fall outdoor soccer league winners

On Oct. 22,&nbsp; just before 11 a.m., an officer with the Russell Police Department contacted Andrew Corley, age 26, at 11th and Main Street. Corley was wanted for two Russell County District Court warrants for Probation Violation and one city of Russell Municipal warrant for Failure to Appear. Corley fled from the officer on foot. Additional law enforcement officers from the Russell Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area to assist. 

A canine from the Kansas Highway Patrol was used to track Corley to a bush in the 1100 block of N. Main Street, where he was taken into custody without further incident. A search of the area where Corley was located resulted in finding approximately nine grams of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl. During this time, Simpson Elementary School was placed into a “hold” status for the safety of students and staff.&nbsp;

Additional items located on Corley’s person led officers to believe that he may be involved in local burglaries. A search warrant was applied for and granted for a residence in the 1400 block of N. Maple Street where additional items of evidentiary value were seized.

Corley was booked into jail on his three warrants, Distribution of Controlled Substances within 1,000 feet of a School, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges are expected from this investigation.&nbsp;

Corley is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536688705.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On Oct. 22,&nbsp; just before 11 a.m., an officer with the Russell Police Department contacted Andrew Corley, age 26, at 11th and Main Street. Corley was wanted for two Russell County District Court warrants for Probation Violation and one city of Russell Municipal warrant for Failure to Appear. Corley fled from the officer on foot. Additional law enforcement officers from the Russell Police Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area to assist. A canine from the Kansas Highway Patrol was used to track Corley to a bush in the 1100 block of N. Main Street, where he was taken into custody without further incident. A search of the area where Corley was located resulted in finding approximately nine grams of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl. During this time, Simpson Elementary School was placed into a “hold” status for the safety of students and staff.&nbsp;Additional items located on Corley’s person led officers to believe that he may be involved in local burglaries. A search warrant was applied for and granted for a residence in the 1400 block of N. Maple Street where additional items of evidentiary value were seized.Corley was booked into jail on his three warrants, Distribution of Controlled Substances within 1,000 feet of a School, Felony Interference with Law Enforcement, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Additional charges are expected from this investigation.&nbsp;Corley is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Russell police make arrest after brief foot pursuit

GBRC Adult Volleyball champions were crowned during the week of Oct. 20.&nbsp; 

GBRC Adult Volleyball champions were crowned during the week of Oct. 20.&nbsp; <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536033810.jpeg" alt="Monday Women's Competitive: Serves You Right - Team Manager, Kelly Hart" />
 <figcaption>Monday Women's Competitive: Serves You Right - Team Manager, Kelly Hart</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536095150.jpeg" alt="Monday Women's Recreational: SKWURLS - Team Manager, Melody Johnston" />
 <figcaption>Monday Women's Recreational: SKWURLS - Team Manager, Melody Johnston</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536125435.jpeg" alt="Monday Women's Intermediate: KOA - Team Manager, Debbie Koch" />
 <figcaption>Monday Women's Intermediate: KOA - Team Manager, Debbie Koch</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536173540.jpeg" alt="Wednesday Spiking Coed: Dave's Cryptologists - Team Manager, Debbie Koch" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Spiking Coed: Dave's Cryptologists - Team Manager, Debbie Koch</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761536204044.jpeg" alt="Friday Recreational Coed: EZ Pass - Team Manager, Cintia Espino" />
 <figcaption>Friday Recreational Coed: EZ Pass - Team Manager, Cintia Espino</figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend Rec announces adult volleyball league champions

Booked Carson, John Charles on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202400578 for Contempt of court. Bond set at No Bond.

Booked Keller, Katie on Barton County District Court case # 25-1083 for DUI 1st. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Booked Martinez, Geovany on Great Bend Municipal Court case # 25-!783 for Driving Without A License. Bond is set at $500.00 cash/surety.

Released Martinez, Geovany on Great Bend Municipal Court case # 325-1783 for Driving Without A License. Bonded by posting a surety of $500.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Keller, Katie J. on Barton County District Court case # 25-1083 for Driving Under the Influence. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Hudson, Shane Michael on Barton County District Court Warrant #8T2024CR0420 for Serve Sentence. Time Served.

Released Davis, Jessica Lynn on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202500573 for Serve Sentence. Time is served.

Booked Sexton, Alexis on Ellinwood Municipal Court Case #25-165 for Driving While Suspended and Driving with Defective Head Lights with a bond of $2,500.00 cash or surety and an 18 Hour O.R. Bond.

Released Sexton, Alexis on Ellinwood 14unicipal Court case #25-165 for Driving While Suspended and Driving with Defective Head Lights by posting a bond of $2,500.00 through Ace Bail Bonding.

Booked Asbury, Gage on Barton County District Court Case *25-1077 for DUI and Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign with a bond of $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Asbury, Gage on Barton County District Court Case #25-1077 for DUI and Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign with a surety bond of $1,000.00 through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Booked in Andrale-Sigala, Ismael on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1780 for Driving under the influence, Improper turn, Transporting open Liquor. No tag light, bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Andrale-Sigala, Ismael on Great Bend Municipal Court Case #25-L78O for Driving under the influence, Improper turn, Transporting open Liquor, No tag light, surety of $1,000.00 posted by Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Booked in Harrod, Dustin R. on Great Bend Municipal Court Case #25-1781 for Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000.00 cash or Surety.

Released Harrod, Dustin R. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1787 for Interference with LEO, surety of $1,000.00 posted by Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Abeytia, Angela on Stafford County District Court case #25-99 for Driving while revoked, transporting open container, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. By posting $2,500.00 Cash bond.

Booked in Swanson, James on Barton County District Court case #25-1080 for Rape and Kidnapping. Bond set at $500,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Holguin, Sherry on Barton County District Court case #25-1070 for driving while suspended and expired registration. She posted a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Anderson, Joshua R. on a Barton County District Court case #25-1764 for Rape. Bond set at $500,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Booked Zimmer-Pflughoeft, Zakary E. H. on Barton County District Court case #25-1071 for Possession of Methamphetamine; bond set at $10,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Booked Zubia, Ashley M. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1772 for Domestic Battery; bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety or 48 Hour O.R.

