By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Avian influenza has again been grabbing headlines across the United States. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control reiterated the current public health risk is low but H5 bird flu is widespread in birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, and even 61 recent human cases in the U.S. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner said, in terms of migrating snow geese, the 2024 outbreak has been mild in Central Kansas compared to last year.

"Here, anyway, it's not been nearly as bad as it was last year," he said. "We're seeing maybe 10 die a day at the most. Last year, it was two or three times that. I don't know if we've lost 100 geese so far this year. Last year, I figured by the time it was done, it was about 1,500."

Wagner said snow geese began dying as soon as they showed up in the area this year. Cheyenne Bottoms is not unique to the spread of the disease, which officials continue to monitor.

"If you see a snow goose that just falls randomly out of the sky, or there's a snow goose walking down the middle of the road, it's probably avian influenza," Wagner said. We're pretty well-aware of the fact it's in the area. We've sent carcasses off and got confirmation that's what it is. There's not a whole lot we can do about it at this point."

Thirty-three of the human cases in the U.S. this year have been tied to dairy herds in California. Twenty more cases were split between poultry farms and culling operations in Colorado and Washington state. No human cases have been reported in Kansas. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701787022460.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAvian influenza has again been grabbing headlines across the United States. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control reiterated the current public health risk is low but H5 bird flu is widespread in birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows, and even 61 recent human cases in the U.S. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner said, in terms of migrating snow geese, the 2024 outbreak has been mild in Central Kansas compared to last year."Here, anyway, it's not been nearly as bad as it was last year," he said. "We're seeing maybe 10 die a day at the most. Last year, it was two or three times that. I don't know if we've lost 100 geese so far this year. Last year, I figured by the time it was done, it was about 1,500."Wagner said snow geese began dying as soon as they showed up in the area this year. Cheyenne Bottoms is not unique to the spread of the disease, which officials continue to monitor."If you see a snow goose that just falls randomly out of the sky, or there's a snow goose walking down the middle of the road, it's probably avian influenza," Wagner said. We're pretty well-aware of the fact it's in the area. We've sent carcasses off and got confirmation that's what it is. There's not a whole lot we can do about it at this point."Thirty-three of the human cases in the U.S. this year have been tied to dairy herds in California. Twenty more cases were split between poultry farms and culling operations in Colorado and Washington state. No human cases have been reported in Kansas.

Fewer birds at Cheyenne Bottoms dying from avian influenza in 2024

Although Kansas is still known as the “Wheat State”, some may not realize how winter wheat acres have declined over the years in Kansas, says Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension Crop Production agent. This article released by K-State Research &amp; Extension news service reminds Kansas growers of the benefits of winter wheat in the overall cropping rotation.

Kansas State University wheat specialist Romulo Lollato says farmers should consider what they might be missing when choosing to leave winter wheat out of their usual crop rotations.

Lollato notes that wheat acres in Kansas have been decreasing at a rate of approximately 2% every year since 2005. Nationally, that decline remains at about 1.5%. Often, he said, management decisions are based solely on the crop's profitability.

However, sidelining this crop may result in growers passing over the benefits of winter wheat in multiple areas of agricultural production, such as planting, fertilizing and grazing.

According to Lollato, producers can obtain more flexibility in cropping systems when planting winter wheat. Specifically, winter wheat has a broader planting window when compared to summer crops.

“In regions where the winter is a little warmer, there is more time to plant the wheat crop and still reach your maximum yield potential for that area,” he said. “Some of our research (at K-State) shows that you have as much as 50–60 days to reach that yield potential in south-central Kansas.”

Beyond planting, growers have more freedom when fertilizing fields. Plants use most of the nitrogen available for growth in the spring, so Lollato said producers have an approximate six-month window after planting in September to put out fertilizer without losing efficacy.

“Timing is important,” he said. “The closer you administer nitrogen to the stem elongation phase is typically better regarding the nitrogen’s effectiveness.”

He added: “A large fertilizer window allows producers to match up applications with optimum weather and it ensures the nitrogen has time to get incorporated into the root zone and reduce losses.”

Additionally, diversified producers raising livestock benefit from planting winter wheat for grazing.

“Growing this dual-purpose crop provides quite a bit of high-quality forage during a time of the year when others are less available – like late fall, winter and early spring. The crops value extends beyond grain,” Lollato said.

While the price of the actual grain can be less than ideal some years, incorporating winter wheat into crop rotations allows for double-cropping or growing two or more crops in the same field simultaneously, which opens up other economic possibilities.

“In many operations, if we're dealing with summer crops, we can grow just one crop each year,” Lollato said. “If we introduce a winter wheat crop in that system, we can grow three crops in two years, depending on where we are.”

“The possibility of intensifying the system like that and being able to produce – on average – more than one cash crop annually plays a huge role in profitability.”

