From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...

The Ag-Business Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the upcoming 29th Annual Kids Ag Day, scheduled for Wednesday, September 6th. This highly anticipated event aims to sow the seeds of knowledge among local fourth-grade students by providing them with a deeper understanding of the agriculture industry and its vital role in our community's economy.

Kids Ag Day has been a resounding success over the years, captivating the minds of hundreds of students from public and private schools in Claflin, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Otis-Bison, Pawnee Rock, and Great Bend. This unique educational program offers children a hands-on experience, igniting their curiosity and fostering a newfound appreciation for agriculture and its significance in our daily lives.

With the unwavering support of our community, the 29th Annual Kids Ag Day promises to be bigger and better than ever before. To make this extraordinary event a reality, the Ag-Business Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is seeking generous contributions from individuals and businesses who share our passion for cultivating knowledge and growing futures.

Why Support Kids Ag Day? 1. Empowering the Future: Kids Ag Day offers students a unique opportunity to step outside their classrooms and into the heart of the agriculture industry. By engaging them in interactive activities and educational displays, we empower these young minds to understand the importance of agriculture and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

2. Enhancing Education: As a crucial part of the curriculum, Kids Ag Day enhances the educational experience for over 350 fourth-grade students each year. By providing hands-on learning experiences, we promote a deeper understanding of the agricultural processes that sustain our communities.

3. Nurturing Community Ties: Kids Ag Day brings together local businesses, farmers, educators, and families, fostering a sense of unity within our community. This event highlights the interconnectedness of our town's agricultural heritage and its economic prosperity.

4. Ensuring Sustainability: As we invest in the education of our youth, we invest in the future sustainability of our agricultural sector. Kids Ag Day sparks interest and passion for agriculture, encouraging students to consider careers in this essential industry.

How You Can Help: The success of the 29th Annual Kids Ag Day relies on the generous support of our community. We invite individuals, organizations, and businesses to contribute financially to this meaningful cause. Your donation will directly impact the educational experience of local fourth-grade students, enriching their understanding of agriculture's critical role in our society.

To contribute or learn more about supporting Kids Ag Day, please visit www.greatbend.org or contact Scott Dewerff, Committee Chairman at 620-786-2190.

Join us in sowing the seeds of knowledge and nurturing the future of our community's agricultural heritage. Together, we can make the 29th Annual Kids Ag Day an unforgettable experience that will cultivate knowledge and grow futures for generations to come.

About the Ag-Business Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce: Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Ag-Business Committee hosts Kids Ag Day, annually, to help students gain a better understanding of the agriculture industry and its importance to our local economy. Over 350 fourth-grade students from schools, both public and private, from Claflin, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Otis-Bison, Pawnee Rock and Great Bend are invited to participate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690314573187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...The Ag-Business Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the upcoming 29th Annual Kids Ag Day, scheduled for Wednesday, September 6th. This highly anticipated event aims to sow the seeds of knowledge among local fourth-grade students by providing them with a deeper understanding of the agriculture industry and its vital role in our community's economy.Kids Ag Day has been a resounding success over the years, captivating the minds of hundreds of students from public and private schools in Claflin, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Otis-Bison, Pawnee Rock, and Great Bend. This unique educational program offers children a hands-on experience, igniting their curiosity and fostering a newfound appreciation for agriculture and its significance in our daily lives.With the unwavering support of our community, the 29th Annual Kids Ag Day promises to be bigger and better than ever before. To make this extraordinary event a reality, the Ag-Business Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is seeking generous contributions from individuals and businesses who share our passion for cultivating knowledge and growing futures.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690314598529.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Why Support Kids Ag Day? 1. Empowering the Future: Kids Ag Day offers students a unique opportunity to step outside their classrooms and into the heart of the agriculture industry. By engaging them in interactive activities and educational displays, we empower these young minds to understand the importance of agriculture and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.2. Enhancing Education: As a crucial part of the curriculum, Kids Ag Day enhances the educational experience for over 350 fourth-grade students each year. By providing hands-on learning experiences, we promote a deeper understanding of the agricultural processes that sustain our communities.3. Nurturing Community Ties: Kids Ag Day brings together local businesses, farmers, educators, and families, fostering a sense of unity within our community. This event highlights the interconnectedness of our town's agricultural heritage and its economic prosperity.4. Ensuring Sustainability: As we invest in the education of our youth, we invest in the future sustainability of our agricultural sector. Kids Ag Day sparks interest and passion for agriculture, encouraging students to consider careers in this essential industry.How You Can Help: The success of the 29th Annual Kids Ag Day relies on the generous support of our community. We invite individuals, organizations, and businesses to contribute financially to this meaningful cause. Your donation will directly impact the educational experience of local fourth-grade students, enriching their understanding of agriculture's critical role in our society.To contribute or learn more about supporting Kids Ag Day, please visit www.greatbend.org or contact Scott Dewerff, Committee Chairman at 620-786-2190.Join us in sowing the seeds of knowledge and nurturing the future of our community's agricultural heritage. Together, we can make the 29th Annual Kids Ag Day an unforgettable experience that will cultivate knowledge and grow futures for generations to come.About the Ag-Business Committee of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce: Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Ag-Business Committee hosts Kids Ag Day, annually, to help students gain a better understanding of the agriculture industry and its importance to our local economy. Over 350 fourth-grade students from schools, both public and private, from Claflin, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Otis-Bison, Pawnee Rock and Great Bend are invited to participate.

