By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Not all games have to be complicated or require great athletic prowess. New to the 11th Annual Party in the Park on Saturday, Aug. 12 in Great Bend is the cup competition at 3 p.m. Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said it will be a great way to get all ages involved.

"It's a fun little game that's going on between Great Bend High School kiddos, and it's ran by Great Bend High School kids, actually our interns," she said. "It's kind of like a head-shoulders-knees cup sort of fun competition where we are going to have a 14 and older and 13 and under competition for the winners with trophies. It's just a fun, silly thing to watch and play. It's highly competitive."

The competition is a Simon Says-type game where a cup is placed between two players. Body parts are barked to players, who must touch that body part. Eventually, the word "cup" replaces a body part, at which point the first player to grab the cup wins.

Party in the Park will once again conclude with live music and fireworks. Gates open at 6 p.m. with The Heathens taking the stage at 6:15. A Garth Brooks tribute band and Homebrew close out the evening, with fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m.

"You can bring your coolers in with you, just we ask no glass and it's supposed to be 3.2 beer so make sure you have beverages that follow that," Hayes said. "We do not have a beer garden for this event. This is one where we keep it open and everyone seems to like it."

Tickets for the concert should be available by the end of the week at city hall, and are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children five and under get in for free.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GgcrdPAHaLA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNot all games have to be complicated or require great athletic prowess. New to the 11th Annual Party in the Park on Saturday, Aug. 12 in Great Bend is the cup competition at 3 p.m. Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said it will be a great way to get all ages involved."It's a fun little game that's going on between Great Bend High School kiddos, and it's ran by Great Bend High School kids, actually our interns," she said. "It's kind of like a head-shoulders-knees cup sort of fun competition where we are going to have a 14 and older and 13 and under competition for the winners with trophies. It's just a fun, silly thing to watch and play. It's highly competitive."The competition is a Simon Says-type game where a cup is placed between two players. Body parts are barked to players, who must touch that body part. Eventually, the word "cup" replaces a body part, at which point the first player to grab the cup wins.Party in the Park will once again conclude with live music and fireworks. Gates open at 6 p.m. with The Heathens taking the stage at 6:15. A Garth Brooks tribute band and Homebrew close out the evening, with fireworks scheduled for 10 p.m."You can bring your coolers in with you, just we ask no glass and it's supposed to be 3.2 beer so make sure you have beverages that follow that," Hayes said. "We do not have a beer garden for this event. This is one where we keep it open and everyone seems to like it."Tickets for the concert should be available by the end of the week at city hall, and are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children five and under get in for free.

Grab a cup: New competition at this year's Party in the Park

Long-time Barton County Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey has announced her retirement. A Republican, that party will now determine who takes her place. A convention to make that determination is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Best Western Angus Inn Poolside Room. Republican Party Leader Dick Friedeman said up to 58 members will be voting up at least three known candidates.

"It's a convention but the people who participate in the convention are all the Republican Precinct Committeemen and women from Barton County," he said.

Wornkey is set to retire on Sept. 1, and the winner of Thursday's convention will assume the role at that time. Glennda French, a current deputy clerk in the office, and Susan Williams and Julie Peterson, both former deputy clerks, are known candidates in the race. At least one-third of committee members must be present for a quorum, and the winning candidate must receive a majority of votes. Friedeman said there are no runoff ballots.

"We'll just keep voting with the same three candidates until someone drops out because they can see they're not winning," he said. "The members can say, 'Oh well, my first choice isn't going to make it so I'll switch to somebody else on the second choice.'"

The appointment will be forwarded to Gov. Laura Kelly, who is obliged to confirm the appointment. The public is invited to attend Thursday's convention.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676584848822.jpeg" alt="Barton County Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey" />
 <figcaption>Barton County Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLong-time Barton County Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey has announced her retirement. A Republican, that party will now determine who takes her place. A convention to make that determination is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Best Western Angus Inn Poolside Room. Republican Party Leader Dick Friedeman said up to 58 members will be voting up at least three known candidates."It's a convention but the people who participate in the convention are all the Republican Precinct Committeemen and women from Barton County," he said.Wornkey is set to retire on Sept. 1, and the winner of Thursday's convention will assume the role at that time. Glennda French, a current deputy clerk in the office, and Susan Williams and Julie Peterson, both former deputy clerks, are known candidates in the race. At least one-third of committee members must be present for a quorum, and the winning candidate must receive a majority of votes. Friedeman said there are no runoff ballots."We'll just keep voting with the same three candidates until someone drops out because they can see they're not winning," he said. "The members can say, 'Oh well, my first choice isn't going to make it so I'll switch to somebody else on the second choice.'"The appointment will be forwarded to Gov. Laura Kelly, who is obliged to confirm the appointment. The public is invited to attend Thursday's convention.

Barton Co. Republican party to elect new register of deeds tonight

By COLE REIF&nbsp; Great Bend Post

Great Bend Economic Development announced the news that the large,
vacant hotel at 3017 10th Street will be demolished by the end of
October. For more than six years, the Great Bend Hotel &amp; Convention Center
or the old Highland Hotel, has been closed. Over the years, several individuals
have broken into the 60,000 square-foot structure, vandalism has taken place, there
has been theft and just overall deterioration.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/eeccbc74-c652-4b54-9581-cf8355c2d902">RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Bids being accepted to demolish closed Great Bend hotel</a> 
Great Bend Economic Development purchased the hotel in August 2022 with the
intent to demolish the hotel and build a new facility in its place. Economic
Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said the demolition should
begin in a few weeks. "We're finally getting to see some progress," said June. "I know progress is tearing a building down, but then it's creating opportunity for a prime spot on 10th Street." 
Local contractor, Stone Sand Company, will be in charge of the demolition. June
added there is interest in the property from private investors once the
demolition is complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

From Great Bend Economic Development...

Formerly a prestigious hotel, this expansive 60,000+ square foot concrete building is set to reclaim the location as a highlight on our commercial corridor. However, the demolition process is no easy task and requires a significant investment. To ensure responsible stewardship of our resources, we diligently sought multiple bids for this project and awarded it to a local contractor. We are excited to reveal that demolition is slated to commence within the next few weeks and is projected to be completed by the end of October, barring any unforeseen challenges. Once the site is cleared, we envision a fresh beginning as we eagerly approach the dawn of a new calendar year.

GBED is firmly committed to the betterment of Barton County, and we believe this redevelopment project will set the stage for further positive developments and opportunities.

For more information and updates on this project, stay tuned to Great Bend Economic Development's website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbedinc.com/projectchange" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com/projectchange</a>&nbsp;and our social media channels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664292622970.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF&nbsp; Great Bend PostGreat Bend Economic Development announced the news that the large,
vacant hotel at 3017 10th Street will be demolished by the end of
October. For more than six years, the Great Bend Hotel &amp; Convention Center
or the old Highland Hotel, has been closed. Over the years, several individuals
have broken into the 60,000 square-foot structure, vandalism has taken place, there
has been theft and just overall deterioration. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/eeccbc74-c652-4b54-9581-cf8355c2d902">RELATED STORY:&nbsp;Bids being accepted to demolish closed Great Bend hotel</a> 
Great Bend Economic Development purchased the hotel in August 2022 with the
intent to demolish the hotel and build a new facility in its place. Economic
Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said the demolition should
begin in a few weeks. "We're finally getting to see some progress," said June. "I know progress is tearing a building down, but then it's creating opportunity for a prime spot on 10th Street." 
Local contractor, Stone Sand Company, will be in charge of the demolition. June
added there is interest in the property from private investors once the
demolition is complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;---From Great Bend Economic Development...Formerly a prestigious hotel, this expansive 60,000+ square foot concrete building is set to reclaim the location as a highlight on our commercial corridor. However, the demolition process is no easy task and requires a significant investment. To ensure responsible stewardship of our resources, we diligently sought multiple bids for this project and awarded it to a local contractor. We are excited to reveal that demolition is slated to commence within the next few weeks and is projected to be completed by the end of October, barring any unforeseen challenges. Once the site is cleared, we envision a fresh beginning as we eagerly approach the dawn of a new calendar year.GBED is firmly committed to the betterment of Barton County, and we believe this redevelopment project will set the stage for further positive developments and opportunities.For more information and updates on this project, stay tuned to Great Bend Economic Development's website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbedinc.com/projectchange" target="_blank">www.gbedinc.com/projectchange</a>&nbsp;and our social media channels.

