By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Parents wishing to send their young children to the new childcare center
being built in Great Bend, can now secure a spot on the waitlist. The Bright
Beginnings Childcare Center, near the 10th Street and K-96 Highway
intersection, will open for 59 children in the beginning. 

Advancing Barton
County Childcare (ABCC) Chairman Sara Arnberger said interested parents can get
signed up at <a href="https://www.abccinc.org/joinus">abccinc.org</a>.

"Our site director and board are monitoring the waitlist as requests come in," said Arnberger. "Pending we have a spot, we're filling those right now and reserving them. Anyone else to inquire or come in after the fact, we're still adding to the waitlist. A lot can happen between now and opening our doors."

The Center will provide full-day care and education for children aged six weeks to 5 years. The weekly charge for the childcare center in Great Bend is set at $190 per
child. The Center hours are from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If children are not picked up before the closing time, there will be a charge
of $1 per minute per child after 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Arnberger said the anticipated completion date of the $1.6 million childcare
center is April 1, 2024, but a conservative date of June 3 is set for all the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) processes. 

"We're aiming still for spring," said Arnberger. "For our waitlist, we put a conservative opening date for June. We hope and think that it's going to be before that, but we wanted to give parents the idea of that conservative date just in case those KDHE approval processes take longer."

The ABCC committee took on fundraising for the 6,500-square-foot daycare, and
received a $2.23 million grant to assist with the Great Bend facility and build
a similar daycare in Hoisington.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704304326341.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostParents wishing to send their young children to the new childcare center
being built in Great Bend, can now secure a spot on the waitlist. The Bright
Beginnings Childcare Center, near the 10th Street and K-96 Highway
intersection, will open for 59 children in the beginning. Advancing Barton
County Childcare (ABCC) Chairman Sara Arnberger said interested parents can get
signed up at <a href="https://www.abccinc.org/joinus">abccinc.org</a>.
"Our site director and board are monitoring the waitlist as requests come in," said Arnberger. "Pending we have a spot, we're filling those right now and reserving them. Anyone else to inquire or come in after the fact, we're still adding to the waitlist. A lot can happen between now and opening our doors."The Center will provide full-day care and education for children aged six weeks to 5 years. The weekly charge for the childcare center in Great Bend is set at $190 per
child. The Center hours are from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If children are not picked up before the closing time, there will be a charge
of $1 per minute per child after 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;Arnberger said the anticipated completion date of the $1.6 million childcare
center is April 1, 2024, but a conservative date of June 3 is set for all the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) processes. "We're aiming still for spring," said Arnberger. "For our waitlist, we put a conservative opening date for June. We hope and think that it's going to be before that, but we wanted to give parents the idea of that conservative date just in case those KDHE approval processes take longer."The ABCC committee took on fundraising for the 6,500-square-foot daycare, and
received a $2.23 million grant to assist with the Great Bend facility and build
a similar daycare in Hoisington.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Waitlist is open for new childcare center in Great Bend

As 2024 is now officially underway, The Cottonwood District is hitting the ground running with some programs in the area for producers. We have a little bit of everything gong on in Ag to start off the year right. If you would like to register for anything, or have questions about the programs, please contact us at either office. Great Bend: 620-793-1910 or Hays 785-628-9430.

Cow-calf Clinic, Jan. 10 Kansas State University beef extension specialists and agents will host a cow-calf production clinic January 10th at the Ellis County Extension office located at 601 Main St in Hays.

The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will focus on “Navigating Opportunities and Risks: Production and Forage Considerations,” with discussion on local conditions encountered by cow-calf producers.

The clinics will also include interactive polls, forage sampling in a drought year, implications of -forage sampling and presentation by K-State agricultural economist Jenny Ifft, who will discuss making dollars and cents of risk management tools.

There will be a $10 cost payable at the door and a meal will be provided. RSVP by Jan. 8th for a meal count by calling 785-628-9430 or emailing Theresa Meis at tam3@ksu.edu.

Cover Your Acres Winter Conference, Jan. 16-17, Oberlin K-State Research and Extension will host the 21st annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on January 16 and 17.

Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the Central High Plains region.

The same programs will be offered on both days of the conference. Participants attending both days will find catching most or all of the programs easier. The sessions are followed by a social on Tuesday evening, where attendees can visit with industry representatives and conference speakers while enjoying appetizers.

Online registration is open. To view the conference details, registration, &amp; lodging accommodations, www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres. For questions, call 785-462-6281.

Agricultural Producers Meeting Extension agents Clint Laflin and Alicia Boor will host a joint extension program in Ellsworth, Kans. on Thursday Jan. 18, 2023. Topics covered include financial budgeting, understanding interest rate trends, risk management insurance options, and farm family transitions.

Experts from local banks, the Kansas Farm Management Association, and Kansas State Research and Extension will serve as speakers, and be on hand to answer attendee questions.

Registration cost is $10 payable at the door by cash or check. The event will take place at the Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center: 221 West Douglas Ave, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts provided, followed by our first speaker. The event will conclude by 3 p.m.

An RSVP is requested by Friday, Jan. 12 to give organizers an accurate count for our catered lunch provided to attendees. To register please email or call Midway District Livestock Agent, Clint Laflin, at cllaflin@ksu.edu, or 785-483-3157.

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 620-793-1910.

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>As 2024 is now officially underway, The Cottonwood District is hitting the ground running with some programs in the area for producers. We have a little bit of everything gong on in Ag to start off the year right. If you would like to register for anything, or have questions about the programs, please contact us at either office. Great Bend: 620-793-1910 or Hays 785-628-9430.Cow-calf Clinic, Jan. 10 Kansas State University beef extension specialists and agents will host a cow-calf production clinic January 10th at the Ellis County Extension office located at 601 Main St in Hays.The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will focus on “Navigating Opportunities and Risks: Production and Forage Considerations,” with discussion on local conditions encountered by cow-calf producers.The clinics will also include interactive polls, forage sampling in a drought year, implications of -forage sampling and presentation by K-State agricultural economist Jenny Ifft, who will discuss making dollars and cents of risk management tools.There will be a $10 cost payable at the door and a meal will be provided. RSVP by Jan. 8th for a meal count by calling 785-628-9430 or emailing Theresa Meis at tam3@ksu.edu.Cover Your Acres Winter Conference, Jan. 16-17, Oberlin K-State Research and Extension will host the 21st annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on January 16 and 17.Cover Your Acres is a producer-driven meeting focused on new ideas and research-based updates in crop production in northwest Kansas and the Central High Plains region.The same programs will be offered on both days of the conference. Participants attending both days will find catching most or all of the programs easier. The sessions are followed by a social on Tuesday evening, where attendees can visit with industry representatives and conference speakers while enjoying appetizers.Online registration is open. To view the conference details, registration, &amp; lodging accommodations, www.northwest.ksu.edu/coveryouracres. For questions, call 785-462-6281.Agricultural Producers Meeting Extension agents Clint Laflin and Alicia Boor will host a joint extension program in Ellsworth, Kans. on Thursday Jan. 18, 2023. Topics covered include financial budgeting, understanding interest rate trends, risk management insurance options, and farm family transitions.Experts from local banks, the Kansas Farm Management Association, and Kansas State Research and Extension will serve as speakers, and be on hand to answer attendee questions.Registration cost is $10 payable at the door by cash or check. The event will take place at the Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center: 221 West Douglas Ave, Ellsworth, KS 67439. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and doughnuts provided, followed by our first speaker. The event will conclude by 3 p.m.An RSVP is requested by Friday, Jan. 12 to give organizers an accurate count for our catered lunch provided to attendees. To register please email or call Midway District Livestock Agent, Clint Laflin, at cllaflin@ksu.edu, or 785-483-3157.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 620-793-1910.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: January programs for area producers

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend City Council took a short recess Tuesday night to walk
over to the old police department building on Williams Street. The council took
a tour of the 7,500-square-foot building built in 1938. 

