The City of Great Bend announced the graduation of three employees from the Kansas University Certified Public Management Program (CPM). The employees that graduated last Friday, Dec. 1 include Jason Cauley – Public Works Director, Sreehitha (Hitha) Kadiyala - Assistant City Engineer and for the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) division of CPM was Heather Smith&nbsp;–&nbsp;Lieutenant of the Detective Division.&nbsp;

The CPM Program is a nationally accredited management and certification program committed to developing exceptional public managers. The Heartland Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program is the flagship program at the KUPMC and provides professional development for public service professionals in Kansas and Missouri. This is a 300-hour course for professionals in federal, state, or local government that provide public services and meet community needs.&nbsp; The LELA is a similar program strictly geared toward law enforcement professionals and issues. This course includes a personal capstone project that ultimately works on a real issue within their organization.

City Administrator Brandon Anderson said, “We are so proud of our CPM graduates! I’m a big promoter for helping our leaders lead through effective management practices and this certification is the best of the best for our state. On behalf of myself, city council and staff we wish a big&nbsp;congrats&nbsp;to Jason, Hitha and Heather for their accomplishment!”

For more information on the CPM program visit the website&nbsp;<a href="https://kupmc.ku.edu/programs/cpm" target="_blank">https://kupmc.ku.edu/programs/cpm</a>.&nbsp;Great Bend intends to host this class in 2025 for interested leaders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701876431114.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley and Great Bend Assistant City Engineer Sreehitha Kadiyala graduated from the Kansas University Certified Public Management Program Dec. 1." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley and Great Bend Assistant City Engineer Sreehitha Kadiyala graduated from the Kansas University Certified Public Management Program Dec. 1.</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Great Bend announced the graduation of three employees from the Kansas University Certified Public Management Program (CPM). The employees that graduated last Friday, Dec. 1 include Jason Cauley – Public Works Director, Sreehitha (Hitha) Kadiyala - Assistant City Engineer and for the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) division of CPM was Heather Smith&nbsp;–&nbsp;Lieutenant of the Detective Division.&nbsp;The CPM Program is a nationally accredited management and certification program committed to developing exceptional public managers. The Heartland Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program is the flagship program at the KUPMC and provides professional development for public service professionals in Kansas and Missouri. This is a 300-hour course for professionals in federal, state, or local government that provide public services and meet community needs.&nbsp; The LELA is a similar program strictly geared toward law enforcement professionals and issues. This course includes a personal capstone project that ultimately works on a real issue within their organization.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701876418636.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Police Department Lieutenant Heather Smith graduated from the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) division of CPM." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Police Department Lieutenant Heather Smith graduated from the Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (LELA) division of CPM.</figcaption>
 </figure>City Administrator Brandon Anderson said, “We are so proud of our CPM graduates! I’m a big promoter for helping our leaders lead through effective management practices and this certification is the best of the best for our state. On behalf of myself, city council and staff we wish a big&nbsp;congrats&nbsp;to Jason, Hitha and Heather for their accomplishment!”For more information on the CPM program visit the website&nbsp;<a href="https://kupmc.ku.edu/programs/cpm" target="_blank">https://kupmc.ku.edu/programs/cpm</a>.&nbsp;Great Bend intends to host this class in 2025 for interested leaders.

Great Bend city employees get credentialed by KU public management

12/7 BOOKED: Salvador Diaz on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While License Revoked, No Proof of Insurance, and No Vehicle Registration, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Interference with LEO, and Criminal Damage to Property, no bond set.

BOOKED: Tacie Fluke on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Protection Order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Nathan Cartlich on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, on OR bond and order to report to Court Services.

RELEASED: Israel Klein on Great Bend Municipal Court case, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Lee Leon on Barton County District Court case, on $50,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Amy Marvin on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, released by order of court and must report to CKCC.

RELEASED: Salvador Diaz on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While License Revoked, No Proof of Insurance, and No Vehicle Registration, after posting a cash bond of $500.

RELEASED: Lisa Gomez on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Prescriptions, Distribution of Fentanyl, and Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, after posting $100,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Interference with LEO, and Criminal Damage to Property, to Juvenile Intake.

RELEASED: Tacie Fluke on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Protection Order, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>12/7 BOOKED: Salvador Diaz on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While License Revoked, No Proof of Insurance, and No Vehicle Registration, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Interference with LEO, and Criminal Damage to Property, no bond set.BOOKED: Tacie Fluke on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Protection Order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Nathan Cartlich on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, on OR bond and order to report to Court Services.RELEASED: Israel Klein on Great Bend Municipal Court case, by order of the court.RELEASED: Lee Leon on Barton County District Court case, on $50,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Amy Marvin on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, released by order of court and must report to CKCC.RELEASED: Salvador Diaz on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While License Revoked, No Proof of Insurance, and No Vehicle Registration, after posting a cash bond of $500.RELEASED: Lisa Gomez on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Prescriptions, Distribution of Fentanyl, and Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, after posting $100,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Interference with LEO, and Criminal Damage to Property, to Juvenile Intake.RELEASED: Tacie Fluke on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Protection Order, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/7)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A little bit of family girl fun led to a $1,500 prize in the Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. The Wright Place Flea Market won the grand prize in the fourth annual contest, organized by the Rosewood Roots &amp; Wings Santa Committee. Owner Susan Wright said the "Winter Wonderland" theme started with some spare snowman parts.

"I had the heads my sister had made two or three years ago," she said. "She had brought them up here for me to sell and they didn't sell. I thought maybe we could make something out of them. My daughter helped me and we just got the bright idea."

The window display at 1913 Lakin featured many snowmen of various sizes, snowflakes, reindeer and Christmas lights. The larger snowmen were constructed of a yoga ball, a bag of papers, and a basketball. Most of the items in the display are now for sale. Wright had helpers with some of the more difficult items.

"My daughter and granddaughter helped decorate a lot of the window because I can't get up there and reach a lot of stuff anymore," she said. They hung the lights and all that. I worked on it every day for a while, changing things around and trying to decide what would look best where."

For a fourth year, an anonymous donor provided $3,000 to fund the contest and promote holiday cheer in downtown Great Bend. Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas Ave., won $1,000 for its "Holiday Cheer" theme. Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, won the People's Choice award of $500 for their "Wandering Woodlands" theme. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701884770864.jpeg" alt="The Wright Place Flea Market at 1913 Lakin Ave. in Great Bend won this year's Christmas Window Decorating Contest." />
 <figcaption>The Wright Place Flea Market at 1913 Lakin Ave. in Great Bend won this year's Christmas Window Decorating Contest.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA little bit of family girl fun led to a $1,500 prize in the Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. The Wright Place Flea Market won the grand prize in the fourth annual contest, organized by the Rosewood Roots &amp; Wings Santa Committee. Owner Susan Wright said the "Winter Wonderland" theme started with some spare snowman parts."I had the heads my sister had made two or three years ago," she said. "She had brought them up here for me to sell and they didn't sell. I thought maybe we could make something out of them. My daughter helped me and we just got the bright idea."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701884819180.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The window display at 1913 Lakin featured many snowmen of various sizes, snowflakes, reindeer and Christmas lights. The larger snowmen were constructed of a yoga ball, a bag of papers, and a basketball. Most of the items in the display are now for sale. Wright had helpers with some of the more difficult items."My daughter and granddaughter helped decorate a lot of the window because I can't get up there and reach a lot of stuff anymore," she said. They hung the lights and all that. I worked on it every day for a while, changing things around and trying to decide what would look best where."For a fourth year, an anonymous donor provided $3,000 to fund the contest and promote holiday cheer in downtown Great Bend. Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas Ave., won $1,000 for its "Holiday Cheer" theme. Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, won the People's Choice award of $500 for their "Wandering Woodlands" theme. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701884839160.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Family fun leads to grand prize in Great Bend Window Decorating Contest

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West-northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 45.

Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Thursday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West-northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 45.Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.Thursday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 48.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

The 17th&nbsp;class of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) graduated December 1 at the close of the KLA Convention.&nbsp;Merck Animal Health again partnered with KLA to host 20 members for a series of four seminars throughout 2023, bringing the total number of YSA alumni to 335.

Attending the KLA Convention was the final session for this year’s class. The three-day event provided participants the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and interact with other KLA members from across the state. YSA members got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting. The group also participated in the policy-making process by attending committee and council meetings where members discussed issues affecting their business interests, including private property rights, traceability, land acquisition and increased funding for the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. Immediately prior to the convention, the YSA class discussed membership opportunities and strategies with&nbsp;<a>National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Director of&nbsp;</a>Membership Services Lynn Compton. The group also heard from NCBA President Todd Wilkinson of De Smet, SD.

During their first session in Topeka last February, attendees were exposed to advocacy training, the legislative process and services provided by KLA and NCBA. The second installment took the group to Kansas City in May, where they learned about beef marketing and agribusiness. YSA members visited central and western Kansas in September to tour beef and dairy operations representing various segments of each industry.

Members of the 2023 YSA class are Jack Adams, Plains; Erica Auchard, Cimarron; Cole Baumgartner, Westmoreland; Tara Jo Bina, Halstead; Eric Blythe, White City; Allison Castilleja, Satanta; Emily Grund, Wamego; Logan Hoobler, Maple Hill; Cody Howell, Chanute; Cooper Imthurn, Maple Hill; Kyler Jost, Spring Hill; Arlan Newby, Haven; Garret Otter, Almena; Cole Renner, Monument; Garret Smith, Great Bend; Leslie Smith, Ashland; Bubba Sullivan, Amarillo, TX; Brody Thayer, LaCygne; Jose Woolfolk, Hugoton; and Jay Ziegelmeier, Hays.&nbsp;

KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal&nbsp;levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701874855713.jpeg" alt="Pictured are (back row, L to R) Cody Doubet, Merck Animal Health; Jose Woolfolk; Cody Howell; Kyler Jost; Arlan Newby; Eric Blythe; Jay Ziegelmeier; Cole Baumgartner; (middle row, L to R) Tim Parks, Merck; Jenna Goetzmann, Merck; Logan Hoobler; Brody Thayer; Jack Adams; Todd Wilkinson, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA); Lynn Compton, NCBA; Garret Smith; Garret Otter; Cole Renner; (front row, L to R) Erica Auchard; Emily Grund; Cooper Imthurn; Allison Castilleja and Tara Jo Bina." />
 <figcaption>Pictured are (back row, L to R) Cody Doubet, Merck Animal Health; Jose Woolfolk; Cody Howell; Kyler Jost; Arlan Newby; Eric Blythe; Jay Ziegelmeier; Cole Baumgartner; (middle row, L to R) Tim Parks, Merck; Jenna Goetzmann, Merck; Logan Hoobler; Brody Thayer; Jack Adams; Todd Wilkinson, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA); Lynn Compton, NCBA; Garret Smith; Garret Otter; Cole Renner; (front row, L to R) Erica Auchard; Emily Grund; Cooper Imthurn; Allison Castilleja and Tara Jo Bina.</figcaption>
 </figure>The 17th&nbsp;class of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Young Stockmen’s Academy (YSA) graduated December 1 at the close of the KLA Convention.&nbsp;Merck Animal Health again partnered with KLA to host 20 members for a series of four seminars throughout 2023, bringing the total number of YSA alumni to 335.Attending the KLA Convention was the final session for this year’s class. The three-day event provided participants the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and interact with other KLA members from across the state. YSA members got a firsthand look at the inner workings of the association by attending the KLA Chairmen’s Circle meeting. The group also participated in the policy-making process by attending committee and council meetings where members discussed issues affecting their business interests, including private property rights, traceability, land acquisition and increased funding for the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. Immediately prior to the convention, the YSA class discussed membership opportunities and strategies with&nbsp;<a>National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Director of&nbsp;</a>Membership Services Lynn Compton. The group also heard from NCBA President Todd Wilkinson of De Smet, SD.During their first session in Topeka last February, attendees were exposed to advocacy training, the legislative process and services provided by KLA and NCBA. The second installment took the group to Kansas City in May, where they learned about beef marketing and agribusiness. YSA members visited central and western Kansas in September to tour beef and dairy operations representing various segments of each industry.Members of the 2023 YSA class are Jack Adams, Plains; Erica Auchard, Cimarron; Cole Baumgartner, Westmoreland; Tara Jo Bina, Halstead; Eric Blythe, White City; Allison Castilleja, Satanta; Emily Grund, Wamego; Logan Hoobler, Maple Hill; Cody Howell, Chanute; Cooper Imthurn, Maple Hill; Kyler Jost, Spring Hill; Arlan Newby, Haven; Garret Otter, Almena; Cole Renner, Monument; Garret Smith, Great Bend; Leslie Smith, Ashland; Bubba Sullivan, Amarillo, TX; Brody Thayer, LaCygne; Jose Woolfolk, Hugoton; and Jay Ziegelmeier, Hays.&nbsp;KLA is a trade organization representing the business interests of members at both the state and federal&nbsp;levels. Voluntary dues dollars paid by producers are used for programs that benefit KLA members in the areas of legislative representation, regulatory assistance, legal troubleshooting, communications and the advancement of youth.

Great Bend man part of Young Stockman graduates at KLA Convention

The Christmas season is in full swing around the Golden Belt. One big tradition in the area is the Christmas Open House at the Fort Larned National Historic Site just west of Larned. Park Ranger Ben Long reminds the public that this year's event is free to the public on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"It's a come-and-go-as-you-wish kind of event," he said. "We'll have light refreshments, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, 19th-century games, crafts, cooking demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, that kind of thing."

Santa will be dressed in an era-appropriate outfit, and Long said this year's event will feature some new crafts and maybe new games. 

"It's always a good time for the whole family and a good way to kick off the Christmas season, for sure," he said. "The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The only days we're closed throughout the year are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. It's also free those other days, too."