Demo of vacant Great Bend hotel expected by the end of October

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/2) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:57 a.m. an accident was reported at 722 N. Vine Street in Hoisington. 
 
Fire 
 
At 10:10 a.m. a fire was reported at SW 110 Avenue &amp; SW 20 Road in Albert. 
 
Theft 
 
At 11:24 a.m. a theft was reported at 447 SW 40 Avenue. 
 
Sex Offense 
 
At 11:39 a.m. a sex offense was reported in the 300 block of Marla Street. 
 
Fire 
 
At 11:03 p.m. a fire was reported at SE 40 Avenue &amp; SE 40 Road in
Ellinwood. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:30 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 114 W. 4th Street in
Ellinwood. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident log
(8/2) 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 12:49 a.m. K-9 deployment was reported at Lakin &amp; Washington. 
 
Battery 
 
At 9:57 a.m. a case of battery was made at 5210 10th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:17 p.m. a fraud case was reported at 4001 10th Street. 
 
At 1:31 p.m. theft of a cat was reported at 308 Buckeye. Cat was located. 
 
Sex Offense 
 
At 2:27 p.m. a reference of loaning a phone and finding inappropriate content
on it was made at 2719 Forest Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 5:59 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 3515 Broadway. False alarm. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 6:02 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2416 Coronado Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:29 p.m. a theft was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 9:31 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2604 28th Street. 
 
Prowler 
 
At 11:37 p.m. a possible prowler was reported at 1423 9th Street. 
 
Fire 
 
At 11:49 p.m. a possible grass fire was reported at 3rd Street &amp;
Firethorn Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/2) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:57 a.m. an accident was reported at 722 N. Vine Street in Hoisington. 
 
Fire 
 
At 10:10 a.m. a fire was reported at SW 110 Avenue &amp; SW 20 Road in Albert. 
 
Theft 
 
At 11:24 a.m. a theft was reported at 447 SW 40 Avenue. 
 
Sex Offense 
 
At 11:39 a.m. a sex offense was reported in the 300 block of Marla Street. 
 
Fire 
 
At 11:03 p.m. a fire was reported at SE 40 Avenue &amp; SE 40 Road in
Ellinwood. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:30 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 114 W. 4th Street in
Ellinwood. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident log
(8/2) 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 12:49 a.m. K-9 deployment was reported at Lakin &amp; Washington. 
 
Battery 
 
At 9:57 a.m. a case of battery was made at 5210 10th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:17 p.m. a fraud case was reported at 4001 10th Street. 
 
At 1:31 p.m. theft of a cat was reported at 308 Buckeye. Cat was located. 
 
Sex Offense 
 
At 2:27 p.m. a reference of loaning a phone and finding inappropriate content
on it was made at 2719 Forest Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 5:59 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 3515 Broadway. False alarm. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 6:02 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2416 Coronado Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:29 p.m. a theft was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 9:31 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2604 28th Street. 
 
Prowler 
 
At 11:37 p.m. a possible prowler was reported at 1423 9th Street. 
 
Fire 
 
At 11:49 p.m. a possible grass fire was reported at 3rd Street &amp;
Firethorn Street.

Cop Shop (8/2)

8/2 BOOKED: Cale Corbin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation,&nbsp; no bond set.

BOOKED: Antonio Quiroz, Jr., on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S; and on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED:&nbsp;Randy Chambers on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation,  no bond set.

RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Cole Dewald on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Aric Utereiner Hernandez on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Joshua Carey on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8/2 BOOKED: Cale Corbin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation,&nbsp; no bond set.BOOKED: Antonio Quiroz, Jr., on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S; and on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED:&nbsp;Randy Chambers on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;RELEASED: Cole Dewald on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;RELEASED: Aric Utereiner Hernandez on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Joshua Carey on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (8/2)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

More than two weeks removed from the July 16 strong storm that saw more than 80-mile-per-hour, straight-line winds, the City of Great Bend is still in the
process of picking up the damage, mostly with fallen trees and branches. 

Public
Lands Director Scott Keeler said city crews are picking everything off the
ground in the parks and public lands. Staff is also taking the dangerous hangers
out of the trees. Keeler anticipates spending time through the fall handling
corrective pruning and trimming. "We do have, probably close to 70 trees that we need to move from the nursery into town," said Keeler. "The ones that are completely damaged and we can't do corrective pruning will be removed. We'll bring new trees in and start the process over again."

Great Bend maintains their own tree nursery located at the Great Bend Expo
Complex grounds that covers approximately seven acres. The nursery consists of
a wide variety of tree species and are ready to be transplanted throughout the
public lands when needed. "Depending on the weather, if you have a wet winter, you can only pull the tree spade around so much...it's a pretty heavy piece of machinery," said Keeler. "You have to wait until the ground is semi-frozen to get on it. It's a process we do every year." 
Keeler said the Public Lands Department plants between 50 and 100 trees every
year throughout Great Bend.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'll concentrate on the west side of town," said Keeler. "That's a part that especially got damaged with this last windstorm. Our efforts will probably be focused out there."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690920965320.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostMore than two weeks removed from the July 16 strong storm that saw more than 80-mile-per-hour, straight-line winds, the City of Great Bend is still in the
process of picking up the damage, mostly with fallen trees and branches. Public
Lands Director Scott Keeler said city crews are picking everything off the
ground in the parks and public lands. Staff is also taking the dangerous hangers
out of the trees. Keeler anticipates spending time through the fall handling
corrective pruning and trimming. "We do have, probably close to 70 trees that we need to move from the nursery into town," said Keeler. "The ones that are completely damaged and we can't do corrective pruning will be removed. We'll bring new trees in and start the process over again."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690920944569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend maintains their own tree nursery located at the Great Bend Expo
Complex grounds that covers approximately seven acres. The nursery consists of
a wide variety of tree species and are ready to be transplanted throughout the
public lands when needed. "Depending on the weather, if you have a wet winter, you can only pull the tree spade around so much...it's a pretty heavy piece of machinery," said Keeler. "You have to wait until the ground is semi-frozen to get on it. It's a process we do every year." 
Keeler said the Public Lands Department plants between 50 and 100 trees every
year throughout Great Bend.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll concentrate on the west side of town," said Keeler. "That's a part that especially got damaged with this last windstorm. Our efforts will probably be focused out there."

Following the storm, Great Bend continues to plant new trees

Today A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. East-northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.

Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East-northeast wind 9 to 11 mph.

Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 94. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.

Saturday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. North wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Monday A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday Night A 30-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Wednesday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. East-northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East-northeast wind 9 to 11 mph.Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 94. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.Friday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.Saturday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. North wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.Monday A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.Monday Night A 30-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.Wednesday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

The Flickner Innovation Farm will host a field day on Aug. 10 to highlight current work by local producers, national and state industry members and Kansas State University researchers to effectively manage weeds through technology and precision ag management strategies.

The event will take place at different venues in the Moundridge area and will feature technology demonstrations and experts speaking on soil health, cover crops, weed suppression and weed management.

The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. The event is free and lunch will be provided. More information, including registration, is available online from the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment.

“In the last few years, there have been some pretty big advances when it comes to tackling weeds on the farm,” said Ray Flickner, owner and operator of the Flickner Innovation Farm. “We’re looking forward to sharing these technologies so people can see first-hand how these things can perform in the field.”

Participants will be able to observe such systems as a John Deere See and Spray Ultimate and a Redekop Harvest Weed Seed Control. In addition to these technologies, Flickner said that two Kansas-based companies will be on hand to exhibit their products. Greenfield Robotics will demonstrate the use of their Weedbot system, and RowShaver will have their product on site.

Weeds use valuable resources that row crops need to thrive. Climate, chemical-resistance, and other factors can lead to problems for farmers who try to manage the problem. According to K-State researchers, there are no “one and done” solutions for weeds.

