Today Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming west-southwest after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 64. South-southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Friday Night A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 62. West wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming west-southwest after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 64. South-southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 52.Friday Night A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.Saturday Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 46. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Saturday Night A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 50%.Sunday A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special Board meeting at 4 p.m. &nbsp;Jan. 30. in the Fine Arts building, room F-30. The agenda includes the approval and announcement&nbsp;of Barton’s sixth president.

The College began the nationwide search for the next president in September when current president, Dr. Carl Heilman, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024. The search neared its completion last week when two finalists visited the Barton County campus, participated in forums with employees and community members, and visited Barton’s other campuses.

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special Board meeting at 4 p.m. &nbsp;Jan. 30. in the Fine Arts building, room F-30. The agenda includes the approval and announcement&nbsp;of Barton’s sixth president.The College began the nationwide search for the next president in September when current president, Dr. Carl Heilman, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024. The search neared its completion last week when two finalists visited the Barton County campus, participated in forums with employees and community members, and visited Barton’s other campuses.

Barton Community College Trustees to hold special board meeting

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Ryan Russell that aired Jan. 25, 2024.

The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Ryan Russell that aired Jan. 25, 2024.<div><iframe title="Focus on Stafford County with Ryan Russell" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=26wvx-1561283-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Focus on Stafford County show

Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Bell Razafindrabe from Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab in Great Bend, KS.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.&nbsp;and will focus on PAIN MANAGEMENT.

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706278761940.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature&nbsp;Dr. Bell Razafindrabe from Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab in Great Bend, KS.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.&nbsp;and will focus on PAIN MANAGEMENT.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

PBS television show to feature Great Bend doctor

The
drought monitor report as of January 23 shows marked improvement thanks to the
weather of the last ten days.&nbsp; There is
no exceptional drought and only 0.5% of the state is in extreme drought.&nbsp; Most of Southwest Kansas and part of
Northwest Kansas is totally out of drought.&nbsp;
Here in Barton County only a sliver of the southeast part of the county
is even in moderate drought with the rest only abnormally dry.&nbsp; Compare that to a year ago when over 37% of
the state was in exceptional drought.&nbsp; The
six to ten-day outlook (January 30 to February 3) indicates an 80 to 90% chance
of leaning to above normal temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above
normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day
outlook (February 1 to 7) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of leaning above normal
for temperatures and a 50 to 60% chance of leaning above normal precipitation.&nbsp; Definitely the precipitation forecast we want
and for people and livestock producers very welcoming temperatures.

Today we are in a much different moisture
situation than we were for the last several years.&nbsp; Let’s discuss what considerations that brings
for producers to consider.&nbsp; 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reevaluate
yield goals.&nbsp; With much better soil
moisture, along with overall better stands going into winter, it’s probably
wise to reconsider fertility and pest control.&nbsp;
It might even pay to conduct a profile nitrate test before topdressing
nitrogen along with perhaps an upward adjusted yield goal.&nbsp; Not a rush, but with the moisture present and
the forecasted warmer than normal temperatures, wheat may be greening up sooner
rather than later.&nbsp; 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With
the promise as of now for better stands and yields, weed pressure and herbicide
selection may need reconsidered.&nbsp; This moisture
helps the wheat but also weeds.&nbsp; Again,
there is still time to evaluate.&nbsp; Also,
here is scouting for insect pressure, cutworm for example.&nbsp; Although conditions may help wheat outgrow
something light cutworm.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If
the moister conditions persist, it will be important to pay attention and scout
for fungal diseases such as tan spot, Septoria leaf blotch, and rusts.&nbsp; For rusts, to pay special attention to what
is happening south of us in Texas and Oklahoma.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cool
season grass pastures should actually have enough moisture for normal spring
growth.&nbsp; However, after the last several
years, it’s important to give them a chance to recover from the last several
years and from unavoidable overgrazing.&nbsp;
And it might be a good idea for some broadleaf weed control.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There
is much more but let’s add one more item.&nbsp;
This may a good year to spring plant dryland alfalfa.&nbsp; Also, if the long-term outlook is accurate,
alfalfa will break dormancy earlier than normal for insect scouting and
applying herbicides before breaking dormancy is a good idea.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor report as of January 23 shows marked improvement thanks to the
weather of the last ten days.&nbsp; There is
no exceptional drought and only 0.5% of the state is in extreme drought.&nbsp; Most of Southwest Kansas and part of
Northwest Kansas is totally out of drought.&nbsp;
Here in Barton County only a sliver of the southeast part of the county
is even in moderate drought with the rest only abnormally dry.&nbsp; Compare that to a year ago when over 37% of
the state was in exceptional drought.&nbsp; The
six to ten-day outlook (January 30 to February 3) indicates an 80 to 90% chance
of leaning to above normal temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above
normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day
outlook (February 1 to 7) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of leaning above normal
for temperatures and a 50 to 60% chance of leaning above normal precipitation.&nbsp; Definitely the precipitation forecast we want
and for people and livestock producers very welcoming temperatures.Today we are in a much different moisture
situation than we were for the last several years.&nbsp; Let’s discuss what considerations that brings
for producers to consider.&nbsp; ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reevaluate
yield goals.&nbsp; With much better soil
moisture, along with overall better stands going into winter, it’s probably
wise to reconsider fertility and pest control.&nbsp;
It might even pay to conduct a profile nitrate test before topdressing
nitrogen along with perhaps an upward adjusted yield goal.&nbsp; Not a rush, but with the moisture present and
the forecasted warmer than normal temperatures, wheat may be greening up sooner
rather than later.&nbsp; ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With
the promise as of now for better stands and yields, weed pressure and herbicide
selection may need reconsidered.&nbsp; This moisture
helps the wheat but also weeds.&nbsp; Again,
there is still time to evaluate.&nbsp; Also,
here is scouting for insect pressure, cutworm for example.&nbsp; Although conditions may help wheat outgrow
something light cutworm.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If
the moister conditions persist, it will be important to pay attention and scout
for fungal diseases such as tan spot, Septoria leaf blotch, and rusts.&nbsp; For rusts, to pay special attention to what
is happening south of us in Texas and Oklahoma.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cool
season grass pastures should actually have enough moisture for normal spring
growth.&nbsp; However, after the last several
years, it’s important to give them a chance to recover from the last several
years and from unavoidable overgrazing.&nbsp;
And it might be a good idea for some broadleaf weed control.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There
is much more but let’s add one more item.&nbsp;
This may a good year to spring plant dryland alfalfa.&nbsp; Also, if the long-term outlook is accurate,
alfalfa will break dormancy earlier than normal for insect scouting and
applying herbicides before breaking dormancy is a good idea.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Wet weather considerations

Governor Laura Kelly announced the most recent round of award recipients for the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program, which was created to help rural communities revitalize downtown buildings and create safer downtowns with more job opportunities. A total of 21 projects from across the state will receive almost $1.4 million, along with more than $3.4 million in private local matching funds. Included in the grants were the City of Stafford, Stafford County and Pawnee County.