Released Zubia, Ashley M. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1772 for Domestic Battery by posting a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked Rivas, Damian on Barton County District Court Warrant 8T2025CR0398 for Possession of THC and Possession of Paraphernalia. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Rivas, Damian on Barton County District Court Warrant 8T2025CR0398 for Possession of THC and Possession of Paraphernalia by posting a $1,000.00 cash bond.

Released Mesecher, Joshua L. on Barton County District Court case 8T2021CR0145 for Probation Violation. He was released on end of sentence with time served.

Booked in Hudson, Shane on Barton County District Court warrant#8T2024cR0420 for serve sentence. Bond is set at No Bond.

Booked in Abeytia, Angelo on Stafford County District Court case #25-99 for Driving while revoked, transporting open container, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set at $2,500.00 cash or surety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758251911101.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>10/26Booked Carson, John Charles on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202400578 for Contempt of court. Bond set at No Bond.Booked Keller, Katie on Barton County District Court case # 25-1083 for DUI 1st. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.Booked Martinez, Geovany on Great Bend Municipal Court case # 25-!783 for Driving Without A License. Bond is set at $500.00 cash/surety.Released Martinez, Geovany on Great Bend Municipal Court case # 325-1783 for Driving Without A License. Bonded by posting a surety of $500.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.Released Keller, Katie J. on Barton County District Court case # 25-1083 for Driving Under the Influence. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.Released Hudson, Shane Michael on Barton County District Court Warrant #8T2024CR0420 for Serve Sentence. Time Served.Released Davis, Jessica Lynn on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202500573 for Serve Sentence. Time is served.Booked Sexton, Alexis on Ellinwood Municipal Court Case #25-165 for Driving While Suspended and Driving with Defective Head Lights with a bond of $2,500.00 cash or surety and an 18 Hour O.R. Bond.Released Sexton, Alexis on Ellinwood 14unicipal Court case #25-165 for Driving While Suspended and Driving with Defective Head Lights by posting a bond of $2,500.00 through Ace Bail Bonding.10/25Booked Asbury, Gage on Barton County District Court Case *25-1077 for DUI and Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign with a bond of $1,000.00 cash or surety.Released Asbury, Gage on Barton County District Court Case #25-1077 for DUI and Failing to Stop at a Stop Sign with a surety bond of $1,000.00 through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.Booked in Andrale-Sigala, Ismael on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1780 for Driving under the influence, Improper turn, Transporting open Liquor. No tag light, bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.Released Andrale-Sigala, Ismael on Great Bend Municipal Court Case #25-L78O for Driving under the influence, Improper turn, Transporting open Liquor, No tag light, surety of $1,000.00 posted by Around the Clock Bail Bonds.Booked in Harrod, Dustin R. on Great Bend Municipal Court Case #25-1781 for Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000.00 cash or Surety.Released Harrod, Dustin R. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1787 for Interference with LEO, surety of $1,000.00 posted by Ace Bail Bonds.Released Abeytia, Angela on Stafford County District Court case #25-99 for Driving while revoked, transporting open container, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. By posting $2,500.00 Cash bond.Booked in Swanson, James on Barton County District Court case #25-1080 for Rape and Kidnapping. Bond set at $500,000.00 cash or surety.10/24Released Holguin, Sherry on Barton County District Court case #25-1070 for driving while suspended and expired registration. She posted a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.Booked in Anderson, Joshua R. on a Barton County District Court case #25-1764 for Rape. Bond set at $500,000.00 Cash or Surety.Booked Zimmer-Pflughoeft, Zakary E. H. on Barton County District Court case #25-1071 for Possession of Methamphetamine; bond set at $10,000.00 Cash or Surety.Booked Zubia, Ashley M. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1772 for Domestic Battery; bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety or 48 Hour O.R.Released Zubia, Ashley M. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-1772 for Domestic Battery by posting a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.Booked Rivas, Damian on Barton County District Court Warrant 8T2025CR0398 for Possession of THC and Possession of Paraphernalia. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.Released Rivas, Damian on Barton County District Court Warrant 8T2025CR0398 for Possession of THC and Possession of Paraphernalia by posting a $1,000.00 cash bond.Released Mesecher, Joshua L. on Barton County District Court case 8T2021CR0145 for Probation Violation. He was released on end of sentence with time served.Booked in Hudson, Shane on Barton County District Court warrant#8T2024cR0420 for serve sentence. Bond is set at No Bond.Booked in Abeytia, Angelo on Stafford County District Court case #25-99 for Driving while revoked, transporting open container, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set at $2,500.00 cash or surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (10/24-10/26)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Great Bend's Austin Levingston has made some headlines in the swimming world, most recently winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics Kansas event in August. But he may have a future in guest booking. Levingston recently reached out to former Plainville High School standout Jared Casey, who went on to do some big things for the University of Kansas football team.

"I had a great career, and it started out pretty rough," Casey said on an impromptu appearance on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Sports Day" program. "The first year was 2020, and it was the COVID year. I went in there and didn't really know what to expect. We always had this saying, 'We want to turn everything around.' We eventually did that, but it was a long road of some tough losses, some really bad losses, then we started to win some."

Casey played tight end in all 12 games during his senior year at KU, starting eight of those games. He caught 18 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. But the biggest highlight of his career came early, when, as a Div. I walk-on, he made national headlines by catching a 2-point pass in overtime to stun Texas 57-56. He's now trying to keep his career going in the United Football League, or better yet, the NFL.

"It's definitely a business, for sure, at that type of level," he said. "I went to the Chiefs mini-camp and played pretty well and just didnt't stick on there. The next week, I went to the Miami Dolphins mini-camp. It's just getting your name out there, getting into that type of level and league is big for someone like me trying to get on."

