By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Spring into some savings with Eagle Radio's Online Auction, presented by Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, that began Wednesday morning and runs through 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. Bidding began at 8 a.m. this morning, but Eagle Radio's Director of Promotions Becca Tudor said the real fun takes place on Thursday.

"The on-air showcase is happening Thursday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m," she said. "You can tune in to 100.7 Eagle Country or 1590 AM/95.5 FM KVGB to hear in-depth details on each item we've got listed. We have more than $55,000 worth of merchandise and services that you can bid on and save money. We don't want you pay actual retail. We want you to save some money."

 This year's auction includes everything from auto services, meat bundles, entertainment packages, clothing, health-related items, jewelry, home goods, and even items for your pets. 

"It's the Eagle Radio Online Spring Auction presented by Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management," Tudor said. "You can find it on Great Bend Post.com under the auction tab."

Bidding closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, and all items must be paid for at that time. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712758991370.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSpring into some savings with Eagle Radio's Online Auction, presented by Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, that began Wednesday morning and runs through 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. Bidding began at 8 a.m. this morning, but Eagle Radio's Director of Promotions Becca Tudor said the real fun takes place on Thursday."The on-air showcase is happening Thursday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m," she said. "You can tune in to 100.7 Eagle Country or 1590 AM/95.5 FM KVGB to hear in-depth details on each item we've got listed. We have more than $55,000 worth of merchandise and services that you can bid on and save money. We don't want you pay actual retail. We want you to save some money." This year's auction includes everything from auto services, meat bundles, entertainment packages, clothing, health-related items, jewelry, home goods, and even items for your pets. "It's the Eagle Radio Online Spring Auction presented by Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management," Tudor said. "You can find it on Great Bend Post.com under the auction tab."Bidding closes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, and all items must be paid for at that time.

More than $55K in goods, services up for grabs in Eagle Radio Auction

The Great Bend Recreation Commission released photos for the 2024 youth boys basketball teams (5th - 6th grade).

Team: Ballhawks Head Coach: Aaron Fuller Roster: Owen Maharjan, Eli Brummer, Jonathan Dewey, Bradley Halatek, Sebastian Linenberger, Ryder Schmidt, Tucker Hembree, Logan Gouge, Seth Aldana

Team: Bandidos Head Coach: Rafael Espinosa Roster: Rafael Espinosa III, Sawyer Zimmerman, Jonathan Taylor, Hayden Bulcao, Patrick Lane, Emiliano Trejo, Jose Suarez, Gannon Klein, Ethan Marcic

Team: Outsiders Head Coach: Eric Crawford Roster: Bruno Jaramillo, Ayrin Pio, Whyatt Crawford, Braven Heredia, Keegan Jording, Jayden Chestnut, Sebastian Espino, Tyler Hammeke, Jackson Schwamborn

Team: Timberwolves Head Coach: Jake Hofflinger Roster: James Kerchner, Ryler Driscoll, Leo Beugelsdijk, Zaden Biggs, Brogan Ferguson, Jackson Kern, Wilson Hofflinger, Dalton Kern, Kamarion Harger

Team: Wildcats Head Coach: Keira Leyva Roster: DeShawn Young, Keishaun Young, Jaxon Rawstern, Aiden Coster, Axel Boswell, Chance Kuhn, Masen Vansteenburgh, Caedon LeShore

The Great Bend Recreation Commission released photos for the 2024 youth boys basketball teams (5th - 6th grade).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330774267.jpeg" alt="Ballhawks" />
 <figcaption>Ballhawks</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Ballhawks Head Coach: Aaron Fuller Roster: Owen Maharjan, Eli Brummer, Jonathan Dewey, Bradley Halatek, Sebastian Linenberger, Ryder Schmidt, Tucker Hembree, Logan Gouge, Seth Aldana<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330788259.jpeg" alt="Bandidos" />
 <figcaption>Bandidos</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Bandidos Head Coach: Rafael Espinosa Roster: Rafael Espinosa III, Sawyer Zimmerman, Jonathan Taylor, Hayden Bulcao, Patrick Lane, Emiliano Trejo, Jose Suarez, Gannon Klein, Ethan Marcic<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330803074.jpeg" alt="Outsiders" />
 <figcaption>Outsiders</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Outsiders Head Coach: Eric Crawford Roster: Bruno Jaramillo, Ayrin Pio, Whyatt Crawford, Braven Heredia, Keegan Jording, Jayden Chestnut, Sebastian Espino, Tyler Hammeke, Jackson Schwamborn<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330818058.jpeg" alt="Timberwolves" />
 <figcaption>Timberwolves</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Timberwolves Head Coach: Jake Hofflinger Roster: James Kerchner, Ryler Driscoll, Leo Beugelsdijk, Zaden Biggs, Brogan Ferguson, Jackson Kern, Wilson Hofflinger, Dalton Kern, Kamarion Harger<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330831834.jpeg" alt="Wildcats" />
 <figcaption>Wildcats</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Wildcats Head Coach: Keira Leyva Roster: DeShawn Young, Keishaun Young, Jaxon Rawstern, Aiden Coster, Axel Boswell, Chance Kuhn, Masen Vansteenburgh, Caedon LeShore

📷Great Bend Rec youth boys basketball teams (5th - 6th grade)

At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the Barton County Fire District #2 responded to a report of a lawn mower on fire at the driving range, south of Hoisington. Upon arrival, crews found a Hustler mower fully involved in fire. A quick attack was done to keep the fire from spreading in the nearby grass. 

The mower was a total loss and the operator was not injured. Fire District #2 was assisted by Barton County Dispatch, Barton County Sheriff's Office and the City of Hoisington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712778200971.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the Barton County Fire District #2 responded to a report of a lawn mower on fire at the driving range, south of Hoisington. Upon arrival, crews found a Hustler mower fully involved in fire. A quick attack was done to keep the fire from spreading in the nearby grass. The mower was a total loss and the operator was not injured. Fire District #2 was assisted by Barton County Dispatch, Barton County Sheriff's Office and the City of Hoisington.

Barton Co. Fire District responds to lawn mower fire

A 37-year-old male was arrested late Tuesday evening after fleeing from a standard traffic stop on Highway 56, just west of Pawnee Rock in Pawnee County. 

 According to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King, the driver was apprehended by Pawnee County deputies after a box-in procedure was performed to stop the vehicle. 

