Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (3/28)

At 2:32 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 1700
block of Broadway.

At 7:04 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.

At 7:08 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 110 Avenue
&amp; NW 90 Road.

At 8:34 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1315 10th
Street.

At 3:23 p.m. an accident was reported at 705 E. K-4 Highway
in Hoisington.

At 6:08 p.m. an accident was reported at 1161 NE 130 Avenue
in Claflin.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (3/28)

At 6:42 a.m. vehicles parked in the road was reported at 10th
&amp; McKinley.

At 7:49 a.m. a loud vehicle was reported at 18th
&amp; Morphy.

At 8:23 a.m. a theft of clothing from his hotel room was
reported at 3200 10th Street.

At 8:31 a.m. a lost tag was reported at 525 Morton.

At 9:35 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 3322 24th
Street.

At 10:47 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5815
Broadway Avenue.

At 3:44 p.m. a truck parked on the wrong side of the roadway
was reported at 700 Frey Street.

At 4:42 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 804 Pine Pl.

At 4:49 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926
Eisenhower Avenue.

At 6:29 p.m. an accident was reported at 3703 10th
Street.

At 9:31 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 237 Chestnut
Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (3/28)Animal ComplaintAt 2:32 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 1700
block of Broadway.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 7:04 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NE 30 Road.Animal ComplaintAt 7:08 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 110 Avenue
&amp; NW 90 Road.At 8:34 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1315 10th
Street.Injury AccidentAt 3:23 p.m. an accident was reported at 705 E. K-4 Highway
in Hoisington.Non-Injury AccidentAt 6:08 p.m. an accident was reported at 1161 NE 130 Avenue
in Claflin.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (3/28)Parking ComplaintAt 6:42 a.m. vehicles parked in the road was reported at 10th
&amp; McKinley.Noise ComplaintAt 7:49 a.m. a loud vehicle was reported at 18th
&amp; Morphy.TheftAt 8:23 a.m. a theft of clothing from his hotel room was
reported at 3200 10th Street.At 8:31 a.m. a lost tag was reported at 525 Morton.Sick PersonAt 9:35 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 3322 24th
Street.Unconscious / FaintingAt 10:47 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5815
Broadway Avenue.Parking ComplaintAt 3:44 p.m. a truck parked on the wrong side of the roadway
was reported at 700 Frey Street.Traumatic InjuriesAt 4:42 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 804 Pine Pl.Sick PersonAt 4:49 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926
Eisenhower Avenue.Injury AccidentAt 6:29 p.m. an accident was reported at 3703 10th
Street.Convulsions / SeizuresAt 9:31 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 237 Chestnut
Street.

Cop Shop (3/28)

3/28 BOOKED: Jesus Dominguez-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Using One-Way or Illegal Sunscreen Device, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Brianna Feist on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Todd Nuss on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of a Protection Order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

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

BOOKED: Robert Stanley on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jason Kober on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, No Drug Stamp, and Theft, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Ramon Garcia on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jode McCallie on Barton and Saline County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Jesus Dominguez-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Using One-Way or Illegal Sunscreen Device, after posting a $500 cash bond.

RELEASED: Todd Nuss on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of a Protection Order, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court case for Failure to Appear, on $2,500 OR bond.

RELEASED: Sheldon Gillespie on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Justin Smokes on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Jason Kober on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, No Drug Stamp, and Theft, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Ramon Garcia on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/28 BOOKED: Jesus Dominguez-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Using One-Way or Illegal Sunscreen Device, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Brianna Feist on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Todd Nuss on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of a Protection Order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Patrick Standlee on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Robert Stanley on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jason Kober on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, No Drug Stamp, and Theft, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Ramon Garcia on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jode McCallie on Barton and Saline County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Jesus Dominguez-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving without a Valid License and Using One-Way or Illegal Sunscreen Device, after posting a $500 cash bond.RELEASED: Todd Nuss on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of a Protection Order, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court case for Failure to Appear, on $2,500 OR bond.RELEASED: Sheldon Gillespie on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, by order of the court.RELEASED: Justin Smokes on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.&nbsp;RELEASED: Jason Kober on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of Methamphetamine, No Drug Stamp, and Theft, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Ramon Garcia on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (3/28)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The horizon in the northwest corner of Barton County has a new feature. Earlier this month, workers from Farley Machine Works Company helped Mark Hlavaty install a handmade monument atop a 50-foot silo on his farm near Olmitz. Chris Hamit with Farley helped set the 2,000-pound monument in its new home.