Casey was a 3-sport standout at Class 2A Plainville. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards in two years at running back, and recorded 425 tackles and 30 total touchdowns in his prep career. He was a 3-time first-team All-State selection on the basketball court with more than 1,500 career points. He was also an All-State track and field athlete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761603233524.png" alt="photo by KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>photo by KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGreat Bend's Austin Levingston has made some headlines in the swimming world, most recently winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics Kansas event in August. But he may have a future in guest booking. Levingston recently reached out to former Plainville High School standout Jared Casey, who went on to do some big things for the University of Kansas football team."I had a great career, and it started out pretty rough," Casey said on an impromptu appearance on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Sports Day" program. "The first year was 2020, and it was the COVID year. I went in there and didn't really know what to expect. We always had this saying, 'We want to turn everything around.' We eventually did that, but it was a long road of some tough losses, some really bad losses, then we started to win some."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761496760118.jpeg" alt="Great Bend's Austin Levingston invited Casey to Great Bend, and the two appeared on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Sports Day" show last week." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's Austin Levingston invited Casey to Great Bend, and the two appeared on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Sports Day" show last week.</figcaption>
 </figure>Casey played tight end in all 12 games during his senior year at KU, starting eight of those games. He caught 18 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. But the biggest highlight of his career came early, when, as a Div. I walk-on, he made national headlines by catching a 2-point pass in overtime to stun Texas 57-56. He's now trying to keep his career going in the United Football League, or better yet, the NFL."It's definitely a business, for sure, at that type of level," he said. "I went to the Chiefs mini-camp and played pretty well and just didnt't stick on there. The next week, I went to the Miami Dolphins mini-camp. It's just getting your name out there, getting into that type of level and league is big for someone like me trying to get on."Casey was a 3-sport standout at Class 2A Plainville. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards in two years at running back, and recorded 425 tackles and 30 total touchdowns in his prep career. He was a 3-time first-team All-State selection on the basketball court with more than 1,500 career points. He was also an All-State track and field athlete.

Former Plainville, Jayhawk football player makes impromptu stop in Great Bend

Monday Patchy drizzle before 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 58. South southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Monday Night A chance of showers before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1am and 4am, then showers likely after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Light and variable wind becoming north northwest 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 25 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Windy. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 55. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Monday Patchy drizzle before 9am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 58. South southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Monday Night A chance of showers before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1am and 4am, then showers likely after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Light and variable wind becoming north northwest 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Tuesday A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 25 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Windy. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 55. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Monday's weather

High costs and limited access in some parts of the country can keep people from getting needed health care.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/suzanne-king/">SUZANNE KING</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/16/kansas-and-missouri-lag-national-average-for-medicare-recipient/">The Beacon</a>

Kansas and Missouri are below average when it comes to the cost and quality of Medicare coverage.

That’s according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2025/oct/state-scorecard-medicare-performance">new scorecard</a>&nbsp;from The Commonwealth Fund that looks at how seniors are faring under the government health insurance program that covers one in five Americans.

The report, released on the second day people could sign up for 2026 Medicare benefits, assessed 50 states and Washington, D.C. Researchers considered access to care; quality of care; cost and affordability; and population health.&nbsp;

Overall, Kansas ranked 27th and Missouri ranked 34th.&nbsp;

Medicare, which is marking its 60th anniversary, covers hospital stays and doctor visits for&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">69 million Americans</a>, including most people aged 65 and older and younger people with long-term disabilities. The program also covers prescription drugs for 56 million people.

Although Medicare is administered by the federal government and includes core benefits that are largely consistent across the country, some factors that vary by state influence how well it is working for beneficiaries.&nbsp;

These include the cost and availability of supplemental insurance plans and prescription coverage, how easy it is to find care close to home and the quality of that care.

“The report uncovers wide gaps in health care access, cost and quality,” Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, said during a conference call with reporters, “and clearly shows that Medicare, while a vital safety net for millions of Americans, is not working the same for everyone.”

Betancourt said he hopes policymakers use the report to identify gaps and adopt strategies to close them.

Missouri ranked 35th in cost and affordability, 32nd in access to care, 29th in quality of care and 28th in population health, according to The Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard. About 1.3 million Missourians — 21.5% of the state’s population — have Medicare.

Kansas ranked 50th on cost and affordability, 19th on both access to care and quality of care and 24th in population health, according to the scorecard. About 597,000 Kansans — 20% of the state’s population — have Medicare.

Only 13.7% of beneficiaries in Kansas receive a low-income subsidy, compared to 18% in Missouri and 20% nationwide. And 13.5% of older adults in Kansas have income at or near the federal poverty level, compared to 14.9% of older adults in Missouri and 18.9% nationwide.

The U.S. government launched Medicare in 1965, 20 years after the Truman administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/challenge-national-healthcare">tried and failed</a>&nbsp;to push through a national health insurance program that would have provided government-sponsored insurance to people of all ages.

Eventually, Medicare became a compromise to get basic coverage to older Americans. As health insurance was becoming more common, younger Americans were largely getting coverage through their employers, leaving retired people without insurance as they reached an age when they were more likely to need health care.

Medicare began as very basic coverage to pay the bill if someone ended up in the hospital. Later, coverage for outpatient care was added. Today, it has evolved even more.

Now when people turn 65, they can choose to enroll in a traditional Medicare plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that offers more coverage. Under traditional plans, the government pays insurance claims. But with Medicare Advantage, coverage comes through private insurance companies.

Medicare Advantage, which generally costs patients less upfront, has steadily become more popular in recent years. In 2010,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-policy-101-medicare/?entry=table-of-contents-what-is-medicare-advantage-and-how-is-it-different-from-traditional-medicare">only one quarter</a>&nbsp;of Medicare participants chose a Medicare Advantage plan, but by 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">private plans had 51%</a>&nbsp;of the national market. In Missouri, 54% of Medicare recipients are enrolled in private plans, compared to one-third of Kansans.

Medicare is divided into parts. Everyone gets Part A, which covers inpatient, hospital care. And most people get Part B, which covers outpatient care. Part D, which covers prescriptions, is optional and often paired with traditional Medicare coverage.

In addition to Part D, people who opt for traditional Medicare also usually pay for supplemental coverage, known as Medigap coverage, which fills in some of the services left out of Medicare coverage. Medicaid or an employer plan could also serve that purpose.

People who choose Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, get everything rolled up together, including traditional coverage, plus other coverage, such as prescription, dental, vision and hearing. Advantage plans also sometimes include add-on services like gym memberships and transportation. And people on the plans often have to pay no or only minimal premiums.

The drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans are that they can only be used with hospitals and physicians in an insurance plan’s network, and they are limited to certain geographic regions. And Medicare Advantage frequently requires patients to have specialty services pre-approved, known as prior authorization.&nbsp;

Finally, once a patient opts out of traditional Medicare in favor of Medicare Advantage, it may be difficult to switch back. That’s because in most states the insurance carriers that provide supplemental coverage aren’t required to accept patients once their initial Medicare enrollment is over.&nbsp;

“Insurance companies can look at your history and decide not to cover you,” said Louise Norris, health policy analyst with&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>.&nbsp;

While commercial insurance rates are&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/09/16/kansas-city-workers-can-bet-on-paying-more-for-health-insurance-next-year/">expected to jump</a>&nbsp;an average of 9% next year, and premiums for plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/18/brace-for-sticker-shock-if-youre-buying-health-insurance-on-the-aca-marketplace/">will shoot up</a>&nbsp;even more, the premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients are expected to stay relatively stable.&nbsp;

Part A doesn’t cost beneficiaries anything, but Part B comes with a premium. Next year, those premiums are expected to be $206 a month, up from $185 in 2025, Norris said.&nbsp;

Average premiums for standalone Part D plans are expected to fall slightly to an average of $34.50, compared to $38.31 this year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026">projections</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But the annual cap for out-of-pocket costs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/newsroom/press-releases/what-to-know-about-medicare-changes-before-you-shop-for-a-2026-plan/">will increase</a>&nbsp;to $2,100 from $2,000. And Part D drug plans also come with a deductible that patients must cover, and those will also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/what-kind-of-medicare-benefit-changes-can-i-expect-this-year/#footnote_1_1035">go up slightly</a>.

Meanwhile, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with drug coverage, is expected to fall to $14 in 2026 from $16.40 this year. In Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-ma-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheet.pdf">average monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;will drop to $8.56 in 2026, from $10.66 this year. And Kansas’ will increase to $10.11 in 2026, from $9.54 this year.

But prices and plans available vary by region. People can look to&nbsp;<a href="http://medicare.gov/">Medicare.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare">Medicare Plan Finder</a>, both government websites, for help. And independent sites like&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>&nbsp;also provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-open-enrollment/">guides</a>&nbsp;and information that can help.

For personal help or to ask questions, every state offers a federally funded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/">health insurance assistance program</a>, which provides free counselors who will help people sort through prescription needs and preferred providers to assess Medicare plans and choose the best option.

But even with help and advice, making a choice can be daunting, said Scott Miniea, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missouriship.org/">Missouri SHIP</a>, that state’s assistance program.

Missouri has so many choices for Medicare coverage, including 157 plans in 2026, people get “decision paralysis,” Miniea said. SHIP counselors can’t make the decision, but they can be sure people they work with know all the options and potential pitfalls.

Missouri’s SHIP program has the capacity to help about 50,000 people with Medicare choices each year. And the organization will provide most of that help during the seven-week open enrollment period running from Oct. 15 to Dec.7.

“It’s a crazy 36 days starting tomorrow,” Miniea said in an Oct. 14 phone call.

He doesn’t expect the federal government shutdown to have an immediate effect on people trying to enroll. But on Oct. 15, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-for-service-providers">said it would pause</a>&nbsp;Medicare payments to doctors due to the shutdown.

For the first time this year, people will need an email address in order to enroll in Medicare, which could create an obstacle for some people without a computer or internet access, Miniea said.&nbsp;

He knows his organization won’t be able to help every Missourian who needs it. But other nonprofits also offer navigation services. And insurance brokers can provide assistance, too. But Miniea cautioned people to be aware of any conflicts of interest when seeking advice. Some brokers, for example, get paid by insurance plans for enrolling patients.

Before making any decisions about a Medicare plan, people should look closely at all the details. Miniea advises people to go to an insurance company’s website or call the company directly to ask questions to be certain that the hospitals and doctors they will need fall within the plan’s coverage network. He also suggests documenting those conversations and capturing information found online in case an appeal is required later.

And, finally, he said, ask about discounts that may be available for people whose income is low enough, or about hidden perks and extra services that might make a plan more attractive.&nbsp;

The main thing, Miniea said, is to do your homework before settling.

“It’s a constantly changing landscape,” he said. “Get as educated as you can.”

Authors of The Commonwealth Fund scorecard said that the discrepancies in care across states are less pronounced for Medicare patients than for people getting health coverage in other ways.

“In many respects,” the authors wrote, “Medicare has succeeded in ensuring that the people it covers — no matter which state they live in — have similar experiences with health care.”

But there are still definite differences, they said. States that scored best offered Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans with better coverage, making accessing and affording care easier.&nbsp;

Top states, for example, had plans that are less likely to require prior authorization for preventative services and specialty care, which can be an obstacle.

In addition, top-ranked states had low Medicare program spending per person, which helped keep costs down for beneficiaries who often are charged a percentage of what Medicare pays. In Kansas, average out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions was $458, compared to the national average of $386. The average out-of-pocket cost in Missouri was $399.

And the best-ranked states also tended to have health care systems that performed well for people not covered by Medicare.&nbsp;

“This is a clear indication that a state’s policies, health care infrastructure and local clinical practice norms are having a positive impact on all residents,” the report said, “not just those in Medicare.”