“Vibrant, safe downtowns spur economic growth by attracting businesses and jobs and establishing community pride,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments like this bring life back into these communities and are instrumental to their long-term success.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity, Community Development Division, and Kansas Main Street collaborate on HEAL to revitalize underutilized and dilapidated downtown structures where the cost to rehabilitate exceeds the limit that conventional financing can cover. Downtown landmarks that get new life breathed into them through HEAL are transformed into spaces that serve multiple purposes. Projects are to be completed within two years.

“The Kelly administration understands that delivering prosperity to all areas of the state requires supporting the creation of ready-to-occupy spaces that have character and are efficient to operate for start-ups,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“HEAL helps drive economic growth into rural communities by improving their unique sense of place and increasing their appeal as a home of choice for current and future residents.”

Projects being funded in this round of awards include upper-story housing, child care facilities, retail businesses, and restaurants.

Funding for the HEAL program exists because of bipartisan support from Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature to provide annual allocations. A total of 51 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round. A new round is expected to open this summer.

Chanute Reg. Development Authority / Neosho / $50,900&nbsp;

City of Andale / Sedgwick / $100,000&nbsp;

City of Columbus / Cherokee / $100,000&nbsp;

City of Holton / Jackson / $100,000&nbsp;

City of Lindsborg / McPherson / $57,750&nbsp;

&nbsp;City of Logan / Phillips / $25,000&nbsp;

City of Parsons / Labette / $100,000&nbsp;

City of Stafford / Stafford / $100,000&nbsp;

Comanche County Economic Development / Comanche / $8,882&nbsp;

Dickinson County Economic Development / Dickinson / $57,728&nbsp;

Emporia Main Street / Lyon / $100,000&nbsp;

Friends of Muscotah / Atchison / $65,640&nbsp;

Girard Main Street / Crawford / $10,000&nbsp;

Independence Chamber of Commerce / Montgomery / $100,000&nbsp;

Marysville Chamber &amp; Main Street / Marshall / $7,222&nbsp;

Marshall County Partnership for Growth / Marshall / $40,000&nbsp;

Pawnee County Economic Development / Pawnee / $100,000&nbsp;

Republic County Economic Development / Republic / $100,000&nbsp;

Stafford County Economic Development / Stafford / $50,000&nbsp;

Winfield Chamber of Commerce / Cowley / $51,000&nbsp;

Governor Laura Kelly announced the most recent round of award recipients for the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program, which was created to help rural communities revitalize downtown buildings and create safer downtowns with more job opportunities. A total of 21 projects from across the state will receive almost $1.4 million, along with more than $3.4 million in private local matching funds. Included in the grants were the City of Stafford, Stafford County and Pawnee County.“Vibrant, safe downtowns spur economic growth by attracting businesses and jobs and establishing community pride,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments like this bring life back into these communities and are instrumental to their long-term success.”The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity, Community Development Division, and Kansas Main Street collaborate on HEAL to revitalize underutilized and dilapidated downtown structures where the cost to rehabilitate exceeds the limit that conventional financing can cover. Downtown landmarks that get new life breathed into them through HEAL are transformed into spaces that serve multiple purposes. Projects are to be completed within two years.“The Kelly administration understands that delivering prosperity to all areas of the state requires supporting the creation of ready-to-occupy spaces that have character and are efficient to operate for start-ups,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp;“HEAL helps drive economic growth into rural communities by improving their unique sense of place and increasing their appeal as a home of choice for current and future residents.”Projects being funded in this round of awards include upper-story housing, child care facilities, retail businesses, and restaurants.Funding for the HEAL program exists because of bipartisan support from Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature to provide annual allocations. A total of 51 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round. A new round is expected to open this summer.The HEAL grant awardees include:Chanute Reg. Development Authority / Neosho / $50,900&nbsp;City of Andale / Sedgwick / $100,000&nbsp;City of Columbus / Cherokee / $100,000&nbsp;City of Holton / Jackson / $100,000&nbsp;City of Lindsborg / McPherson / $57,750&nbsp;&nbsp;City of Logan / Phillips / $25,000&nbsp;City of Parsons / Labette / $100,000&nbsp;City of Stafford / Stafford / $100,000&nbsp;Comanche County Economic Development / Comanche / $8,882&nbsp;Dickinson County Economic Development / Dickinson / $57,728&nbsp;Emporia Main Street / Lyon / $100,000&nbsp;Friends of Muscotah / Atchison / $65,640&nbsp;Girard Main Street / Crawford / $10,000&nbsp;Independence Chamber of Commerce / Montgomery / $100,000&nbsp;Kearny County / Kearny / $47,580&nbsp;Marysville Chamber &amp; Main Street / Marshall / $7,222&nbsp;Marshall County Partnership for Growth / Marshall / $40,000&nbsp;Pawnee County Economic Development / Pawnee / $100,000&nbsp;Republic County Economic Development / Republic / $100,000&nbsp;Stafford County Economic Development / Stafford / $50,000&nbsp;Winfield Chamber of Commerce / Cowley / $51,000&nbsp;

Stafford & Pawnee counties receive economic grants

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The science of reading is not a buzzword at Riley Elementary School in Great Bend. It's a culture. At last Thursday's USD 428 Board of Education luncheon at the school, Principal Beth Rein outlined to the board how teachers are going above and beyond to get through to students. It's not a process where results are seen overnight.

"Our challenge is staying motivated when we have data showing that our kids are learning, yet we don't always meet those absolute targets the state sets, that MTSS sets with 80 percent," she said. "We don't always hit those day-in and day-out, but we do have really slow, small progress and all kids are learning."

All classroom teachers at the school, and some supporting staff, participate in extra training like Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), a 2-year commitment the teachers are doing outside of their classroom time. Seven kindergartners at the school read at grade level and 25 are on targeted intervention to improve skills. In first grade, eight students are at grade level with 28 on intervention. By sixth grade, just eight are on targeted intervention and 28 are reading at grade level.

"Interventions have almost become - I feel like we're going to the doctor's office and we're writing reading prescriptions," Rein said. "It's really pretty magical how we're getting them."

