Barton Community College will have no classes during its spring break from March 11-15. Barton’s offices will remain open through March 13 but will be closed March 14 and 15. The college’s regular class schedule and business hours will resume Monday, March 18.

Barton Community College will have no classes during its spring break from March 11-15. Barton’s offices will remain open through March 13 but will be closed March 14 and 15. The college’s regular class schedule and business hours will resume Monday, March 18.

Barton Community College to close for spring break  

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Barton County has the best employees. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld recently expressed that sentiment to officials from other counties. Tuesday morning, she and the other four commissioners officially expressed gratitude by recognizing 20 county employees who surpassed five-year milestones.

"We really do believe that," Esfeld said. "We don't just say that. That's why we do everything we can because we show up once a week and we meet with people, but we don't keep it operating."

In all, the 20 employees celebrating milestones have accumulated 265 years of service to the county. Sarah Younger with the solid waste department has been employed with Barton County for 30 years. Susan Johnson was recognized for 25 years with the IT department. Five employees reached milestones of 20 years.

"I think all the employees are very important to us but these are milestones with special recognition," said Commissioner Duane Reif. "I want to thank all the employees."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266517943.jpeg" alt="Barton County celebrated five-year milestones for 20 county employees Tuesday morning. Several of the employees were able to attend the county commission meeting to be recognized." />
 <figcaption>Barton County celebrated five-year milestones for 20 county employees Tuesday morning. Several of the employees were able to attend the county commission meeting to be recognized.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBarton County has the best employees. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld recently expressed that sentiment to officials from other counties. Tuesday morning, she and the other four commissioners officially expressed gratitude by recognizing 20 county employees who surpassed five-year milestones."We really do believe that," Esfeld said. "We don't just say that. That's why we do everything we can because we show up once a week and we meet with people, but we don't keep it operating."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710266461323.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In all, the 20 employees celebrating milestones have accumulated 265 years of service to the county. Sarah Younger with the solid waste department has been employed with Barton County for 30 years. Susan Johnson was recognized for 25 years with the IT department. Five employees reached milestones of 20 years."I think all the employees are very important to us but these are milestones with special recognition," said Commissioner Duane Reif. "I want to thank all the employees."

Twenty Barton Co. employees recognized for nearly three centuries of service

March Madness is upon us! While some people's thoughts turn towards basketball, brackets, and buzzer-beaters, we in the weather community have our own March Madness event: a challenge amongst US states to sign up as many new observers as possible for a program known as CoCoRaHS. CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, is a citizen-based project in which observers measure precipitation at their home or business using a standard, high-quality rain gauge and report their daily totals each morning via the project’s web site or through the CoCoRaHS app. CoCoRaHS aims to accurately determine where and how much precipitation falls across North America. CoCoRaHS began in 1998 at Colorado State University. Kansas was the third state to join back in 2004. 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the project.

CoCoRaHS in Kansas is grateful for all of the observers, but they still need more help to improve the coverage of the entire state. Despite a count that averages out to 8 observers per county, there are five counties in Kansas with no active observers: Greeley, Haskell, Linn, Morton, and Woodson. There are 27 more counties with three or fewer observers. Why is statewide coverage so important? The Kansas Climate Office uses precipitation reports (rain, snow, and ice) to assess drought conditions across Kansas. Without reports, they have no idea exactly how much rain fell or exactly where it fell and where it didn’t, which makes it more difficult to determine drought status properly. They occasionally hear from people who point out that the weekly US Drought Monitor map, which that office contributes weekly, doesn’t accurately reflect conditions at their location. They often have no reported rainfall, or lack thereof, from their location. They are only as good as the data they receive!

Join CoCoRaHS the Kansas Climate Office hopes you’ll consider joining CoCoRaHS: visit www.cocorahs.org to learn more about the project and to become an observer. Help the to track the weather across Kansas; join CoCoRaHS today!

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>March Madness is upon us! While some people's thoughts turn towards basketball, brackets, and buzzer-beaters, we in the weather community have our own March Madness event: a challenge amongst US states to sign up as many new observers as possible for a program known as CoCoRaHS. CoCoRaHS, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, is a citizen-based project in which observers measure precipitation at their home or business using a standard, high-quality rain gauge and report their daily totals each morning via the project’s web site or through the CoCoRaHS app. CoCoRaHS aims to accurately determine where and how much precipitation falls across North America. CoCoRaHS began in 1998 at Colorado State University. Kansas was the third state to join back in 2004. 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the project.CoCoRaHS in Kansas is grateful for all of the observers, but they still need more help to improve the coverage of the entire state. Despite a count that averages out to 8 observers per county, there are five counties in Kansas with no active observers: Greeley, Haskell, Linn, Morton, and Woodson. There are 27 more counties with three or fewer observers. Why is statewide coverage so important? The Kansas Climate Office uses precipitation reports (rain, snow, and ice) to assess drought conditions across Kansas. Without reports, they have no idea exactly how much rain fell or exactly where it fell and where it didn’t, which makes it more difficult to determine drought status properly. They occasionally hear from people who point out that the weekly US Drought Monitor map, which that office contributes weekly, doesn’t accurately reflect conditions at their location. They often have no reported rainfall, or lack thereof, from their location. They are only as good as the data they receive!Join CoCoRaHS the Kansas Climate Office hopes you’ll consider joining CoCoRaHS: visit www.cocorahs.org to learn more about the project and to become an observer. Help the to track the weather across Kansas; join CoCoRaHS today!Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Join the CoCoRaHS Network...because every drop counts

There is no such thing as a routine day in law enforcement. That's often apparent at the Barton County Sheriff's Office when a quiet day can turn interesting in an instant when a curious resident brings an unknown item through the front door. Sheriff Brian Bellendir has seen the gamut of potentially dangerous items.

"I've seen hand grenades," he said. "I've seen ammunition, radioactive material, blasting caps, explosives, firearms; you name it, it comes wandering in the front door."

One common item is live rounds found at Cheyenne Bottoms, which once doubled as a bombing and firing range. Bellendir heard a rumor that practicing gunners would shoot as few rounds as possible to make cleaning their weapons easier later, then dump the rest of the live ammunition out as they flew over. That rumor gained credibility recently when a box of live .50 caliber shells was brought in by a curious resident. One of the shells still had the link for a belt attached.