Other advantages of having winter wheat in crop rotations:

To help communicate the positives of winter wheat, Lollato and the vice president of research and operations at Kansas Wheat, Aaron Harries, have launched an information campaign called “Wheat: Beyond the Value of the Grain.” More information about this movement is at https://kswheat.com/beyond-the-value-of-the-grain.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Although Kansas is still known as the “Wheat State”, some may not realize how winter wheat acres have declined over the years in Kansas, says Stacy Campbell, Cottonwood Extension Crop Production agent. This article released by K-State Research &amp; Extension news service reminds Kansas growers of the benefits of winter wheat in the overall cropping rotation.Kansas State University wheat specialist Romulo Lollato says farmers should consider what they might be missing when choosing to leave winter wheat out of their usual crop rotations.Lollato notes that wheat acres in Kansas have been decreasing at a rate of approximately 2% every year since 2005. Nationally, that decline remains at about 1.5%. Often, he said, management decisions are based solely on the crop's profitability.However, sidelining this crop may result in growers passing over the benefits of winter wheat in multiple areas of agricultural production, such as planting, fertilizing and grazing.According to Lollato, producers can obtain more flexibility in cropping systems when planting winter wheat. Specifically, winter wheat has a broader planting window when compared to summer crops.“In regions where the winter is a little warmer, there is more time to plant the wheat crop and still reach your maximum yield potential for that area,” he said. “Some of our research (at K-State) shows that you have as much as 50–60 days to reach that yield potential in south-central Kansas.”Beyond planting, growers have more freedom when fertilizing fields. Plants use most of the nitrogen available for growth in the spring, so Lollato said producers have an approximate six-month window after planting in September to put out fertilizer without losing efficacy.“Timing is important,” he said. “The closer you administer nitrogen to the stem elongation phase is typically better regarding the nitrogen’s effectiveness.”He added: “A large fertilizer window allows producers to match up applications with optimum weather and it ensures the nitrogen has time to get incorporated into the root zone and reduce losses.”Additionally, diversified producers raising livestock benefit from planting winter wheat for grazing.“Growing this dual-purpose crop provides quite a bit of high-quality forage during a time of the year when others are less available – like late fall, winter and early spring. The crops value extends beyond grain,” Lollato said.While the price of the actual grain can be less than ideal some years, incorporating winter wheat into crop rotations allows for double-cropping or growing two or more crops in the same field simultaneously, which opens up other economic possibilities.“In many operations, if we're dealing with summer crops, we can grow just one crop each year,” Lollato said. “If we introduce a winter wheat crop in that system, we can grow three crops in two years, depending on where we are.”“The possibility of intensifying the system like that and being able to produce – on average – more than one cash crop annually plays a huge role in profitability.”Other advantages of having winter wheat in crop rotations:· Weed suppression.· Moisture conservation.· Carbon sequestration.To help communicate the positives of winter wheat, Lollato and the vice president of research and operations at Kansas Wheat, Aaron Harries, have launched an information campaign called “Wheat: Beyond the Value of the Grain.” More information about this movement is at https://kswheat.com/beyond-the-value-of-the-grain.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: K-State researcher touts benefits of winter wheat in crop rotation

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Kansas Association of Community Colleges serves as the voice of the
19 community colleges in the state and advocates on their behalf. The KACC is
hosting a “Donuts with Legislators” event on Jan. 16 at the State
Capitol in Topeka. 

Barton Community College President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said
this a chance for college representatives to share their stories with legislators.


"There are a lot of good things happening on our campuses and all 19 community colleges," said Garstecki. "I think it's about getting out there and tooting our horn. I think sometimes we take for granted everybody knows those things and they don't. If they've heard it once, it doesn't hurt to hear it twice or three times."

During the December Barton Trustees meeting, Garstecki mentioned this might be
an interesting legislative session coming up with regards to education spending
and community colleges. Garstecki has served as Barton’s president since July
and felt like there will be heated discussions when it comes to lobbying for
state funding.


"It's my first year back in Kansas in several years, but it just seems like there is a lot of big topics this year," said Garstecki. "I think it might be good if we're well represented there."

The event on Jan. 16 is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Garstecki and
other Barton representatives plan on attending to speak with legislators.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726166874053.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Kansas Association of Community Colleges serves as the voice of the
19 community colleges in the state and advocates on their behalf. The KACC is
hosting a “Donuts with Legislators” event on Jan. 16 at the State
Capitol in Topeka. Barton Community College President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said
this a chance for college representatives to share their stories with legislators.
"There are a lot of good things happening on our campuses and all 19 community colleges," said Garstecki. "I think it's about getting out there and tooting our horn. I think sometimes we take for granted everybody knows those things and they don't. If they've heard it once, it doesn't hurt to hear it twice or three times."During the December Barton Trustees meeting, Garstecki mentioned this might be
an interesting legislative session coming up with regards to education spending
and community colleges. Garstecki has served as Barton’s president since July
and felt like there will be heated discussions when it comes to lobbying for
state funding.
"It's my first year back in Kansas in several years, but it just seems like there is a lot of big topics this year," said Garstecki. "I think it might be good if we're well represented there."The event on Jan. 16 is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Garstecki and
other Barton representatives plan on attending to speak with legislators.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Barton CC president: Interesting legislative session coming up

12/19 RELEASED: Danyan Battaglear on Harvey County District Court case, to Harvey County.

RELEASED: Amber Demel on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, Jaywalking, and Drunk Pedestrian, on 48-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Clayton Becker on Barton County District Court case for Unsafe Turning or Stopping, Ignition Interlock, Interference with LEO, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and License to be Carried Upon Demand, by order of the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt="Ace Bail Bonding Winter.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Ace Bail Bonding Winter.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>12/19 RELEASED: Danyan Battaglear on Harvey County District Court case, to Harvey County.RELEASED: Amber Demel on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, Jaywalking, and Drunk Pedestrian, on 48-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Clayton Becker on Barton County District Court case for Unsafe Turning or Stopping, Ignition Interlock, Interference with LEO, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and License to be Carried Upon Demand, by order of the court.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/19)

The Barton County Commission approved an updated agreement with the
Golden Belt Humane Society at Tuesday’s meeting. The county designates the
Humane Society as the animal control authority within the county. Barton County
contributed $31,500 this year to the Humane Society and starting in 2025 will
fund the organization $35,750. 

Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson noted the majority
of the animal control calls the Humane Society receive are within the Great
Bend city limits.


"I believe it's close to 90% of calls come from within the City of Great Bend," said Hutchinson. "We already know that, but I think it's important for the public to know that."

In 2024, the City of Great Bend contributed $107,500 to the Humane Society as
an outside agency request. In 2023, the Humane Society handled 1,175 calls from
Great Bend compared to 198 around the county.


The Humane Society relies on funding from the city, county, donations and
grants.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718038490790.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Barton County Commission approved an updated agreement with the
Golden Belt Humane Society at Tuesday’s meeting. The county designates the
Humane Society as the animal control authority within the county. Barton County
contributed $31,500 this year to the Humane Society and starting in 2025 will
fund the organization $35,750. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson noted the majority
of the animal control calls the Humane Society receive are within the Great
Bend city limits.
"I believe it's close to 90% of calls come from within the City of Great Bend," said Hutchinson. "We already know that, but I think it's important for the public to know that."In 2024, the City of Great Bend contributed $107,500 to the Humane Society as
an outside agency request. In 2023, the Humane Society handled 1,175 calls from
Great Bend compared to 198 around the county.
The Humane Society relies on funding from the city, county, donations and
grants.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton County updates agreement with Golden Belt Humane Society

Did you know that the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is named after the city’s
first director of public lands, Brit Spaugh? The name was officially changed in
1965 to be named after its founder. Historic information about Great Bend’s
free zoo goes on and on. That’s part of the reason why the city moved forward
with creating Zoo Look Books. 

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes
said the hardcover books are currently getting printed.


"We're so excited to have these," said Hayes. "It's going to look so great. It's going to be a piece of memorabilia and marketing for our zoo. The zoo will be able to sell them and make a little bit of money off of it."

The books will detail the history of the Great Bend zoo. They will be available
for purchase at the zoo and may be included in giveaways and promotions. 


The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau received a $3,468 grant from
Kansas Tourism this past September to assist in the production of the books.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734626926720.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostDid you know that the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is named after the city’s
first director of public lands, Brit Spaugh? The name was officially changed in
1965 to be named after its founder. Historic information about Great Bend’s
free zoo goes on and on. That’s part of the reason why the city moved forward
with creating Zoo Look Books. Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes
said the hardcover books are currently getting printed.
"We're so excited to have these," said Hayes. "It's going to look so great. It's going to be a piece of memorabilia and marketing for our zoo. The zoo will be able to sell them and make a little bit of money off of it."The books will detail the history of the Great Bend zoo. They will be available
for purchase at the zoo and may be included in giveaways and promotions. 
The Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau received a $3,468 grant from
Kansas Tourism this past September to assist in the production of the books.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend Zoo Look Books nearly complete

Today Sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 20. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 43. South-southeast wind around 7 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South wind 6 to 9 mph.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 55. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Christmas Day Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 36. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.Tonight Clear, with a low around 20. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 43. South-southeast wind around 7 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South wind 6 to 9 mph.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 55. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.Christmas Day Partly sunny, with a high near 49.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.Thursday A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

Cyber Smart Kids Day in Hoisington Jan. 3

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley that aired Dec. 18, 2024.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley that aired Dec. 18, 2024.<div><iframe title="City Edition: Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley" 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=a8ycr-177a34e-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 City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Public Works Director Cauley

Golden Belt Community Foundation just completed its eleventh Giving Tuesday campaign, wrapping up and announcing the results during a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday morning.

Giving Tuesday started as a day for anyone, anywhere to give, and it has grown into the biggest giving movement in the world. Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. Celebrated on the Tuesday following U.S. Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday inspires millions of people across the globe to show up and give back to causes and issues that matter to them.

This year over 1,000 gifts were made to support 115 local charitable organizations and endowment funds raising a total of $533,217.00.

“This year marked GBCF’s 11th year to be a Giving Tuesday partner,” stated Mackenzie Mitchell, Development and Communications Coordinator, “and again this year we invited all charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties to participate.”

Mitchell further explained that there were a handful of new organizations participating, and that each organization chose whether to get any gifts received as a grant back to their organization – or to use the gifts to build their endowment fund at GBCF. Many organizations will be receiving the gifts as grants to be put to immediate use supporting a wide variety of missions and causes.

“Today GBCF will be awarding over $500,000 in grants,” Mitchell explained.

The 2024 Top Ten Giving Tuesday organizations and funds raised are:

4- Stafford County Economic Development $13,100

7- Community Food Bank of Barton County $10,330

8- Meals on Wheels of Barton County $7,650

“Thank you for your support, participation, and spreading the word about Giving Tuesday”, said Jason Murray. “Giving Tuesday couldn’t happen without you”.

The Most Generous City Award, which was calculated with gift totals by zip code per capita. Great Bend received the 2024 Most Generous City award, and the foundation will make a grant of $1,000 to an organization or project in that community.

In 2025 Giving Tuesday will be celebrated on December 2nd.

