I'm Christen, the owner of JustSayItThough!

I live in the heart of Kansas with my dog Tawni and my cat Phatalenni (just try and pronounce that! lol). I love Jesus, 90's video games, HotTopic, and collecting coffee mugs.

Have you ever wanted to tell someone how much they mean to you, but couldn't quite come up with the right words? I hope you find something here that says or conveys just the right words you're trying to express.

I love making things beautiful, making people smile, and crafting... and in creating this little store, I've found a way to combine them all!

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/or2JM4vk-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Just Say It Though - Spec" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>I'm Christen, the owner of JustSayItThough!I live in the heart of Kansas with my dog Tawni and my cat Phatalenni (just try and pronounce that! lol). I love Jesus, 90's video games, HotTopic, and collecting coffee mugs.Have you ever wanted to tell someone how much they mean to you, but couldn't quite come up with the right words? I hope you find something here that says or conveys just the right words you're trying to express.I love making things beautiful, making people smile, and crafting... and in creating this little store, I've found a way to combine them all!

🎥Just Say It Though - A unique gift shop in Great Bend (Sponsored)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The demand for nurses has been consistent over the years. In a presentation
to the Barton Community College Board of Trustees last week, Barton Director of
Nursing Education Renae Skelton stated the workforce need for Registered Nurses
(RN) is expected to grow six percent from now until 2032. 

Offering practical
and associate degree programs for nursing, Barton had a pass rate of 83% for
their students enrolled in their associate nursing program in 2021. Skelton
said some fine-tuning of their student selection process was warranted.


"We took a long, hard look at all aspects of the nursing student," said Skelton. "Who were we letting in? What were their GPAs? We developed a formula where each candidate gets a score. We look at their GPA

In 2023, the college had a pass rate of 96% from students following the
associate path. Barton orchestrates associate degree in nursing programs both
on their campus in Great Bend and at Pratt Community College. Clinicals for the
students are conducted at a variety of locations. Skelton said many nursing
students are those looking for a career change

"Some students who take a lot of their prerequisites in high school, are ready to come in right out of high school," said Skelton. "I would say that's not the majority. The majority are people coming back. They've been out of school for a couple of years. They didn't know what they really wanted to do. Also we get those non-traditional students that are coming back at age 25 or 30 for their career."

In Skelton’s presentation, she mentioned the median pay for an RN is $81,220 per year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701450424649.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe demand for nurses has been consistent over the years. In a presentation
to the Barton Community College Board of Trustees last week, Barton Director of
Nursing Education Renae Skelton stated the workforce need for Registered Nurses
(RN) is expected to grow six percent from now until 2032. Offering practical
and associate degree programs for nursing, Barton had a pass rate of 83% for
their students enrolled in their associate nursing program in 2021. Skelton
said some fine-tuning of their student selection process was warranted.
"We took a long, hard look at all aspects of the nursing student," said Skelton. "Who were we letting in? What were their GPAs? We developed a formula where each candidate gets a score. We look at their GPAIn 2023, the college had a pass rate of 96% from students following the
associate path. Barton orchestrates associate degree in nursing programs both
on their campus in Great Bend and at Pratt Community College. Clinicals for the
students are conducted at a variety of locations. Skelton said many nursing
students are those looking for a career change"Some students who take a lot of their prerequisites in high school, are ready to come in right out of high school," said Skelton. "I would say that's not the majority. The majority are people coming back. They've been out of school for a couple of years. They didn't know what they really wanted to do. Also we get those non-traditional students that are coming back at age 25 or 30 for their career."In Skelton’s presentation, she mentioned the median pay for an RN is $81,220 per year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton increasing nursing pass rate as workforce demand continues

Holy Family School invites the public to attend its Kindergarten through 4th grade Christmas Program on Tuesday, Dec. 5.&nbsp; The program will be sure to put you in the Christmas spirit with their talented performances! The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the Parish Center, 4100 Broadway Ave. in Great Bend.&nbsp; The performance is under the direction of the HFS Music teacher, Mrs. Ashlee Meyerhoff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700594599479.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Holy Family School invites the public to attend its Kindergarten through 4th grade Christmas Program on Tuesday, Dec. 5.&nbsp; The program will be sure to put you in the Christmas spirit with their talented performances! The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the Parish Center, 4100 Broadway Ave. in Great Bend.&nbsp; The performance is under the direction of the HFS Music teacher, Mrs. Ashlee Meyerhoff.

Holy Family Christmas Program is Dec. 5

12/1 BOOKED: Loralei Weller on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $500 or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Kenneth Reed on two Barton County District Court warrants for Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine and No Drug Tax Stamp, total bond set at $200,000 C/S; and two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $140,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Kyra Zimmer on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $750 cash only.

BOOKED: Janie Strange on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Steven Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $4,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,602.50 cash only.

RELEASED: Loralei Weller on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Craig Brendon on Barton County District Court case for Traffic Contraband into Facility, Possession of Opiate, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Vehicle Liability Insurance, and Improper Turn, after posting $500 cash bond.

RELEASED: Albert Blankenship on hold for Kern County (Calif.), to Kern County.

RELEASED: Kyra Zimmer on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $750 cash bond.

RELEASED: Janie Strange on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

12/2 BOOKED: Miguel Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Nastasia Robinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No insurance, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Israel Klein on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $947.50 cash only.

BOOKED: Shania Turner on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Miguel Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with LEO, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting a $552.50 cash bond.

BOOKED: Steven Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court for Contempt of Court, after posting a $1,602.50 cash bond; and on Great Bend warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $4,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Nastasia Robinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No insurance, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Michael Warren on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat and Assault, after time served.

12/3 BOOKED: Joseph Trimmer on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Report, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Ethan Damm on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Nathan Hillegeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery on LEO and Assault on LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Christopher Landrum on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Theft, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jason Petz on Stafford County District Court case for Battery on LEOx3, Interference with LEO, DUI - 2nd, Driving Left of Center, Fail to Maintain Lane, Fail to wear safety belt, Transporting an Open Container, and Circumvention of Interlock Device, bond set at $30,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Joseph Trimmer on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Report, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

&nbsp; RELEASED: Shania Turner on&nbsp;Hoisington&nbsp;Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Ethan Damm on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Nathan Hillegeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery on LEO and Assault on LEO, on 18-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Shelby Stone on Barton County District Court violation for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Christopher Landrum on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Theft, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575647263164.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>12/1 BOOKED: Loralei Weller on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $500 or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Kenneth Reed on two Barton County District Court warrants for Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine and No Drug Tax Stamp, total bond set at $200,000 C/S; and two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $140,000 C/S.BOOKED: Kyra Zimmer on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $750 cash only.BOOKED: Janie Strange on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Steven Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $4,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,602.50 cash only.RELEASED: Loralei Weller on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Craig Brendon on Barton County District Court case for Traffic Contraband into Facility, Possession of Opiate, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Vehicle Liability Insurance, and Improper Turn, after posting $500 cash bond.RELEASED: Albert Blankenship on hold for Kern County (Calif.), to Kern County.RELEASED: Kyra Zimmer on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $750 cash bond.RELEASED: Janie Strange on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.12/2 BOOKED: Miguel Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Nastasia Robinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No insurance, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Israel Klein on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $947.50 cash only.BOOKED: Shania Turner on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Miguel Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with LEO, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting a $552.50 cash bond.BOOKED: Steven Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court for Contempt of Court, after posting a $1,602.50 cash bond; and on Great Bend warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $4,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Nastasia Robinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No insurance, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Michael Warren on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat and Assault, after time served.12/3 BOOKED: Joseph Trimmer on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Report, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Ethan Damm on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Nathan Hillegeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery on LEO and Assault on LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Christopher Landrum on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Theft, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jason Petz on Stafford County District Court case for Battery on LEOx3, Interference with LEO, DUI - 2nd, Driving Left of Center, Fail to Maintain Lane, Fail to wear safety belt, Transporting an Open Container, and Circumvention of Interlock Device, bond set at $30,000 C/S.RELEASED: Joseph Trimmer on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Report, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.&nbsp; RELEASED: Shania Turner on&nbsp;Hoisington&nbsp;Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.&nbsp;RELEASED: Ethan Damm on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Nathan Hillegeist on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Battery on LEO and Assault on LEO, on 18-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Shelby Stone on Barton County District Court violation for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Christopher Landrum on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Theft, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/1 - 12/3)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Joe Hickel's Claflin ties are loose, but they're there. The 69-year-old Alaskan is the son of Claflin native and former Alaskan Governor Wally Hickel. But Joe made a name for himself as a pastry chef at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Joe made news last week when he announced he was retiring after 45 years of making his famous gingerbread village at the hotel. It all started when he was in his early 20s.

"I was working construction for about five years, then I went out to Anchorage Community College," he said. "I was really interested in seeing all the things this pastry chef was making. He took me under his wing and that's how it all started."

