By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The new cafe in Ellinwood is coming along at Code 3 speed. In first responder parlance, that's the step beyond urgent and involves lights and sirens. Named 10-39 Cafe to honor first responders, restaurant co-owner Brittney Bailey said the expected opening date for the new business is May 6. The group of owners has already expanded services.

"We purchased Extreme Ice and it's now going to be called 10-39 Treats," she said. "We're going to add ice cream. So we'll still have ice snow cones but we'll add ice cream to it. It will run basically the same way it used to. We will be truly seasonal. We're going to add some seating outdoors behind the snow cone shack so you can enjoy your treats."

Bailey, Ellinwood's EMS director, is joined by her husband and Ellinwood Chief of Police Chance Bailey, Chase Fire Department Captain Jarett Mermis, and part-time EMT Audrey Mermis on the ownership team. The cafe won second prize at the Ignite Rural Business Competition put on by Great Bend Economic Development last October. With the People's Choice vote, the business won $35,000.

The owners have completely renovated the building at 104 E. 1st Street in Ellinwood. Indoor seating should accommodate approximately 28 patrons, and a covered outdoor patio will serve approximately 40 patrons. Bailey said the cafe will have a cereal malt beverage license, and the plan is to convert the space between the cafe and 10-39 Treats into some kind of game zone. Ahead of the May opening, the group plans to host some soft openings in April.

"You'll be one of the first to be able to dine at 10-39," Brittney said. "We want your honest feedback if you come to one of those soft openings. We want to serve the best food possible. We want it to be great quality."

Bailey is asking for groups of 15-20 people to sign up for the soft opening. 10-39 Cafe will be open seven days a week when it officially opens, with lunch and dinner options. The owners are still taking applications for cooks and wait staff. Contact Christopher Sieker or message the cafe on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550220569702">Facebook page</a> to apply or inquire about the soft opening opportunities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711392886562.jpeg" alt="Owners of the new 10-39 Cafe in Ellinwood have completely renovated the building at 104 E. 1st Street. The cafe won $35,000 in the Ignite Rural Business Competition in October, and the owners are planning for a May opening." />
 <figcaption>Owners of the new 10-39 Cafe in Ellinwood have completely renovated the building at 104 E. 1st Street. The cafe won $35,000 in the Ignite Rural Business Competition in October, and the owners are planning for a May opening.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe new cafe in Ellinwood is coming along at Code 3 speed. In first responder parlance, that's the step beyond urgent and involves lights and sirens. Named 10-39 Cafe to honor first responders, restaurant co-owner Brittney Bailey said the expected opening date for the new business is May 6. The group of owners has already expanded services."We purchased Extreme Ice and it's now going to be called 10-39 Treats," she said. "We're going to add ice cream. So we'll still have ice snow cones but we'll add ice cream to it. It will run basically the same way it used to. We will be truly seasonal. We're going to add some seating outdoors behind the snow cone shack so you can enjoy your treats."Bailey, Ellinwood's EMS director, is joined by her husband and Ellinwood Chief of Police Chance Bailey, Chase Fire Department Captain Jarett Mermis, and part-time EMT Audrey Mermis on the ownership team. The cafe won second prize at the Ignite Rural Business Competition put on by Great Bend Economic Development last October. With the People's Choice vote, the business won $35,000.The owners have completely renovated the building at 104 E. 1st Street in Ellinwood. Indoor seating should accommodate approximately 28 patrons, and a covered outdoor patio will serve approximately 40 patrons. Bailey said the cafe will have a cereal malt beverage license, and the plan is to convert the space between the cafe and 10-39 Treats into some kind of game zone. Ahead of the May opening, the group plans to host some soft openings in April."You'll be one of the first to be able to dine at 10-39," Brittney said. "We want your honest feedback if you come to one of those soft openings. We want to serve the best food possible. We want it to be great quality."Bailey is asking for groups of 15-20 people to sign up for the soft opening. 10-39 Cafe will be open seven days a week when it officially opens, with lunch and dinner options. The owners are still taking applications for cooks and wait staff. Contact Christopher Sieker or message the cafe on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550220569702">Facebook page</a> to apply or inquire about the soft opening opportunities.

Ellinwood café adding ice cream and snow cones; May opening

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Light and variable wind becoming south-southwest 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 30. South-southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 76. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 72.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Blustery.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Light and variable wind becoming south-southwest 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 30. South-southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 76. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 72.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.Monday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Blustery.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

Do you have a small backyard? Do you wish you had the space for a garden, but don’t want to sacrifice your entire yard to be able to grow your favorite vegetables? Or, do you want a way to have a garden without the amount of physical labor that is involved with traditional gardening. Well, an option for you is to garden is a small raised bed or containers.

There will be a program on small space and container gardening at the Ellinwood District Hospital in the Education room on April 12th&nbsp;at noon. &nbsp;I will be talking about several different ways to garden in a smaller space, and be able to answer questions to help you get started. Space is limited, so an RSVP to Tonya Pike at 620-564-2548 is requested.

Whether you want a couple tomato plants, a bin of potatoes, or just a small herb garden, there is a garden for everyone. We hope to see you on the 12th!

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.

&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

<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>Do you have a small backyard? Do you wish you had the space for a garden, but don’t want to sacrifice your entire yard to be able to grow your favorite vegetables? Or, do you want a way to have a garden without the amount of physical labor that is involved with traditional gardening. Well, an option for you is to garden is a small raised bed or containers.There will be a program on small space and container gardening at the Ellinwood District Hospital in the Education room on April 12th&nbsp;at noon. &nbsp;I will be talking about several different ways to garden in a smaller space, and be able to answer questions to help you get started. Space is limited, so an RSVP to Tonya Pike at 620-564-2548 is requested.Whether you want a couple tomato plants, a bin of potatoes, or just a small herb garden, there is a garden for everyone. We hope to see you on the 12th!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.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

BOOR: Small space and container gardening

There are few things easy about becoming a new mother. The Barton County Health Department is trying to ease that burden by providing educational courses throughout the year. Registered Dietician Bev Frizell said a series of Becoming a Mom (BAM) classes will run for six weeks, every Tuesday, starting April 2.