"It's the only one I've ever seen that still had a link still on that shell," Bellendir said, "which means it had to come out of an airplane when it was still in a belt of machine gun ammunition."

Bellendir said several 75mm large artillery shells have been found at Cheyenne Bottoms and west of Great Bend recently. Blasting caps are another common item brought into the sheriff's office. Seismic surveying crews used to set off explosives and record ground activity. Blasting caps would sometimes fall off their trucks.

"The ones we see around here are a cap that is electrically fired," said Bellendir. "It is inserted either into a booster charge or into an explosive charge to set off the main explosive. A blasting cap going off sounds about like an M-80. There are several different sizes of blasting caps, but what it does is set up the initial shock to set up off the explosive."

Bellendir recalls only a few truly harrowing experiences with unknown explosives. Dynamite was once an over-the-counter purchase for farmers in the area. Several years ago, deputies were called to a property south of Great Bend to examine possible explosives.

"There's a fuel tank that goes in the back of a pickup - one of those flat ones," Bellendir said. "On top of that fuel tank, there is a piece of plywood and probably three-quarters of a case of dynamite. This was the type of explosive that had the clay with the nitroglycerin in it. You have to rotate those sticks every so often."

The nitroglycerine had oozed out of the dynamite and crystallized on the gas tank. 

 "You don't want to introduce any shock, friction, heat, or anything like that, but if you break some of those crystals or handle them incorrectly, that can set off that nitroglycerine," said Bellendir.

Deputies turned to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) in Wichita, who were able to treat and dissolve the crystals for safe transport. The dynamite was loaded into the back of a county sand truck, unloaded in a field, and detonated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614955691374.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere is no such thing as a routine day in law enforcement. That's often apparent at the Barton County Sheriff's Office when a quiet day can turn interesting in an instant when a curious resident brings an unknown item through the front door. Sheriff Brian Bellendir has seen the gamut of potentially dangerous items."I've seen hand grenades," he said. "I've seen ammunition, radioactive material, blasting caps, explosives, firearms; you name it, it comes wandering in the front door."One common item is live rounds found at Cheyenne Bottoms, which once doubled as a bombing and firing range. Bellendir heard a rumor that practicing gunners would shoot as few rounds as possible to make cleaning their weapons easier later, then dump the rest of the live ammunition out as they flew over. That rumor gained credibility recently when a box of live .50 caliber shells was brought in by a curious resident. One of the shells still had the link for a belt attached."It's the only one I've ever seen that still had a link still on that shell," Bellendir said, "which means it had to come out of an airplane when it was still in a belt of machine gun ammunition."Bellendir said several 75mm large artillery shells have been found at Cheyenne Bottoms and west of Great Bend recently. Blasting caps are another common item brought into the sheriff's office. Seismic surveying crews used to set off explosives and record ground activity. Blasting caps would sometimes fall off their trucks."The ones we see around here are a cap that is electrically fired," said Bellendir. "It is inserted either into a booster charge or into an explosive charge to set off the main explosive. A blasting cap going off sounds about like an M-80. There are several different sizes of blasting caps, but what it does is set up the initial shock to set up off the explosive."Bellendir recalls only a few truly harrowing experiences with unknown explosives. Dynamite was once an over-the-counter purchase for farmers in the area. Several years ago, deputies were called to a property south of Great Bend to examine possible explosives."There's a fuel tank that goes in the back of a pickup - one of those flat ones," Bellendir said. "On top of that fuel tank, there is a piece of plywood and probably three-quarters of a case of dynamite. This was the type of explosive that had the clay with the nitroglycerin in it. You have to rotate those sticks every so often."The nitroglycerine had oozed out of the dynamite and crystallized on the gas tank. "You don't want to introduce any shock, friction, heat, or anything like that, but if you break some of those crystals or handle them incorrectly, that can set off that nitroglycerine," said Bellendir.Deputies turned to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) in Wichita, who were able to treat and dissolve the crystals for safe transport. The dynamite was loaded into the back of a county sand truck, unloaded in a field, and detonated.

Bellendir: You never know what will come through front door at BTSO

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

In July 2021, the Great Bend Recreation Commission installed $10,000
windscreens to wrap around the fencing at two tennis courts at Veterans
Memorial Park. Two years later the fencing and windscreens were damaged following
a strong storm.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/1fcc0367-0673-4ce4-8fb6-4f15331cc92a">RELATED STORY: Great Bend tennis court fencing takes another beating</a>

Currently, there are sections of the windscreens that have
detached from the fence and are flapping in the wind. Rec Director Chris
Umphres said the Rec Commission wants to put the screens back up but are not
sure if that is a good option considering the fence damage the city has seen in
the past.


"We don't know if we're going to put the windscreens back up or take them all down," said Umphres. "We're working with the school district and coaches to figure out what the best avenue is for those. The windscreens are not damaged. With some of that insurance that came through there, we don't know what the best route is."

Following the storm last July, Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler
said although the windscreens are functional and look good they may cause more
damage to the fence when strong wind storms occur. 


The windscreens are designed to provide a 22% wind pass-through rate.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710262251962.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn July 2021, the Great Bend Recreation Commission installed $10,000
windscreens to wrap around the fencing at two tennis courts at Veterans
Memorial Park. Two years later the fencing and windscreens were damaged following
a strong storm.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/1fcc0367-0673-4ce4-8fb6-4f15331cc92a">RELATED STORY: Great Bend tennis court fencing takes another beating</a>Currently, there are sections of the windscreens that have
detached from the fence and are flapping in the wind. Rec Director Chris
Umphres said the Rec Commission wants to put the screens back up but are not
sure if that is a good option considering the fence damage the city has seen in
the past.
"We don't know if we're going to put the windscreens back up or take them all down," said Umphres. "We're working with the school district and coaches to figure out what the best avenue is for those. The windscreens are not damaged. With some of that insurance that came through there, we don't know what the best route is."Following the storm last July, Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler
said although the windscreens are functional and look good they may cause more
damage to the fence when strong wind storms occur. 
The windscreens are designed to provide a 22% wind pass-through rate.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Rec reconsidering tennis court windscreens 

A Rush County woman has a local business and law enforcement officers to thank for finding and returning the $44,900 in cash she could have easily lost to a scam. In addition, she was prevented from sending off another $20,000 in cash.

“This began when UPS Store employees in Great Bend were suspicious of a package because something was loose inside,” said Det. John Reynolds of the Great Bend Police Department. “They decided to inspect the package only to discover a large amount of cash.