Joe made it to Alaska with his father, Walter Joseph Hickel, who grew up near Claflin. Walter left Kansas when he was 21.

"He was in San Francisco," Joe said. "He was going to try to go to Australia. He couldn't go there. He needed a passport. What was the next place to go? They said Alaska. He traveled up to Seattle and up through that. Three weeks later he ended up in Seward, Alaska."

Alaska was admitted as the 49th state in the union in 1959. Walter became the state's second governor from 1966-69, then served again from 1990-94. He was later Secretary of the Interior under President Richard Nixon. Joe's Christmas spirit was born in that first gubernatorial term.

"I always wanted to see something like that when I was a kid, but we didn't do that kind of tradition in our house," he said. "I started the tradition at the Captain Cook Hotel when my first daughter was born in 1978. I named it after my daughter, Marina's Village. "It started at 3x5, now it's close to 300 square feet."

The gingerbread villages, seen by thousands of visitors each year, are a true labor of love. Hickel begins making everything from scratch in July.

"My staff is up there working and I'm back in the bake shop cutting out all the chocolate stuff," he said. "It takes five months to get the whole thing done by the time I start in July until I put the last piece in."

And the village is not a money-maker. Hickel has been approached many times for donations. He said doing it for money would take the fun out of it.

"I don't want donations," he said. "The Lord didn't lay that in my heart to do any donations. He did it just to please the people and do something that was very free in my heart. It just gets better and better every year."

Hickel does bring slight variations to the village each year. His 45th and final village is his largest at 270 square feet. Even former Alaskan Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, who has seen every village since 1978, can't believe it's the last one. 

"There are so many people who come in between now and Christmas," Hickel said. "Some people are really sad, a couple people are a little upset. Most people understood it but they're still sad. I'm going to miss not making it up, but I'm not going to miss all the work that goes with it."

<a href="https://www.captaincookchristmas.com/">CLICK HERE</a> to access live feeds, video progressions, and photos of the current gingerbread village and Hickel's work from previous years.

The former Governor Hickel erected the first tower of Hotel Captain Cook. His son, Walter J. Hickel, Jr., is president and CEO of Hickel Investment Company, where he oversees its real estate division, including Hotel Captain Cook. The hotel features 546 rooms, including 96 suites. The property also features a 9,000-square-foot ballroom, four restaurants, and a dozen shops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701438825744.png" alt="A live feed at Captain Hook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska shows progress on the 270-square-foot gingerbread village created by Joe Hickel." />
 <figcaption>A live feed at Captain Hook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska shows progress on the 270-square-foot gingerbread village created by Joe Hickel.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostJoe Hickel's Claflin ties are loose, but they're there. The 69-year-old Alaskan is the son of Claflin native and former Alaskan Governor Wally Hickel. But Joe made a name for himself as a pastry chef at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Joe made news last week when he announced he was retiring after 45 years of making his famous gingerbread village at the hotel. It all started when he was in his early 20s."I was working construction for about five years, then I went out to Anchorage Community College," he said. "I was really interested in seeing all the things this pastry chef was making. He took me under his wing and that's how it all started."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701440222421.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Joe made it to Alaska with his father, Walter Joseph Hickel, who grew up near Claflin. Walter left Kansas when he was 21."He was in San Francisco," Joe said. "He was going to try to go to Australia. He couldn't go there. He needed a passport. What was the next place to go? They said Alaska. He traveled up to Seattle and up through that. Three weeks later he ended up in Seward, Alaska."Alaska was admitted as the 49th state in the union in 1959. Walter became the state's second governor from 1966-69, then served again from 1990-94. He was later Secretary of the Interior under President Richard Nixon. Joe's Christmas spirit was born in that first gubernatorial term."I always wanted to see something like that when I was a kid, but we didn't do that kind of tradition in our house," he said. "I started the tradition at the Captain Cook Hotel when my first daughter was born in 1978. I named it after my daughter, Marina's Village. "It started at 3x5, now it's close to 300 square feet."The gingerbread villages, seen by thousands of visitors each year, are a true labor of love. Hickel begins making everything from scratch in July."My staff is up there working and I'm back in the bake shop cutting out all the chocolate stuff," he said. "It takes five months to get the whole thing done by the time I start in July until I put the last piece in."And the village is not a money-maker. Hickel has been approached many times for donations. He said doing it for money would take the fun out of it."I don't want donations," he said. "The Lord didn't lay that in my heart to do any donations. He did it just to please the people and do something that was very free in my heart. It just gets better and better every year."Hickel does bring slight variations to the village each year. His 45th and final village is his largest at 270 square feet. Even former Alaskan Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, who has seen every village since 1978, can't believe it's the last one. "There are so many people who come in between now and Christmas," Hickel said. "Some people are really sad, a couple people are a little upset. Most people understood it but they're still sad. I'm going to miss not making it up, but I'm not going to miss all the work that goes with it."<a href="https://www.captaincookchristmas.com/">CLICK HERE</a> to access live feeds, video progressions, and photos of the current gingerbread village and Hickel's work from previous years.The former Governor Hickel erected the first tower of Hotel Captain Cook. His son, Walter J. Hickel, Jr., is president and CEO of Hickel Investment Company, where he oversees its real estate division, including Hotel Captain Cook. The hotel features 546 rooms, including 96 suites. The property also features a 9,000-square-foot ballroom, four restaurants, and a dozen shops.

Alaskan chef with Claflin ties retiring after 45 years of gingerbread villages

Today Sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 53. West-northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. East-southeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 64. South-southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 41.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 66.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Saturday A 20-percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 48.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Tonight Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 53. West-northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. East-southeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 64. South-southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 41.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 66.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.Saturday A 20-percent chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 48.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Ryan Russell that aired Nov. 30, 2023.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Ryan Russell that aired Nov. 30, 2023.<div><iframe title="Focus on Stafford County show" 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=dfizr-15129fe-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Focus on Stafford County show

Great Bend City Council meeting Dec. 4 - 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers

The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.

C. Recognition of Visitors and Announcements &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.

&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports

&nbsp; &nbsp;2. Administrator's Update

&nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development Report

&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Kayak Rentals &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Great Bend CVB, along with the Great Bend Recreation Commission, will be asking the council for permission to use Veterans Lake for the location of a kayak rental kiosk to be managed by Rent.fun. The costs will be covered by a grant secured by the CVB and the balance will be paid by the Recreation Commission.

&nbsp; &nbsp;6. Venture Aggregates Lease Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The city currently has a lease agreement for a tract of land with K&amp;O Railroad and within the agreement they are supposed to ask permission to sublet. They have been subletting the lease to Venture as a pass through. In discussions with both K&amp;O and Venture it was decided that the cleaner agreement would be directly with Venture and a longer-term agreement would allow Venture to comfortably invest in the property and make upgrades as needed. The 20-year lease has been accepted by Venture and the city is working with K&amp;O to finalize the termination simultaneously. The lease rate proposed was achieved by a submittal from Venture by Keller Real Estate to help ascertain "fair market" value. Venture will pay $500 per month for the first 10 years and then $600 per month for the next 10 years.

&nbsp; &nbsp;7. SRCA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The SRCA operated the drag strip under an agreement that expired on Dec. 31, 2022. A one-year agreement was negotiated for 2023, which expires Dec. 31, 2023. Since the track is not operating, there is no need for an operating agreement, pending the outcome of the pending legal actions and a rebuild of the track. Thus, responsibility for the track will revert to the city at the conclusion of the current operating agreement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585774044357.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend City Council meeting Dec. 4 - 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council ChambersThe council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.AgendaOpening: Pledge of AllegianceA. Consent AgendaB. Old BusinessC. Recognition of Visitors and Announcements &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.D. New Business&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports&nbsp; &nbsp;2. Administrator's Update&nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development Report&nbsp; &nbsp;4. Abatements&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Kayak Rentals &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Great Bend CVB, along with the Great Bend Recreation Commission, will be asking the council for permission to use Veterans Lake for the location of a kayak rental kiosk to be managed by Rent.fun. The costs will be covered by a grant secured by the CVB and the balance will be paid by the Recreation Commission.&nbsp; &nbsp;6. Venture Aggregates Lease Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The city currently has a lease agreement for a tract of land with K&amp;O Railroad and within the agreement they are supposed to ask permission to sublet. They have been subletting the lease to Venture as a pass through. In discussions with both K&amp;O and Venture it was decided that the cleaner agreement would be directly with Venture and a longer-term agreement would allow Venture to comfortably invest in the property and make upgrades as needed. The 20-year lease has been accepted by Venture and the city is working with K&amp;O to finalize the termination simultaneously. The lease rate proposed was achieved by a submittal from Venture by Keller Real Estate to help ascertain "fair market" value. Venture will pay $500 per month for the first 10 years and then $600 per month for the next 10 years.&nbsp; &nbsp;7. SRCA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The SRCA operated the drag strip under an agreement that expired on Dec. 31, 2022. A one-year agreement was negotiated for 2023, which expires Dec. 31, 2023. Since the track is not operating, there is no need for an operating agreement, pending the outcome of the pending legal actions and a rebuild of the track. Thus, responsibility for the track will revert to the city at the conclusion of the current operating agreement.Adjournment

