By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to dominate the headlines in the football and entertainment world. The birding community has been chasing its own star. Last week, an American flamingo was spotted at Chase County State Fishing Lake near Strong City and Cottonwood Falls. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said it's only the third time a flamingo has been spotted in Kansas, and the first time in 50 years.

"One of those first sightings is actually at Quivira," he said. "They had, I think it was multiple birds that were there in the 1920s. Strangely enough, one of those was actually shot and mounted. There's a mount down at Quivira of this flamingo that was taken there at Quivira."

Hurricane Idalia moved through the Florida region at the end of August, and it is believed that storm displaced many bird species. Flamingos have been spotted as far north as Wisconsin, Missouri, and now Kansas.

"I think at one time they were a lot more common down in the Everglades area of Florida," said Wolf. "In the United States, that's the only place you can see them. I don't think they're real common there anymore."

  Bird enthusiasts have flocked to the lake in Chase County to take photos of the flamingo and cross it off their birding list. Wolf said the bird will not survive a Kansas winter, so the hope is its time in Kansas is just a brief layover.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696337561761.jpeg" alt="An American flamingo was spotted in Chase County last week, the first of its kind in Kansas in 50 years. (photo by Jarrett Thurman).jpg" />
 <figcaption>An American flamingo was spotted in Chase County last week, the first of its kind in Kansas in 50 years. (photo by Jarrett Thurman).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTaylor Swift and Travis Kelce continue to dominate the headlines in the football and entertainment world. The birding community has been chasing its own star. Last week, an American flamingo was spotted at Chase County State Fishing Lake near Strong City and Cottonwood Falls. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said it's only the third time a flamingo has been spotted in Kansas, and the first time in 50 years."One of those first sightings is actually at Quivira," he said. "They had, I think it was multiple birds that were there in the 1920s. Strangely enough, one of those was actually shot and mounted. There's a mount down at Quivira of this flamingo that was taken there at Quivira."Hurricane Idalia moved through the Florida region at the end of August, and it is believed that storm displaced many bird species. Flamingos have been spotted as far north as Wisconsin, Missouri, and now Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696337625379.jpeg" alt="photo by Jarett Thurman" />
 <figcaption>photo by Jarett Thurman</figcaption>
 </figure>"I think at one time they were a lot more common down in the Everglades area of Florida," said Wolf. "In the United States, that's the only place you can see them. I don't think they're real common there anymore." Bird enthusiasts have flocked to the lake in Chase County to take photos of the flamingo and cross it off their birding list. Wolf said the bird will not survive a Kansas winter, so the hope is its time in Kansas is just a brief layover.

Bird chasers enjoying craze of flamingo spotted in eastern Kansas

The Barton County Sheriff's Office and Great Bend Police Department will once again host their joint forfeiture sale on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the sheriff's office range located at 396 NE 30 Road. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said there are more than 20 cars and several pieces of miscellaneous equipment up for bid, some in good condition. 

"A lot of these were asset forfeitures and seizures off of drug cases and other criminal cases," he said. "Some of them were abandoned. We've got a little bit of everything out here."

A 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with 103,000 miles is a late addition to the auction, and a 2016 Jeep Cherokee with 68,000 miles is another premium item. Cash, credit cards, and good checks are accepted, and funds raised go into a special fund to be used by the respective law enforcement agencies with certain restrictions.

"That helps with some of the things we don't have in our budget, or some extra equipment or training we'd like to get for our guys or send them to," said Bellendir. "That allows us to do it and we let the drug dealers pay for it."

B&amp;B Auction Co. LLC will host the auction with Bellendir serving as the auctioneer. Bidding begins at 5 p.m. Find a full list of items in the auction by <a href="https://www.bbauctionks.com/btso-2023-sale-bill">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696447350525.jpeg" alt="More than 20 vehicles will be auctioned at this evening's Barton County Sheriff and Great Bend Police Department Forfeiture Sale." />
 <figcaption>More than 20 vehicles will be auctioned at this evening's Barton County Sheriff and Great Bend Police Department Forfeiture Sale.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Barton County Sheriff's Office and Great Bend Police Department will once again host their joint forfeiture sale on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the sheriff's office range located at 396 NE 30 Road. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said there are more than 20 cars and several pieces of miscellaneous equipment up for bid, some in good condition. "A lot of these were asset forfeitures and seizures off of drug cases and other criminal cases," he said. "Some of them were abandoned. We've got a little bit of everything out here."A 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with 103,000 miles is a late addition to the auction, and a 2016 Jeep Cherokee with 68,000 miles is another premium item. Cash, credit cards, and good checks are accepted, and funds raised go into a special fund to be used by the respective law enforcement agencies with certain restrictions."That helps with some of the things we don't have in our budget, or some extra equipment or training we'd like to get for our guys or send them to," said Bellendir. "That allows us to do it and we let the drug dealers pay for it."B&amp;B Auction Co. LLC will host the auction with Bellendir serving as the auctioneer. Bidding begins at 5 p.m. Find a full list of items in the auction by <a href="https://www.bbauctionks.com/btso-2023-sale-bill">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Barton County Sheriff/Great Bend Police auction is tonight

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (10/4)

At 10:56 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 2107 NE 50
Avenue in Beaver.

At 1:41 p.m. utility problems were reported at 10th
&amp; Kiowa Road.

At 3:25 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 503 S.
Humbolt Avenue in Ellinwood.

At 4:06 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at SW 30 Road
&amp; W. US 56 Highway in Pawnee Rock.

At 4:45 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 160
Avenue &amp; NE K-156 Highway in Claflin.

At 8:54 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 10th
&amp; Monroe.

At 8:59 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 10th &amp;
Monroe.

At 10:56 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 5520 10th
Street.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (10/4)

At 12:26 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1707 2nd
Street.

At 8:39 a.m. an accident was reported at 2107 28th
Street.

At 10 a.m. Trevor Olsen reported an accident was reported at
Railroad &amp; Main.

At 10:49 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 4107 10th
Street.

At 1:05 p.m. Brian Griffith reported a theft at 1401 Cherry
Ln.

At 8:54 p.m. an officer arrested Tyler Leach for no DL at 10th
&amp; Monroe.

At 9:13 p.m. Christopher Campbell reported loud music in the
area of 3121 24th Street.

At 9:20 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park
Pl.

At 9:38 p.m. Kenia Hernandez reported a hit-and-run accident
at 2716 10th Street.