High costs and limited access in some parts of the country can keep people from getting needed health care.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761227634176.jpeg" alt="Medicare covers health care for one in five Americans. Photo by Suzanne King/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Medicare covers health care for one in five Americans. Photo by Suzanne King/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/suzanne-king/">SUZANNE KING</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/10/16/kansas-and-missouri-lag-national-average-for-medicare-recipient/">The Beacon</a>Kansas and Missouri are below average when it comes to the cost and quality of Medicare coverage.That’s according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2025/oct/state-scorecard-medicare-performance">new scorecard</a>&nbsp;from The Commonwealth Fund that looks at how seniors are faring under the government health insurance program that covers one in five Americans.The report, released on the second day people could sign up for 2026 Medicare benefits, assessed 50 states and Washington, D.C. Researchers considered access to care; quality of care; cost and affordability; and population health.&nbsp;Overall, Kansas ranked 27th and Missouri ranked 34th.&nbsp;Medicare, which is marking its 60th anniversary, covers hospital stays and doctor visits for&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">69 million Americans</a>, including most people aged 65 and older and younger people with long-term disabilities. The program also covers prescription drugs for 56 million people.Although Medicare is administered by the federal government and includes core benefits that are largely consistent across the country, some factors that vary by state influence how well it is working for beneficiaries.&nbsp;These include the cost and availability of supplemental insurance plans and prescription coverage, how easy it is to find care close to home and the quality of that care.“The report uncovers wide gaps in health care access, cost and quality,” Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of The Commonwealth Fund, said during a conference call with reporters, “and clearly shows that Medicare, while a vital safety net for millions of Americans, is not working the same for everyone.”Betancourt said he hopes policymakers use the report to identify gaps and adopt strategies to close them.Missouri ranked 35th in cost and affordability, 32nd in access to care, 29th in quality of care and 28th in population health, according to The Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard. About 1.3 million Missourians — 21.5% of the state’s population — have Medicare.Kansas ranked 50th on cost and affordability, 19th on both access to care and quality of care and 24th in population health, according to the scorecard. About 597,000 Kansans — 20% of the state’s population — have Medicare.Only 13.7% of beneficiaries in Kansas receive a low-income subsidy, compared to 18% in Missouri and 20% nationwide. And 13.5% of older adults in Kansas have income at or near the federal poverty level, compared to 14.9% of older adults in Missouri and 18.9% nationwide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761227804418.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Medicare comes with options</h2>The U.S. government launched Medicare in 1965, 20 years after the Truman administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/challenge-national-healthcare">tried and failed</a>&nbsp;to push through a national health insurance program that would have provided government-sponsored insurance to people of all ages.Eventually, Medicare became a compromise to get basic coverage to older Americans. As health insurance was becoming more common, younger Americans were largely getting coverage through their employers, leaving retired people without insurance as they reached an age when they were more likely to need health care.Medicare began as very basic coverage to pay the bill if someone ended up in the hospital. Later, coverage for outpatient care was added. Today, it has evolved even more.Now when people turn 65, they can choose to enroll in a traditional Medicare plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that offers more coverage. Under traditional plans, the government pays insurance claims. But with Medicare Advantage, coverage comes through private insurance companies.Medicare Advantage, which generally costs patients less upfront, has steadily become more popular in recent years. In 2010,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/medicare/health-policy-101-medicare/?entry=table-of-contents-what-is-medicare-advantage-and-how-is-it-different-from-traditional-medicare">only one quarter</a>&nbsp;of Medicare participants chose a Medicare Advantage plan, but by 2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/tools/medicare-enrollment-dashboard">private plans had 51%</a>&nbsp;of the national market. In Missouri, 54% of Medicare recipients are enrolled in private plans, compared to one-third of Kansans.Medicare is divided into parts. Everyone gets Part A, which covers inpatient, hospital care. And most people get Part B, which covers outpatient care. Part D, which covers prescriptions, is optional and often paired with traditional Medicare coverage.In addition to Part D, people who opt for traditional Medicare also usually pay for supplemental coverage, known as Medigap coverage, which fills in some of the services left out of Medicare coverage. Medicaid or an employer plan could also serve that purpose.People who choose Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, get everything rolled up together, including traditional coverage, plus other coverage, such as prescription, dental, vision and hearing. Advantage plans also sometimes include add-on services like gym memberships and transportation. And people on the plans often have to pay no or only minimal premiums.The drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans are that they can only be used with hospitals and physicians in an insurance plan’s network, and they are limited to certain geographic regions. And Medicare Advantage frequently requires patients to have specialty services pre-approved, known as prior authorization.&nbsp;Finally, once a patient opts out of traditional Medicare in favor of Medicare Advantage, it may be difficult to switch back. That’s because in most states the insurance carriers that provide supplemental coverage aren’t required to accept patients once their initial Medicare enrollment is over.&nbsp;“Insurance companies can look at your history and decide not to cover you,” said Louise Norris, health policy analyst with&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Medicare cost</h2>While commercial insurance rates are&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/09/16/kansas-city-workers-can-bet-on-paying-more-for-health-insurance-next-year/">expected to jump</a>&nbsp;an average of 9% next year, and premiums for plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/08/18/brace-for-sticker-shock-if-youre-buying-health-insurance-on-the-aca-marketplace/">will shoot up</a>&nbsp;even more, the premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients are expected to stay relatively stable.&nbsp;Part A doesn’t cost beneficiaries anything, but Part B comes with a premium. Next year, those premiums are expected to be $206 a month, up from $185 in 2025, Norris said.&nbsp;Average premiums for standalone Part D plans are expected to fall slightly to an average of $34.50, compared to $38.31 this year, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/medicare-advantage-medicare-prescription-drug-programs-expected-remain-stable-2026">projections</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. But the annual cap for out-of-pocket costs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/newsroom/press-releases/what-to-know-about-medicare-changes-before-you-shop-for-a-2026-plan/">will increase</a>&nbsp;to $2,100 from $2,000. And Part D drug plans also come with a deductible that patients must cover, and those will also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/what-kind-of-medicare-benefit-changes-can-i-expect-this-year/#footnote_1_1035">go up slightly</a>.Meanwhile, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans, including plans with drug coverage, is expected to fall to $14 in 2026 from $16.40 this year. In Missouri&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-ma-part-d-landscape-state-state-fact-sheet.pdf">average monthly premiums</a>&nbsp;will drop to $8.56 in 2026, from $10.66 this year. And Kansas’ will increase to $10.11 in 2026, from $9.54 this year.But prices and plans available vary by region. People can look to&nbsp;<a href="http://medicare.gov/">Medicare.gov</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare">Medicare Plan Finder</a>, both government websites, for help. And independent sites like&nbsp;<a href="http://medicareresources.org/">MedicareResources.org</a>&nbsp;also provide&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicareresources.org/medicare-open-enrollment/">guides</a>&nbsp;and information that can help.For personal help or to ask questions, every state offers a federally funded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/">health insurance assistance program</a>, which provides free counselors who will help people sort through prescription needs and preferred providers to assess Medicare plans and choose the best option.But even with help and advice, making a choice can be daunting, said Scott Miniea, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.missouriship.org/">Missouri SHIP</a>, that state’s assistance program.Missouri has so many choices for Medicare coverage, including 157 plans in 2026, people get “decision paralysis,” Miniea said. SHIP counselors can’t make the decision, but they can be sure people they work with know all the options and potential pitfalls.Missouri’s SHIP program has the capacity to help about 50,000 people with Medicare choices each year. And the organization will provide most of that help during the seven-week open enrollment period running from Oct. 15 to Dec.7.“It’s a crazy 36 days starting tomorrow,” Miniea said in an Oct. 14 phone call.He doesn’t expect the federal government shutdown to have an immediate effect on people trying to enroll. But on Oct. 15, CMS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-for-service-providers">said it would pause</a>&nbsp;Medicare payments to doctors due to the shutdown.For the first time this year, people will need an email address in order to enroll in Medicare, which could create an obstacle for some people without a computer or internet access, Miniea said.&nbsp;He knows his organization won’t be able to help every Missourian who needs it. But other nonprofits also offer navigation services. And insurance brokers can provide assistance, too. But Miniea cautioned people to be aware of any conflicts of interest when seeking advice. Some brokers, for example, get paid by insurance plans for enrolling patients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761227923988.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Before making any decisions about a Medicare plan, people should look closely at all the details. Miniea advises people to go to an insurance company’s website or call the company directly to ask questions to be certain that the hospitals and doctors they will need fall within the plan’s coverage network. He also suggests documenting those conversations and capturing information found online in case an appeal is required later.And, finally, he said, ask about discounts that may be available for people whose income is low enough, or about hidden perks and extra services that might make a plan more attractive.&nbsp;The main thing, Miniea said, is to do your homework before settling.“It’s a constantly changing landscape,” he said. “Get as educated as you can.”<h2>States’ winning ways</h2>Authors of The Commonwealth Fund scorecard said that the discrepancies in care across states are less pronounced for Medicare patients than for people getting health coverage in other ways.“In many respects,” the authors wrote, “Medicare has succeeded in ensuring that the people it covers — no matter which state they live in — have similar experiences with health care.”But there are still definite differences, they said. States that scored best offered Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans with better coverage, making accessing and affording care easier.&nbsp;Top states, for example, had plans that are less likely to require prior authorization for preventative services and specialty care, which can be an obstacle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761231780689.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, top-ranked states had low Medicare program spending per person, which helped keep costs down for beneficiaries who often are charged a percentage of what Medicare pays. In Kansas, average out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions was $458, compared to the national average of $386. The average out-of-pocket cost in Missouri was $399.And the best-ranked states also tended to have health care systems that performed well for people not covered by Medicare.&nbsp;“This is a clear indication that a state’s policies, health care infrastructure and local clinical practice norms are having a positive impact on all residents,” the report said, “not just those in Medicare.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761231862800.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