29th Annual Kids Ag Day scheduled for Sept. 6

Today Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102. South wind 7 to 10 mph.

Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 8 to 10 mph.

Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index values as high as 105. South-southwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South-southwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 77.

Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102. South wind 7 to 10 mph.Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 8 to 10 mph.Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index values as high as 105. South-southwest wind 8 to 11 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Friday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South-southwest wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73.Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 77.Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

CLOUD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Cloud County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford Straight Truck driven by 71-year-old Dennis V. Klima of Great Bend was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 24 thirteen miles southeast of Concordia. 

A tire on the truck blew out. The truck traveled off the road into the south field and rolled.

EMS transported Klima to&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CLOUD COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Cloud County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford Straight Truck driven by 71-year-old Dennis V. Klima of Great Bend was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 24 thirteen miles southeast of Concordia. A tire on the truck blew out. The truck traveled off the road into the south field and rolled.EMS transported Klima to&nbsp;North Central Kansas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Great Bend man dies after truck rolls when tire blows out

This is day 15 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.

Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.

Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;

“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;

At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;

Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;

Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;

Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;

“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”

The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;

There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;

That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;

As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;

“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”

Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;

“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”

“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”

Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;

“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;

His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;

“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690278006128.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 15 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.Everyone in the wheat supply chain is feeling the drag of a long and difficult harvest season. Harvest is still only 87 percent complete, well behind 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 98 percent, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 23, 2023.Producers generally like to wrap up harvest by the Fourth of July across the draw area for Garden City Co-op, but general manager Jeff Boyd noted there are a number of farmers still cutting and hauling in grain. A big storm that dropped three to five inches of rain and hail Thursday, July 20, further delayed those final fields, but with triple-digit temperatures this week, most producers should be able to finish up.&nbsp;“That’s been the story of this harvest and why we still have folks out there with acres to cut,” Boyd said. “I don’t remember one being this late.”&nbsp;At the beginning of wheat harvest in Finney County and the surrounding area, test weights were good at 60 to 61 pounds per bushel but are now averaging just under 59 pounds per bushel due to continued rain. Moisture has stayed steady at 12 percent. Proteins are averaging in the 12 percent range.&nbsp;Yields are highly variable with a lot of abandoned acres with some fields not even germinating until January and February. Boyd reported they expected a big difference between planted and harvested acres, but the cooperative will take in about half the bushels of a 10-year average crop, which is better than anyone expected in the spring.&nbsp;Wheat producers planted into dust last fall and are now harvesting in the mud, having received a year’s worth of rain since April - some areas up to 15 inches. Boyd noted there is still a moisture deficiency to make up, despite the continued summer showers, which currently good-looking fall crops will need to get to harvest.&nbsp;Despite the seemingly constant rain delays and ever-increasing weed pressure, wheat farmers like Gary Millershaski in Lakin are stubborn and determined to do whatever it takes to finish cutting the fields left standing. On Monday, July 24, Millershaski was cutting wheat that should have been cut a month ago, but was set back by finally getting rain, mud, then more rain, then weeds, then having to spray fields and wait for residual periods to expire, then more rain. His friends in Oregon and Montana are already cutting their winter wheat, which is always on a different harvest schedule than his Kansas farm.