At 11:18 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 222 Baker Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (10/4)Structure FireAt 10:56 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 2107 NE 50
Avenue in Beaver.Utility ProblemsAt 1:41 p.m. utility problems were reported at 10th
&amp; Kiowa Road.Missing Person / RunawayAt 3:25 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 503 S.
Humbolt Avenue in Ellinwood.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:06 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at SW 30 Road
&amp; W. US 56 Highway in Pawnee Rock.Cattle OutAt 4:45 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 160
Avenue &amp; NE K-156 Highway in Claflin.Traffic ArrestAt 8:54 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 10th
&amp; Monroe.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 8:59 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 10th &amp;
Monroe.At 10:56 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 5520 10th
Street.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (10/4)Breathing ProblemsAt 12:26 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1707 2nd
Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 8:39 a.m. an accident was reported at 2107 28th
Street.At 10 a.m. Trevor Olsen reported an accident was reported at
Railroad &amp; Main.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 10:49 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 4107 10th
Street.TheftAt 1:05 p.m. Brian Griffith reported a theft at 1401 Cherry
Ln.Traffic ArrestAt 8:54 p.m. an officer arrested Tyler Leach for no DL at 10th
&amp; Monroe.Noise ComplaintAt 9:13 p.m. Christopher Campbell reported loud music in the
area of 3121 24th Street.Convulsions / SeizuresAt 9:20 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park
Pl.Non-Injury AccidentAt 9:38 p.m. Kenia Hernandez reported a hit-and-run accident
at 2716 10th Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 11:18 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 222 Baker Avenue.

Cop Shop (10/4)

10/4 BOOKED: Tessa Koeppen-Dunn on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 cash only.

BOOKED: Shelby Stone, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Adyn Haines on Barton County District Court case for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Brandon Rice on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for No Driver's License, Expired Tag, Illegal Tag, and No Insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 18-hour OR.

BOOKED: Tyler Leech on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, and Driving Without Headlights, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Bonnie Kuhn on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Liability Insurance, and Illegal Tag, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Lee Pace on Barton County District Court case, on $5,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Tessa Koeppen-Dunn on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $500 cash bond.

RELEASED: Tyler Leech on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, and Driving Without Headlights, after posting $1,000 surety through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Bonnie Kuhn on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Liability Insurance, and Illegal Tag, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/4 BOOKED: Tessa Koeppen-Dunn on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 cash only.BOOKED: Shelby Stone, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Adyn Haines on Barton County District Court case for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Brandon Rice on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for No Driver's License, Expired Tag, Illegal Tag, and No Insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 18-hour OR.BOOKED: Tyler Leech on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, and Driving Without Headlights, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Bonnie Kuhn on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Liability Insurance, and Illegal Tag, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Lee Pace on Barton County District Court case, on $5,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Tessa Koeppen-Dunn on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $500 cash bond.RELEASED: Tyler Leech on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, and Driving Without Headlights, after posting $1,000 surety through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Bonnie Kuhn on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving While Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Liability Insurance, and Illegal Tag, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (10/4)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

No one spent more time inside the press box at Hoisington High School’s
football field than Dr. Blake Herres. With his long commitment and support to
Cardinal athletics, the USD 431 Board of Education is in favor of naming the
press box after the late Herres, whom passed away at the age of 70 this past
March.


Herres, a 1970 Hoisington High School graduate, started broadcasting Cardinal
football and basketball games on the radio in 2001. Working with Eagle Radio,
Herres was on the broadcast for more than 230 football games.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3f9c9713-4c1c-403b-88c1-f989ba865cac">RELATED STORY: Community is everything - The supportive 'voice' of Hoisington</a>

Superintendent
Patrick Crowdis said he will get estimates on renovating the press box to be
named after Herres.


"I'm waiting on some numbers from a contractor to get an idea where we would be and what we would be able to do," said Crowdis. "Then I would be able to give you a better idea. Principal Joel Mason and I have both discussed the idea of naming the press box after Dr. Herres."

The Herres family donated funds from Blake’s memorial to the Hoisington Education
Foundation for the intent to renovate the existing press box.


Crowdis said he will contact local contractors to form a design plan to bring
back for the school board’s approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696439329752.jpeg" alt="The USD 431 Hoisington school board is in favor of a renovation to the press box at the high school football field and naming the press box after the late Dr. Blake Herres." />
 <figcaption>The USD 431 Hoisington school board is in favor of a renovation to the press box at the high school football field and naming the press box after the late Dr. Blake Herres.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostNo one spent more time inside the press box at Hoisington High School’s
football field than Dr. Blake Herres. With his long commitment and support to
Cardinal athletics, the USD 431 Board of Education is in favor of naming the
press box after the late Herres, whom passed away at the age of 70 this past
March.
Herres, a 1970 Hoisington High School graduate, started broadcasting Cardinal
football and basketball games on the radio in 2001. Working with Eagle Radio,
Herres was on the broadcast for more than 230 football games.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3f9c9713-4c1c-403b-88c1-f989ba865cac">RELATED STORY: Community is everything - The supportive 'voice' of Hoisington</a>Superintendent
Patrick Crowdis said he will get estimates on renovating the press box to be
named after Herres.
"I'm waiting on some numbers from a contractor to get an idea where we would be and what we would be able to do," said Crowdis. "Then I would be able to give you a better idea. Principal Joel Mason and I have both discussed the idea of naming the press box after Dr. Herres."The Herres family donated funds from Blake’s memorial to the Hoisington Education
Foundation for the intent to renovate the existing press box.
Crowdis said he will contact local contractors to form a design plan to bring
back for the school board’s approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696439612932.jpeg" alt="Dr. Blake Herres was on the radio broadcast for more than 230 football games for Hoisington High School from 2001 to 2022." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Blake Herres was on the radio broadcast for more than 230 football games for Hoisington High School from 2001 to 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hoisington press box to be named after Herres, renovations coming

Today Sunny, with a high near 74. West-northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 46. North wind 5 to 14 mph becoming west-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Friday Cloudy, then gradual clearing during the afternoon, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a north wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 31. North-northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 66. South-southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 42.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 76.

Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 46.

Columbus Day Sunny, with a high near 74.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 81.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 74. West-northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 46. North wind 5 to 14 mph becoming west-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Friday Cloudy, then gradual clearing during the afternoon, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a north wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.Friday Night Clear, with a low around 31. North-northwest wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 66. South-southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 42.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 76.Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 46.Columbus Day Sunny, with a high near 74.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 81.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 55.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

WICHITA —A Kansas felon is under investigation for a crime involving a laser pointer.

Cletis Ringwald, 68, of Lyons, was indicted on one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, according to the United State's Attorney.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case.