As the Medicare enrollment window opens, a new study gives Missouri, Kansas below-average scores

As of Tuesday, October 21st, the drought monitor report indicates little change from last week for us. There is an increase in abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions for the eastern quarter of the state and in the northeast. Our area is still totally out of dry conditions. The six-to ten-day outlook (October 28 to November 1) indicates normal for temperatures and precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 30 to November 5) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. We could still use precipitation for establishing wheat. With this forecast harvest should finish soon.

We have spent the last two weeks discussing IPM (Integrated Pest Management); what it is; why we have transitioned to it; in general terms what is included; and he first steps in implementing IPM. We have identified the pest problems, actual or potential, and now, what is the potential course of action. Today, let’s look at weeds and what can be done, including but not limited to chemical weed control. No matter the pest, management can be listed in these general categories: natural forces, agricultural forces, mechanical control, and chemical control. We only have room for a brief list.

· For weeds, natural forces don’t currently play a major role as this is more important in insect and to some extent disease control. Climate is a natural force helping to determine weed germination and growth, however, it acts the same way for our crops.

· Mechanical control, like natural forces, doesn’t currently play any major role in weed control but is important with other pests.

· Agricultural forces are extremely important in managing weed problems.

-Sanitation – using weed free seed. Cleaning bin run wheat seed. Starting with a weed free field.

-Tillage - when necessary and while minimizing erosion potential, appropriate tillage helps, especially with small newly emerged seedlings. If you can aggressively control weeds for several years while eliminating tillage, weed pressure diminishes and lessens the need for chemical control.

-Crop Rotation – alternating crops in a sequential manner with as much diversity as possible. Ideally grasses with broadleaves. The challenge is crops suited to the area based on length of growing season, temperature, and rainfall when lacking irrigation. Western Kansas is very limited in options whereas Central and especially Eastern Kansas aren’t.

· Chemical Control – practically, herbicides are necessary. The key to economically and ecology using this technology is properly identifying the weed, controlling it as early as possible, alternating chemistries, using the appropriate rate and effectively applying agricultural forces.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>As of Tuesday, October 21st, the drought monitor report indicates little change from last week for us. There is an increase in abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions for the eastern quarter of the state and in the northeast. Our area is still totally out of dry conditions. The six-to ten-day outlook (October 28 to November 1) indicates normal for temperatures and precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (October 30 to November 5) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. We could still use precipitation for establishing wheat. With this forecast harvest should finish soon.We have spent the last two weeks discussing IPM (Integrated Pest Management); what it is; why we have transitioned to it; in general terms what is included; and he first steps in implementing IPM. We have identified the pest problems, actual or potential, and now, what is the potential course of action. Today, let’s look at weeds and what can be done, including but not limited to chemical weed control. No matter the pest, management can be listed in these general categories: natural forces, agricultural forces, mechanical control, and chemical control. We only have room for a brief list.· For weeds, natural forces don’t currently play a major role as this is more important in insect and to some extent disease control. Climate is a natural force helping to determine weed germination and growth, however, it acts the same way for our crops.· Mechanical control, like natural forces, doesn’t currently play any major role in weed control but is important with other pests.· Agricultural forces are extremely important in managing weed problems.-Sanitation – using weed free seed. Cleaning bin run wheat seed. Starting with a weed free field.-Tillage - when necessary and while minimizing erosion potential, appropriate tillage helps, especially with small newly emerged seedlings. If you can aggressively control weeds for several years while eliminating tillage, weed pressure diminishes and lessens the need for chemical control.-Crop Rotation – alternating crops in a sequential manner with as much diversity as possible. Ideally grasses with broadleaves. The challenge is crops suited to the area based on length of growing season, temperature, and rainfall when lacking irrigation. Western Kansas is very limited in options whereas Central and especially Eastern Kansas aren’t.· Chemical Control – practically, herbicides are necessary. The key to economically and ecology using this technology is properly identifying the weed, controlling it as early as possible, alternating chemistries, using the appropriate rate and effectively applying agricultural forces.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin, IPM Implementation

<a>Winners have been announced for the 14th&nbsp;annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. Photographers of all ages submitted photos that showcase the mission of RTK, “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”</a>

More than 140 photographs were entered by 40 talented photographers in this year's photography contest.