With the Great Bend
Police Department and Municipal Court staff moved over to the new, $9 million
Justice Center at 12th Street and Baker Avenue last month, City
Administrator Brandon Anderson said the city is studying the possibilities of the vacant structure on Williams.


"One of the options is to demolish the building," said Anderson. "If we find out it's a sound structure, maybe we make some adjustments and consider leasing the square footage. As important as it was to give the police department and court an opportunity to spread out and grow, there are other departments in city hall and the fire department that could spread out also."

The building consists of many smaller offices in a maze-like layout. Assistant
City Administrator Logan Burns said there are not many load-bearing walls, meaning
a renovation could open up the choppy layout. 

Anderson said $30,000 is
currently set aside for the next step for the vacant police station, with much
of the expense likely going toward flooring, ADA upgrades and an unknown sewer
issue.


"I know some of the concern is possible sewer issues," said Anderson. "If it is one of the vent pipes within this building, it's possibly a crack in one of the vent pipes. It may not be this building, it might be between this building and the Rec."

The Great Bend Recreation Commission and City Auditorium is connected to the west of the police station.

The majority of the council was in favor of reusing the building to spread out
office space for the inspection, code enforcement and public lands departments.
Anderson informed the council the city will formulate more cost estimates for
needed improvements.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704255089534.jpeg" alt="Members of the Great Bend City Council and city officials took a tour of the vacant police department building on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Great Bend City Council and city officials took a tour of the vacant police department building on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend City Council took a short recess Tuesday night to walk
over to the old police department building on Williams Street. The council took
a tour of the 7,500-square-foot building built in 1938. With the Great Bend
Police Department and Municipal Court staff moved over to the new, $9 million
Justice Center at 12th Street and Baker Avenue last month, City
Administrator Brandon Anderson said the city is studying the possibilities of the vacant structure on Williams.
"One of the options is to demolish the building," said Anderson. "If we find out it's a sound structure, maybe we make some adjustments and consider leasing the square footage. As important as it was to give the police department and court an opportunity to spread out and grow, there are other departments in city hall and the fire department that could spread out also."The building consists of many smaller offices in a maze-like layout. Assistant
City Administrator Logan Burns said there are not many load-bearing walls, meaning
a renovation could open up the choppy layout. Anderson said $30,000 is
currently set aside for the next step for the vacant police station, with much
of the expense likely going toward flooring, ADA upgrades and an unknown sewer
issue.
"I know some of the concern is possible sewer issues," said Anderson. "If it is one of the vent pipes within this building, it's possibly a crack in one of the vent pipes. It may not be this building, it might be between this building and the Rec."The Great Bend Recreation Commission and City Auditorium is connected to the west of the police station.The majority of the council was in favor of reusing the building to spread out
office space for the inspection, code enforcement and public lands departments.
Anderson informed the council the city will formulate more cost estimates for
needed improvements.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend in favor of reusing vacant police station

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/2)

At 2:23 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 210 E. 2nd
Street in Ellinwood.

At 11:08 a.m. a report of a cattle out was made in the 900
block of SE 50 Road in Ellinwood.

At 1:30 p.m. a report of battery was made at 890 NE 140 Road
in Odin.

At 1:55 p.m. a report of battery was made at 1408 Kansas
Avenue.

At 5:26 p.m. an accident was reported in the 5600 block of
Railroad Avenue.

At 8:35 p.m. breathing problems was reported at 325 N.
Washington.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/2)

At 12:55 a.m. Nevada Woods reported criminal trespassing at
1116 9th Street. Cinthia Ramirez served with NTA.

At 8:40 a.m. a sick person was reported at 1560 K-96
Highway.

At 9:30 a.m. a heater smoking in the garage was reported at
2301 Jackson.

At 11:04 a.m. additional information was reported at 2531
Russell Pkwy.

At 1:12 p.m. an accident was reported at 1702 Main Street.

At 1:22 p.m. a neighbor having roosters in his backyard at
1207 Wilson. Subject was contacted and advised the rooster would be removed.

At 2:29 p.m. an accident was reported at 2101 25th
Street.

At 2:36 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th
Street.

At 2:46 p.m. theft of items from the property was reported
at 2007 Kansas Avenue.

At 3:53 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th
&amp; Washington.

At 6:31 p.m. a subject shining a flashlight in the area of
2921 Lakin Avenue. It was the mailmain.

At 6:39 p.m. burning her dinner setting the smoke alarms off
was reported at 809 Coolidge Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (1/2)Traffic ArrestAt 2:23 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 210 E. 2nd
Street in Ellinwood.Cattle OutAt 11:08 a.m. a report of a cattle out was made in the 900
block of SE 50 Road in Ellinwood.BatteryAt 1:30 p.m. a report of battery was made at 890 NE 140 Road
in Odin.At 1:55 p.m. a report of battery was made at 1408 Kansas
Avenue.Non-Injury AccidentAt 5:26 p.m. an accident was reported in the 5600 block of
Railroad Avenue.Breathing ProblemsAt 8:35 p.m. breathing problems was reported at 325 N.
Washington.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (1/2)Trespassing / CriminalAt 12:55 a.m. Nevada Woods reported criminal trespassing at
1116 9th Street. Cinthia Ramirez served with NTA.Sick PersonAt 8:40 a.m. a sick person was reported at 1560 K-96
Highway.FireAt 9:30 a.m. a heater smoking in the garage was reported at
2301 Jackson.TheftAt 11:04 a.m. additional information was reported at 2531
Russell Pkwy.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:12 p.m. an accident was reported at 1702 Main Street.Animal ComplaintAt 1:22 p.m. a neighbor having roosters in his backyard at
1207 Wilson. Subject was contacted and advised the rooster would be removed.Non-Injury AccidentAt 2:29 p.m. an accident was reported at 2101 25th
Street.At 2:36 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th
Street.TheftAt 2:46 p.m. theft of items from the property was reported
at 2007 Kansas Avenue.Non-Injury AccidentAt 3:53 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th
&amp; Washington.ProwlerAt 6:31 p.m. a subject shining a flashlight in the area of
2921 Lakin Avenue. It was the mailmain.Structure FireAt 6:39 p.m. burning her dinner setting the smoke alarms off
was reported at 809 Coolidge Street.

Cop Shop (1/2)

1/2 BOOKED: Justin Berger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Krista Kessler on Stafford County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Interlock Device, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Patrick McMahon on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License and Inoperable Headlight, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Justin Berger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1/2 BOOKED: Justin Berger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S. RELEASED: Krista Kessler on Stafford County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Interlock Device, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Patrick McMahon on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License and Inoperable Headlight, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Justin Berger on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (1/2)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Losing a loved one in a car accident is never easy. Those pains have been compounded for a Great Bend family after 23-year-old Skyler Warren was killed in a Christmas Eve crash. His girlfriend, Shelia Stiers, has been in Wichita since the accident taking care of her two daughters who were seriously injured in the accident. Skyler's mother, Jennifer Rosenberg-Meis, said the family will need help for some time to come.

"They live in a third-story apartment and they are both going to be coming home in wheelchairs so it's going to be very difficult," she said. "They said they could call the fire department and the fire department can get the girls in and out.  Emma's going to have to have physical therapy three times a week."