Ringwald has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696444782028.png" alt="Image from a similar KHP investigation in 2018" />
 <figcaption>Image from a similar KHP investigation in 2018</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —A Kansas felon is under investigation for a crime involving a laser pointer.Cletis Ringwald, 68, of Lyons, was indicted on one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, according to the United State's Attorney.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case.Ringwald has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Indictment: Man from Lyons aimed laser pointer at aircraft

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 20, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;9‑58 KA‑7038‑01 ‑ K‑9, from K‑99/K‑9 north junction east to K‑87/K‑9 junction, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,175,416.00.

Osage ‑&nbsp;70 C‑5146‑01 – County bridge, located 0.5 mile south and 4.0 miles east of Vassar over 110 Mile Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $1,260,666.80.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 C‑5033‑01 ‑ Shawnee County, Topeka Boulevard at 57th, University and Gary Ormsby, traffic signals, J Warren Company Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,759,278.50.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;36‑106 KA‑7109‑01 – U.S. 36, from the west city limits of Hiawatha east to the Brown/Doniphan county line; U.S. 73, from the south city limits of Hiawatha north to the north city limits of Hiawatha; U.S. 36, from the Brown/Doniphan county line east to the east city limits of Troy and then from the north city limits of Wathena east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, sealing, 33.7 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,792,246.60.

Dickinson ‑&nbsp;70‑21 KA‑7141‑01 ‑ I‑70, from 2.3 miles east of K‑43/I‑70 junction east to the Dickinson/Geary county line, pavement patching, 6.2 miles, Prado Construction LLC, Valley Center, Kansas, $2,032,974.50.

Geary ‑&nbsp;31 KA‑7123‑01 ‑ K‑57, from 0.2 mile east of U.S. 77/K‑57 junction east to the north city limits of Junction City; U.S. 77, from 0.02 mile south of U.S. 77/Lacy Drive junction north to 0.1 mile north of U.S. 77/Lacy Drive junction; U.S. 77, from 0.1 mile south of U.S. 77/Rucker Road junction north to 0.3 mile north of U.S. 77/Rucker Road junction, milling and overlay, 2.7 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $2,067,478.15.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;28‑106 KA‑7056‑01 ‑ K‑28, from the Jewell/Cloud county line east to K‑9/K‑28 junction; K‑28, in Jewell county from K‑28/K‑148 junction east to the Jewell/Cloud county line, sealing, 22.9 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $818,311.00.

Logan ‑&nbsp;83‑55 KA‑7002‑01 – U.S. 83, bridge #026 over Smoky Hill River located 6.8 miles north of the Scott/Logan county line, bridge repair, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $259,709.50.

Bourbon ‑&nbsp;6 C‑5152‑01 – County bridge, located 1.0 mile west and 2.8 miles north of Pawnee Station over Tributary to Pawnee Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Mission Construction Co Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $299,833.00.

Bourbon ‑&nbsp;69‑6 KA‑7178‑01 – U.S. 69, southbound lanes beginning 2.1 miles north of the Bourbon/Crawford county line north 3.8 miles, crack repair, 3.8 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $82,780.00.

Miami ‑&nbsp;169‑61 KA‑6241‑02 – U.S. 169, beginning 3.9 miles south of K‑68/U.S. 169 (Baptiste Drive) junction to 1.4 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line (northbound only), guard fence, 10.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $686,153.00.

Miami ‑&nbsp;69‑61 KA‑6055‑02 – U.S. 69, beginning 1.3 miles south of 359th Street north to 0.6 mile south of K‑68, guard fence, 10.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $841,828.75.

Woodson ‑&nbsp;54‑104 KA‑6726‑01 – U.S. 54, bridge #007 over Cherry Creek Overflow located 6.7 miles east of U.S. 75; bridge #008 over Cherry Creek located 6.8 miles east of U.S. 75, bridge repair, Mission Construction Co Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $879,901.40.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7173‑01 ‑ Various locations in Allen, Bourbon, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson and Osage counties, mud jacking, Nortex Concrete Lift &amp; Stabilization Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, $135,016.00.

Kingman ‑&nbsp;42‑48 KA‑6939‑01 ‑ K‑42, bridge #046 over Wild Horse Creek located 5.1 miles west of K‑14; bridge #067 over Chikaskia River located 7.3 miles west of K‑14, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $83,179.19.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;281‑106 KA‑7085‑01 – U.S. 281, from K‑19/U.S. 281 junction north to the Stafford/Barton county line; U.S. 281, from the Stafford/Barton county line north to 2.5 miles south of the south city limits of Great Bend; U.S. 281 from 2.5 miles south of the south city limits of Great Bend north to the south city limits of Great Bend, sealing, 13.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,569,990.60.

Ford ‑&nbsp;56‑29 KA‑6776‑01 – U.S. 56, bridge #064 over the Arkansas River located 2.6 miles northeast of U.S. 56/U.S. 283 south junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $293,370.03.

The following projects were held from the Aug. 23, 2023, letting.

Finney –&nbsp;156-28 KA-6440-01 - K-156, from 130 feet east of 3rd/4th Street east to 300 feet west of Belmont Place, grading and surfacing, 0.2 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $1,413,165.31.

Comanche&nbsp;-17 C-5129-01 - Intersection of RS 711 and RS 963, intersection improvement, 1.0 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $540,237.05.