"Becoming a mom is something that a lot of us females do, but sometimes we want instructions on what's going on, so we provide these childbirth education classes called Becoming a Mom," she said. "It's the March of Dimes curriculum, and we've got set topics we do with these."

Topics over the six weeks include nutrition, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and more. The topic scheduled for April 2 is overall pregnancy health.

"In the first session, we're talking about healthy pregnancy: what to expect when you go to your doctor's visits, what tests are going to be run, and it's just all things about being healthy," Frizell said.

Classes are currently being offered quarterly. All mothers or mothers-to-be, as well as dads, are welcome at the classes. For questions or to sign up for a class, call the health department at (620) 793-1909.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633133027075.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere are few things easy about becoming a new mother. The Barton County Health Department is trying to ease that burden by providing educational courses throughout the year. Registered Dietician Bev Frizell said a series of Becoming a Mom (BAM) classes will run for six weeks, every Tuesday, starting April 2."Becoming a mom is something that a lot of us females do, but sometimes we want instructions on what's going on, so we provide these childbirth education classes called Becoming a Mom," she said. "It's the March of Dimes curriculum, and we've got set topics we do with these."Topics over the six weeks include nutrition, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and more. The topic scheduled for April 2 is overall pregnancy health."In the first session, we're talking about healthy pregnancy: what to expect when you go to your doctor's visits, what tests are going to be run, and it's just all things about being healthy," Frizell said.Classes are currently being offered quarterly. All mothers or mothers-to-be, as well as dads, are welcome at the classes. For questions or to sign up for a class, call the health department at (620) 793-1909.

Barton Health Department offering Becoming a Mom classes

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “Understanding Social Security” on Wednesday, March 27th, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp;

Did you know that financial well-being is part of overall health?&nbsp; Being in control of your personal finances empowers you to make healthy decisions for you and your family.&nbsp; In this session, we will discuss how social security works, eligibility for benefits, and how to find your full retirement age.

Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District, will be the speaker for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602181603891.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “Understanding Social Security” on Wednesday, March 27th, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp;Did you know that financial well-being is part of overall health?&nbsp; Being in control of your personal finances empowers you to make healthy decisions for you and your family.&nbsp; In this session, we will discuss how social security works, eligibility for benefits, and how to find your full retirement age.Karissa Winkel, Family and Community Wellness Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District, will be the speaker for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

GBRC: Stop 'N Learn - Understanding social security

The start of the year is often a busy time for the Ellinwood Food Bank, located at the Ellinwood Community Church at Seventh and Fritz. Patrons may use the pantry six times a year, and with the count starting over in January, the food bank typically sees a run of patrons in January and February. With no food drives in those months, Food Bank Director Tammy Sturn said that can leave the shelves a little thin and that donations of all kinds are now needed.

"Things like sugar, canned goods, paper towels, shampoo, laundry soap, noodles, and just all the regular stuff that people eat," she said.

The food bank also takes boxed items like Hamburger Helper and cake mixes. There are a variety of ways to get those items to the food bank.

"They can drop things off on Mondays from 3-5 p.m., or Thursdays from 5-7 p.m., which is when the food bank is open," Sturn said. "If they live in Ellinwood, they can shop at Ellinwood Family Foods and leave it at the checkout. They will give that to us."

Monetary donations may also be made at Ellinwood Family Foods or at St. John Lutheran Church. All churches in Ellinwood have food bank baskets where donations can be dropped. Other arrangements for donations can be made by calling (785) 236-0536. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699735109162.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe start of the year is often a busy time for the Ellinwood Food Bank, located at the Ellinwood Community Church at Seventh and Fritz. Patrons may use the pantry six times a year, and with the count starting over in January, the food bank typically sees a run of patrons in January and February. With no food drives in those months, Food Bank Director Tammy Sturn said that can leave the shelves a little thin and that donations of all kinds are now needed."Things like sugar, canned goods, paper towels, shampoo, laundry soap, noodles, and just all the regular stuff that people eat," she said.The food bank also takes boxed items like Hamburger Helper and cake mixes. There are a variety of ways to get those items to the food bank."They can drop things off on Mondays from 3-5 p.m., or Thursdays from 5-7 p.m., which is when the food bank is open," Sturn said. "If they live in Ellinwood, they can shop at Ellinwood Family Foods and leave it at the checkout. They will give that to us."Monetary donations may also be made at Ellinwood Family Foods or at St. John Lutheran Church. All churches in Ellinwood have food bank baskets where donations can be dropped. Other arrangements for donations can be made by calling (785) 236-0536.

Ellinwood Food Bank needing donations after busy start to 2024

News from the Oil Patch 3/25/24 John P. Tretbar

The near-month NYMEX futures contract for light sweet crude closed 75 cents higher on Tuesday, to rise above $83 a barrel for the first time since October 30. Then traders retreated, and that contract settled at $80.63 on Friday, posting a weekly loss of $0.41 a barrel. Prices rose a more than a dollar on Monday. WTI was trading over $82 by midday, and London Brent was over $86 per barrel. U.S. crude has traded within a price range of less than three dollars a barrel since the first of March.

Kansas Common crude at C.H.S. in McPherson starts the week at $71 a barrel after dropping 25 cents on Friday.&nbsp; That price is up 75 cents from the first of the month and nine dollars higher than at the first of the year.

According to new research of government data, so-called proved crude oil reserves in Kansas dropped more than 18 percent in the five years through 2021, even as U.S. proved reserves rose more than 25 percent. That's according to Construction Coverage, a Web site specializing in construction and insurance. According to the report, Kansas boasts the 12th largest reserves in the country at 292 million barrels. Proved reserves are those deposits that are recoverable under current economic and operating conditions. The U.S. has over 41 billion barrels in proved reserves. &nbsp;U.S. commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by two million barrels last week to 445 million. That's about three percent below the five year seasonal average. By this time last year, crude-oil stockpiles were nearly 40-million barrels higher at over 481 million. Two years ago, that number was more than 30 million barrels lower at 413 million.