Great Bend City Council meeting agenda (12/4)

BUSINESS NEWS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701454928451.jpeg" alt="In addition to collecting hygiene items, canned food, and nonperishable goods as part of their annual holiday food drive, Clara Barton Medical Center presented the Hoisington Food Bank with a monetary donation of $637.57 and 6 frozen turkeys from Clara's Corner Café. Clara Barton physicians graciously agreed to raise the funds through a pie-in-the-face contest and would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed." />
 <figcaption>In addition to collecting hygiene items, canned food, and nonperishable goods as part of their annual holiday food drive, Clara Barton Medical Center presented the Hoisington Food Bank with a monetary donation of $637.57 and 6 frozen turkeys from Clara's Corner Café. Clara Barton physicians graciously agreed to raise the funds through a pie-in-the-face contest and would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hoisington Food Bank presented donation 

As of Tuesday, November 28 the drought
monitor indicates that even with the snow/rainfall this past weekend, our
drought status remains unchanged.&nbsp; The
area snowfall ranged from around five inches in some places to almost a foot in
parts of Safford County.&nbsp; A nice, wet
snow that certainly was beneficial, especially with little wind.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (December 5 to 9) indicates
a 70 to 80% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50%
chance of leaning to below normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (December 7
to 13) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and
normal to slightly above normal for precipitation. 

Recently we discussed the nitrate
situation in area groundwater.&nbsp; We have
also discussed the declining aquifer and other environmental concerns such as
pesticide use and soil erosion.&nbsp; Problem
we have to deal with in some fashion.&nbsp;
Not just to protect the environment but also to optimize the production
of agricultural commodities and keep producers in business and food
affordable.&nbsp; One way is through the
rapidly evolving field of new ag technologies.&nbsp;
Today, let’s explore just a few of the ways this is and will be done.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
general rule of thumb for new technologies is fairly simple whether in
agriculture or not.&nbsp; You can produce the
same level with fewer inputs or increase output with the same level of inputs.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yield
mapping – Breaking down yields across a field over several years and likely
several different crops allows a producer to accurately determine the variation
across a field.&nbsp; Producers already know
variation exists.&nbsp; The next step is to
determine why low yielding spots exist.&nbsp;
It may be something they can correct or simply poor soil quality for a
variety of reasons.&nbsp; The high yields
spots could potentially yield even more.&nbsp;
By being able to map out these spots and with the aid of precision
technologies they can optimize yields across the field by not wasting inputs on
the low yielding spots and moving those to the high yielding spots.&nbsp; More efficient economically and you have a
decrease risk of polluting the environment with wasted fertilizer or
pesticides.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Grid
soil sampling - This allows a producer to more accurately know the variation of
soil texture across a field as well as chemical properties such as soil pH and
nutrient levels.&nbsp; Combined with precision
application, the over and under application of fertilizers and even pesticides
can be minimized.&nbsp; This helps the bottom
line and helps protect the environment.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GMO
crops such as Bt corn result in decreased pesticide use that not only increases
yield but helps protects pollinator species.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One
last example, by knowing your soil type and topography differences under a
center pivot irrigation system in combination with variable irrigation
application technology, producers can accurately apply the correct amount of
water.&nbsp; This mean eliminating unnecessary
water application and by minimizing under and over watering will optimize
yields and help prevent runoff or leaching to groundwater of farm chemicals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>As of Tuesday, November 28 the drought
monitor indicates that even with the snow/rainfall this past weekend, our
drought status remains unchanged.&nbsp; The
area snowfall ranged from around five inches in some places to almost a foot in
parts of Safford County.&nbsp; A nice, wet
snow that certainly was beneficial, especially with little wind.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (December 5 to 9) indicates
a 70 to 80% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50%
chance of leaning to below normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (December 7
to 13) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and
normal to slightly above normal for precipitation. Recently we discussed the nitrate
situation in area groundwater.&nbsp; We have
also discussed the declining aquifer and other environmental concerns such as
pesticide use and soil erosion.&nbsp; Problem
we have to deal with in some fashion.&nbsp;
Not just to protect the environment but also to optimize the production
of agricultural commodities and keep producers in business and food
affordable.&nbsp; One way is through the
rapidly evolving field of new ag technologies.&nbsp;
Today, let’s explore just a few of the ways this is and will be done.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
general rule of thumb for new technologies is fairly simple whether in
agriculture or not.&nbsp; You can produce the
same level with fewer inputs or increase output with the same level of inputs.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yield
mapping – Breaking down yields across a field over several years and likely
several different crops allows a producer to accurately determine the variation
across a field.&nbsp; Producers already know
variation exists.&nbsp; The next step is to
determine why low yielding spots exist.&nbsp;
It may be something they can correct or simply poor soil quality for a
variety of reasons.&nbsp; The high yields
spots could potentially yield even more.&nbsp;
By being able to map out these spots and with the aid of precision
technologies they can optimize yields across the field by not wasting inputs on
the low yielding spots and moving those to the high yielding spots.&nbsp; More efficient economically and you have a
decrease risk of polluting the environment with wasted fertilizer or
pesticides.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Grid
soil sampling - This allows a producer to more accurately know the variation of
soil texture across a field as well as chemical properties such as soil pH and
nutrient levels.&nbsp; Combined with precision
application, the over and under application of fertilizers and even pesticides
can be minimized.&nbsp; This helps the bottom
line and helps protect the environment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; GMO
crops such as Bt corn result in decreased pesticide use that not only increases
yield but helps protects pollinator species.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One
last example, by knowing your soil type and topography differences under a
center pivot irrigation system in combination with variable irrigation
application technology, producers can accurately apply the correct amount of
water.&nbsp; This mean eliminating unnecessary
water application and by minimizing under and over watering will optimize
yields and help prevent runoff or leaching to groundwater of farm chemicals.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Technology and the Environment

Great Bend Economic Development announced another partnership with NetWork Kansas, a collaboration aimed at empowering Barton County residents to think like an entrepreneur through the upcoming "Entrepreneurial Mindset" classes. Following the success of IGNITE Rural Business, a program that showcased the community's enthusiasm for entrepreneurial ventures, the demand for further education in this field has been on the rise.

The classes will be made more accessible, keeping the costs down for participants. NetWork Kansas, known for its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development, shares the vision of providing education and support to individuals exploring entrepreneurship.

Led by co-facilitators, Jim Correll, Executive Director of the Innovative Business Resource Center, and Shelly Peacock, a local entrepreneur and past mentor with the IGNITE Competition, the classes aim to equip participants with the essential skills and mindset required for successful entrepreneurship.

The weekly classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 10 and will run until Feb. 21, excluding Feb. 14. Sessions will be held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Great Bend Economic Development offices, situated inside the Great Bend Events Center.

Course participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, explore video content averaging one hour per week, and delve into the pages of “Who Owns the Ice House?”—a book featuring the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Clifton Taulbert. The curriculum also includes insightful visits from local entrepreneurs, offering firsthand perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of the entrepreneurial journey.

Correll emphasizes that the class revolves around eight key life lessons: Choice, opportunity, action, knowledge, wealth, brand, community, and persistence. 

"Our objective is to open our participants' minds to a new way of thinking and approaching the challenges of business and daily life. By learning through the stories of successful entrepreneurs, we aim to showcase that there is more than one path to every destination in life, and a change in mindset can lead to great personal and professional fulfillment," said Correll.