Riley Elementary has 18 English Language-endorsed teachers who work with students where English is not their primary language. Kelsey Scheuerman and Traci Miller work solely with EL students and, over the next two weeks, will be administering the Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment to 135 students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706278878381.jpeg" alt="Riley Elementary Principal Beth Rein presented to the USD 428 Board of Education during last Thursday's luncheon at the school." />
 <figcaption>Riley Elementary Principal Beth Rein presented to the USD 428 Board of Education during last Thursday's luncheon at the school.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe science of reading is not a buzzword at Riley Elementary School in Great Bend. It's a culture. At last Thursday's USD 428 Board of Education luncheon at the school, Principal Beth Rein outlined to the board how teachers are going above and beyond to get through to students. It's not a process where results are seen overnight."Our challenge is staying motivated when we have data showing that our kids are learning, yet we don't always meet those absolute targets the state sets, that MTSS sets with 80 percent," she said. "We don't always hit those day-in and day-out, but we do have really slow, small progress and all kids are learning."All classroom teachers at the school, and some supporting staff, participate in extra training like Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), a 2-year commitment the teachers are doing outside of their classroom time. Seven kindergartners at the school read at grade level and 25 are on targeted intervention to improve skills. In first grade, eight students are at grade level with 28 on intervention. By sixth grade, just eight are on targeted intervention and 28 are reading at grade level."Interventions have almost become - I feel like we're going to the doctor's office and we're writing reading prescriptions," Rein said. "It's really pretty magical how we're getting them."Riley Elementary has 18 English Language-endorsed teachers who work with students where English is not their primary language. Kelsey Scheuerman and Traci Miller work solely with EL students and, over the next two weeks, will be administering the Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment to 135 students.

Great Bend teachers working outside classroom to help students

The Bushton Proud Committee will host a Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Bushton Community Center from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. followed by cards and games through 11 p.m. The cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m.

The dinner will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, a dinner roll and dessert. Cost of the dinner will be $20 per person.

Tickets for the dinner must be purchased no later than Friday, Feb. 2, with full payment required at the time of purchase. Payment can be made by cash, check or Venmo.

Tickets for the event are available at the Bushton City Office in the Bushton Plaza or through any Bushton Proud Committee member (Amy Hurley, Missy Wimmer, Buddy and Rosemary Bisterfeldt, Jane Habiger, Karla Hurley, Nancy Swain, Ben Benavidez Jr., Linda Siemer, Stacey Jezek, Michaela Heitschmidt and Becky Wasson).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706126166431.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Bushton Proud Committee will host a Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Bushton Community Center from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. followed by cards and games through 11 p.m. The cocktail hour will begin at 5 p.m.The dinner will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, a dinner roll and dessert. Cost of the dinner will be $20 per person.Tickets for the dinner must be purchased no later than Friday, Feb. 2, with full payment required at the time of purchase. Payment can be made by cash, check or Venmo.Tickets for the event are available at the Bushton City Office in the Bushton Plaza or through any Bushton Proud Committee member (Amy Hurley, Missy Wimmer, Buddy and Rosemary Bisterfeldt, Jane Habiger, Karla Hurley, Nancy Swain, Ben Benavidez Jr., Linda Siemer, Stacey Jezek, Michaela Heitschmidt and Becky Wasson).

Bushton Proud Committee hosting Valentine's Dinner

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

While promoting health and wellness, bicyclists have a great chance to take
in the sites across Kansas with the 50th year of Biking Across
Kansas. Spread out through eight days (June 8-15), participants will make their way from the
Colorado border to the Missouri border, making overnight stays in towns
throughout the state. 

Biking Across Kansas Executive Director Bryan Toben said
this year’s event will include an overnight stay in Hoisington.


"We started with idea that we wanted to start where it all began," said Toben. "Tribune was the first host city in 1975. Then we just start working our way east, looking at what the state has planned and construction. We also look at where we want to end up, in terms of along the Missouri border."

The 2024 Biking Across Kansas route includes 489 miles, with the most miles
traveled in one day being 78. Bicyclists will arrive in Hoisington on June 10 and then make their way to Lincoln the following day.


"We look at communities that are reasonably distanced apart that we have a good relationship with," said Toben. "Once we have a route down, we reach out to each of those communities and ask if they have an interest. Sometimes, when we need to stay in the high school, maybe the high school is getting a new gym floor."

Last year’s event had just over 400 bicyclists, and Toben said there will be a
cap of 700 participants for this year’s ride. Registration for the ride is open
Jan. 29 at <a href="https://bak.org/registration.php">bak.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706283612161.jpeg" alt="2024 route for Biking Across Kansas" />
 <figcaption>2024 route for Biking Across Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhile promoting health and wellness, bicyclists have a great chance to take
in the sites across Kansas with the 50th year of Biking Across
Kansas. Spread out through eight days (June 8-15), participants will make their way from the
Colorado border to the Missouri border, making overnight stays in towns
throughout the state. Biking Across Kansas Executive Director Bryan Toben said
this year’s event will include an overnight stay in Hoisington.
"We started with idea that we wanted to start where it all began," said Toben. "Tribune was the first host city in 1975. Then we just start working our way east, looking at what the state has planned and construction. We also look at where we want to end up, in terms of along the Missouri border."The 2024 Biking Across Kansas route includes 489 miles, with the most miles
traveled in one day being 78. Bicyclists will arrive in Hoisington on June 10 and then make their way to Lincoln the following day.
"We look at communities that are reasonably distanced apart that we have a good relationship with," said Toben. "Once we have a route down, we reach out to each of those communities and ask if they have an interest. Sometimes, when we need to stay in the high school, maybe the high school is getting a new gym floor."Last year’s event had just over 400 bicyclists, and Toben said there will be a
cap of 700 participants for this year’s ride. Registration for the ride is open
Jan. 29 at <a href="https://bak.org/registration.php">bak.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

2024 Biking Across Kansas making overnight stay in Hoisington 

Barton Men 100 Pratt 72; Barton Women 80 Pratt 49

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

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

</div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647912774016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 100 Pratt 72; Barton Women 80 Pratt 49<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/rix0r4e2/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

From Great Bend Economic Development...

Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) is excited to announce a Community Meet and Greet event featuring CO.STARTERS, a renowned company dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. The event is scheduled for Feb. 8 at Dry Lake Brewing, located at 1405 Main Street. CO.STARTERS representatives will be in town for facilitator training.&nbsp;

CO.STARTERS is at the forefront of building vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems, empowering communities, and equipping starters of all kinds. Originating from grassroots efforts in Chattanooga, Tennessee, CO.STARTERS has evolved into a global entity, impacting thousands through its programs annually.

This event serves as a platform for anyone curious about the upcoming programs through CO.STARTERS. Entrepreneurs, starters, and the community at large can learn more about the resources available to accelerate culture and empower communities. GBED recognizes the importance of entrepreneurship in rural Kansas and is committed to cultivating a thriving environment through initiatives like CO.STARTERS, the IGNITE Rural Business competition, as well as business development services.

CO.STARTERS Impact on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems:

CO.STARTERS plays a pivotal role in community development by connecting leaders, problem solvers, and starters to collaboratively solve challenges and identify solutions. This collaboration exponentially increases their effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, CO.STARTERS connects communities with proven models and tools, curating the best resources from innovative leaders nationwide to address the specific needs of each community.

In their commitment to filling gaps in entrepreneurial ecosystems, CO.STARTERS develops its own programs and tools. A foundational offering is their cohort-based program, empowering entrepreneurs with insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action.

Community Meet and Greet Details:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;Feb. 8

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time:&nbsp;5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;– 7 p.m.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Location:&nbsp;Dry Lake Brewing, 1405 Main Street, Great Bend

The event will feature opportunities for networking, discussions on entrepreneurial growth, and a chance to learn more about CO.STARTERS and its impact globally.