“They called us right away and, thanks to their diligence, the woman has all her money back.”

When Reynolds was notified of the circumstances, he reviewed the UPS Store’s video surveillance. He then took a picture from that video of the woman who wanted to ship the package to a business in Orange, Calif.

In the meantime, Det. Shane Becker started calling area banks, asking about any recent large cash withdrawals.

“As it turned out,” Reynolds said, “three area banks were involved and the woman’s photo was identified at one of the banks.”

Police also learned that the woman, who is in her 70s, was preparing to send off another $20,000. Her son was involved by this time and that cash was never shipped anywhere.

The incident began when the woman received a phone call from what appeared to be Washington, D.C., which was on the Caller ID.

“The caller said he was from the Department of Commerce. He told her they knew she had been involved in some type of scheme,” Reynolds reported. “Then she was informed that it would take $44,900 to keep her out of trouble. She later received a second call demanding $20,000. If they think they have been successful with the first call, they will try again. Thankfully, the bank had notified her son, and the loss was prevented.”

The caller suggested that, if banks started asking questions, the woman should explain that she was buying a vehicle with the cash.

“We all know these kinds of scams occur frequently,” Reynolds said. “I encourage everyone to keep in mind that no legitimate business or government agency is ever going to demand cash. The best advice I can give is to verify that a caller is legitimate and if you have any questions, contact law enforcement.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710336521429.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend Police Department recovered $44,900 in cash recently and returned it to its rightful owner. " />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend Police Department recovered $44,900 in cash recently and returned it to its rightful owner. </figcaption>
 </figure>A Rush County woman has a local business and law enforcement officers to thank for finding and returning the $44,900 in cash she could have easily lost to a scam. In addition, she was prevented from sending off another $20,000 in cash.“This began when UPS Store employees in Great Bend were suspicious of a package because something was loose inside,” said Det. John Reynolds of the Great Bend Police Department. “They decided to inspect the package only to discover a large amount of cash.“They called us right away and, thanks to their diligence, the woman has all her money back.”When Reynolds was notified of the circumstances, he reviewed the UPS Store’s video surveillance. He then took a picture from that video of the woman who wanted to ship the package to a business in Orange, Calif.In the meantime, Det. Shane Becker started calling area banks, asking about any recent large cash withdrawals.“As it turned out,” Reynolds said, “three area banks were involved and the woman’s photo was identified at one of the banks.”Police also learned that the woman, who is in her 70s, was preparing to send off another $20,000. Her son was involved by this time and that cash was never shipped anywhere.The incident began when the woman received a phone call from what appeared to be Washington, D.C., which was on the Caller ID.“The caller said he was from the Department of Commerce. He told her they knew she had been involved in some type of scheme,” Reynolds reported. “Then she was informed that it would take $44,900 to keep her out of trouble. She later received a second call demanding $20,000. If they think they have been successful with the first call, they will try again. Thankfully, the bank had notified her son, and the loss was prevented.”The caller suggested that, if banks started asking questions, the woman should explain that she was buying a vehicle with the cash.“We all know these kinds of scams occur frequently,” Reynolds said. “I encourage everyone to keep in mind that no legitimate business or government agency is ever going to demand cash. The best advice I can give is to verify that a caller is legitimate and if you have any questions, contact law enforcement.”

UPS Store, police work to return $44K to Rush Co. woman

Spring is quickly approaching. So, too, is the Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show, presented by Comfort Pro. Mat Breit, marketing consultant and promotions director at Eagle Radio, is expecting a full house for this year's event.

"We're pleased to announce we have a sold-out show with well over 40 vendors, plus a couple of food trucks at this year's Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show presented by Comfort Pro, again," he said. "We're going to have a lot of new vendors from specialized candies, swing sets, and outdoor furniture, to a lot of our other local traditional vendors that we do appreciate their continued support of the show."

Attendees at the Home and Garden Show can check out the latest in home remodeling, improvements, and landscaping from some of the top businesses in the area. Cajun Connections and T-Ray's BBQ will be serving food in the parking lot.

"Hours are going to be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Great Bend Events Center," Breit said. "Admission is free. This is an event where we invite the whole family out. There's a little bit of everything for anybody there. It's definitely worth the time to come down and take a peek."

Along with the various booths, attendees can register for a $1,000 giveaway to spend at any of the participating sponsors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708354249418.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSpring is quickly approaching. So, too, is the Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show, presented by Comfort Pro. Mat Breit, marketing consultant and promotions director at Eagle Radio, is expecting a full house for this year's event."We're pleased to announce we have a sold-out show with well over 40 vendors, plus a couple of food trucks at this year's Eagle Radio Home and Garden Show presented by Comfort Pro, again," he said. "We're going to have a lot of new vendors from specialized candies, swing sets, and outdoor furniture, to a lot of our other local traditional vendors that we do appreciate their continued support of the show."Attendees at the Home and Garden Show can check out the latest in home remodeling, improvements, and landscaping from some of the top businesses in the area. Cajun Connections and T-Ray's BBQ will be serving food in the parking lot."Hours are going to be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 at the Great Bend Events Center," Breit said. "Admission is free. This is an event where we invite the whole family out. There's a little bit of everything for anybody there. It's definitely worth the time to come down and take a peek."Along with the various booths, attendees can register for a $1,000 giveaway to spend at any of the participating sponsors.

Eagle Radio Home & Garden Show to feature more than 40 vendors

Over a year ago, the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS staff began the
process of ordering a new ambulance for their fleet. Fire Chief Brent Smith
said the good news is the department has the money saved to purchase a new
vehicle. The bad news is the manufacturer estimates a three-year wait until the
ambulance is delivered to Great Bend. 

Smith said the first specifications he
looks for in purchasing an ambulance regard the safety of the patient and his crew and then it is
practical use.


"You have to look at the type of calls we run around here," said Smith. "You have to make sure what is in the back of the truck actually is usable for those that are helping the patient. That's the worst day of their life, and the last thing they need to have is us not being able to do our jobs."

A motion to purchase a new ambulance will be placed on the Great Bend City
Council agenda for the March 18 meeting. 

When it comes to
replacing an ambulance, Smith said generally the decision is not because of the
miles on the vehicle, but rather the hours.