This course is open to adults of all ages, whether they are considering starting their own businesses, are already in business, or are simply seeking new approaches to problem-solving. The deadline to register for the classes is Jan. 8. Registration fee is $100 per person, this includes dinner at the start of each class. As an added incentive, if registrants attend at least 5 sessions, they will receive a 50% refund.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information on course content, schedule, and attendance tuition reimbursements, please contact GBED Staff at 620-796-2407 or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marketing@gbedinc.com">marketing@gbedinc.com</a>. Registration is also available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbedinc.com/gettingstarted" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com/gettingstarted</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701372393805.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Economic Development announced another partnership with NetWork Kansas, a collaboration aimed at empowering Barton County residents to think like an entrepreneur through the upcoming "Entrepreneurial Mindset" classes. Following the success of IGNITE Rural Business, a program that showcased the community's enthusiasm for entrepreneurial ventures, the demand for further education in this field has been on the rise.The classes will be made more accessible, keeping the costs down for participants. NetWork Kansas, known for its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development, shares the vision of providing education and support to individuals exploring entrepreneurship.Led by co-facilitators, Jim Correll, Executive Director of the Innovative Business Resource Center, and Shelly Peacock, a local entrepreneur and past mentor with the IGNITE Competition, the classes aim to equip participants with the essential skills and mindset required for successful entrepreneurship.The weekly classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 10 and will run until Feb. 21, excluding Feb. 14. Sessions will be held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Great Bend Economic Development offices, situated inside the Great Bend Events Center.Course participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, explore video content averaging one hour per week, and delve into the pages of “Who Owns the Ice House?”—a book featuring the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Clifton Taulbert. The curriculum also includes insightful visits from local entrepreneurs, offering firsthand perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of the entrepreneurial journey.Correll emphasizes that the class revolves around eight key life lessons: Choice, opportunity, action, knowledge, wealth, brand, community, and persistence. "Our objective is to open our participants' minds to a new way of thinking and approaching the challenges of business and daily life. By learning through the stories of successful entrepreneurs, we aim to showcase that there is more than one path to every destination in life, and a change in mindset can lead to great personal and professional fulfillment," said Correll.This course is open to adults of all ages, whether they are considering starting their own businesses, are already in business, or are simply seeking new approaches to problem-solving. The deadline to register for the classes is Jan. 8. Registration fee is $100 per person, this includes dinner at the start of each class. As an added incentive, if registrants attend at least 5 sessions, they will receive a 50% refund.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on course content, schedule, and attendance tuition reimbursements, please contact GBED Staff at 620-796-2407 or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:marketing@gbedinc.com">marketing@gbedinc.com</a>. Registration is also available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbedinc.com/gettingstarted" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com/gettingstarted</a>.

Entrepreneurial Mindset classes in Great Bend

Years ago, I stumbled across an article detailing the creation of a national forest in Finney County in 1906. Organizers planted 1,000,000 trees near Garden City to set their dream in motion. 

For those interested in end results, road trip to the Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area and count remaining trees. For native western Kansans, imagining a national forest on our landscape is as much fantasy as the storied golden city of Quivira. However, early settlers following then current theories that rain followed the plow felt certain ample moisture would nurture their efforts.

Later, while researching Ellis Headlight newspapers and vintage pamphlets, I found even earlier references to Kansas Forest Service activities in the late 1800s. In 1887, Kansas legislators established one of two western Kansas Forestry Stations. They located the first in Ogallah, initially in Ellis County, and later Trego County.

Such stations encouraged homesteader dreams of securing an additional 160 acres of land if they committed to a timber claim. This required planting and nurturing 10 acres of trees on their filing, and regional tree stations made such hopes possible.

Over time, Mother Nature did her darndest to defeat such efforts, but if you want to see the remainder of one successful claim, follow Highway 283 south of WaKeeney 11 miles and look east. Note the stand of remaining trees. Do the research and find evidence of other timber plantings.

Initiating this program, Governor Martin appointed S.C. Robb as the first State Commissioner of Forestry. Robb’s duties required him to establish the office and assure appropriations necessary for “planting and growing forest trees in Kansas.”

Mr. Robb immediately secured two parcels of land each of at least 160 acres about a mile and half west of Ogallah just north of Union Pacific railroad tracks. The landowner, County Clerk C.C. Hoar, couldn’t afford to donate the entire acreage so area citizens contributed funds to complete the deal. Mr. Robb then constructed a 15 x 30 ft. barn for $325, an 85 ft. deep well with attached windmill, and 14 x 32 ft. six room and office house for $1,040. For two years, he lived there and ran the forestry station before relocating to Dodge in 1889 to establish the second station.

On April 27, 1887, Mr. Robb and employees prepared and planted eight acres with various deciduous trees They first planted cottonwood, black locust, honey locust, boxelder, Osage orange, catalpa, Russian mulberry, black walnut, hackberry, Lombardy poplar, and soft maple seeds. Their efforts resulted in 500,000 seedlings to give regional residents to plant the following spring.

Yes, the station gave trees to Kansans. The only cost involved transport. Locals picking up orders usually showed up driving a horse and buggy. For those living far away, trains offered another transportation option.

In 1889, Ogallah Forest Station grew 1,960,200 seedlings, adding red cedars, and Austrian and Norway pines to the selection. That year, 4,175 Kansans placed orders. According to Mrs. Fred Shaw, some ordered more trees than they could plant, intending to share with out-of-state relatives. Authorities quickly discouraged this practice.

Appointed in 1907, Mrs. Shaw’s father Francis Ridgway was the last commissioner of Ogallah Forest Station. Commissioners earned a salary of $1,000 per year while laborers earned $1 per day, enhancing the bank accounts of many Ogallah area men for the 25 years the station operated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699457417139.jpeg" alt="Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Years ago, I stumbled across an article detailing the creation of a national forest in Finney County in 1906. Organizers planted 1,000,000 trees near Garden City to set their dream in motion. For those interested in end results, road trip to the Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area and count remaining trees. For native western Kansans, imagining a national forest on our landscape is as much fantasy as the storied golden city of Quivira. However, early settlers following then current theories that rain followed the plow felt certain ample moisture would nurture their efforts.Later, while researching Ellis Headlight newspapers and vintage pamphlets, I found even earlier references to Kansas Forest Service activities in the late 1800s. In 1887, Kansas legislators established one of two western Kansas Forestry Stations. They located the first in Ogallah, initially in Ellis County, and later Trego County.Such stations encouraged homesteader dreams of securing an additional 160 acres of land if they committed to a timber claim. This required planting and nurturing 10 acres of trees on their filing, and regional tree stations made such hopes possible.Over time, Mother Nature did her darndest to defeat such efforts, but if you want to see the remainder of one successful claim, follow Highway 283 south of WaKeeney 11 miles and look east. Note the stand of remaining trees. Do the research and find evidence of other timber plantings.Initiating this program, Governor Martin appointed S.C. Robb as the first State Commissioner of Forestry. Robb’s duties required him to establish the office and assure appropriations necessary for “planting and growing forest trees in Kansas.”Mr. Robb immediately secured two parcels of land each of at least 160 acres about a mile and half west of Ogallah just north of Union Pacific railroad tracks. The landowner, County Clerk C.C. Hoar, couldn’t afford to donate the entire acreage so area citizens contributed funds to complete the deal. Mr. Robb then constructed a 15 x 30 ft. barn for $325, an 85 ft. deep well with attached windmill, and 14 x 32 ft. six room and office house for $1,040. For two years, he lived there and ran the forestry station before relocating to Dodge in 1889 to establish the second station.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699457708983.jpeg" alt="Hedge apples from Osage Orange trees. Photo by Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>Hedge apples from Osage Orange trees. Photo by Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 27, 1887, Mr. Robb and employees prepared and planted eight acres with various deciduous trees They first planted cottonwood, black locust, honey locust, boxelder, Osage orange, catalpa, Russian mulberry, black walnut, hackberry, Lombardy poplar, and soft maple seeds. Their efforts resulted in 500,000 seedlings to give regional residents to plant the following spring.Yes, the station gave trees to Kansans. The only cost involved transport. Locals picking up orders usually showed up driving a horse and buggy. For those living far away, trains offered another transportation option.In 1889, Ogallah Forest Station grew 1,960,200 seedlings, adding red cedars, and Austrian and Norway pines to the selection. That year, 4,175 Kansans placed orders. According to Mrs. Fred Shaw, some ordered more trees than they could plant, intending to share with out-of-state relatives. Authorities quickly discouraged this practice.Appointed in 1907, Mrs. Shaw’s father Francis Ridgway was the last commissioner of Ogallah Forest Station. Commissioners earned a salary of $1,000 per year while laborers earned $1 per day, enhancing the bank accounts of many Ogallah area men for the 25 years the station operated.More to come….<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

MADORIN: Treeing the plains

The&nbsp;102nd Annual Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Awards&nbsp;is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at the Corinthians Hill Event Center. Join the Chamber in celebrating the community’s finest by submitting your nominations for the Chamber’s annual awards. This is your chance to honor the individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact on the community. The Chamber urges you to take this opportunity to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication. The nomination deadline is Dec. 15, 2023.&nbsp;Find out more details about Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Nextgen Leader of the Year nominations by&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=783545&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1820047&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbend.org%2Fawardprograms&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=29294985a8f1dfae0ca00adf2b2e8831f2199958bb626e42a3ff9efad0c88b83" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699544872306.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;102nd Annual Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Awards&nbsp;is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at the Corinthians Hill Event Center. Join the Chamber in celebrating the community’s finest by submitting your nominations for the Chamber’s annual awards. This is your chance to honor the individuals and businesses that have made a significant impact on the community. The Chamber urges you to take this opportunity to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication. The nomination deadline is Dec. 15, 2023.&nbsp;Find out more details about Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Nextgen Leader of the Year nominations by&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=783545&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1820047&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatbend.org%2Fawardprograms&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=29294985a8f1dfae0ca00adf2b2e8831f2199958bb626e42a3ff9efad0c88b83" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Accepting Great Bend Chamber annual award nominations

If you have a young kid that is craving more Christmas-themed events,
there are not many bigger than Santa’s Workshop hosted by the Great Bend
Recreation Commission. The 27th annual festivity is Monday,
Dec. 4, in the Great Bend City Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 8
p.m. 