“Weed management is an on-going challenge that requires a range of tactics to support traditional broadcast herbicide applications. The Flickner field day will give farmers an opportunity to learn about many strategies to diversity their weed management tools,” said Sarah Lancaster, a K-State Research and Extension weed science specialist. The Flickner Innovation Farm is a partnership between the Flickner family, university agronomists, commodity groups, and industry leaders. Together, they are conducting studies in a large-farm setting to identify the most efficient technologies and techniques for Kansas producers to use on their own farms.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The Flickner Innovation Farm will host a field day on Aug. 10 to highlight current work by local producers, national and state industry members and Kansas State University researchers to effectively manage weeds through technology and precision ag management strategies.The event will take place at different venues in the Moundridge area and will feature technology demonstrations and experts speaking on soil health, cover crops, weed suppression and weed management.The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. The event is free and lunch will be provided. More information, including registration, is available online from the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment.“In the last few years, there have been some pretty big advances when it comes to tackling weeds on the farm,” said Ray Flickner, owner and operator of the Flickner Innovation Farm. “We’re looking forward to sharing these technologies so people can see first-hand how these things can perform in the field.”Participants will be able to observe such systems as a John Deere See and Spray Ultimate and a Redekop Harvest Weed Seed Control. In addition to these technologies, Flickner said that two Kansas-based companies will be on hand to exhibit their products. Greenfield Robotics will demonstrate the use of their Weedbot system, and RowShaver will have their product on site.Weeds use valuable resources that row crops need to thrive. Climate, chemical-resistance, and other factors can lead to problems for farmers who try to manage the problem. According to K-State researchers, there are no “one and done” solutions for weeds.“Weed management is an on-going challenge that requires a range of tactics to support traditional broadcast herbicide applications. The Flickner field day will give farmers an opportunity to learn about many strategies to diversity their weed management tools,” said Sarah Lancaster, a K-State Research and Extension weed science specialist. The Flickner Innovation Farm is a partnership between the Flickner family, university agronomists, commodity groups, and industry leaders. Together, they are conducting studies in a large-farm setting to identify the most efficient technologies and techniques for Kansas producers to use on their own farms.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Advances in tackling weeds on the farm

(SPONSORED) Great Bend Summer Street Stroll

From Larned State Correctional Facility...

Larned State Correctional Facility wishes a fond farewell to Corrections Officer I Gary Adams as he begins his retirement after 23 years of service.  Gary started working for the State of Kansas at the Larned State Hospital in October of 1999.  Gary then transferred from LSH to LCMHF as a Corrections Officer I in November of 2000. Gary has always been willing to work various posts throughout the facility lending his quiet expertise with each posting. His sense of humor will be missed, in addition to the experience and dedication to the facility. Please join LSCF in wishing Gary a great retirement!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690897119056.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Larned State Correctional Facility...Larned State Correctional Facility wishes a fond farewell to Corrections Officer I Gary Adams as he begins his retirement after 23 years of service. Gary started working for the State of Kansas at the Larned State Hospital in October of 1999. Gary then transferred from LSH to LCMHF as a Corrections Officer I in November of 2000. Gary has always been willing to work various posts throughout the facility lending his quiet expertise with each posting. His sense of humor will be missed, in addition to the experience and dedication to the facility. Please join LSCF in wishing Gary a great retirement!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Corrections Officer Adams retires after 23 years at Larned

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place July 19, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;District One — Northeast

Lyon ‑&nbsp;99‑56 KA‑6991‑01 ‑ K‑99, from K‑170/K‑99 junction north to U.S. 56/K‑99 junction, sealing, 9.1 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $434,222.72.

Shawnee ‑&nbsp;470‑89 KA‑5766‑01 ‑ I‑470, bridge #046 located 0.2 mile northwest of 10th Street, bridge replacement, A M Cohron &amp; Son Inc., Atlantic, Iowa, $7,691,334.98.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;170‑106 KA‑6988‑01 – K-170; from the junction K-99/K-170 east to the Lyon/Osage county line in Lyon County, sealing, and from the Osage/Lyon county line east to the south city limits of Osage City in Osage County, sealing, 21.4 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,088,973.36.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;District Two — North Central

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7127‑01 – U.S. 81, from the Ottawa/Cloud county line north to Eagle Road; I‑135 from the Saline/McPherson county line north to &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the U.S. 40/I‑70/I‑135 junction, rumble strip installation, 23.9 miles, Surface Preparation Technologies LLC, New Kingstown, Pennsylvania, $105,255.00.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;District Three — Northwest

Norton ‑&nbsp;60‑69 KA‑7000‑01 ‑ K‑60, from the U.S. 36/K‑60 junction north to the end of&nbsp;K‑60, sealing, 4.3 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $187,992.33.

Osborne ‑&nbsp;281‑71 KA‑7004‑01 – U.S. 281, from the County Road 412/U.S. 281 junction north to the south city limits of Osborne, sealing, 16 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $597,578.39.

Sherman ‑&nbsp;91 KA‑7058‑01 ‑ Comfort station, along I‑70 by the city of Goodland at the K‑27/I‑70/U.S. 24B junction and the Road 21/I‑70/U.S. 24B junction, special, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $393,526.00.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;District Five — South Central

Harvey ‑&nbsp;15‑40 KA‑6997‑01 ‑ K‑15, from the north city limits of Newton north to the Harvey/Marion county line, sealing, 7.6 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $358,066.63.

Kingman ‑&nbsp;14‑48 KA‑6922‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the K‑42/K‑14 junction north to the south city limits of Kingman, crack repair, 12.1 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $105,454.70.

Reno ‑&nbsp;50‑78 KA‑6790‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, light towers located north of U.S. 50 0.2 mile and east of Scott Boulevard, lighting, 0.7 mile, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $245,849.00.

Rice ‑&nbsp;4‑80 KA‑6916‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the Barton/Rice county line east to the Rice/Ellsworth county line, crack repair, 25.4 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $228,196.58.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑6179‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, in Wichita between West Street and Armour Street, intelligent transportation system, 7.7 miles, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,344,716.00.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑6770‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, bridge #132 located 0.2 mile east of Hoover Road, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $1,178,719.00.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;235‑87 KA‑6918‑01 ‑ I‑235, from the I‑235/I‑135 junction in Wichita north to North Broadway Street, pavement marking, 15.6 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wisconsin, $1,684,404.60.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;96‑87 KA‑7060‑01 ‑ K‑96, from 0.7 mile east of Webb Road to the north approaches of bridges over U.S. 54, 4-inch overlay, 4.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $7,272,379.23.

Sumner ‑&nbsp;81‑96 KA‑6921‑01 ‑ U.S. 81, from 2.5 miles north of RS 645 north to the south city limits of Wellington, and from the north city limits of Wellington north to the Sumner/Sedgwick county line, crack repair, 18.9 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $145,776.07.

The following project was approved from the June 21, 2023, letting.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;83‑106 KA‑6234‑01 – U.S. 83, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50/U.S. 400 junction in Garden City north to the I‑70/U.S. 83 junction in Thomas County, ITS, 89.5 miles, Ideatek Telcom, Buhler, Kansas, $7,551,442.40.