This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.&nbsp;For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd&nbsp;Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658332979721.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Sept. 20, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastMarshall ‑&nbsp;9‑58 KA‑7038‑01 ‑ K‑9, from K‑99/K‑9 north junction east to K‑87/K‑9 junction, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,175,416.00.Osage ‑&nbsp;70 C‑5146‑01 – County bridge, located 0.5 mile south and 4.0 miles east of Vassar over 110 Mile Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, King Construction Company Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $1,260,666.80.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;89 C‑5033‑01 ‑ Shawnee County, Topeka Boulevard at 57th, University and Gary Ormsby, traffic signals, J Warren Company Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,759,278.50.Statewide ‑&nbsp;36‑106 KA‑7109‑01 – U.S. 36, from the west city limits of Hiawatha east to the Brown/Doniphan county line; U.S. 73, from the south city limits of Hiawatha north to the north city limits of Hiawatha; U.S. 36, from the Brown/Doniphan county line east to the east city limits of Troy and then from the north city limits of Wathena east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, sealing, 33.7 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,792,246.60.District Two — North CentralDickinson ‑&nbsp;70‑21 KA‑7141‑01 ‑ I‑70, from 2.3 miles east of K‑43/I‑70 junction east to the Dickinson/Geary county line, pavement patching, 6.2 miles, Prado Construction LLC, Valley Center, Kansas, $2,032,974.50.Geary ‑&nbsp;31 KA‑7123‑01 ‑ K‑57, from 0.2 mile east of U.S. 77/K‑57 junction east to the north city limits of Junction City; U.S. 77, from 0.02 mile south of U.S. 77/Lacy Drive junction north to 0.1 mile north of U.S. 77/Lacy Drive junction; U.S. 77, from 0.1 mile south of U.S. 77/Rucker Road junction north to 0.3 mile north of U.S. 77/Rucker Road junction, milling and overlay, 2.7 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $2,067,478.15.Statewide ‑&nbsp;28‑106 KA‑7056‑01 ‑ K‑28, from the Jewell/Cloud county line east to K‑9/K‑28 junction; K‑28, in Jewell county from K‑28/K‑148 junction east to the Jewell/Cloud county line, sealing, 22.9 miles, Heft and Sons LLC, Greensburg, Kansas, $818,311.00.District Three — NorthwestLogan ‑&nbsp;83‑55 KA‑7002‑01 – U.S. 83, bridge #026 over Smoky Hill River located 6.8 miles north of the Scott/Logan county line, bridge repair, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $259,709.50.District Four — SoutheastBourbon ‑&nbsp;6 C‑5152‑01 – County bridge, located 1.0 mile west and 2.8 miles north of Pawnee Station over Tributary to Pawnee Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Mission Construction Co Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $299,833.00.Bourbon ‑&nbsp;69‑6 KA‑7178‑01 – U.S. 69, southbound lanes beginning 2.1 miles north of the Bourbon/Crawford county line north 3.8 miles, crack repair, 3.8 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $82,780.00.Miami ‑&nbsp;169‑61 KA‑6241‑02 – U.S. 169, beginning 3.9 miles south of K‑68/U.S. 169 (Baptiste Drive) junction to 1.4 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line (northbound only), guard fence, 10.7 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $686,153.00.Miami ‑&nbsp;69‑61 KA‑6055‑02 – U.S. 69, beginning 1.3 miles south of 359th Street north to 0.6 mile south of K‑68, guard fence, 10.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $841,828.75.Woodson ‑&nbsp;54‑104 KA‑6726‑01 – U.S. 54, bridge #007 over Cherry Creek Overflow located 6.7 miles east of U.S. 75; bridge #008 over Cherry Creek located 6.8 miles east of U.S. 75, bridge repair, Mission Construction Co Inc., St. Paul, Kansas, $879,901.40.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7173‑01 ‑ Various locations in Allen, Bourbon, Coffey, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson and Osage counties, mud jacking, Nortex Concrete Lift &amp; Stabilization Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, $135,016.00.District Five — South CentralKingman ‑&nbsp;42‑48 KA‑6939‑01 ‑ K‑42, bridge #046 over Wild Horse Creek located 5.1 miles west of K‑14; bridge #067 over Chikaskia River located 7.3 miles west of K‑14, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $83,179.19.Statewide ‑&nbsp;281‑106 KA‑7085‑01 – U.S. 281, from K‑19/U.S. 281 junction north to the Stafford/Barton county line; U.S. 281, from the Stafford/Barton county line north to 2.5 miles south of the south city limits of Great Bend; U.S. 281 from 2.5 miles south of the south city limits of Great Bend north to the south city limits of Great Bend, sealing, 13.7 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,569,990.60.District Six — SouthwestFord ‑&nbsp;56‑29 KA‑6776‑01 – U.S. 56, bridge #064 over the Arkansas River located 2.6 miles northeast of U.S. 56/U.S. 283 south junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $293,370.03.The following projects were held from the Aug. 23, 2023, letting.Finney –&nbsp;156-28 KA-6440-01 - K-156, from 130 feet east of 3rd/4th Street east to 300 feet west of Belmont Place, grading and surfacing, 0.2 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $1,413,165.31.Comanche&nbsp;-17 C-5129-01 - Intersection of RS 711 and RS 963, intersection improvement, 1.0 mile, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $540,237.05.###This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request.&nbsp;For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd&nbsp;Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

US 281 Highway included in KDOT's approved Sept. bids

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is a devastating disease in Kansas, and volunteer wheat in your field and all surrounding fields must be removed prior to planting. As farmers are currently drilling winter wheat across the state, be a good neighbor and control volunteer wheat.&nbsp;An infected field can impact thousands of acres in immediate proximity, depending on environmental factors.

The drought over the previous years, combined with multiple issues during harvest, have created conditions that make wheat streak mosaic and related diseases an increased threat this year. Abandoned wheat, weedy patches that weren’t harvested and hail-shattered fields all favor an increased incidence of volunteer wheat.

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) causes considerable damage to the Kansas wheat crop each year, primarily in the western portion of the state. In 2017, this disease caused a conservative $76.8 million in direct losses to wheat farmers, a loss of 19.2 million bushels of wheat. The 2017 loss was a 5.6 percent yield loss, up from an average 1.5 percent loss. For the past couple growing seasons, however, tests determine the disease showed up not only in western Kansas but also in central Kansas.

Wheat curl mites that spread WSMV and other diseases survive the summer on volunteer wheat and certain other grasses. As those plants die off, the wheat curl mites leave in search of new plants to feed on. Early planted wheat is likely to become infested and thus become infected with wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. The wheat curl mites are moved by wind and can be carried a mile or more before dying, so if wheat is planted early, make sure all volunteer wheat within a mile is completely dead at least two weeks before planting. For growers considering planting early, a good management consideration would be to select wheat varieties with resistance to the wheat streak mosaic virus and/or tolerance to the wheat curl mite, especially in the western portions of the state.

For more information on this devastating disease, download a packet of information or request a printed copy from Kansas Wheat, 1990 Kimball Ave., Manhattan, KS&nbsp;66502.

We must work together to stop the spread of wheat streak mosaic virus and related diseases. There are no effective ways to treat, so the only way to stop it is to prevent it through one or more of the following ways.

Control Volunteer Wheat The best way to prevent the spread of the wheat streak mosaic virus is to remove volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds. Volunteer wheat must be completely dead and dry for two weeks before planting a new wheat crop. Volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds can be removed with herbicides or tillage, but it’s absolutely essential to allow time for herbicides to work.

Avoid Early Planting Avoid early planting; plant after the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. By avoiding early planting, Kansas wheat farmers can avoid times when wheat mite populations are the highest in late summer and decrease the interval between planting and fall freeze events.

Plant Resistant Varieties Plant varieties with moderate or high levels of resistance to WSMV. “Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023” is a new publication in the Kansas Wheat Rx Series and addresses steps to ensure a successful variety selection.

It is very difficult to rate varieties for WSMV. There are three separate virus diseases in the Central Plains that can all occur, separately or in combination: wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. They have similar symptoms and are vectored by the wheat curl mite. If two or more of these diseases occur together, all wheat varieties become susceptible.