The Fort Larned National Historic Site is located approximately seven miles west of Larned on 156 Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701876208710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Christmas season is in full swing around the Golden Belt. One big tradition in the area is the Christmas Open House at the Fort Larned National Historic Site just west of Larned. Park Ranger Ben Long reminds the public that this year's event is free to the public on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m."It's a come-and-go-as-you-wish kind of event," he said. "We'll have light refreshments, pictures with Santa, carriage rides, 19th-century games, crafts, cooking demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, that kind of thing."Santa will be dressed in an era-appropriate outfit, and Long said this year's event will feature some new crafts and maybe new games. "It's always a good time for the whole family and a good way to kick off the Christmas season, for sure," he said. "The park is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The only days we're closed throughout the year are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. It's also free those other days, too."The Fort Larned National Historic Site is located approximately seven miles west of Larned on 156 Highway.

Santa returns to Ft. Larned Christmas Open House on Saturday

Heartland Farm will host their annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Get to know the Farm’s herd of adorable alpacas and even take one for a walk! Tour the farmstead or walk the nature trails. Shop for unique gifts in the Farm’s gift shop featuring winter accessories made with alpaca fiber, a selection of homemade and handmade goods and many alpaca-themed items. Special sales on select products, including Christmas items.

A coupon redeemable for 20% off one, regularly-priced gift shop item is available at Heartland Farm’s Facebook page: @HeartlandFarmKS. Must present coupon physically or digitally.

The Holiday Open House is free to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Heartland Farm, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, focuses on the healing of Earth and its inhabitants. The 80-acre farm is home to retreat and guest spaces, organically-managed gardens, three-miles of nature trails, a strawbale-construction arts building, a flock of laying hens and a herd of 17 alpacas.

The Farm is located 14 miles west of Great Bend. From 10th Street (US 56) and Patton Rd., continue west for 12 miles. When the pavement end, continue west for one mile. Turn south on CR 390. Heartland Farm is the first farm on the west side of the road. From other locations, please see https://heartlandfarm-ks.org/contact-us/directions/.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701875738610.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Heartland Farm will host their annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Get to know the Farm’s herd of adorable alpacas and even take one for a walk! Tour the farmstead or walk the nature trails. Shop for unique gifts in the Farm’s gift shop featuring winter accessories made with alpaca fiber, a selection of homemade and handmade goods and many alpaca-themed items. Special sales on select products, including Christmas items.A coupon redeemable for 20% off one, regularly-priced gift shop item is available at Heartland Farm’s Facebook page: @HeartlandFarmKS. Must present coupon physically or digitally.The Holiday Open House is free to the public. Refreshments will be served.Heartland Farm, a ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, focuses on the healing of Earth and its inhabitants. The 80-acre farm is home to retreat and guest spaces, organically-managed gardens, three-miles of nature trails, a strawbale-construction arts building, a flock of laying hens and a herd of 17 alpacas.The Farm is located 14 miles west of Great Bend. From 10th Street (US 56) and Patton Rd., continue west for 12 miles. When the pavement end, continue west for one mile. Turn south on CR 390. Heartland Farm is the first farm on the west side of the road. From other locations, please see https://heartlandfarm-ks.org/contact-us/directions/.

Heartland Farm to host Holiday Open House Saturday

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

As most real estate or business people know, it's all about location. When Acciona Energy first approached the Barton County Commission about a proposed solar farm in the county in January, information about the location of the project was left intentionally vague. Thursday morning, Acciona representatives returned to provide the Barton County Planning Commission updates during a meeting at the Hoisington Activity Center. Planning Commissioner JC Bosch said he's for green energy, just not the location revealed during Thursday's meeting.

"We heard from the Kansas Ornithological Society, Nature Conservancy," he said. "Their map for a critical corridor is, like, smack in the middle of this. All these organizations that have done the research and that care about this area, we've done the research. Is there any other area you're looking at?"

The map originally presented by Acciona was a large rectangular region to the northwest of Great Bend. The proximity to Cheyenne Bottoms, in part, prompted the planning commission to implement a moratorium on commercial solar farm development in the county until the end of the year. A map revealed Thursday shows leases along Northeast 40 Road, just one mile from the south edge of Cheyenne Bottoms. Nearly one-third of the project falls within three miles of Great Bend city limits that would fall in that jurisdiction.

Adam Stratton, Acciona's director of solar development, said the location is byproduct of access to the power grid and leasing land from property owners. Bosch said there may be bigger considerations.

"I love the landowners in this area," he said. "I love them. They're some of my best friends. They signed the leases, great. I don't fault anybody for doing what they think is the right thing to do. And I don't want to take rights away from individual landowners. The last thing I want to do is take anyone's right to do what they want to do on their land. That's not at all what I'm saying. 

"What I'm saying is we have an obligation and a duty to the nation's largest inland marsh and the most crucial migration stop in the northern hemisphere."

Josh Svaty, representing Acciona, said there are two sides to the issue, and the landowners have the right to do as they see fit on their land as long as laws are followed.

"As much as some of you may not like the original map and the original location, those are human beings, some of them definitely residents of the county, that said, 'I want this project.' It's not for us to decide whether or not they're worthy. It's their property and they entered into it."

A key piece of the locational puzzle and why this area was targeted over others is an electrical interconnection point located just east of Northeast 30 Road and Northeast 40 Avenue, or approximately two miles east of Barton Community College. Acciona will use that substation to load its solar energy into the power grid. Tenaska, another energy company, did the original research in the area in 2018. Acciona purchased those leases in 2019 and was unaware of the importance of Cheyenne Bottoms.

"That information is actually not published on maps that we use for citing, national databases that you can get like desktop databases," Stratton said. "We use something we like to call critical issues analysis. It pulls all this nationally-published data that is supposedly the most sensitive and important data about an area."

Thursday's meeting was an opportunity for Acciona to present information to the Barton Planning Commission, though the group did take questions from patrons at the close of the meeting. 

"If you have comments that need to be addressed on this specific issue, the opportunity to get those on the record will be at the public hearing," said Planning Commissioner Mary Anne Stoskopf. "I know people are passionate about this specific project. They asked to come and present to us, and we agreed to do that to learn more about it.

"The people that are in this room, you guys are divided," said Planning Commissioner Junior Welsch. "Not everybody is for this, and some are for it. We need to respect everybody's opinion in here because some of these landowners could benefit hugely from it. I see both ways and that's what we're all here for."

One patron asked the commission how Acciona could be kept out of Barton County. Stoskopf further reminded everyone of the policies in play. Presently, the zoning commission is revising the county's solar energy conversion system regulations. The Barton County Board of Commissioners will vote to continue or not continue the moratorium at the regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12. 

"Assuming, at some point, the new regulations are accepted in whatever form, then there will probably be, as there is under the current regulations, a conditional-use permit process," said Stoskopf. "That's when the details of a specific project have to be addressed. It goes through the same process of having public notification, public hearing with comments on the record, and documentation submitted. Same process, the planning commission makes a recommendation to the county commission and the final action is up to the county commission. That's the procedure that's already on the books. It's under state statutes. 