<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 July 19, 2023, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;District One — NortheastLyon ‑&nbsp;99‑56 KA‑6991‑01 ‑ K‑99, from K‑170/K‑99 junction north to U.S. 56/K‑99 junction, sealing, 9.1 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $434,222.72.Shawnee ‑&nbsp;470‑89 KA‑5766‑01 ‑ I‑470, bridge #046 located 0.2 mile northwest of 10th Street, bridge replacement, A M Cohron &amp; Son Inc., Atlantic, Iowa, $7,691,334.98.Statewide ‑&nbsp;170‑106 KA‑6988‑01 – K-170; from the junction K-99/K-170 east to the Lyon/Osage county line in Lyon County, sealing, and from the Osage/Lyon county line east to the south city limits of Osage City in Osage County, sealing, 21.4 miles, Vance Brothers Inc. and Subsidiary, Kansas City, Missouri, $1,088,973.36.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;District Two — North CentralStatewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7127‑01 – U.S. 81, from the Ottawa/Cloud county line north to Eagle Road; I‑135 from the Saline/McPherson county line north to &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the U.S. 40/I‑70/I‑135 junction, rumble strip installation, 23.9 miles, Surface Preparation Technologies LLC, New Kingstown, Pennsylvania, $105,255.00.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;District Three — NorthwestNorton ‑&nbsp;60‑69 KA‑7000‑01 ‑ K‑60, from the U.S. 36/K‑60 junction north to the end of&nbsp;K‑60, sealing, 4.3 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $187,992.33.Osborne ‑&nbsp;281‑71 KA‑7004‑01 – U.S. 281, from the County Road 412/U.S. 281 junction north to the south city limits of Osborne, sealing, 16 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $597,578.39.Sherman ‑&nbsp;91 KA‑7058‑01 ‑ Comfort station, along I‑70 by the city of Goodland at the K‑27/I‑70/U.S. 24B junction and the Road 21/I‑70/U.S. 24B junction, special, McCormick Excavation &amp; Paving LLC, Stratton, Colorado, $393,526.00.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;District Five — South CentralHarvey ‑&nbsp;15‑40 KA‑6997‑01 ‑ K‑15, from the north city limits of Newton north to the Harvey/Marion county line, sealing, 7.6 miles, Circle C Paving and Construction LLC, Goddard, Kansas, $358,066.63.Kingman ‑&nbsp;14‑48 KA‑6922‑01 ‑ K‑14, from the K‑42/K‑14 junction north to the south city limits of Kingman, crack repair, 12.1 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $105,454.70.Reno ‑&nbsp;50‑78 KA‑6790‑01 ‑ U.S. 50, light towers located north of U.S. 50 0.2 mile and east of Scott Boulevard, lighting, 0.7 mile, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $245,849.00.Rice ‑&nbsp;4‑80 KA‑6916‑01 ‑ K‑4, from the Barton/Rice county line east to the Rice/Ellsworth county line, crack repair, 25.4 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $228,196.58.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑6179‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, in Wichita between West Street and Armour Street, intelligent transportation system, 7.7 miles, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $2,344,716.00.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑6770‑01 ‑ U.S. 54, bridge #132 located 0.2 mile east of Hoover Road, bridge repair, Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $1,178,719.00.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;235‑87 KA‑6918‑01 ‑ I‑235, from the I‑235/I‑135 junction in Wichita north to North Broadway Street, pavement marking, 15.6 miles, Century Fence Co., Pewaukee, Wisconsin, $1,684,404.60.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;96‑87 KA‑7060‑01 ‑ K‑96, from 0.7 mile east of Webb Road to the north approaches of bridges over U.S. 54, 4-inch overlay, 4.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $7,272,379.23.Sumner ‑&nbsp;81‑96 KA‑6921‑01 ‑ U.S. 81, from 2.5 miles north of RS 645 north to the south city limits of Wellington, and from the north city limits of Wellington north to the Sumner/Sedgwick county line, crack repair, 18.9 miles, Pavement Pro's LLC, McPherson, Kansas, $145,776.07.The following project was approved from the June 21, 2023, letting.Statewide ‑&nbsp;83‑106 KA‑6234‑01 – U.S. 83, from the U.S. 83/U.S. 50/U.S. 400 junction in Garden City north to the I‑70/U.S. 83 junction in Thomas County, ITS, 89.5 miles, Ideatek Telcom, Buhler, Kansas, $7,551,442.40.

KDOT announces approved July bids

Central Kansas Christian Academy's (CKCA) Cheerleading team is hosting a free-will donation car wash on Saturday, Aug. 5. This CKCA Booster Club-sponsored event will be from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. with all proceeds going to the CKCA Cheer team to help pay for uniforms expenses. All vehicles will enter at the north parking lot of Everything Under the Son, located at 319 McKinley Street in Great Bend. Cash or check donations will be acceptable forms of payment. 

Central Kansas Christian Academy is a non-denominational community Christian school for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. CKCA will host their annual come-and-go Enrollment Day on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about CKCA can visit their website at <a href="http://www.ckcacademy.com/" target="_blank">www.ckcacademy.com</a>, or contact the school office: <a href="mailto:office@ckcacademy.com" target="_blank">office@ckcacademy.com</a> or 620-792-3477. Central Kansas Christian Academy also has a Facebook page for followers to keep up with school news and events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905473508.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Central Kansas Christian Academy's (CKCA) Cheerleading team is hosting a free-will donation car wash on Saturday, Aug. 5. This CKCA Booster Club-sponsored event will be from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. with all proceeds going to the CKCA Cheer team to help pay for uniforms expenses. All vehicles will enter at the north parking lot of Everything Under the Son, located at 319 McKinley Street in Great Bend. Cash or check donations will be acceptable forms of payment. Central Kansas Christian Academy is a non-denominational community Christian school for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. CKCA will host their annual come-and-go Enrollment Day on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about CKCA can visit their website at <a href="http://www.ckcacademy.com/" target="_blank">www.ckcacademy.com</a>, or contact the school office: <a href="mailto:office@ckcacademy.com" target="_blank">office@ckcacademy.com</a> or 620-792-3477. Central Kansas Christian Academy also has a Facebook page for followers to keep up with school news and events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690905487452.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

 CKCA cheer team hosting car wash in Great Bend Saturday

Work will start soon on a U.S. 281 resurfacing project in Stafford County. The Kansas Department of Transportation project – a surface recycle and chip seal -- will be on U.S. 281 from the U.S. 50 junction to the K-19 junction. The length is 14 miles. The work is expected to begin around Aug. 14 and be completed around Sept. 22. During the project, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car, and motorists should expect to stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes. The map below shows the project location, marked in red. Dustrol Inc., of Towanda, is the primary contractor for the $2,097,974 project. For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>.

Work will start soon on a U.S. 281 resurfacing project in Stafford County. The Kansas Department of Transportation project – a surface recycle and chip seal -- will be on U.S. 281 from the U.S. 50 junction to the K-19 junction. The length is 14 miles. The work is expected to begin around Aug. 14 and be completed around Sept. 22. During the project, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car, and motorists should expect to stop and face delays of up to 15 minutes. The map below shows the project location, marked in red. Dustrol Inc., of Towanda, is the primary contractor for the $2,097,974 project. For updated information on this and other KDOT highway projects and road conditions across the state, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kandrive.org/" target="_blank">www.kandrive.org</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690908670705.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Work starting soon on US 281 resurfacing in Stafford Co.

Hoisington football fans who have made the trek north to Beloit for playoff football likely know all about the deluxe port-a-potty, which are located on the visitor's side of the football stadium. Now, Barton County employees are aware, as well. Plumbing at the leased county building at 1500 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend stopped working approximately two weeks ago. County Administrator Matt Patzner said the county was able to provide air-conditioned portable bathrooms, complete with sinks and stalls.

"We finally got to the point where if we have no working toilets, we have to do something for our employees," he said. "It just worked out that someone had one of those. They happened to overhear about our situation here and said we can have one there for you tomorrow."

In the meantime, contractors are working to solve the plumbing problem. One facility still works inside the building, and the portable unit outside offers both a men's and a women's facility.

"They've gone through the process of really going down, figuring out where everything connects, where the cleanouts are, how it gets to the main," Patzner said. "It's just an old building. When you don't use the restrooms for 8-9 years, it's going to happen."

The other remaining issue at the building is the air conditioning unit. At the July 11 meeting, the commission hoped for a permanent solution by the end of that week. Instead, a generator and portable cooling unit have been plugged into the west side of the building to provide cool air. Patzner said a county road and bridge generator is being used to power the air conditioner, but the county has otherwise incurred no additional costs. Repair for the rooftop units could be completed as soon as Wednesday. 

"It's in the process of getting there," said Patzner. "I think we're at the point where we at least know what's wrong with it and we've got the right people on it that really deal with this size of HVACs. They should be here today and tomorrow."

All in all, the transition to the former JC Penney building has gone well. The county offices using the building were functional as of July 12. 