U.S. crude production last week was slightly higher than the week before at 13,141,000 barrels per day. That's an increase of 9,000 barrels per day, and 800,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. Over the last four weeks, production averaged about 13.2 million barrels per day. That's up nearly eight percent from the four-week average of 12.2 million barrels a day last year at this time.

U.S. crude-oil exports last week totaled 4,881,000 barrels per day, according to a government report. That's an increase of 1.7 million barrels from the week before but down about 50,000 barrels a day from a year ago. Over the last four week, exports averaged 4.3 million barrels per day, down half a million barrels from the four-week average a year ago.

E.I.A. said U.S. crude oil imports averaged 6.3 million barrels per day, marking an increase of 787 thousand barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.3 million barrels per day, two percent higher than the same four weeks last year.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped to 624, down one oil rig and four gas rigs from a week ago. The count in Louisiana was down four. New Mexico was down one. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged for the week, up 38% from a month ago, and down 26% from a year ago. Drilling was underway or about to start on Friday on a lease in Barton County and another in Ellis County.

Regulators approved 20 new drilling permits across the state, with all but two of them in eastern Kansas. That's 193 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 296 by in late March late year. Operators across Kansas completed 30 wells last week, with 14 West of Wichita including one in Ellis County and another in Russell County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 259 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 471 by this time a year ago.

The Kansas Geological Society met last week to recognize and name four new oil fields in Kansas. Those new fields are located in Butler, Hodgeman, Rawlins and Thomas counties.

Output in the number-three crude producing state was down more than 13% in January, due largely to a winter weather event that shut in nearly half of the state's production. The Department of Mineral Resources last week reported final production totals for January dropped by more than 172-thousand barrels per day, to just over 1.1 million barrels per day. Natural Gas production was down 15%, and the gas-capture rate at oil wells dropped from 95 to 93 percent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch 3/25/24 John P. TretbarThe near-month NYMEX futures contract for light sweet crude closed 75 cents higher on Tuesday, to rise above $83 a barrel for the first time since October 30. Then traders retreated, and that contract settled at $80.63 on Friday, posting a weekly loss of $0.41 a barrel. Prices rose a more than a dollar on Monday. WTI was trading over $82 by midday, and London Brent was over $86 per barrel. U.S. crude has traded within a price range of less than three dollars a barrel since the first of March.Kansas Common crude at C.H.S. in McPherson starts the week at $71 a barrel after dropping 25 cents on Friday.&nbsp; That price is up 75 cents from the first of the month and nine dollars higher than at the first of the year.According to new research of government data, so-called proved crude oil reserves in Kansas dropped more than 18 percent in the five years through 2021, even as U.S. proved reserves rose more than 25 percent. That's according to Construction Coverage, a Web site specializing in construction and insurance. According to the report, Kansas boasts the 12th largest reserves in the country at 292 million barrels. Proved reserves are those deposits that are recoverable under current economic and operating conditions. The U.S. has over 41 billion barrels in proved reserves. &nbsp;U.S. commercial crude-oil inventories dropped by two million barrels last week to 445 million. That's about three percent below the five year seasonal average. By this time last year, crude-oil stockpiles were nearly 40-million barrels higher at over 481 million. Two years ago, that number was more than 30 million barrels lower at 413 million.U.S. crude production last week was slightly higher than the week before at 13,141,000 barrels per day. That's an increase of 9,000 barrels per day, and 800,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. Over the last four weeks, production averaged about 13.2 million barrels per day. That's up nearly eight percent from the four-week average of 12.2 million barrels a day last year at this time.U.S. crude-oil exports last week totaled 4,881,000 barrels per day, according to a government report. That's an increase of 1.7 million barrels from the week before but down about 50,000 barrels a day from a year ago. Over the last four week, exports averaged 4.3 million barrels per day, down half a million barrels from the four-week average a year ago.E.I.A. said U.S. crude oil imports averaged 6.3 million barrels per day, marking an increase of 787 thousand barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 6.3 million barrels per day, two percent higher than the same four weeks last year.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped to 624, down one oil rig and four gas rigs from a week ago. The count in Louisiana was down four. New Mexico was down one. The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged for the week, up 38% from a month ago, and down 26% from a year ago. Drilling was underway or about to start on Friday on a lease in Barton County and another in Ellis County.Regulators approved 20 new drilling permits across the state, with all but two of them in eastern Kansas. That's 193 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 296 by in late March late year. Operators across Kansas completed 30 wells last week, with 14 West of Wichita including one in Ellis County and another in Russell County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 259 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 471 by this time a year ago.The Kansas Geological Society met last week to recognize and name four new oil fields in Kansas. Those new fields are located in Butler, Hodgeman, Rawlins and Thomas counties.Output in the number-three crude producing state was down more than 13% in January, due largely to a winter weather event that shut in nearly half of the state's production. The Department of Mineral Resources last week reported final production totals for January dropped by more than 172-thousand barrels per day, to just over 1.1 million barrels per day. Natural Gas production was down 15%, and the gas-capture rate at oil wells dropped from 95 to 93 percent.

News from the Oil Patch: U.S. proved reserves rise; KS drops

A series of timelines converging all around the same deadline pushed the Barton County Commission to schedule a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday at the former JC Penney building in Great Bend. At issue is the approval of recommended commercial solar development regulations and a new zoning map versus a solar development moratorium set to expire at the end of March. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman outlined the issue to the commission.

"This board of commissioners directed the planning commission to develop some commercial solar regs," he said. "At that time, the commissioners also enacted a moratorium to go into effect until the planning commission had finished the regulation work. The purpose of the moratorium is to make sure we didn't get an application for a commercial solar permit before we actually had regulations we could use to evaluate that permit."

The Barton County Planning Commission began working on the solar regulations last May and voted to recommend those regulations on March 14. Due to a 14-day protest period following that vote, the board of commissioners would have been unable to vote on the recommendation until after the moratorium expired on March 31. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld explained why the board is holding the special meeting on Friday.