GBED's Commitment to Entrepreneurship:

Great Bend Economic Development remains steadfast in its commitment to entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like the IGNITE Rural Business Competition and business development services, GBED aims to provide a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive. The IGNITE competition has been a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a platform to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures with the incentive of prize money, exposure for their business, and mentorship. GBED remains dedicated to empowering individuals to realize their business goals and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Barton County. The deadline to compete in the IGNITE Competition is June 13, 2024. It is important to note that IGNITE contestants receive extra credit for the 1st&nbsp;round of competition for participating in CO.STARTERS classes offered by GBED.

Join Us in Building a Thriving Entrepreneurial Community:

Great Bend Economic Development invites the community to join the Community Meet and Greet with CO.STARTERS on Feb. 8 at Dry Lake Brewing between 5 pm and 7 pm. This is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growth of entrepreneurship in rural Kansas.

For more information on CO.STARTERS, IGNITE, or other business development services, please contact GBED Staff at 620-796-2407 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@gbedinc.com">info@gbedinc.com</a>.&nbsp;

About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development): Our goal is to sustain Barton County's long-term economic health and vitality through the retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses and development that enhance property values, increase personal income, and positively contribute to the citizens' quality of life of Barton County.

For more information about GBED visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbedinc.com/" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com</a>, call 620-796-2407, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marketing@gbedinc.com">marketing@gbedinc.com</a>.

About CO.STARTERS the Company: CO.STARTERS helps individuals and communities thrive through entrepreneurship by equipping&nbsp;them with strategy, tools, and relationships.&nbsp;Building on initial grassroots efforts with&nbsp;small&nbsp;business starters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the CO.STARTERS network now has an&nbsp;international&nbsp;reach with thousands participating in its programs annually. Since 2008, CO.STARTERS has&nbsp;equipped more than 690 local leaders across 200+ communities, helping more than 12,000 starters&nbsp;move forward with their ventures.&nbsp;The hallmarks of the CO.STARTERS&nbsp;approach to entrepreneur&nbsp;support are investment in&nbsp;the&nbsp;individual,&nbsp;peer learning in a&nbsp;community context,&nbsp;and simple and&nbsp;relatable tools.&nbsp;From the beginning, CO.STARTERS has pioneered a community-based approach to&nbsp;economic development&nbsp;and has played a leading national role in&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;small business success&nbsp;and growing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706279026570.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend Economic Development...Great Bend Economic Development (GBED) is excited to announce a Community Meet and Greet event featuring CO.STARTERS, a renowned company dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. The event is scheduled for Feb. 8 at Dry Lake Brewing, located at 1405 Main Street. CO.STARTERS representatives will be in town for facilitator training.&nbsp;CO.STARTERS is at the forefront of building vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems, empowering communities, and equipping starters of all kinds. Originating from grassroots efforts in Chattanooga, Tennessee, CO.STARTERS has evolved into a global entity, impacting thousands through its programs annually.This event serves as a platform for anyone curious about the upcoming programs through CO.STARTERS. Entrepreneurs, starters, and the community at large can learn more about the resources available to accelerate culture and empower communities. GBED recognizes the importance of entrepreneurship in rural Kansas and is committed to cultivating a thriving environment through initiatives like CO.STARTERS, the IGNITE Rural Business competition, as well as business development services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706279057697.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CO.STARTERS Impact on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems:CO.STARTERS plays a pivotal role in community development by connecting leaders, problem solvers, and starters to collaboratively solve challenges and identify solutions. This collaboration exponentially increases their effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurship. Additionally, CO.STARTERS connects communities with proven models and tools, curating the best resources from innovative leaders nationwide to address the specific needs of each community.In their commitment to filling gaps in entrepreneurial ecosystems, CO.STARTERS develops its own programs and tools. A foundational offering is their cohort-based program, empowering entrepreneurs with insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action.Community Meet and Greet Details:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Date:&nbsp;Feb. 8·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time:&nbsp;5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;– 7 p.m.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Location:&nbsp;Dry Lake Brewing, 1405 Main Street, Great BendThe event will feature opportunities for networking, discussions on entrepreneurial growth, and a chance to learn more about CO.STARTERS and its impact globally.GBED's Commitment to Entrepreneurship:Great Bend Economic Development remains steadfast in its commitment to entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like the IGNITE Rural Business Competition and business development services, GBED aims to provide a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive. The IGNITE competition has been a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a platform to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures with the incentive of prize money, exposure for their business, and mentorship. GBED remains dedicated to empowering individuals to realize their business goals and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of Barton County. The deadline to compete in the IGNITE Competition is June 13, 2024. It is important to note that IGNITE contestants receive extra credit for the 1st&nbsp;round of competition for participating in CO.STARTERS classes offered by GBED.Join Us in Building a Thriving Entrepreneurial Community:Great Bend Economic Development invites the community to join the Community Meet and Greet with CO.STARTERS on Feb. 8 at Dry Lake Brewing between 5 pm and 7 pm. This is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growth of entrepreneurship in rural Kansas.For more information on CO.STARTERS, IGNITE, or other business development services, please contact GBED Staff at 620-796-2407 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@gbedinc.com">info@gbedinc.com</a>.&nbsp;About GBED (Great Bend Economic Development): Our goal is to sustain Barton County's long-term economic health and vitality through the retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses and development that enhance property values, increase personal income, and positively contribute to the citizens' quality of life of Barton County.For more information about GBED visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbedinc.com/" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com</a>, call 620-796-2407, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marketing@gbedinc.com">marketing@gbedinc.com</a>.About CO.STARTERS the Company: CO.STARTERS helps individuals and communities thrive through entrepreneurship by equipping&nbsp;them with strategy, tools, and relationships.&nbsp;Building on initial grassroots efforts with&nbsp;small&nbsp;business starters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the CO.STARTERS network now has an&nbsp;international&nbsp;reach with thousands participating in its programs annually. Since 2008, CO.STARTERS has&nbsp;equipped more than 690 local leaders across 200+ communities, helping more than 12,000 starters&nbsp;move forward with their ventures.&nbsp;The hallmarks of the CO.STARTERS&nbsp;approach to entrepreneur&nbsp;support are investment in&nbsp;the&nbsp;individual,&nbsp;peer learning in a&nbsp;community context,&nbsp;and simple and&nbsp;relatable tools.&nbsp;From the beginning, CO.STARTERS has pioneered a community-based approach to&nbsp;economic development&nbsp;and has played a leading national role in&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;small business success&nbsp;and growing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Meet & Greet in Great Bend to foster entrepreneurship

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee and Family Engagement Advocate Casey Rowland that aired Jan. 25, 2024.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and 20th Judicial District Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee and Family Engagement Advocate Casey Rowland that aired Jan. 25, 2024.<div><iframe title="County Edition: Juvenile Services staff of Barton County" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ezuxs-1561249-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Juvenile Services staff in Barton County

Irrigated Corn Production Program – Cottonwood District An Irrigated Corn Production program hosted by the Cottonwood Extension District will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments and concluding at 2:15 p.m. It will take place at American Ag Credit, 5634 10th Street in Great Bend.