"I would remind you, there are only 40-something counties in the state of Kansas that have zoning regulations and have this kind of process. If you lived in a county that did not have this, then you would have no say."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701978199515.jpeg" alt="Representatives from Acciona Energy presented to the Barton County Planning Commission during an open meeting at the Hoisington Activity Center Thursday morning." />
 <figcaption>Representatives from Acciona Energy presented to the Barton County Planning Commission during an open meeting at the Hoisington Activity Center Thursday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAs most real estate or business people know, it's all about location. When Acciona Energy first approached the Barton County Commission about a proposed solar farm in the county in January, information about the location of the project was left intentionally vague. Thursday morning, Acciona representatives returned to provide the Barton County Planning Commission updates during a meeting at the Hoisington Activity Center. Planning Commissioner JC Bosch said he's for green energy, just not the location revealed during Thursday's meeting."We heard from the Kansas Ornithological Society, Nature Conservancy," he said. "Their map for a critical corridor is, like, smack in the middle of this. All these organizations that have done the research and that care about this area, we've done the research. Is there any other area you're looking at?"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701978382105.jpeg" alt="An updated map provided by Acciona shows a proposed project area northwest of Great Bend, including one mile south of Cheyenne Bottoms. The dark pink indicates area covered by the Barton County Planning Commission, and the light pink area indicates property within three miles of Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>An updated map provided by Acciona shows a proposed project area northwest of Great Bend, including one mile south of Cheyenne Bottoms. The dark pink indicates area covered by the Barton County Planning Commission, and the light pink area indicates property within three miles of Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>The map originally presented by Acciona was a large rectangular region to the northwest of Great Bend. The proximity to Cheyenne Bottoms, in part, prompted the planning commission to implement a moratorium on commercial solar farm development in the county until the end of the year. A map revealed Thursday shows leases along Northeast 40 Road, just one mile from the south edge of Cheyenne Bottoms. Nearly one-third of the project falls within three miles of Great Bend city limits that would fall in that jurisdiction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701978495873.jpeg" alt="A closer view of the proposed project with light green squares indicating property in the jurisdiction of the Barton County Planning Commission, and dark green squares indicating property covered by the city of Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A closer view of the proposed project with light green squares indicating property in the jurisdiction of the Barton County Planning Commission, and dark green squares indicating property covered by the city of Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>Adam Stratton, Acciona's director of solar development, said the location is byproduct of access to the power grid and leasing land from property owners. Bosch said there may be bigger considerations."I love the landowners in this area," he said. "I love them. They're some of my best friends. They signed the leases, great. I don't fault anybody for doing what they think is the right thing to do. And I don't want to take rights away from individual landowners. The last thing I want to do is take anyone's right to do what they want to do on their land. That's not at all what I'm saying. "What I'm saying is we have an obligation and a duty to the nation's largest inland marsh and the most crucial migration stop in the northern hemisphere."Josh Svaty, representing Acciona, said there are two sides to the issue, and the landowners have the right to do as they see fit on their land as long as laws are followed."As much as some of you may not like the original map and the original location, those are human beings, some of them definitely residents of the county, that said, 'I want this project.' It's not for us to decide whether or not they're worthy. It's their property and they entered into it."A key piece of the locational puzzle and why this area was targeted over others is an electrical interconnection point located just east of Northeast 30 Road and Northeast 40 Avenue, or approximately two miles east of Barton Community College. Acciona will use that substation to load its solar energy into the power grid. Tenaska, another energy company, did the original research in the area in 2018. Acciona purchased those leases in 2019 and was unaware of the importance of Cheyenne Bottoms."That information is actually not published on maps that we use for citing, national databases that you can get like desktop databases," Stratton said. "We use something we like to call critical issues analysis. It pulls all this nationally-published data that is supposedly the most sensitive and important data about an area."Thursday's meeting was an opportunity for Acciona to present information to the Barton Planning Commission, though the group did take questions from patrons at the close of the meeting. "If you have comments that need to be addressed on this specific issue, the opportunity to get those on the record will be at the public hearing," said Planning Commissioner Mary Anne Stoskopf. "I know people are passionate about this specific project. They asked to come and present to us, and we agreed to do that to learn more about it."The people that are in this room, you guys are divided," said Planning Commissioner Junior Welsch. "Not everybody is for this, and some are for it. We need to respect everybody's opinion in here because some of these landowners could benefit hugely from it. I see both ways and that's what we're all here for."One patron asked the commission how Acciona could be kept out of Barton County. Stoskopf further reminded everyone of the policies in play. Presently, the zoning commission is revising the county's solar energy conversion system regulations. The Barton County Board of Commissioners will vote to continue or not continue the moratorium at the regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12. "Assuming, at some point, the new regulations are accepted in whatever form, then there will probably be, as there is under the current regulations, a conditional-use permit process," said Stoskopf. "That's when the details of a specific project have to be addressed. It goes through the same process of having public notification, public hearing with comments on the record, and documentation submitted. Same process, the planning commission makes a recommendation to the county commission and the final action is up to the county commission. That's the procedure that's already on the books. It's under state statutes. "I would remind you, there are only 40-something counties in the state of Kansas that have zoning regulations and have this kind of process. If you lived in a county that did not have this, then you would have no say."

Acciona reveals potential location of proposed solar farm

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is again asking residents to shop locally during the holiday season. To encourage local buying, Chamber President Megan Barfield said the Shop Local &amp; Win Contest is back.

"This our third year of doing this as a way to incentivize people to continue thinking about the local businesses," she said. "I know it's harder than ever. We're all on our phones, our computers. There are so many different ways to shop online these days. The chamber, we just want to continue advocating on behalf of our small businesses."

Chamber staff understands all purchases cannot be made in the community, but every dollar spent at local businesses adds up. To enter, submit a receipt from any chamber business by email or drop it off at the Chamber office at 1125 Williams in Great Bend. 

"Every $20 is an entry," Barfield said. "On Dec. 21 at 10 a.m., we are going to go live on Facebook and all of those entries, we are going to give away upwards of $700 in chamber gift certificates, thanks to our sponsors Brentwood Builders and Nex-Tech Wireless. Those dollars will kept here locally, too."

Photos of receipts can be emailed to shoplocal@greatbend.org. There are more than 500 Chamber businesses in and around Great Bend. Find the full list by <a href="https://members.greatbend.org/list?fbclid=IwAR24Jh31mH_DzodxRU-Px3A_l-5KQNxO8x-eO0q3MqQWn-YpD5DFFl2gV2E">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701790713388.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is again asking residents to shop locally during the holiday season. To encourage local buying, Chamber President Megan Barfield said the Shop Local &amp; Win Contest is back."This our third year of doing this as a way to incentivize people to continue thinking about the local businesses," she said. "I know it's harder than ever. We're all on our phones, our computers. There are so many different ways to shop online these days. The chamber, we just want to continue advocating on behalf of our small businesses."Chamber staff understands all purchases cannot be made in the community, but every dollar spent at local businesses adds up. To enter, submit a receipt from any chamber business by email or drop it off at the Chamber office at 1125 Williams in Great Bend. "Every $20 is an entry," Barfield said. "On Dec. 21 at 10 a.m., we are going to go live on Facebook and all of those entries, we are going to give away upwards of $700 in chamber gift certificates, thanks to our sponsors Brentwood Builders and Nex-Tech Wireless. Those dollars will kept here locally, too."Photos of receipts can be emailed to shoplocal@greatbend.org. There are more than 500 Chamber businesses in and around Great Bend. Find the full list by <a href="https://members.greatbend.org/list?fbclid=IwAR24Jh31mH_DzodxRU-Px3A_l-5KQNxO8x-eO0q3MqQWn-YpD5DFFl2gV2E">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Win money by shopping locally through Great Bend Chamber contest

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The City of Great Bend currently has a lease agreement for 17 acres of
the Westport Addition with the K&amp;O Railroad. Within the agreement, K&amp;O
is supposed to ask permission to sublet. The railroad has been subletting the
property near the Great Bend Municipal Airport to Venture Aggregates. 