For questions about Golden Belt Community Foundation or Giving Tuesday, please contact the foundation at gbcf@goldenbeltcf.org or (620) 792-3000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734633158034.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Golden Belt Community Foundation just completed its eleventh Giving Tuesday campaign, wrapping up and announcing the results during a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday morning.Giving Tuesday started as a day for anyone, anywhere to give, and it has grown into the biggest giving movement in the world. Giving Tuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. Celebrated on the Tuesday following U.S. Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday inspires millions of people across the globe to show up and give back to causes and issues that matter to them.This year over 1,000 gifts were made to support 115 local charitable organizations and endowment funds raising a total of $533,217.00.“This year marked GBCF’s 11th year to be a Giving Tuesday partner,” stated Mackenzie Mitchell, Development and Communications Coordinator, “and again this year we invited all charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties to participate.”Mitchell further explained that there were a handful of new organizations participating, and that each organization chose whether to get any gifts received as a grant back to their organization – or to use the gifts to build their endowment fund at GBCF. Many organizations will be receiving the gifts as grants to be put to immediate use supporting a wide variety of missions and causes.“Today GBCF will be awarding over $500,000 in grants,” Mitchell explained.The 2024 Top Ten Giving Tuesday organizations and funds raised are:1- Kansas oil and gas $150,5502- Prince of Peace $53,1303- Holy Family $31,9304- Stafford County Economic Development $13,1005- Prairie Godmother Endowment $12,3006- United Way of Central Kansas $10,3357- Community Food Bank of Barton County $10,3308- Meals on Wheels of Barton County $7,6509- GPS Kids Club $7,41010- Golden Belt Humane Society $7,220“Thank you for your support, participation, and spreading the word about Giving Tuesday”, said Jason Murray. “Giving Tuesday couldn’t happen without you”.The Most Generous City Award, which was calculated with gift totals by zip code per capita. Great Bend received the 2024 Most Generous City award, and the foundation will make a grant of $1,000 to an organization or project in that community.In 2025 Giving Tuesday will be celebrated on December 2nd.For questions about Golden Belt Community Foundation or Giving Tuesday, please contact the foundation at gbcf@goldenbeltcf.org or (620) 792-3000.

Campaign raises over $500K for Barton Co. area non-profits

From the Great Bend Police Department

Great Bend Police Department detectives, working alongside Dallas police, have arrested a second suspect who was allegedly involved in the financial scam of a Great Bend woman earlier this fall. On Oct. 30, Great Bend police officers were dispatched to a local residence in reference to a financial crime. The victim reported being contacted by an individual who claimed to be employed by Microsoft and said he was working with the victim's local bank. 

The suspect convinced the victim that multiple bank accounts and personal information had been compromised. The suspect told the victim that she would need to provide money to correct the compromised information and coerced the victim into withdrawing money and then relinquishing the money to a delivery driver. A total loss of $50,000 was reported during this incident.

Through extensive follow-up investigation, including utilizing the department's FLOCK license plate reader cameras, the suspect was identified as 43-year-old Talal Elfellah, a resident of Dallas. Detectives were able to determine that Elfellah returned to Texas immediately following the crime. 

Working with the Barton County Attorney’s Office, GBPD detectives were able to secure an arrest warrant for Elfellah, as well as a warrant for the vehicle used in the crime.

On Dec. 16, GBPD detectives traveled to Dallas and began surveillance on Elfellah. On Dec. 17, with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department, Elfellah was taken into custody without incident, and he was booked into the Dallas County Jail on the Barton County warrant. At some point in the near future, Elfellah will be extradited from Texas and transported to the Barton County Jail. 

Elfellah's vehicle was also seized and was transported back to Great Bend, pending asset forfeiture proceedings. A second suspect in this case, 42-year-old Nathan Greenwood of Traverse City, Mich., was previously arrested on Oct. 31 when he arrived at the victim’s residence in an attempt to retrieve additional money. 

The GBPD would like to thank the Barton County Attorney’s Office, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the Dallas Police Department for their assistance in this case. 

This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information in reference to this case or any other case are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734631668049.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Police Department Detectives worked with the Dallas Police Department to arrest Talal Elfellah on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a financial scam in Great Bend in October." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Police Department Detectives worked with the Dallas Police Department to arrest Talal Elfellah on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a financial scam in Great Bend in October.</figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Police DepartmentGreat Bend Police Department detectives, working alongside Dallas police, have arrested a second suspect who was allegedly involved in the financial scam of a Great Bend woman earlier this fall. On Oct. 30, Great Bend police officers were dispatched to a local residence in reference to a financial crime. The victim reported being contacted by an individual who claimed to be employed by Microsoft and said he was working with the victim's local bank. The suspect convinced the victim that multiple bank accounts and personal information had been compromised. The suspect told the victim that she would need to provide money to correct the compromised information and coerced the victim into withdrawing money and then relinquishing the money to a delivery driver. A total loss of $50,000 was reported during this incident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734631773711.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Police Department Detective Shane Becker with Elfellah's seized vehicle." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Police Department Detective Shane Becker with Elfellah's seized vehicle.</figcaption>
 </figure>Through extensive follow-up investigation, including utilizing the department's FLOCK license plate reader cameras, the suspect was identified as 43-year-old Talal Elfellah, a resident of Dallas. Detectives were able to determine that Elfellah returned to Texas immediately following the crime. Working with the Barton County Attorney’s Office, GBPD detectives were able to secure an arrest warrant for Elfellah, as well as a warrant for the vehicle used in the crime.On Dec. 16, GBPD detectives traveled to Dallas and began surveillance on Elfellah. On Dec. 17, with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department, Elfellah was taken into custody without incident, and he was booked into the Dallas County Jail on the Barton County warrant. At some point in the near future, Elfellah will be extradited from Texas and transported to the Barton County Jail. Elfellah's vehicle was also seized and was transported back to Great Bend, pending asset forfeiture proceedings. A second suspect in this case, 42-year-old Nathan Greenwood of Traverse City, Mich., was previously arrested on Oct. 31 when he arrived at the victim’s residence in an attempt to retrieve additional money. The GBPD would like to thank the Barton County Attorney’s Office, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the Dallas Police Department for their assistance in this case. This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information in reference to this case or any other case are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Second suspect arrested in $50K financial scam involving Great Bend woman

The 2023 cross country season was a special one for the Great Bend High School girls. The Panthers entered the Class 5A State Championships at Rim Rock Farm ranked No. 1 despite finishing 80 points behind St. James Academy just a year earlier. In 2023, the Lady Panthers finished second to the Thunder, missing a state title by just 10 points.