Topics &amp; Speakers will be: Irrigation Tools – how to make more crop per drop by Jonathan Aguilar, K-State Water Extension specialist. Fertility Placement, Rates &amp; Efficacy by Lucas Haag, NW Area Extension Agronomist and rounding out the brief program is Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomologist discussing Corn Insect Resistance to GMO Traits – what to do? 

RSVP is requested for the meal count by Monday, February 5th. Email Theresa at tam3@ksu.edu call 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>Irrigated Corn Production Program – Cottonwood District An Irrigated Corn Production program hosted by the Cottonwood Extension District will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments and concluding at 2:15 p.m. It will take place at American Ag Credit, 5634 10th Street in Great Bend.Topics &amp; Speakers will be: Irrigation Tools – how to make more crop per drop by Jonathan Aguilar, K-State Water Extension specialist. Fertility Placement, Rates &amp; Efficacy by Lucas Haag, NW Area Extension Agronomist and rounding out the brief program is Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomologist discussing Corn Insect Resistance to GMO Traits – what to do? RSVP is requested for the meal count by Monday, February 5th. Email Theresa at tam3@ksu.edu call 785-628-9430

Irrigated corn production program to be hosted in Great Bend

The City of Hoisington is offering a credit on residents' utility bill if you provide assistance completing a lead service line inventory. Hoisington citizens should check the insert in their next city utility bill for more information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706284753502.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Hoisington is offering a credit on residents' utility bill if you provide assistance completing a lead service line inventory. Hoisington citizens should check the insert in their next city utility bill for more information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington offering utility credit to citizens that complete survey

The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Pratt on Saturday, Jan. 27.

You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM or online by clicking HERE.

The women's game in Great Bend begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's 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 Pratt on Saturday, Jan. 27.You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM or online by clicking HERE.The women's game in Great Bend begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's at 7:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 vs. Pratt

Smoky Hills PBS proudly presents,&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a live call-in program that bridges the gap between legislators and the community, providing a platform for insightful discussion. The NEW season will kick off Friday, February 2 at 7 PM.&nbsp; Streaming will also be available on our YouTube channel:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;airs during the legislative session, which gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; For each show, legislators representing the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area take center stage, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of our community are heard and addressed.

“During&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;we invite viewers to join the conversation,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great opportunity for our viewers to be an active part of the conversation by calling in with their legislative questions.”

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

FEB 2 –&nbsp;Sen. Rick Billinger (Goodland), Rep. Ken Rahjes (Agra), Rep. Troy Waymaster (Bunker Hill)

Feb 9 –&nbsp;Rep. William Clifford (Garden City) and Rep. Adam Smith (Weskan)

FEB 16 –&nbsp;Rep. Barb Wasinger (Hays) and others TBA

To find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2024 season schedule.&nbsp;

The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578663876107.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBS proudly presents,&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, a live call-in program that bridges the gap between legislators and the community, providing a platform for insightful discussion. The NEW season will kick off Friday, February 2 at 7 PM.&nbsp; Streaming will also be available on our YouTube channel:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;airs during the legislative session, which gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; For each show, legislators representing the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area take center stage, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of our community are heard and addressed.“During&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;we invite viewers to join the conversation,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great opportunity for our viewers to be an active part of the conversation by calling in with their legislative questions.”Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2024 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.Coming up in February:FEB 2 –&nbsp;Sen. Rick Billinger (Goodland), Rep. Ken Rahjes (Agra), Rep. Troy Waymaster (Bunker Hill)Feb 9 –&nbsp;Rep. William Clifford (Garden City) and Rep. Adam Smith (Weskan)FEB 16 –&nbsp;Rep. Barb Wasinger (Hays) and others TBATo find a list of legislators that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2024 season schedule.&nbsp;The 2024 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

New season of 'The Kansas Legislature' on Smoky Hills PBS

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3176c70c-e257-4143-9556-8fafebc3c0e0">Winter weather costs Barton Co. more than $50K on road maintenance</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9df1abe1-b5fa-490d-b1b5-9293026b5139">Few days away from naming next president at Barton CC</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5c3aa6a3-7c0d-4928-85c2-9e78cd6ec00c">Parade added to this year's June Jaunt in Great Bend</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704796544598.jpeg" alt="January snow storms cost the Barton County Road and Bridge Department $50,200 in labor, equipment and materials." />
 <figcaption>January snow storms cost the Barton County Road and Bridge Department $50,200 in labor, equipment and materials.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/qmkigdxp/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3176c70c-e257-4143-9556-8fafebc3c0e0">Winter weather costs Barton Co. more than $50K on road maintenance</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9df1abe1-b5fa-490d-b1b5-9293026b5139">Few days away from naming next president at Barton CC</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5c3aa6a3-7c0d-4928-85c2-9e78cd6ec00c">Parade added to this year's June Jaunt in Great Bend</a>

Eagle Radio's news week in review

So far, so good on the Courthouse HVAC Renovation Project in Barton County. Commissioners and administration toured the building last Tuesday to check progress on the project originally projected at $4.2 million. County Administrator Matt Patzner said one large concern before the project was leaking pipes. That should not be an issue down the road.

"The way they installed it," he said, "if there's an issue in a certain office or a certain part of the pipe, there's a valve we can shut off and we can just deal with that pipe instead of having to shut off the water for the entire building, which is going to be a huge help to not interrupt operations if there's ever a repair that needs to be made in the future."

The elevator has been modernized so it should now be dependable daily, but when the courthouse reopens later this year, elevator use will decrease substantially with the treasurer's office being moved to the first floor.

"We all kind of knew this, but seeing it firsthand in the Penney's building, 90 percent of traffic is going to the treasurer's office," Patzner said. "I think if we could start over with the courthouse and lay everything out from ground zero, the treasurer's office would have definitely been on the first floor. That's going to make it more convenient for tax payers, and it's also going to create less wear and tear on the elevator and put us in a better position to access the public and meet their needs."

A new fire alarm system has been installed, and new flooring and paint are other components of the renovation. Commissioners noticed a byproduct of the new paint during Tuesday's tour.

"We really haven't done anything to the marble itself," said Patzner. "The paint color we picked, it seems to make the accents in the marble that's already there pop out a little bit more."

After 17 months of planning, the Barton County Commission approved the $4.2 million project in February 2023. The backbone of the project is the replacement of the 2-pipe heating and cooling system with modern technology, replacing lighting and updating other electrical components, and adding the new flooring and paint while the building is empty. The county is using $2.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for part of the project. 