"He's said he's lived in the house and he gets tired of seeing an empty silo every morning when he walks out," Hamit said. "He needed something to do with it so he decided that, instead of tearing it down, because everyone tears them down, he wanted to put something at the top. That way, every morning when he comes out, he can look up there and see it."

Hlavaty created the monument out of old implements. It features a cowboy kneeling between his horse and a 14-foot-tall cross. 

Farley donated its crane and time to make the project happen. Hamit, with coworkers Brayden Murray and Jason Shelton, took down a nearby fence to access the silo, lifted the monument to the top of the silo, and secured it. Hamit got to the top of the silo with Farley's bucket truck, but once there, had to navigate a concrete path just two inches wide with a 50-foot drop over either side.

"At first, I was kind of nervous, to be honest with you," he said. "It was actually really windy that way. After I got over the fact that I was all right, it was kind of exciting because it's something that, in all reality, not everybody gets to do in their life."

Hamit estimates the monument is visible for up to two miles around the farm. It will add character to the already beautiful Kansas sunsets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711554622853.jpeg" alt="Workers from Farley Machine Works Company recently installed a handmade monument atop a silo on the Mark Hlavaty farm near Olmitz." />
 <figcaption>Workers from Farley Machine Works Company recently installed a handmade monument atop a silo on the Mark Hlavaty farm near Olmitz.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe horizon in the northwest corner of Barton County has a new feature. Earlier this month, workers from Farley Machine Works Company helped Mark Hlavaty install a handmade monument atop a 50-foot silo on his farm near Olmitz. Chris Hamit with Farley helped set the 2,000-pound monument in its new home."He's said he's lived in the house and he gets tired of seeing an empty silo every morning when he walks out," Hamit said. "He needed something to do with it so he decided that, instead of tearing it down, because everyone tears them down, he wanted to put something at the top. That way, every morning when he comes out, he can look up there and see it."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711554681494.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hlavaty created the monument out of old implements. It features a cowboy kneeling between his horse and a 14-foot-tall cross. Farley donated its crane and time to make the project happen. Hamit, with coworkers Brayden Murray and Jason Shelton, took down a nearby fence to access the silo, lifted the monument to the top of the silo, and secured it. Hamit got to the top of the silo with Farley's bucket truck, but once there, had to navigate a concrete path just two inches wide with a 50-foot drop over either side."At first, I was kind of nervous, to be honest with you," he said. "It was actually really windy that way. After I got over the fact that I was all right, it was kind of exciting because it's something that, in all reality, not everybody gets to do in their life."Hamit estimates the monument is visible for up to two miles around the farm. It will add character to the already beautiful Kansas sunsets.

Farley Machine Works installs custom monument on silo near Olmitz

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 67. North-northeast wind 10 to 13 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. East-southeast wind around 11 mph.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South-southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Breezy.

Monday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 66.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 67. North-northeast wind 10 to 13 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. East-southeast wind around 11 mph.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South-southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Breezy.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Breezy.Monday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 33.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 66.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 73.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a>

</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 93, Indian Hills 78<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/t3eloj4d/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

Barton Men 93, Indian Hills 78

From the Barton County Sheriff's Office...

Due to the outstanding response we had for the March 23 concealed carry class the Sheriff’s Office has scheduled another class for April 27, 2024.

The Handgun Safety Training Course is an 8 hour basic firearms safety class that you must first complete as part of the application process for your Carry Concealed handgun License. Anyone 18 years old or older can take the course.

Your Instructors are all Kansas Law Enforcement Officers with various backgrounds and years of experience.

• Cost of the class is $50 per person; payment is non-refundable and must be paid prior to the day of the class in order to be guaranteed a spot. You may send a check or money order made payable to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office or stop in at 1416 Kansas Ave. to pay in person.

• Please arrive a few minutes early; class begins promptly at 8 AM.

• Have your photo ID (KS Driver’s License)

• You will need your own reliable working handgun and be able to field strip the handgun in class. (Refer to your gun’s manual or go on-line for instructions). Bring your unloaded gun into class with you. Leave all ammunition in your vehicle.

• You will need a minimum of 50 rounds of ammunition. NO RELOADS

(25 rounds for practice, 25 for qualification)

• Appropriate eye protection and ear protection

• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Qualification is outdoors.

• A light lunch will be provided, but if you have a special diet, bring your own lunch.