At this point, there are no chemical options such as insecticides or pesticides that are effective at controlling the wheat curl mite. The best way to stop the spread of WSMV is to control volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting a new crop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628192871161.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is a devastating disease in Kansas, and volunteer wheat in your field and all surrounding fields must be removed prior to planting. As farmers are currently drilling winter wheat across the state, be a good neighbor and control volunteer wheat.&nbsp;An infected field can impact thousands of acres in immediate proximity, depending on environmental factors.The drought over the previous years, combined with multiple issues during harvest, have created conditions that make wheat streak mosaic and related diseases an increased threat this year. Abandoned wheat, weedy patches that weren’t harvested and hail-shattered fields all favor an increased incidence of volunteer wheat.Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) causes considerable damage to the Kansas wheat crop each year, primarily in the western portion of the state. In 2017, this disease caused a conservative $76.8 million in direct losses to wheat farmers, a loss of 19.2 million bushels of wheat. The 2017 loss was a 5.6 percent yield loss, up from an average 1.5 percent loss. For the past couple growing seasons, however, tests determine the disease showed up not only in western Kansas but also in central Kansas.Wheat curl mites that spread WSMV and other diseases survive the summer on volunteer wheat and certain other grasses. As those plants die off, the wheat curl mites leave in search of new plants to feed on. Early planted wheat is likely to become infested and thus become infected with wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. The wheat curl mites are moved by wind and can be carried a mile or more before dying, so if wheat is planted early, make sure all volunteer wheat within a mile is completely dead at least two weeks before planting. For growers considering planting early, a good management consideration would be to select wheat varieties with resistance to the wheat streak mosaic virus and/or tolerance to the wheat curl mite, especially in the western portions of the state.For more information on this devastating disease, download a packet of information or request a printed copy from Kansas Wheat, 1990 Kimball Ave., Manhattan, KS&nbsp;66502.We must work together to stop the spread of wheat streak mosaic virus and related diseases. There are no effective ways to treat, so the only way to stop it is to prevent it through one or more of the following ways.Control Volunteer Wheat The best way to prevent the spread of the wheat streak mosaic virus is to remove volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds. Volunteer wheat must be completely dead and dry for two weeks before planting a new wheat crop. Volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds can be removed with herbicides or tillage, but it’s absolutely essential to allow time for herbicides to work.Avoid Early Planting Avoid early planting; plant after the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. By avoiding early planting, Kansas wheat farmers can avoid times when wheat mite populations are the highest in late summer and decrease the interval between planting and fall freeze events.Plant Resistant Varieties Plant varieties with moderate or high levels of resistance to WSMV. “Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023” is a new publication in the Kansas Wheat Rx Series and addresses steps to ensure a successful variety selection.It is very difficult to rate varieties for WSMV. There are three separate virus diseases in the Central Plains that can all occur, separately or in combination: wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. They have similar symptoms and are vectored by the wheat curl mite. If two or more of these diseases occur together, all wheat varieties become susceptible.At this point, there are no chemical options such as insecticides or pesticides that are effective at controlling the wheat curl mite. The best way to stop the spread of WSMV is to control volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting a new crop.

Wheat Scoop: Control volunteer wheat to stop wheat streak mosaic virus

Sharr Hamby and Charla Schneider acknowledge they weren’t good parents when their children were young. Drugs and alcohol were the reason.

But today, both Great Bend women are committed to finding ways to prevent their kids from making the same mistakes they did, while helping others in the community along the way.

Hamby, 39, and Schneider, 51, are recovering addicts who recently attended the National Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Conference at Kansas City, Mo. They are peer navigators for Rise Up Central Kansas, a task force under the umbrella of Central Kansas Partnership.

Both refer to the DEC conference as “life-changing.”

“When I look back at what I put my kids through and what my daughter is putting my grandson through, I want to do everything I can to stop the cycle,” Hamby commented. “Addiction runs in my family and my brother died from it.

“The conference lit another fire under me to find even more resources to give my daughter and her son a chance.”

Schneider noted that addiction runs in her biological mother’s family but emphasized that “my adoptive parents were wonderful.”

Her background parallels that of Hamby’s in many ways, including incarceration.

Schneider has been in and out of jail for a total of three years and Hamby for nine years – all because of drugs and alcohol. Hamby is an alumna of the local Oxford House, where Schneider was a resident for several weeks.

“I know it is hard raising teens,” Schneider commented. “But Sharr and I might be able to help. We are here for parents who have checked out on their kids.”

Schneider made special note of parents who give a child a drink at a young age. “This is not good anytime but if you have addiction running in your family, this can be a real problem. It is not fair but that’s the way it is.”

Amy Ferguson, director of Rise Up Central Kansas, agreed with Hamby and Schneider that addiction is generational; Ferguson also is in recovery.

She invited Hamby and Schneider to the three-day DEC conference because “they connect with people who have substance-use disorder. Others can benefit from their experiences; they are trusted voices in the community.”

The conference was “powerful” to Ferguson in many ways but she took special note of the quality of presenters and sponsors.

“A lot of them are in recovery or have a family member in recovery,” she said. “They knew what they were talking about.”

Ferguson and Vicki Richardson were presenters for a session called HOPE for Generations. Richardson is the local family engagement coordinator for the Kansas Children’s Service League. HOPE stands for Healthy Outcomes through Positive Experiences.

Richardson and Ferguson also present a class locally; it is called Creating Resilience Through Connections. “Since toxic stress affects a child’s developing brain, we focus on building resilience that can change the child’s outcomes,” Ferguson noted.

Marissa Woodmansee, director of Juvenile Services, applied for the grant that helped finance participation in the conference. It is a two-year, $65,000 grant awarded by the Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“Those of us at Juvenile Services do all we can to support Central Kansas Partnership and Rise Up Central Kansas,” Woodmansee said. “True grassroots efforts make a real difference.

“They show families that Juvenile Services is a great community resource. If we can work with families on early intervention maybe children don’t ever have to enter the juvenile-justice system.”