On Dec. 24, just after 9 p.m., Warren's Mazda four-door struck a GMC Yukon head-on four miles east of Sterling. Katrina Wood, 16, suffered three fractures in her spine, a broken femur, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and head injuries. Emma Wood, 11, also suffered a broken femur, a broken wrist, and a broken arm that severed her radial nerves. 

Stier and the girls currently have no access to a ground-floor apartment, and Stier's current vehicle will not be able to accommodate two wheelchairs. A GoFundMe page has been established to provide relief to Stiers while she stays in Wichita. Stiers can be contacted on Facebook Messenger, or Rosenberg-Meis can be reached at (785) 998-4456.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a5ab8u-emergency">CLICK HERE </a>to view the GoFundMe page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704216451497.jpeg" alt="Katrina Wood, 16, and Emma Wood, 11, both suffered serious injuries in a fatal car crash on Dec. 24.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Katrina Wood, 16, and Emma Wood, 11, both suffered serious injuries in a fatal car crash on Dec. 24.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLosing a loved one in a car accident is never easy. Those pains have been compounded for a Great Bend family after 23-year-old Skyler Warren was killed in a Christmas Eve crash. His girlfriend, Shelia Stiers, has been in Wichita since the accident taking care of her two daughters who were seriously injured in the accident. Skyler's mother, Jennifer Rosenberg-Meis, said the family will need help for some time to come."They live in a third-story apartment and they are both going to be coming home in wheelchairs so it's going to be very difficult," she said. "They said they could call the fire department and the fire department can get the girls in and out. Emma's going to have to have physical therapy three times a week."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704206667167.jpeg" alt="Skyler Warren, left, was killed in a Dec. 24 crash that left daughters Katrina Wood and Emma Wood seriously injured. The family is asking for assistance as the girls prepare to return home." />
 <figcaption>Skyler Warren, left, was killed in a Dec. 24 crash that left daughters Katrina Wood and Emma Wood seriously injured. The family is asking for assistance as the girls prepare to return home.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Dec. 24, just after 9 p.m., Warren's Mazda four-door struck a GMC Yukon head-on four miles east of Sterling. Katrina Wood, 16, suffered three fractures in her spine, a broken femur, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and head injuries. Emma Wood, 11, also suffered a broken femur, a broken wrist, and a broken arm that severed her radial nerves. Stier and the girls currently have no access to a ground-floor apartment, and Stier's current vehicle will not be able to accommodate two wheelchairs. A GoFundMe page has been established to provide relief to Stiers while she stays in Wichita. Stiers can be contacted on Facebook Messenger, or Rosenberg-Meis can be reached at (785) 998-4456.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/a5ab8u-emergency">CLICK HERE </a>to view the GoFundMe page.

Great Bend family still suffering aftermath of fatal Christmas Eve crash

Today Sunny, with a high near 49. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight Patchy dense fog before 11 p.m., then patchy dense fog after midnight. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 25. East-northeast wind around 6 mph.

Thursday Patchy dense fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night Snow, mainly after midnight. Low around 28. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 37. East wind 5 to 9 mph.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

Sunday Night A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Blustery.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 31. Blustery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 49. Light and variable wind becoming northeast around 6 mph in the afternoon.Tonight Patchy dense fog before 11 p.m., then patchy dense fog after midnight. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 25. East-northeast wind around 6 mph.Thursday Patchy dense fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Thursday Night Snow, mainly after midnight. Low around 28. Southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.Friday A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 37. East wind 5 to 9 mph.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.Sunday Night A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Monday Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Monday Night A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Blustery.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 31. Blustery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

There were no new members to introduce during Tuesday’s oath of office
at the Great Bend City Council meeting. Incumbents, or already-serving
councilmembers, won seats on the board during last November’s General Election.
Alan Moeder, Jolene Biggs, Cory Urban and Rickee Maddox were sworn into office
by City Clerk Shawna Schafer. Mayor Cody Schmidt also took the oath after
winning a third straight term.


Maddox, whom was appointed to one of the Ward 4 seats last August, won a full
two-year term in the election, replacing Natalie Towns. Schmidt said the
council is now accepting applications for a Ward 4 resident to fill a vacant
seat.


"There will be an application process held here at City Hall and on our website," said Schmidt. "For those that are interested, please contact Shawna Schafer with any questions. That vacancy will remain open until filled."

Applications for the city council position can be found at <a href="https://greatbendks.net/DocumentCenter/View/2021/City-Council-Application-Form">greatbendks.net</a>.

Cory Urban was chosen by the governing body to serve as the council president.
Urban will serve in the temporary absence of the mayor.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704250183363.jpeg" alt="Alan Moeder, Rickee Maddox, Cory Urban, Jolene Biggs and Cody Schmidt were sworn into office on the Great Bend City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 by City Clerk Shawna Schafer." />
 <figcaption>Alan Moeder, Rickee Maddox, Cory Urban, Jolene Biggs and Cody Schmidt were sworn into office on the Great Bend City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 by City Clerk Shawna Schafer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThere were no new members to introduce during Tuesday’s oath of office
at the Great Bend City Council meeting. Incumbents, or already-serving
councilmembers, won seats on the board during last November’s General Election.
Alan Moeder, Jolene Biggs, Cory Urban and Rickee Maddox were sworn into office
by City Clerk Shawna Schafer. Mayor Cody Schmidt also took the oath after
winning a third straight term.
Maddox, whom was appointed to one of the Ward 4 seats last August, won a full
two-year term in the election, replacing Natalie Towns. Schmidt said the
council is now accepting applications for a Ward 4 resident to fill a vacant
seat.
"There will be an application process held here at City Hall and on our website," said Schmidt. "For those that are interested, please contact Shawna Schafer with any questions. That vacancy will remain open until filled."Applications for the city council position can be found at <a href="https://greatbendks.net/DocumentCenter/View/2021/City-Council-Application-Form">greatbendks.net</a>.
Cory Urban was chosen by the governing body to serve as the council president.
Urban will serve in the temporary absence of the mayor.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sworn into office, vacant seat on Great Bend council

Kansas Farm Bureau is continuing in 2024 its recognition for Sesquicentennial Farms in conjunction with its annual Century Farm program.

The Century Farm program honors Farm Bureau members who own farms of at least 80 acres within the same family for 100 years or more. The Sesquicentennial Farm recognition goes to farms in the same family for at least 150 years.

"Kansas farmers and ranchers have a lot to be proud of," Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau President, said. "One thing we take pride in is our value in the traditions and strong family ties through generations of rural living. Kansas Farm Bureau is honored to celebrate those through the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farms programs."

The deadline for consideration to be part of the 2024 programs is May 15. Kansas Farm Bureau has recognized 3,144 Century Farms and 112 Sesquicentennial Farms since their inception. Complete details for qualification and applications for both programs can be obtained at county Farm Bureau offices across Kansas or on the KFB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=23e02bb2e2&amp;e=74c85adb6a" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/centuryfarm</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Farm Bureau is continuing in 2024 its recognition for Sesquicentennial Farms in conjunction with its annual Century Farm program.The Century Farm program honors Farm Bureau members who own farms of at least 80 acres within the same family for 100 years or more. The Sesquicentennial Farm recognition goes to farms in the same family for at least 150 years."Kansas farmers and ranchers have a lot to be proud of," Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau President, said. "One thing we take pride in is our value in the traditions and strong family ties through generations of rural living. Kansas Farm Bureau is honored to celebrate those through the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farms programs."The deadline for consideration to be part of the 2024 programs is May 15. Kansas Farm Bureau has recognized 3,144 Century Farms and 112 Sesquicentennial Farms since their inception. Complete details for qualification and applications for both programs can be obtained at county Farm Bureau offices across Kansas or on the KFB website at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=23e02bb2e2&amp;e=74c85adb6a" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/centuryfarm</a>.