Bruce L. Hogle of Leawood was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. The winning image was taken at a controlled burn at the Flying W Ranch.&nbsp;Even though the image is a silhouette, the cowboys are still recognizable. You guessed it – Jim and Josh Hoy.

“Jim and Josh were doing a safety watch with several other cowboys and cowgirls. I’d known them for a few years, and when I saw them side-by-side, I was compelled to take a photo. I only got one shot then they were on the move,” Hogle said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the many times I was invited to the Flying W Ranch over the years. Josh and Jim were good guys, and always kind to me. They are sorely missed,” he said.

Hogle spends much of his time in the Flint Hills every spring to photograph burning.

“I’ve been able to meet a few other ranchers in the Flint Hills, all of whom have helped educate me about the importance and significance of this annual ritual.”

He said this image of Jim and Josh was a once in a lifetime opportunity that he will always remember. A photography contest judge said that this image was a very significant image, especially this year to honor the cowboy legacy Jim and Josh Hoy left behind. The lucky shot was taken with a hand-held Nikon D 700.

<a>Crystal Socha of Augusta won the Fan Favorite category by receiving 145 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. Her photo was taken in the Flint Hills as a cowboy moves cattle through the grassland hills in the spring.</a>

Category winners include:&nbsp;Landscape – Amanda Buus Thomsen, Kiowa; Livestock – Holly Mettling, Bogue; People – Sheridan Wimmer-Doyle, Manhattan; Sunrise or Sunset – Scott Bean, Manhattan; Wildlife – Alan Tajchman, Manhattan; KLA Member – Shea Baird, Levant; Youth – Hadley Gfeller, Junction City; and Honorable Mention – Chelsea Weber, Cedar Point.

<a>Kansas native and&nbsp;National Geographic&nbsp;photographer Jim Richardson was the special guest judge this year. L’image is the exclusive sponsor of the contest.&nbsp;</a>The locally owned photo printing and picture framing store in Wichita has been in business for more than 25 years, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount.&nbsp;<a>Prizes are awarded to the top 10 winning photographers. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s Facebook page or website&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>.

RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761443175133.jpeg" alt="Bruce Hogle of Leawood shot this year's grand-prize winning photo." />
 <figcaption>Bruce Hogle of Leawood shot this year's grand-prize winning photo.</figcaption>
 </figure><a>Winners have been announced for the 14th&nbsp;annual Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) photography contest. Photographers of all ages submitted photos that showcase the mission of RTK, “To preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.”</a>More than 140 photographs were entered by 40 talented photographers in this year's photography contest.Bruce L. Hogle of Leawood was the grand prize winner in this year’s contest. The winning image was taken at a controlled burn at the Flying W Ranch.&nbsp;Even though the image is a silhouette, the cowboys are still recognizable. You guessed it – Jim and Josh Hoy.“Jim and Josh were doing a safety watch with several other cowboys and cowgirls. I’d known them for a few years, and when I saw them side-by-side, I was compelled to take a photo. I only got one shot then they were on the move,” Hogle said.“I thoroughly enjoyed the many times I was invited to the Flying W Ranch over the years. Josh and Jim were good guys, and always kind to me. They are sorely missed,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761443223744.jpeg" alt="Augusta's Crystal Socha won the fan-favorite vote." />
 <figcaption>Augusta's Crystal Socha won the fan-favorite vote.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hogle spends much of his time in the Flint Hills every spring to photograph burning.“I’ve been able to meet a few other ranchers in the Flint Hills, all of whom have helped educate me about the importance and significance of this annual ritual.”He said this image of Jim and Josh was a once in a lifetime opportunity that he will always remember. A photography contest judge said that this image was a very significant image, especially this year to honor the cowboy legacy Jim and Josh Hoy left behind. The lucky shot was taken with a hand-held Nikon D 700.<a>Crystal Socha of Augusta won the Fan Favorite category by receiving 145 votes on RTK’s Facebook page. Her photo was taken in the Flint Hills as a cowboy moves cattle through the grassland hills in the spring.</a>Category winners include:&nbsp;Landscape – Amanda Buus Thomsen, Kiowa; Livestock – Holly Mettling, Bogue; People – Sheridan Wimmer-Doyle, Manhattan; Sunrise or Sunset – Scott Bean, Manhattan; Wildlife – Alan Tajchman, Manhattan; KLA Member – Shea Baird, Levant; Youth – Hadley Gfeller, Junction City; and Honorable Mention – Chelsea Weber, Cedar Point.<a>Kansas native and&nbsp;National Geographic&nbsp;photographer Jim Richardson was the special guest judge this year. L’image is the exclusive sponsor of the contest.&nbsp;</a>The locally owned photo printing and picture framing store in Wichita has been in business for more than 25 years, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount.&nbsp;<a>Prizes are awarded to the top 10 winning photographers. All winning entries can be viewed on RTK’s Facebook page or website&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org/">www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org</a>.RTK is an agricultural land trust affiliate of the Kansas Livestock Association, with a mission to preserve Kansas’ ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.

Winners of Ranchland Trust of Kansas photography contest announced

By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

All Barton County elementary students, grades K-6, are eligible for Eagle
Media’s Make a Difference Contest, presented by OPI and Golden Belt Printing. The
last three weekly winners in the contest all hailed from Great Bend. Last week,
the prize returned to Ellinwood as fourth grader Madilyn Frees was selected.

“I make a difference by showing good sportsmanship to my
team and others,” Madilyn said.

Because she is a weekly winner, OPI and Golden Belt Printing
presented Frees with a giant $100 check. Just one more weekly winner will be
selected in October, and those four winners, plus the teacher of the winning
student, will receive another $100. The lucky monthly winner will also win a
bookbag full of goodies from other contest sponsors. Ellinwood fourth-grade
teacher Terra Ricker is now a contender for the $100 monthly prize.