"We've identified what's going on here and we're in the process of fixing it," Patzner said. "Once the plumbing and HVAC get up and running, we're going to be here and be comfortable."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690910879468.jpeg" alt="The portable restrooms used by Barton County staff are air-conditioned and feature a sink and stall." />
 <figcaption>The portable restrooms used by Barton County staff are air-conditioned and feature a sink and stall.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostHoisington football fans who have made the trek north to Beloit for playoff football likely know all about the deluxe port-a-potty, which are located on the visitor's side of the football stadium. Now, Barton County employees are aware, as well. Plumbing at the leased county building at 1500 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend stopped working approximately two weeks ago. County Administrator Matt Patzner said the county was able to provide air-conditioned portable bathrooms, complete with sinks and stalls."We finally got to the point where if we have no working toilets, we have to do something for our employees," he said. "It just worked out that someone had one of those. They happened to overhear about our situation here and said we can have one there for you tomorrow."In the meantime, contractors are working to solve the plumbing problem. One facility still works inside the building, and the portable unit outside offers both a men's and a women's facility."They've gone through the process of really going down, figuring out where everything connects, where the cleanouts are, how it gets to the main," Patzner said. "It's just an old building. When you don't use the restrooms for 8-9 years, it's going to happen."The other remaining issue at the building is the air conditioning unit. At the July 11 meeting, the commission hoped for a permanent solution by the end of that week. Instead, a generator and portable cooling unit have been plugged into the west side of the building to provide cool air. Patzner said a county road and bridge generator is being used to power the air conditioner, but the county has otherwise incurred no additional costs. Repair for the rooftop units could be completed as soon as Wednesday. "It's in the process of getting there," said Patzner. "I think we're at the point where we at least know what's wrong with it and we've got the right people on it that really deal with this size of HVACs. They should be here today and tomorrow."All in all, the transition to the former JC Penney building has gone well. The county offices using the building were functional as of July 12. "We've identified what's going on here and we're in the process of fixing it," Patzner said. "Once the plumbing and HVAC get up and running, we're going to be here and be comfortable."

Barton Co. working around some hiccups in HVAC transition

Missing/endangered runaway teenager from Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/1) 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 6:58 a.m. a report of chest pain was reported at 428 Cunnife Avenue in
Pawnee Rock. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 8:46 a.m. a burglary was reported at 609 Barton Street in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 10:08 a.m. an accident was reported at 350 NE 30 Road. 
 
Theft 
 
At 10:49 a.m. a theft was reported at 610 Centre Street in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Missing Person / Runaway 
 
At 9:54 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 2819 25th
Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident
log (8/1) 
 
Threats / Criminal Threats 
 
At 12:23 a.m. Melanie Aytes reported criminal threats at 2414 Walnut Dr. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:07 p.m. theft of $20 was reported at 1560 K-96 Highway. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 2:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 1813 Holland Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 3:04 p.m. a vehicle parked on the sidewalk was reported at 5827 Eisenhower
Avenue. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 3:27 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Jackson
Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:09 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th &amp; Harrison. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:47 p.m. a vehicle speeding was reported at 24th &amp; McKinley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (8/1) 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 6:58 a.m. a report of chest pain was reported at 428 Cunnife Avenue in
Pawnee Rock. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 8:46 a.m. a burglary was reported at 609 Barton Street in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 10:08 a.m. an accident was reported at 350 NE 30 Road. 
 
Theft 
 
At 10:49 a.m. a theft was reported at 610 Centre Street in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Missing Person / Runaway 
 
At 9:54 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 2819 25th
Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident
log (8/1) 
 
Threats / Criminal Threats 
 
At 12:23 a.m. Melanie Aytes reported criminal threats at 2414 Walnut Dr. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:07 p.m. theft of $20 was reported at 1560 K-96 Highway. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 2:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 1813 Holland Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 3:04 p.m. a vehicle parked on the sidewalk was reported at 5827 Eisenhower
Avenue. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 3:27 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Jackson
Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:09 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th &amp; Harrison. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:47 p.m. a vehicle speeding was reported at 24th &amp; McKinley.

Cop Shop (8/1)

8/1 BOOKED: Murel Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Interference with LEO, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

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

RELASED; Douglas Krauklin to Washington County, Ark., on their charges.

RELEASAED: Murel Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Interference with LEO, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8/1 BOOKED: Murel Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Interference with LEO, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Albert Hass, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELASED; Douglas Krauklin to Washington County, Ark., on their charges.RELEASAED: Murel Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine, Interference with LEO, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (8/1)

In May, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announced a mural would be
painted on the north side of their office on Williams Street. Hutchinson-based
artist Brady Scott arrived in Great Bend this week and the project has
commenced. 

Chamber CEO Megan Barfield said the Chamber has teamed up with
Barton Arts Movement to bring new life to the downtown building. "This building is such a staple of downtown," said Barfield. "It's the center point of the business community. To have that pop of color that the mural is going to give creates such a warm and inviting building to walk into and do business."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/bd0a277b-8657-478c-a6e3-2fbe339dcfc9">RELATED STORY: Mural for a sunflower-loving supporter of Great Bend Chamber</a> Barfield said along with the sunflower-themed mural, the project will include other features. "People will see other flowers popping in alongside the sunflower," said Barfield. "There will be some magnolias and a really big blue jay. In talking with artist Brady Scott, he just really loves blue jays. He was told it was his spirit animal from a friend." 
The Chamber has given Scott access to the office to take a break from the heat,
as well as a cooler full of water bottles. Barfield expected the mural to be
finished by the end of the week.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690921119351.jpeg" alt="The mural is in progress at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, 1125 Williams." />
 <figcaption>The mural is in progress at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, 1125 Williams.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn May, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce announced a mural would be
painted on the north side of their office on Williams Street. Hutchinson-based
artist Brady Scott arrived in Great Bend this week and the project has
commenced. Chamber CEO Megan Barfield said the Chamber has teamed up with
Barton Arts Movement to bring new life to the downtown building. "This building is such a staple of downtown," said Barfield. "It's the center point of the business community. To have that pop of color that the mural is going to give creates such a warm and inviting building to walk into and do business."<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/bd0a277b-8657-478c-a6e3-2fbe339dcfc9">RELATED STORY: Mural for a sunflower-loving supporter of Great Bend Chamber</a> Barfield said along with the sunflower-themed mural, the project will include other features. "People will see other flowers popping in alongside the sunflower," said Barfield. "There will be some magnolias and a really big blue jay. In talking with artist Brady Scott, he just really loves blue jays. He was told it was his spirit animal from a friend." 
The Chamber has given Scott access to the office to take a break from the heat,
as well as a cooler full of water bottles. Barfield expected the mural to be
finished by the end of the week.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690921099648.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Flowers and blue jay highlight new Great Bend Chamber mural

Today A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. West-northwest wind 9 to 13 mph becoming south in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South-southwest wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight.

Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North-northeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a low around 70. East wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East-northeast wind around 11 mph.

Friday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Saturday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Monday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. West-northwest wind 9 to 13 mph becoming south in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South-southwest wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight.Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. North-northeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Increasing clouds, with a low around 70. East wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East-northeast wind around 11 mph.Friday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.Saturday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.Monday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.Monday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

The 2023 Primary Election may not have garnered much interest across much of Kansas, but an important matter was decided in Central Kansas as voters decided for or against disorganizing the USD 112 Central Plains district. The matter was settled in Tuesday's primary. Sixty-seven percent of patrons voted against disorganization in a 1,179 to 587 tally. Results are unofficial until an Aug. 7 canvass.

'No' votes were cast by district residents who wished to keep the district intact, as is with local representation, with Wilson High School closed as of Jan. 9, 2023, when the board officially voted to close the school at the close of the 2023 year. 'Yes' votes were cast by residents wishing to disorganize the district, taking control away from local elected officials and putting the fate of the district into the hands of the Kansas Board of Education.

Last October, the Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in an effort to keep Wilson High School open. On May 9, the official petition to disorganize the district was filed in Ellsworth County after the USD 112 Board of Education declined a request to keep Wilson High School open for another year.