Kansas Farm Bureau to recognize tradition, heritage of family farms

News from the Oil Patch, Jan. 2 John P. Tretbar

Crude prices in Kansas are down 12% from a year ago. Rig Counts are down 21%. Kansas Common crude starts the New Year at $62 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. That's down $2.25 per barrel from a month ago, and $8.50 per barrel lower than a year ago.

Crude prices on the Nymex ended the year at $71.65 per barrel Friday, down 12 cents on the day. That price is down more than eight dollars in the last year. Prices were still dropping by lunchtime Tuesday.

The last Kansas Rig Count of the year from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service unchanged in Western Kansas at 21 active rigs. The tally east of Wichita is up two at 16 rigs. The total is down 21% from a year ago. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes ended the year up two at 622 active rigs. The Texas tally was up three. New Mexico was down one.

Operators across the state completed 28 wells last week. Among them were 13 in Western Kansas including one new well in Russell County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 1,692 newly-completed wells through the end of the year, up about six percent over the total of 1,589 wells at the end of 2022. Kansas regulators okayed 1,284 new drilling permits across the state in 2023, down about 18% from the 1,581 permits recorded at the end of 2022.Kansas operators pumped 76,646 barrels of crude oil per day in the eight months through August in the latest tally from the Kansas Geological Survey. That's down more than a thousand barrels per day from last year, but about thirty barrels per day higher than the tally through August of 2021. Barton County operators produced 4,125 barrels per day, up by 120 barrels per day from last year and up 300 barrels per day from the year before. Ellis County checks in with 5,985 barrels per day, up 600 barrels from last year, but down nearly 300 from the year before. Russell County produced over 3,600 barrels per day, increasing slightly over last year, but down slightly from two years ago. Stafford County is down from last year but ahead of the year before, pumping over 2,400 barrels per day.

Kansas crude production in August averaged 73,000 barrels per day, down 2.6% from September and nearly five percent lower than a year ago, when output averaged over 77-thousand barrels per day. Kansas ranks 12th among crude-producing states. Texas continues to lead the way, pumping 5.6 million barrels per day, more than all other states combined.

Each month, the government re-benchmarks it's crude-production estimates, fine tuning weekly data for monthly reporting. December's re-benchmarking pumped up output to 13,330,000 barrels per day for the week though December 15, a record. Database adjustments added 189,000 barrels per day to the weekly report.

Weekly domestic crude-oil production set yet another all-time record, the sixth weekly all-time record in three months. The Energy Information Administration reports output of 13,337,000 barrels for the week through December 22. The weekly average has exceeded 13 million barrels per day for the last 12 weeks in a row, and before that only twice in history.

The government reported the biggest monthly crude-oil production total ever, over 410 million barrels for the month of October. That's an average of 13,248,483 barrels per day.

U.S. crude inventories dropped by nearly seven million barrels last week to 436.6 million barrels. EIA said U.S. stockpiles are about one percent below the five year average for this time of year.

The government says imports dropped to 6.3 million barrels per day, down nearly half a million barrels per day from the week before. The four week average is more than eight percent higher than the same four weeks a year ago.

The U.S. has become a net energy exporter in recent years, thanks in large part to the export of Liquefied Natural Gas. Last year European LNG imports rose to an all-time high and accounted for 64% of total U.S. exports, according to the Energy Information Administration. U.S. LNG exports averaged 10.6 billion cubic feet per day last year, increasing by nine percent compared with 2021. EIA forecasts continuing growth this year. The report says our spike in exports was driven by strong European demand, high international natural-gas prices, and expanded U.S. liquefaction capacity.

U.S. shale executives are bracing for more big merger and acquisitions in the oil patch. A new report suggests some folks don't like the idea. According to a quarterly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, U.S. energy producers are expecting more huge acquisitions after Chevron took over Hess Corp. and Exxon Mobil bought Pioneer Natural Resources. Together those two deals are worth more than $112 BILLION. Survey respondents expect more to come in the year ahead. According to a Bloomberg report that's not good news for the companies that provide crews and equipment to oil producers. One respondent suggests the move will impede growth in the oilfield service sector, and could lead to problems for small independent operators, like most of those in Kansas, who could be priced out of the market.

Hess Corp. was the high bidder in a U.S. auction for drilling rights in the Gulf of Mexico, which raised a total of $382 million from oil giants before the Biden administration imposes a two-year hiatus for future sales. Reuters reports the total is the biggest return from an offshore lease sale since 2015.Regulators in the number-three crude-producing state report October output dropped by 35-thousand barrels per day to just over 1.2 million. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources says completions were down, but rig counts and permits were up from the month before.

Venezuela has now signed a third joint venture for crude production since the U.S. eased sanctions. Spain's super-major RepSol follows Chevron and France’s Maurel &amp; Prom into Venezuela. The OPEC member boasts the world's largest proven oil reserves but faces what are among the world's biggest market obstacles, including sanctions, corruption and infrastructure-decay.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Jan. 2 John P. TretbarCrude prices in Kansas are down 12% from a year ago. Rig Counts are down 21%. Kansas Common crude starts the New Year at $62 per barrel at CHS in McPherson. That's down $2.25 per barrel from a month ago, and $8.50 per barrel lower than a year ago.Crude prices on the Nymex ended the year at $71.65 per barrel Friday, down 12 cents on the day. That price is down more than eight dollars in the last year. Prices were still dropping by lunchtime Tuesday.The last Kansas Rig Count of the year from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service unchanged in Western Kansas at 21 active rigs. The tally east of Wichita is up two at 16 rigs. The total is down 21% from a year ago. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes ended the year up two at 622 active rigs. The Texas tally was up three. New Mexico was down one.Operators across the state completed 28 wells last week. Among them were 13 in Western Kansas including one new well in Russell County. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 1,692 newly-completed wells through the end of the year, up about six percent over the total of 1,589 wells at the end of 2022. Kansas regulators okayed 1,284 new drilling permits across the state in 2023, down about 18% from the 1,581 permits recorded at the end of 2022.Kansas operators pumped 76,646 barrels of crude oil per day in the eight months through August in the latest tally from the Kansas Geological Survey. That's down more than a thousand barrels per day from last year, but about thirty barrels per day higher than the tally through August of 2021. Barton County operators produced 4,125 barrels per day, up by 120 barrels per day from last year and up 300 barrels per day from the year before. Ellis County checks in with 5,985 barrels per day, up 600 barrels from last year, but down nearly 300 from the year before. Russell County produced over 3,600 barrels per day, increasing slightly over last year, but down slightly from two years ago. Stafford County is down from last year but ahead of the year before, pumping over 2,400 barrels per day.Kansas crude production in August averaged 73,000 barrels per day, down 2.6% from September and nearly five percent lower than a year ago, when output averaged over 77-thousand barrels per day. Kansas ranks 12th among crude-producing states. Texas continues to lead the way, pumping 5.6 million barrels per day, more than all other states combined.Each month, the government re-benchmarks it's crude-production estimates, fine tuning weekly data for monthly reporting. December's re-benchmarking pumped up output to 13,330,000 barrels per day for the week though December 15, a record. Database adjustments added 189,000 barrels per day to the weekly report.Weekly domestic crude-oil production set yet another all-time record, the sixth weekly all-time record in three months. The Energy Information Administration reports output of 13,337,000 barrels for the week through December 22. The weekly average has exceeded 13 million barrels per day for the last 12 weeks in a row, and before that only twice in history.The government reported the biggest monthly crude-oil production total ever, over 410 million barrels for the month of October. That's an average of 13,248,483 barrels per day.U.S. crude inventories dropped by nearly seven million barrels last week to 436.6 million barrels. EIA said U.S. stockpiles are about one percent below the five year average for this time of year.The government says imports dropped to 6.3 million barrels per day, down nearly half a million barrels per day from the week before. The four week average is more than eight percent higher than the same four weeks a year ago.The U.S. has become a net energy exporter in recent years, thanks in large part to the export of Liquefied Natural Gas. Last year European LNG imports rose to an all-time high and accounted for 64% of total U.S. exports, according to the Energy Information Administration. U.S. LNG exports averaged 10.6 billion cubic feet per day last year, increasing by nine percent compared with 2021. EIA forecasts continuing growth this year. The report says our spike in exports was driven by strong European demand, high international natural-gas prices, and expanded U.S. liquefaction capacity.U.S. shale executives are bracing for more big merger and acquisitions in the oil patch. A new report suggests some folks don't like the idea. According to a quarterly survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, U.S. energy producers are expecting more huge acquisitions after Chevron took over Hess Corp. and Exxon Mobil bought Pioneer Natural Resources. Together those two deals are worth more than $112 BILLION. Survey respondents expect more to come in the year ahead. According to a Bloomberg report that's not good news for the companies that provide crews and equipment to oil producers. One respondent suggests the move will impede growth in the oilfield service sector, and could lead to problems for small independent operators, like most of those in Kansas, who could be priced out of the market.Hess Corp. was the high bidder in a U.S. auction for drilling rights in the Gulf of Mexico, which raised a total of $382 million from oil giants before the Biden administration imposes a two-year hiatus for future sales. Reuters reports the total is the biggest return from an offshore lease sale since 2015.Regulators in the number-three crude-producing state report October output dropped by 35-thousand barrels per day to just over 1.2 million. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources says completions were down, but rig counts and permits were up from the month before.Venezuela has now signed a third joint venture for crude production since the U.S. eased sanctions. Spain's super-major RepSol follows Chevron and France’s Maurel &amp; Prom into Venezuela. The OPEC member boasts the world's largest proven oil reserves but faces what are among the world's biggest market obstacles, including sanctions, corruption and infrastructure-decay.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Year-over-year crude prices down 12%