King requested that the Barton County Sheriff’s Office investigate the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712776341849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Pawnee County...A 37-year-old male was arrested late Tuesday evening after fleeing from a standard traffic stop on Highway 56, just west of Pawnee Rock in Pawnee County. According to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King, the driver was apprehended by Pawnee County deputies after a box-in procedure was performed to stop the vehicle. King requested that the Barton County Sheriff’s Office investigate the incident.

Subject arrested after fleeing from police near Pawnee Rock

School boards have a series of requirements to meet when setting the annual calendar each year. Teachers must get in their time and, so too, must the students. Holidays also play a role. Monday evening, the USD 428 Board of Education approved the 2025-26 calendar for Great Bend schools. Superintendent Khris Thexton said the winter holiday season is the biggest change.

"Students will start on Aug. 14, and the last day for students will be May 13," he said. "The difference for this year compared to last year, you'll see that the Christmas Break, when you have actual Christmas Day where it lands does affect how the Christmas break is split up."

Dec. 25, 2025 falls on a Thursday, so students will go be on break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, 2026, then return to school on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. The Christmas break in 2024 will also be 10 school days, compared to just seven school days this school year. Aug. 23 marked the first day of classes for the current school year. That will be moved back to Aug. 14 for the next two years. Great Bend High School graduation will remain on Sundays but the district will soon be sending out a survey to gauge interest in changing the day to Saturday.

"Especially as we get closer to graduation when it's fresh on everybody's mind, so that way it's more, 'Is this a good time or not?'" Thexton said. "I think everybody just reacts to the time and plans accordingly."

The 2025 GBHS Commencement is scheduled for Sunday, May 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704809413533.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSchool boards have a series of requirements to meet when setting the annual calendar each year. Teachers must get in their time and, so too, must the students. Holidays also play a role. Monday evening, the USD 428 Board of Education approved the 2025-26 calendar for Great Bend schools. Superintendent Khris Thexton said the winter holiday season is the biggest change."Students will start on Aug. 14, and the last day for students will be May 13," he said. "The difference for this year compared to last year, you'll see that the Christmas Break, when you have actual Christmas Day where it lands does affect how the Christmas break is split up."Dec. 25, 2025 falls on a Thursday, so students will go be on break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, 2026, then return to school on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. The Christmas break in 2024 will also be 10 school days, compared to just seven school days this school year. Aug. 23 marked the first day of classes for the current school year. That will be moved back to Aug. 14 for the next two years. Great Bend High School graduation will remain on Sundays but the district will soon be sending out a survey to gauge interest in changing the day to Saturday."Especially as we get closer to graduation when it's fresh on everybody's mind, so that way it's more, 'Is this a good time or not?'" Thexton said. "I think everybody just reacts to the time and plans accordingly."The 2025 GBHS Commencement is scheduled for Sunday, May 11.

Big Christmas break coming for USD 428 students over next two years

A Kansas Forest Service official is urging Kansans to be on the lookout for a pair of invasive species that threaten the state’s forests and ecosystems by pushing out native vegetation.

Ryan Rastok, the forest health coordinator with KFS, said Callery pear and bush honeysuckle are especially meddlesome this time of year.

“I was flying back from Georgia into Kansas City recently and as we were flying into the airport, I could see an abundance of callery pear, even from the plane,” Rastok said.

For a brief time – often in early April – the Callery pear puts on a stunning display of white flowers. But behind the beauty belies a menace.

Native to China, the Callery pear includes 26 cultivars that present significant ecological concerns in Kansas and Missouri. Among them:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It displaces native trees and plants in the wild, which lowers ecologocial biodiversity. The tree does not host native pollinators.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It leafs out before woodland wildflowers emerge from dormancy, robbing them of critical sunlight and preventing their growth.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Its’ egg-shaped structure – at heights of 30-40 feet – and brittle wood make it prone to falling limbs that can damage property and people.

“Yeah, there’s been a myriad of descriptions for the smell, most of them vile and maybe some not appropriate to say out loud,” he said.

Rastok said the Kansas Forest Service and several partners are sponsoring a Callery pear ‘buyback’ in late April and early May. To qualify, landowners must cut down a blooming Callery pear tree, and send in a photo. Supplies are limited, but landowners may receive an option for one of nearly a dozen replacement trees at no cost.

More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://deeproots.org/callery-pear-events" target="_blank">https://deeproots.org/callery-pear-events</a>.

Bush Honeysuckle is another invasive that Rastok urges homeowners to identify and remove. The shrub spreads up to 15-20 feet in height with flowers that change from white to yellow; juicy red berries; and opposite, simple leaves that green up much earlier than surrounding native vegetation.

The shrub typically flowers in May or June, and unlike the Callery pear, is more fragrant.

Rastok said not counting such human activities as &nbsp;urban sprawl and others, bush honeysuckle “is the biggest threat to our native forests and ecosystems in Kansas, and it’s continuing to spread so we need to keep the pressure on that one, as well. The biggest issue right now is that it’s starting to establish in the state’s woodlands where it will eventually push out our native vegetation…it simplifies the ecosystem by lowering its overall floral and faunal diversity.”