"We don't respond but a few miles to go on a call, but the ambulance may sit in idle while we're working on the patient in their house," said Smith. "We go to the hospital, and they have to sit in idle a little bit there. Everything in the back of that truck is climate controlled. The medications have to stay a certain temperature or they have to be thrown out."

Great Bend has four ambulances for service, and Smith said it is not uncommon
to have three out at the same time.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679489016970.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOver a year ago, the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS staff began the
process of ordering a new ambulance for their fleet. Fire Chief Brent Smith
said the good news is the department has the money saved to purchase a new
vehicle. The bad news is the manufacturer estimates a three-year wait until the
ambulance is delivered to Great Bend. Smith said the first specifications he
looks for in purchasing an ambulance regard the safety of the patient and his crew and then it is
practical use.
"You have to look at the type of calls we run around here," said Smith. "You have to make sure what is in the back of the truck actually is usable for those that are helping the patient. That's the worst day of their life, and the last thing they need to have is us not being able to do our jobs."A motion to purchase a new ambulance will be placed on the Great Bend City
Council agenda for the March 18 meeting. When it comes to
replacing an ambulance, Smith said generally the decision is not because of the
miles on the vehicle, but rather the hours.
"We don't respond but a few miles to go on a call, but the ambulance may sit in idle while we're working on the patient in their house," said Smith. "We go to the hospital, and they have to sit in idle a little bit there. Everything in the back of that truck is climate controlled. The medications have to stay a certain temperature or they have to be thrown out."Great Bend has four ambulances for service, and Smith said it is not uncommon
to have three out at the same time.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend expecting 3-year wait for new ambulance to arrive

3/12 BOOKED: Miles Jackson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: John Stevenson on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S or 18-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Daniel Wood on Sedgwick County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, to Sedgwick County.

RELEASED: Michael Wheeler on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: John Stevenson on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/12 BOOKED: Miles Jackson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: John Stevenson on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S or 18-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Daniel Wood on Sedgwick County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, to Sedgwick County.RELEASED: Michael Wheeler on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: John Stevenson on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (3/12)

The HVAC Renovation Project is winding down at the Barton County Courthouse. All staff moved from the building to three satellite locations in Great Bend last July. Tuesday morning, the county commission heard from County Administrator Matt Patzner about hiring a firm to move county employees back into the building. The county received three bids for the work.

"My recommendation after following up on some references is to go with Armstrong Moving Company," Patzner said. "They've moved the city of Tulsa. They've moved some school districts in Tulsa. Looking at some of the moves they've done in the past, this would not even be near the biggest move they've done. Their references checked out. Everybody I talked to had nothing but good things to say about them."

Tulsa-based Armstrong submitted a bid of $49,700 and expects the move to be completed in six days. Another firm submitted a bid for more than $119,000 with a 16-day completion, and the third submitted a bid for $86,000 that would take 10-14 days. Armstrong employees will help set up the return to the courthouse anticipated by late May.

"We have to do our end of it, also," Patzner said. "They're going to come in and train staff on how to label things. They're going to provide the labels and boxes. They have a specific way we need to do it so, essentially on moving day, they can come in and things will just start flying out the doors and start flying in the doors."

Last week, the commission approved a change order of $67,311.66 for elevator upgrades at the courthouse. That moved the total project price tag to nearly $4.84 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696346169238.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe HVAC Renovation Project is winding down at the Barton County Courthouse. All staff moved from the building to three satellite locations in Great Bend last July. Tuesday morning, the county commission heard from County Administrator Matt Patzner about hiring a firm to move county employees back into the building. The county received three bids for the work."My recommendation after following up on some references is to go with Armstrong Moving Company," Patzner said. "They've moved the city of Tulsa. They've moved some school districts in Tulsa. Looking at some of the moves they've done in the past, this would not even be near the biggest move they've done. Their references checked out. Everybody I talked to had nothing but good things to say about them."Tulsa-based Armstrong submitted a bid of $49,700 and expects the move to be completed in six days. Another firm submitted a bid for more than $119,000 with a 16-day completion, and the third submitted a bid for $86,000 that would take 10-14 days. Armstrong employees will help set up the return to the courthouse anticipated by late May."We have to do our end of it, also," Patzner said. "They're going to come in and train staff on how to label things. They're going to provide the labels and boxes. They have a specific way we need to do it so, essentially on moving day, they can come in and things will just start flying out the doors and start flying in the doors."Last week, the commission approved a change order of $67,311.66 for elevator upgrades at the courthouse. That moved the total project price tag to nearly $4.84 million.

Barton Co. approves firm for move back into courthouse

Today A 20 percent chance of showers after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Light east-southeast wind increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind 10 to 13 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a north wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Blustery.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 54.

Monday Night Clear, with a low around 32.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 68.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20 percent chance of showers after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Light east-southeast wind increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a slight chance of showers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. East wind 10 to 13 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a north wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a north wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Blustery.Monday Sunny, with a high near 54.Monday Night Clear, with a low around 32.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 68.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

Honoring the late co-founder of the Deines Cultural Center’s monthly jam session, a special “Pickin’ at the Deines” event is being held this month on March 17. 

The 3rd Annual Ronn Raymer Memorial Jam will begin at 3 p.m. at the Center at 820 N. Main in Russell with the traditional pot luck supper served at 5 p.m. followed by more music. Participants are encouraged to bring their acoustic instrument(s), their voice, a listening ear, and a food dish to share.

Beginning with the Frances Giebler Fiddle Fest in 2003, Raymer and Bob Roe of Russell, JF Stover of Hill City, and Nancy Selbe, former director of the DCC began the sessions as a meeting and sharing of regional musicians. Sessions have been attended by professional and amateur musicians from Colorado, Kansas City, Hill City, Great Bend, Osborne, Plainville, Jetmore, Garden City, Sterling, Hays, Memphis and more.

Raymer was a consistent participant, leader and promoter of the jam sessions providing vocals and playing guitar, auto-harp, washboard and ukulele. His presence will be included at the memorial session with videos shared by his family and family members will be attending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709913989324.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Honoring the late co-founder of the Deines Cultural Center’s monthly jam session, a special “Pickin’ at the Deines” event is being held this month on March 17. The 3rd Annual Ronn Raymer Memorial Jam will begin at 3 p.m. at the Center at 820 N. Main in Russell with the traditional pot luck supper served at 5 p.m. followed by more music. Participants are encouraged to bring their acoustic instrument(s), their voice, a listening ear, and a food dish to share.Beginning with the Frances Giebler Fiddle Fest in 2003, Raymer and Bob Roe of Russell, JF Stover of Hill City, and Nancy Selbe, former director of the DCC began the sessions as a meeting and sharing of regional musicians. Sessions have been attended by professional and amateur musicians from Colorado, Kansas City, Hill City, Great Bend, Osborne, Plainville, Jetmore, Garden City, Sterling, Hays, Memphis and more.Raymer was a consistent participant, leader and promoter of the jam sessions providing vocals and playing guitar, auto-harp, washboard and ukulele. His presence will be included at the memorial session with videos shared by his family and family members will be attending.