Because of that success, Lady Panther coach Lyles Lashley was named Kansas Coaches Association Girls' Cross Country Coach of the Year and Kansas Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Coaches Association (KCCTFCA) Class 5A Girls Coach of the Year. Last week, he was named National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Section 5 Coach of the Year.

"It's fun to think about the girls and the team we had, how balanced we were," Lashley said. "The same group of girls that scored at state lost to St. James by 80 points the year before, and we only lost to them by 10 that year. I think that was a testament to the summer they put in and how they worked together as a unit."

As Kansas Coach of the Year for the 2023 season, Lashley became eligible for the NFHS Section 5 award that includes coaches from Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. Sectional committee representatives at NFHS evaluate state-award recipients and select the best candidates for the sectional award in each category. Sectional candidates are then ranked according to a point system to determine a National Coach of the Year in each sport.

Great Bend was led in the 2023 season by Addy Nicholson, who placed fourth at state and set a school record at Rim Rock Farm. Marissa Boone finished eighth, and Sienna Smith ran 13th. Morgan Beckwith and Eliana Beckham, both seniors at the time, rounded out team scoring. Kate Welcher and Kenzie Premer, who had set a school record at the course earlier in the season, also ran at state.

"It's just a testament to the hard work our kids put in," Lashley said. "Without that, none of these awards are possible - them buying into our program and the hard work they put in."

This year's cross-country team won a fourth-consecutive Western Athletic Conference title and fourth-straight regional title for the school. Lashley was previously honored as NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year for the 2013 season after winning a Class 2A boys' state title in Ellinwood.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734553293481.png" alt="Great Bend High School cross country coach Lyles Lashley was recently named NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year after a state runner-up finish at the 2023 state meet.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School cross country coach Lyles Lashley was recently named NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year after a state runner-up finish at the 2023 state meet.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe 2023 cross country season was a special one for the Great Bend High School girls. The Panthers entered the Class 5A State Championships at Rim Rock Farm ranked No. 1 despite finishing 80 points behind St. James Academy just a year earlier. In 2023, the Lady Panthers finished second to the Thunder, missing a state title by just 10 points.Because of that success, Lady Panther coach Lyles Lashley was named Kansas Coaches Association Girls' Cross Country Coach of the Year and Kansas Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Coaches Association (KCCTFCA) Class 5A Girls Coach of the Year. Last week, he was named National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Section 5 Coach of the Year."It's fun to think about the girls and the team we had, how balanced we were," Lashley said. "The same group of girls that scored at state lost to St. James by 80 points the year before, and we only lost to them by 10 that year. I think that was a testament to the summer they put in and how they worked together as a unit."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698524957230.jpeg" alt="2023 Class 5A state runners-up" />
 <figcaption>2023 Class 5A state runners-up</figcaption>
 </figure>As Kansas Coach of the Year for the 2023 season, Lashley became eligible for the NFHS Section 5 award that includes coaches from Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. Sectional committee representatives at NFHS evaluate state-award recipients and select the best candidates for the sectional award in each category. Sectional candidates are then ranked according to a point system to determine a National Coach of the Year in each sport.Great Bend was led in the 2023 season by Addy Nicholson, who placed fourth at state and set a school record at Rim Rock Farm. Marissa Boone finished eighth, and Sienna Smith ran 13th. Morgan Beckwith and Eliana Beckham, both seniors at the time, rounded out team scoring. Kate Welcher and Kenzie Premer, who had set a school record at the course earlier in the season, also ran at state."It's just a testament to the hard work our kids put in," Lashley said. "Without that, none of these awards are possible - them buying into our program and the hard work they put in."This year's cross-country team won a fourth-consecutive Western Athletic Conference title and fourth-straight regional title for the school. Lashley was previously honored as NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year for the 2013 season after winning a Class 2A boys' state title in Ellinwood.

Great Bend's Lashley honored with second NFHS Sectional Coach of Year award

Merry Christmas everyone! At this time of year, we bring plants into our house to help decorate for the season. Many of these, such as trees and poinsettias are removed and discarded at the end of the season, but Christmas Cactus are plants that you can enjoy all year long! I found a short article on them to share with you this week that goes over care if you have one already, or what to do if you are looking at getting a Cactus. I hope you enjoy this and I hope each and every one of you has a very merry Christmas!&nbsp;

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are epiphytes native to the jungles of South America. Epiphytic plants grow on other plants and use them for support but not for nutrients. Though these cacti are different species, they will hybridize and produce varying stem shapes. Christmas cactus normally has smooth stem segments, and Thanksgiving Cactus has hook-like appendages on each segment. Both of these cacti prefer bright indirect light. Too much sun can result in the leaves turning yellow. Common household temperatures are fine. Soil should be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged. Give them a light fertilization every other week. Blooming will normally cease in late winter to early spring, but continue to keep them moist and fertilized until fall. During the fall, stop fertilizing, and give the plants only enough water so the stems do not shrivel in order to encourage flower bud formation. Though these plants seem to flower best if kept a little pot bound, flowers will diminish if they are too crowded. If you haven't repotted in several years, or if you notice a decrease in flowering from the previous year, move the plant to a larger pot in the spring. If possible, move the plants outside for the summer. Choose a shady spot because these plants will not tolerate full sun. Leave the plants outside until frost threatens. Normally, the plants will have received enough cool nights in the 50- to 55-degree range that flower buds will have formed. However, if they haven't, subjecting the plants to nights greater than 12 hours long and temperatures between 59 and 69 degrees can also generate flowers. Twenty-five consecutive long nights is enough for flower initiation. Place the plants in an unused room or cover them with a dark cloth or cardboard box to insure that they receive uninterrupted darkness. After the flower buds have formed, it takes an additional nine to 10 weeks for flowers to complete development and bloom.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Merry Christmas everyone! At this time of year, we bring plants into our house to help decorate for the season. Many of these, such as trees and poinsettias are removed and discarded at the end of the season, but Christmas Cactus are plants that you can enjoy all year long! I found a short article on them to share with you this week that goes over care if you have one already, or what to do if you are looking at getting a Cactus. I hope you enjoy this and I hope each and every one of you has a very merry Christmas!&nbsp;Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are epiphytes native to the jungles of South America. Epiphytic plants grow on other plants and use them for support but not for nutrients. Though these cacti are different species, they will hybridize and produce varying stem shapes. Christmas cactus normally has smooth stem segments, and Thanksgiving Cactus has hook-like appendages on each segment. Both of these cacti prefer bright indirect light. Too much sun can result in the leaves turning yellow. Common household temperatures are fine. Soil should be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged. Give them a light fertilization every other week. Blooming will normally cease in late winter to early spring, but continue to keep them moist and fertilized until fall. During the fall, stop fertilizing, and give the plants only enough water so the stems do not shrivel in order to encourage flower bud formation. Though these plants seem to flower best if kept a little pot bound, flowers will diminish if they are too crowded. If you haven't repotted in several years, or if you notice a decrease in flowering from the previous year, move the plant to a larger pot in the spring. If possible, move the plants outside for the summer. Choose a shady spot because these plants will not tolerate full sun. Leave the plants outside until frost threatens. Normally, the plants will have received enough cool nights in the 50- to 55-degree range that flower buds will have formed. However, if they haven't, subjecting the plants to nights greater than 12 hours long and temperatures between 59 and 69 degrees can also generate flowers. Twenty-five consecutive long nights is enough for flower initiation. Place the plants in an unused room or cover them with a dark cloth or cardboard box to insure that they receive uninterrupted darkness. After the flower buds have formed, it takes an additional nine to 10 weeks for flowers to complete development and bloom.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

BOOR: Enjoying the Christmas cactus all year

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/18)

At 12:24 a.m. the K-9 was called out to MM 209 E. US 56
Highway.

At 12:25 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 148 SE 40
Road.

At 12:54 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 115 Becker
Ct.

At 5:54 p.m. an accident was reported at 1017 NE 100 Road in
Claflin.

At 9:02 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 989 E. US
56 Highway in Ellinwood.

At 9:40 p.m. a trespassing report was made at 232 SE 30
Avenue.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/18)

At 4:40 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1710 Holland.

At 8:59 a.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th
Street.

At 12:54 p.m. a possible animal cruelty case was reported at
115 Becker Ct.

At 1:12 p.m. a dog running at large was reported at 919
Adams.

At 3:23 p.m. an older male subject yelling at an employee
was reported at 1315 10th Street.

At 4:25 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2012 32nd
Street.

At 4:25 p.m. a report of wanting to speak with an officer in
reference to Michael Krom calling the store was made at 3700 10th
Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/18)K-9 Use / Call OutAt 12:24 a.m. the K-9 was called out to MM 209 E. US 56
Highway.Animal ComplaintAt 12:25 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 148 SE 40
Road.At 12:54 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 115 Becker
Ct.Non-Injury AccidentAt 5:54 p.m. an accident was reported at 1017 NE 100 Road in
Claflin.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 9:02 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 989 E. US
56 Highway in Ellinwood.TrespassingAt 9:40 p.m. a trespassing report was made at 232 SE 30
Avenue.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/18)Breathing ProblemsAt 4:40 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1710 Holland.Non-Injury AccidentAt 8:59 a.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th
Street.Animal ComplaintAt 12:54 p.m. a possible animal cruelty case was reported at
115 Becker Ct.At 1:12 p.m. a dog running at large was reported at 919
Adams.Trespassing / CriminalAt 3:23 p.m. an older male subject yelling at an employee
was reported at 1315 10th Street.StrokeAt 4:25 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2012 32nd
Street.Threats / Criminal ThreatsAt 4:25 p.m. a report of wanting to speak with an officer in
reference to Michael Krom calling the store was made at 3700 10th
Street.

Cop Shop (12/18)

The City of Great Bend will be undertaking a manhole replacement project starting Thursday, Dec. 19 at the intersection of 16th Street Terrace and Cherry Lane. To ensure the safety of both the crew and the public, the intersection will be completely closed from 8 a.m. onwards.

We urge residents and commuters to avoid the area or find alternative routes. The intersection will remain closed during the day but will partially reopen in the evenings, allowing one lane of traffic to pass through. The project, including the curing of concrete, is expected to take approximately 10 working days.

We appreciate your attention and patience as we work to improve our infrastructure. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, (620) 793-4150&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jcauley@greatbendks.net">jcauley@greatbendks.net</a>

From the City of Great Bend...The City of Great Bend will be undertaking a manhole replacement project starting Thursday, Dec. 19 at the intersection of 16th Street Terrace and Cherry Lane. To ensure the safety of both the crew and the public, the intersection will be completely closed from 8 a.m. onwards.We urge residents and commuters to avoid the area or find alternative routes. The intersection will remain closed during the day but will partially reopen in the evenings, allowing one lane of traffic to pass through. The project, including the curing of concrete, is expected to take approximately 10 working days.We appreciate your attention and patience as we work to improve our infrastructure. Thank you for your cooperation.If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, (620) 793-4150&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jcauley@greatbendks.net">jcauley@greatbendks.net</a>

Intersection closed at 16th St. Terrace & Cherry Ln in Great Bend

12/18 BOOKED: James Raab on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Tag Light, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Alexis Hernandez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Amber Demel on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, Jaywalking, and Drunk Pedestrian, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jonnathen Harrington on Barton County District Court warrant for Forgery and Theft by Deception, less than $1,500, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Danyan Battaglear on Harvey County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Hipolito Delgado on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $500 cash only; and on ICE Detainer, no bond set.

RELEASED: James Raab on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Tag Light, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Michael E. Clark on Barton County District Court case, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Ernest Klima&nbsp;on four Barton County District Court cases, to KDOC.

BOOKED: Jonnathen Harrington on Barton County District Court warrant for Forgery and Theft by Deception, less than $1,500; and on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, after posting a total $10,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>12/18 BOOKED: James Raab on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Tag Light, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Alexis Hernandez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Amber Demel on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, Jaywalking, and Drunk Pedestrian, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jonnathen Harrington on Barton County District Court warrant for Forgery and Theft by Deception, less than $1,500, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Danyan Battaglear on Harvey County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Hipolito Delgado on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $500 cash only; and on ICE Detainer, no bond set.RELEASED: James Raab on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Tag Light, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Michael E. Clark on Barton County District Court case, to KDOC.RELEASED: Ernest Klima&nbsp;on four Barton County District Court cases, to KDOC.BOOKED: Jonnathen Harrington on Barton County District Court warrant for Forgery and Theft by Deception, less than $1,500; and on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, after posting a total $10,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/18)

The Barton County Landfill is required to prepare and implement a Spill
Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan per EPA regulation. This
includes a description of oil storage and handling operations, spill prevention
practices, discharge drainage controls, and the personnel, equipment and
resources at the facility that are used to prevent oil spills from reaching
navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.


Barton’s Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby made her recommendation to the Barton
County Commission on which company should prepare the plan.


"UES and SCS Engineers submitted bids for $8,500," said Hamby. "They were a tie. I'm recommending that we approve the bid from SCS because they have been our engineers for 40 years. They know our landfill better than anybody."

As bids were accepted until Nov. 27, the Commission approved
the bid from SCS Engineers for $8,500.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657285791558.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Barton County Landfill is required to prepare and implement a Spill
Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan per EPA regulation. This
includes a description of oil storage and handling operations, spill prevention
practices, discharge drainage controls, and the personnel, equipment and
resources at the facility that are used to prevent oil spills from reaching
navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.
Barton’s Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby made her recommendation to the Barton
County Commission on which company should prepare the plan.
"UES and SCS Engineers submitted bids for $8,500," said Hamby. "They were a tie. I'm recommending that we approve the bid from SCS because they have been our engineers for 40 years. They know our landfill better than anybody."As bids were accepted until Nov. 27, the Commission approved
the bid from SCS Engineers for $8,500.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Co. approves bid for spill prevention plan and landfill

The City of Great Bend has asked for a contract from JEO Consulting Group
to develop a comprehensive Pavement Management Plan for the city’s 150
centerline miles of streets. The project will assess current pavement
conditions, create a pavement inventory with GIS data and historical records
and prioritize repair and rehabilitation efforts. 

Brad Shores, with JEO, said the plan uses
data-driven research to get the most bang for the buck with street repairs.


"A lot of times you're putting a significant chunk of money into a full reconstruct," said Shores. "That same money could be spread across five to ten streets doing maintenance works, preserving that and extending the life of those streets. We want to better utilize the money."

JEO will deliver a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan with strategies for street
maintenance and long-term budget planning.


"No one has a magic wand to come in and fix your streets over night," said Shores. "What we're doing is coming up strategies to help you start to make incremental, long-term improvements so that your condition is getting better on average over time."

The Great Bend City Council approved the contract with JEO for the Pavement
Management Plan for $65,100.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692711397667.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend has asked for a contract from JEO Consulting Group
to develop a comprehensive Pavement Management Plan for the city’s 150
centerline miles of streets. The project will assess current pavement
conditions, create a pavement inventory with GIS data and historical records
and prioritize repair and rehabilitation efforts. Brad Shores, with JEO, said the plan uses
data-driven research to get the most bang for the buck with street repairs.
"A lot of times you're putting a significant chunk of money into a full reconstruct," said Shores. "That same money could be spread across five to ten streets doing maintenance works, preserving that and extending the life of those streets. We want to better utilize the money."JEO will deliver a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan with strategies for street
maintenance and long-term budget planning.
"No one has a magic wand to come in and fix your streets over night," said Shores. "What we're doing is coming up strategies to help you start to make incremental, long-term improvements so that your condition is getting better on average over time."The Great Bend City Council approved the contract with JEO for the Pavement
Management Plan for $65,100.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend to generate Pavement Management Plan for future repairs

Today Sunny, with a high near 58. West-southwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North-northwest wind 8 to 10 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22. South-southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 45. South southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 52.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Christmas Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 58. West-southwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North-northwest wind 8 to 10 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 38. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22. South-southeast wind 7 to 9 mph.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 45. South southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 26.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 52.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 54.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32.Christmas Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

Loud voices and everyone stepping up to the plate. Barton County Commissioner Donna Zimmerman credited residents in Barton, Pawnee, and Russell counties for speaking out against a proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) that would have passed through all three counties. Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it was no longer pursuing the proposed NIETC that affected Kansas. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said elected officials took action in a rare joint meeting in October, but the real difference was the public.

"What really pushed it over the edge was the citizens," he said. "So for the citizens of Barton, Pawnee, and Russell counties, I want to say thank you. I want to point out, when we all work together, this is the type of thing we can accomplish. Nothing is too big. Not even federal government regulations are too big when we all join together and row in the same direction. We can accomplish anything."

Originally proposed at five miles wide and 780 miles long, the Midwest-Plains NIETC prompted concern about eminent domain and landowner rights throughout the region. Last week's decision by the DOE to narrow the list of proposed NIETCs does not stop the Grain Belt Express, a separate project that has already been approved along a similar path.

"I believe we're in a much better spot now because the Grain Belt Express is Kansas," said Barton Commission Chair Barb Esfeld. "It's much smaller. It's something we feel like we can talk about and we know people we can actually have a conversation with. It was a big win for our counties."

State and federal legislators in states affected by the proposed NIETC call last week's decision a big win. Josh Hawley, a Republican senator from Missouri, recently criticized a $4.9 billion conditional commitment for a loan guarantee from the federal government for the Grain Belt Express, saying the funding should not be committed before various reviews have been completed and that the project will wreak havoc on landowners affected by the transmission line.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664028147644.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLoud voices and everyone stepping up to the plate. Barton County Commissioner Donna Zimmerman credited residents in Barton, Pawnee, and Russell counties for speaking out against a proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) that would have passed through all three counties. Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it was no longer pursuing the proposed NIETC that affected Kansas. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said elected officials took action in a rare joint meeting in October, but the real difference was the public."What really pushed it over the edge was the citizens," he said. "So for the citizens of Barton, Pawnee, and Russell counties, I want to say thank you. I want to point out, when we all work together, this is the type of thing we can accomplish. Nothing is too big. Not even federal government regulations are too big when we all join together and row in the same direction. We can accomplish anything."Originally proposed at five miles wide and 780 miles long, the Midwest-Plains NIETC prompted concern about eminent domain and landowner rights throughout the region. Last week's decision by the DOE to narrow the list of proposed NIETCs does not stop the Grain Belt Express, a separate project that has already been approved along a similar path."I believe we're in a much better spot now because the Grain Belt Express is Kansas," said Barton Commission Chair Barb Esfeld. "It's much smaller. It's something we feel like we can talk about and we know people we can actually have a conversation with. It was a big win for our counties."State and federal legislators in states affected by the proposed NIETC call last week's decision a big win. Josh Hawley, a Republican senator from Missouri, recently criticized a $4.9 billion conditional commitment for a loan guarantee from the federal government for the Grain Belt Express, saying the funding should not be committed before various reviews have been completed and that the project will wreak havoc on landowners affected by the transmission line.

Barton Co. commissioners thank public for speaking out against energy corridor

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Hoisington public water supply system located in Barton County. The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Hoisington indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Hoisington public water supply system located in Barton County. The advisory was issued because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.&nbsp; Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Hoisington indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved. &nbsp;

Boil water advisory rescinded for the City of Hoisington

HAYS, Kan. – Water was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee,&nbsp;and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.

The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.

The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.

“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.

Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. Speakers included:

Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, Lawrence

Katie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott City

Shannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, Colby

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734533025826.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsHAYS, Kan. – Water was the focus of the third annual Western Kansas Ag Summit, hosted by Fort Hays State University. The event was established by Kansas District 110 Representative Ken Rahjes, chair of the House of Representatives Ag Committee,&nbsp;and Dr. Grady Dixon, dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, to bring awareness to the critical issues facing Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, financial institutions, and ag businesses.The summit was held on Monday, Dec. 9, in the FHSU Robbins Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University.The 2024 Ag Summit opened with Dean Dixon welcoming approximately 60 guests from various agricultural-related businesses, representatives from the state legislature, and members of the FHSU and Affiliation schools.“Water availability and quality are vital to the success of western Kansas businesses and communities, and we want all stakeholders to understand what it takes to ensure that resource is reliable,” Dixon said.Issues and perspectives discussed by this year’s guest speakers throughout the day focused on the growing concerns over water scarcity and management in much of Kansas. Speakers included:Brownie Wilson, Geohydrology Support Services, Kansas Geological Survey, LawrenceKatie Durham, Manager, Groundwater Management District #1, Scott CityShannon Kenyon, Manager, Groundwater Management District #4, ColbyJack Polifka, Precision Ag Technology Instructor, Fort Hays Tech Northwest, GoodlandToby Dougherty, City Manager, City of Hays, HaysDr. Jon Sumrall, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Fort Hays State University, HaysMatt Allen, City Manager, and Fred Jones, Water Systems Resource Manager, Garden CityClay Scott, Board Member, Groundwater Management District #3, UlyssesThe summit closed with a panel discussion that included ten state legislators. In addition to Rep. Rahjes, legislators in attendance included Rep. Sandy Pickert, Rep. Jim Minnix, Rep. Bill Clifford, Rep. Lon Pishny, Rep. Bob Lewis, Rep. Clarke Sanders, Rep. Kenneth Collins, Rep. Gary White, and State Senator Ronald Ryckman.“This event is designed to promote informative discussions between ag-industry leaders and our state policymakers,” Dixon said. “I have been impressed each year with the dialogue, and I am confident that both groups leave with a better understanding of others’ perspectives.”

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