Neither the Callery pear nor the bush honeysuckle are easily managed by prescribed burning, Rastok said. More information on controls, and options for replenishing areas where trees have been removed, is available from the Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasforests.org/" target="_blank">www.kansasforests.org</a>, or by contacting Rastok,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rrastok@ksu.edu">rrastok@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-410-0399.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>A Kansas Forest Service official is urging Kansans to be on the lookout for a pair of invasive species that threaten the state’s forests and ecosystems by pushing out native vegetation.Ryan Rastok, the forest health coordinator with KFS, said Callery pear and bush honeysuckle are especially meddlesome this time of year.“I was flying back from Georgia into Kansas City recently and as we were flying into the airport, I could see an abundance of callery pear, even from the plane,” Rastok said.For a brief time – often in early April – the Callery pear puts on a stunning display of white flowers. But behind the beauty belies a menace.Native to China, the Callery pear includes 26 cultivars that present significant ecological concerns in Kansas and Missouri. Among them:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It displaces native trees and plants in the wild, which lowers ecologocial biodiversity. The tree does not host native pollinators.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It leafs out before woodland wildflowers emerge from dormancy, robbing them of critical sunlight and preventing their growth.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Its’ egg-shaped structure – at heights of 30-40 feet – and brittle wood make it prone to falling limbs that can damage property and people.And, Rastok says, it smells.“Yeah, there’s been a myriad of descriptions for the smell, most of them vile and maybe some not appropriate to say out loud,” he said.Rastok said the Kansas Forest Service and several partners are sponsoring a Callery pear ‘buyback’ in late April and early May. To qualify, landowners must cut down a blooming Callery pear tree, and send in a photo. Supplies are limited, but landowners may receive an option for one of nearly a dozen replacement trees at no cost.More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://deeproots.org/callery-pear-events" target="_blank">https://deeproots.org/callery-pear-events</a>.Bush Honeysuckle is another invasive that Rastok urges homeowners to identify and remove. The shrub spreads up to 15-20 feet in height with flowers that change from white to yellow; juicy red berries; and opposite, simple leaves that green up much earlier than surrounding native vegetation.The shrub typically flowers in May or June, and unlike the Callery pear, is more fragrant.Rastok said not counting such human activities as &nbsp;urban sprawl and others, bush honeysuckle “is the biggest threat to our native forests and ecosystems in Kansas, and it’s continuing to spread so we need to keep the pressure on that one, as well. The biggest issue right now is that it’s starting to establish in the state’s woodlands where it will eventually push out our native vegetation…it simplifies the ecosystem by lowering its overall floral and faunal diversity.”Neither the Callery pear nor the bush honeysuckle are easily managed by prescribed burning, Rastok said. More information on controls, and options for replenishing areas where trees have been removed, is available from the Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasforests.org/" target="_blank">www.kansasforests.org</a>, or by contacting Rastok,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rrastok@ksu.edu">rrastok@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-410-0399.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: On the lookout for invasive species in the forest

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

One of the goals for Todd Mobray is to make public information about
Barton Community College very transparent and easy to comprehend. Mobray serves
as Barton’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness and keeps tabs on the college’s
student success, student to teacher ratios, overall experience, financial
wellbeing, grant dollars and many more key performance updates.


Mobray said the 2023 student to faculty ratio was one to 18 and the fulltime faculty to part-time faculty ratio is one to 2.7.


"This year on the student ratios, all I had to do on this graphic was change the number to 2023," said Mobray. "We had almost the same amount of students and faculty. The ratios were pretty much the same."

The overall satisfaction level on the fall 2023 student services survey
increased form 87% to 88% from last year.
Barton’s composite financial index remains in good position. The index paints a
composite picture of the financial health of the college.


"We had the big jump in the COVID year when we got the HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds) funding," said Mobray. "It went up but now we're evening back out. We're still way above the threshold for institutional financial health which is 3.0. We're at 5.68. The danger zone is when you get close to that 3.0, and we're way above that."

Grant dollars received by Barton went down from $2.2 million last year to $1.8
million in fiscal year 2023. 

More information on the college’s taxpayer and student transparency data can be
found in the story at <a href="https://bartonccc.edu/community/boardoftrustees/transparency">bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712590069652.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOne of the goals for Todd Mobray is to make public information about
Barton Community College very transparent and easy to comprehend. Mobray serves
as Barton’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness and keeps tabs on the college’s
student success, student to teacher ratios, overall experience, financial
wellbeing, grant dollars and many more key performance updates.
Mobray said the 2023 student to faculty ratio was one to 18 and the fulltime faculty to part-time faculty ratio is one to 2.7.
"This year on the student ratios, all I had to do on this graphic was change the number to 2023," said Mobray. "We had almost the same amount of students and faculty. The ratios were pretty much the same."The overall satisfaction level on the fall 2023 student services survey
increased form 87% to 88% from last year.
Barton’s composite financial index remains in good position. The index paints a
composite picture of the financial health of the college.
"We had the big jump in the COVID year when we got the HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds) funding," said Mobray. "It went up but now we're evening back out. We're still way above the threshold for institutional financial health which is 3.0. We're at 5.68. The danger zone is when you get close to that 3.0, and we're way above that."Grant dollars received by Barton went down from $2.2 million last year to $1.8
million in fiscal year 2023. 
More information on the college’s taxpayer and student transparency data can be
found in the story at <a href="https://bartonccc.edu/community/boardoftrustees/transparency">bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Community College keeping transparency data updated

The Kansas Legislature, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State Representative Troy Waymaster (Dist. # 109 – Bunker Hill), and State Representative Ken Rahjes (Dist. #110 – Agra) on Friday, April 12th at 7 PM.

The Kansas Legislature is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues. During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.

Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of The Kansas Legislature. She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.

Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS.

To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website, SmokyHillsPBS.org where you will find the 2024 season schedule.

The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712669403482.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Legislature, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature State Representative Troy Waymaster (Dist. # 109 – Bunker Hill), and State Representative Ken Rahjes (Dist. #110 – Agra) on Friday, April 12th at 7 PM.The Kansas Legislature is a program that takes place during the legislative session and gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues. During the program, viewers can call 1-800-337-4788 with their legislative questions.Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of The Kansas Legislature. She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.Streaming access is also available for each episode on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS.To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website, SmokyHillsPBS.org where you will find the 2024 season schedule.The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by a partnership with the Docking Institute of Public Affairs, Fort Hays State University.

PBS television show to feature State Rep. Troy Waymaster

Last year, the Great Bend Recreation Commission focused on repainting
the City Auditorium and replacing the lighting above the gym with LED lights. At
Monday’s meeting, the Great Bend Rec Board approved the remodel of the main restrooms
on the northwest corner of the City Auditorium. 

Great Bend Rec Director Chris
Umphres said there is occasional flooding from the urinals and chipping paint
and an overhaul is needed which will be more ADA compliant.


"The biggest issue we ran into was making sure we were ADA compliant," said Umphres. "Right now, we have one ADA bathroom stall in both the men's and women's but it's not up to code. With the remodel, we'll lose one toilet in each restroom and make the stall bigger."

While the restroom was added years after the construction of the auditorium,
Rec administration believed everything in the bathroom was original from the 1970s.
The City of Great Bend owns the property, but the Rec maintains the City
Auditorium.


"We've fixed some things along the way," said Umphres. "The ceiling tiles are new and the lighting is new. This is just the last part of it. The City Auditorium project as a whole, this is the last piece to get it back going."