Smoky Hills PBS welcomes the 19th&nbsp;Season of&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;Hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; The LIVE viewer call-in show will begin airing on Tuesday, January 9th&nbsp;at 7 p.m., providing the communities of Western and Central Kansas with valuable health-related information and expert insights.

“We’re thrilled to bring back&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;for its 19th&nbsp;season,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “The show has been a trusted resource for our viewers, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with healthcare experts and gain valuable insights into their health concerns.”

Doctors on Call&nbsp;has been on Smoky Hills PBS for nearly two decades.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;highlights a new topic with a new doctor.

Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions LIVE during the show.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

Coming up in January: January 9 – General Health - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional Hospital

January 16 – What’s Next When Nothing is Wrong – Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness Clinic

January 23 – Chiropractic Care – Dr. Shelbe Darnell, Restoration Health &amp; Chiropractic

January 30 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine &amp; Rehab

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437349209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Smoky Hills PBS welcomes the 19th&nbsp;Season of&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;Hosted by Jenna Miller.&nbsp; The LIVE viewer call-in show will begin airing on Tuesday, January 9th&nbsp;at 7 p.m., providing the communities of Western and Central Kansas with valuable health-related information and expert insights.“We’re thrilled to bring back&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;for its 19th&nbsp;season,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “The show has been a trusted resource for our viewers, offering a unique opportunity to engage directly with healthcare experts and gain valuable insights into their health concerns.”Doctors on Call&nbsp;has been on Smoky Hills PBS for nearly two decades.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS brings in medical professionals from throughout the state to provide medical information on their field of expertise.&nbsp; Each week&nbsp;Doctors on Call&nbsp;highlights a new topic with a new doctor.Viewers also have the opportunity to call in with questions LIVE during the show.&nbsp; A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;Coming up in January: January 9 – General Health - Dr. Tyrel Somers - Russell Regional HospitalJanuary 16 – What’s Next When Nothing is Wrong – Prospectively Healthy &amp; Wellness ClinicJanuary 23 – Chiropractic Care – Dr. Shelbe Darnell, Restoration Health &amp; ChiropracticJanuary 30 – Pain Management – Dr. Bell Razafindrabe - Pain, Spine &amp; RehabTo submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org">doctors@shptv.org</a>.&nbsp;Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.&nbsp; During the program, viewers can call in questions at I-800-337-4788.

New season of Doctors on Call coming in January on PBS

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 13, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

&nbsp;Atchison ‑&nbsp;7‑3 KA‑7132‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the north city limits of Atchison north to the Atchison/Doniphan county line, milling and overlay, 5.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $825,457.93.

Doniphan ‑&nbsp;7‑22 KA‑7119‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the Atchison/Doniphan county line north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, milling and overlay, 28.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,827,271.23.

Lyon ‑&nbsp;35‑56 KA‑5714‑01 ‑ Bridge #010 over Lincoln Street, located 1.78 miles east of Graphic Arts Road in Emporia, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,320,297.65.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;4‑89 KA‑7115‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the north edge wearing surface of S.E. 2nd Street bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge, pavement patching, 1.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $893,485.00.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7213‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.03 mile north of S.W. 49th Street north to the I‑470/U.S. 75 junction, pavement patching, 0.6 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $659,641.00.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7214‑01 – U.S. 75, from the north edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge, and from the north edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge north to end of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), pavement patching, 5.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,076,763.90.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;435‑105 KA‑7194‑01 ‑ I‑435, from 0.5 mile north of Leavenworth Road north to end of south approach for bridges #235 and #240 over the Missouri River, milling and overlay, 4.0 miles, Ideker Incorporated, Saint Joseph, Missouri, $2,449,037.07.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;70‑106 KA‑7195‑01 ‑ I‑70; beginning 0.39 mile east of K‑30 east to the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line in Wabaunsee County, and beginning at the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line east to 0.32 mile west of Valencia Road in Shawnee County, milling, 8.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,929,314.35.

Cloud ‑&nbsp;81‑15 KA‑7130‑01 – U.S. 81, from 5.085 miles north of the Cloud/Ottawa county line north to 12.680 miles of the Cloud/Ottawa county line, recycle and overlay, 7.6 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,355,517.98.

Marion ‑&nbsp;15‑57 KA‑7082‑01 ‑ K‑15, from east U.S. 56/K‑15 junction north to the Marion/Dickinson county line, milling and overlay, 17.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,733,007.70.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7069‑01 ‑ K‑4; from the south city limits of Gypsum east to the Saline/Dickinson county line in Saline county, and from the Saline/Dickinson county line east to the north city limits of Hope in Dickinson county, milling and overlay, 21.2 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,306,212.55.

Gove ‑&nbsp;23‑32 KA‑6950‑01 ‑ K‑23, bridge #030 over I‑70 located at the I‑70 /K‑23 junction, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $211,891.89.

Russell ‑&nbsp;18‑84 KA‑5737‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #056 over the Wolf Creek Drainage located 0.90 mile east of the K‑232 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,654,435.83.

Trego ‑&nbsp;70‑98 KA‑6951‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #016 over 310th Avenue located 5.11 miles east of the I‑70/U.S. 40Buisness junction, and bridge #028 over Spring Creek located 4.36 miles east of the I‑70/K‑147 junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $707,007.49.

Wallace ‑&nbsp;27‑100 KA‑7073‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the U.S 40/K‑27 junction north to the Wallace/Sherman county line, milling and overlay, 16.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,061,287.20.