20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696343190570.jpeg" alt="Four local women in recovery recently attended the National Drug Endangered Children Conference. From left to right are Vanessa Thiel, Sharr Hamby, Amy Ferguson and Charla Schneider." />
 <figcaption>Four local women in recovery recently attended the National Drug Endangered Children Conference. From left to right are Vanessa Thiel, Sharr Hamby, Amy Ferguson and Charla Schneider.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sharr Hamby and Charla Schneider acknowledge they weren’t good parents when their children were young. Drugs and alcohol were the reason.But today, both Great Bend women are committed to finding ways to prevent their kids from making the same mistakes they did, while helping others in the community along the way.Hamby, 39, and Schneider, 51, are recovering addicts who recently attended the National Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Conference at Kansas City, Mo. They are peer navigators for Rise Up Central Kansas, a task force under the umbrella of Central Kansas Partnership.Both refer to the DEC conference as “life-changing.”“When I look back at what I put my kids through and what my daughter is putting my grandson through, I want to do everything I can to stop the cycle,” Hamby commented. “Addiction runs in my family and my brother died from it.“The conference lit another fire under me to find even more resources to give my daughter and her son a chance.”Schneider noted that addiction runs in her biological mother’s family but emphasized that “my adoptive parents were wonderful.”Her background parallels that of Hamby’s in many ways, including incarceration.Schneider has been in and out of jail for a total of three years and Hamby for nine years – all because of drugs and alcohol. Hamby is an alumna of the local Oxford House, where Schneider was a resident for several weeks.“I know it is hard raising teens,” Schneider commented. “But Sharr and I might be able to help. We are here for parents who have checked out on their kids.”Schneider made special note of parents who give a child a drink at a young age. “This is not good anytime but if you have addiction running in your family, this can be a real problem. It is not fair but that’s the way it is.”Amy Ferguson, director of Rise Up Central Kansas, agreed with Hamby and Schneider that addiction is generational; Ferguson also is in recovery.She invited Hamby and Schneider to the three-day DEC conference because “they connect with people who have substance-use disorder. Others can benefit from their experiences; they are trusted voices in the community.”The conference was “powerful” to Ferguson in many ways but she took special note of the quality of presenters and sponsors.“A lot of them are in recovery or have a family member in recovery,” she said. “They knew what they were talking about.”Ferguson and Vicki Richardson were presenters for a session called HOPE for Generations. Richardson is the local family engagement coordinator for the Kansas Children’s Service League. HOPE stands for Healthy Outcomes through Positive Experiences.Richardson and Ferguson also present a class locally; it is called Creating Resilience Through Connections. “Since toxic stress affects a child’s developing brain, we focus on building resilience that can change the child’s outcomes,” Ferguson noted.Marissa Woodmansee, director of Juvenile Services, applied for the grant that helped finance participation in the conference. It is a two-year, $65,000 grant awarded by the Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.“Those of us at Juvenile Services do all we can to support Central Kansas Partnership and Rise Up Central Kansas,” Woodmansee said. “True grassroots efforts make a real difference.“They show families that Juvenile Services is a great community resource. If we can work with families on early intervention maybe children don’t ever have to enter the juvenile-justice system.”20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

Great Bend women in recovery attend Drug Endangered Children Conference

During budget discussion, the City of Great Bend budgeted for a fulltime
custodian to keep the newly-constructed Justice Center clean. The facility, at
the intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue, will house the
police station and municipal court. 

Knowing that the police station will nearly
triple in size, the city budgeted $65,000 for the custodian salary plus
benefits. City Administrator Brandon Anderson said city staff also looked at contracting
out the cleaning services, and received a bid from Kleen Smart for $36,000 per
year.


"We felt like as staff, this is probably a better way to go, a cheaper way to go," said Anderson. "We obviously will have a contract written up that will give us the ability to release out of that within reason. It also gives them the ability to release out of it if it became too much for them."

The Great Bend City Council approved the lone bid from Kleen Smart which
includes a three-year contract for $36,000 per year. Kleen Smart will clean
weekdays, with no weekends or holidays. The City of Great Bend will supply
vacuums, paper towels, trash bags and hand soaps for the day-to-day operations.



An open house will be held Oct. 20 to view the $8.8 million
Justice Center.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693336998105.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostDuring budget discussion, the City of Great Bend budgeted for a fulltime
custodian to keep the newly-constructed Justice Center clean. The facility, at
the intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue, will house the
police station and municipal court. Knowing that the police station will nearly
triple in size, the city budgeted $65,000 for the custodian salary plus
benefits. City Administrator Brandon Anderson said city staff also looked at contracting
out the cleaning services, and received a bid from Kleen Smart for $36,000 per
year.
"We felt like as staff, this is probably a better way to go, a cheaper way to go," said Anderson. "We obviously will have a contract written up that will give us the ability to release out of that within reason. It also gives them the ability to release out of it if it became too much for them."The Great Bend City Council approved the lone bid from Kleen Smart which
includes a three-year contract for $36,000 per year. Kleen Smart will clean
weekdays, with no weekends or holidays. The City of Great Bend will supply
vacuums, paper towels, trash bags and hand soaps for the day-to-day operations.

An open house will be held Oct. 20 to view the $8.8 million
Justice Center.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend approves cleaning contract for new Justice Center

It is well understood that weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Warm, dry weather increases the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season, while cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival. Another factor influencing grasshopper populations is an abundance of food, especially broadleaf weeds. A diet high in these forbs leads to greater nymph survival, faster growth, larger adult grasshoppers, and increased egg production. The abundance of weeds therefore can likely contribute to the noticeable number and diversity of grasshoppers currently being observed. As these weedy sources of food are exhausted or controlled, grasshoppers may shift their grazing over to anything still growing in the landscape. In areas with greater grasshopper pressure, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.

Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.

Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted ten days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, three or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure. Avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat must be protected.

Please refer to the most recent Alfalfa and Wheat Insect Management Guides for specific control information. Simply type into your internet browser Alfalfa Insect Management Guide KSU or Wheat Insect Management Guide KSU.

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>It is well understood that weather patterns can have a significant impact on grasshopper populations year to year. Warm, dry weather increases the survival of nymphs and adult grasshoppers, leading to increased egg production during the growing season, while cool, wet weather promotes fungal pathogens that can reduce egg and nymph survival. Another factor influencing grasshopper populations is an abundance of food, especially broadleaf weeds. A diet high in these forbs leads to greater nymph survival, faster growth, larger adult grasshoppers, and increased egg production. The abundance of weeds therefore can likely contribute to the noticeable number and diversity of grasshoppers currently being observed. As these weedy sources of food are exhausted or controlled, grasshoppers may shift their grazing over to anything still growing in the landscape. In areas with greater grasshopper pressure, seedling alfalfa and wheat could be at risk.Before planting alfalfa, treatment should be considered if there are 15 or more grasshoppers per square yard around the planting area. Once planted and growing, consider treatment if 3-5 grasshoppers per square yard are found in the seedling alfalfa stand.Vegetated borders around areas where wheat will be planted should be scouted ten days before planting. Consider treating those borders if there are 7 to 12 grasshoppers per square yard. Once growing, three or more grasshoppers per square yard within the field can destroy seedling wheat stands. If grasshopper populations are low to moderate, seed treatments can protect emerging wheat plants for several weeks if products are applied at the highest registered rate. Seed treatments will be less effective under severe grasshopper pressure. Avoid planting too early, as this will help reduce the time that wheat must be protected.Please refer to the most recent Alfalfa and Wheat Insect Management Guides for specific control information. Simply type into your internet browser Alfalfa Insect Management Guide KSU or Wheat Insect Management Guide KSU.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: Grasshoppers are abundant in many areas of Kansas

Dispatchers and other emergency responders do not always have the luxury of taking off on the holidays. Barton County Commissioners met with 911 dispatchers prior to Tuesday's meeting to discuss holiday pay. County Administrator Matt Patzner briefed the commission on a revision to the county's holiday pay policy. 

"It probably should have been revisited earlier," Patzner said. "I just think it's prudent. We're asking these employees to spend time away from their family, and I think they should be compensated fairly for that sacrifice."

County employees receive 11.5 paid holidays annually. Most employees are simply paid for a day off on those holidays, but some first responders do not have the option of taking the day off. Under current policy, those employees did not receive additional holiday pay if they worked on an actual holiday. The revision on Tuesday will give employees who work the holiday extra pay pay. All the commissioners, including Tricia Schlessiger, were pleased to make the revision.

"I'd like to thank (Communications Director Dena Popp) and the 911 dispatchers for bringing this to our attention," she said. "I didn't even know, since January, that this even was the case. I appreciate they brought it to our attention and I'm glad we can do something about it. I feel like if they work on the actual holiday, they should get holiday pay. I'm glad we found a way to fix this."

County employees working on actual holidays will receive their base pay plus premium pay of time-and-a-half for every hour worked on the actual holiday. The observed holiday will be paid out at the rate of base pay.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638544933472.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDispatchers and other emergency responders do not always have the luxury of taking off on the holidays. Barton County Commissioners met with 911 dispatchers prior to Tuesday's meeting to discuss holiday pay. County Administrator Matt Patzner briefed the commission on a revision to the county's holiday pay policy. "It probably should have been revisited earlier," Patzner said. "I just think it's prudent. We're asking these employees to spend time away from their family, and I think they should be compensated fairly for that sacrifice."County employees receive 11.5 paid holidays annually. Most employees are simply paid for a day off on those holidays, but some first responders do not have the option of taking the day off. Under current policy, those employees did not receive additional holiday pay if they worked on an actual holiday. The revision on Tuesday will give employees who work the holiday extra pay pay. All the commissioners, including Tricia Schlessiger, were pleased to make the revision."I'd like to thank (Communications Director Dena Popp) and the 911 dispatchers for bringing this to our attention," she said. "I didn't even know, since January, that this even was the case. I appreciate they brought it to our attention and I'm glad we can do something about it. I feel like if they work on the actual holiday, they should get holiday pay. I'm glad we found a way to fix this."County employees working on actual holidays will receive their base pay plus premium pay of time-and-a-half for every hour worked on the actual holiday. The observed holiday will be paid out at the rate of base pay.

Barton Co. makes revision to holiday pay for employees

The Great Bend Police Department will receive more help in tracking
possible criminals traveling through its jurisdiction. This past February, the
Police Department secured a $132,000 federal grant to purchase license plate
recognition technology and cameras.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895">RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a>

Police Chief Steve Haulmark said those
funds are available to install additional cameras throughout town, which can notify
law enforcement if a criminal or sex offender drives through.


"If these criminals come into the city, we don't always know where they're going," said Haulmark. "We had a stolen tag, and we had to spend additional time to track it down and figure out where the vehicle went. We've had moderate success with the cameras we have."

Great Bend currently has 12 cameras positioned at major passages in and out of
town to catch license plates. Funds will be used to buy six fixed cameras and
two mobile cameras that can go on patrol.


Haulmark said the license plate readers recently assisted in recovering stolen
items toward the end of September involving Pawnee and Stafford counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/7e0aa4b9-fd2e-444c-8066-588a51850275">RELATED STORY: Stolen items recovered at mobile home park in Great Bend</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663597952147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Police Department will receive more help in tracking
possible criminals traveling through its jurisdiction. This past February, the
Police Department secured a $132,000 federal grant to purchase license plate
recognition technology and cameras.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895">RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a>Police Chief Steve Haulmark said those
funds are available to install additional cameras throughout town, which can notify
law enforcement if a criminal or sex offender drives through.
"If these criminals come into the city, we don't always know where they're going," said Haulmark. "We had a stolen tag, and we had to spend additional time to track it down and figure out where the vehicle went. We've had moderate success with the cameras we have."Great Bend currently has 12 cameras positioned at major passages in and out of
town to catch license plates. Funds will be used to buy six fixed cameras and
two mobile cameras that can go on patrol.
Haulmark said the license plate readers recently assisted in recovering stolen
items toward the end of September involving Pawnee and Stafford counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/7e0aa4b9-fd2e-444c-8066-588a51850275">RELATED STORY: Stolen items recovered at mobile home park in Great Bend</a>

Great Bend Police able to purchase additional license plate cameras

Maddy Hayden-Rideaux is the head coach of the Great Bend High School Dance Team, and she owns Be Dance Studios in downtown Great Bend. She’s truly living her dreams and built a large part of her dancing foundation right in her hometown at Barton Community College.

“I am so grateful for my time at Barton,” she said. “My coach taught and challenged me in ways I hadn't been before. Attending the National Dance Alliance college nationals in Daytona, Fla., really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on making dance a career. My second semester, I also joined the Barton Dance Theatre Program under Danika Bielek.”

Hayden-Rideaux said the Dance Theatre Program exposed her to a completely different side of dance that focuses more on artistic expression than competition.

“I was exposed to a side of dance and connectivity that I had never experienced before,” she said. “The instructor, Danika, does a wonderful job at making dancers of all capabilities feel embraced and seen. I was given opportunities to perform in many different venues, teach new dance styles to members of Great Bend's community, and take classes at places that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to in larger metro areas.”

Being a studio owner and a coach, Hayden-Rideaux said she learned so much during her time at Barton that helped prepare her for her professional endeavors in the world of dance.

“Barton’s&nbsp;Dance Program provided me with the knowledge and confidence to put myself in rooms I didn't feel capable of before,” she said. “Danika has continued to be a wonderful friend and mentor for me even to this day. Her compassionate spirit and eagerness to learn have made a permanent impact on my&nbsp;life,&nbsp;and I work to instill those same qualities in my current career. I am forever grateful for the friendships and connections that my time at Barton has left me with. I highly recommend starting at a community college to all that are considering it.”

Barton recently added its Dance Instruction and Management Program to provide even more direct focus on the business aspect of those wanting to make dance a career. Barton Dance Instructor and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek said she always wanted to offer this program as a way to bring the performance and business sides of dance together for students.

“Learning dance techniques and how to perform well is one aspect of dance, and I think it’s the one that most people are familiar with,” she said. “However, there is a whole other side to running a studio, educating, or coaching at a high level, and I wanted to give dancers interested in these career paths the full set of tools they need to succeed in any dance-related career.”

Hayden-Rideaux said she looks forward to teaching and coaching new generations of dancers for many years to come.

“I’m just so passionate about helping dancers of all ages feel comfortable in their own skin and confident in their ability as dancers and as leaders,” she said. “I hope to expand my current studio and work with others in the area to make Barton County an all-inclusive community to all that want the opportunity to express themselves through movement. I am so excited for the&nbsp;opportunities that have presented themselves in the last year to give me this space to work with students in our community.”

For more information on Barton’s Dance Instruction and Management Program, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.edu">bielekd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://teachdance.bartonccc.edu/">teachdance.bartonccc.edu</a>. For more information on Be Dance Studios, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bedancestudios.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bedancestudios.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696428081008.jpeg" alt="Maddy Hayden-Rideaux stands outside of her Great Bend business Be Dance Studios located at 1403 Main St. early in the fall semester." />
 <figcaption>Maddy Hayden-Rideaux stands outside of her Great Bend business Be Dance Studios located at 1403 Main St. early in the fall semester.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photo by Joe VinduskaMaddy Hayden-Rideaux is the head coach of the Great Bend High School Dance Team, and she owns Be Dance Studios in downtown Great Bend. She’s truly living her dreams and built a large part of her dancing foundation right in her hometown at Barton Community College.“I am so grateful for my time at Barton,” she said. “My coach taught and challenged me in ways I hadn't been before. Attending the National Dance Alliance college nationals in Daytona, Fla., really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on making dance a career. My second semester, I also joined the Barton Dance Theatre Program under Danika Bielek.”Hayden-Rideaux said the Dance Theatre Program exposed her to a completely different side of dance that focuses more on artistic expression than competition.“I was exposed to a side of dance and connectivity that I had never experienced before,” she said. “The instructor, Danika, does a wonderful job at making dancers of all capabilities feel embraced and seen. I was given opportunities to perform in many different venues, teach new dance styles to members of Great Bend's community, and take classes at places that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to in larger metro areas.”Being a studio owner and a coach, Hayden-Rideaux said she learned so much during her time at Barton that helped prepare her for her professional endeavors in the world of dance.“Barton’s&nbsp;Dance Program provided me with the knowledge and confidence to put myself in rooms I didn't feel capable of before,” she said. “Danika has continued to be a wonderful friend and mentor for me even to this day. Her compassionate spirit and eagerness to learn have made a permanent impact on my&nbsp;life,&nbsp;and I work to instill those same qualities in my current career. I am forever grateful for the friendships and connections that my time at Barton has left me with. I highly recommend starting at a community college to all that are considering it.”Barton recently added its Dance Instruction and Management Program to provide even more direct focus on the business aspect of those wanting to make dance a career. Barton Dance Instructor and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek said she always wanted to offer this program as a way to bring the performance and business sides of dance together for students.“Learning dance techniques and how to perform well is one aspect of dance, and I think it’s the one that most people are familiar with,” she said. “However, there is a whole other side to running a studio, educating, or coaching at a high level, and I wanted to give dancers interested in these career paths the full set of tools they need to succeed in any dance-related career.”Hayden-Rideaux said she looks forward to teaching and coaching new generations of dancers for many years to come.“I’m just so passionate about helping dancers of all ages feel comfortable in their own skin and confident in their ability as dancers and as leaders,” she said. “I hope to expand my current studio and work with others in the area to make Barton County an all-inclusive community to all that want the opportunity to express themselves through movement. I am so excited for the&nbsp;opportunities that have presented themselves in the last year to give me this space to work with students in our community.”For more information on Barton’s Dance Instruction and Management Program, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.edu">bielekd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://teachdance.bartonccc.edu/">teachdance.bartonccc.edu</a>. For more information on Be Dance Studios, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bedancestudios.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bedancestudios.com</a>.

Barton Community College dance program alum strives in hometown

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “How Children Can Improve Their Abilities &amp; Willingness to Learn” on Wednesday, October 4, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp;

Join us and learn about exercises and activities that are naturally helping children, especially those on the spectrum or with diagnoses such as ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Dyslexia and more.&nbsp; Julie Stuhlsatz, CTB, CDA, 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 “How Children Can Improve Their Abilities &amp; Willingness to Learn” on Wednesday, October 4, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp;Join us and learn about exercises and activities that are naturally helping children, especially those on the spectrum or with diagnoses such as ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Dyslexia and more.&nbsp; Julie Stuhlsatz, CTB, CDA, 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 - How children can improve willingness to learn

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (10/3)

At 7:50 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NW 150 Road.

At 8:55 a.m. heart problems were reported at 140 SE 10
Avenue.

At 1:32 p.m. an accident was reported at W. K-4 Highway and
NW 40 Avenue in Hoisington.

At 7:10 p.m. a fire was reported in the 800 block of NW 200
Road in Galatia.

At 8:43 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2201 Main
Street.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (10/3)

At 2:27 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1212
Sheridan Street.

At 8:31 a.m. a trash complaint/dumping was reported at 1919
Hubbard Street.

At 12:02 p.m. breathing problems were reported at 4 NW 30
Road.

At 12:37 p.m. a request for an officer to standby while they
spoke with a subject was reported at 1033 Adams.

At 3:23 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 1212
Garfield.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (10/3)Cattle OutAt 7:50 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at N. US 281
Highway &amp; NW 150 Road.Heart ProblemsAt 8:55 a.m. heart problems were reported at 140 SE 10
Avenue.Injury AccidentAt 1:32 p.m. an accident was reported at W. K-4 Highway and
NW 40 Avenue in Hoisington.FireAt 7:10 p.m. a fire was reported in the 800 block of NW 200
Road in Galatia.Utility ProblemsAt 8:43 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2201 Main
Street.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (10/3)At 2:27 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1212
Sheridan Street.Trash Complaint / DumpingAt 8:31 a.m. a trash complaint/dumping was reported at 1919
Hubbard Street.Breathing ProblemsAt 12:02 p.m. breathing problems were reported at 4 NW 30
Road.Animal ComplaintAt 12:37 p.m. a request for an officer to standby while they
spoke with a subject was reported at 1033 Adams.Parking ComplaintAt 3:23 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 1212
Garfield.Animal ComplaintAt 7:53 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2710 Jefferson.Utility ProblemsAt 8:43 p.m. a power line down was reported at 2201 Main
Street. Power company was contacted.At 9:52 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2427 Shawnee
Dr.

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