Three separate contractors will be used for the project that brings a total
cost just under $80,000. Umphres expects the remodel to take place between May
and September.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712758719445.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend City Auditorium restroom will receive a remodel this summer." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend City Auditorium restroom will receive a remodel this summer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast year, the Great Bend Recreation Commission focused on repainting
the City Auditorium and replacing the lighting above the gym with LED lights. At
Monday’s meeting, the Great Bend Rec Board approved the remodel of the main restrooms
on the northwest corner of the City Auditorium. Great Bend Rec Director Chris
Umphres said there is occasional flooding from the urinals and chipping paint
and an overhaul is needed which will be more ADA compliant.
"The biggest issue we ran into was making sure we were ADA compliant," said Umphres. "Right now, we have one ADA bathroom stall in both the men's and women's but it's not up to code. With the remodel, we'll lose one toilet in each restroom and make the stall bigger."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712758690286.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While the restroom was added years after the construction of the auditorium,
Rec administration believed everything in the bathroom was original from the 1970s.
The City of Great Bend owns the property, but the Rec maintains the City
Auditorium.
"We've fixed some things along the way," said Umphres. "The ceiling tiles are new and the lighting is new. This is just the last part of it. The City Auditorium project as a whole, this is the last piece to get it back going."Three separate contractors will be used for the project that brings a total
cost just under $80,000. Umphres expects the remodel to take place between May
and September.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712758768767.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend Rec approves restroom remodel at City Auditorium

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (4/9)

At 7:37 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 380 NW 210
Road in Hoisington.

At 8:10 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3322
Railroad Avenue.

At 12:01 p.m. a runaway/missing person was reported at 8th
&amp; Macarthur.

At 12:25 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 159 Missouri
Pacific Street in Hoisington.

At 3:35 p.m. a chase was reported in the 1400 block of 17th
Street.

At 3:45 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at W. US 56
Highway &amp; NW 30 venue.

At 4:19 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 3000 block
of Railroad Avenue.

At 4:31 p.m. a fire was reported at 400 S. Main Street in
Hoisington.

At 4:36 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.

At 5:33 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at E. K-4
Highway &amp; NE 90 Avenue in Claflin.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (4/9)

At 12:17 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1205 Roxanne Dr.

At 1:50 p.m. a report of being battered by three unknown
subjects last week was reported at 700 Heizer Street.

At 3:35 p.m. an officer assisted BTSO with a traffic arrest
in the 1400 block of 17th Street.

At 3:50 p.m. an officer assisted BTSO with a traffic arrest
at W. US 56 Highway &amp; NW 30 Avenue.

At 7:25 p.m. a report of an individual returning to the
residence was made in the 1900 block of Madison Street.

At 8:42 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2615 Paseo
Dr.

At 9:32 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 808 Hubbard
Street.

At 12 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 723 ½ Madison
Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (4/9)Breathing ProblemsAt 7:37 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 380 NW 210
Road in Hoisington.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 8:10 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3322
Railroad Avenue.Locate Runaway / MissingAt 12:01 p.m. a runaway/missing person was reported at 8th
&amp; Macarthur.Structure FireAt 12:25 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 159 Missouri
Pacific Street in Hoisington.Chase All UnitsAt 3:35 p.m. a chase was reported in the 1400 block of 17th
Street.Traffic ArrestAt 3:45 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at W. US 56
Highway &amp; NW 30 venue.At 4:19 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 3000 block
of Railroad Avenue.FireAt 4:31 p.m. a fire was reported at 400 S. Main Street in
Hoisington.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:36 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.Cattle OutAt 5:33 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at E. K-4
Highway &amp; NE 90 Avenue in Claflin.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (4/9)Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 8:10 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3322
Railroad Avenue.Overdose / PoisoningAt 12:17 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1205 Roxanne Dr.BatteryAt 1:50 p.m. a report of being battered by three unknown
subjects last week was reported at 700 Heizer Street.Chase All UnitsAt 3:35 p.m. an officer assisted BTSO with a traffic arrest
in the 1400 block of 17th Street.Traffic ArrestAt 3:50 p.m. an officer assisted BTSO with a traffic arrest
at W. US 56 Highway &amp; NW 30 Avenue.Locate Runaway / Missing PersonAt 7:25 p.m. a report of an individual returning to the
residence was made in the 1900 block of Madison Street.Parking ComplaintAt 8:42 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2615 Paseo
Dr.Sick PersonAt 9:32 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 808 Hubbard
Street.Overdose / PoisoningAt 12 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 723 ½ Madison
Street.

Cop Shop (4/9)

4/9 BOOKED: Juan Mendez-Rangel on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Bailey Fish on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude and Driving Without a License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Brent Billinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Juan Nunez-Suarez on Great County District Court case for Driving without a License and Failure to Stop, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Juan Nunez-Suarez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,762.50 cash only.

BOOKED: Wayne Staudinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without an Interlock Device, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Dennis Streiner on Barton County District Court warrant, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Bailey Fish on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude and Driving Without a License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brent Billinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Juan Nunez-Suarez on Great County District Court case for Driving without a License and Failure to Stop, and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a total $2,762.50 cash bond.

RELEASED: Wayne Staudinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without an Interlock Device, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>4/9 BOOKED: Juan Mendez-Rangel on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Bailey Fish on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude and Driving Without a License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Brent Billinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Juan Nunez-Suarez on Great County District Court case for Driving without a License and Failure to Stop, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Juan Nunez-Suarez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,762.50 cash only.BOOKED: Wayne Staudinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without an Interlock Device, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Dennis Streiner on Barton County District Court warrant, to KDOC.RELEASED: Bailey Fish on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude and Driving Without a License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brent Billinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Juan Nunez-Suarez on Great County District Court case for Driving without a License and Failure to Stop, and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a total $2,762.50 cash bond.RELEASED: Wayne Staudinger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without an Interlock Device, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (4/9)

Visible progress continues outside the Little Panthers Preschool and USD 428 District Education Center on the east side of Great Bend. The district will host a Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Fair today from 1-6:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. Monday night, the board of education took measures to add security to the new facility. Assistant Superintendent John Popp outlined the $34,275 purchase.

"We are going to be putting in about 16 cameras throughout the building," he said. "Most of those are on the preschool side and a bunch of them are on the outside to cover the entrances and exits as well as the playground. We have pretty good coverage on the outside. You can see pretty well in the hallways on the inside."