City
Administrator Brandon Anderson said the city decided that a cleaner agreement
would be directly with Venture and removing K&amp;O from the lease.


"We sat down with Rocky and Chris with Venture a couple of times," said Anderson. "We did tell them that by law, we have to get fair market value for the lease. They went to Keller Real Estate to give us an estimate, or fair market value assessment, of what we should get on the lease of that property."

Venture agreed to a 20-year lease for the property at 8920 8th
Street. The fair market value will charge $500 per month for the first 10 years
of the lease. The rate will increase to $600 per month for the final 10 years
of the agreement.
The lease will also have a 10-year extension allowed as long as both parties
are agreeable when that time comes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701796501053.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend currently has a lease agreement for 17 acres of
the Westport Addition with the K&amp;O Railroad. Within the agreement, K&amp;O
is supposed to ask permission to sublet. The railroad has been subletting the
property near the Great Bend Municipal Airport to Venture Aggregates. City
Administrator Brandon Anderson said the city decided that a cleaner agreement
would be directly with Venture and removing K&amp;O from the lease.
"We sat down with Rocky and Chris with Venture a couple of times," said Anderson. "We did tell them that by law, we have to get fair market value for the lease. They went to Keller Real Estate to give us an estimate, or fair market value assessment, of what we should get on the lease of that property."Venture agreed to a 20-year lease for the property at 8920 8th
Street. The fair market value will charge $500 per month for the first 10 years
of the lease. The rate will increase to $600 per month for the final 10 years
of the agreement.
The lease will also have a 10-year extension allowed as long as both parties
are agreeable when that time comes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend and Venture work out lease agreement near airport

Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Dec. 4, 2023.

The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Dec. 4, 2023.<div><iframe title="KS Wetlands Ed Center Show - Director Curtis Wolf" 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=gdni7-151ad34-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 KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: KS Wetlands Ed Center Show - Director Curtis Wolf

With Kelsie Baxter onboard as the site director for the new childcare
center in Great Bend, the Advancing Barton County Childcare committee is taking
applications for 11 other positions. The Bright Beginnings childcare center,
being constructed near the 10th Street and K-96 Highway
intersection, is expected to be finished by next March. 

Great Bend Economic
Development Director Sara Arnberger said a wait list will be published sometime
this month for parents wanting to send their children to the daycare.


"We're finishing up the final things with medical costs and 401K match," said Arnberger. "All of our providers will have full benefits. Once we finish that final cost structure, we'll be able to put out our wait list. It's coming soon. It will go out on our website <a href="https://www.abccinc.org/">abccinc.org</a>."

The $1.6 million childcare center will be open for 59 children in the beginning.
The 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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701804030817.jpeg" alt="Progress continues at 4507 Farmers Plaza Ln in Great Bend for a new childcare center." />
 <figcaption>Progress continues at 4507 Farmers Plaza Ln in Great Bend for a new childcare center.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWith Kelsie Baxter onboard as the site director for the new childcare
center in Great Bend, the Advancing Barton County Childcare committee is taking
applications for 11 other positions. The Bright Beginnings childcare center,
being constructed near the 10th Street and K-96 Highway
intersection, is expected to be finished by next March. Great Bend Economic
Development Director Sara Arnberger said a wait list will be published sometime
this month for parents wanting to send their children to the daycare.
"We're finishing up the final things with medical costs and 401K match," said Arnberger. "All of our providers will have full benefits. Once we finish that final cost structure, we'll be able to put out our wait list. It's coming soon. It will go out on our website <a href="https://www.abccinc.org/">abccinc.org</a>."The $1.6 million childcare center will be open for 59 children in the beginning.
The 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;

Wait list coming for new childcare center in Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/6)

At 1:11 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 511 E.
Santa Fe Blvd in Ellinwood.

At 9:09 p.m. an accident was reported at 300 Patton Road.

At 10:14 p.m. an accident was reported at 2711 McKinley
Street.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/6)

At 12:36 a.m. an arrest for theft was reported at Lakin
&amp; Truman.

At 9:12 a.m. an accident was reported at Broadway &amp;
Harrison.

At 9:33 a.m. a white vehicle unable to maintain a lane was
reported at 1649 K-96 Highway.

At 9:42 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 222 Hickory.

At 11:55 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 6031
Hemlock Dr.

At 12:02 p.m. a male subject taking items from the store
without paying was reported at Walmart, 3503 10th Street.

At 1:17 p.m. a hit-and-run was reported at 2958 Quivira
Avenue. The incident occurred two weeks ago at an unknown location.

At 2:35 p.m. ambulance assistance was reported at 1450 18th
Street.

At 6:15 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 2117 Adams. False
alarm.

At 6:26 p.m. a report of being bitten by a cat was reported
at 2542 17th Street.

At 7:02 p.m. a theft was reported at 3417 18th
Street.

At 7:04 p.m. a vehicle driving a high rate of speed was
reported at 10th &amp; Pine.

At 9:19 p.m. suspected shoplifters were reported at 3503 10th
Street.

At 10:14 p.m. an accident outside of city limits was
reported at 2711 McKinley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/6)Narcotics ViolationAt 1:11 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 511 E.
Santa Fe Blvd in Ellinwood.Non-Injury AccidentAt 9:09 p.m. an accident was reported at 300 Patton Road.At 10:14 p.m. an accident was reported at 2711 McKinley
Street.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/6)Traffic ArrestAt 12:36 a.m. an arrest for theft was reported at Lakin
&amp; Truman.Non-Injury AccidentAt 9:12 a.m. an accident was reported at Broadway &amp;
Harrison.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 9:33 a.m. a white vehicle unable to maintain a lane was
reported at 1649 K-96 Highway.Breathing ProblemsAt 9:42 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 222 Hickory.Sick PersonAt 11:55 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 6031
Hemlock Dr.TheftAt 12:02 p.m. a male subject taking items from the store
without paying was reported at Walmart, 3503 10th Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:17 p.m. a hit-and-run was reported at 2958 Quivira
Avenue. The incident occurred two weeks ago at an unknown location.Sick PersonAt 2:35 p.m. ambulance assistance was reported at 1450 18th
Street.StructureAt 6:15 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 2117 Adams. False
alarm.Animal ComplaintAt 6:26 p.m. a report of being bitten by a cat was reported
at 2542 17th Street.TheftAt 7:02 p.m. a theft was reported at 3417 18th
Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 7:04 p.m. a vehicle driving a high rate of speed was
reported at 10th &amp; Pine.TheftAt 9:19 p.m. suspected shoplifters were reported at 3503 10th
Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 10:14 p.m. an accident outside of city limits was
reported at 2711 McKinley.

Cop Shop (12/6)

12/6 BOOKED: Carl Whiting on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Theft and Expired Registration, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Joshua Brown on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Salina Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,057 cash only.

BOOKED: Jenna Roop on Trego County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, Trego will pick up Thursday.

BOOKED: Cirus Feil on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Thomas Wohlcke on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 C/S.

RELEASED: Carl Whiting on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Theft and Expired Registration, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Thomas Wohlcke on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $250 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>12/6 BOOKED: Carl Whiting on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Theft and Expired Registration, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Joshua Brown on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Salina Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,057 cash only.BOOKED: Jenna Roop on Trego County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, Trego will pick up Thursday.BOOKED: Cirus Feil on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Thomas Wohlcke on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 C/S.RELEASED: Carl Whiting on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Theft and Expired Registration, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Thomas Wohlcke on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $250 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/6)

Each year, Kansas Farm Bureau recognizes 105 farm families at the county level and 10 families at the state level. KFB got three businesses in one when, in September, it selected Aaron, Richard, and Melissa Baldwin as its winners for the region that includes Barton County. Melissa Baldwin said it was an honor to be recognized.

"You have to be nominated by your local county farm bureau to fill this application out," she said. "From there, you basically write down what you do on your operation, how you focus on the three pillars of Farm Bureau, which are advocacy, education, and awareness."

Aaron and Richard are fourth-generation farmers who own and operate Circle K Farms just south of Great Bend. Melissa is the research scientist and owner of Performance Crop Research, a firm that works with developmental products to help collect data that can be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency for commercial approval. The Baldwins also own and operate South Bend Industrial Hemp, which grows industrial hemp for fiber production and also processes the material for farmers throughout the Midwest.

"The boys are fourth-generation farmers, so they've been here their whole lives," Melissa said. "We were looking for a way to diversify our farming operation in 2018. Hemp was being legalized, and 2019 was the first year we could grow it. We knew that hemp for fiber production really had an opportunity to shine in this area due to the large-scale land and equipment. It was really focusing on how hemp for fiber production can be used as a tool in the toolbox to help farmers diversify their operation and give them another cash crop."

The variety of industry covered by the businesses, and the Baldwin's ability to promote agriculture on social media helped secure the honor. Melissa said all three components of the family farm are equally important.

"Everything we do is so integrated within each other," she said. "We really need the success of each company to help with success overall. There wasn't any one part or another that outshined."

Hemp and marijuana both belong to the same species of plant, but hemp may legally contain less than 0.3 percent THC. South Bend Industrial Hemp focuses on hemp hurd, the inside of the plant, and ships its products across the United States and beyond.

"There are a lot of bioplastic companies that are asking for the product, as well as hempcrete builders. They are natural builders. Hempcrete is a substance that is mold-proof, fireproof, and bug-proof, and with a very high 'R' value. That is a demand consumers are calling for. Animal bedding is another avenue that we send our hurd to." 

As a KFB Farm Family of the Year, the Baldwins will have the opportunity to tour agricultural operations in another region of the country in August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701806250777.jpeg" alt="From left, Candie Baldwin, Richard Baldwin, Aaron Baldwin, and Melissa Baldwin were named a 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau Farm Family." />
 <figcaption>From left, Candie Baldwin, Richard Baldwin, Aaron Baldwin, and Melissa Baldwin were named a 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau Farm Family.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEach year, Kansas Farm Bureau recognizes 105 farm families at the county level and 10 families at the state level. KFB got three businesses in one when, in September, it selected Aaron, Richard, and Melissa Baldwin as its winners for the region that includes Barton County. Melissa Baldwin said it was an honor to be recognized."You have to be nominated by your local county farm bureau to fill this application out," she said. "From there, you basically write down what you do on your operation, how you focus on the three pillars of Farm Bureau, which are advocacy, education, and awareness."Aaron and Richard are fourth-generation farmers who own and operate Circle K Farms just south of Great Bend. Melissa is the research scientist and owner of Performance Crop Research, a firm that works with developmental products to help collect data that can be sent to the Environmental Protection Agency for commercial approval. The Baldwins also own and operate South Bend Industrial Hemp, which grows industrial hemp for fiber production and also processes the material for farmers throughout the Midwest."The boys are fourth-generation farmers, so they've been here their whole lives," Melissa said. "We were looking for a way to diversify our farming operation in 2018. Hemp was being legalized, and 2019 was the first year we could grow it. We knew that hemp for fiber production really had an opportunity to shine in this area due to the large-scale land and equipment. It was really focusing on how hemp for fiber production can be used as a tool in the toolbox to help farmers diversify their operation and give them another cash crop."The variety of industry covered by the businesses, and the Baldwin's ability to promote agriculture on social media helped secure the honor. Melissa said all three components of the family farm are equally important."Everything we do is so integrated within each other," she said. "We really need the success of each company to help with success overall. There wasn't any one part or another that outshined."Hemp and marijuana both belong to the same species of plant, but hemp may legally contain less than 0.3 percent THC. South Bend Industrial Hemp focuses on hemp hurd, the inside of the plant, and ships its products across the United States and beyond."There are a lot of bioplastic companies that are asking for the product, as well as hempcrete builders. They are natural builders. Hempcrete is a substance that is mold-proof, fireproof, and bug-proof, and with a very high 'R' value. That is a demand consumers are calling for. Animal bedding is another avenue that we send our hurd to." As a KFB Farm Family of the Year, the Baldwins will have the opportunity to tour agricultural operations in another region of the country in August.

Barton's Baldwins named KS Farm Bureau Family of the Year

Today Sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 9 to 18 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 37. West wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Blustery.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 47.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 9 to 18 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 37. West wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Blustery.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Monday Sunny, with a high near 56.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 47.Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

The Wright Place Flea Market, 1913 Lakin, took the “Judges First Place” award in the fourth annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. With a theme of “Winter Wonderland,” Wright Place earns $1,500 in prize money for its win.

Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas, earned the “Judges 2nd Place” award of $1,000. With a theme of “Holiday Cheer,” the two snowscape painted windows were decorated by the Great Bend High School Art Club.&nbsp;

A panel of community members judged the 19 windows in this year’s competition. Wright Place and Bauer Pike wound up in a tie-breaker with both collecting 108 points. The judges noted that there were six other windows close in the competition’s judging.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Decorators Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, earned the&nbsp; third-prize “People’s Choice” award of $500, with the theme of “Wandering Woodlands.”

For the fourth consecutive year, an anonymous donor provided $3,000 to conduct the free contest as a way to encourage businesses to decorate store windows for Christmas. Boundaries for the window-decorating contest covered 10th to 18th Streets, and from Williams to Kansas Streets in Great Bend.

The event was organized by the Rosewood Roots &amp; Wings Santa Committee that is associated with ‘Santas Around The World,’ the multicultural holiday exhibit, which is currently open for the season in downtown Great Bend.

Those interested in seeing this year’s contest windows online can view photos at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/2023-window-displays" target="_blank">https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/2023-window-displays</a>, or access the images at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720313093331" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720313093331</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701875372253.jpeg" alt="Judges 1st Place $1,500 –&nbsp;The Wright Flea Market, 1913 Lakin Street, “Winter Wonderland”" />
 <figcaption>Judges 1st Place $1,500 –&nbsp;The Wright Flea Market, 1913 Lakin Street, “Winter Wonderland”</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wright Place Flea Market, 1913 Lakin, took the “Judges First Place” award in the fourth annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. With a theme of “Winter Wonderland,” Wright Place earns $1,500 in prize money for its win.Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas, earned the “Judges 2nd Place” award of $1,000. With a theme of “Holiday Cheer,” the two snowscape painted windows were decorated by the Great Bend High School Art Club.&nbsp;A panel of community members judged the 19 windows in this year’s competition. Wright Place and Bauer Pike wound up in a tie-breaker with both collecting 108 points. The judges noted that there were six other windows close in the competition’s judging.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701875348525.jpeg" alt="Judges 2nd Place $1,000 –&nbsp;Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas Street, “Holiday Cheer”&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Judges 2nd Place $1,000 –&nbsp;Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas Street, “Holiday Cheer”&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Decorators Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, earned the&nbsp; third-prize “People’s Choice” award of $500, with the theme of “Wandering Woodlands.”For the fourth consecutive year, an anonymous donor provided $3,000 to conduct the free contest as a way to encourage businesses to decorate store windows for Christmas. Boundaries for the window-decorating contest covered 10th to 18th Streets, and from Williams to Kansas Streets in Great Bend.The event was organized by the Rosewood Roots &amp; Wings Santa Committee that is associated with ‘Santas Around The World,’ the multicultural holiday exhibit, which is currently open for the season in downtown Great Bend.Those interested in seeing this year’s contest windows online can view photos at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/2023-window-displays" target="_blank">https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/2023-window-displays</a>, or access the images at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720313093331" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720313093331</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701875451387.jpeg" alt="People’s Choice $500 –&nbsp;Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, “Wandering Woodlands”&nbsp; &nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>People’s Choice $500 –&nbsp;Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, “Wandering Woodlands”&nbsp; &nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Winners announced for Great Bend Christmas window decorating

Story by Joe Vinduska and Amanda Aliband Photos by Joe Vinduska

The Great Bend Prairie aquifer provides water to approximately 130,000 people through public water systems and an additional 33,000 people from private wells.&nbsp; The Clean Water Act is used to regulate public water systems, but the use of water from private water wells remains unregulated. In 2016, a research study showed that the nitrate levels were higher for 20 of 21 wells tested in the Great Bend Prairie aquifer during the 1970s and 1980s. The research study by Dr. Matthew Kirk, A Geology Professor from Kansas State University (KSU), showed increased nitrate levels, which was determined to be most likely from the use of fertilizers.

Knowing that additional groundwater testing would provide beneficial insight and being a longtime, passionate educator, Dr. Kirk found a way to not only conduct the much-needed research but also to create an opportunity for students from different colleges to collaborate while they learned.

Barton Community College students worked alongside students from KSU and Dodge City Community College on a grant funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the KSU Geology Department to evaluate well water in central Kansas.&nbsp; The collaborative effort is known as the Groundwater Geopaths project and, in addition to Dr. Kirk, the effort is led by Dr. Amanda Alliband, Dr. Helene Avocat, Ms. Sherry Rogers, and Mr. Richard Sloan.

At the end of August, the students met at KSU for a one-day training session and to tour the college campus.&nbsp; The students were introduced to the importance of evaluating the water quality in aquifers, and they were shown how to collect the water samples when they go out into the field.

In September, the students reached out to random well owners in five different counties requesting to sample their water for analysis.&nbsp; The students then split up into teams to take samples of the water, which were then analyzed for nitrate concentrations, pH levels, and other standard water quality parameters.

Barton student Quentin Bickham said he was excited to participate in this project because he understands the importance of the research.

"I believe this project is important because we are working to preserve our water quality, but it also promotes this type of research and studies to students,” he said. “We got a taste of what we can do to benefit our communities through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It inspired us and showed us the impact we can make.”

Bickham said the hands-on nature of the project was helpful to really understand how the research is conducted from start to finish.

“My favorite part was probably the collecting of the samples out in the field,” he said. “It was very nice to see how welcoming the well owners were to us and our cause. It was also pretty impactful to collect the samples ourselves instead of just running numbers for something we don’t get to interact with.”

Collaboration was a root priority for this project, and Barton student Katherine Bruning said rubbing elbows with other STEM students was a bright spot for her, and she was excited to participate in a project she knew had considerable implications in groundwater research and STEM activity overall.

“The research we did with water showed us an example of the water situation across the world and gave us the experience to do further research, even if it is in a different field,” she said. “I loved taking samples with my team. We had wonderful conversations and learned a lot together and from each other. STEM is the backbone of everything. We can't have anything without STEM, let alone any advancements in life. Geopaths was a wonderful experience, and I would strongly recommend to any college student to apply and gain experience.”&nbsp;