GBRC Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick said children from preschool to
sixth grade can participate in holiday-themed booths and visit with Santa
Claus. 


"We came out of COVID last year and changed the format," said Fitzpatrick. "We have tried to make it more of a fun-family event. There are a lot of photo-ops. We're still doing the crafts, cookies and jingle bell necklaces. We'll of course have Santa Claus."

The free Christmas event will include entertainers from Happy Faces
Entertainment from Kansas City performing comedy acts, and Olaf will be in
attendance too. 

Fitzpatrick said a less chaotic version of Santa’s Workshop
will be available Monday too.


"There are a lot of people at this event, and it can be a little bit overwhelming," said Fitzpatrick. "Back in the Burnside Room, we do have some organizations that have more laid-back crafts. It's not so crazy busy."

Please enter through the doors located on the southwest corner of the
auditorium.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701201220791.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIf you have a young kid that is craving more Christmas-themed events,
there are not many bigger than Santa’s Workshop hosted by the Great Bend
Recreation Commission. The 27th annual festivity is Monday,
Dec. 4, in the Great Bend City Auditorium from 6 p.m. to 8
p.m. GBRC Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick said children from preschool to
sixth grade can participate in holiday-themed booths and visit with Santa
Claus. 
"We came out of COVID last year and changed the format," said Fitzpatrick. "We have tried to make it more of a fun-family event. There are a lot of photo-ops. We're still doing the crafts, cookies and jingle bell necklaces. We'll of course have Santa Claus."The free Christmas event will include entertainers from Happy Faces
Entertainment from Kansas City performing comedy acts, and Olaf will be in
attendance too. Fitzpatrick said a less chaotic version of Santa’s Workshop
will be available Monday too.
"There are a lot of people at this event, and it can be a little bit overwhelming," said Fitzpatrick. "Back in the Burnside Room, we do have some organizations that have more laid-back crafts. It's not so crazy busy."Please enter through the doors located on the southwest corner of the
auditorium.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Christmas galore for the kids at Santa’s Workshop in Great Bend

Like many wheat producers, Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson and serves as a Kansas Wheat Commissioner, used not to think too much past the bushels and protein levels of the wheat he delivered the elevator. After joining U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) on their November crop quality seminars in South America, he now understands that end-use markets want not just data on protein quality and milling and baking test results, but also a direct connection back to the farmers who grow the wheat they purchase.&nbsp;

“These customers really wanted to hear about quality, and they all had something different they were looking for,” Sawyer said. “It’s a lot more than being able to take bushels of wheat to the elevator and delivering what we think will be shipped and turned into bread — we have to continue working domestically to improve genetics and inputs to grow a high-quality crop that the end-user wants.”&nbsp;

As the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry, USW conducts crop quality seminars around the world each fall and winter to provide transparent information to customers and facilitate dialogue about the U.S. wheat supply chain from start to finish. In addition to the series Sawyer attended in South America, USW also held seminars this year in Central America/Caribbean, South Asia, the European Union and North Asia.&nbsp;

Far from a leisurely tourist trip, Sawyer explained the U.S. team, who represented each of the six classes of U.S. wheat, had a whirlwind itinerary from one seminar to the next, flying from city to city and country to country to present to customers in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. According to USW, the seminars in Quito (Ecuador), Lima (Peru) and Santiago (Chile) drew attendees that represented more than 90 percent of wheat purchases. In addition to these long-time, loyal customers, other end-users came to listen to the U.S. team, including a set of shrimp and salmon farmers who need tight specifications of hard red winter (HRW) wheat to make their feed pellets sink to maintain the exact right depth for longer feeding periods.&nbsp;

Sawyer served as the “friendly farmer” during these seminars, providing information on Kansas wheat farming operations and how they have changed over time — easy to do since his family’s operation has grown wheat for more than 70 years. In turn, customers asked Sawyer questions about profitability, drought, volatile prices, the future of wheat breeding and more.&nbsp;

“They wanted to meet the farmer that raises the crop they are buying and hear stories they could turn around and tell their customers,” Sawyer said. “A lot of them centered around sustainability or regenerative agriculture, so they wanted to be able to tell their customers that the farmer who grew the wheat cared about the land. As it turns out, wheat is a pretty easy crop to be able to tell that story.”

Transparency is a major advantage for selling U.S. wheat to international customers compared to other competing countries, including taking a deep dive into the data in USW’s crop quality reports and sharing personal perspectives from wheat farmers. Combined with personal relationships established and maintained by USW employees and clearly defined grain grading standards and export procedures, Sawyer explained that these customers know that when they buy a load of wheat from the United States, they know exactly what they will receive.&nbsp;

“Our buyers have stuck with us over the last three years, and it’s only because of the personal relationships we’ve formed,” Sawyer said. “It was truly amazing to see the reception that USW employees got from all the businesses; it showed the trust those buyers have in U.S. wheat. Our markets are truly open around the world because of their efforts.”&nbsp;

Now home and recovered from the jet lag, Sawyer reflected on his role — and the role of Kansas wheat farmers — in promoting not only a crop, but also a way of life.&nbsp;

“It was really satisfying for me to meet customers halfway around the world that really appreciated the value of the wheat I grow,” he said. “And I know it was satisfying for them to meet the farmer that truly cared about growing a valuable commodity and caring for the land my family has farmed for generations.”

Learn more about the entire set of USW’s crop quality seminars and read the full 2023 USW Crop Quality Report at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mQwkbZiljy8g8o484SYPIgJBw5QKP6ZhViw0FYWIDcajdUu3OerbD1mElj9An76C0ChqjkV5ISvqQJLqowYj6vVQ0UhObGBfGUuzkLOVfaLp2vFzpuvK3yI0s6wd3hB6N9nlxkvWoSghsA0X8AmWBFXaLpofyBXSANRelo9MDT4=&amp;c=_2SiFPwnMOAPblw3lXuXJbte5ekncrGDNq7uNIFJpQQWVf8Tf5PWew==&amp;ch=UHup2JgP3R9o_AyXDuDV8CW8lf8Y_q3rq18NLjgFUjWAu0xt1fYovw==" target="_blank">uswheat.org</a>.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373516834.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Like many wheat producers, Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson and serves as a Kansas Wheat Commissioner, used not to think too much past the bushels and protein levels of the wheat he delivered the elevator. After joining U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) on their November crop quality seminars in South America, he now understands that end-use markets want not just data on protein quality and milling and baking test results, but also a direct connection back to the farmers who grow the wheat they purchase.&nbsp;“These customers really wanted to hear about quality, and they all had something different they were looking for,” Sawyer said. “It’s a lot more than being able to take bushels of wheat to the elevator and delivering what we think will be shipped and turned into bread — we have to continue working domestically to improve genetics and inputs to grow a high-quality crop that the end-user wants.”&nbsp;As the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry, USW conducts crop quality seminars around the world each fall and winter to provide transparent information to customers and facilitate dialogue about the U.S. wheat supply chain from start to finish. In addition to the series Sawyer attended in South America, USW also held seminars this year in Central America/Caribbean, South Asia, the European Union and North Asia.&nbsp;Far from a leisurely tourist trip, Sawyer explained the U.S. team, who represented each of the six classes of U.S. wheat, had a whirlwind itinerary from one seminar to the next, flying from city to city and country to country to present to customers in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. According to USW, the seminars in Quito (Ecuador), Lima (Peru) and Santiago (Chile) drew attendees that represented more than 90 percent of wheat purchases. In addition to these long-time, loyal customers, other end-users came to listen to the U.S. team, including a set of shrimp and salmon farmers who need tight specifications of hard red winter (HRW) wheat to make their feed pellets sink to maintain the exact right depth for longer feeding periods.&nbsp;Sawyer served as the “friendly farmer” during these seminars, providing information on Kansas wheat farming operations and how they have changed over time — easy to do since his family’s operation has grown wheat for more than 70 years. In turn, customers asked Sawyer questions about profitability, drought, volatile prices, the future of wheat breeding and more.&nbsp;“They wanted to meet the farmer that raises the crop they are buying and hear stories they could turn around and tell their customers,” Sawyer said. “A lot of them centered around sustainability or regenerative agriculture, so they wanted to be able to tell their customers that the farmer who grew the wheat cared about the land. As it turns out, wheat is a pretty easy crop to be able to tell that story.”Transparency is a major advantage for selling U.S. wheat to international customers compared to other competing countries, including taking a deep dive into the data in USW’s crop quality reports and sharing personal perspectives from wheat farmers. Combined with personal relationships established and maintained by USW employees and clearly defined grain grading standards and export procedures, Sawyer explained that these customers know that when they buy a load of wheat from the United States, they know exactly what they will receive.&nbsp;“Our buyers have stuck with us over the last three years, and it’s only because of the personal relationships we’ve formed,” Sawyer said. “It was truly amazing to see the reception that USW employees got from all the businesses; it showed the trust those buyers have in U.S. wheat. Our markets are truly open around the world because of their efforts.”&nbsp;Now home and recovered from the jet lag, Sawyer reflected on his role — and the role of Kansas wheat farmers — in promoting not only a crop, but also a way of life.&nbsp;“It was really satisfying for me to meet customers halfway around the world that really appreciated the value of the wheat I grow,” he said. “And I know it was satisfying for them to meet the farmer that truly cared about growing a valuable commodity and caring for the land my family has farmed for generations.”Learn more about the entire set of USW’s crop quality seminars and read the full 2023 USW Crop Quality Report at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mQwkbZiljy8g8o484SYPIgJBw5QKP6ZhViw0FYWIDcajdUu3OerbD1mElj9An76C0ChqjkV5ISvqQJLqowYj6vVQ0UhObGBfGUuzkLOVfaLp2vFzpuvK3yI0s6wd3hB6N9nlxkvWoSghsA0X8AmWBFXaLpofyBXSANRelo9MDT4=&amp;c=_2SiFPwnMOAPblw3lXuXJbte5ekncrGDNq7uNIFJpQQWVf8Tf5PWew==&amp;ch=UHup2JgP3R9o_AyXDuDV8CW8lf8Y_q3rq18NLjgFUjWAu0xt1fYovw==" target="_blank">uswheat.org</a>.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Sawyer champions Kansas wheat farming at South America seminars