"Just so everybody knows, the board doesn't want to extend the moratorium," she said. "We didn't want to put it in place to begin just because we're taking landowner rights away as well. It's one of the most serious topics, by far, that we've had to take on. There's been a lot of study, reading, and hearing from constituents."

At Friday's meeting, the board of commissioners will vote on recommendations for proposed district regulations, solar regulations, and a new zoning map. If it approves the recommendation, the moratorium will naturally expire on March 31. If the board does not approve the recommendation, it will also address the expiring moratorium, and failed proposals will go back before the planning commission for its regular April 11 meeting. Another proposal could go before the board of commissioners at the April 16 meeting with no 14-day protest period required.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711475696565.jpeg" alt="The Barton County Commission will hold a special meeting on Friday at 9 a.m. to vote on recommended solar regulations for the county." />
 <figcaption>The Barton County Commission will hold a special meeting on Friday at 9 a.m. to vote on recommended solar regulations for the county.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA series of timelines converging all around the same deadline pushed the Barton County Commission to schedule a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday at the former JC Penney building in Great Bend. At issue is the approval of recommended commercial solar development regulations and a new zoning map versus a solar development moratorium set to expire at the end of March. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman outlined the issue to the commission."This board of commissioners directed the planning commission to develop some commercial solar regs," he said. "At that time, the commissioners also enacted a moratorium to go into effect until the planning commission had finished the regulation work. The purpose of the moratorium is to make sure we didn't get an application for a commercial solar permit before we actually had regulations we could use to evaluate that permit."The Barton County Planning Commission began working on the solar regulations last May and voted to recommend those regulations on March 14. Due to a 14-day protest period following that vote, the board of commissioners would have been unable to vote on the recommendation until after the moratorium expired on March 31. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld explained why the board is holding the special meeting on Friday."Just so everybody knows, the board doesn't want to extend the moratorium," she said. "We didn't want to put it in place to begin just because we're taking landowner rights away as well. It's one of the most serious topics, by far, that we've had to take on. There's been a lot of study, reading, and hearing from constituents."At Friday's meeting, the board of commissioners will vote on recommendations for proposed district regulations, solar regulations, and a new zoning map. If it approves the recommendation, the moratorium will naturally expire on March 31. If the board does not approve the recommendation, it will also address the expiring moratorium, and failed proposals will go back before the planning commission for its regular April 11 meeting. Another proposal could go before the board of commissioners at the April 16 meeting with no 14-day protest period required.

Barton Commission tables solar regulation vote until Friday

STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department reported that 60-year-old Amy Piper was located and is safe.

STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Stafford woman, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 60-year-old Amy P. Piper are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Piper is believed to be driving a white 2013 Honda Fit bearing Kansas tag 214DKS.

She was last seen in Stafford, Kansas on Friday, March 22. Her family cannot reach her and they are concerned about her uncharacteristic behavior.

Piper is a white female who is 5 ft. 2 in tall, and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She has white hair and blue eyes.&nbsp;

If you see Amy Piper or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 620-549-3247.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711474314164.png" alt="Amy Piper-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Amy Piper-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department reported that 60-year-old Amy Piper was located and is safe.The silver alert is now canceled.&nbsp;---------------STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Stafford woman, according to a media release.The whereabouts of 60-year-old Amy P. Piper are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Piper is believed to be driving a white 2013 Honda Fit bearing Kansas tag 214DKS.She was last seen in Stafford, Kansas on Friday, March 22. Her family cannot reach her and they are concerned about her uncharacteristic behavior.Piper is a white female who is 5 ft. 2 in tall, and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She has white hair and blue eyes.&nbsp;If you see Amy Piper or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 620-549-3247.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Stafford Co. woman found

Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Troy Moore with the Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.,&nbsp;and will focus on physical therapy.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode live on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/" target="_blank">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/" target="_blank">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, LocalNow, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">&nbsp;video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;and its programs and projects are available at<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437349209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Troy Moore with the Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.,&nbsp;and will focus on physical therapy.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode live on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is made possible in part by these current sponsors:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellhospital.org/" target="_blank">Russell Regional Hospital</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scmhks.org/" target="_blank">Smith County Memorial Hospital</a>.###Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Dish Network, LocalNow, and HULU + LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the&nbsp;FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/" target="_blank">&nbsp;video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;More information on Smoky Hills PBS&nbsp;and its programs and projects are available at<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

Ellinwood's Moore featured on next Doctors on Call

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, March 26&nbsp; -&nbsp; 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.

4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.

5. FACULTY COUNCIL REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;Kara Brauer, Faculty Council Chair and Instructor (Nursing) will give this report.

6. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsay Holmes, Director of Hazardous Materials &amp; Emergency Management Programs will give this presentation.

7. EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE &nbsp; &nbsp; Elaine Simmons, Vice President of Instruction and Karly Little, Director of Early College Opportunities will facilitate this presentation.

8. MONITORING REPORT – END 3: ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Angie Maddy, Vice President of Student Services will facilitate this report.

9. MONITORING REPORT – END 4: BARTON EXPERIENCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Angie Maddy, Vice President of Student Services will facilitate this report.

10. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will give this report.

11. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. FY25 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. Ag Complex Naming Rights &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; d. BOT Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; e. BOT Special Meeting Minutes of March 12, 2024

12. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACC/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous

13. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board will recess, if needed, to executive session in compliance with KSA 75-4319 and with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

14. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, March 26&nbsp; -&nbsp; 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts BuildingAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.2. OFFICIAL BOARD MEETINGS3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.5. FACULTY COUNCIL REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;Kara Brauer, Faculty Council Chair and Instructor (Nursing) will give this report.6. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsay Holmes, Director of Hazardous Materials &amp; Emergency Management Programs will give this presentation.7. EARLY COLLEGE EXPERIENCE &nbsp; &nbsp; Elaine Simmons, Vice President of Instruction and Karly Little, Director of Early College Opportunities will facilitate this presentation.8. MONITORING REPORT – END 3: ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Angie Maddy, Vice President of Student Services will facilitate this report.9. MONITORING REPORT – END 4: BARTON EXPERIENCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Angie Maddy, Vice President of Student Services will facilitate this report.10. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will give this report.11. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. FY25 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. Ag Complex Naming Rights &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; d. BOT Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; e. BOT Special Meeting Minutes of March 12, 202412. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACC/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous13. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board will recess, if needed, to executive session in compliance with KSA 75-4319 and with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.14. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.15. ADJOURNMENT

Barton CC Trustees meeting agenda (3/26)

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office was kept busy Monday afternoon with numerous “slide offs” and motor vehicle accidents as dangerous ice and snow moved into the county. By about 4 p.m., all road surfaces in Barton County were 100% snowpack with either ice or snow.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to six vehicles that had slid off the roadway that needed assistance and three motor vehicle accidents due to the adverse conditions. Two of the accidents were property damage only, a third accident resulted in two injured.

At about 5:20 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported injury accident just west of Hoisington at the curves on US 281 Highway. A 2020 Dodge Journey operated by Barry Morris, age 69 of Pratt, was southbound on US 281 when he failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle entered the ditch, crossing over the median and striking an embankment on Northwest 110 Road. The Dodge then vaulted over Northwest 110th Road coming to rest on the south side. 

Morris and a passenger, identified as Manell Morris, age 66 also of Pratt, were both transported to Clara Barton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Hoisington EMS and the Hoisington Fire Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711466854904.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Sheriff’s Office was kept busy Monday afternoon with numerous “slide offs” and motor vehicle accidents as dangerous ice and snow moved into the county. By about 4 p.m., all road surfaces in Barton County were 100% snowpack with either ice or snow.Sheriff’s deputies responded to six vehicles that had slid off the roadway that needed assistance and three motor vehicle accidents due to the adverse conditions. Two of the accidents were property damage only, a third accident resulted in two injured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711466886337.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At about 5:20 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported injury accident just west of Hoisington at the curves on US 281 Highway. A 2020 Dodge Journey operated by Barry Morris, age 69 of Pratt, was southbound on US 281 when he failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle entered the ditch, crossing over the median and striking an embankment on Northwest 110 Road. The Dodge then vaulted over Northwest 110th Road coming to rest on the south side. Morris and a passenger, identified as Manell Morris, age 66 also of Pratt, were both transported to Clara Barton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by Hoisington EMS and the Hoisington Fire Department.

Barton Co. first responders busy with weather accidents

Graduation is quickly approaching. That means a flood of young workers potentially entering the workforce. Great Bend High School is trying to connect the next generation of employees with employers looking for help. ACT and Career Coordinator Lacy Wolters said the school is inviting area businesses to a Hiring and Career Fair on April 24.

"Our goal is to bring in area business partners to connect with our junior and senior students as we gear up for summer," she said. "On both sides, we have students looking for summer help and then we know a lot of businesses are looking for summer and part-time helpers as well."

The event will run from 2-3:30 p.m. in the GBHS main gymnasium. Interested businesses will gain access to a talented pool of juniors and seniors eager to kickstart their careers, have the opportunity to showcase their businesses, and contribute to the development of the local workforce and community.

"Any and all business owners here in the county, or really surrounding areas, that are looking to fill that summertime help, part-time help, or full-time employees for our senior students," Wolters said. "It is really open to anyone and everyone. We'd love to have them there."

To secure a spot at the fair, businesses are asked to RSVP by April 17. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEkQKEzT6hV3rGLIoXXPdXIpO10UmNSKfemfkQeJhOKjL5Rg/viewform">CLICK HERE</a> to sign up for a booth online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659408772654.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGraduation is quickly approaching. That means a flood of young workers potentially entering the workforce. Great Bend High School is trying to connect the next generation of employees with employers looking for help. ACT and Career Coordinator Lacy Wolters said the school is inviting area businesses to a Hiring and Career Fair on April 24."Our goal is to bring in area business partners to connect with our junior and senior students as we gear up for summer," she said. "On both sides, we have students looking for summer help and then we know a lot of businesses are looking for summer and part-time helpers as well."The event will run from 2-3:30 p.m. in the GBHS main gymnasium. Interested businesses will gain access to a talented pool of juniors and seniors eager to kickstart their careers, have the opportunity to showcase their businesses, and contribute to the development of the local workforce and community."Any and all business owners here in the county, or really surrounding areas, that are looking to fill that summertime help, part-time help, or full-time employees for our senior students," Wolters said. "It is really open to anyone and everyone. We'd love to have them there."To secure a spot at the fair, businesses are asked to RSVP by April 17. <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEkQKEzT6hV3rGLIoXXPdXIpO10UmNSKfemfkQeJhOKjL5Rg/viewform">CLICK HERE</a> to sign up for a booth online.

Great Bend High School hosting Hiring & Career Fair April 24

3/25 BOOKED: Hanna Contrerez on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass.

RELEASED: Hanna Contrerez on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Leroy Bowers on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, on $1,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Adam Parsons on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/25 BOOKED: Hanna Contrerez on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass.RELEASED: Hanna Contrerez on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass, by order of the court.RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Leroy Bowers on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, on $1,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Adam Parsons on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (3/25)

Stutzmans Greenhouse and Garden Centers around Kansas, including in Great Bend, will soon come to life for the spring and summer planting seasons. But the plants do not just magically appear. Each Wednesday, Stutzmans is featured on KSN's Good Day Kansas program. Ben Miller, owner of Stutzmans, said it has been a good venue to show the public what his company is about.

"Most people, as they get to a store, really have no idea what the process was to get that plant to that growth and that look," he said. "We took the opportunity to take people behind the scenes and actually show that process: how we prune, how we trim, how we plant to really get to the final product as we ship it out to the stores."

Miller's cousin started Stutzmans in 1956. Miller and his wife got out of the dairy industry in 1980 and began working for the cousin. They purchased the company in 1985.