The district previously used CommLink IT to purchase cameras and software for other buildings and again approved a bid from that company. Popp said a local company is now licensed to sell the Verkada cameras but the CommLink bid came in approximately $14,000 cheaper. Infrastructure is in place to add more cameras if the need arises.

"They have pulled the cabling through every place that our camera person, Cody Cale, has said we need them," Popp said. "We're not going to put cameras in every place he has geared up. He has it ready for maximum coverage. But we're going to put in enough cameras that it's very well covered."

The Verkada cameras carry a price tag of just under $20,000, and the five-year licensing for cameras is just shy of $14,000. Little Panthers Preschool will serve students ages 3-4 years of age and will open in the fall. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712687747999.jpeg" alt="The playground outside the Little Panthers Preschool is nearing completion. Monday night, the USD 428 Board of Education approved the purchase of cameras for the new facility." />
 <figcaption>The playground outside the Little Panthers Preschool is nearing completion. Monday night, the USD 428 Board of Education approved the purchase of cameras for the new facility.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostVisible progress continues outside the Little Panthers Preschool and USD 428 District Education Center on the east side of Great Bend. The district will host a Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Fair today from 1-6:30 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. Monday night, the board of education took measures to add security to the new facility. Assistant Superintendent John Popp outlined the $34,275 purchase."We are going to be putting in about 16 cameras throughout the building," he said. "Most of those are on the preschool side and a bunch of them are on the outside to cover the entrances and exits as well as the playground. We have pretty good coverage on the outside. You can see pretty well in the hallways on the inside."The district previously used CommLink IT to purchase cameras and software for other buildings and again approved a bid from that company. Popp said a local company is now licensed to sell the Verkada cameras but the CommLink bid came in approximately $14,000 cheaper. Infrastructure is in place to add more cameras if the need arises."They have pulled the cabling through every place that our camera person, Cody Cale, has said we need them," Popp said. "We're not going to put cameras in every place he has geared up. He has it ready for maximum coverage. But we're going to put in enough cameras that it's very well covered."The Verkada cameras carry a price tag of just under $20,000, and the five-year licensing for cameras is just shy of $14,000. Little Panthers Preschool will serve students ages 3-4 years of age and will open in the fall.

USD 428 approves purchase of cameras for Little Panthers Preschool

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 70. West-northwest wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 36. North-northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.

Sunny, with a high near 78. South-southeast wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Breezy.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Breezy.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 88.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy.

Monday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Breezy.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 70. West-northwest wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 36. North-northwest wind 5 to 15 mph becoming south southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.FridaySunny, with a high near 78. South-southeast wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Breezy.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 86. Breezy.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52. Breezy.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 88.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy.Monday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Breezy.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

Barton Community College’s Agriculture department invites interested students to learn about career opportunities at the Career Expo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 10 in the new Ag and Transportation Complex.

During this come-and-go event, instructors will be available to discuss careers in agriculture, agriculture business management, ag mechanics (Top Tech), beef cattle production, commercial driver’s license (CDL), and crop protection. Executive Director of Agriculture and Industry Education Mary Foley said the expo is the perfect time for prospective students to check out the new building and learn more about a career they are interested in.

“Barton has so many great opportunities for students interested in a career in agriculture,” she said. “These careers have the potential to keep them close to home, working at the family farm or in a commercial operation, as well as the potential to explore other opportunities.”

Program information will be available, and the complex will be open for students to tour. For more information, contact Foley at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foleym@bartonccc.edu">foleym@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9278.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712590790060.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Maggie HarrisBarton Community College’s Agriculture department invites interested students to learn about career opportunities at the Career Expo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 10 in the new Ag and Transportation Complex.During this come-and-go event, instructors will be available to discuss careers in agriculture, agriculture business management, ag mechanics (Top Tech), beef cattle production, commercial driver’s license (CDL), and crop protection. Executive Director of Agriculture and Industry Education Mary Foley said the expo is the perfect time for prospective students to check out the new building and learn more about a career they are interested in.“Barton has so many great opportunities for students interested in a career in agriculture,” she said. “These careers have the potential to keep them close to home, working at the family farm or in a commercial operation, as well as the potential to explore other opportunities.”Program information will be available, and the complex will be open for students to tour. For more information, contact Foley at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foleym@bartonccc.edu">foleym@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9278.

Barton Agriculture Department to host Career Expo

News from the Oil Patch, 4/8/2024 John P. Tretbar

Spiking crude prices have spiked the Administration's plan to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The Department of Energy (DOE) unexpectedly canceled crude purchases aimed at refilling the SPR, citing current prices. DOE announced in March that it was soliciting 3 million barrels of oil, to help refill one of the four major government storage facilities. The announced target for the buybacks is $79 or less, nearly ten dollars below current pricing.&nbsp; The government has bought back about 32.3 million barrels since last year. The reserve, which held some 600 million barrels before the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, remains just over half full, with about 363 million barrels as of April. &nbsp;

Efforts to ban oil and gas exploration in Colorado have failed to find pay dirt. But the industry is bracing for new efforts to limit their efforts. The state's Senate Bill 159 was voted down in committee on March 28. That bill called for a phased-in ban on oil and gas permitting within five years. The industry says that would have killed more than 181,000 jobs, $321 BILLION in economic activity, and $48 BILLION in state and local funding. Colorado is currently the nation's number-four producer of crude oil. Natural gas production ranks eighth. The industry claims to have reduced emissions along Colorado’s Front Range by more than 50% within the last decade, and says ongoing efforts to stymie the permitting process will do little to limit emissions.

Monthly crude oil production in the United States dropped nearly six percent from December to January, as cold temperatures and winter storms gripped a large swath of the oil patch. The Energy Information Administration reports January output of 12.5 million barrels per day nationwide, down nearly six percent from December. The tally is 775,000 barrels a day below the all-time record high set in November. Each of the top producing states saw big declines: Texas and New Mexico were each down more than five percent. North Dakota dropped by nearly 13%. Colorado was down more than eight percent. Crude production in Kansas dropped nearly 14% to 63,000 barrels per day.

EIA's weekly crude production report averages 13,132,000 barrels per day for the second week in a row. Output is up more than a million barrels a day from a year ago.