Wallace ‑&nbsp;27‑100 KA‑7074‑01 ‑ K‑27, from 1.05 miles south of the south city limits of Sharron Springs north to the west U.S. 40/K‑27 junction, milling and overlay, 2.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $632,052.84.

Chautauqua ‑&nbsp;99‑10 KA‑5411‑03 ‑ K‑99, located 3.28 miles north of the K‑99/U.S. 166B junction, grading and culvert, 0.1 mile, Bruce Davis Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $815,683.74.

Cherokee ‑&nbsp;400‑11 KA‑7135‑01 – U.S. 400, from the Labette/Cherokee county line east to the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction, milling and overlay, 13.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,052,235.84.

Coffey ‑&nbsp;16 C‑5122‑01 ‑ RS 2066, from Fauna Road to U.S. 75, grading and surfacing, 7.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,175,168.49.

Crawford ‑&nbsp;126‑19 KA‑7122‑01 ‑ K‑126, from the U.S. 400/K‑126 junction north to the K‑7/K‑126 junction, and from the east city limits of Pittsburg east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, milling and overlay, 17.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,121,057.46.

Greenwood ‑&nbsp;54‑37 KA‑5718‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, bridge #008 over Homer Creek located 4.17 miles east of the east K‑99/U.S. 54 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $3,786,610.05.

Labette ‑&nbsp;101‑50 KA‑7152‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Montgomery/Labette county line east to the west U.S. 160/U.S. 59 junction; K‑101, from the U.S. 166/K‑101 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑101 junction, milling and overlay, 24.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,644,677.40.

Labette ‑&nbsp;400‑50 KA‑7136‑01 – U.S. 400, from the York Road/U.S. 400 junction east to the Labette/Cherokee county line, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $162,999.70.

Linn ‑&nbsp;69‑54 KA‑7156‑01 – U.S. 69, from 0.1 mile south of sugar creek bridge north to the Linn/Miami county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 6.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,871,550.28.

Montgomery ‑&nbsp;160‑63 KA‑7075‑01 – U.S. 160, from the U.S. 169/U.S. 160 south junction east to the Montgomery/Labette county line, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $598,657.33.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;33‑106 KA‑7112‑01 ‑ K‑33, from the Franklin/Douglas county line north to the U.S. 56/K‑33 junction in Douglas County, and from the K‑68/K‑33 junction north to Shawnee Road and then from 0.06 mile north of 6th Street north to the Franklin/Douglas county line in Franklin county, milling and overlay, 8.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,323,524.96.

Barton ‑&nbsp;96‑5 KA‑7183‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Rush/Barton county line to the west city limits of Great Bend, milling and overlay, 13.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,414,837.00.

Cowley ‑&nbsp;160‑18 KA‑7137‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the west city limits of Winfield, milling and overlay, 7.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,566,583.70.

Edwards ‑&nbsp;50‑24 KA‑7159‑01 – U.S. 50, from the west city limits of Kinsley east to the Edwards/Stafford county line, milling and overlay, 22.8 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $5,099,481.63.

Kingman ‑&nbsp;54‑48 KA‑6952‑01 – U.S. 54, bridge #094 over the South Fork Ninnescah River located 11.47 miles east of the Pratt County line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $76,436.09.

Reno ‑&nbsp;14‑78 KA‑7128‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the U.S 50/K‑14 west junction to 3.9 miles east of the east city limits of Nickerson, pavement patching, 7.7 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $3,559,085.14.

Rush ‑&nbsp;96‑83 KA‑7108‑01 ‑ K‑96, from 0.13 mile east of the U.S. 183/K‑96 junction east to the Rush/Barton county line, milling and overlay, 14.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,608,731.50.

Stafford ‑&nbsp;50‑93 KA‑7037‑01 – U.S. 50, from the Edwards/Stafford county line east to the U.S. 281/U.S. 50 junction, milling and overlay, 15.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $4,850,016.86.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑7138‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Sumner/Harper county line east to the west city limits of Wellington, milling and overlay, 21.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $4,490,212.13.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑7247‑01 – U.S. 160, from the east edge wearing surface of the Arkansas River bridge east to the Sumner/Cowley county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $168,423.12.

Clark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑7095‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Clark/Meade county line east to the U.S. 283/U.S. 160 north junction, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $1,017,079.60.

Finney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑7133‑01 – U.S. 83, from 0.46 mile north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 400 north junction north to the Finney/Scott county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 17.8 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,091,347.15

Grant ‑&nbsp;160‑34 KA‑7077‑01 – U.S. 160, from the east city limits of Ulysses (Stubbs) east to the Grant/Haskell county line, recycle and overlay, 14.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,971,391.40.

Haskell ‑&nbsp;160‑41 KA‑7012‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Grant/Haskell county line east to the U.S. 83/U.S. 160 junction, recycle and overlay, 12.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,412,533.85.

Meade ‑&nbsp;160‑60 KA‑7096‑01 – U.S. 160 from the U.S. 54/U.S. 160 east junction east to the Clark/Meade county line, milling and overlay, 12.3 miles, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $2,329,394.10.

Scott ‑&nbsp;96‑86 KA‑7076‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Wichita/Scott county line east to the west city limits of Scott City, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,002,373.60.

Scott ‑&nbsp;83‑86 KA‑7134‑01 – U.S. 83, from the Finney/Scott county line north to the south city limits of Scott City, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 14.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,458,732.65.

Wichita ‑&nbsp;96‑102 KA‑7054‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Leoti east to the Wichita/Scott county line, overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $6,253,116.40.