County and court staff moved to three locations in downtown Great Bend during the renovation, with the courthouse completely emptied by July 12, 2023. Patzner said everything is still on schedule and the substantial completion date for the project is May 17. Everything is expected to be back in the courthouse by June 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706119634062.jpeg" alt="Barton County Commissioners noticed how a new paint scheme brings out the color of the courthouse's marble during a walkthrough of the HVAC Renovation Project on Tuesday. (all photos by Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson)" />
 <figcaption>Barton County Commissioners noticed how a new paint scheme brings out the color of the courthouse's marble during a walkthrough of the HVAC Renovation Project on Tuesday. (all photos by Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSo far, so good on the Courthouse HVAC Renovation Project in Barton County. Commissioners and administration toured the building last Tuesday to check progress on the project originally projected at $4.2 million. County Administrator Matt Patzner said one large concern before the project was leaking pipes. That should not be an issue down the road."The way they installed it," he said, "if there's an issue in a certain office or a certain part of the pipe, there's a valve we can shut off and we can just deal with that pipe instead of having to shut off the water for the entire building, which is going to be a huge help to not interrupt operations if there's ever a repair that needs to be made in the future."The elevator has been modernized so it should now be dependable daily, but when the courthouse reopens later this year, elevator use will decrease substantially with the treasurer's office being moved to the first floor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706119744726.jpeg" alt="The new pipes installed at the courthouse come equipped with shutoff valves to contain any problems in the future to specific areas of the building." />
 <figcaption>The new pipes installed at the courthouse come equipped with shutoff valves to contain any problems in the future to specific areas of the building.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We all kind of knew this, but seeing it firsthand in the Penney's building, 90 percent of traffic is going to the treasurer's office," Patzner said. "I think if we could start over with the courthouse and lay everything out from ground zero, the treasurer's office would have definitely been on the first floor. That's going to make it more convenient for tax payers, and it's also going to create less wear and tear on the elevator and put us in a better position to access the public and meet their needs."A new fire alarm system has been installed, and new flooring and paint are other components of the renovation. Commissioners noticed a byproduct of the new paint during Tuesday's tour."We really haven't done anything to the marble itself," said Patzner. "The paint color we picked, it seems to make the accents in the marble that's already there pop out a little bit more."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706119816600.jpeg" alt="Parts of the flooring in the commission room collapsed once the flooring was removed. The issues have been corrected and trenches were created for electric cables." />
 <figcaption>Parts of the flooring in the commission room collapsed once the flooring was removed. The issues have been corrected and trenches were created for electric cables.</figcaption>
 </figure>After 17 months of planning, the Barton County Commission approved the $4.2 million project in February 2023. The backbone of the project is the replacement of the 2-pipe heating and cooling system with modern technology, replacing lighting and updating other electrical components, and adding the new flooring and paint while the building is empty. The county is using $2.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for part of the project. County and court staff moved to three locations in downtown Great Bend during the renovation, with the courthouse completely emptied by July 12, 2023. Patzner said everything is still on schedule and the substantial completion date for the project is May 17. Everything is expected to be back in the courthouse by June 1.

Barton Co. Courthouse to be safer, more user-friendly when it reopens

High school seniors and current Kansas college students have until Friday, March 15, 2024, to apply for one of two $1,000 scholarships from Kansas Wheat honoring industry leaders Herb Clutter and David Radenberg. The scholarships — each worth $1,000 — continue a proud tradition of supporting the future of the Kansas wheat industry.&nbsp;

“Inspired by the enduring legacies of Herb Clutter and David Radenberg, Kansas Wheat is proud to help empower the next generation of the Kansas wheat industry,” said Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat. “Through these scholarships, we honor the passion of these industry leaders and help to provide opportunities for future leaders in agriculture.”

Administered by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG), the Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship will award one $1,000 scholarship per year to a college or university-bound incoming freshman from Kansas pursuing a career in the field of agriculture. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must plan to be a full-time student at any two or four-year Kansas college or university.&nbsp;

Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership qualities and career objectives focused around the field of agriculture. The scholarship will be toward tuition for the student’s college or university education. The scholarship is non-renewable.

The Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 to honor Herb Clutter’s influential role in organizing leadership groups on behalf of Kansas wheat producers, and is supported by the generosity of the Herb Clutter family. Herbert W. Clutter was a farmer from Holcomb and the first president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, which was established in 1948. Clutter encouraged Kansas wheat farmers to organize as a strong, unified voice, which led to the formation of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers in 1952. He encouraged research in education and industrial uses of wheat, improved variety development and methods to produce the best product at the lowest cost. Clutter’s efforts led to the formation of the Kansas Wheat Commission by the Kansas legislature in 1957.

Apply for the Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship by completing the scholarship application at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUKxunF0WAtvtCjHoiXV_sYrvRoG2CVDBtDhrNoYDP-wHkA0NTd8KD1Q_PXaHwHLDLaABV0Xx6ewbp0wGDrF5O6IMCVDaw5TEBw==&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/clutter</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUKxunF0WAtvtCjHoiXV_sYrvRoG2CVDBtDhrNoYDP-wHkA0NTd8KD1Q_PXaHwHLDLaABV0Xx6ewbp0wGDrF5O6IMCVDaw5TEBw==&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">.</a>&nbsp;The application includes a 400-500 word essay discussing why the applicant has chosen to pursue a career in agriculture. The selection committee will use this essay, along with the student’s application, in determining the scholarship winner.&nbsp;

The David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship will award one $1,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student from Kansas who is pursuing a career in the field of agriculture. Preference will be given to students pursuing a career related to the improvement of wheat, including but not limited to wheat genetics, wheat agronomics, wheat breeding, plant pathology, Extension and bioinformatics.&nbsp;

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at any two- or four-year college or university in Kansas. Incoming freshmen or transfers are not eligible.&nbsp;

David Radenberg was a lifelong wheat farmer in Claflin, Kansas, where his family has farmed for more than 100 years. He represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation.

During his tenure as a commissioner, he supported wheat research and international marketing efforts, including attending the 31st annual Latin American Millers Conference in Lima, Peru, in 2013. At the time, he expressed how he enjoyed sharing with millers, bakers and merchandisers about the research investments Kansas farmers are making to provide a better-quality product.&nbsp;

In 2013, Radenberg also visited multiple Pacific Rim countries to promote U.S. wheat. The contrast between third-world poverty he saw in thriving modern cities left an impression on him and reinforced his support of wheat research to help feed a hungry world.

Apply for the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship by completing the scholarship application at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUArs9FNsd6055wS6Xdlvy1Eplx1O3V4qkuUX3prWBo3YsVWxlPznwdMMhvgduphRiitKEDFiasS1fnBgjyKfpS15peyTLAoAvw==&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/radenberg</a>. The application includes a 400-500 word essay discussing why the applicant has chosen to pursue a career in agriculture. The selection committee will use this essay, along with the student’s application and a statement of financial need, in determining the scholarship winner.