Opponents of the vote said disorganization could result in the loss of 107 district jobs. Proponents believed disorganization left a possibility of keeping WHS open. Had a majority of patrons voted to disorganize the district, the effective date would have been July 1, 2024.

Ellsworth County will conduct a post-election audit for the Aug. 1 election at 4 p.m. on Aug. 4, in the Commissioner's Room.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654750297634.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe 2023 Primary Election may not have garnered much interest across much of Kansas, but an important matter was decided in Central Kansas as voters decided for or against disorganizing the USD 112 Central Plains district. The matter was settled in Tuesday's primary. Sixty-seven percent of patrons voted against disorganization in a 1,179 to 587 tally. Results are unofficial until an Aug. 7 canvass.'No' votes were cast by district residents who wished to keep the district intact, as is with local representation, with Wilson High School closed as of Jan. 9, 2023, when the board officially voted to close the school at the close of the 2023 year. 'Yes' votes were cast by residents wishing to disorganize the district, taking control away from local elected officials and putting the fate of the district into the hands of the Kansas Board of Education.Last October, the Wilson High School Future Committee was formed in an effort to keep Wilson High School open. On May 9, the official petition to disorganize the district was filed in Ellsworth County after the USD 112 Board of Education declined a request to keep Wilson High School open for another year.Opponents of the vote said disorganization could result in the loss of 107 district jobs. Proponents believed disorganization left a possibility of keeping WHS open. Had a majority of patrons voted to disorganize the district, the effective date would have been July 1, 2024.Ellsworth County will conduct a post-election audit for the Aug. 1 election at 4 p.m. on Aug. 4, in the Commissioner's Room.

'No' vote prevails: USD 112 Central Plains to remain intact

Gardening. Not only can the activity bring a sense of calmness, it can
also help beautify the area and be productive. If you did not grow up around
gardening, the process of starting a garden or planting flowers may seem
somewhat intimidating. 

The Cottonwood District of the K-State Research and
Extension, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, provides an Extension
Master Gardeners program. Alicia Boor is an agriculture agent for the
Cottonwood District and said the training helps educate yourself and improve
your community. "Trainees go through classes with our university experts on each individual subject matter," said Boor. "They'll be able to learn from them and have access to our experts. In return, you give back to your community through various volunteer options." 
The training program begins Sept. 7 and meets online every
Thursday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Once trained, master gardeners can share yard
and plant research to the public and volunteer to help many local organizations
like the Beautification Committee, the teaching garden at Barton County
Historical Society or the horticultural exhibits at the Barton County Fair. In conjunction with the Beautification Committee, master gardeners are labeling more of the flowers that are planted throughout town, including the flowers planted in front of the Great Bend Public Library.

"We working toward a system to allow people to find out about the plant," said Boor. "They might see a plant and say 'I like this plant' and then they could scan a QR code and be able to see how to take care of it and where you would plant it. We're not completely there, but we're going towards there."

For more information about the EMP program offered by K-State, visit the following website:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/master-gardener/" target="_blank">https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/master-gardener//</a>. If you are interested in joining the EMP program, contact Jay Harris, EMG Coordinator by email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jayharris@ksu.edu">jayharris@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690821964663.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGardening. Not only can the activity bring a sense of calmness, it can
also help beautify the area and be productive. If you did not grow up around
gardening, the process of starting a garden or planting flowers may seem
somewhat intimidating. The Cottonwood District of the K-State Research and
Extension, which includes Barton and Ellis counties, provides an Extension
Master Gardeners program. Alicia Boor is an agriculture agent for the
Cottonwood District and said the training helps educate yourself and improve
your community. "Trainees go through classes with our university experts on each individual subject matter," said Boor. "They'll be able to learn from them and have access to our experts. In return, you give back to your community through various volunteer options." 
The training program begins Sept. 7 and meets online every
Thursday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Once trained, master gardeners can share yard
and plant research to the public and volunteer to help many local organizations
like the Beautification Committee, the teaching garden at Barton County
Historical Society or the horticultural exhibits at the Barton County Fair. In conjunction with the Beautification Committee, master gardeners are labeling more of the flowers that are planted throughout town, including the flowers planted in front of the Great Bend Public Library."We working toward a system to allow people to find out about the plant," said Boor. "They might see a plant and say 'I like this plant' and then they could scan a QR code and be able to see how to take care of it and where you would plant it. We're not completely there, but we're going towards there."For more information about the EMP program offered by K-State, visit the following website:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/master-gardener/" target="_blank">https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/master-gardener//</a>. If you are interested in joining the EMP program, contact Jay Harris, EMG Coordinator by email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jayharris@ksu.edu">jayharris@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sharing the gift of gardening to Barton County

The Great Bend Wetlands Waterpark announced the final day the pool will be open is Aug. 13. Waterpark staff reminds citizens that punch passes do not carry over to another year, so use up your punches this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690908293074.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Wetlands Waterpark announced the final day the pool will be open is Aug. 13. Waterpark staff reminds citizens that punch passes do not carry over to another year, so use up your punches this summer.

Great Bend waterpark's last day is Aug. 13

The vision of Pilot International is to create a world where all are valued. The Great Bend Pilot Club has approximately 50 members, but those volunteers accounted for more than 14,000 hours of community service last year. For those efforts and more, the local club was recently recognized as one of the top Pilot Clubs in the world.&nbsp;

"Our main focus is encouraging brain safety and health," said Great Bend Club Vice President Rhonda Knudson, "and supporting those who care for others, and making our community a better place."

Knudson, as well as Dan and Barbara Watson, current and past club presidents, respectively, attended the 101st Pilot International  Convention and Leadership Conference in Bellevue, Wash. at the end of June. Pilot Club has served the Barton County area for 36 years, and received several international awards for a second year.

The Great Bend club received first place for Outstanding Pilot Club Overall, Outstanding Volunteer Hours, and Outstanding Pilot Club Visibility for its use of a website, social media, other forms of media, and its many events in the community. The Great Bend club won second place for the Pick Me Up Project. The group has previously recognized individual caregivers, the Barton County Health Department and Center for Counseling. This year's project involved "popping" over to say thank you with popcorn gifts to police, fire, sheriff's office, and 911 dispatch personnel.

"They are huge caregivers in our community," Knudson said. "Not everyone says thank you, or even thinks about saying thank you. That's what the pick-me-up project is all about."

Local Pilot Club members are also known as the "Helmet People." The group recently handed out nearly 30 bicycle helmets at the Hoisington Police Department's Bike Rodeo. Great Bend students earn bicycles for perfect attendance at the end of each school year, and Pilot Club also outfits those students with helmets.

"We give away bike helmets, and more importantly, we make sure the bicycle helmets we give away fit the children, basically from ages 3-14, so that they can play and ride safely," said Knudson.

The Great Bend club recently helped with Orphan Grain Train that helped pack more than 51,000 meals for shipment overseas. In March, it donated $200 to the Great Bend Public Library Summer Reading Program. The club is ever-present as a sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer's. On Aug. 22, the club, along with Lions Club, is hosting Holocaust survivor and author Mildred Schindler-Janzen for a noon event at Perkins in Great Bend.

Knudson said the club welcomes members of all ages, and members run the gamut of professions in Barton County. There are no local dues to join, but minimal district and international dues are prorated throughout the year.

"Our members take to heart the fact that we are a service club," Knudson said. "We have men and women in our club and we don't just sit around and have lunch. We're pretty active."