Wichita ‑&nbsp;96‑102 KA‑7121‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Greeley/Wichita county line east to the west city limits of Leoti, milling and overlay, 10.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,662,972.74.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Dec. 13, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — Northeast&nbsp;Atchison ‑&nbsp;7‑3 KA‑7132‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the north city limits of Atchison north to the Atchison/Doniphan county line, milling and overlay, 5.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $825,457.93.Doniphan ‑&nbsp;7‑22 KA‑7119‑01 ‑ K‑7, from the Atchison/Doniphan county line north to the Kansas/Nebraska state line, milling and overlay, 28.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,827,271.23.Lyon ‑&nbsp;35‑56 KA‑5714‑01 ‑ Bridge #010 over Lincoln Street, located 1.78 miles east of Graphic Arts Road in Emporia, bridge replacement, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $4,320,297.65.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;4‑89 KA‑7115‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the north edge wearing surface of S.E. 2nd Street bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge, pavement patching, 1.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $893,485.00.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7213‑01 – U.S. 75, from 0.03 mile north of S.W. 49th Street north to the I‑470/U.S. 75 junction, pavement patching, 0.6 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $659,641.00.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;75‑89 KA‑7214‑01 – U.S. 75, from the north edge wearing surface of the Kansas River bridge north to the south edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge, and from the north edge wearing surface of the Soldier Creek bridge north to end of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), pavement patching, 5.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,076,763.90.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;435‑105 KA‑7194‑01 ‑ I‑435, from 0.5 mile north of Leavenworth Road north to end of south approach for bridges #235 and #240 over the Missouri River, milling and overlay, 4.0 miles, Ideker Incorporated, Saint Joseph, Missouri, $2,449,037.07.Statewide ‑&nbsp;70‑106 KA‑7195‑01 ‑ I‑70; beginning 0.39 mile east of K‑30 east to the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line in Wabaunsee County, and beginning at the Shawnee/Wabaunsee county line east to 0.32 mile west of Valencia Road in Shawnee County, milling, 8.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $4,929,314.35.District Two — North CentralCloud ‑&nbsp;81‑15 KA‑7130‑01 – U.S. 81, from 5.085 miles north of the Cloud/Ottawa county line north to 12.680 miles of the Cloud/Ottawa county line, recycle and overlay, 7.6 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,355,517.98.Marion ‑&nbsp;15‑57 KA‑7082‑01 ‑ K‑15, from east U.S. 56/K‑15 junction north to the Marion/Dickinson county line, milling and overlay, 17.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,733,007.70.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7069‑01 ‑ K‑4; from the south city limits of Gypsum east to the Saline/Dickinson county line in Saline county, and from the Saline/Dickinson county line east to the north city limits of Hope in Dickinson county, milling and overlay, 21.2 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $3,306,212.55.District Three — NorthwestGove ‑&nbsp;23‑32 KA‑6950‑01 ‑ K‑23, bridge #030 over I‑70 located at the I‑70 /K‑23 junction, bridge repair, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $211,891.89.Russell ‑&nbsp;18‑84 KA‑5737‑01 ‑ K‑18, bridge #056 over the Wolf Creek Drainage located 0.90 mile east of the K‑232 junction, bridge replacement, Klaver Construction Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $1,654,435.83.Trego ‑&nbsp;70‑98 KA‑6951‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #016 over 310th Avenue located 5.11 miles east of the I‑70/U.S. 40Buisness junction, and bridge #028 over Spring Creek located 4.36 miles east of the I‑70/K‑147 junction, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $707,007.49.Wallace ‑&nbsp;27‑100 KA‑7073‑01 ‑ K‑27, from the U.S 40/K‑27 junction north to the Wallace/Sherman county line, milling and overlay, 16.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,061,287.20.Wallace ‑&nbsp;27‑100 KA‑7074‑01 ‑ K‑27, from 1.05 miles south of the south city limits of Sharron Springs north to the west U.S. 40/K‑27 junction, milling and overlay, 2.1 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $632,052.84.District Four — SoutheastChautauqua ‑&nbsp;99‑10 KA‑5411‑03 ‑ K‑99, located 3.28 miles north of the K‑99/U.S. 166B junction, grading and culvert, 0.1 mile, Bruce Davis Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $815,683.74.Cherokee ‑&nbsp;400‑11 KA‑7135‑01 – U.S. 400, from the Labette/Cherokee county line east to the U.S. 400/K‑7 junction, milling and overlay, 13.4 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,052,235.84.Coffey ‑&nbsp;16 C‑5122‑01 ‑ RS 2066, from Fauna Road to U.S. 75, grading and surfacing, 7.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,175,168.49.Crawford ‑&nbsp;126‑19 KA‑7122‑01 ‑ K‑126, from the U.S. 400/K‑126 junction north to the K‑7/K‑126 junction, and from the east city limits of Pittsburg east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, milling and overlay, 17.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,121,057.46.Greenwood ‑&nbsp;54‑37 KA‑5718‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, bridge #008 over Homer Creek located 4.17 miles east of the east K‑99/U.S. 54 junction, bridge replacement, Bridges Inc., Newton, Kansas, $3,786,610.05.Labette ‑&nbsp;101‑50 KA‑7152‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Montgomery/Labette county line east to the west U.S. 160/U.S. 59 junction; K‑101, from the U.S. 166/K‑101 junction north to the U.S. 160/K‑101 junction, milling and overlay, 24.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,644,677.40.Labette ‑&nbsp;400‑50 KA‑7136‑01 – U.S. 400, from the York Road/U.S. 400 junction east to the Labette/Cherokee county line, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $162,999.70.Linn ‑&nbsp;69‑54 KA‑7156‑01 – U.S. 69, from 0.1 mile south of sugar creek bridge north to the Linn/Miami county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 6.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,871,550.28.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;160‑63 KA‑7075‑01 – U.S. 160, from the U.S. 169/U.S. 160 south junction east to the Montgomery/Labette county line, milling and overlay, 4.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $598,657.33.Statewide ‑&nbsp;33‑106 KA‑7112‑01 ‑ K‑33, from the Franklin/Douglas county line north to the U.S. 56/K‑33 junction in Douglas County, and from the K‑68/K‑33 junction north to Shawnee Road and then from 0.06 mile north of 6th Street north to the Franklin/Douglas county line in Franklin county, milling and overlay, 8.8 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,323,524.96.District Five — South CentralBarton ‑&nbsp;96‑5 KA‑7183‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Rush/Barton county line to the west city limits of Great Bend, milling and overlay, 13.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,414,837.00.Cowley ‑&nbsp;160‑18 KA‑7137‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Sumner/Cowley county line east to the west city limits of Winfield, milling and overlay, 7.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,566,583.70.Edwards ‑&nbsp;50‑24 KA‑7159‑01 – U.S. 50, from the west city limits of Kinsley east to the Edwards/Stafford county line, milling and overlay, 22.8 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $5,099,481.63.Kingman ‑&nbsp;54‑48 KA‑6952‑01 – U.S. 54, bridge #094 over the South Fork Ninnescah River located 11.47 miles east of the Pratt County line, bridge repair, PBX Corporation &amp; Subsidiary, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, $76,436.09.Reno ‑&nbsp;14‑78 KA‑7128‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the U.S 50/K‑14 west junction to 3.9 miles east of the east city limits of Nickerson, pavement patching, 7.7 miles, Iowa Civil Contracting Inc., Victor, Iowa, $3,559,085.14.Rush ‑&nbsp;96‑83 KA‑7108‑01 ‑ K‑96, from 0.13 mile east of the U.S. 183/K‑96 junction east to the Rush/Barton county line, milling and overlay, 14.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $4,608,731.50.Stafford ‑&nbsp;50‑93 KA‑7037‑01 – U.S. 50, from the Edwards/Stafford county line east to the U.S. 281/U.S. 50 junction, milling and overlay, 15.0 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $4,850,016.86.Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑7138‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Sumner/Harper county line east to the west city limits of Wellington, milling and overlay, 21.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $4,490,212.13.Sumner ‑&nbsp;160‑96 KA‑7247‑01 – U.S. 160, from the east edge wearing surface of the Arkansas River bridge east to the Sumner/Cowley county line, milling and overlay, 0.7 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $168,423.12.District Six — SouthwestClark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑7095‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Clark/Meade county line east to the U.S. 283/U.S. 160 north junction, milling and overlay, 5.0 miles, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $1,017,079.60.Finney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑7133‑01 – U.S. 83, from 0.46 mile north of the U.S. 50/U.S. 400 north junction north to the Finney/Scott county line, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 17.8 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,091,347.15Grant ‑&nbsp;160‑34 KA‑7077‑01 – U.S. 160, from the east city limits of Ulysses (Stubbs) east to the Grant/Haskell county line, recycle and overlay, 14.2 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,971,391.40.Haskell ‑&nbsp;160‑41 KA‑7012‑01 – U.S. 160, from the Grant/Haskell county line east to the U.S. 83/U.S. 160 junction, recycle and overlay, 12.1 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,412,533.85.Meade ‑&nbsp;160‑60 KA‑7096‑01 – U.S. 160 from the U.S. 54/U.S. 160 east junction east to the Clark/Meade county line, milling and overlay, 12.3 miles, J &amp; R Sand Company Inc., Liberal, Kansas, $2,329,394.10.Scott ‑&nbsp;96‑86 KA‑7076‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Wichita/Scott county line east to the west city limits of Scott City, milling and overlay, 11.5 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $3,002,373.60.Scott ‑&nbsp;83‑86 KA‑7134‑01 – U.S. 83, from the Finney/Scott county line north to the south city limits of Scott City, ultra thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 14.3 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,458,732.65.Wichita ‑&nbsp;96‑102 KA‑7054‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the east city limits of Leoti east to the Wichita/Scott county line, overlay, 11.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $6,253,116.40.Wichita ‑&nbsp;96‑102 KA‑7121‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the Greeley/Wichita county line east to the west city limits of Leoti, milling and overlay, 10.9 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $2,662,972.74.