For both scholarships, the application and associated documents must be submitted to Kansas Wheat at 1990 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, by Friday, March 15, 2024. Learn more or download the scholarship applications at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUArs9FNsd605DNba4R4QhVTER-HXt3CRQgcYm2yAfQFVzNXb_h1czUNzK5QfciE_jx42iEqzvExCl3EDlOQtuyooF-y2ByvMgE44r_kmsm2XOEb_4bUYc0o=&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/growers/outreach/</a>. More information is also available by contacting 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kawg@kswheat.com">kawg@kswheat.com</a>.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706278589559.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>High school seniors and current Kansas college students have until Friday, March 15, 2024, to apply for one of two $1,000 scholarships from Kansas Wheat honoring industry leaders Herb Clutter and David Radenberg. The scholarships — each worth $1,000 — continue a proud tradition of supporting the future of the Kansas wheat industry.&nbsp;“Inspired by the enduring legacies of Herb Clutter and David Radenberg, Kansas Wheat is proud to help empower the next generation of the Kansas wheat industry,” said Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat. “Through these scholarships, we honor the passion of these industry leaders and help to provide opportunities for future leaders in agriculture.”<h2>Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship</h2>Administered by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG), the Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship will award one $1,000 scholarship per year to a college or university-bound incoming freshman from Kansas pursuing a career in the field of agriculture. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must plan to be a full-time student at any two or four-year Kansas college or university.&nbsp;Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership qualities and career objectives focused around the field of agriculture. The scholarship will be toward tuition for the student’s college or university education. The scholarship is non-renewable.The Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 to honor Herb Clutter’s influential role in organizing leadership groups on behalf of Kansas wheat producers, and is supported by the generosity of the Herb Clutter family. Herbert W. Clutter was a farmer from Holcomb and the first president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, which was established in 1948. Clutter encouraged Kansas wheat farmers to organize as a strong, unified voice, which led to the formation of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers in 1952. He encouraged research in education and industrial uses of wheat, improved variety development and methods to produce the best product at the lowest cost. Clutter’s efforts led to the formation of the Kansas Wheat Commission by the Kansas legislature in 1957.Apply for the Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship by completing the scholarship application at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUKxunF0WAtvtCjHoiXV_sYrvRoG2CVDBtDhrNoYDP-wHkA0NTd8KD1Q_PXaHwHLDLaABV0Xx6ewbp0wGDrF5O6IMCVDaw5TEBw==&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/clutter</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUKxunF0WAtvtCjHoiXV_sYrvRoG2CVDBtDhrNoYDP-wHkA0NTd8KD1Q_PXaHwHLDLaABV0Xx6ewbp0wGDrF5O6IMCVDaw5TEBw==&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">.</a>&nbsp;The application includes a 400-500 word essay discussing why the applicant has chosen to pursue a career in agriculture. The selection committee will use this essay, along with the student’s application, in determining the scholarship winner.&nbsp;<h2>David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship</h2>The David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship will award one $1,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student from Kansas who is pursuing a career in the field of agriculture. Preference will be given to students pursuing a career related to the improvement of wheat, including but not limited to wheat genetics, wheat agronomics, wheat breeding, plant pathology, Extension and bioinformatics.&nbsp;To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at any two- or four-year college or university in Kansas. Incoming freshmen or transfers are not eligible.&nbsp;David Radenberg was a lifelong wheat farmer in Claflin, Kansas, where his family has farmed for more than 100 years. He represented central Kansas on the Kansas Wheat Commission from April 2011 to March 2020, including serving as chairman from August 2018 to May 2019. Radenberg was also a founding board member of the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation.During his tenure as a commissioner, he supported wheat research and international marketing efforts, including attending the 31st annual Latin American Millers Conference in Lima, Peru, in 2013. At the time, he expressed how he enjoyed sharing with millers, bakers and merchandisers about the research investments Kansas farmers are making to provide a better-quality product.&nbsp;In 2013, Radenberg also visited multiple Pacific Rim countries to promote U.S. wheat. The contrast between third-world poverty he saw in thriving modern cities left an impression on him and reinforced his support of wheat research to help feed a hungry world.Apply for the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship by completing the scholarship application at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUArs9FNsd6055wS6Xdlvy1Eplx1O3V4qkuUX3prWBo3YsVWxlPznwdMMhvgduphRiitKEDFiasS1fnBgjyKfpS15peyTLAoAvw==&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/radenberg</a>. The application includes a 400-500 word essay discussing why the applicant has chosen to pursue a career in agriculture. The selection committee will use this essay, along with the student’s application and a statement of financial need, in determining the scholarship winner.For both scholarships, the application and associated documents must be submitted to Kansas Wheat at 1990 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, by Friday, March 15, 2024. Learn more or download the scholarship applications at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L5o7XaHeHIr6pEdfj3nmFZEXL3EuWSHUIaGOTiE797rkNhxbbhxaUArs9FNsd605DNba4R4QhVTER-HXt3CRQgcYm2yAfQFVzNXb_h1czUNzK5QfciE_jx42iEqzvExCl3EDlOQtuyooF-y2ByvMgE44r_kmsm2XOEb_4bUYc0o=&amp;c=IA2qxISTrKxin2oBYLu-kUY4mowBxZfJ-sSsZzGSjnO7pAaKl8Q1OQ==&amp;ch=9K0WRcHy8qMK2-3lEQ_92IvEOHQJE51xQXhZij5zj17CSqSwQsghyQ==" target="_blank">https://kswheat.com/growers/outreach/</a>. More information is also available by contacting 785-539-0255 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kawg@kswheat.com">kawg@kswheat.com</a>.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Applications open for Kansas Wheat scholarships

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rKCM-ZYibfo?si=3Yp0xymsJ9uhNLiV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

Story by Joe Vinduska Photo by Courtney Liebl

Barton Community College’s Dance Department invites all dance students aged 12-19 to be a college dance student for a day at the third annual “Barton Cougar Dance Day” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 2 in Studio 34 on the Barton Campus.

Participants will take short dance classes, attend dance information seminars, rehearse with Barton’s dance company, observe a dance team practice, and more.

Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek said this unique college visit is a fun and collaborative experience for teens of all ages who enjoy dancing.

“Our Dance Day is an event I really look forward to,” she said. “It’s such a great, positive experience to get the dance community together and share what dancing in college is really like. Dance studio instructors are also welcome to join us as well. We are inviting all dancers to spend the day with us in our excellent dance studio to engage in doing something they enjoy. You just can’t beat that. If you ever wondered what dancing in college is like, then sign up.” To sign up for Barton Cougar Dance Day, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/bEreC49w2r" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">registration form</a>.