"It's been a journey," Miller said. "A lot of our growth through the 80s and 90s was through wholesale, shipping all over the central part of the country. In about 2001, we started branching out into our own additional retail garden centers, what we refer to as 'season garden centers.' We're open primarily from April through October. We often say 'freeze to freeze.' It has totally revolutionized our company. We're strictly retail and really focused on that now with no wholesale whatsoever."

Stutzmans now operates 11 garden centers in a 70-mile radius with stores in Great Bend, Salina, Newton, Pratt, and Sedgwick and Reno Counties. They go as far west as Dodge City. But everything begins at the home base in Pleasantview, five miles west of Hutchinson. Many of the plants in the regional garden centers got their start in the eight acres of greenhouse space in Pleasantview.

"After a spring season, we bring in all the managers from all the locations, and we literally sit down for about two days and go line-item by line-item and determine what we're going to grow in numbers the following year," Miller said.

The group also looks at new plant materials and how genetics will help those plants perform in the various Kansas weather conditions. The company strives to live up to its motto, "Stutzmans expects success."

"It's really important that we have what will perform well for our customers," said Miller. "That is the lifeblood of what makes everything happen for us."

Ahead of spring, seeds are planted in plug trays, with each tray containing 288 plugs. A seeder drops the seed in, and when the plant is large enough, it is transplanted into a container for resale. The trick is not planting everything at once.

"Most everything, except for perennials, would be multiple plantings so we have fresh material coming through about June 1," Miller said. "As we get into late June and July, we transition into what we often refer to as our 'heat-loving plant material.' It's not that we don't have some of those varieties in spring, but it's totally focused on plant material that really will perform in our Kansas heat."

Once ready to be transplanted, the seedlings are put into six packs or pots for transport to the garden centers. That used to be done by hand. Stutzmans recently purchased a Dutch-engineered robot that can now do the work more efficiently, increasing production from 300 flats by hand per hour to more than 700 in some instances.

"It literally extracts the seedling plug from a tray that was seeded and grown in that tiny plug, pops it out," Miller said. "then plants it out into the finished container, which may either be a six-pack flat of annuals, or we often also go into a four-and-a-half inch material, which is more of your premium annuals to produce vegetative cuttings."

The latest problem is what to do with all the extra flats coming down the line.

"We literally get trains of carts with product waiting to get laid down in the greenhouse," Miller said. "We have a few things we need to work out in that whole process, but we're really ecstatic with what we're seeing at this point."

Nothing at Stutzmans is a small operation. Patio plants are produced from cuttings and placed into 12 and 14-inch pots. Stutzmans will distribute approximately 35,000 of those plants to its garden centers each year. The number grows to approximately 50,000 for Mother's Day planters.

Stutzmans will host an open house and tours of its Pleasantview facility on April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Manager Jason French also hits the airwaves on Eagle Radio each Saturday morning for the Stutzmans Home and Garden Show. Listeners can take a picture of plants and send their queries to questions@stutzmans.com for French to answer live on air.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681956255262.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostStutzmans Greenhouse and Garden Centers around Kansas, including in Great Bend, will soon come to life for the spring and summer planting seasons. But the plants do not just magically appear. Each Wednesday, Stutzmans is featured on KSN's Good Day Kansas program. Ben Miller, owner of Stutzmans, said it has been a good venue to show the public what his company is about."Most people, as they get to a store, really have no idea what the process was to get that plant to that growth and that look," he said. "We took the opportunity to take people behind the scenes and actually show that process: how we prune, how we trim, how we plant to really get to the final product as we ship it out to the stores."Miller's cousin started Stutzmans in 1956. Miller and his wife got out of the dairy industry in 1980 and began working for the cousin. They purchased the company in 1985."It's been a journey," Miller said. "A lot of our growth through the 80s and 90s was through wholesale, shipping all over the central part of the country. In about 2001, we started branching out into our own additional retail garden centers, what we refer to as 'season garden centers.' We're open primarily from April through October. We often say 'freeze to freeze.' It has totally revolutionized our company. We're strictly retail and really focused on that now with no wholesale whatsoever."Stutzmans now operates 11 garden centers in a 70-mile radius with stores in Great Bend, Salina, Newton, Pratt, and Sedgwick and Reno Counties. They go as far west as Dodge City. But everything begins at the home base in Pleasantview, five miles west of Hutchinson. Many of the plants in the regional garden centers got their start in the eight acres of greenhouse space in Pleasantview."After a spring season, we bring in all the managers from all the locations, and we literally sit down for about two days and go line-item by line-item and determine what we're going to grow in numbers the following year," Miller said.The group also looks at new plant materials and how genetics will help those plants perform in the various Kansas weather conditions. The company strives to live up to its motto, "Stutzmans expects success.""It's really important that we have what will perform well for our customers," said Miller. "That is the lifeblood of what makes everything happen for us."Ahead of spring, seeds are planted in plug trays, with each tray containing 288 plugs. A seeder drops the seed in, and when the plant is large enough, it is transplanted into a container for resale. The trick is not planting everything at once."Most everything, except for perennials, would be multiple plantings so we have fresh material coming through about June 1," Miller said. "As we get into late June and July, we transition into what we often refer to as our 'heat-loving plant material.' It's not that we don't have some of those varieties in spring, but it's totally focused on plant material that really will perform in our Kansas heat."Once ready to be transplanted, the seedlings are put into six packs or pots for transport to the garden centers. That used to be done by hand. Stutzmans recently purchased a Dutch-engineered robot that can now do the work more efficiently, increasing production from 300 flats by hand per hour to more than 700 in some instances."It literally extracts the seedling plug from a tray that was seeded and grown in that tiny plug, pops it out," Miller said. "then plants it out into the finished container, which may either be a six-pack flat of annuals, or we often also go into a four-and-a-half inch material, which is more of your premium annuals to produce vegetative cuttings."The latest problem is what to do with all the extra flats coming down the line."We literally get trains of carts with product waiting to get laid down in the greenhouse," Miller said. "We have a few things we need to work out in that whole process, but we're really ecstatic with what we're seeing at this point."Nothing at Stutzmans is a small operation. Patio plants are produced from cuttings and placed into 12 and 14-inch pots. Stutzmans will distribute approximately 35,000 of those plants to its garden centers each year. The number grows to approximately 50,000 for Mother's Day planters.Stutzmans will host an open house and tours of its Pleasantview facility on April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Manager Jason French also hits the airwaves on Eagle Radio each Saturday morning for the Stutzmans Home and Garden Show. Listeners can take a picture of plants and send their queries to questions@stutzmans.com for French to answer live on air.