For more information on the club or to track its activities, find the Pilot Club of Great Bend on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pilot.greatbend">Facebook</a> or visit <a href="https://www.greatbendpilotclub.com/">greatbendpilotclub.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690559402430.jpeg" alt="Pilot Club of Great Bend officer installation on May 16, 2023:&nbsp;Nancy Sundahl (Corresponding Secretary), Barbara Watson (Past President), Daniel Watson (President), Betty Schneider (President-Elect), Rhonda Knudson (Vice-President), Jari Marietta (Director), Mary Cramer (Director), and Judy Fox (Director). Ros neeland (Recording Secretary, Marty Aldrich (Treasurer) and Nicci Henderson (director) are not pictured." />
 <figcaption>Pilot Club of Great Bend officer installation on May 16, 2023:&nbsp;Nancy Sundahl (Corresponding Secretary), Barbara Watson (Past President), Daniel Watson (President), Betty Schneider (President-Elect), Rhonda Knudson (Vice-President), Jari Marietta (Director), Mary Cramer (Director), and Judy Fox (Director). Ros neeland (Recording Secretary, Marty Aldrich (Treasurer) and Nicci Henderson (director) are not pictured.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe vision of Pilot International is to create a world where all are valued. The Great Bend Pilot Club has approximately 50 members, but those volunteers accounted for more than 14,000 hours of community service last year. For those efforts and more, the local club was recently recognized as one of the top Pilot Clubs in the world.&nbsp;"Our main focus is encouraging brain safety and health," said Great Bend Club Vice President Rhonda Knudson, "and supporting those who care for others, and making our community a better place."Knudson, as well as Dan and Barbara Watson, current and past club presidents, respectively, attended the 101st Pilot International Convention and Leadership Conference in Bellevue, Wash. at the end of June. Pilot Club has served the Barton County area for 36 years, and received several international awards for a second year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690378898800.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend club received first place for Outstanding Pilot Club Overall, Outstanding Volunteer Hours, and Outstanding Pilot Club Visibility for its use of a website, social media, other forms of media, and its many events in the community. The Great Bend club won second place for the Pick Me Up Project. The group has previously recognized individual caregivers, the Barton County Health Department and Center for Counseling. This year's project involved "popping" over to say thank you with popcorn gifts to police, fire, sheriff's office, and 911 dispatch personnel."They are huge caregivers in our community," Knudson said. "Not everyone says thank you, or even thinks about saying thank you. That's what the pick-me-up project is all about."Local Pilot Club members are also known as the "Helmet People." The group recently handed out nearly 30 bicycle helmets at the Hoisington Police Department's Bike Rodeo. Great Bend students earn bicycles for perfect attendance at the end of each school year, and Pilot Club also outfits those students with helmets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690559952446.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We give away bike helmets, and more importantly, we make sure the bicycle helmets we give away fit the children, basically from ages 3-14, so that they can play and ride safely," said Knudson.The Great Bend club recently helped with Orphan Grain Train that helped pack more than 51,000 meals for shipment overseas. In March, it donated $200 to the Great Bend Public Library Summer Reading Program. The club is ever-present as a sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer's. On Aug. 22, the club, along with Lions Club, is hosting Holocaust survivor and author Mildred Schindler-Janzen for a noon event at Perkins in Great Bend.Knudson said the club welcomes members of all ages, and members run the gamut of professions in Barton County. There are no local dues to join, but minimal district and international dues are prorated throughout the year."Our members take to heart the fact that we are a service club," Knudson said. "We have men and women in our club and we don't just sit around and have lunch. We're pretty active."For more information on the club or to track its activities, find the Pilot Club of Great Bend on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pilot.greatbend">Facebook</a> or visit <a href="https://www.greatbendpilotclub.com/">greatbendpilotclub.com</a>.

Pilot Club of Great Bend recognized as one of top clubs internationally

Fourteen months after Stafford County Economic Development began making headway on a new childcare facility, that facility is now open for business. A modular building set at 413 N. Pearl in St. John will host two daycare operations. Logen Kernell has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and her Happy Hearts Daycare opened Aug. 1.

"The building's in really good shape, so she's already moved into her side," said outgoing Eco Devo Director Kathleen Norman. "The other side is also available for rent to someone else wanting to open a daycare. We're still in the process of wrapping up some of the exterior things."

Many of the utilities at the modular facility were installed in December. Norman said weather and contractor issues have delayed some projects, but the concrete has been poured and the grass is beginning to grow. Once the grass is established, mulch and playground equipment will be installed.

New Eco Devo Director Ryan Russell said more projects are in the works in Stafford and Macksville, but those projects are in the relatively early stages of development. Eco Devo hopes more grants will become available for more daycare facilities in the county.

"It's a first time we're seeing these grants, which is exciting," Norman said. "They're needed. It's refreshing that people have heard that there's a need to have the funding, and they're actually coming up with opportunities for that. At the same time, it's doing the work to be able to have a plan to be able to have a project that meets their qualifications, then being able to carry out the project."

Kernell is a Fowler native that currently lives in Great Bend. Anyone interested in getting on her waiting list at Happy Hearts can email logenb30@gmail.com, or call (620) 539-3102. Anyone interested in renting the other half of the modular building for a second daycare can email staffordcochildcare@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690810328907.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFourteen months after Stafford County Economic Development began making headway on a new childcare facility, that facility is now open for business. A modular building set at 413 N. Pearl in St. John will host two daycare operations. Logen Kernell has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and her Happy Hearts Daycare opened Aug. 1."The building's in really good shape, so she's already moved into her side," said outgoing Eco Devo Director Kathleen Norman. "The other side is also available for rent to someone else wanting to open a daycare. We're still in the process of wrapping up some of the exterior things."Many of the utilities at the modular facility were installed in December. Norman said weather and contractor issues have delayed some projects, but the concrete has been poured and the grass is beginning to grow. Once the grass is established, mulch and playground equipment will be installed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670600523901.jpeg" alt="The modular daycare located at 413 N. Pearl St. in St. John." />
 <figcaption>The modular daycare located at 413 N. Pearl St. in St. John.</figcaption>
 </figure>New Eco Devo Director Ryan Russell said more projects are in the works in Stafford and Macksville, but those projects are in the relatively early stages of development. Eco Devo hopes more grants will become available for more daycare facilities in the county."It's a first time we're seeing these grants, which is exciting," Norman said. "They're needed. It's refreshing that people have heard that there's a need to have the funding, and they're actually coming up with opportunities for that. At the same time, it's doing the work to be able to have a plan to be able to have a project that meets their qualifications, then being able to carry out the project."Kernell is a Fowler native that currently lives in Great Bend. Anyone interested in getting on her waiting list at Happy Hearts can email logenb30@gmail.com, or call (620) 539-3102. Anyone interested in renting the other half of the modular building for a second daycare can email staffordcochildcare@gmail.com.

Stafford Co. Eco Devo announces first daycare now open for business

This is day 16, the final day of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

The Kansas wheat harvest is finally drawing to a close with 95 percent of wheat harvest complete, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its crop progress report for the week ending July 30, 2023. That is still well behind last year’s 100 percent completion at this time and the five-year average of nearly 99 percent.

Ahead of the weekend, the last remaining farmers in the harvest field were cutting down toward the Oklahoma border, primarily so they could report numbers to crop insurance, according to Lawson Hemberger, MKC senior location manager of rail terminals who is based out of the Sumner County Terminal in Milan. Hemberger oversees both of MKC’s current terminal elevators as well as the one under construction near Sterling. The terminal in Milan covers Sumner County, southwest of Wichita, and into neighboring Harper and Cowley counties.

The terminal took in its first loads of wheat around June 8. While that makes the length of harvest very long in total, Hemberger noted the majority of acres were harvested by the Fourth of July. The area caught five to six inches of rain that week, forcing farmers out of the field and starting a cycle of every-other-day rain delays, increasing weed pressure and falling test weights.

“This is definitely the first year I’ve seen a wheat harvest go darn near two months long,” he said.

Hemberger noted the area was pretty decent on moisture compared to other areas of Kansas as the wheat came out of dormancy. The wheat was up and looking pretty average, but then the area went all the way to early May before finally catching rain.

Hemberger estimated abandonment ranged from 10 to 15 percent. Some of those planted acres were abandoned before harvest so farmers could plant a second crop, others were zeroed out during harvest when some producers could send the combine down and back once in the field and not even fill up a coffee can.

He noted he was holding his breath when the rains arrived — calling it the do-or-die moment — but the wheat was at the exact right stage to fill the kernels that it put on. Test weights were excellent during the first few weeks of harvest, right at 60 to 60.5 pounds per bushel.

Yields were widespread from five bushels per acre — primarily where crop insurance would not release acres ahead of harvest — up to 48 bushels per acre. For the early part of harvest ahead of the holiday, Hemberger estimated most farmers averaged about 20 bushels per acre.