Domestic crude inventories increased more than three million barrels last week. Government data show supplies total over 451 million barrels including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Energy Information Administration say US Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 82 new intent-to-drill notices on file in March, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County. That's 226 new intents so far this year, compared to 344 by the end of March last year.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is 620 rigs, up one oil rig but down two gas rigs. The tally in Texas is up seven rigs, New Mexico is down three and Louisiana is down two rigs.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is down two at eleven rigs in eastern Kansas, and up one at 20 rigs west of Wichita. The tally is up 35% from a month ago, but down 21% from last year at this time.

Kansas regulators approved 22 new drilling permits last week, with seven in Western Kansas including two in Stafford County. That's 232 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 314 a year ago.

Operators completed wells in Barton and Russell counties last week, among seven in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 23 newly completed wells for the week, and 301 o far this year. Last year at this time operators had completed 493 wells.

Crude oil imports exceeded crude exports by more than two million barrels a day. Total petroleum exports, including refined products, outpaced imports by 1.6 million barrels a day.US crude-oil and petroleum-product exports each declined last week. EIA said crude exports were down 159,000 barrels a day, while product exports were off by 711,000 barrels a day. Four-week average exports for crude and products drops by 781,000 barrels a day.

The government reported average crude imports of 6.6 million barrels a day for the week, down 85-thousand barrels a day from the week before. The four-week average is up slightly from last year.

U.S. exports of Liquefied Natural Gas lead the world, and the Energy Secretary says the pause on new export projects will soon be lifted. The U.S. exported more liquefied natural gas than any other country last year, at just under 12-BILLION cubic feet per day. The government says that's an increase of 12% over the year before.&nbsp;Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told a skeptical energy conference in Texas last month that a pause on U.S. liquid natural gas exports from new projects would be lifted within a year. The Department of Energy announced the pause to much alarm in January, as they sought to evaluate the impact of our gas export boom on climate, security and domestic prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, 4/8/2024 John P. TretbarSpiking crude prices have spiked the Administration's plan to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The Department of Energy (DOE) unexpectedly canceled crude purchases aimed at refilling the SPR, citing current prices. DOE announced in March that it was soliciting 3 million barrels of oil, to help refill one of the four major government storage facilities. The announced target for the buybacks is $79 or less, nearly ten dollars below current pricing.&nbsp; The government has bought back about 32.3 million barrels since last year. The reserve, which held some 600 million barrels before the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, remains just over half full, with about 363 million barrels as of April. &nbsp;Efforts to ban oil and gas exploration in Colorado have failed to find pay dirt. But the industry is bracing for new efforts to limit their efforts. The state's Senate Bill 159 was voted down in committee on March 28. That bill called for a phased-in ban on oil and gas permitting within five years. The industry says that would have killed more than 181,000 jobs, $321 BILLION in economic activity, and $48 BILLION in state and local funding. Colorado is currently the nation's number-four producer of crude oil. Natural gas production ranks eighth. The industry claims to have reduced emissions along Colorado’s Front Range by more than 50% within the last decade, and says ongoing efforts to stymie the permitting process will do little to limit emissions.Monthly crude oil production in the United States dropped nearly six percent from December to January, as cold temperatures and winter storms gripped a large swath of the oil patch. The Energy Information Administration reports January output of 12.5 million barrels per day nationwide, down nearly six percent from December. The tally is 775,000 barrels a day below the all-time record high set in November. Each of the top producing states saw big declines: Texas and New Mexico were each down more than five percent. North Dakota dropped by nearly 13%. Colorado was down more than eight percent. Crude production in Kansas dropped nearly 14% to 63,000 barrels per day.EIA's weekly crude production report averages 13,132,000 barrels per day for the second week in a row. Output is up more than a million barrels a day from a year ago.Domestic crude inventories increased more than three million barrels last week. Government data show supplies total over 451 million barrels including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Energy Information Administration say US Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.The Kansas Corporation Commission reports 82 new intent-to-drill notices on file in March, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County. That's 226 new intents so far this year, compared to 344 by the end of March last year.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is 620 rigs, up one oil rig but down two gas rigs. The tally in Texas is up seven rigs, New Mexico is down three and Louisiana is down two rigs.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is down two at eleven rigs in eastern Kansas, and up one at 20 rigs west of Wichita. The tally is up 35% from a month ago, but down 21% from last year at this time.Kansas regulators approved 22 new drilling permits last week, with seven in Western Kansas including two in Stafford County. That's 232 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to 314 a year ago.Operators completed wells in Barton and Russell counties last week, among seven in Western Kansas. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 23 newly completed wells for the week, and 301 o far this year. Last year at this time operators had completed 493 wells.Crude oil imports exceeded crude exports by more than two million barrels a day. Total petroleum exports, including refined products, outpaced imports by 1.6 million barrels a day.US crude-oil and petroleum-product exports each declined last week. EIA said crude exports were down 159,000 barrels a day, while product exports were off by 711,000 barrels a day. Four-week average exports for crude and products drops by 781,000 barrels a day.The government reported average crude imports of 6.6 million barrels a day for the week, down 85-thousand barrels a day from the week before. The four-week average is up slightly from last year.U.S. exports of Liquefied Natural Gas lead the world, and the Energy Secretary says the pause on new export projects will soon be lifted. The U.S. exported more liquefied natural gas than any other country last year, at just under 12-BILLION cubic feet per day. The government says that's an increase of 12% over the year before.&nbsp;Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told a skeptical energy conference in Texas last month that a pause on U.S. liquid natural gas exports from new projects would be lifted within a year. The Department of Energy announced the pause to much alarm in January, as they sought to evaluate the impact of our gas export boom on climate, security and domestic prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: High prices tank SPR refill plans

The Great Bend Recreation Commission released photos of the 2024 youth girls basketball teams (5th - 6th grade).