When Office Products Inc. (OPI) learned that a customer ordered a new piece of office machinery, it didn’t take long for the family-owned company to seek specialized training on the device.

Daniel Crowe, OPI technician, recently completed the training in New Jersey. Now, he can help Barton Community College maintain its new Plockmatic, which makes paperback booklets.

“This is the perfect example of how OPI responds to its customers’ needs,” said Crowe, Great Bend. “When we discover that a client needs something, we make it happen.

“OPI is well-known for customer service. Part of that is a commitment to the most up-to-date training available. Since we are constantly challenged, we do not stagnate.”

Crowe, who has been at OPI for eight years, noted that much of the company’s success relates to it being family-owned and community-minded.

“I have worked for corporations but this family-owned aspect is really great,” Crowe commented. “The staff genuinely like the bosses and they like us back. This is pretty special.”

Much of the training OPI technicians receive is related to Canon copiers, which copy, print, fax, send emails and connect to the internet.

Crowe noted that early training on Canon equipment is hands-on, and begins in-house with colleagues and online information. When technicians are ready, the next step is Canon training in Dallas.

Ryley Ney Ryley Ney, Ellinwood resident who has served OPI customers for 11 years, recently returned from two weeks in Dallas where he was trained on light production, color and black-and-white.

His efforts resulted in him being recognized as the Student of the Month by the Canon Training Center. Ney will return to Dallas early next year for full-color production training.

“These Canon copiers are top-of-the-line machines,” Ney said. “They perform many tasks and are reliable.”

Part of the Canon attraction is its diagnostic tools. “We can find out what the issue is quickly,” Ney said. “If the machine is on the internet, we can determine what to do even before we leave the store by connecting with it right away.

“For example, Canon lets us know if a part is malfunctioning, if there is a jam or the toner needs to be changed.”

Ney echoed Crowe’s comments about OPI’s success as a longtime downtown business. “Being family-owned and providing very thorough training are two of its main assets.

“All of us appreciate owners Kenny and Terry Vink who make coming to work a pleasure. They offer virtually all types of office supplies, equipment and furniture, and genuinely care about their community. These are great reasons to buy local.”

OPI’s locations are: 1204 Main in Great Bend; 516 Broadway in Larned; 724 N. Main in Russell; and 2001 Vine in Hays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701372520164.jpeg" alt="Ryley Ney, left, and Daniel Crowe examine the inner workings of a Canon imagePRESS at Office Products Inc. in Great Bend. Ney and Crowe are OPI technicians who receive up-to-date training on Canon copiers and other office equipment." />
 <figcaption>Ryley Ney, left, and Daniel Crowe examine the inner workings of a Canon imagePRESS at Office Products Inc. in Great Bend. Ney and Crowe are OPI technicians who receive up-to-date training on Canon copiers and other office equipment.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSWhen Office Products Inc. (OPI) learned that a customer ordered a new piece of office machinery, it didn’t take long for the family-owned company to seek specialized training on the device.Daniel Crowe, OPI technician, recently completed the training in New Jersey. Now, he can help Barton Community College maintain its new Plockmatic, which makes paperback booklets.“This is the perfect example of how OPI responds to its customers’ needs,” said Crowe, Great Bend. “When we discover that a client needs something, we make it happen.“OPI is well-known for customer service. Part of that is a commitment to the most up-to-date training available. Since we are constantly challenged, we do not stagnate.”Crowe, who has been at OPI for eight years, noted that much of the company’s success relates to it being family-owned and community-minded.“I have worked for corporations but this family-owned aspect is really great,” Crowe commented. “The staff genuinely like the bosses and they like us back. This is pretty special.”Much of the training OPI technicians receive is related to Canon copiers, which copy, print, fax, send emails and connect to the internet.Crowe noted that early training on Canon equipment is hands-on, and begins in-house with colleagues and online information. When technicians are ready, the next step is Canon training in Dallas.Ryley Ney Ryley Ney, Ellinwood resident who has served OPI customers for 11 years, recently returned from two weeks in Dallas where he was trained on light production, color and black-and-white.His efforts resulted in him being recognized as the Student of the Month by the Canon Training Center. Ney will return to Dallas early next year for full-color production training.“These Canon copiers are top-of-the-line machines,” Ney said. “They perform many tasks and are reliable.”Part of the Canon attraction is its diagnostic tools. “We can find out what the issue is quickly,” Ney said. “If the machine is on the internet, we can determine what to do even before we leave the store by connecting with it right away.“For example, Canon lets us know if a part is malfunctioning, if there is a jam or the toner needs to be changed.”Ney echoed Crowe’s comments about OPI’s success as a longtime downtown business. “Being family-owned and providing very thorough training are two of its main assets.“All of us appreciate owners Kenny and Terry Vink who make coming to work a pleasure. They offer virtually all types of office supplies, equipment and furniture, and genuinely care about their community. These are great reasons to buy local.”OPI’s locations are: 1204 Main in Great Bend; 516 Broadway in Larned; 724 N. Main in Russell; and 2001 Vine in Hays.

OPI technicians receive specialized office-equipment training

The Barton County Historical Society is being transformed into a winter wonderland of historical Christmas decorations. The public is invited to attend “Ghosts of Christmas Past” on Sunday, December 10 from 1-4 p.m. at the society, 85 S. Highway 281, Great Bend. Refreshments will be served, and children of all ages may take a turn sitting on the lap of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Saint Nicholas. Admission for this special day will be free for all patrons. Donations are encouraged.

Balinda Ochs from Great Bend has also been kind enough to lend her vintage green aluminum Christmas tree to the museum, complete with period ornaments for all to enjoy. She has been collecting Christmas decorations from by-gone eras for many years and wanted to share them this year. She also has two Santa Claus figures that were store samples produced by Teem soda, which were from the Big Wheel Drive-In run by Willie and Helen Willingham, who were Balinda’s aunt and uncle. An entire showcase of ornaments, blow molds, salt and pepper shakers, and glass beads will be displayed from her collection as well.

A feather tree will be displayed again this year, resplendent with period glass balls. It is made from a wire base, with dyed goose feathers for branches. A German custom, the trees were sold here in dime stores in the 1920s and 1930s. The feather tree is the oldest Christmas tree in the museum’s collection.

Another favorite is the Meyer family tree, with ornaments from the 1930s through the 1990s. Mrs. Meyer decided that she didn’t want to decorate a tree every year, so she had it hauled downstairs with the ornaments left on. But she added decorations every year.

Various civic groups have decorated Christmas trees throughout the museum building and will be available for viewing.

Some of the buildings on the grounds have been decorated with lights, so folks are encouraged to drive through the village after dark. Lights will be on through the New Year holiday.

Entertainment will be featured throughout the afternoon, featuring local school groups, as well as other musicians from the area. 1:00 - Harlen Jerke, pump organ; 1:30 - Great Bend Middle School Jazz Band; 2:30 - Great Bend High School Orchestra; 3:00 - Brad Shirer, pump organ.

Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the trees available for viewing through the end of the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373053134.jpeg" alt="The exterior of the Blacksmith Shop is festively decorated for Christmas." />
 <figcaption>The exterior of the Blacksmith Shop is festively decorated for Christmas.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Historical Society is being transformed into a winter wonderland of historical Christmas decorations. The public is invited to attend “Ghosts of Christmas Past” on Sunday, December 10 from 1-4 p.m. at the society, 85 S. Highway 281, Great Bend. Refreshments will be served, and children of all ages may take a turn sitting on the lap of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Saint Nicholas. Admission for this special day will be free for all patrons. Donations are encouraged.Balinda Ochs from Great Bend has also been kind enough to lend her vintage green aluminum Christmas tree to the museum, complete with period ornaments for all to enjoy. She has been collecting Christmas decorations from by-gone eras for many years and wanted to share them this year. She also has two Santa Claus figures that were store samples produced by Teem soda, which were from the Big Wheel Drive-In run by Willie and Helen Willingham, who were Balinda’s aunt and uncle. An entire showcase of ornaments, blow molds, salt and pepper shakers, and glass beads will be displayed from her collection as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373037161.jpeg" alt="A green aluminum tree is decorated with period ornaments loaned from the collection of Balinda Ochs." />
 <figcaption>A green aluminum tree is decorated with period ornaments loaned from the collection of Balinda Ochs.</figcaption>
 </figure>A feather tree will be displayed again this year, resplendent with period glass balls. It is made from a wire base, with dyed goose feathers for branches. A German custom, the trees were sold here in dime stores in the 1920s and 1930s. The feather tree is the oldest Christmas tree in the museum’s collection.Another favorite is the Meyer family tree, with ornaments from the 1930s through the 1990s. Mrs. Meyer decided that she didn’t want to decorate a tree every year, so she had it hauled downstairs with the ornaments left on. But she added decorations every year.Various civic groups have decorated Christmas trees throughout the museum building and will be available for viewing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373021496.jpeg" alt="The oldest Christmas tree from the museum collection, a German feather tree made from dyed goose feathers." />
 <figcaption>The oldest Christmas tree from the museum collection, a German feather tree made from dyed goose feathers.</figcaption>
 </figure>Some of the buildings on the grounds have been decorated with lights, so folks are encouraged to drive through the village after dark. Lights will be on through the New Year holiday.Entertainment will be featured throughout the afternoon, featuring local school groups, as well as other musicians from the area. 1:00 - Harlen Jerke, pump organ; 1:30 - Great Bend Middle School Jazz Band; 2:30 - Great Bend High School Orchestra; 3:00 - Brad Shirer, pump organ.Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the trees available for viewing through the end of the year.

Ghosts of Christmas Past to appear at Barton Co. Historical Society

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Nov. 15, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Atchison ‑&nbsp;9‑3 KA‑7006‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the east U.S. 159/K‑9 junction east to the U.S. 73/K‑9 junction, milling and overlay, 4.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $798,426.71.

Atchison ‑&nbsp;9‑3 KA‑7057‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Jackson/Atchison county line east to the U.S. 159/K‑9 west junction, recycle and overlay, 2.0 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $312,769.82.

Brown ‑&nbsp;246‑7 KA‑7045‑01 ‑ K‑246, from the U.S. 75/K‑246 junction east to the west city limits of Morrill, milling and overlay, 5.6 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,335,003.45.

Douglas ‑&nbsp;56‑23 KA‑7236‑01 – U.S. 56, from the U.S. 59/U.S. 56 junction, east to Baldwin City, sealing, 3.4 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. And Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $255,442.76.

Jackson ‑&nbsp;62‑43 KA‑7116‑01 ‑ K‑62, from the K‑16/K‑62 junction north to the Jackson/Nemaha county line, milling and overlay, 7.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,114,533.50.

Jackson ‑&nbsp;9‑43 KA‑7118‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the U.S. 75/K‑9 junction east to the Jackson/Atchison county line, recycle and overlay, 10.3 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,431,879.08.

Jefferson ‑&nbsp;4‑44 KA‑5931‑01 ‑ K‑4; beginning at 0.08 mile north of the north K‑4/K‑16 junction, and 0.22 mile north of the north K‑4/K‑16 junction, guard fence, 0.1 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $175,079.05. (Federal Funds)

Johnson ‑&nbsp;69‑46 KA‑7161‑01 – U.S. 69, from West 56th Street north to West 52nd Street, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,358,849.61.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;7‑46 KA‑6923‑01 ‑ Bridge #242, on West 83rd Street over K‑7 located 2.50 miles north of the K‑7/K‑10 junction in Shawnee, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $987,232.25.

Lyon ‑&nbsp;35‑56 KA‑6929‑01 ‑ Bridge #131, over Road 173 located 1.11 miles east of the I‑35/K‑130 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads, L.L.C., Saint Michael, Minnesota, $133,046.70.

Marshall ‑&nbsp;58 KA‑7055‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Washington/Marshall county line east to the U.S. 77/K‑9 west junction; U.S. 36, from the Washington/Marshall county line east to 6.7 miles east of the Washington/Marshall county line; U.S. 77, from the K‑9/U.S. 77 west junction east to the south city limits of Marysville, pavement patching, 49.9 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,298,120.00.