Protein was exceptional — even higher than last year’s drought-stressed crop — with Hemberger estimating 80 percent of wheat coming in was at 13 percent protein or higher. He noted for wheat report readers that the protein levels are mostly locked in once the wheat matures, meaning the protein values do not drop significantly like test weight.

The Sumner County Terminal has four different pits, allowing MKC to set up a really good segregation plan. Hemberger explained that most of the time they have four to five protein breaks — so trying to separate every percentage point (10 percent, 11 percent, etc.). This year, the crop came in so much higher with protein content that they had to adjust that segregation plan every other day to continue separating the highest protein wheat. He noted they are putting higher protein wheat — 14 and higher — into long-term storage, stashing it away for another time when good protein wheat may not be as readily available as this year’s crop.

Hemberger reported the most consistently reported top wheat variety this year was AgriPro’s Bob Dole, which was developed by K-State. He noted producers also highlighted Larry, also developed at K-State, and Paradise from Polansky Seed, as varieties that performed well in the area this year.

After the big rains around July 4, however, the rain kept coming. As a result, damage has substantially increased on those tail-end acres and test weights dropped off and at the end of harvest were down to 56 to 57 pounds per bushel. Weeds were a whole other debacle as producers struggled to control late-season emergence options in order to harvest. Crop insurance ended up zeroing out some fields due to crabgrass that came in after pigweed was sprayed.

Even with the frustrating end of harvest, Hemberger reported this year’s harvest was better than expected.

“We figured we got about 60 to 65 percent compared to a normal year,” Hemberger said. “Looking back at where we were going into May, we didn’t think we would have a crop at all.”

Despite the challenges the rain caused for the wheat, the ample moisture means the fall crops are looking really good, even with the long period of triple-digit weather that is threatening the crop at a critical growth period. Hemberger noted a rain at the end of last week of 1.5 to 3 inches could not have come at a better time.

Now the challenge is to turn house quickly at the terminal to make space for those fall crops. Most of the wheat will be sent to local mills. The MKC terminal does have two train loaders, but with such a short crop, there is not a strong export market out of Kansas this year. Still, he noted they will load a few trains that were contracted back this spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690895468548.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 16, the final day of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.The Kansas wheat harvest is finally drawing to a close with 95 percent of wheat harvest complete, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its crop progress report for the week ending July 30, 2023. That is still well behind last year’s 100 percent completion at this time and the five-year average of nearly 99 percent.Ahead of the weekend, the last remaining farmers in the harvest field were cutting down toward the Oklahoma border, primarily so they could report numbers to crop insurance, according to Lawson Hemberger, MKC senior location manager of rail terminals who is based out of the Sumner County Terminal in Milan. Hemberger oversees both of MKC’s current terminal elevators as well as the one under construction near Sterling. The terminal in Milan covers Sumner County, southwest of Wichita, and into neighboring Harper and Cowley counties.The terminal took in its first loads of wheat around June 8. While that makes the length of harvest very long in total, Hemberger noted the majority of acres were harvested by the Fourth of July. The area caught five to six inches of rain that week, forcing farmers out of the field and starting a cycle of every-other-day rain delays, increasing weed pressure and falling test weights.“This is definitely the first year I’ve seen a wheat harvest go darn near two months long,” he said.Hemberger noted the area was pretty decent on moisture compared to other areas of Kansas as the wheat came out of dormancy. The wheat was up and looking pretty average, but then the area went all the way to early May before finally catching rain.Hemberger estimated abandonment ranged from 10 to 15 percent. Some of those planted acres were abandoned before harvest so farmers could plant a second crop, others were zeroed out during harvest when some producers could send the combine down and back once in the field and not even fill up a coffee can.He noted he was holding his breath when the rains arrived — calling it the do-or-die moment — but the wheat was at the exact right stage to fill the kernels that it put on. Test weights were excellent during the first few weeks of harvest, right at 60 to 60.5 pounds per bushel.Yields were widespread from five bushels per acre — primarily where crop insurance would not release acres ahead of harvest — up to 48 bushels per acre. For the early part of harvest ahead of the holiday, Hemberger estimated most farmers averaged about 20 bushels per acre.Protein was exceptional — even higher than last year’s drought-stressed crop — with Hemberger estimating 80 percent of wheat coming in was at 13 percent protein or higher. He noted for wheat report readers that the protein levels are mostly locked in once the wheat matures, meaning the protein values do not drop significantly like test weight.The Sumner County Terminal has four different pits, allowing MKC to set up a really good segregation plan. Hemberger explained that most of the time they have four to five protein breaks — so trying to separate every percentage point (10 percent, 11 percent, etc.). This year, the crop came in so much higher with protein content that they had to adjust that segregation plan every other day to continue separating the highest protein wheat. He noted they are putting higher protein wheat — 14 and higher — into long-term storage, stashing it away for another time when good protein wheat may not be as readily available as this year’s crop.Hemberger reported the most consistently reported top wheat variety this year was AgriPro’s Bob Dole, which was developed by K-State. He noted producers also highlighted Larry, also developed at K-State, and Paradise from Polansky Seed, as varieties that performed well in the area this year.After the big rains around July 4, however, the rain kept coming. As a result, damage has substantially increased on those tail-end acres and test weights dropped off and at the end of harvest were down to 56 to 57 pounds per bushel. Weeds were a whole other debacle as producers struggled to control late-season emergence options in order to harvest. Crop insurance ended up zeroing out some fields due to crabgrass that came in after pigweed was sprayed.Even with the frustrating end of harvest, Hemberger reported this year’s harvest was better than expected.“We figured we got about 60 to 65 percent compared to a normal year,” Hemberger said. “Looking back at where we were going into May, we didn’t think we would have a crop at all.”Despite the challenges the rain caused for the wheat, the ample moisture means the fall crops are looking really good, even with the long period of triple-digit weather that is threatening the crop at a critical growth period. Hemberger noted a rain at the end of last week of 1.5 to 3 inches could not have come at a better time.Now the challenge is to turn house quickly at the terminal to make space for those fall crops. Most of the wheat will be sent to local mills. The MKC terminal does have two train loaders, but with such a short crop, there is not a strong export market out of Kansas this year. Still, he noted they will load a few trains that were contracted back this spring.Overall, this wheat harvest will be one for the record books, although not in the way that producers would prefer, according to Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. As of its last estimate, USDA predicted Kansas wheat production will total 208 million bushels on 6.5 million acres, the smallest crop since 1966.Breaking down that overall number, however, average yields for 2023 are currently estimated at 32 bushels per acre compared to 19.5 bushels per acre in 1966. That gain is directly attributable to the improvement in available wheat genetics, recommended farming practices and decades of on-farm knowledge.“What shouldn’t be lost in everything that’s going on is the gains that have been made through genetics to try and keep a disaster from being more of a disaster,” Gilpin said. “The 2023 wheat crop had more than its share of twists and turns, but overall, we’ve come a long way. Every year is a little bit different, but 2023 is probably going to be one of those years that does stand out for a long time on charts, and not just due to the overall challenges this crop faced. Combined with the market volatility and unprecedented geopolitical events — everything that is occurring simultaneously within the wheat market right now is pretty incredible.”Learn more about Gilpin’s perspectives on this year’s harvest, supply-and-demand factors across wheat classes, end-use quality, international market influences and more in the latest episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IWM8VLBC0qICfIjJkUmKTJa95zUxiq6RWEMfAaMhOKUOsF8WGVfvOWcrlc5SP7ZpcQxXI137SA99AhfBowPXtFt2XQ1r_nkRNTFRSbtAgPyNFLxxh8qAGyZWWCc-Ha5fAmD-TQHAEpiwY0wSMJof9A==&amp;c=DEo7QqlSgO5AIfcbqAS3B_nWN2R4dAVCHonl8zojiJaoCTsDpgZ3qw==&amp;ch=stccz3kdb1VGq-iu3Znf5Ps8QhE8cSgK9GfRf1aezYVPcw7Fo7bcdQ==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.The 2023 Harvest Reports were brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat