By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Technology costs money but it can also save money. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Health Department Director Karen Winkelman asked the board for the annual renewal of the electronic medical records program Nightingale Notes. 

"We implemented it in December 2017 and, as of Friday, we had 30,928 clients in it," Winkelman said. "We have greatly enjoyed having that. It allows us also, with an EMR, not to have paper charts and to buy all those supplies for paper charts and the staff time to put those together."

Staff also uses the software for documentation, billing, scanning in documents, and sending out vaccine and appointment reminders. Winkelman said data from the software can be compiled for grant applications.

Fewer than 20 counties in Kansas use Nightingale Notes, but Winkelman said that is enough to get support when questions arise. The commission approved the renewal, good through Feb. 28, 2025, for $31,218.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642101488564.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTechnology costs money but it can also save money. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Health Department Director Karen Winkelman asked the board for the annual renewal of the electronic medical records program Nightingale Notes. "We implemented it in December 2017 and, as of Friday, we had 30,928 clients in it," Winkelman said. "We have greatly enjoyed having that. It allows us also, with an EMR, not to have paper charts and to buy all those supplies for paper charts and the staff time to put those together."Staff also uses the software for documentation, billing, scanning in documents, and sending out vaccine and appointment reminders. Winkelman said data from the software can be compiled for grant applications.Fewer than 20 counties in Kansas use Nightingale Notes, but Winkelman said that is enough to get support when questions arise. The commission approved the renewal, good through Feb. 28, 2025, for $31,218.

Barton Co. Health Department renews contract for Nightingale Notes

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/17)

At 4:35 p.m. an unconscious/fainting case was reported at
295 W. Floyd Avenue in Galatia.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/17)

At 7:48 a.m. heart problems were reported at 1220 ½ Jefferson
Street.

At 10:06 a.m. Medicalodges, 1401 Cherry Ln, requested
assistance with an upset resident.

At 11:49 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1515
Williams.

At 3:34 p.m. criminal use of a financial card on grandson
was reported at 3320 16th Street.

At 5:10 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 1603 Morton.

At 6:01 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2400
Shawnee Dr.

At 8:23 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 24th
&amp; Jefferson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/17)Unconscious / FaintingAt 4:35 p.m. an unconscious/fainting case was reported at
295 W. Floyd Avenue in Galatia.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/17)Heart ProblemsAt 7:48 a.m. heart problems were reported at 1220 ½ Jefferson
Street.Sick PersonAt 10:06 a.m. Medicalodges, 1401 Cherry Ln, requested
assistance with an upset resident.Heart ProblemsAt 11:49 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1515
Williams.TheftAt 3:34 p.m. criminal use of a financial card on grandson
was reported at 3320 16th Street.Animal ComplaintAt 5:10 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 1603 Morton.Parking Complaint At 6:01 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2400
Shawnee Dr.Traumatic InjuriesAt 8:23 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 24th
&amp; Jefferson.

Cop Shop (1/17)

1/17 BOOKED: Andres Briseno-Cerrillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Joshua Bell on hold for Ellsworth County, no bond set.

BOOKED: Jordan Branscum on Barton County District Court case for Abuse of a Child, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Johnathan Jensen on Sedgwick County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $50,000 C/S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1/17 BOOKED: Andres Briseno-Cerrillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Joshua Bell on hold for Ellsworth County, no bond set.BOOKED: Jordan Branscum on Barton County District Court case for Abuse of a Child, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: Johnathan Jensen on Sedgwick County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $50,000 C/S.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/17)

The first time was a success. Special Olympics Kansas held its West Region Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Great Bend for the first time last year. West Region Director Brent Kaiser said the event returns to Great Bend on Saturday, Feb. 24. Volunteers made a huge impact last time and are again needed this year.

"Great Bend was great," Kaiser said. "They came and helped us tremendously. We had great volunteers. The people that come out, we typically see a lot of smiles, a lot of fun. They seem to really enjoy their day. A lot of times, when people come out and volunteer, they say, 'We'll be back next year.'"

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Panther Athletic Center. A special opening ceremony will follow, then the action kicks off with a basketball skills competition. At the same time, volunteers will be needed to judge a cheerleading competition. Kaiser expects more Special Olympics participants this year.

"Last year, I believe we had 200 Special Olympics athletes and coaches who participated in the event," he said. "This year, we're expecting a handful more than that, probably closer to 225-250 as we continue to grow and get people back from COVID."

Basketball teams will play two games and be seeded for the tournament based on those games. Volunteers are needed to run the scoreboard from 2-6 p.m. or earlier depending on the number of teams participating.

Volunteers are still needed for virtually all activities, from check-in to first aid, individual skills, officiating, photography, and scorekeeping. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt. Anyone 12 years of age or older can volunteer, but those aged 12-15 must have adult supervision. All equipment is provided by Special Olympics Kansas.

<a href="https://www.givepulse.com/event/415282-2024-West-Region-Basketball-and-Cheerleading?fbclid=IwAR3E__ej88WyhmLJzQ5dqoNwXMGxgApyusGaZBkMtwzF1Xzsb3kGkoM9hp8">CLICK HERE</a> to view a list of available volunteer spots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703709250678.jpeg" alt="The Special Olympics Kansas West Region Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament returns to Great Bend on Feb. 24. (photo by Molly Kaiser)" />
 <figcaption>The Special Olympics Kansas West Region Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament returns to Great Bend on Feb. 24. (photo by Molly Kaiser)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe first time was a success. Special Olympics Kansas held its West Region Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in Great Bend for the first time last year. West Region Director Brent Kaiser said the event returns to Great Bend on Saturday, Feb. 24. Volunteers made a huge impact last time and are again needed this year."Great Bend was great," Kaiser said. "They came and helped us tremendously. We had great volunteers. The people that come out, we typically see a lot of smiles, a lot of fun. They seem to really enjoy their day. A lot of times, when people come out and volunteer, they say, 'We'll be back next year.'"Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Panther Athletic Center. A special opening ceremony will follow, then the action kicks off with a basketball skills competition. At the same time, volunteers will be needed to judge a cheerleading competition. Kaiser expects more Special Olympics participants this year."Last year, I believe we had 200 Special Olympics athletes and coaches who participated in the event," he said. "This year, we're expecting a handful more than that, probably closer to 225-250 as we continue to grow and get people back from COVID."Basketball teams will play two games and be seeded for the tournament based on those games. Volunteers are needed to run the scoreboard from 2-6 p.m. or earlier depending on the number of teams participating.Volunteers are still needed for virtually all activities, from check-in to first aid, individual skills, officiating, photography, and scorekeeping. All volunteers will receive a t-shirt. Anyone 12 years of age or older can volunteer, but those aged 12-15 must have adult supervision. All equipment is provided by Special Olympics Kansas.<a href="https://www.givepulse.com/event/415282-2024-West-Region-Basketball-and-Cheerleading?fbclid=IwAR3E__ej88WyhmLJzQ5dqoNwXMGxgApyusGaZBkMtwzF1Xzsb3kGkoM9hp8">CLICK HERE</a> to view a list of available volunteer spots.

Volunteers needed for return of Special Olympics tourney to Great Bend

Today A chance of flurries after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Blustery, with a northwest wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph.

Tonight A chance of flurries before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -14. Blustery, with a north-northwest wind 23 to 28 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 38 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -14. North-northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -13. North wind around 7 mph becoming east after midnight.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 18. Southeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Breezy.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Breezy.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.

Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 31.

Wednesday A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A chance of flurries after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Blustery, with a northwest wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph.Tonight A chance of flurries before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -14. Blustery, with a north-northwest wind 23 to 28 mph decreasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 38 mph.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -14. North-northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -13. North wind around 7 mph becoming east after midnight.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 18. Southeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Breezy.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Breezy.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 31.Wednesday A 30 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

A recent Gallup survey showed a record-high 43 percent of Americans see themselves as politically independent. And a record-low identified as Democrat, 27%, matching Republican identification at 27 percent. Kansans are also declaring independence. The numbers registering as Unaffiliated and Libertarian are increasing and together now account for 30% of registered voters – four percent higher than registered Democrats. These numbers may help explain why Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein have already launched their independent White House bids. And why the well-funded centrist organization No Labels is seriously weighing its options.

Is 2024 ripe for a third-party? Absolutely, and here’s why.

Four years ago, Joe Biden’s electoral college triumph was decided by three states, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin, where his margins of victory were less than .05 percent. In 2016, it was Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – where margins were less than 1%, that pushed Donald Trump over the top.

Across the last nine presidential elections the national vote margin between the two parties has not exceeded 9 percent.

With such razor thin margins separating the two parties, a third-party stands a good chance of attracting enough votes in one state or another to tip the balance.

For example, the 2000 presidential contest came down to Florida. Democrat Al Gore lost by a mere 537 votes. The extraordinarily small margin raised questions about Green party candidate Ralph Nader’s 97,488 Florida votes.

In Nader’s absence, would Gore have won?

In 1992, Reform party candidate Ross Perot achieved 19% of the popular vote nationwide, though he did not win a single state. But in Maine Perot defeated incumbent George Bush 30.4% to 30.3%. And in Utah Perot outpaced Democrat Bill Clinton 27.3% to 24.6%. In Kansas, Perot secured an impressive 27%. This placed Kansas 5th among states for the independent vote. Meanwhile Bush managed just 38.8%, the lowest Kansas vote share for a Republican candidate since 1912. That year former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate and split the Republican vote. Bush did win Kansas, but by only 5%, a difference typically used to identify swing states.

Second, voters are deeply frustrated with the two parties and the candidates. Surveys show a record number of Americans hold unfavorable views of Democrats and Republicans. Nearly nine-in-ten agree that Democrats and Republicans spend more time fighting each other than solving the nation’s problems. And a growing number of people identify partisan polarization as the main problem with the political system. This year’s likely nominees are also historically unpopular and voters are clearly dissatisfied about the prospects of a Biden-Trump rematch. More troubling, a mere 28% of Americans are satisfied with the way democracy works, which is down from the historical low of 35% recorded shortly after the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol.

All of this points to a political environment well-suited for third-party success. Not to win, but to influence the campaign and play spoiler.

The million dollar question is whether a strong third-party candidate would hurt Democrats or Republicans more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="written by:&nbsp;By Dr. Mark Joslyn, Professor of Political Science, University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>written by:&nbsp;By Dr. Mark Joslyn, Professor of Political Science, University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>A recent Gallup survey showed a record-high 43 percent of Americans see themselves as politically independent. And a record-low identified as Democrat, 27%, matching Republican identification at 27 percent. Kansans are also declaring independence. The numbers registering as Unaffiliated and Libertarian are increasing and together now account for 30% of registered voters – four percent higher than registered Democrats. These numbers may help explain why Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein have already launched their independent White House bids. And why the well-funded centrist organization No Labels is seriously weighing its options.Is 2024 ripe for a third-party? Absolutely, and here’s why.First, partisan parity.Four years ago, Joe Biden’s electoral college triumph was decided by three states, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin, where his margins of victory were less than .05 percent. In 2016, it was Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – where margins were less than 1%, that pushed Donald Trump over the top.Across the last nine presidential elections the national vote margin between the two parties has not exceeded 9 percent.With such razor thin margins separating the two parties, a third-party stands a good chance of attracting enough votes in one state or another to tip the balance.For example, the 2000 presidential contest came down to Florida. Democrat Al Gore lost by a mere 537 votes. The extraordinarily small margin raised questions about Green party candidate Ralph Nader’s 97,488 Florida votes.In Nader’s absence, would Gore have won?In 1992, Reform party candidate Ross Perot achieved 19% of the popular vote nationwide, though he did not win a single state. But in Maine Perot defeated incumbent George Bush 30.4% to 30.3%. And in Utah Perot outpaced Democrat Bill Clinton 27.3% to 24.6%. In Kansas, Perot secured an impressive 27%. This placed Kansas 5th among states for the independent vote. Meanwhile Bush managed just 38.8%, the lowest Kansas vote share for a Republican candidate since 1912. That year former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate and split the Republican vote. Bush did win Kansas, but by only 5%, a difference typically used to identify swing states.Second, voters are deeply frustrated with the two parties and the candidates. Surveys show a record number of Americans hold unfavorable views of Democrats and Republicans. Nearly nine-in-ten agree that Democrats and Republicans spend more time fighting each other than solving the nation’s problems. And a growing number of people identify partisan polarization as the main problem with the political system. This year’s likely nominees are also historically unpopular and voters are clearly dissatisfied about the prospects of a Biden-Trump rematch. More troubling, a mere 28% of Americans are satisfied with the way democracy works, which is down from the historical low of 35% recorded shortly after the Jan. 6th assault on the Capitol.All of this points to a political environment well-suited for third-party success. Not to win, but to influence the campaign and play spoiler.The million dollar question is whether a strong third-party candidate would hurt Democrats or Republicans more.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Good year for third-party candidates

President George W. Bush signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002, long before election results were called into question. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Clerk Bev Schmeidler announced her office had received just more than $94,000 as part of a HAVA Security Grant. 

"It's for anything to improve security for elections," she said. "So we have gone out for bids for improving our office when we move back into the courthouse, topping off the walls, then the room we use for early voting, as well as the room we secure our election equipment in. The walls only went just above the drop ceiling. We're going to extend those up to the true ceiling so nobody can get in there."

Changes will include replacing a door that was not tamper-proof, filling in a window in the early voting room, purchasing a new trailer to haul election equipment, and purchasing security bags to transfer supplies to voting locations. Brentwood Builders and Dave Tabrizi submitted similar bids for the construction work that will include new locks in the office, a new locking cabinet, and a workstation. The commission approved the bid at $74,810, which will be replenished once the grant money arrives.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689695775554.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostPresident George W. Bush signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002, long before election results were called into question. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Clerk Bev Schmeidler announced her office had received just more than $94,000 as part of a HAVA Security Grant. "It's for anything to improve security for elections," she said. "So we have gone out for bids for improving our office when we move back into the courthouse, topping off the walls, then the room we use for early voting, as well as the room we secure our election equipment in. The walls only went just above the drop ceiling. We're going to extend those up to the true ceiling so nobody can get in there."Changes will include replacing a door that was not tamper-proof, filling in a window in the early voting room, purchasing a new trailer to haul election equipment, and purchasing security bags to transfer supplies to voting locations. Brentwood Builders and Dave Tabrizi submitted similar bids for the construction work that will include new locks in the office, a new locking cabinet, and a workstation. The commission approved the bid at $74,810, which will be replenished once the grant money arrives.

Barton Co. receives $94K grant to assist with election security

Women from across Kansas will gather at the 20th&nbsp;Women Managing the Farm Conference in Manhattan, Kansas, February 14-16, 2024. The conference began in 2005 and will feature nationally renowned keynote speakers, in-depth breakout sessions, and the opportunity for women to network with other farmers, rural business leaders, and landowners.

“We are so excited to be hosting our 20th&nbsp;conference this year,” said Sandra Wick, co-chair of the Women Managing the Farm conference planning committee. “WMF is a fantastic event that provides women with the necessary skills, resources and knowledge for success in a competitive agricultural landscape.”

Building on the success of the past 20 conferences, the 2024 edition will&nbsp;Rise&nbsp;to new heights. Keynote presentations will be given by Mark Mayfield, Kim Bremmer, and Terrain economist Matt Roberts. The attendees will also be treated to a Master Farmers and Homemakers panel.

Conference sessions are designed to keep women updated on the latest advancements in agriculture and thriving within their rural communities. During the two-day conference, attendees will select from breakout sessions covering many topics, including farm financial planning, production agriculture, balancing farm and life responsibilities, direct-to-consumer and retail businesses, as well as transition planning.

Women across the state are invited to this special 20th-anniversary conference. To extend the opportunity to attend to as many people as possible, Women Managing the Farm is organizing six pre-conference tours in The Sunflower State Showcase. In partnership with local K-State Research &amp; Extension units, attendees can ride a bus from their corner of the state and stop at pre-selected tour locations on their way to Manhattan (Figure 1).

“Whether you are involved in on-farm production, are an off-farm landowner, or part of the agriculture industry as a business professional, WMF has content for every woman involved in ag,” said Lori Rogge, co-chair of the Women Managing the Farm conference planning committee.

Early registration runs through January 15, 2023, at $175, with scholarships available for those who apply before that deadline. A student rate of $75 for any high school or college students will also be offered this year. After January 15, registration is $200. Additional pre-conference sessions are available for $25, including a session on emotional wellness and the pre-conference tours.

Learn more or register for the Women Managing the Farm Conference at<a href="http://womenmanagingthefarm.com/" target="_blank">http://womenmanagingthefarm.com/</a>. Stay up to date with the latest from the conference on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenmanagingthefarm" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/womenmanagingthefarm</a>.

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

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Women from across Kansas will gather at the 20th&nbsp;Women Managing the Farm Conference in Manhattan, Kansas, February 14-16, 2024. The conference began in 2005 and will feature nationally renowned keynote speakers, in-depth breakout sessions, and the opportunity for women to network with other farmers, rural business leaders, and landowners.“We are so excited to be hosting our 20th&nbsp;conference this year,” said Sandra Wick, co-chair of the Women Managing the Farm conference planning committee. “WMF is a fantastic event that provides women with the necessary skills, resources and knowledge for success in a competitive agricultural landscape.”Building on the success of the past 20 conferences, the 2024 edition will&nbsp;Rise&nbsp;to new heights. Keynote presentations will be given by Mark Mayfield, Kim Bremmer, and Terrain economist Matt Roberts. The attendees will also be treated to a Master Farmers and Homemakers panel.Conference sessions are designed to keep women updated on the latest advancements in agriculture and thriving within their rural communities. During the two-day conference, attendees will select from breakout sessions covering many topics, including farm financial planning, production agriculture, balancing farm and life responsibilities, direct-to-consumer and retail businesses, as well as transition planning.Women across the state are invited to this special 20th-anniversary conference. To extend the opportunity to attend to as many people as possible, Women Managing the Farm is organizing six pre-conference tours in The Sunflower State Showcase. In partnership with local K-State Research &amp; Extension units, attendees can ride a bus from their corner of the state and stop at pre-selected tour locations on their way to Manhattan (Figure 1).“Whether you are involved in on-farm production, are an off-farm landowner, or part of the agriculture industry as a business professional, WMF has content for every woman involved in ag,” said Lori Rogge, co-chair of the Women Managing the Farm conference planning committee.Early registration runs through January 15, 2023, at $175, with scholarships available for those who apply before that deadline. A student rate of $75 for any high school or college students will also be offered this year. After January 15, registration is $200. Additional pre-conference sessions are available for $25, including a session on emotional wellness and the pre-conference tours.Learn more or register for the Women Managing the Farm Conference at<a href="http://womenmanagingthefarm.com/" target="_blank">http://womenmanagingthefarm.com/</a>. Stay up to date with the latest from the conference on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/womenmanagingthefarm" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/womenmanagingthefarm</a>.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Women on the farm

The Barton Community College basketball teams play at Hutchinson on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

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

The women's game in Hutchinson begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game starting 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 play at Hutchinson on Wednesday, Jan. 17.You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.The women's game in Hutchinson begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game starting at 7:30 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 at Hutchinson

The Great Bend Recreation Commission is forming youth basketball leagues for boys and girls in grades 1-6. The Rec is needing coaches, which are in high demand as the season starts. 

Games are scheduled to begin Feb. 24 with practices starting week of Feb. 5. Leagues cannot begin until all coaches have been filled. The Rec will be holding a coach’s meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1. 

Come in to sign up to coach at the GBRC office, located at 1214 Stone Street or contact GBRC at 793-3755 ext. 118.

Coaches needed: 1st-2nd&nbsp;grade girls – 5 coaches 1st-2nd&nbsp;grade boys – 4 coaches 3rd-4th&nbsp;grade girls – 2 coaches 3rd-4th&nbsp;grade boys – 3 coaches 5th-6th&nbsp;grade girls – 1 coach 5th-6th&nbsp;grade boys – 1 coach

Coaches need to fill out a volunteer application online at&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendrec.com/about/volunteering/" target="_blank">https://greatbendrec.com/about/volunteering/</a>&nbsp;or stop by&nbsp;1214 Stone Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705504169965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission is forming youth basketball leagues for boys and girls in grades 1-6. The Rec is needing coaches, which are in high demand as the season starts. Games are scheduled to begin Feb. 24 with practices starting week of Feb. 5. Leagues cannot begin until all coaches have been filled. The Rec will be holding a coach’s meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1. Come in to sign up to coach at the GBRC office, located at 1214 Stone Street or contact GBRC at 793-3755 ext. 118.Coaches needed: 1st-2nd&nbsp;grade girls – 5 coaches 1st-2nd&nbsp;grade boys – 4 coaches 3rd-4th&nbsp;grade girls – 2 coaches 3rd-4th&nbsp;grade boys – 3 coaches 5th-6th&nbsp;grade girls – 1 coach 5th-6th&nbsp;grade boys – 1 coachCoaches need to fill out a volunteer application online at&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendrec.com/about/volunteering/" target="_blank">https://greatbendrec.com/about/volunteering/</a>&nbsp;or stop by&nbsp;1214 Stone Street.

Great Bend Rec in need of youth basketball coaches

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

On Monday, the Great Bend City Council held a public hearing for a dangerous
building at 750 Jefferson. The structure was used as Price Trucking in the
past, but now the building inspector has identified several safety concerns.


Great Bend Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the structure is
deteriorating and is only going to get worse.


"The overhead door opening where it jams up, lost blocks," said Burns. "They attempted to rebuild it at one point. We have roof structure missing. The moisture that has penetrated that block is just going to continue to deteriorate. There are broken windows as well."

Toon Investments, owner of the building, plans to sell the property to Jim
Murphy within the next 30 days. Murphy owns the storage units directly south of
the dangerous building. Murphy then expects to clean the vegetation and trees
of the property and the structure will be demolished.


The city council also set dates for public hearings for 2421 12th
Street and 1622 19th Street. The public hearing for both structures
is set for March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700585066995.jpeg" alt="750 Jefferson Street in Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>750 Jefferson Street in Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOn Monday, the Great Bend City Council held a public hearing for a dangerous
building at 750 Jefferson. The structure was used as Price Trucking in the
past, but now the building inspector has identified several safety concerns.
Great Bend Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the structure is
deteriorating and is only going to get worse.
"The overhead door opening where it jams up, lost blocks," said Burns. "They attempted to rebuild it at one point. We have roof structure missing. The moisture that has penetrated that block is just going to continue to deteriorate. There are broken windows as well."Toon Investments, owner of the building, plans to sell the property to Jim
Murphy within the next 30 days. Murphy owns the storage units directly south of
the dangerous building. Murphy then expects to clean the vegetation and trees
of the property and the structure will be demolished.
The city council also set dates for public hearings for 2421 12th
Street and 1622 19th Street. The public hearing for both structures
is set for March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Plan to destroy building on Jefferson Street in Great Bend

There's a decades-long joke for students who attend school in Great Bend: even if the snow piles up, they have to go to school. January has proved to be an exception. Classes were canceled because of snow on Jan. 9. They were canceled again Tuesday because of extreme cold. USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said a lack of bus transportation for students usually makes the decision to cancel school or not easier, but not on Tuesday.

"This cold snap was a game-changer for us," he said. "When we don't provide transportation, kids are more likely to walk. We also have the kids at the high school who walk back and forth between the (Panther Athletic Center) and the high school. Even though it's a short walk, it gets cold really fast."

Snow and ice are typically the culprits that can cancel classes. In the event of snow, Thexton, Assistant Superintendent John Popp, Maintenance Director Dirk Davis, and Transportation and Grounds Director Cody Schmidt are driving the roads between 4 and 5 a.m. They try to meet by 5:30 to make a decision for the day by 6 a.m.

"Usually, there are a variety of factors we look at," Thexton said. "First of all, if it's a snow event, we see if the streets and roads are passable and we can get students and staff in safely. The other factor is, can we get our facilities cleared off in order for our students and staff to enter the buildings safely."

The district lucked out for the Jan. 9 closing. The board of education met that Monday evening as several inches of snow began to fall on the area. County offices and many other civic organizations had already announced they were closed the following day. Thexton made the decision to cancel the following day's classes that evening. 

"We were fortunate last week that the snow came in when it did and we were able to make the call that evening," he said. "If we're able to make that call sooner rather than later, we try to do that to allow our families to make alternate plans for school as soon as possible."

Various types of communication have made disseminating that information much easier than in decades past, where students would wake up and turn on the local radio station or news to see if they had school. The district still uses those platforms but also has social media accounts and a school messaging system that sends the news directly to students, staff, and families.

Though USD 428 has canceled classes twice in seven days, the district is still less likely to cancel school than neighboring districts.

"Due to the lack of bus routes we don't have to worry about traveling on country&nbsp;roads which are more likely to drift due to wind," Thexton said. "When a large majority of our families live inside the city limits and provide their own transportation, we are less likely to cancel than other&nbsp;districts."

Even when school is not canceled, Thexton said parents may still use their discretion. 

"If you don't feel comfortable or feel safe getting your kids out, keep them home, call the office, let them know you don't feel like your kids will be safe," he said. "We're pretty lenient in that situation because we understand not everyone has access to 4-wheel drive or a capable mode of transportation to get them places."

Per state law, students must attend school for so many hours each year. Thexton said that only becomes an issue if several days are canceled. In the event the time requirement cannot be met, the district would extend the school calendar to meet the requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705441534179.jpeg" alt="USD 428 canceled classes in Great Bend due to snow on Jan. 9 and due to extreme cold on Jan. 16." />
 <figcaption>USD 428 canceled classes in Great Bend due to snow on Jan. 9 and due to extreme cold on Jan. 16.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere's a decades-long joke for students who attend school in Great Bend: even if the snow piles up, they have to go to school. January has proved to be an exception. Classes were canceled because of snow on Jan. 9. They were canceled again Tuesday because of extreme cold. USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said a lack of bus transportation for students usually makes the decision to cancel school or not easier, but not on Tuesday."This cold snap was a game-changer for us," he said. "When we don't provide transportation, kids are more likely to walk. We also have the kids at the high school who walk back and forth between the (Panther Athletic Center) and the high school. Even though it's a short walk, it gets cold really fast."Snow and ice are typically the culprits that can cancel classes. In the event of snow, Thexton, Assistant Superintendent John Popp, Maintenance Director Dirk Davis, and Transportation and Grounds Director Cody Schmidt are driving the roads between 4 and 5 a.m. They try to meet by 5:30 to make a decision for the day by 6 a.m."Usually, there are a variety of factors we look at," Thexton said. "First of all, if it's a snow event, we see if the streets and roads are passable and we can get students and staff in safely. The other factor is, can we get our facilities cleared off in order for our students and staff to enter the buildings safely."The district lucked out for the Jan. 9 closing. The board of education met that Monday evening as several inches of snow began to fall on the area. County offices and many other civic organizations had already announced they were closed the following day. Thexton made the decision to cancel the following day's classes that evening. "We were fortunate last week that the snow came in when it did and we were able to make the call that evening," he said. "If we're able to make that call sooner rather than later, we try to do that to allow our families to make alternate plans for school as soon as possible."Various types of communication have made disseminating that information much easier than in decades past, where students would wake up and turn on the local radio station or news to see if they had school. The district still uses those platforms but also has social media accounts and a school messaging system that sends the news directly to students, staff, and families.Though USD 428 has canceled classes twice in seven days, the district is still less likely to cancel school than neighboring districts."Due to the lack of bus routes we don't have to worry about traveling on country&nbsp;roads which are more likely to drift due to wind," Thexton said. "When a large majority of our families live inside the city limits and provide their own transportation, we are less likely to cancel than other&nbsp;districts."Even when school is not canceled, Thexton said parents may still use their discretion. "If you don't feel comfortable or feel safe getting your kids out, keep them home, call the office, let them know you don't feel like your kids will be safe," he said. "We're pretty lenient in that situation because we understand not everyone has access to 4-wheel drive or a capable mode of transportation to get them places."Per state law, students must attend school for so many hours each year. Thexton said that only becomes an issue if several days are canceled. In the event the time requirement cannot be met, the district would extend the school calendar to meet the requirements.

Superintendent: Never easy decision to close Great Bend schools

The Barton County Fair Association announced a date change for the 2024 county fair. This year the Barton County Fair will be held June 26 – 30, 2024.

"As most are aware the availability of finding a carnival is very difficult," said Barton Co. Fair Association President Charles Atkinson. "However, with the outpouring of support from the public and sponsors last year to find a carnival, the attendance showed us how important it is to have a complete fair."

"Even though these dates may not be ideal for everyone and it was not our first choice, after several months of discussing with various carnivals and businesses these dates were agreed upon."

Comments from Michelle Beran, 4-H Extension Agent, 

“The date change certainly will present a challenge for the 4-H families from those who will be involved in wheat harvest to those needing to meet weight requirements for livestock," said Michelle Beran, 4-H Extension Agent. "However, we also understand that the county fair is a community event and impacts more than 4-H. The county fair, while important, is one of several events to showcase project learning throughout the 4-H year.”

The Fair Association said they are looking forward to hosting WEEE Entertainment back this year and plan to continue to have events, concerts and exhibits for all to enjoy.

Continue to follow the fair on their webpage for more updates for the 2024 Fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675458840199.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Fair Association announced a date change for the 2024 county fair. This year the Barton County Fair will be held June 26 – 30, 2024."As most are aware the availability of finding a carnival is very difficult," said Barton Co. Fair Association President Charles Atkinson. "However, with the outpouring of support from the public and sponsors last year to find a carnival, the attendance showed us how important it is to have a complete fair.""Even though these dates may not be ideal for everyone and it was not our first choice, after several months of discussing with various carnivals and businesses these dates were agreed upon."Comments from Michelle Beran, 4-H Extension Agent, “The date change certainly will present a challenge for the 4-H families from those who will be involved in wheat harvest to those needing to meet weight requirements for livestock," said Michelle Beran, 4-H Extension Agent. "However, we also understand that the county fair is a community event and impacts more than 4-H. The county fair, while important, is one of several events to showcase project learning throughout the 4-H year.”The Fair Association said they are looking forward to hosting WEEE Entertainment back this year and plan to continue to have events, concerts and exhibits for all to enjoy.Continue to follow the fair on their webpage for more updates for the 2024 Fair.

Barton Co. Fair moves dates up to keep carnival

1/16 BOOKED: Michael Warren on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Michael Clark on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Dennis Streiner on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

RELEASED: Dennis Streiner on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1/16 BOOKED: Michael Warren on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Michael Clark on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Dennis Streiner on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.RELEASED: Dennis Streiner on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Craig Redden, to KDOC.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/16)

The goal of all educators and coaches is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of their students and athletes. For many, Jack Bowman was the epitome of that ideal. The hall-of-fame coach passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the age of 89.

Jason Parr won a state cross country title under Bowman in 1999. Parr went on to run two Boston Marathons and coach his own state champion teams. Staying in touch with Bowman on a weekly basis, Parr will deliver part of Bowman's eulogy on Jan. 27. He said everything began with Coach Bo.

"He was extremely patient," Parr said. "He was so brilliant in the way he could get us to do things we didn't think we could do ourselves but he knew it was there. And he coached with such patience. I loved it because it was genuine, authentic, and real. I didn't need a coach to scream and yell at me. I didn't want to break his heart by disappointing him by not doing what I thought I was capable of doing."

Bowman had four children. One of his daughters, Jackie Cook, went on to coach in Ellinwood and Great Bend. Her daughter, Shelly Duvall, also leaned on her grandfather as a successful athlete and coach. Duvall's Lady Panther volleyball team recently broke Jackie's school record for most wins in a season. Duvall said it all goes back to grandpa.

"I would definitely say I was destined to be a coach since the day I was born," she said in October. "Papa Jack and my mother have been probably the two biggest inspirations in my life as far as how to treat kids and love the kids you are coaching, and showing passion for what you do."

Lyles Lashley, the current track and cross country coach at GBHS, was new to the area as Bowman was winding down his career. The two quickly became friends even though track was not usually a topic of discussion.

"It was nice because we talked about fishing and other things when I first met him," Lashley said. "The one thing I did notice with him was every kid he ever coached loved him. He would do anything in the world for those kids. That's one of the main things I tried to learn from him."

Lashley was behind the push to name the annual spring track meet at GBHS after Bowman. In April 2022, the meet was introduced as the Jack Bowman Invitational. Bowman was able to attend his own meet and greet all the current Panther track athletes.

"I thought that was the way to go with what he's done for the community - just the whole area," Lashley said. "He coached at Barton, he coached at Ellinwood. That was one of the main things that we wanted to do was get it done so he could see it and be a part of it, for him and us, too. It was cool to see all the athletes shaking his hand and seeing his family out there. It was a special day."

Even recently, Lashley saw the lasting legacy of Bowman. "We were laying carpet in Burdett," said Lashley. "I looked up and saw a picture of this football team. Lo and behold, guess who the head coach was: Jack Bowman."

Bowman was born and raised in Pawnee Rock. His speed made him a natural talent on the basketball court and gridiron, earning him a scholarship to play both at Bethany College in Lindsborg. One of Bowman's fraternity brothers was a wealthy kid from Cuba, Kan. He did not want to run the 100m dash in the Greek relays and offered Bowman $10 to run for him. Bowman won the race, set a new record, and drew attention from the track coach. He later reset the school's 100m dash record to 9.7 seconds, a record that stood for 21 years. Bowman was inducted into the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Honor in 1995.

After college, Bowman accepted a position in Burdett where he coached football, basketball, and track - and did everything else from driving the bus, mowing the football field, and refinishing the basketball court in the summer.

Bowman moved on to Riley County High School, taking over a football program with just a few wins in the decade before his arrival. Bowman's team won five games in its first season.

In 1960, Bowman took over as track coach at Ellinwood High School. At the time, the school had no actual track. In all reality, Bowman said in a 2015 interview for the Ellinwood Leader, not much had happened with the track program since its inception in 1911.

"Track was just a word they put down," he said. "They didn't know what track was. They had no idea."

The track teams were small then, averaging just about 15 male athletes as track and field was not offered for girls at the time. Bowman used the football field and nearby fields for training.

"The distance runners worked in the fall in the dirt fields," he said in 2015. "We'd run telephone poles out in the fields. We'd run one, walk one, and come in just filthy."

Ellinwood defeated a tough Hoisington team for the 1965 conference track title. With a brand new track on the way and some new success, the program began to grow. Bowman had 54 athletes in the final year without a track, and 74 Eagles went out the year after the school installed a track.

Back then, not all tracks were created equally. Larned had an all-weather track because a local asphalt company installed it. Ellsworth had the only other asphalt track in Kansas. Ellinwood's became the third.

Bowman credits Fred Meyer with almost everything about the new track, from moving the bleachers back, to installing a new drainage system, to putting curbs around the track. Meyer eventually saved the school thousands of dollars by measuring and painting the lines himself.

In the 1960s, high school track athletes were limited to just one race of 440 yards or more, meaning some of Bowman's top runners could not run in a relay if they performed in open events. So the coach turned his practices into the real deal.

"I developed 13 guys who could run the 880 yards in 2:07 or better," he said in 2015. "That same bunch could all run the 400 in 52 seconds or better. Today, you can take a good quarter-miler and run him three times if you want to."

As football and track coach at the school, Bowman was getting a feel for what his athletes could do. He went to the principal and asked if he could start a cross country team. He quickly turned that team into a state powerhouse - even if it meant playing football on a Friday night and making a long trip overnight to win a meet the following day. Bowman's Eagles won state titles in 1966 and 1967.

Bowman moved to Barton Community College in 1969. He was hired as a football coach with one small caveat: the school had no football team. He also helped build the track facility at the college and remained there until 1976. He was inducted into the BCC Hall of Fame in 2008.

Bowman went on to turn Great Bend into a track and field and cross country powerhouse. The Panther cross country team finished second in 1998, then won the Class 5A championship in 1999. Colby Sullivan was a senior for the 1999 championship team.  Sullivan recalled an early encounter with Bowman.

"I remember being an eighth grader and going to the state cross country meet," he said. "I ran into the team and was talking to Aaron Kaiser, who was one of my friends. Coach Bo even invited me to come ride the bus with them back to Lawrence to the hotel."

Sullivan dropped all his other sporting ideas to focus on running for Bowman. He was the lone state medalist on the 1997 cross country team that finished seventh at state and is still wowed how Bowman turned that team into state runners-up the following season and state champions the year after that. Sullivan also won two state titles in the 4x800m relay. The 2000 squad of Sullivan, Matt Keeley, Clay Crane, and Colten Bartels still holds the school record.

The 1999-2000 season proved to be Bowman's final season with the school. The Lady Panther track team closed out Bowman's career with three-straight Class 5A runner-up finishes from 1998-2000. Bowman was inducted into the GBHS Hall of Fame in 2009.

"When Coach retired at the end of our state championship year in 1999, I was hurt," Parr said. "I was devastated. But I made a promise I would call him every week, every Friday. And I called Coach every Friday, and have since 1999." 

Parr returned from school in Missouri and coached one season of cross country at Maize South. He led both squads to Class 4A state titles in that 2016 season. He also coached five years at Friends University in Wichita. Whenever Parr felt he failed an athlete, he turned to Bowman for advice.

"I'd just pick his brain on what I could have done better," said Parr. "His answer was always, 'Just keep being you and keep loving them and it will keep taking care of itself.' I just loved that. It seemed simple, yet it was. I just stuck to that. I didn't let it get too big. His influence on me hasn't stopped."

One of Bowman's most successful high school athletes was Bobby Williams, a three-time state champion in the high hurdles and a two-time state champion in the 300m hurdles and high jump. Williams' efforts in those three events from the 1994 and 1995 track seasons remain school records and chart high on the all-time state lists. In 2018, Bobby's son, Zach, was a junior at Valley Center High School. Bowman and Williams were able to watch from the stands together as Zach scored a touchdown late in Great Bend's 35-18 win over the Hornets at Memorial Stadium. Zach was a Class 5A state runner-up in the high hurdles in 2019 and joined his father on the state's all-time list in 2018. 

Bowman ended up coaching four different sports in five high schools. In 30 years of coaching high school cross country and track, 415 of his athletes represented their schools at the state meet. Sixty-four athletes went on to compete in college. In 2007, Bowman was inducted into the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Bowman's funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Ellinwood. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697476323389.jpeg" alt="Jack Bowman surrounded by family at the 2022 Jack Bowman Invitational at Great Bend High School." />
 <figcaption>Jack Bowman surrounded by family at the 2022 Jack Bowman Invitational at Great Bend High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe goal of all educators and coaches is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of their students and athletes. For many, Jack Bowman was the epitome of that ideal. The hall-of-fame coach passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at the age of 89.Jason Parr won a state cross country title under Bowman in 1999. Parr went on to run two Boston Marathons and coach his own state champion teams. Staying in touch with Bowman on a weekly basis, Parr will deliver part of Bowman's eulogy on Jan. 27. He said everything began with Coach Bo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705338669361.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"He was extremely patient," Parr said. "He was so brilliant in the way he could get us to do things we didn't think we could do ourselves but he knew it was there. And he coached with such patience. I loved it because it was genuine, authentic, and real. I didn't need a coach to scream and yell at me. I didn't want to break his heart by disappointing him by not doing what I thought I was capable of doing."Bowman had four children. One of his daughters, Jackie Cook, went on to coach in Ellinwood and Great Bend. Her daughter, Shelly Duvall, also leaned on her grandfather as a successful athlete and coach. Duvall's Lady Panther volleyball team recently broke Jackie's school record for most wins in a season. Duvall said it all goes back to grandpa."I would definitely say I was destined to be a coach since the day I was born," she said in October. "Papa Jack and my mother have been probably the two biggest inspirations in my life as far as how to treat kids and love the kids you are coaching, and showing passion for what you do."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705415576458.jpeg" alt="Bowman with his 1999 state champion cross country team at Great Bend High School." />
 <figcaption>Bowman with his 1999 state champion cross country team at Great Bend High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lyles Lashley, the current track and cross country coach at GBHS, was new to the area as Bowman was winding down his career. The two quickly became friends even though track was not usually a topic of discussion."It was nice because we talked about fishing and other things when I first met him," Lashley said. "The one thing I did notice with him was every kid he ever coached loved him. He would do anything in the world for those kids. That's one of the main things I tried to learn from him."Lashley was behind the push to name the annual spring track meet at GBHS after Bowman. In April 2022, the meet was introduced as the Jack Bowman Invitational. Bowman was able to attend his own meet and greet all the current Panther track athletes."I thought that was the way to go with what he's done for the community - just the whole area," Lashley said. "He coached at Barton, he coached at Ellinwood. That was one of the main things that we wanted to do was get it done so he could see it and be a part of it, for him and us, too. It was cool to see all the athletes shaking his hand and seeing his family out there. It was a special day."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705429493358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Even recently, Lashley saw the lasting legacy of Bowman. "We were laying carpet in Burdett," said Lashley. "I looked up and saw a picture of this football team. Lo and behold, guess who the head coach was: Jack Bowman."Bowman was born and raised in Pawnee Rock. His speed made him a natural talent on the basketball court and gridiron, earning him a scholarship to play both at Bethany College in Lindsborg. One of Bowman's fraternity brothers was a wealthy kid from Cuba, Kan. He did not want to run the 100m dash in the Greek relays and offered Bowman $10 to run for him. Bowman won the race, set a new record, and drew attention from the track coach. He later reset the school's 100m dash record to 9.7 seconds, a record that stood for 21 years. Bowman was inducted into the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Honor in 1995.After college, Bowman accepted a position in Burdett where he coached football, basketball, and track - and did everything else from driving the bus, mowing the football field, and refinishing the basketball court in the summer.Bowman moved on to Riley County High School, taking over a football program with just a few wins in the decade before his arrival. Bowman's team won five games in its first season.In 1960, Bowman took over as track coach at Ellinwood High School. At the time, the school had no actual track. In all reality, Bowman said in a 2015 interview for the Ellinwood Leader, not much had happened with the track program since its inception in 1911.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705415845472.jpeg" alt="Bowman with his 1966 state champion team from Ellinwood." />
 <figcaption>Bowman with his 1966 state champion team from Ellinwood.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Track was just a word they put down," he said. "They didn't know what track was. They had no idea."The track teams were small then, averaging just about 15 male athletes as track and field was not offered for girls at the time. Bowman used the football field and nearby fields for training."The distance runners worked in the fall in the dirt fields," he said in 2015. "We'd run telephone poles out in the fields. We'd run one, walk one, and come in just filthy."Ellinwood defeated a tough Hoisington team for the 1965 conference track title. With a brand new track on the way and some new success, the program began to grow. Bowman had 54 athletes in the final year without a track, and 74 Eagles went out the year after the school installed a track.Back then, not all tracks were created equally. Larned had an all-weather track because a local asphalt company installed it. Ellsworth had the only other asphalt track in Kansas. Ellinwood's became the third.Bowman credits Fred Meyer with almost everything about the new track, from moving the bleachers back, to installing a new drainage system, to putting curbs around the track. Meyer eventually saved the school thousands of dollars by measuring and painting the lines himself.In the 1960s, high school track athletes were limited to just one race of 440 yards or more, meaning some of Bowman's top runners could not run in a relay if they performed in open events. So the coach turned his practices into the real deal."I developed 13 guys who could run the 880 yards in 2:07 or better," he said in 2015. "That same bunch could all run the 400 in 52 seconds or better. Today, you can take a good quarter-miler and run him three times if you want to."As football and track coach at the school, Bowman was getting a feel for what his athletes could do. He went to the principal and asked if he could start a cross country team. He quickly turned that team into a state powerhouse - even if it meant playing football on a Friday night and making a long trip overnight to win a meet the following day. Bowman's Eagles won state titles in 1966 and 1967.Bowman moved to Barton Community College in 1969. He was hired as a football coach with one small caveat: the school had no football team. He also helped build the track facility at the college and remained there until 1976. He was inducted into the BCC Hall of Fame in 2008.Bowman went on to turn Great Bend into a track and field and cross country powerhouse. The Panther cross country team finished second in 1998, then won the Class 5A championship in 1999. Colby Sullivan was a senior for the 1999 championship team. Sullivan recalled an early encounter with Bowman."I remember being an eighth grader and going to the state cross country meet," he said. "I ran into the team and was talking to Aaron Kaiser, who was one of my friends. Coach Bo even invited me to come ride the bus with them back to Lawrence to the hotel."Sullivan dropped all his other sporting ideas to focus on running for Bowman. He was the lone state medalist on the 1997 cross country team that finished seventh at state and is still wowed how Bowman turned that team into state runners-up the following season and state champions the year after that. Sullivan also won two state titles in the 4x800m relay. The 2000 squad of Sullivan, Matt Keeley, Clay Crane, and Colten Bartels still holds the school record.The 1999-2000 season proved to be Bowman's final season with the school. The Lady Panther track team closed out Bowman's career with three-straight Class 5A runner-up finishes from 1998-2000. Bowman was inducted into the GBHS Hall of Fame in 2009."When Coach retired at the end of our state championship year in 1999, I was hurt," Parr said. "I was devastated. But I made a promise I would call him every week, every Friday. And I called Coach every Friday, and have since 1999." Parr returned from school in Missouri and coached one season of cross country at Maize South. He led both squads to Class 4A state titles in that 2016 season. He also coached five years at Friends University in Wichita. Whenever Parr felt he failed an athlete, he turned to Bowman for advice."I'd just pick his brain on what I could have done better," said Parr. "His answer was always, 'Just keep being you and keep loving them and it will keep taking care of itself.' I just loved that. It seemed simple, yet it was. I just stuck to that. I didn't let it get too big. His influence on me hasn't stopped."One of Bowman's most successful high school athletes was Bobby Williams, a three-time state champion in the high hurdles and a two-time state champion in the 300m hurdles and high jump. Williams' efforts in those three events from the 1994 and 1995 track seasons remain school records and chart high on the all-time state lists. In 2018, Bobby's son, Zach, was a junior at Valley Center High School. Bowman and Williams were able to watch from the stands together as Zach scored a touchdown late in Great Bend's 35-18 win over the Hornets at Memorial Stadium. Zach was a Class 5A state runner-up in the high hurdles in 2019 and joined his father on the state's all-time list in 2018. Bowman ended up coaching four different sports in five high schools. In 30 years of coaching high school cross country and track, 415 of his athletes represented their schools at the state meet. Sixty-four athletes went on to compete in college. In 2007, Bowman was inducted into the National High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.Bowman's funeral service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 27 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Ellinwood.

Former GBHS coach remembered for bringing out the best in people

Today Sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as zero. South-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Tonight A chance of flurries after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. East-southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. North-northwest wind 7 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Thursday Night A chance of flurries before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -13. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 16. North-northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -3.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Breezy.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Breezy.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.

Monday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 35. Wind chill values as low as zero. South-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Tonight A chance of flurries after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. East-southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. North-northwest wind 7 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Thursday Night A chance of flurries before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values as low as -13. Blustery, with a north wind 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 16. North-northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -3.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 20.Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. Breezy.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Breezy.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42.Monday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582693944473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Game #1: Ellsworth Girls 58 La Crosse 35Game #2: Pratt Boys Otis-Bison 34Game #3: Hoisington Girls 65 Victoria 32Game #4: Hoisington Boys La Crosse 38<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3i0dqzjw/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Winter Jam Day 2 Results

Ensuring his patients receive the best care possible is what drives Jules Whiteman, MD, board-certified radiologist, to strive to continually keep learning. Where he provides that care isn’t where he thought he would when he started his journey to become a doctor.

Practicing in rural Kansas is what he loves. Reading and correctly interpreting imaging for patients in the local community is his passion.

“I chose to specialize in radiology because of its breadth,” Dr. Whiteman said. “It touches on almost every other specialty.”

Within that breadth of practice, Dr. Whiteman is particularly interested in breast imaging, ultrasound-guided biopsy and MRI scans. His expertise means patients with complex imaging needs can receive the care and imaging evaluations they need close to home.

“We are privileged to have Dr. Whiteman here in Great Bend,” said Shannon Deines, radiology technologist and imaging services manager at The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus. “He is invested in our department, our facility and our community, and is dedicated to providing the best interpretation of imaging for our patients.”

She also noted that his additional education and specialties are of particular benefit to the community.

Dr. Whiteman earned his medical degree at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and completed his radiology residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He also completed a fellowship in breast imaging at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Learn more about Dr. Whiteman and how he came to Great Bend on the January episode of Around the Bend with The University of Kansas Health System. The episode will air at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, on KVGB 1590 AM and 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705416545032.jpeg" alt="Jules Whiteman, MD" />
 <figcaption>Jules Whiteman, MD</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSEnsuring his patients receive the best care possible is what drives Jules Whiteman, MD, board-certified radiologist, to strive to continually keep learning. Where he provides that care isn’t where he thought he would when he started his journey to become a doctor.Practicing in rural Kansas is what he loves. Reading and correctly interpreting imaging for patients in the local community is his passion.“I chose to specialize in radiology because of its breadth,” Dr. Whiteman said. “It touches on almost every other specialty.”Within that breadth of practice, Dr. Whiteman is particularly interested in breast imaging, ultrasound-guided biopsy and MRI scans. His expertise means patients with complex imaging needs can receive the care and imaging evaluations they need close to home.“We are privileged to have Dr. Whiteman here in Great Bend,” said Shannon Deines, radiology technologist and imaging services manager at The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus. “He is invested in our department, our facility and our community, and is dedicated to providing the best interpretation of imaging for our patients.”She also noted that his additional education and specialties are of particular benefit to the community.Dr. Whiteman earned his medical degree at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and completed his radiology residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He also completed a fellowship in breast imaging at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.Learn more about Dr. Whiteman and how he came to Great Bend on the January episode of Around the Bend with The University of Kansas Health System. The episode will air at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, on KVGB 1590 AM and 95.5 FM.

Specialty imaging services available in Great Bend area

Barton Community College is still on pace to name their next president
of the college on Jan. 30. Tuesday marked the first of two
finalists that participated in a community forum in Great Bend. 

Dr. Marcus
Garstecki is originally from Wisconsin, and started his career in athletics,
wanting to become a coach. Spending seven years as a coach at Dodge City Community
College, Garstecki became familiar with western Kansas and Barton. 

Garstecki
now has more than 25 years of higher education experience, including his
current role as the chief enrollment management officer at Northern State
University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Garstecki mentioned he has enjoyed getting young
men and women ready for the workforce and involved in their communities.


"Service is an important thing," said Garstecki. "I believe it's important to teach our students and provide them with the avenues to give back. I think it's important as an institution we provide that opportunity to our students while enhancing our community."

Garstecki and his wife have a son, a 17-year-old. With their son graduating high school this year, Garstecki and his wife felt this was a good time to pursue his dream
of leading a college.


One forum question from the public asked the Barton president hopeful how he
justifies higher education in Barton County and the value to the taxpayers.

"We want to be graduating students who are going to be employees in our community," said Garstecki. "If any of our community members need healthcare...Barton Community College is the one providing those graduates. We produce graduates that are ready to go to work and can earn a high-paying, high-skilled job. Then they are productive members of our community and contribute to the tax base."

The other finalist, Dr. Seth Carter, held his public forum Thursday at inside the Fine Arts Building on the Barton campus.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/07ea88a7-b084-48ed-82c0-ea5fc5ddedbf">RELATED STORY: Hear from Dr. Seth Carter</a>

Current Barton
President Dr. Carl Heilman is set to retire at the end of the school year after
serving 17 years as president.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705439110080.png" alt="Dr. Marcus Garstecki answered questions Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 on the Barton Community College campus. Garstecki is one of two finalists to become the next president of the college." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Marcus Garstecki answered questions Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 on the Barton Community College campus. Garstecki is one of two finalists to become the next president of the college.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton Community College is still on pace to name their next president
of the college on Jan. 30. Tuesday marked the first of two
finalists that participated in a community forum in Great Bend. Dr. Marcus
Garstecki is originally from Wisconsin, and started his career in athletics,
wanting to become a coach. Spending seven years as a coach at Dodge City Community
College, Garstecki became familiar with western Kansas and Barton. Garstecki
now has more than 25 years of higher education experience, including his
current role as the chief enrollment management officer at Northern State
University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Garstecki mentioned he has enjoyed getting young
men and women ready for the workforce and involved in their communities.
"Service is an important thing," said Garstecki. "I believe it's important to teach our students and provide them with the avenues to give back. I think it's important as an institution we provide that opportunity to our students while enhancing our community."Garstecki and his wife have a son, a 17-year-old. With their son graduating high school this year, Garstecki and his wife felt this was a good time to pursue his dream
of leading a college.
One forum question from the public asked the Barton president hopeful how he
justifies higher education in Barton County and the value to the taxpayers."We want to be graduating students who are going to be employees in our community," said Garstecki. "If any of our community members need healthcare...Barton Community College is the one providing those graduates. We produce graduates that are ready to go to work and can earn a high-paying, high-skilled job. Then they are productive members of our community and contribute to the tax base."The other finalist, Dr. Seth Carter, held his public forum Thursday at inside the Fine Arts Building on the Barton campus.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/07ea88a7-b084-48ed-82c0-ea5fc5ddedbf">RELATED STORY: Hear from Dr. Seth Carter</a>Current Barton
President Dr. Carl Heilman is set to retire at the end of the school year after
serving 17 years as president.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Listen below to the public forum with Dr. Marcus Garstecki that took place Jan. 16, 2024.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/a04k2dkm/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Local