From seed to store: Stutzmans pulls back curtain on growing process

Today Patchy blowing snow before 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North-northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. South-southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South-southwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 74.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy blowing snow before 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North-northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming southeast after midnight.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. South-southeast wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South-southwest wind around 10 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy.Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 74.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

Central Plains -&nbsp;USD 112: Opening Late Tuesday 2 Hours Ellinwood Public Schools - USD 355: Delayed 2 hours Ellsworth - USD 327:&nbsp;Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;&nbsp; Ft Larned - USD 495: Delayed 2 hours; No AM Preschool Great Bend - USD 428:&nbsp;Closed Today&nbsp;&nbsp; Hodgeman County - USD 227: Delayed 2 hours LaCrosse - USD 395: Delayed 2 hours Otis-Bison - USD 403: Delayed 2 hours; No Preschool Pawnee Heights - USD 496: Delayed 2 hours; No Preschool Victoria - USD 432: Delayed 2 hours; No AM Preschool

Other closings and delays -Great Bend Senior Center: Meals on wheels, general public transportation, and senior center closed

-The Great Bend Public Library is closed.

- The Central Kansas Dream has delayed its available pickup time for commodities from Tuesday to April 2 from 2-5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613333307593.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Central Plains -&nbsp;USD 112: Opening Late Tuesday 2 Hours Ellinwood Public Schools - USD 355: Delayed 2 hours Ellsworth - USD 327:&nbsp;Delayed 2 hours&nbsp;&nbsp; Ft Larned - USD 495: Delayed 2 hours; No AM Preschool Great Bend - USD 428:&nbsp;Closed Today&nbsp;&nbsp; Hodgeman County - USD 227: Delayed 2 hours LaCrosse - USD 395: Delayed 2 hours Otis-Bison - USD 403: Delayed 2 hours; No Preschool Pawnee Heights - USD 496: Delayed 2 hours; No Preschool Victoria - USD 432: Delayed 2 hours; No AM PreschoolOther closings and delays -Great Bend Senior Center: Meals on wheels, general public transportation, and senior center closed-The Great Bend Public Library is closed.- The Central Kansas Dream has delayed its available pickup time for commodities from Tuesday to April 2 from 2-5 p.m.

Tuesday Closings and Delays

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/3rMds1y. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

The County Commission will meet as the Board of County Canvassers at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in the Office of the County Clerk. At that time, they will canvass the March 19, 2024, Presidential Preference Primary Election ballots.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting March 26 9 a.m. or following the Close of the Presidential Preference Primary Election Ballot Canvass Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the March 19, 2024, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;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. &nbsp; &nbsp;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. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of March 12, 2024, and ending March 26, 2024.

III. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. JUVENILE SERVICES: 2025 Budget Approval: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, will provide details. The Juvenile Services Department requests approval of the 2025 fiscal year budget. The budget has been prepared based on figures provided by the Kansas Department of Corrections – Juvenile Services.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. 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; &nbsp; &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 development in the unincorporated area of Barton County until March 31, 2024. The Commission will consider a brief extension to the deadline.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. BOARD APPOINTMENT: Barton County Planning Commission: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. The County has sought applicants for the Barton County Planning Commission. The focus of the Planning Commission is to plan for the proper growth and development of Barton County through the enactment of planning and zoning laws for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Although all applicants must reside in Barton County, the majority of members must be from the unincorporated area.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Per Resolution 2018-10, which created Fire District No. 2, the members of the Fire District Board of Trustees shall consist of not more than one (1) appointee from each participating township and not more than one (1) from each participating city. At this time, Olmitz city representation is open. The position expires December 31, 2025.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -County officials, individually or in groups, may visit the Courthouse or those buildings being used for displaced Courthouse offices during the HVAC improvement project. With the Courthouse located at 1400 Main, other buildings being used for housing are 1520 Main and 1709 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -County business offices will close at Noon, Friday, March 29, 2024, for the Easter Holiday. The Barton County Landfill will close at noon as well, but will be open regular hours on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Request for Proposals Review – Crowdstrike Endpoint Protection – Derrick Hollingshead, Information Technology Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Tour of the Courthouse by Commissioners.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1:30 p.m. – Progress Meeting – Kansas Department of Transportation and Barton County officials.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Juvenile Services staff are scheduled for March 28, 2024.

VI. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. 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/3rMds1y. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.The County Commission will meet as the Board of County Canvassers at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in the Office of the County Clerk. At that time, they will canvass the March 19, 2024, Presidential Preference Primary Election ballots.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting March 26 9 a.m. or following the Close of the Presidential Preference Primary Election Ballot Canvass Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the March 19, 2024, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;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. &nbsp; &nbsp;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. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of March 12, 2024, and ending March 26, 2024.III. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. JUVENILE SERVICES: 2025 Budget Approval: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, will provide details. The Juvenile Services Department requests approval of the 2025 fiscal year budget. The budget has been prepared based on figures provided by the Kansas Department of Corrections – Juvenile Services.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. 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; &nbsp; &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 development in the unincorporated area of Barton County until March 31, 2024. The Commission will consider a brief extension to the deadline.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. BOARD APPOINTMENT: Barton County Planning Commission: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. The County has sought applicants for the Barton County Planning Commission. The focus of the Planning Commission is to plan for the proper growth and development of Barton County through the enactment of planning and zoning laws for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Although all applicants must reside in Barton County, the majority of members must be from the unincorporated area.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Per Resolution 2018-10, which created Fire District No. 2, the members of the Fire District Board of Trustees shall consist of not more than one (1) appointee from each participating township and not more than one (1) from each participating city. At this time, Olmitz city representation is open. The position expires December 31, 2025.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.V. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -County officials, individually or in groups, may visit the Courthouse or those buildings being used for displaced Courthouse offices during the HVAC improvement project. With the Courthouse located at 1400 Main, other buildings being used for housing are 1520 Main and 1709 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -County business offices will close at Noon, Friday, March 29, 2024, for the Easter Holiday. The Barton County Landfill will close at noon as well, but will be open regular hours on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Emergency services will be in normal operation.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Request for Proposals Review – Crowdstrike Endpoint Protection – Derrick Hollingshead, Information Technology Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Tour of the Courthouse by Commissioners.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1:30 p.m. – Progress Meeting – Kansas Department of Transportation and Barton County officials.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Juvenile Services staff are scheduled for March 28, 2024.VI. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024.VII. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (3/26)

Barton Theatre is thrilled to announce its immersive “Theatre Day,” filled with insight, auditions, workshops, and camaraderie from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, which will focus on both technological and performance aspects of this exciting field.

There will be sessions for information, opportunities to audition for scholarships, a complimentary lunch, and industry-relevant workshops that focus on everything from lighting and sound to set building, costume design, dance theatre, and improv. There will also be a guided tour of Barton’s state-of-the-art Fine Arts Auditorium.Barton Theatre Director Dan Williams said he wanted to put on an event that covered all the elements of an education in theatre.

“In order to be effective in this industry, whether it be as a performer, educator, or more of a behind-the-scenes- technical engineer, it’s important for individuals to understand all the aspects of what it takes to put on a production,” he said. “They may know they want to specialize in one of these areas, but being well-rounded in all aspects of production is very beneficial because each part or person affects the overall product in a big way.”

Williams said Barton Theatre offers various certificates and degrees, including Barton’s new Technical Theatre Certificate Program which is recognized as a national certification through the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT).

“This new program is designed to give students the tools they need to succeed in this industry,” he said. “We want to learn all the skills and how to operate all the equipment, but we also wanted them to leave with something that is recognized nationally by the USITT so employers know the standard and curriculum that our students will have gone through and know that they will be ready to go to work.”

Aspiring performers and scholars are encouraged to participate in auditions and interviews for Theatre scholarships or take a guided tour of our cutting-edge facilities. Prospective candidates are kindly requested to prepare a monologue not exceeding three minutes or a song from a musical of similar length. Those interviewing for a technical theatre scholarship will need to bring a resume, portfolio, or access to your online presence showcasing your work.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Williams at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:williamsd@bartonccc.edu">williamsd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 875-2885.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711374359688.jpeg" alt="Theatre day will consist of both performance and technical topics." />
 <figcaption>Theatre day will consist of both performance and technical topics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photo by Joe VinduskaBarton Theatre is thrilled to announce its immersive “Theatre Day,” filled with insight, auditions, workshops, and camaraderie from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, which will focus on both technological and performance aspects of this exciting field.There will be sessions for information, opportunities to audition for scholarships, a complimentary lunch, and industry-relevant workshops that focus on everything from lighting and sound to set building, costume design, dance theatre, and improv. There will also be a guided tour of Barton’s state-of-the-art Fine Arts Auditorium.Barton Theatre Director Dan Williams said he wanted to put on an event that covered all the elements of an education in theatre.“In order to be effective in this industry, whether it be as a performer, educator, or more of a behind-the-scenes- technical engineer, it’s important for individuals to understand all the aspects of what it takes to put on a production,” he said. “They may know they want to specialize in one of these areas, but being well-rounded in all aspects of production is very beneficial because each part or person affects the overall product in a big way.”Williams said Barton Theatre offers various certificates and degrees, including Barton’s new Technical Theatre Certificate Program which is recognized as a national certification through the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT).“This new program is designed to give students the tools they need to succeed in this industry,” he said. “We want to learn all the skills and how to operate all the equipment, but we also wanted them to leave with something that is recognized nationally by the USITT so employers know the standard and curriculum that our students will have gone through and know that they will be ready to go to work.”Aspiring performers and scholars are encouraged to participate in auditions and interviews for Theatre scholarships or take a guided tour of our cutting-edge facilities. Prospective candidates are kindly requested to prepare a monologue not exceeding three minutes or a song from a musical of similar length. Those interviewing for a technical theatre scholarship will need to bring a resume, portfolio, or access to your online presence showcasing your work.For more information and to RSVP, please contact Williams at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:williamsd@bartonccc.edu">williamsd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 875-2885.

Barton Theatre to host workshops for aspiring performers

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

One of many projects the Great Bend Public Works department is working
on is re-grading the ditch along the 281 Bypass in town. Through the years, the
city has received a few complaints of ponding in the ditch. 

Public Works
Director Jason Cauley said crews are re-grading the surface and repairing
collapsed culverts to allow water to run through more easily. 

"We try to get around and do a project like this each year," said Cauley. "The last few years we haven't done any re-grading of ditches, but we try to do something every year. We try to keep a schedule."

In the process, crews will remove the silt that builds up over the years. 

At
the moment, there is one excavator and one truck driver handling the project.
Cauley expected the project to last a couple of months.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711140388805.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOne of many projects the Great Bend Public Works department is working
on is re-grading the ditch along the 281 Bypass in town. Through the years, the
city has received a few complaints of ponding in the ditch. Public Works
Director Jason Cauley said crews are re-grading the surface and repairing
collapsed culverts to allow water to run through more easily. "We try to get around and do a project like this each year," said Cauley. "The last few years we haven't done any re-grading of ditches, but we try to do something every year. We try to keep a schedule."In the process, crews will remove the silt that builds up over the years. At
the moment, there is one excavator and one truck driver handling the project.
Cauley expected the project to last a couple of months.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;