Nemaha ‑&nbsp;62‑66 KA‑7117‑01 ‑ K‑62, from the Jackson/Nemaha county line north to the K‑9/K‑62 junction, milling and overlay, 6.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $889,325.87.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;635‑105 KA‑5717‑01 ‑ I‑635 bridge #036, located over I‑635 (Metropolitan Avenue) 1.11 miles south of old K‑132, bridge replacement, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $6,193,128.06&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Statewide ‑&nbsp;56‑106 KA‑7146‑01 – U.S. 56; from the Douglas/Johnson county line east to the west city limits of Gardner in Johnson County, and from Baldwin City east to the Johnson/Douglas county line in Douglas County, milling, and overlay, 12.2 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $6,911,545.81.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;169‑106 KA‑7235‑01 – U.S. 169; from the Miami/Johnson county line north to the 175th Street/U.S. 169 junction in Johnson County, and from 1.416 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line north to the Miami/Johnson county line in Miami County, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 6.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,258,615.83.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688595174563.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place Nov. 15, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastAtchison ‑&nbsp;9‑3 KA‑7006‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the east U.S. 159/K‑9 junction east to the U.S. 73/K‑9 junction, milling and overlay, 4.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $798,426.71.Atchison ‑&nbsp;9‑3 KA‑7057‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Jackson/Atchison county line east to the U.S. 159/K‑9 west junction, recycle and overlay, 2.0 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $312,769.82.Brown ‑&nbsp;246‑7 KA‑7045‑01 ‑ K‑246, from the U.S. 75/K‑246 junction east to the west city limits of Morrill, milling and overlay, 5.6 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,335,003.45.Douglas ‑&nbsp;56‑23 KA‑7236‑01 – U.S. 56, from the U.S. 59/U.S. 56 junction, east to Baldwin City, sealing, 3.4 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. And Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $255,442.76.Jackson ‑&nbsp;62‑43 KA‑7116‑01 ‑ K‑62, from the K‑16/K‑62 junction north to the Jackson/Nemaha county line, milling and overlay, 7.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,114,533.50.Jackson ‑&nbsp;9‑43 KA‑7118‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the U.S. 75/K‑9 junction east to the Jackson/Atchison county line, recycle and overlay, 10.3 miles, Dustrol Inc., Towanda, Kansas, $1,431,879.08.Jefferson ‑&nbsp;4‑44 KA‑5931‑01 ‑ K‑4; beginning at 0.08 mile north of the north K‑4/K‑16 junction, and 0.22 mile north of the north K‑4/K‑16 junction, guard fence, 0.1 mile, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $175,079.05. (Federal Funds)Johnson ‑&nbsp;69‑46 KA‑7161‑01 – U.S. 69, from West 56th Street north to West 52nd Street, milling and overlay, 0.8 mile, Superior Bowen Asphalt Company LLC, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,358,849.61.Johnson ‑&nbsp;7‑46 KA‑6923‑01 ‑ Bridge #242, on West 83rd Street over K‑7 located 2.50 miles north of the K‑7/K‑10 junction in Shawnee, bridge repair, PCI Roads, LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $987,232.25.Lyon ‑&nbsp;35‑56 KA‑6929‑01 ‑ Bridge #131, over Road 173 located 1.11 miles east of the I‑35/K‑130 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads, L.L.C., Saint Michael, Minnesota, $133,046.70.Marshall ‑&nbsp;58 KA‑7055‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Washington/Marshall county line east to the U.S. 77/K‑9 west junction; U.S. 36, from the Washington/Marshall county line east to 6.7 miles east of the Washington/Marshall county line; U.S. 77, from the K‑9/U.S. 77 west junction east to the south city limits of Marysville, pavement patching, 49.9 miles, Hall Brothers Inc., Marysville, Kansas, $1,298,120.00.Nemaha ‑&nbsp;62‑66 KA‑7117‑01 ‑ K‑62, from the Jackson/Nemaha county line north to the K‑9/K‑62 junction, milling and overlay, 6.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $889,325.87.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;635‑105 KA‑5717‑01 ‑ I‑635 bridge #036, located over I‑635 (Metropolitan Avenue) 1.11 miles south of old K‑132, bridge replacement, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $6,193,128.06&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Statewide ‑&nbsp;56‑106 KA‑7146‑01 – U.S. 56; from the Douglas/Johnson county line east to the west city limits of Gardner in Johnson County, and from Baldwin City east to the Johnson/Douglas county line in Douglas County, milling, and overlay, 12.2 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $6,911,545.81.Statewide ‑&nbsp;169‑106 KA‑7235‑01 – U.S. 169; from the Miami/Johnson county line north to the 175th Street/U.S. 169 junction in Johnson County, and from 1.416 miles south of the Miami/Johnson county line north to the Miami/Johnson county line in Miami County, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 6.9 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $2,258,615.83.District Two — North CentralChase ‑&nbsp;50‑9 KA‑7166‑01 – U.S. 50, from 0.9 mile east of the east city limits of Strong City east to the portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP) by Saffordville, milling and overlay, 9.5 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $4,048,115.88.Marion ‑&nbsp;57 KA‑7164‑01 – U.S. 50, from 0.25 mile east of the Harvey/Marion county line east to the west city limits of Florence; U.S. 56, from 0.17 mile north of the U.S. 77/K‑150 junction north 0.07 mile south of the south city limits of Lincolnville; and K‑256, from the U.S. 56/K‑256 junction east to the U.S. 77/K‑256 junction, milling and overlay, 28.3 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $6,825,355.30.Saline ‑&nbsp;143‑85 KA‑7165‑01 ‑ K‑143, from the I‑70/K‑143 junction north to the U.S. 81/K‑143 junction, milling and overlay, 4.7 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,940,179.72.District Three — NorthwestDecatur ‑&nbsp;9‑20 KA‑7174‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the Sheridan/Decatur county line east to the Norton/Decatur county line, milling and overlay, 7.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,025,331.15.Logan ‑&nbsp;25‑55 KA‑7046‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the U.S. 40/K‑25 east junction north to the Thomas/Logan county line, milling and overlay, 2.3 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $440,370.08.Phillips ‑&nbsp;183‑74 KA‑7169‑01 – U.S. 50, from the Rooks/Phillips county line north to the U.S. 183/U.S. 36 east junction, milling and overlay, 13.2 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,821,252.46.Sheridan ‑&nbsp;9‑90 KA‑7167‑01 ‑ K‑9, from the K‑123/K‑9 junction east to the Sheridan/Decatur county line, milling and overlay, 6.4 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $1,194,720.60.Sherman ‑&nbsp;70‑91 KA‑6947‑01 ‑ I‑70 bridge #008, located over South Fork Beaver Creek Drainage 7.30 miles east of the Colorado state line, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $721,824.20.Thomas ‑&nbsp;24‑97 KA‑7170‑01 – U.S. 24, from the east city limits of Colby east 0.04 mile east of the U.S. 83/U.S. 24 junction, milling and overlay, 8.6 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,927,259.81.Thomas ‑&nbsp;25‑97 KA‑7053‑01 ‑ K‑25, from the Thomas/Logan county line north to the south city limits of Colby, milling and overlay, 15.5 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $1,571,735.64.Thomas ‑&nbsp;70‑97 KA‑6942‑01 ‑ I‑70 bridges #017 and #018, located over K‑25 at the I‑70/K‑25 junction in Colby, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $1,542,122.70.District Four — SoutheastLinn ‑&nbsp;52‑54 KA‑7021‑01 ‑ K‑52; from the K‑31/K‑52 junction east to the K‑7/K‑52 south junction, from the K‑7/K‑52 north junction east to the U.S. 69/K‑52 south junction, and from the U.S. 69/K‑52 north junction east to the Kansas/Missouri state line, milling and overlay, 14.0 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $3,226,370.34.Montgomery ‑&nbsp;166‑63 KA‑7157‑01 – U.S. 166, from the U.S. 169/U.S. 166 east junction east to the Montgomery/Labette county line, milling and overlay, 3.3 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,130,345.55.Wilson ‑&nbsp;400‑103 KA‑7047‑01 – U.S. 400, from the U.S. 400/K‑47 junction east to the 2-lane/4-lane, ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing, 10.4 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $1,602,124.60.Woodson ‑&nbsp;105‑104 KA‑5726‑01 ‑ K‑105 bridge #021, located over Cedar Creek 1.34 miles southeast of U.S. 54, bridge replacement, B &amp; B Bridge Company LLC, St. Paul, Kansas, $4,864,124.78.Statewide&nbsp;‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7184‑01 – U.S. 160, from the northeast wearing surface of bridge #023 north to the K‑99/U.S. 160 north junction; K‑99, from the K‑99/U.S. 160 north junction to the Elk/Greenwood county line; K‑99, from the Elk/Greenwood county line north to the K‑99/U.S. 400 west junction, crack repair, 18.6 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $73,825.50.District Five — South CentralReno ‑&nbsp;96‑78 KA‑7120‑01 ‑ K‑96, from the K‑14/K‑96 junction east to the Reno/Sedgwick county line, pavement patching, 14.9 miles, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,989,823.90.Sumner ‑&nbsp;166‑96 KA‑6430‑02 – U.S. 166, from the U.S. 166/U.S. 81 junction east 9.07 miles to the transition from concrete to asphalt pavement just east of South Rock Road, guard fence, 9.1 miles, Bettis Asphalt &amp; Construction Inc., Topeka, Kansas, $481,414.20.District Six — SouthwestClark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑5757‑01 – U.S. 160 bridge #015, located over Bluff Creek drainage 4.97 miles east of the U.S. 183/U.S. 160 junction; bridge #016, located over Bluff Creek Drainage 5.03 miles east of the U.S. 183/U.S. 160 junction, bridge replacement, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $1,904,974.32.Clark ‑&nbsp;160‑13 KA‑5751‑01 – U.S. 160 bridge #012, located over the Day Creek drainage 1.85 miles west of the U.S. 183/U.S. 160 junction, bridge replacement, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $1,878,431.51.Ford ‑&nbsp;50‑29 KA‑7163‑01 – U.S. 50, from east Spearville east to the Ford/Edwards county line, milling and overlay, 7.6 miles, Venture Corporation, Great Bend, Kansas, $1,796,871.95.Ness ‑&nbsp;283‑68 KA‑6764‑01 – U.S. 283 bridge #049, located over the North Fork Walnut Creek 12.41 miles north of the Hodgeman County line, bridge repair, L &amp; M Contractors Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $596,817.50.The following projects were approved from the Oct. 18, 2023, letting.Douglas ‑&nbsp;23 TE‑0500‑01 – Lecompton, various locations, pedestrian and bicycle paths, 1.8 miles, Julius Kaaz Construction Co. Inc., Leavenworth, Kansas, $1,219,680.50.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;105 U‑2436‑01 – Bridge in Kansas City, Thorn Drive South of Old Kansas Avenue over Davis Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Pyramid Contractors Inc. and Pyramid Properties Inc., Olathe, Kansas, $1,426,193.45.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;87 N‑0711‑01 – Meridian Avenue in Valley Center, from 0.25 mile south of 69th Street to BNSF crossing north of 77th Street; and from Main Street to 85th Street, grading and surfacing, 1.4 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $9,381,218.15.Clark ‑&nbsp;54‑13 KA‑5431‑01 – U.S. 54 and U.S. 283 intersection, intersection improvement, 0.2 mile, Smoky Hill LLC, Salina, Kansas, $960,680.94.Gray ‑&nbsp;23‑35 TE‑0487‑01 – K‑23, from Avenue C to Egbert Street, landscaping and beautification, 0.1 mile, Prado Construction LLC, Valley Center, Kansas, $1,748,206.00.McPherson ‑&nbsp;59 C‑5137‑01 – Rural Route 304, from Navajo Road to one mile north of Overland Road, grading and culvert, 2.0 miles, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $1,153,922.32.Republic ‑&nbsp;79 C‑5150‑01 – Bridge, located 10 miles south and 2.1 miles east of Belleville over Riley Creek, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, King Construction Company Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Hesston, Kansas, $560,912.70.Cowley ‑&nbsp;18 C‑5155‑01 – Bridge, located 0.5 mile south of Hackney over BNSF Railroad, bridge replacement, 0.5 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $2,821,828.85.Harper ‑&nbsp;39 C‑5148‑01 – Bridge, located 1 mile south and 3.5 miles west of Harper over Rush Creek, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $405,038.88.Sumner ‑&nbsp;55‑96 KA‑6436‑01 – K‑55, from Line Street to Logan Street, pavement reconstruction, 0.5 mile, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $2,172,564.95.