In addition to valuable experience, the students were awarded a $3,000 scholarship for their participation in the grant.&nbsp; This project also provides exposure to the STEM fields.&nbsp; This is an ongoing project, and interested students may apply in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more, please contact Barton Chemistry Instructor Amanda Alliband at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allibanda@bartonccc.edu">allibanda@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9330). To learn more about the project, how to get involved, or the results of the research, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://heleneavocat.wixsite.com/groundwater-geopaths" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://heleneavocat.wixsite.com/groundwater-geopaths</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701789027019.jpeg" alt="Students who participated in the Geopaths study gathered at a local resident’s house in October to finalize well testing procedures before splitting up into teams to test multiple wells throughout the area." />
 <figcaption>Students who participated in the Geopaths study gathered at a local resident’s house in October to finalize well testing procedures before splitting up into teams to test multiple wells throughout the area.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe Vinduska and Amanda Aliband Photos by Joe VinduskaThe Great Bend Prairie aquifer provides water to approximately 130,000 people through public water systems and an additional 33,000 people from private wells.&nbsp; The Clean Water Act is used to regulate public water systems, but the use of water from private water wells remains unregulated. In 2016, a research study showed that the nitrate levels were higher for 20 of 21 wells tested in the Great Bend Prairie aquifer during the 1970s and 1980s. The research study by Dr. Matthew Kirk, A Geology Professor from Kansas State University (KSU), showed increased nitrate levels, which was determined to be most likely from the use of fertilizers.Knowing that additional groundwater testing would provide beneficial insight and being a longtime, passionate educator, Dr. Kirk found a way to not only conduct the much-needed research but also to create an opportunity for students from different colleges to collaborate while they learned.Barton Community College students worked alongside students from KSU and Dodge City Community College on a grant funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the KSU Geology Department to evaluate well water in central Kansas.&nbsp; The collaborative effort is known as the Groundwater Geopaths project and, in addition to Dr. Kirk, the effort is led by Dr. Amanda Alliband, Dr. Helene Avocat, Ms. Sherry Rogers, and Mr. Richard Sloan.At the end of August, the students met at KSU for a one-day training session and to tour the college campus.&nbsp; The students were introduced to the importance of evaluating the water quality in aquifers, and they were shown how to collect the water samples when they go out into the field.In September, the students reached out to random well owners in five different counties requesting to sample their water for analysis.&nbsp; The students then split up into teams to take samples of the water, which were then analyzed for nitrate concentrations, pH levels, and other standard water quality parameters.Barton student Quentin Bickham said he was excited to participate in this project because he understands the importance of the research."I believe this project is important because we are working to preserve our water quality, but it also promotes this type of research and studies to students,” he said. “We got a taste of what we can do to benefit our communities through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It inspired us and showed us the impact we can make.”Bickham said the hands-on nature of the project was helpful to really understand how the research is conducted from start to finish.“My favorite part was probably the collecting of the samples out in the field,” he said. “It was very nice to see how welcoming the well owners were to us and our cause. It was also pretty impactful to collect the samples ourselves instead of just running numbers for something we don’t get to interact with.”Collaboration was a root priority for this project, and Barton student Katherine Bruning said rubbing elbows with other STEM students was a bright spot for her, and she was excited to participate in a project she knew had considerable implications in groundwater research and STEM activity overall.“The research we did with water showed us an example of the water situation across the world and gave us the experience to do further research, even if it is in a different field,” she said. “I loved taking samples with my team. We had wonderful conversations and learned a lot together and from each other. STEM is the backbone of everything. We can't have anything without STEM, let alone any advancements in life. Geopaths was a wonderful experience, and I would strongly recommend to any college student to apply and gain experience.”&nbsp;In addition to valuable experience, the students were awarded a $3,000 scholarship for their participation in the grant.&nbsp; This project also provides exposure to the STEM fields.&nbsp; This is an ongoing project, and interested students may apply in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more, please contact Barton Chemistry Instructor Amanda Alliband at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allibanda@bartonccc.edu">allibanda@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9330). To learn more about the project, how to get involved, or the results of the research, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://heleneavocat.wixsite.com/groundwater-geopaths" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://heleneavocat.wixsite.com/groundwater-geopaths</a>.

Barton Community College joins groundwater research

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, schools are still finding ways to combat learning loss. Districts have federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) dollars to assist with that cause. Last month, the USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis proposed a pay stipend for teachers who completed intensive Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. Monday night, the board approved Crowdis' proposal.

"What I'd like to propose is reallocating that money from ESSER III funds to setting aside funds to provide a $2,000 stipend for those teachers and administrators that we have go through LTERS training."

A certain percent of the funding must be used for learning loss, and the district has approximately $50,000 to allocate by September 2024, or risk the chance of losing it. Crowdis said that means teachers will likely be paid before the training is complete.

"It's free training," he said. "We're just paying them for the time they're putting into it. We're going to probably start it, then they have to show movement in the direction. All of that money also has to be spent by September 2024 so I need to see them making progress on it, then we'll allocate that money to them."

Approximately a dozen teachers in USD 431 are currently completing LETRS training, a 2-year program that requires 60 hours of work outside of the classroom. The goal of the program is to close the gap between the 35 percent of students who are proficient readers and the 95 percent of students that can learn to read.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701798966402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostComing out of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, schools are still finding ways to combat learning loss. Districts have federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) dollars to assist with that cause. Last month, the USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis proposed a pay stipend for teachers who completed intensive Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. Monday night, the board approved Crowdis' proposal."What I'd like to propose is reallocating that money from ESSER III funds to setting aside funds to provide a $2,000 stipend for those teachers and administrators that we have go through LTERS training."A certain percent of the funding must be used for learning loss, and the district has approximately $50,000 to allocate by September 2024, or risk the chance of losing it. Crowdis said that means teachers will likely be paid before the training is complete."It's free training," he said. "We're just paying them for the time they're putting into it. We're going to probably start it, then they have to show movement in the direction. All of that money also has to be spent by September 2024 so I need to see them making progress on it, then we'll allocate that money to them."Approximately a dozen teachers in USD 431 are currently completing LETRS training, a 2-year program that requires 60 hours of work outside of the classroom. The goal of the program is to close the gap between the 35 percent of students who are proficient readers and the 95 percent of students that can learn to read.

Hoisington BOE approves stipend for teachers who complete LETRS

In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.&nbsp;

The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations.&nbsp;

Extension beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said the&nbsp;goals of the event are to increase knowledge and practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance. &nbsp;

The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.&nbsp;

“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff said. “We will demonstrate building a proper calving kit, then discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well, and how to care for the newborn calf. It’s an excellent program regardless of one’s experience level.”&nbsp;

Meetings scheduled include:• Thursday, Jan, 4, evening, Stafford County Annex, St. John, Kansas; RSVP to 21 Central District Extension Offices at Stafford County office, 620-549-3502; or the Kinsley office, 620-659-2149, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:baley@ksu.edu">baley@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

• Tuesday, Jan. 9, evening, Haskell County Fairgrounds, Sublette, Kansas; RSVP to Wild West Extension office at Stevens County Office, 620-544-4359, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jsgreene@ksu.edu">jsgreene@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

• Thursday, Jan. 11, evening, Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, Holton, Kansas; RSVP to Meadowlark Extension Holton office at 785-364-4125,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cmcmanigal@ksu.edu">cmcmanigal@ksu.edu</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton</a>.&nbsp;

<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>In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.&nbsp;The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations.&nbsp;Extension beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said the&nbsp;goals of the event are to increase knowledge and practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance. &nbsp;The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.&nbsp;“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff said. “We will demonstrate building a proper calving kit, then discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well, and how to care for the newborn calf. It’s an excellent program regardless of one’s experience level.”&nbsp;Meetings scheduled include:• Thursday, Jan, 4, evening, Stafford County Annex, St. John, Kansas; RSVP to 21 Central District Extension Offices at Stafford County office, 620-549-3502; or the Kinsley office, 620-659-2149, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:baley@ksu.edu">baley@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;• Tuesday, Jan. 9, evening, Haskell County Fairgrounds, Sublette, Kansas; RSVP to Wild West Extension office at Stevens County Office, 620-544-4359, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jsgreene@ksu.edu">jsgreene@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;• Thursday, Jan. 11, evening, Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, Holton, Kansas; RSVP to Meadowlark Extension Holton office at 785-364-4125,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cmcmanigal@ksu.edu">cmcmanigal@ksu.edu</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton</a>.&nbsp;• Thursday, Jan. 18, evening, West Elk School, Howard, Kansas; RSVP to Rolling Prairie Extension office at 620-374-2174, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rfechter@ksu.edu">rfechter@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;More information about the K-State calving schools is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/ranch-management-seminars.html" target="_blank">KSUBeef.org</a>.&nbsp;To register for the calving school that will be held in St. John, you can also call me at 620-793-1910 or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;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 a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.