• Training and Qualification will be held at the BTSO range: &nbsp; &nbsp;396 NE 30 Rd. East of the landfill on Juco Road

The last class in March filled up very quickly. Reserve your spot now.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711640981661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Barton County Sheriff's Office...Due to the outstanding response we had for the March 23 concealed carry class the Sheriff’s Office has scheduled another class for April 27, 2024.The Handgun Safety Training Course is an 8 hour basic firearms safety class that you must first complete as part of the application process for your Carry Concealed handgun License. Anyone 18 years old or older can take the course.Your Instructors are all Kansas Law Enforcement Officers with various backgrounds and years of experience.• Cost of the class is $50 per person; payment is non-refundable and must be paid prior to the day of the class in order to be guaranteed a spot. You may send a check or money order made payable to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office or stop in at 1416 Kansas Ave. to pay in person.• Please arrive a few minutes early; class begins promptly at 8 AM.• Have your photo ID (KS Driver’s License)• Have a writing utensil• You will need your own reliable working handgun and be able to field strip the handgun in class. (Refer to your gun’s manual or go on-line for instructions). Bring your unloaded gun into class with you. Leave all ammunition in your vehicle.• You will need a minimum of 50 rounds of ammunition. NO RELOADS(25 rounds for practice, 25 for qualification)• Appropriate eye protection and ear protection• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Qualification is outdoors.• A light lunch will be provided, but if you have a special diet, bring your own lunch.• Training and Qualification will be held at the BTSO range: &nbsp; &nbsp;396 NE 30 Rd. East of the landfill on Juco RoadThe last class in March filled up very quickly. Reserve your spot now.

Concealed carry class in April in Barton County

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously.” Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3xbkUWp. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Special Meeting March 29, 2024 9 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: A. Call Meeting to Order. B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. D. Minutes of the March 26, 2024, Regular Meeting, will not be available. E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. NEW BUSINESS -&nbsp;All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

ITEM A. RESOLUTION 2024-10: A Resolution Amending Article III of the Barton County Zoning Regulations, Version II: -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. The Zoning and Subdivision Regulations were adopted in 2000 and later revised in 2013. The Planning Commission now recommends amendments to Article III to allow for the following new conditionally permitted uses: Large Scale Non-Commercial and Commercial Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) in all of the zoning districts within Barton County.

ITEM B. RESOLUTION 2024-11: A Resolution Adding Article VIII-B – SECS&nbsp;to the Barton County Zoning Regulations, Version II:&nbsp;-Ms. Goreham will provide details. The Planning Commission recommends the addition of Article VIII-B – SECS to the Zoning Regulations. This article sets minimum requirements for all future development of Large Scale Non-Commercial and Commercial Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) in all of the zoning districts within Barton County.

ITEM C. RESOLUTION 2024-12: A Resolution Amending the Official Zoning Map of Barton County:&nbsp;-Ms. Goreham will provide details. The proposed Resolution provides for an amendment to the official Zoning Map of Barton County. It essentially sets forth a “no build zone” that is one mile outside the existing zone for the Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). If adopted, it will pertain to all future development of Large Scale Non-Commercial and Commercial Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) in Barton County.

III. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.

ITEM A. RESOLUTION 2024-09: A Resolution Providing for a Temporary Moratorium on Commercial Solar Energy Project Development within the Unincorporated Area of Barton County, Kansas:&nbsp;-Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details. With the adoption of Resolution 2023-25, the Commission extended the temporary moratorium on commercial solar energy project&nbsp;development in the unincorporated area of Barton County until March 31, 2024. The Commission will consider a brief extension to the deadline. This item was tabled on March 26, 2024, to this Special Meeting.

IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

-There are no Study Sessions scheduled at this time.

A. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693230488223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously.” Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3xbkUWp. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Special Meeting March 29, 2024 9 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: A. Call Meeting to Order. B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. D. Minutes of the March 26, 2024, Regular Meeting, will not be available. E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. NEW BUSINESS -&nbsp;All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time. ITEM A. RESOLUTION 2024-10: A Resolution Amending Article III of the Barton County Zoning Regulations, Version II: -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. The Zoning and Subdivision Regulations were adopted in 2000 and later revised in 2013. The Planning Commission now recommends amendments to Article III to allow for the following new conditionally permitted uses: Large Scale Non-Commercial and Commercial Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) in all of the zoning districts within Barton County.ITEM B. RESOLUTION 2024-11: A Resolution Adding Article VIII-B – SECS&nbsp;to the Barton County Zoning Regulations, Version II:&nbsp;-Ms. Goreham will provide details. The Planning Commission recommends the addition of Article VIII-B – SECS to the Zoning Regulations. This article sets minimum requirements for all future development of Large Scale Non-Commercial and Commercial Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) in all of the zoning districts within Barton County.ITEM C. RESOLUTION 2024-12: A Resolution Amending the Official Zoning Map of Barton County:&nbsp;-Ms. Goreham will provide details. The proposed Resolution provides for an amendment to the official Zoning Map of Barton County. It essentially sets forth a “no build zone” that is one mile outside the existing zone for the Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). If adopted, it will pertain to all future development of Large Scale Non-Commercial and Commercial Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) in Barton County.III. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.ITEM A. RESOLUTION 2024-09: A Resolution Providing for a Temporary Moratorium on Commercial Solar Energy Project Development within the Unincorporated Area of Barton County, Kansas:&nbsp;-Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, will provide details. With the adoption of Resolution 2023-25, the Commission extended the temporary moratorium on commercial solar energy project&nbsp;development in the unincorporated area of Barton County until March 31, 2024. The Commission will consider a brief extension to the deadline. This item was tabled on March 26, 2024, to this Special Meeting.IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:-There are no announcements.B. APPOINTMENTS:-There are no Study Sessions scheduled at this time.V. OTHER BUSINESS:A. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024.VI. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission special meeting agenda (3/29)

The drinking water in the city of Russell is good. So say the final results of the Consumer Confidence Report covering calendar year 2023. Information released Wednesday is a snapshot of water quality tests conducted in 2023.

For each test, there is a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), which is the level below which there is no known or expected risk to human health. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.

The tests showed 1.1 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic in the water, with a MGCL of zero and an MCL of 10. Levels of barium, chromium, fluoride, and selenium came in well under the MCLG.&nbsp;

Contaminants that are not regulated do not have a MCLG but do have a Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL), or recommended level. The SMCL for pH of water is 8.5, and Russell's water tested at 8.2. The lower the pH, the more corrosive the water is. Levels between 6.5 and 8.5 are safe to drink. The SMCL for sodium is 100 parts per million, and Russell's water tested at 100. All other secondary contaminants tested well below the SMCL.

<a href="https://www.russellcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/894/City-of-Russell-Consumer-Confidence-Report---2024?bidId=">CLICK HERE</a> to see the complete testing results.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621008205705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The drinking water in the city of Russell is good. So say the final results of the Consumer Confidence Report covering calendar year 2023. Information released Wednesday is a snapshot of water quality tests conducted in 2023.For each test, there is a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), which is the level below which there is no known or expected risk to human health. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water.The tests showed 1.1 parts per billion (ppb) of arsenic in the water, with a MGCL of zero and an MCL of 10. Levels of barium, chromium, fluoride, and selenium came in well under the MCLG.&nbsp;Contaminants that are not regulated do not have a MCLG but do have a Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL), or recommended level. The SMCL for pH of water is 8.5, and Russell's water tested at 8.2. The lower the pH, the more corrosive the water is. Levels between 6.5 and 8.5 are safe to drink. The SMCL for sodium is 100 parts per million, and Russell's water tested at 100. All other secondary contaminants tested well below the SMCL.<a href="https://www.russellcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/894/City-of-Russell-Consumer-Confidence-Report---2024?bidId=">CLICK HERE</a> to see the complete testing results.

City of Russell releases Consumer Confidence Report on public water

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

When Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes
thought of creating zoo look books, her idea resembled what Visit Wichita has
created. The hardcover books will detail the history of the Great Bend Brit Spaugh
Zoo and provide a promotional item for the city to distribute.


"When I give away an Explore Great Bend basket for a conference, it would be one of those things that's put in there," said Hayes. "It would be a treasured item to give away. It's a giveaway for us as a CVB but people can also buy them and have them on their coffee table."

A professional writer was hired and has started writing news stories for the
zoo. Information will include tidbits about the zoo, such as the park entrances
were installed in 1966. 

Hayes is hopeful to have the look books available in
time for Christmas presents this year, and the profits will benefit the city’s
free zoo.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616617126569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhen Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes
thought of creating zoo look books, her idea resembled what Visit Wichita has
created. The hardcover books will detail the history of the Great Bend Brit Spaugh
Zoo and provide a promotional item for the city to distribute.
"When I give away an Explore Great Bend basket for a conference, it would be one of those things that's put in there," said Hayes. "It would be a treasured item to give away. It's a giveaway for us as a CVB but people can also buy them and have them on their coffee table."A professional writer was hired and has started writing news stories for the
zoo. Information will include tidbits about the zoo, such as the park entrances
were installed in 1966. Hayes is hopeful to have the look books available in
time for Christmas presents this year, and the profits will benefit the city’s
free zoo.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend still working on look books to benefit zoo

Research at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.

Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.

Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).

Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.

Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.

The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust or stripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.

Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.

The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:

· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.

· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.

· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

<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>Research at K-State and other regions continue to demonstrate that it is often possible to achieve high levels of foliar disease control with a single fungicide applied between flag leaf emergence and heading growth stages. The yield response to this later fungicide application is influenced by the level of disease risk (amount of disease and predicted weather conditions), variety resistance to the most threatening fungal diseases, crop yield potential, foliar fungicide efficacy, and other factors.Fungicides can also be applied as an early application made between “spring green-up” and jointing. This application may provide some yield benefits in some fields and years. Early fungicide applications may result in small yield advantages due to a reduction in early disease establishment in the lower canopy. This may be particularly true for “leaf spot diseases” such as tan spot or Septoria leaf blotch that survive in wheat residue and can establish early in the year. Yield benefits are most likely in wheat fields planted back into wheat stubble and when weather conditions are wet enough to favor fungal disease development.Many active ingredients have use restrictions, during a single season. It is important to ensure that early fungicides do not limit options for fungicide applications at flag leaf (which have the potential for higher yield protection in conducive disease years).Advantages and limitations of split applications -there is no additional cost for application if the fungicide is tank mixed with other products, such as liquid nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide. However, the optimal timing for an early fungicide application is not until after the wheat has jointed – with one or two joints present. This is usually sometime in mid-to-late March in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas. Top-dressed nitrogen and many postemergence herbicides should be applied before this stage to be most effective and, in many cases, to be within label restrictions, so the optimal timing of both applications may not match. A separate trip for an early fungicide application adds to the cost of production.Provides suppression of early-season disease caused by tan spot, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf blotch that overwinter locally in Kansas. The benefits of fungicides applied at green-up are more sporadic for diseases like leaf rust and stripe rust, which are less likely to survive the winter in Kansas.The limitations of early-season fungicide application include. Leaves not present at the time of application will not be well protected. Therefore, these applications will not control leaf rust or stripe rust epidemics that come in from the south at later stages of growth. The early applications are most effective when combined with a second, later fungicide application.Additional product costs may not pay off under some conditions, when the crop's yield potential may be limited by drought. Remember, the second application does the heavy lifting in the dual-application approach. If capital resources are limited because of low prices, investing your money where you are likely to see the largest yield response may be best.The main conclusions from recent studies in Kansas and Oklahoma are:· In K-State studies, the greatest average profit has come from the flag leaf application of fungicides. Fungicides applied prior to jointing are less likely to result in a positive profit.· The likelihood of profit for an early-season fungicide application is greatest for susceptible varieties in continuous wheat systems with a high level of surface wheat residue.· Fields with hot spots of tan spot, septoria leaf blotch, and stripe rust prior to flag leaf emergence are candidates for an early fungicide application, provided environmental conditions are conducive for further disease development and yield potential of the crop. These applications are often most effective when made around the jointing stages of growth.

CAMPBELL: Considerations for early fungicide applications on wheat

Through the quality-of-life sales tax initiative, a Great Bend Brit
Spaugh Park addition was a project scheduled for 2024. The project included
adding a basketball court, pickleball courts, mini soccer pitches and a
playground on the south side.


City officials expected a bid to come back with a cost around $2.1 million.
Receiving just one bid from a contractor out of McPherson, the price came in at
$3 million.
Great Bend worked with BG Consultants on value engineering options, knowing the
entire project is not feasible. A reduced project that leaves out the
basketball court, pickleball courts and mini soccer pitches would cost $1.7
million.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/f38533af-aa22-4ae4-843c-594b9ad096a2">RELATED STORY: Great Bend looking at possible phases for park improvements</a>

City staff is recommending tabling the project until they can receive grant
funding or more private donations. 
The Great Bend City Council will be presented a motion at their meeting on
Monday, April 1 to deny the lone bid and allow staff to save up funding to
complete the project fully.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677044267768.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThrough the quality-of-life sales tax initiative, a Great Bend Brit
Spaugh Park addition was a project scheduled for 2024. The project included
adding a basketball court, pickleball courts, mini soccer pitches and a
playground on the south side.
City officials expected a bid to come back with a cost around $2.1 million.
Receiving just one bid from a contractor out of McPherson, the price came in at
$3 million.
Great Bend worked with BG Consultants on value engineering options, knowing the
entire project is not feasible. A reduced project that leaves out the
basketball court, pickleball courts and mini soccer pitches would cost $1.7
million.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/f38533af-aa22-4ae4-843c-594b9ad096a2">RELATED STORY: Great Bend looking at possible phases for park improvements</a>City staff is recommending tabling the project until they can receive grant
funding or more private donations. 
The Great Bend City Council will be presented a motion at their meeting on
Monday, April 1 to deny the lone bid and allow staff to save up funding to
complete the project fully.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Park addition nearly $1M more than estimated

A brief debate ensued during Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting on whether or not public comments would be heard at Friday's special commission meeting scheduled so the board can vote on commercial solar development regulations before the moratorium on solar development expires on March 31. But the commission did hear from three residents during Tuesday's meeting. Landowner Steve Neeland and his sister, Trish Bryant, expressed some concerns over the proposed regulations. Neeland's primary complaint was the proposed expansion of a one-mile no-build zone around Cheyenne Bottoms to two miles.

"The pink area represents the no-build zone," he said. "I've quantified that, and I believe it's around 25,000 acres. That's huge. That's what we're restricting the property rights of those owners on. Twenty-five thousand acres."

Neeland estimates an additional mile expansion of the zone would add another 22,000 acres to that figure. He estimated that proposed leases in that zone represent just 1,500 acres, or approximately seven percent of the total area that would be restricted under the proposed change. He suggested using current zoning regulations like those used on another recent project in the county.

"You looked at her putting up a building on 80 acres south of town," Neeland said. "You went and looked at it. You looked at the construction of the building. They got approved. Why don't we look at it like that; each one? I think that would be good common sense, to look at it, because that's what we already do now."

Neeland also expressed concerns about a 1,000-foot setback of solar development in the proposed regulations, stating that would leave virtually no room for development on an 80-acre tract of land.

The board of commissioners will vote on the proposed solar regulations in a special meeting on Friday, March 29, at 9 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711481026902.jpeg" alt="Trish Bryant and her brother, Steve Neeland, a landowner in Barton County, voiced concerns over proposed commercial solar development regulations during Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting. The commission will vote on the proposed regulations in a special meeting Friday at 9 a.m." />
 <figcaption>Trish Bryant and her brother, Steve Neeland, a landowner in Barton County, voiced concerns over proposed commercial solar development regulations during Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting. The commission will vote on the proposed regulations in a special meeting Friday at 9 a.m.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA brief debate ensued during Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting on whether or not public comments would be heard at Friday's special commission meeting scheduled so the board can vote on commercial solar development regulations before the moratorium on solar development expires on March 31. But the commission did hear from three residents during Tuesday's meeting. Landowner Steve Neeland and his sister, Trish Bryant, expressed some concerns over the proposed regulations. Neeland's primary complaint was the proposed expansion of a one-mile no-build zone around Cheyenne Bottoms to two miles."The pink area represents the no-build zone," he said. "I've quantified that, and I believe it's around 25,000 acres. That's huge. That's what we're restricting the property rights of those owners on. Twenty-five thousand acres."Neeland estimates an additional mile expansion of the zone would add another 22,000 acres to that figure. He estimated that proposed leases in that zone represent just 1,500 acres, or approximately seven percent of the total area that would be restricted under the proposed change. He suggested using current zoning regulations like those used on another recent project in the county."You looked at her putting up a building on 80 acres south of town," Neeland said. "You went and looked at it. You looked at the construction of the building. They got approved. Why don't we look at it like that; each one? I think that would be good common sense, to look at it, because that's what we already do now."Neeland also expressed concerns about a 1,000-foot setback of solar development in the proposed regulations, stating that would leave virtually no room for development on an 80-acre tract of land.The board of commissioners will vote on the proposed solar regulations in a special meeting on Friday, March 29, at 9 a.m.

Barton resident voices concerns over proposed solar regulations

Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee will be getting her miles in soon. Tuesday morning, she went before the Barton County Commission to seek approval to submit her fiscal year 2025 budget to the Kansas Department of Corrections. The 20th Judicial District also covers Russell, Rice, Stafford, and Ellsworth counties, and she will also go before those commissions for approval on the $839,854.94 budget.

"This is specific to our programs with intake and assessment, diversion, intensive supervised probation, and community supervision," she said. "There's a very small percent that goes to the juvenile correctional facility so this is where we operate the core of our programs."

Just a small percentage of the budget - $33,000 - goes toward prevention. The bulk of the money goes to personnel wages with a little going toward overhead costs.

"We are flat-funded again this year, so we did not get any additional funds from the Kansas Department of Corrections, but we can still operate within the budget they've given us," Woodmansee said. "It will just be a little tighter this year."

Programs like Youth Crew are federally funded through the Drug-Free Communities grant and will see no impact from the approved fiscal year budget.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638377876418.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostJuvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee will be getting her miles in soon. Tuesday morning, she went before the Barton County Commission to seek approval to submit her fiscal year 2025 budget to the Kansas Department of Corrections. The 20th Judicial District also covers Russell, Rice, Stafford, and Ellsworth counties, and she will also go before those commissions for approval on the $839,854.94 budget."This is specific to our programs with intake and assessment, diversion, intensive supervised probation, and community supervision," she said. "There's a very small percent that goes to the juvenile correctional facility so this is where we operate the core of our programs."Just a small percentage of the budget - $33,000 - goes toward prevention. The bulk of the money goes to personnel wages with a little going toward overhead costs."We are flat-funded again this year, so we did not get any additional funds from the Kansas Department of Corrections, but we can still operate within the budget they've given us," Woodmansee said. "It will just be a little tighter this year."Programs like Youth Crew are federally funded through the Drug-Free Communities grant and will see no impact from the approved fiscal year budget.

Barton Commission approves submission of Juvenile Services budget

The Barton Community College men's basketball will play in the NJCAA Tournament's Final Four on Thursday, March 28 against Indian Hills Community College.

You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College men's basketball will play in the NJCAA Tournament's Final Four on Thursday, March 28 against Indian Hills Community College.You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.Tip-off from Hutchinson is at 5 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 at the National Tournament

3/27 BOOKED: Keri Ness on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

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

BOOKED: Alexis Montelango on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Christopher Baumgartner on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Mark Caton on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Crystal Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/27 BOOKED: Keri Ness on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Crystal Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Alexis Montelango on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $5,000 C/S.RELEASED: Christopher Baumgartner on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Mark Caton on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Crystal Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (3/27)

The United States Military WarDogs Baseball program was created in 2018
to help support veterans who are dealing with PTSD and honor fallen military
men and women. Military-affiliated players compete against collegiate league
and first responder teams around the country. 

Great Bend Bat Cats Manager Roger
Ward said Great Bend has taken pride in honoring veterans and his team plays at
Veterans Memorial Park. Scheduling the WarDogs for a game this summer seemed
like a no-brainer.


"The WarDogs don't get to play much," said Ward. "A lot of these guys are active and get to come over for two weeks at a time on their tour. Some are veterans. They get to go play baseball and meet up with their families."

On July 8, the WarDogs will play the Bat Cats. Great Bend will be
one of three stops for the veteran-supporting organization along with Junction City
and El Dorado.


"The WarDogs come to communities and they reach out a lot to local veterans," said Ward. "It's more so about families of fallen heroes. They'll honor a local family of a fallen hero. They'll have a service dog to give away to a local veteran."

Ward said funds will be needed to cover the expense of bringing the WarDogs to
Great Bend and assistance will be needed for lodging and food.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711487961844.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://wardogsbaseball.org/">wardogsbaseball.org</a> photo" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://wardogsbaseball.org/">wardogsbaseball.org</a> photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe United States Military WarDogs Baseball program was created in 2018
to help support veterans who are dealing with PTSD and honor fallen military
men and women. Military-affiliated players compete against collegiate league
and first responder teams around the country. Great Bend Bat Cats Manager Roger
Ward said Great Bend has taken pride in honoring veterans and his team plays at
Veterans Memorial Park. Scheduling the WarDogs for a game this summer seemed
like a no-brainer.
"The WarDogs don't get to play much," said Ward. "A lot of these guys are active and get to come over for two weeks at a time on their tour. Some are veterans. They get to go play baseball and meet up with their families."On July 8, the WarDogs will play the Bat Cats. Great Bend will be
one of three stops for the veteran-supporting organization along with Junction City
and El Dorado.
"The WarDogs come to communities and they reach out a lot to local veterans," said Ward. "It's more so about families of fallen heroes. They'll honor a local family of a fallen hero. They'll have a service dog to give away to a local veteran."Ward said funds will be needed to cover the expense of bringing the WarDogs to
Great Bend and assistance will be needed for lodging and food.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

US WarDogs military baseball program to play in Great Bend

Today Sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South-southwest wind 13 to 15 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North-northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. North-northeast wind 10 to 13 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 76.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy.

Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Blustery.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Blustery.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 66.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. South-southwest wind 13 to 15 mph becoming west-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North-northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. North-northeast wind 10 to 13 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 76.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy.Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Blustery.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Blustery.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 66.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

It's called winter wheat for a reason. One of the primary crops in Kansas, winter wheat is planted in the fall, grows slowly throughout the winter, and actually needs some cold weather to go through the vernalization phase before it enters the reproductive phase in the spring and produces seeds. Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and Extension, said the snow and ice from Monday should have no impact on this year's crop.

"Right now, our wheat is still in the vegetative state, so it has not done what is called jointing," she said. "When it joints, that means the little seed head that is being formed, it has not started going up that central leaf sheath that would form that stock for the wheat head."

As long as the wheat head is still underground or barely showing, the cold weather should not harm the plant. In the Barton County region, the wheat is still young enough to survive the cold.

"The snow on top of it also provides a nice blanket, so that will protect the wheat," said Boor. "It will keep it a little bit warmer than what our temperatures actually show."

Other plant species are not as fortunate. Those that bloom early likely were impacted by Monday's hard freeze.

"Lilac trees typically bloom very early, and most likely, we've lost all those blooms," Boor said. "Peaches are another one. Peach trees like to bloom early and something like this would knock those out if they're blooming."

Boor said the contrasting weather may also impact trees. With recent spring-like temperatures, sap was running heavy through tree trunks and may have frozen earlier this week.

"A cold snap like this can cause damage to the tree trunk that may show up later this summer or even into next year where you will have damage on the tree trunk," she said. "That's from the sap freezing inside the trunk inside of being down low like it is when it's dormant."

Thin-barked and younger trees are more likely to be impacted by the freeze. Damage to the trunk may exhibit itself as splitting or loss of bark. Boor said giving trees 8-18 inches of water from the trunk to the drip line once every 4-6 weeks can help the trees heal and recover from any freeze-related wounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699371971135.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIt's called winter wheat for a reason. One of the primary crops in Kansas, winter wheat is planted in the fall, grows slowly throughout the winter, and actually needs some cold weather to go through the vernalization phase before it enters the reproductive phase in the spring and produces seeds. Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and Extension, said the snow and ice from Monday should have no impact on this year's crop."Right now, our wheat is still in the vegetative state, so it has not done what is called jointing," she said. "When it joints, that means the little seed head that is being formed, it has not started going up that central leaf sheath that would form that stock for the wheat head."As long as the wheat head is still underground or barely showing, the cold weather should not harm the plant. In the Barton County region, the wheat is still young enough to survive the cold."The snow on top of it also provides a nice blanket, so that will protect the wheat," said Boor. "It will keep it a little bit warmer than what our temperatures actually show."Other plant species are not as fortunate. Those that bloom early likely were impacted by Monday's hard freeze."Lilac trees typically bloom very early, and most likely, we've lost all those blooms," Boor said. "Peaches are another one. Peach trees like to bloom early and something like this would knock those out if they're blooming."Boor said the contrasting weather may also impact trees. With recent spring-like temperatures, sap was running heavy through tree trunks and may have frozen earlier this week."A cold snap like this can cause damage to the tree trunk that may show up later this summer or even into next year where you will have damage on the tree trunk," she said. "That's from the sap freezing inside the trunk inside of being down low like it is when it's dormant."Thin-barked and younger trees are more likely to be impacted by the freeze. Damage to the trunk may exhibit itself as splitting or loss of bark. Boor said giving trees 8-18 inches of water from the trunk to the drip line once every 4-6 weeks can help the trees heal and recover from any freeze-related wounds.

Barton Co. wheat crops not impacted by Monday's freeze

Members of the Barton County Planning Commission typically stay out of the limelight. Every few years, when major zoning and building decisions are required in the county, however, the importance of the board becomes evident. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham asked for approval of the reappointment of three planning board members.

"Every year, I come to you and ask you to appoint or reappoint three of our planning commission members," she said. "We have nine members. There has to always be more of them that live in the rural part of the county than live in town. This year, we have no new applications but we do have three reappointment requests."

Despite the extra workload involving solar regulations over the past 10 months, Rusty Carson, Toni Rice, and Penny Gullett all reapplied for another uncompensated term on the board.

"Rusty has been on this board for more than 20 years," Goreham said. "Toni has been on this board for 12 years, and Penny for five. These are dedicated people."

The board of commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the appointments, which will expire March 31, 2027.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710440830270.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMembers of the Barton County Planning Commission typically stay out of the limelight. Every few years, when major zoning and building decisions are required in the county, however, the importance of the board becomes evident. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham asked for approval of the reappointment of three planning board members."Every year, I come to you and ask you to appoint or reappoint three of our planning commission members," she said. "We have nine members. There has to always be more of them that live in the rural part of the county than live in town. This year, we have no new applications but we do have three reappointment requests."Despite the extra workload involving solar regulations over the past 10 months, Rusty Carson, Toni Rice, and Penny Gullett all reapplied for another uncompensated term on the board."Rusty has been on this board for more than 20 years," Goreham said. "Toni has been on this board for 12 years, and Penny for five. These are dedicated people."The board of commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the appointments, which will expire March 31, 2027.

Three Barton Planning Commissioners reappointed through 2027

Barton Men 87, Northwest Florida State 73

<div><a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/information/boosterclub/index"><img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635967480149.jpeg"></a>

</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 87, Northwest Florida State 73<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/mlbcuyjq/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

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