Ronn Raymer Memorial Jam to be hosted in Russell

The notion that Apple got its start in a Los Altos, Calif. garage turns out to be more myth than fact. But a Great Bend company did start out of a garage. Three decades later, Wally Eldridge and staff are celebrating 30 years at Eldridge Fencing.

"Who would have ever guessed it: 30 years ago starting a fence company out of my garage that we would have 25 employees now and be doing stuff all over the United States," Eldridge said. "We even did a job in Puerto Rico."

Vinyl fencing dates back to the 1950s, but its use in the United States began to gain traction in the 1980s. Sensing that trend, Eldridge started his business in 1994 and has watched it and the industry grow. More than 100 dealers throughout the Midwest now purchase from Eldridge Fencing.

"In the vinyl industry, they've come up with more colors, more styles, and better product over the years," he said. "As far as my business, we had the opportunity shortly after I became a dealer, a couple of years later, to become a distributor for the state of Kansas. That eventually became more than the state of Kansas. Since we were distributing the vinyl fence to our customers, we decided we might as well be distributing every kind of fence."

Eldridge Fencing quickly moved into a 500-square-foot facility with a small yard to keep material in stock. In 2005, the business was upgraded to an 800-square-foot facility. In 2006, the company joined forces with Western Kansas Fence Supply, a wholesale distributor specializing in vinyl fence, deck, and handrails, as well as chain link, iron, and aluminum fencing. 

In the early years, Eldridge attended home shows throughout the state. Traeger representatives also attended those shows looking for dealers of their relatively new product.

"At every home show, I said no," Eldridge said. "Ron Oetken, who was my general manager at the time, said if you don't do it, I'm going to do it and quit Eldridge Fencing. I became a dealer for Traeger and that's what got me in the grill business, thanks to Ron Oetken."

Eldridge Fencing now sells Traegers, SABER gas grills, and other outdoor cooking equipment.

Eldridge Fencing will celebrate its 30 years at Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend on Friday, March 22. A live band will play from 6-10 p.m., and Eldridge Fencing is sponsoring a happy hour from 6-7 p.m. The event will also feature door prizes and a Traeger giveaway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710172479108.jpeg" alt="Eldridge Fencing is celebrating 30 years of business with live music and giveaways at Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend on Friday, March 22." />
 <figcaption>Eldridge Fencing is celebrating 30 years of business with live music and giveaways at Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend on Friday, March 22.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe notion that Apple got its start in a Los Altos, Calif. garage turns out to be more myth than fact. But a Great Bend company did start out of a garage. Three decades later, Wally Eldridge and staff are celebrating 30 years at Eldridge Fencing."Who would have ever guessed it: 30 years ago starting a fence company out of my garage that we would have 25 employees now and be doing stuff all over the United States," Eldridge said. "We even did a job in Puerto Rico."Vinyl fencing dates back to the 1950s, but its use in the United States began to gain traction in the 1980s. Sensing that trend, Eldridge started his business in 1994 and has watched it and the industry grow. More than 100 dealers throughout the Midwest now purchase from Eldridge Fencing."In the vinyl industry, they've come up with more colors, more styles, and better product over the years," he said. "As far as my business, we had the opportunity shortly after I became a dealer, a couple of years later, to become a distributor for the state of Kansas. That eventually became more than the state of Kansas. Since we were distributing the vinyl fence to our customers, we decided we might as well be distributing every kind of fence."Eldridge Fencing quickly moved into a 500-square-foot facility with a small yard to keep material in stock. In 2005, the business was upgraded to an 800-square-foot facility. In 2006, the company joined forces with Western Kansas Fence Supply, a wholesale distributor specializing in vinyl fence, deck, and handrails, as well as chain link, iron, and aluminum fencing. In the early years, Eldridge attended home shows throughout the state. Traeger representatives also attended those shows looking for dealers of their relatively new product."At every home show, I said no," Eldridge said. "Ron Oetken, who was my general manager at the time, said if you don't do it, I'm going to do it and quit Eldridge Fencing. I became a dealer for Traeger and that's what got me in the grill business, thanks to Ron Oetken."Eldridge Fencing now sells Traegers, SABER gas grills, and other outdoor cooking equipment.Eldridge Fencing will celebrate its 30 years at Dry Lake Brewing in downtown Great Bend on Friday, March 22. A live band will play from 6-10 p.m., and Eldridge Fencing is sponsoring a happy hour from 6-7 p.m. The event will also feature door prizes and a Traeger giveaway.

Eldridge Fencing ready to thank customers for 30 years of business

From Great Bend High School Speech &amp; Debate coach Kim Heath...

The Great Bend High School Speech and Debate Team had an outstanding showing at the National Qualifying Student Congress Tournament at Newton High School on March 8.

The tournament hosted ten West Kansas District schools with competitors of all Kansas school classifications mixed together. The Great Bend team’s combined scores earned them the distinction of third place behind Hutchinson and Salina South. A field of 55 students debated in the mock Congress with the goal of qualifying for the NSDA National Speech and Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa this June. The Panthers came away with one qualifier: senior Milena Carbajel qualified to represent West Kansas in the House of Representatives. In addition, Senior Chrisangel Adame was second alternate for National Qualification in Congressional Senate Debate after a strong Congress performance.

Freshman Parker Coleman and sophomore Quinton Heath were finalists in the Supersession of the House of Representatives. Underclassmen Rhys Froetschner and Hunter McClanahan also had a good showing in the House with several excellent speech scores.

The Panther Forensics team will have one more opportunity next month to qualify additional students to compete with the best in the nation. The West Kansas district national qualifier for individual speech events will take place the third weekend in April. This will be the fortieth overall year the team has qualified students for the national meet.

Head Coach Kim Heath was extremely proud of the GBHS team. "These students spend so much time and work so hard to prepare for their debates," said Heath. "It is a privilege to work with every one of our students, and these debaters all demonstrated so much personal and skill growth since the beginning of the season way back in September." she added.

Great Bend Forensics 2nd Place at Large Manhattan Tournament A set of five varsity forensics students won the 2nd place team sweepstakes trophy at Manhattan High last Saturday finishing behind Lawerence Free State.

The team was led by Seniors Carbajal and Adame. Carbajal placed seventh in Poetry, first in Program of Oral Interpretation, first in Dramatic Interpretation

and first in Duo Interpretation with Junior Darcy Feist. Adame placed 2nd in Impromptu speaking, 5th in Informative speaking and 7th in Prose Interpretation.

In addition to the first place in Duo Interpretation, Feist also earned a 2nd place medal in Original Oratory and a 3rd place award in Program of Oral Interpretation.

Another Junior Reese King placed 3rd in Informative speaking and 5th in Oratory. The only Sophomore on the team Zachary Hart finished 6th in Humorous Interpretation.

Heath said, “The fact that five students were able to gain enough points to place in the team sweepstakes shows how talented these students are in a variety of competitive events. Their commitment to constantly improving is commendable and forms the foundation of our team. With the second half of the forensics season looming just ahead, I'm excited to see how far this team can go,”

While the varsity was at Manhattan, a young group of Panther forensics students competed at Clay Center. Parker Coleman earned a 4th Place award in Extemporaneous Speaking. Hunter McClanahan was 7th in Informative and Kaitlyn Froetschner was 7th in Original Oratory.

Next up, the team will stay close to home for a few invitationals. Most of the Panther Forensics team will compete at either Hays or Hoisington when the students return from Spring Break.

1. GBHS Panthers -- 3rd Place West District Congress Sweepstakes

Quinton Heath, Rhys Froetschner, Hunter McClanahan, Chrisangel Adame, Milena Carbajal, and Parker Coleman

3. GBHS Panthers -- 2nd place at Manhattan High School Invitational

Zachary Hart, Darcy Feist, Reese King, Milena Carbajal, and Chrisangel Adame,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710265744598.jpeg" alt="Milena Carbajal" />
 <figcaption>Milena Carbajal</figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend High School Speech &amp; Debate coach Kim Heath...The Great Bend High School Speech and Debate Team had an outstanding showing at the National Qualifying Student Congress Tournament at Newton High School on March 8.The tournament hosted ten West Kansas District schools with competitors of all Kansas school classifications mixed together. The Great Bend team’s combined scores earned them the distinction of third place behind Hutchinson and Salina South. A field of 55 students debated in the mock Congress with the goal of qualifying for the NSDA National Speech and Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa this June. The Panthers came away with one qualifier: senior Milena Carbajel qualified to represent West Kansas in the House of Representatives. In addition, Senior Chrisangel Adame was second alternate for National Qualification in Congressional Senate Debate after a strong Congress performance.Freshman Parker Coleman and sophomore Quinton Heath were finalists in the Supersession of the House of Representatives. Underclassmen Rhys Froetschner and Hunter McClanahan also had a good showing in the House with several excellent speech scores.The Panther Forensics team will have one more opportunity next month to qualify additional students to compete with the best in the nation. The West Kansas district national qualifier for individual speech events will take place the third weekend in April. This will be the fortieth overall year the team has qualified students for the national meet.Head Coach Kim Heath was extremely proud of the GBHS team. "These students spend so much time and work so hard to prepare for their debates," said Heath. "It is a privilege to work with every one of our students, and these debaters all demonstrated so much personal and skill growth since the beginning of the season way back in September." she added.Great Bend Forensics 2nd Place at Large Manhattan Tournament A set of five varsity forensics students won the 2nd place team sweepstakes trophy at Manhattan High last Saturday finishing behind Lawerence Free State.The team was led by Seniors Carbajal and Adame. Carbajal placed seventh in Poetry, first in Program of Oral Interpretation, first in Dramatic Interpretationand first in Duo Interpretation with Junior Darcy Feist. Adame placed 2nd in Impromptu speaking, 5th in Informative speaking and 7th in Prose Interpretation.In addition to the first place in Duo Interpretation, Feist also earned a 2nd place medal in Original Oratory and a 3rd place award in Program of Oral Interpretation.Another Junior Reese King placed 3rd in Informative speaking and 5th in Oratory. The only Sophomore on the team Zachary Hart finished 6th in Humorous Interpretation.Heath said, “The fact that five students were able to gain enough points to place in the team sweepstakes shows how talented these students are in a variety of competitive events. Their commitment to constantly improving is commendable and forms the foundation of our team. With the second half of the forensics season looming just ahead, I'm excited to see how far this team can go,”While the varsity was at Manhattan, a young group of Panther forensics students competed at Clay Center. Parker Coleman earned a 4th Place award in Extemporaneous Speaking. Hunter McClanahan was 7th in Informative and Kaitlyn Froetschner was 7th in Original Oratory.Next up, the team will stay close to home for a few invitationals. Most of the Panther Forensics team will compete at either Hays or Hoisington when the students return from Spring Break.Picture Notes:1. GBHS Panthers -- 3rd Place West District Congress SweepstakesQuinton Heath, Rhys Froetschner, Hunter McClanahan, Chrisangel Adame, Milena Carbajal, and Parker Coleman2. National Qualifier Milena Carbajal3. GBHS Panthers -- 2nd place at Manhattan High School InvitationalZachary Hart, Darcy Feist, Reese King, Milena Carbajal, and Chrisangel Adame,

Great Bend's Carbajal qualifies for National Speech Tournament

The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Coffeyville on Tuesday, March 12 in the Region VI Quarterfinals.

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

The women's game in Great Bend begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Coffeyville on Tuesday, March 12 in the Region VI Quarterfinals.You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.The women's game in Great Bend begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game at 7:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 vs. Coffeyville (Region 6 Quarterfinals)

Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Dr. Tyrel Somers from Russell Regional Hospital. This episode will air Tuesday, March 12th at 7 PM and will focus on Gastroenterology.

Doctors on Call 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. Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays. You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at www.SmokyHillsPBS.org.

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to doctors@shptv.org. 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.

<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 Dr. Tyrel Somers from Russell Regional Hospital. This episode will air Tuesday, March 12th at 7 PM and will focus on Gastroenterology.Doctors on Call 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. Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays. You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBSA schedule of programs and past episodes are available at www.SmokyHillsPBS.org.To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to doctors@shptv.org. 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 TV show to feature Russell doctor

At the Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting Monday, Director Chris
Umphres said the kayak rentals are still on schedule to be available this
spring. Kayak lockers will be installed at Veterans Lake and Stone Lake for
users to check out.


"With some of these playground projects, we're still working with the city," said Umphres. "They got the kayak pads poured. It should be all installed by the end of this month."

There will be four kayaks at Stone Lake and four at Vets Lake. Users can use
the online app to get their lifejacket, paddle and kayak. 


A five-year contract with Rent.fun for all of the kayaks, gear and app use cost
$26,000. Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau received a grant from the
state and contributed $10,000 for the project, and another $2,000 on signage
and promotion. The Great Bend Rec covered $16,000 of the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710259653926.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAt the Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting Monday, Director Chris
Umphres said the kayak rentals are still on schedule to be available this
spring. Kayak lockers will be installed at Veterans Lake and Stone Lake for
users to check out.
"With some of these playground projects, we're still working with the city," said Umphres. "They got the kayak pads poured. It should be all installed by the end of this month."There will be four kayaks at Stone Lake and four at Vets Lake. Users can use
the online app to get their lifejacket, paddle and kayak. 
A five-year contract with Rent.fun for all of the kayaks, gear and app use cost
$26,000. Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau received a grant from the
state and contributed $10,000 for the project, and another $2,000 on signage
and promotion. The Great Bend Rec covered $16,000 of the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Concrete pads poured, Great Bend kayak rentals coming this month

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, March 12 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/ZOOM

1. February Financial Statement – Mark Dean

2. KBOR Tiered and Non-tiered Funding and Reporting – Mark Dean

3. FY25 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule – Mike Johnson

4. Ag Complex Naming Rights – Lindsey Bogner

5. Enhancement Funds in the Foundation – Lindsey Bogner

6. Volunteers In Action – Lynn Hogg

7. Marketing Plan – Maggie Harris

8. Dr. Heilman approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Grant Application Request Under $50,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Office of Broadband Development; Digital Opportunities Connecting Kansans (DOCK) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Creative Arts &amp; Industries Commission; Specific Arts &amp; Culture Projects &nbsp; &nbsp; MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rock County Hospital; Bassett, NE &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Bayhealth Medical Center, Inc.; Dover, DE &nbsp; &nbsp; Adult Healthcare &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Locust Grove; LaCrosse, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (NPETE); Hazardous Waste Worker Training – contract addendum

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, March 12 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/ZOOMDiscussion Topics1. February Financial Statement – Mark Dean2. KBOR Tiered and Non-tiered Funding and Reporting – Mark Dean3. FY25 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule – Mike Johnson4. Ag Complex Naming Rights – Lindsey Bogner5. Enhancement Funds in the Foundation – Lindsey Bogner6. Volunteers In Action – Lynn Hogg7. Marketing Plan – Maggie Harris8. Dr. Heilman approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Grant Application Request Under $50,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Office of Broadband Development; Digital Opportunities Connecting Kansans (DOCK) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Creative Arts &amp; Industries Commission; Specific Arts &amp; Culture Projects &nbsp; &nbsp; MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Rock County Hospital; Bassett, NE &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Bayhealth Medical Center, Inc.; Dover, DE &nbsp; &nbsp; Adult Healthcare &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Locust Grove; LaCrosse, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (NPETE); Hazardous Waste Worker Training – contract addendum

Barton CC trustees study session agenda (3/12)

The latest round of property valuations are making their way into mailboxes across Barton County. Appraiser Wendy Prosser presented figures from this year's valuation at Tuesday's county commission meeting. After last year's county-wide increase of 14.6 percent, numbers have leveled off to a 2.16 percent increase in 2024.

"The county values are based on the fair-market value or the sale prices of similar properties," Prosser said. "If properties are selling for more or less than the prior year, this could result in a change in the valuation of the properties. In addition, new construction, property characteristic updates, or property deterioration could also result in a change in the values."

Overall in the county, commercial property valuations increased 1.5 percent, residential went up 6.7 percent, and farmstead properties increased 11.5 percent. Agricultural land is not valued at fair-market value, rather an income-driven formula based on an eight-year average with a two-year lag. Therefore, this year's ag valuations were based on data from 2015-22 to determine price per acre per soil type, with the overall county valuation dropping 10 percent.

Among the major cities in the county, total real estate valuation in Great Bend increased three percent. Hoisington saw a five-percent increase, Ellinwood jumped 10.5 percent, and Claflin saw a nine-percent increase.

Commissioners were quick to point out that an increase in valuation does not correlate to an increase in taxes. Barton County saw a $28 million increase in valuations last year but the county as a taxing entity continued its trend of dropping the mill levy to not collect more dollars. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman reiterated the county has not raised taxes since 2021.

"Overall, we're down 9.144 mills for the county's levy," she said. "We went down two mills in 2021, 3.2 mills in 2022, and almost four mills down in 2023 with the budget. I appreciate all the county departments that helped make that happen."

Commissioners also praised Prosser and staff for their customer service and willingness to encourage residents to contact the office with questions. Per statute, requests for appeal must be filed within 30 days of the valuation mailing date. That deadline falls on Friday, March 29. Prosser encouraged residents with questions to contact her office.

"I would take walk-ins," she said. "Unfortunately, because we have to pull the information and set it up in the system, that is why we schedule. If someone has brief questions, feel free to come by. We can see what we can answer without having to pull data. 

"If we need to go in further, we can schedule an appeal. It's very informal. We allow 30 minutes to come in. We go through the property data to make sure we have our data correct. Part of the hearing is explaining how we do things, why we do it, looking and showing people how to read their valuation sheet so every year they can call and request that."

Contact the appraiser's office at (620) 793-1821 for questions or to schedule an appeal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710256779749.jpeg" alt="Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser presented figures from the 2024 valuation during Tuesday's county commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser presented figures from the 2024 valuation during Tuesday's county commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe latest round of property valuations are making their way into mailboxes across Barton County. Appraiser Wendy Prosser presented figures from this year's valuation at Tuesday's county commission meeting. After last year's county-wide increase of 14.6 percent, numbers have leveled off to a 2.16 percent increase in 2024."The county values are based on the fair-market value or the sale prices of similar properties," Prosser said. "If properties are selling for more or less than the prior year, this could result in a change in the valuation of the properties. In addition, new construction, property characteristic updates, or property deterioration could also result in a change in the values."Overall in the county, commercial property valuations increased 1.5 percent, residential went up 6.7 percent, and farmstead properties increased 11.5 percent. Agricultural land is not valued at fair-market value, rather an income-driven formula based on an eight-year average with a two-year lag. Therefore, this year's ag valuations were based on data from 2015-22 to determine price per acre per soil type, with the overall county valuation dropping 10 percent.Among the major cities in the county, total real estate valuation in Great Bend increased three percent. Hoisington saw a five-percent increase, Ellinwood jumped 10.5 percent, and Claflin saw a nine-percent increase.Commissioners were quick to point out that an increase in valuation does not correlate to an increase in taxes. Barton County saw a $28 million increase in valuations last year but the county as a taxing entity continued its trend of dropping the mill levy to not collect more dollars. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman reiterated the county has not raised taxes since 2021."Overall, we're down 9.144 mills for the county's levy," she said. "We went down two mills in 2021, 3.2 mills in 2022, and almost four mills down in 2023 with the budget. I appreciate all the county departments that helped make that happen."Commissioners also praised Prosser and staff for their customer service and willingness to encourage residents to contact the office with questions. Per statute, requests for appeal must be filed within 30 days of the valuation mailing date. That deadline falls on Friday, March 29. Prosser encouraged residents with questions to contact her office."I would take walk-ins," she said. "Unfortunately, because we have to pull the information and set it up in the system, that is why we schedule. If someone has brief questions, feel free to come by. We can see what we can answer without having to pull data. "If we need to go in further, we can schedule an appeal. It's very informal. We allow 30 minutes to come in. We go through the property data to make sure we have our data correct. Part of the hearing is explaining how we do things, why we do it, looking and showing people how to read their valuation sheet so every year they can call and request that."Contact the appraiser's office at (620) 793-1821 for questions or to schedule an appeal.

Barton Co. Appraiser: Property valuations up 2% in 2024

Resurfacing will start soon on two K-96 projects totaling $8 million in Barton and Rush counties. The Kansas Department of Transportation projects involve a milling and hot-mix-asphalt overlay on K-96 from just east of U.S. 183 at Rush Center, in Rush County, to the west city limits of Great Bend, in Barton County. The projects cover almost 15 miles in Rush County and almost 14 miles in Barton County. The work is expected to begin around March 25 and be completed around early May, with the work beginning&nbsp;at Rush Center. During the work, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and expect up to a 15-minute delay. The map below shows the location of the combined projects. Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $4,608,731 project in Rush County and the $3,414,837 project in Barton County. For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>.

Resurfacing will start soon on two K-96 projects totaling $8 million in Barton and Rush counties. The Kansas Department of Transportation projects involve a milling and hot-mix-asphalt overlay on K-96 from just east of U.S. 183 at Rush Center, in Rush County, to the west city limits of Great Bend, in Barton County. The projects cover almost 15 miles in Rush County and almost 14 miles in Barton County. The work is expected to begin around March 25 and be completed around early May, with the work beginning&nbsp;at Rush Center. During the work, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop and expect up to a 15-minute delay. The map below shows the location of the combined projects. Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $4,608,731 project in Rush County and the $3,414,837 project in Barton County. For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.gov</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710186922937.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

K-96 resurfacing to begin in Barton, Rush counties

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (3/11)

At 7:29 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at SE 70 Road
&amp; S. US 281 Highway.

At 2:14 p.m. falls were reported at 41 Kiowa Road.

At 2:18 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 110
Avenue &amp; NW 90 Road in Olmitz.

At 4:20 p.m. an overdose/poisoning report was made at 1961
NE 40 Avenue in Hoisington.

At 6:55 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 19th &amp;
Main.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (3/11)

At 2:33 a.m. an overdose/poisoning report was made at 2529
12th Street.

At 8:27 a.m. possible criminal damage to property was
reported at 2020 11th Street. Was paint ball. It will come out with
a pressure washer.

At 10:33 a.m. an accident was reported at 3806 Broadway.

At 12:11 p.m. a report of a subject threatening her was made
at 2601 Jefferson.

At 12:15 p.m. a former employee sending her messages was
reported at 3929 10th Street.

At 12:57 p.m. an accident was reported at 18th
&amp; Polk.

At 5:08 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1315 10th
Street.

At 5:10 p.m. a grass fire was reported at 1419 Lakin.

At 5:41 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1021 Harding.

At 6:56 p.m. a theft was reported at 4714 17th
Street Ter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (3/11)Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 7:29 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at SE 70 Road
&amp; S. US 281 Highway.FallsAt 2:14 p.m. falls were reported at 41 Kiowa Road.Animal Complaint At 2:18 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 110
Avenue &amp; NW 90 Road in Olmitz.Overdose / PoisoningAt 4:20 p.m. an overdose/poisoning report was made at 1961
NE 40 Avenue in Hoisington.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 6:55 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 19th &amp;
Main.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (3/11)Overdose / PoisoningAt 2:33 a.m. an overdose/poisoning report was made at 2529
12th Street.Criminal DamageAt 8:27 a.m. possible criminal damage to property was
reported at 2020 11th Street. Was paint ball. It will come out with
a pressure washer.Non-Injury AccidentAt 10:33 a.m. an accident was reported at 3806 Broadway.Threats / Criminal ThreatsAt 12:11 p.m. a report of a subject threatening her was made
at 2601 Jefferson.HarassmentAt 12:15 p.m. a former employee sending her messages was
reported at 3929 10th Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 12:57 p.m. an accident was reported at 18th
&amp; Polk.Convulsions / SeizuresAt 5:08 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1315 10th
Street.FireAt 5:10 p.m. a grass fire was reported at 1419 Lakin.StrokeAt 5:41 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1021 Harding.TheftAt 6:56 p.m. a theft was reported at 4714 17th
Street Ter.

Cop Shop (3/11)

3/11 BOOKED: Isaias Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Harley Thomasson on Buffalo County (Neb.) District Court warrant for Criminal Non-Support, no bond set.

RELEASED: Isaias Gonzalez 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>3/11 BOOKED: Isaias Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Harley Thomasson on Buffalo County (Neb.) District Court warrant for Criminal Non-Support, no bond set.RELEASED: Isaias Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

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