Team: Jayhawks Head Coach: Craig Robinson Roster: Natasha Blecha, Ellie Bretz, Raquel Guerra, Maci Reifschneider, Sophia Nelson, Avrie Martinez, Jocelyn Delgadillo

Team: Magic Head Coach: Jordyn Kennedy Roster: Linzey Carrasco, Claire Kennedy, Caylee Stettinger, Shaylee Ruiz, Kami Williams, Kinnley Cape, Madalynn Doty, Rhayna Villegas

Team: Panthers Head Coach: Chandis Alexander Roster: Chloe Torres, Taycee Gray, Nadia Torres, Jalie Vsetecka, Zaelee Stein, Briley Ferguson, Kaylee Thompson

Team: Sparks Head Coach: Roland Broeder Roster: Addie Broeder, Ryleigh Smith, Nevaeh Springer, Tessa Boone, Amber Ochs, Natalie Hoff, Jade Meyerhoff

The Great Bend Recreation Commission released photos of the 2024 youth girls basketball teams (5th - 6th grade).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330433870.jpeg" alt="Jayhawks" />
 <figcaption>Jayhawks</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Jayhawks Head Coach: Craig Robinson Roster: Natasha Blecha, Ellie Bretz, Raquel Guerra, Maci Reifschneider, Sophia Nelson, Avrie Martinez, Jocelyn Delgadillo<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330447878.jpeg" alt="Magic" />
 <figcaption>Magic</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Magic Head Coach: Jordyn Kennedy Roster: Linzey Carrasco, Claire Kennedy, Caylee Stettinger, Shaylee Ruiz, Kami Williams, Kinnley Cape, Madalynn Doty, Rhayna Villegas<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330462958.jpeg" alt="Panthers" />
 <figcaption>Panthers</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Panthers Head Coach: Chandis Alexander Roster: Chloe Torres, Taycee Gray, Nadia Torres, Jalie Vsetecka, Zaelee Stein, Briley Ferguson, Kaylee Thompson<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712330476694.jpeg" alt="Sparks" />
 <figcaption>Sparks</figcaption>
 </figure>Team: Sparks Head Coach: Roland Broeder Roster: Addie Broeder, Ryleigh Smith, Nevaeh Springer, Tessa Boone, Amber Ochs, Natalie Hoff, Jade Meyerhoff

📷Great Bend Rec youth girls basketball teams (5th - 6th grade)

The USD 428 Board of Education approved several personnel moves at Monday's meeting. The discussion included the resignation of Cindy Beck as the Great Bend High School girl's basketball coach, who has already discussed the move with her team.&nbsp;

"My four children are getting older and more involved," Beck said. "I want to be able to be a part of their activities and spend more quality time with my family.  I loved coaching basketball and was fortunate to coach such great young ladies, but my own children have to come first."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712690146076.jpeg" alt="Cindy Beck led the Lady Panther basketball team to a 15-7 record and the substate championship game in 2024." />
 <figcaption>Cindy Beck led the Lady Panther basketball team to a 15-7 record and the substate championship game in 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Post The USD 428 Board of Education approved several personnel moves at Monday's meeting. The discussion included the resignation of Cindy Beck as the Great Bend High School girl's basketball coach, who has already discussed the move with her team.&nbsp;"My four children are getting older and more involved," Beck said. "I want to be able to be a part of their activities and spend more quality time with my family. I loved coaching basketball and was fortunate to coach such great young ladies, but my own children have to come first."Other changes approved:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712690712821.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712690747060.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 428 personnel report: search begins for new coaches

Great Bend city crews will begin work Thursday, April 11 on the curb, gutter and sidewalk on the Williams Street side of the Post Office. The city expects the work to take approximately two to three weeks for the labor and the time for the concrete to set up. 

Please be attentive and aware as the city works to make repairs in the area.&nbsp;

If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, (620) 793-4150.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709911329137.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend city crews will begin work Thursday, April 11 on the curb, gutter and sidewalk on the Williams Street side of the Post Office. The city expects the work to take approximately two to three weeks for the labor and the time for the concrete to set up. Please be attentive and aware as the city works to make repairs in the area.&nbsp;If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, (620) 793-4150.

Work to begin Thursday on Great Bend post office curb

Part of Barton Community College academic advising’s mission is to make
sure students have the prerequisites sufficient for a successful transfer,
students are aware of requirements and students will be able to obtain Bachelor’s
or advanced degrees through studies sponsored by Barton. 

Angie Maddy, Barton
Vice President of Student Services, said the Kansas Board of Regents' effort to
make sure transferring from one college to another in the state is simple is
helpful when a student changes their mind late in their time at Barton.


"Giving students the opportunity to know that even if you change your mind somewhere throughout your community college experience, you're still going to meet that general education group of classes no matter where you go in the state of Kansas," said Maddy.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/8ecd3fee-8de6-43d6-b0a1-5d86fc7d2360">RELATED STORY: Barton CC following statewide push to make transferring easier</a>

According to data from the fall 2022 semester, 79 students were attending
Kansas State University that transferred from Barton. K-State had the largest
number of Barton transfers that semester compared to any other four-year
university in the state. 


Maddy said Barton always wants to do what is best for the student’s success,
even if that means transferring earlier.


"At any given time, about 65% of our graduates say they intend to transfer," said Maddy. "We're trying to support that successful transfer. We believe in what we're offering here and the support that we're giving them is going to keep them here."

Barton hosts transfer fairs each semester with several four-year institutions
participating to provide information to students on taking the next step in
their higher education.


A fall 2023 Student Services survey revealed that 89% of students surveyed said
that Barton is preparing them for a successful transfer to a university.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680274492287.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostPart of Barton Community College academic advising’s mission is to make
sure students have the prerequisites sufficient for a successful transfer,
students are aware of requirements and students will be able to obtain Bachelor’s
or advanced degrees through studies sponsored by Barton. Angie Maddy, Barton
Vice President of Student Services, said the Kansas Board of Regents' effort to
make sure transferring from one college to another in the state is simple is
helpful when a student changes their mind late in their time at Barton.
"Giving students the opportunity to know that even if you change your mind somewhere throughout your community college experience, you're still going to meet that general education group of classes no matter where you go in the state of Kansas," said Maddy.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/8ecd3fee-8de6-43d6-b0a1-5d86fc7d2360">RELATED STORY: Barton CC following statewide push to make transferring easier</a>According to data from the fall 2022 semester, 79 students were attending
Kansas State University that transferred from Barton. K-State had the largest
number of Barton transfers that semester compared to any other four-year
university in the state. 
Maddy said Barton always wants to do what is best for the student’s success,
even if that means transferring earlier.
"At any given time, about 65% of our graduates say they intend to transfer," said Maddy. "We're trying to support that successful transfer. We believe in what we're offering here and the support that we're giving them is going to keep them here."Barton hosts transfer fairs each semester with several four-year institutions
participating to provide information to students on taking the next step in
their higher education.
A fall 2023 Student Services survey revealed that 89% of students surveyed said
that Barton is preparing them for a successful transfer to a university.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton CC preparing students for successful transfers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hoisington USD 431 Board of Education
elected to close the fitness center during school-related activities at the
Hoisington Activity Center. The years coming out of COVID, the fitness center
has remained closed during hours of activities such as volleyball matches, the
Winter Jam basketball tournament or Sub-State basketball tournaments. 

School
board member Becky Mooney said there might be a few patrons that go to the
fitness center and then watch the games for free.


"How do you keep those people from attending a game?" said Mooney. "Most people have to pay to get in. They're going into the fitness center and coming out and watching a game for free. The question is how do we police that? Are we talking about enough people that it's really going to make much of a difference?"

During this past school year, there were 31 times that the fitness center
closed early due to Hoisington school district activities out of 184 possible
days.


The USD 431 school board voted to keep the fitness center open during district
activities. The Hoisington Recreation Commission has agreed to have staff
members available during the open hours.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637008939441.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hoisington USD 431 Board of Education
elected to close the fitness center during school-related activities at the
Hoisington Activity Center. The years coming out of COVID, the fitness center
has remained closed during hours of activities such as volleyball matches, the
Winter Jam basketball tournament or Sub-State basketball tournaments. School
board member Becky Mooney said there might be a few patrons that go to the
fitness center and then watch the games for free.
"How do you keep those people from attending a game?" said Mooney. "Most people have to pay to get in. They're going into the fitness center and coming out and watching a game for free. The question is how do we police that? Are we talking about enough people that it's really going to make much of a difference?"During this past school year, there were 31 times that the fitness center
closed early due to Hoisington school district activities out of 184 possible
days.
The USD 431 school board voted to keep the fitness center open during district
activities. The Hoisington Recreation Commission has agreed to have staff
members available during the open hours.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington fitness center to remain open during school activities

Hopefully many growers are aware of the K-State Agronomy eUpdate that comes out weekly. If not, I would suggest you take a minute to subscribe. Simply type into your internet browser box—K-State Agronomy eUpdate and it should pull up. Once you have subscribed you will get an email each Thursday that you can click onto and read the eUpdate.

One of the articles last Thursday is on Adjusting seeding rates for soybeans. Due to space limitations I will summarize it the best I can. I would suggest though if you are a soybean grower to read the full article in the eUpdate.

Seed cost is a critical economic factor, and selecting the proper seeding rate is a key management practice. This article reviews key factors in determining optimal soybean seeding rates.

Adjusting by yield environment - identifying yield potential for each environment in your field is a good practice to use when refining the soybean seeding rate decision. A recent study by Carciochi, Ciampitti, and collaborators published in Agronomy Journal evaluated soybean yield performance in a database of hundreds of experiments across the Midwest. Seeding rates ranged from 69,000 to 271,000 seeds/a, and final plant density and seed yield data were considered for the analysis. The data was classified by yield environments as follows: Low (&lt;60 bu/a), Medium (60-64 bu/a), and High (&gt;64 bu/a).

· Most probable values. On average, optimum plant densities were:

o Low-yield environments: 127,000 plants/a,

o Medium-yield environments: 96,000 plants/a

o High-yield environment: 97,000 plants/a.

· Expected uncertainty. In 50% of cases, optimum plant densities ranged from:

o Low-yield environments: 109,000 - 144,000 plants/a

o Medium-yield environments: 77,000 to 114,000 plants/a, and

<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>Hopefully many growers are aware of the K-State Agronomy eUpdate that comes out weekly. If not, I would suggest you take a minute to subscribe. Simply type into your internet browser box—K-State Agronomy eUpdate and it should pull up. Once you have subscribed you will get an email each Thursday that you can click onto and read the eUpdate.One of the articles last Thursday is on Adjusting seeding rates for soybeans. Due to space limitations I will summarize it the best I can. I would suggest though if you are a soybean grower to read the full article in the eUpdate.Seed cost is a critical economic factor, and selecting the proper seeding rate is a key management practice. This article reviews key factors in determining optimal soybean seeding rates.Adjusting by yield environment - identifying yield potential for each environment in your field is a good practice to use when refining the soybean seeding rate decision. A recent study by Carciochi, Ciampitti, and collaborators published in Agronomy Journal evaluated soybean yield performance in a database of hundreds of experiments across the Midwest. Seeding rates ranged from 69,000 to 271,000 seeds/a, and final plant density and seed yield data were considered for the analysis. The data was classified by yield environments as follows: Low (&lt;60 bu/a), Medium (60-64 bu/a), and High (&gt;64 bu/a).Main outcomes of this study were:· Most probable values. On average, optimum plant densities were:o Low-yield environments: 127,000 plants/a,o Medium-yield environments: 96,000 plants/ao High-yield environment: 97,000 plants/a.· Expected uncertainty. In 50% of cases, optimum plant densities ranged from:o Low-yield environments: 109,000 - 144,000 plants/ao Medium-yield environments: 77,000 to 114,000 plants/a, ando High-yield environments: 76,000 to 117,000 plants/a· In low-yield environments, the need for higher optimal plant density was not related to a low plant survival rate, but to a reduced potential growth rate per plant.· Another reason for the need for higher plant density in low-yield environments is that there is often less precipitation during the reproductive period in these environments, reducing the crop’s reproductive ability (reduction in yield contribution from branches).Site-specific simulator - for site-specific management, the previous information can be used to generate prescriptions for variable rate seeding. In 2022, Kansas State University, in collaboration with the Iowa Soybeans Association, launched a free web-based simulator designed to assist farmers in implementing variable seeding rates. https://analytics.iasoybeans.com/cool-apps/SoybeanVRSsimulator/Maintaining a fixed seeding rate for the whole field can reduce profitability compared to using a variable seeding rate, is the concluding point with more details in the full article. It goes on to explain how the profits simulation works and the interaction with other practices.In summary, adjusting seeding rates based on plant survival rates, soil conditions, and planting dates can reduce the risk of yield and profit losses due to suboptimal densities in a low-yield environment while limiting higher seed costs due to supra-optimal densities, especially for medium and high yield environments. Soybean plant density levels above the optimal plant density increase the risk of lodging and disease development without adding a yield benefit.If planting early, try to maximize plant survival and reduce threats to emergence by:· Avoid planting when soil temperatures are below 60°F. If planted into soils cooler than 60°F, seedlings may eventually emerge but will have poor vigor.· Treating seeds with fungicide and insecticide.· Selecting varieties with resistance to soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome.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.

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