“Madilyn is a very good leader in the class,” Ricker said. “She’s
very helpful, and we are so glad that she is part of our classroom.”

The Make a Difference contest, presented by OPI &amp; Golden
Belt Printing, is sponsored in part by Big Ben Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims
Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medical Park Pharmacy,
R&amp;R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrantz Bemis Water
Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response, &amp;
Scooter's Coffee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761443006477.jpeg" alt="OPI's Bertha presented Ellinwood fourth grader Madilyn Frees with a giant $100 check after Frees was selected as a weekly winner in the Make a Difference Contest. Frees is a student in Terra Ricker's class." />
 <figcaption>OPI's Bertha presented Ellinwood fourth grader Madilyn Frees with a giant $100 check after Frees was selected as a weekly winner in the Make a Difference Contest. Frees is a student in Terra Ricker's class.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend PostAll Barton County elementary students, grades K-6, are eligible for Eagle
Media’s Make a Difference Contest, presented by OPI and Golden Belt Printing. The
last three weekly winners in the contest all hailed from Great Bend. Last week,
the prize returned to Ellinwood as fourth grader Madilyn Frees was selected.“I make a difference by showing good sportsmanship to my
team and others,” Madilyn said.Because she is a weekly winner, OPI and Golden Belt Printing
presented Frees with a giant $100 check. Just one more weekly winner will be
selected in October, and those four winners, plus the teacher of the winning
student, will receive another $100. The lucky monthly winner will also win a
bookbag full of goodies from other contest sponsors. Ellinwood fourth-grade
teacher Terra Ricker is now a contender for the $100 monthly prize.“Madilyn is a very good leader in the class,” Ricker said. “She’s
very helpful, and we are so glad that she is part of our classroom.”The Make a Difference contest, presented by OPI &amp; Golden
Belt Printing, is sponsored in part by Big Ben Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims
Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medical Park Pharmacy,
R&amp;R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrantz Bemis Water
Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response, &amp;
Scooter's Coffee.

Ellinwood fourth grader Madilyn Frees picked as next Make a Difference winner

You have an opportunity today to become the final instant finalist in the $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway! It's presented by Cornerstone Automotive and Tire, LLC, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, Your Bryant Dealer - Whatever it takes.

Sign up today at Sutherlands. You can register from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;

Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/48c5c560-0a08-486a-b6b9-c86c56f04063">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733765517368.jpeg" alt="Sutherlands" />
 <figcaption>Sutherlands</figcaption>
 </figure>You have an opportunity today to become the final instant finalist in the $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway! It's presented by Cornerstone Automotive and Tire, LLC, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, Your Bryant Dealer - Whatever it takes.Sign up today at Sutherlands. You can register from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/48c5c560-0a08-486a-b6b9-c86c56f04063">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway - Sign up today at Sutherlands

A Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting was held at Walnut Bowl on Thursday in celebration of the completion of extensive remodeling and modernization efforts at the beloved Great Bend entertainment hub.

Hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, the event honored Walnut Bowl’s continued investment in the community and its transformation into one of the most modern bowling centers in Kansas. Owners Jim and Linda Mayberry welcomed guests, sharing stories of the center’s evolution and showcasing the impressive upgrades that have revitalized the space while preserving its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Walnut Bowl, located at 3101 Washington Street, has been a staple in Great Bend since opening in 1962. Under the Mayberrys’ ownership since 1996, the business has grown into a full-service entertainment destination featuring bowling, a lively arcade, a full-service bar and grill, a party room, and an outdoor miniature golf course. Jim Mayberry highlighted the installation of cutting-edge string pinsetters, making Walnut Bowl one of the first in Kansas to adopt this technology. These new machines are faster, quieter, and 70% more energy-efficient than the previous models.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761366322285.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From the ChamberA Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting was held at Walnut Bowl on Thursday in celebration of the completion of extensive remodeling and modernization efforts at the beloved Great Bend entertainment hub.Hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, the event honored Walnut Bowl’s continued investment in the community and its transformation into one of the most modern bowling centers in Kansas. Owners Jim and Linda Mayberry welcomed guests, sharing stories of the center’s evolution and showcasing the impressive upgrades that have revitalized the space while preserving its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.Walnut Bowl, located at 3101 Washington Street, has been a staple in Great Bend since opening in 1962. Under the Mayberrys’ ownership since 1996, the business has grown into a full-service entertainment destination featuring bowling, a lively arcade, a full-service bar and grill, a party room, and an outdoor miniature golf course. Jim Mayberry highlighted the installation of cutting-edge string pinsetters, making Walnut Bowl one of the first in Kansas to adopt this technology. These new machines are faster, quieter, and 70% more energy-efficient than the previous models.Recent upgrades include brand-new automatic bumpers and gutters, upgraded ball returns and lighting systems, and a completely renovated kitchen. The Mayberrys also added a walk-in cooler and freezer, built in-house by their team during the pandemic. Over the years, the restaurant and the entire facility has been refreshed, also including new electrical systems and a sloped, insulated roof.In addition to league play and open bowling, Walnut Bowl offers youth-adult cosmic leagues, birthday parties, and corporate events. Miniature golf is available year-round, weather permitting. Walnut Bowl also hosts a variety of weekly specials and themed events to keep the fun going. Every Monday is Bowling Night, with games priced at just $2.50 and free shoe rental. On Wednesdays, guests can enjoy All You Can Bowl from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for only $10 per person. Sunday evenings feature Walnut Bowl Big City Lights from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering unlimited bowling for $15. And coming up on Friday, Oct. 31, the Big City Lights Halloween Party will kick off at 7:30 p.m., where ladies in costume bowl free and drink specials will be available throughout the night.Walnut Bowl is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant follows the same schedule, with the grill closing one hour before the facility closes each night.Jim Mayberry, a member of both the Kansas State USBC Hall of Fame and the Kansas Bowling Proprietors Association, continues to be a driving force behind the center’s success. His dedication, paired with the support of his wife Linda and family, has kept Walnut Bowl thriving for decades. Reflecting on the remodel and the center’s welcoming atmosphere, Jim added, “We invite everyone to come out and experience Walnut Bowl for themselves. Even if you’re not a bowler, you’ll find great food, friendly faces, and a place where the whole family can relax and have fun.” For more information or to book your next event, visit walnutbowlgb.com.

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