KDOT announces approved December bids

Zoom meetings have become commonplace these days but Casey Rowland wasn’t sure the remote format would be conducive to her Parent Project classes.

Despite her reservations, the Juvenile Services family engagement coordinator decided to give it a go during the recent classes that started in September.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” Rowland said. “Zoom worked very well and classmates interacted and stay engaged with one another and with me.”

The next series of Parent Project classes begins Tuesday, Jan. 23. The Juvenile Services program consists of one class per week for 10 consecutive weeks from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1800 12th in Great Bend.

“Prior to the start of the last series of classes, a few parents from outside Barton County wanted to participate but the logistics of arranging travel time and daycare were big barriers,” Rowland recalled. “We understand these barriers and want to help.

“Since Parent Project classes are chock-full of good information for families, we want to accommodate as many as we can.”

Rowland emphasized that in-person attendance is the best format. “We encourage Barton County residents to actually come to the classes. But if out-of-towners simply cannot make it work, Zoom is an option now,” she said.

If someone doesn’t have a home computer, a phone will work.

Class information There is no cost for the program; participants receive class materials and a homecooked meal.

Class topics include family conflict; poor school performance; childhood trauma; truancy and dropouts; teen violence and bullying; early teen sexuality; teen drug use; youth gangs; media influences; and runaways.

“Parents are the answer to many of these problems,” Rowland commented. “The class curriculum offers concrete, no-nonsense solutions to even the most destructive adolescent behaviors.

“Some parents deal with out-of-control teenagers, while others report issues such as talking back and not obeying the rules. Everyone is welcome – even parents of adult children.”

Rowland noted a few comments from parents after the recent class sessions. They included:

· Home situations get better. What you take away from this class will help you better understand your child and your family.

· Our kids are listening more. Our family has a better dynamic. Our parenting partnership has improved and strengthened.

· I learned a lot and am still working at it and using what I learned.

For more information, contact Rowland by calling 620-793-1930.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687793470077.jpeg" alt="Casey Rowland, Juvenile Services family engagement coordinator, encourages families to consider the upcoming Parent Project class." />
 <figcaption>Casey Rowland, Juvenile Services family engagement coordinator, encourages families to consider the upcoming Parent Project class.</figcaption>
 </figure>Zoom meetings have become commonplace these days but Casey Rowland wasn’t sure the remote format would be conducive to her Parent Project classes.Despite her reservations, the Juvenile Services family engagement coordinator decided to give it a go during the recent classes that started in September.“I was pleasantly surprised,” Rowland said. “Zoom worked very well and classmates interacted and stay engaged with one another and with me.”The next series of Parent Project classes begins Tuesday, Jan. 23. The Juvenile Services program consists of one class per week for 10 consecutive weeks from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1800 12th in Great Bend.“Prior to the start of the last series of classes, a few parents from outside Barton County wanted to participate but the logistics of arranging travel time and daycare were big barriers,” Rowland recalled. “We understand these barriers and want to help.“Since Parent Project classes are chock-full of good information for families, we want to accommodate as many as we can.”Rowland emphasized that in-person attendance is the best format. “We encourage Barton County residents to actually come to the classes. But if out-of-towners simply cannot make it work, Zoom is an option now,” she said.If someone doesn’t have a home computer, a phone will work.Class information There is no cost for the program; participants receive class materials and a homecooked meal.Class topics include family conflict; poor school performance; childhood trauma; truancy and dropouts; teen violence and bullying; early teen sexuality; teen drug use; youth gangs; media influences; and runaways.“Parents are the answer to many of these problems,” Rowland commented. “The class curriculum offers concrete, no-nonsense solutions to even the most destructive adolescent behaviors.“Some parents deal with out-of-control teenagers, while others report issues such as talking back and not obeying the rules. Everyone is welcome – even parents of adult children.”Rowland noted a few comments from parents after the recent class sessions. They included:· We are learning to control anger.· Home situations get better. What you take away from this class will help you better understand your child and your family.· Our kids are listening more. Our family has a better dynamic. Our parenting partnership has improved and strengthened.· I learned a lot and am still working at it and using what I learned.For more information, contact Rowland by calling 620-793-1930.20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

New Zoom option available to Parent Project in Great Bend

This January will kick off K-State Extension’s Living Well Wednesday Series on Jan. 10 from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Family and Community Wellness Extension agents and specialists facilitate these educational webinars, and this series will focus on women's health.

The Jan. 10 session is titled, ‘Sleep is a Superpower’ because a lot happens while you are sleeping. Inadequate sleep directly affects our relationships, life expectancy, libido, cardiovascular health, immune system, and it contributes to weight gain. Learn how to leverage this superpower for better health during the webinar. Michelle Lane, the Senior Director of Community Wellness and Corporate Health at North Kansas City Hospital, will be presenting on this topic.

On Feb. 14, we will learn about Women’s Health and Functional Medicine. Women often take care of everyone else before prioritizing their own health. This leads to sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, gut issues, and increased stress which in turn can cause a compromised immune system and other health issues. During this webinar, we’ll look at common root causes of illness in women including the impact that trauma and ACE’s have on well-being. Join us for this informative webinar presented by Joleen Zivnuska, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in Wichita, KS.

The last session on March 13, we will talk about Navigating Diets, Supplements, and Women’s Health. With so much information on health, it’s hard to know what is true. This session will cover keys to a healthy and balanced diet, discuss how/when to use supplements, and explore wellness tips for women. Learn if medications that facilitate weight loss work for long-term wellness during this informative webinar. Join us and bring your questions as Priscilla

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="

written by: Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>

written by: Karissa Winkel - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>This January will kick off K-State Extension’s Living Well Wednesday Series on Jan. 10 from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Family and Community Wellness Extension agents and specialists facilitate these educational webinars, and this series will focus on women's health.The Jan. 10 session is titled, ‘Sleep is a Superpower’ because a lot happens while you are sleeping. Inadequate sleep directly affects our relationships, life expectancy, libido, cardiovascular health, immune system, and it contributes to weight gain. Learn how to leverage this superpower for better health during the webinar. Michelle Lane, the Senior Director of Community Wellness and Corporate Health at North Kansas City Hospital, will be presenting on this topic.On Feb. 14, we will learn about Women’s Health and Functional Medicine. Women often take care of everyone else before prioritizing their own health. This leads to sleep deprivation, poor eating habits, gut issues, and increased stress which in turn can cause a compromised immune system and other health issues. During this webinar, we’ll look at common root causes of illness in women including the impact that trauma and ACE’s have on well-being. Join us for this informative webinar presented by Joleen Zivnuska, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in Wichita, KS.The last session on March 13, we will talk about Navigating Diets, Supplements, and Women’s Health. With so much information on health, it’s hard to know what is true. This session will cover keys to a healthy and balanced diet, discuss how/when to use supplements, and explore wellness tips for women. Learn if medications that facilitate weight loss work for long-term wellness during this informative webinar. Join us and bring your questions as PriscillaBrenes, State Extension Specialist in the Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Health shares her expertise.Each webinar is the on the second Wednesday of the month from 12:10 to 1 p.m. All Living Well Wednesday webinars are recorded and posted on the K-State Extension Wellness Wednesday Website, but make sure to register online to attend live or to receive a link to the recording and information. https://bit.ly/47WAPoNKarissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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