For more information, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.ed">bielekd@bartonccc.ed</a>u or (620) 792-9253.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706040091307.jpeg" alt="Dancers interact during a choreography session during last year’s Barton Cougar Dance Day." />
 <figcaption>Dancers interact during a choreography session during last year’s Barton Cougar Dance Day.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe Vinduska Photo by Courtney LieblBarton Community College’s Dance Department invites all dance students aged 12-19 to be a college dance student for a day at the third annual “Barton Cougar Dance Day” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 2 in Studio 34 on the Barton Campus.Participants will take short dance classes, attend dance information seminars, rehearse with Barton’s dance company, observe a dance team practice, and more.Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek said this unique college visit is a fun and collaborative experience for teens of all ages who enjoy dancing.“Our Dance Day is an event I really look forward to,” she said. “It’s such a great, positive experience to get the dance community together and share what dancing in college is really like. Dance studio instructors are also welcome to join us as well. We are inviting all dancers to spend the day with us in our excellent dance studio to engage in doing something they enjoy. You just can’t beat that. If you ever wondered what dancing in college is like, then sign up.” To sign up for Barton Cougar Dance Day, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/bEreC49w2r" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">registration form</a>.For more information, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.ed">bielekd@bartonccc.ed</a>u or (620) 792-9253.

Barton Dance Dept. to host 'Barton Cougar Dance Day'

Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that 21 projects across that state will receive nearly $1.4 million in state assistance, along with $3.4 million in private local matching funds, for another round of the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program. The city of Stafford and Pawnee County Economic Development will each receive $100,000. Stafford County Economic Development will receive $50,000, which Director Ryan Russell said will go toward the renovation of Gray Photography Studio in St. John.

"The building right now is pretty much gutted inside," he said. "They had a previous grant that covered fixing the foundation and the outside of the building. This grant will be for doing all the inside of the building."

HEAL grants require a matching grant. Russell said he collected bids for the renovation, and SJN Bank of Kansas in St. John provided the matching loan of $50,000.

"They're really supportive of everything in our community," Russell said. "Chad Fisher, who is the president, he's really community-minded and supports pretty much everything we do. They're also giving us a million dollars for our housing project."

The housing project loan will supplement Kansas Housing Resources Company funding the state provided to build nine homes in the county, and Russell said that project would not have been possible without the bank's assistance. Gray Studio will pay back the loan for the HEAL grant with proceeds from events, classes, and rental fees.

"There will be an apartment in the studio," said Russell. "They're going to be using it both for short-term Airbnbs, and they will have resident artists that will be using it as well when they pop in to do classes. They'll be getting revenue from that, and they'll be having classes and charge for that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626984737496.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that 21 projects across that state will receive nearly $1.4 million in state assistance, along with $3.4 million in private local matching funds, for another round of the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program. The city of Stafford and Pawnee County Economic Development will each receive $100,000. Stafford County Economic Development will receive $50,000, which Director Ryan Russell said will go toward the renovation of Gray Photography Studio in St. John."The building right now is pretty much gutted inside," he said. "They had a previous grant that covered fixing the foundation and the outside of the building. This grant will be for doing all the inside of the building."HEAL grants require a matching grant. Russell said he collected bids for the renovation, and SJN Bank of Kansas in St. John provided the matching loan of $50,000."They're really supportive of everything in our community," Russell said. "Chad Fisher, who is the president, he's really community-minded and supports pretty much everything we do. They're also giving us a million dollars for our housing project."The housing project loan will supplement Kansas Housing Resources Company funding the state provided to build nine homes in the county, and Russell said that project would not have been possible without the bank's assistance. Gray Studio will pay back the loan for the HEAL grant with proceeds from events, classes, and rental fees."There will be an apartment in the studio," said Russell. "They're going to be using it both for short-term Airbnbs, and they will have resident artists that will be using it as well when they pop in to do classes. They'll be getting revenue from that, and they'll be having classes and charge for that."

Stafford County Eco Devo using HEAL grant to renovate Gray Studio

Beef industry stakeholders from across the state participated in the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Leadership Conference January 22-23 in Topeka. The two-day educational seminar exposed attendees to services provided by KLA, advocacy training and the legislative process.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While at the Capitol, the group attended a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting and heard from KLA lobbyists on how they protect member interests during the legislative process. During the committee meeting, participants were able to witness KLA lobbyists introduce a bill for consideration, providing insight to how issues travel from members to policymakers in the state’s capital. Conference attendees also had a chance to meet with their respective legislators to discuss important beef and dairy industry issues.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As part of the conference, members took part in an interactive advocacy training session led by KLA staff and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Greg Akagi. Participants were given an overview of the importance of being an industry advocate and the various media outlets available to help them reach consumers who want to know more about how and where their food is produced.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition, the Kansas Beef Council provided information on how checkoff dollars are used to promote beef, support important industry research and educate consumers about the benefits of including beef in a healthy diet.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This year’s class brings the total number of graduates of the leadership training program to 728 since it was initiated in 1981. Sponsors of the biennial event included the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Pinion and the Kansas Livestock Foundation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KLA is a trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its more than 5,700 members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706215224247.jpeg" alt="Pictured are (back row, L to R) Luke Schneider, St. John; Luke Higgason, Great Bend; Dusty Albright, Anthony; Brian Bartels, Cottonwood Falls; Dennis Roddy, Alta Vista; Patrick Anthony, Garden City; Clayton Cross, Lewis; Trevor Johnson, Manhattan; (front row, L to R) Wyatt Schroeder, Brookville; Brian Harris, Abilene; Kaitlyn Skaggs, Perry; Rita Council, Great Bend; Anna Ideus, Manhattan; Philip Weltmer, KLA president, Smith Center; and Chad Banks, Medicine Lodge." />
 <figcaption>Pictured are (back row, L to R) Luke Schneider, St. John; Luke Higgason, Great Bend; Dusty Albright, Anthony; Brian Bartels, Cottonwood Falls; Dennis Roddy, Alta Vista; Patrick Anthony, Garden City; Clayton Cross, Lewis; Trevor Johnson, Manhattan; (front row, L to R) Wyatt Schroeder, Brookville; Brian Harris, Abilene; Kaitlyn Skaggs, Perry; Rita Council, Great Bend; Anna Ideus, Manhattan; Philip Weltmer, KLA president, Smith Center; and Chad Banks, Medicine Lodge.</figcaption>
 </figure>Beef industry stakeholders from across the state participated in the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Leadership Conference January 22-23 in Topeka. The two-day educational seminar exposed attendees to services provided by KLA, advocacy training and the legislative process.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While at the Capitol, the group attended a Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee meeting and heard from KLA lobbyists on how they protect member interests during the legislative process. During the committee meeting, participants were able to witness KLA lobbyists introduce a bill for consideration, providing insight to how issues travel from members to policymakers in the state’s capital. Conference attendees also had a chance to meet with their respective legislators to discuss important beef and dairy industry issues.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As part of the conference, members took part in an interactive advocacy training session led by KLA staff and WIBW-Topeka farm broadcaster Greg Akagi. Participants were given an overview of the importance of being an industry advocate and the various media outlets available to help them reach consumers who want to know more about how and where their food is produced.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In addition, the Kansas Beef Council provided information on how checkoff dollars are used to promote beef, support important industry research and educate consumers about the benefits of including beef in a healthy diet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This year’s class brings the total number of graduates of the leadership training program to 728 since it was initiated in 1981. Sponsors of the biennial event included the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Pinion and the Kansas Livestock Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KLA is a trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its more than 5,700 members.

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