&nbsp;“I’m not mad, I’m frustrated,” he said. “It has been a mess.”The entire growing season for Millershaski has been a battle. Before May 15, his acres only had received six to eight inches of moisture for the last year and a half. He planted wheat at the end of September and only had 30 to 40 percent emergence due to the drought. Where the wheat did come up after a small snow in January or rain in May, a lot did not produce kernels. After crop insurance agents adjusted those poor acres anywhere from zero to 2.5 bushels per acre, he destroyed all but 15 percent of his planted acres.&nbsp;There in the southern half of Kearny County, he estimated up to 90 percent of wheat acres were abandoned. In comparison, the northern half of the county saw unbelievable yields if producers were fortunate enough to get the wheat to come up. Those yields were boosted by a complete turn in the weather after May 15. Since that time, Millershaski reported receiving 16 to 17 inches of rain.&nbsp;That rain helped fill heads, even if it brought with it troublesome weeds. Millershaski reported test weights started as high as 61.7 pounds per bushel and protein should be higher than average due to the prior drought conditions. If he averages 25 bushels an acre on the fields he has left, he said he will be tickled to death.&nbsp;As the rain has continued falling, test weights have dropped down to 56 or 57 pounds per bushel, and elevators are now sending samples of nearly every load to the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to check for potential damage. As a result, it can take up to three days for the producer to know their dockage levels, which Millershaski said is frustrating, but a necessary part of what the cooperatives need to do to sustain local operations.&nbsp;“We’re back to cutting again,” Millershaski said. “With any luck, I’ll wrap it up tomorrow.”Millershaski turned 60 years old this year. Of all his harvests, he has never cut this late and the poor year ranks at the very bottom. Despite that struggle, he and his two sons are already on the list for the varieties they selected to plant this fall - refusing to let this year be their last.&nbsp;“We’re planning for next year,” he said. “If we were throwing in the towel, we wouldn’t be cutting this crap right now.”“Nobody likes to quit a failure. I’ll be danged if I’m going to quit on a bad year. I may retire after the year of the home-run-over-the-fence yields, but I don’t see how I could quit.”Crop insurance helps provide a bridge from this bad year to a hopefully better harvest next year, but Millershaski was quick to point out that not many could average out their yearly wages for the past 15 years, take 60 to 70 percent of that and make that work for their budgets.&nbsp;“If it weren’t for crop insurance, there would be a lot of people that would not be here next year,” Millershaski said.&nbsp;His son Kyler is off the combine and back in Washington, DC, this week, visiting with Congressional leaders about the importance of programs like crop insurance to helping farmers like themselves persist through bad years like this one. Millershaski said he’s fortunate to have two sons that didn’t want to do anything but farm and are home working as the next generation in the operation.&nbsp;“This is our passion,” he said, noting he wished he could explain the good smell of a shovel full of good dirt in the spring or the soothing feel of ripe wheat to the touch. “This is what we do.”&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your harvest story and photos.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Day 15, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

It’s hard to believe that July 25 marks my 1-year anniversary of becoming an extension agent. This year went by so fast! I’ve been so blessed by making the move to K-State Research and Extension. I love my job and have gotten to do so many fun things this past year. I started right after the Ellis County Fair last year, and as I sit here writing this, we are wrapping up my first county fair as an extension agent. I have been so impressed by the youth in our community. Watching the kids work with their animals, make projects, and help out in the food stand has been such a pleasure. So many volunteers work hard to bring the Ellis County Fair together.

One of the things that is so enjoyable about my job is no two days are ever the same. Some days are office days and other days I don’t see my office. You never know what question will come in either by phone, email or in person at the office. Questions are great because if I don’t know the answer then I do the research to get the answer. It is safe to say I learn something new every day. Hearing what other people are curious about makes my job interesting. Keep asking questions!

One of the highlights of my first year was the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class held earlier this year. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a strength training class for older adults that helps them with balance, strength and flexibility. Sixteen men and women signed up for the class and not one person quit during the 8 weeks. They all finished! Now that is perseverance! Yes, life happens and throws us curveballs. Some participants had to miss a few classes, but they all finished. Not only did they all finish, but a group of them continued to meet and do the exercises on their own! We had so much fun during the class telling jokes and trying new recipes. I’m so thankful for these opportunities. Another class will begin in late August. Watch for the announcement.

Programming for older people has been a pleasure, and going into the schools has been fun also. Since my background is in early childhood, I really enjoy being able to go into the child care setting, libraries and schools to deliver programming around health and nutrition. Glo-germ handwashing, field to fork, blender bike and organwise are a few of the programs I have offered for the youth.

I look forward to many more years as an extension agent and continuing to form relationships with community partners. Goals for my second year include offering more signature programs from K-State such as Walk with Ease, Dining with Diabetes and Med Instead of Meds. I will also get trained in Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Level 2. Mental health programming and youth programming continue to be important as well.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s hard to believe that July 25 marks my 1-year anniversary of becoming an extension agent. This year went by so fast! I’ve been so blessed by making the move to K-State Research and Extension. I love my job and have gotten to do so many fun things this past year. I started right after the Ellis County Fair last year, and as I sit here writing this, we are wrapping up my first county fair as an extension agent. I have been so impressed by the youth in our community. Watching the kids work with their animals, make projects, and help out in the food stand has been such a pleasure. So many volunteers work hard to bring the Ellis County Fair together.One of the things that is so enjoyable about my job is no two days are ever the same. Some days are office days and other days I don’t see my office. You never know what question will come in either by phone, email or in person at the office. Questions are great because if I don’t know the answer then I do the research to get the answer. It is safe to say I learn something new every day. Hearing what other people are curious about makes my job interesting. Keep asking questions!One of the highlights of my first year was the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy class held earlier this year. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a strength training class for older adults that helps them with balance, strength and flexibility. Sixteen men and women signed up for the class and not one person quit during the 8 weeks. They all finished! Now that is perseverance! Yes, life happens and throws us curveballs. Some participants had to miss a few classes, but they all finished. Not only did they all finish, but a group of them continued to meet and do the exercises on their own! We had so much fun during the class telling jokes and trying new recipes. I’m so thankful for these opportunities. Another class will begin in late August. Watch for the announcement.Programming for older people has been a pleasure, and going into the schools has been fun also. Since my background is in early childhood, I really enjoy being able to go into the child care setting, libraries and schools to deliver programming around health and nutrition. Glo-germ handwashing, field to fork, blender bike and organwise are a few of the programs I have offered for the youth.I look forward to many more years as an extension agent and continuing to form relationships with community partners. Goals for my second year include offering more signature programs from K-State such as Walk with Ease, Dining with Diabetes and Med Instead of Meds. I will also get trained in Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, Level 2. Mental health programming and youth programming continue to be important as well.Thank you for a great first year!Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Celebrating one-year anniversary 

TOPEKA– Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Monday that Dr. Lindsey Dinkel has been appointed Superintendent at Larned State Hospital (LSH) effective August 20, 2023, when current Superintendent Lesia Dipman officially retires, according to a media release from the agency.

“Dr. Dinkel has the clinical and academic familiarity with hospital programs to seamlessly take over the role of superintendent and continue the hospital’s progress toward improved resident experiences and exceptional mental health care,”&nbsp;KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “I believe her range of professional knowledge is an asset that will enable her to transition smoothly and contribute immediately in this role.”

Dr. Dinkel has more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field including roles in clinical, administrative, research, and academic settings. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Fort Hays State University followed by her master’s degree in forensic psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Dinkel became a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 2020 with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice. She began as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Kansas in 2013 and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2018. She has specialized in treating mental illness in the forensic population and held clinical roles in other settings including child welfare, in-patient psychiatric care, involuntary commitment, and outpatient community service. Dr. Dinkel has been an active adjunct instructor teaching in the fields of forensic psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. She has held several roles during her tenure at LSH, including contract therapist within the Sexual Predator Treatment Program, Chief Operations Officer, and Assistant Superintendent.&nbsp;

Dr. Dinkel will have a month to work alongside Superintendent Dipman to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.&nbsp;

“KDADS and the State of Kansas extends its sincere gratitude to Superintendent Dipman for her steadfast commitment to the Larned community, her staff, and the residents we care for at the hospital,”&nbsp;KDADS Deputy Secretary of Hospitals and Facilities Scott Brunner said. “Lesia has been instrumental in leading the hospital through some very challenging times in her years in this role and is known and respected for successfully tackling some of the unique concerns on campus as well as her administrative and crisis management skills. She has been a great asset who will be missed.”

&nbsp;LSH Superintendent Dipman has served the State of Kansas for 38 years, starting her career at LSH in 1984, working in various positions from food services to the nursing department, and in multiple departments, from the State Security Hospital to the adolescent unit and youth center. Dipman attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University (KSU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from KSU in 1994. By 2004, she was promoted to Director of Social Services at the hospital, and a year later earned a master’s degree in social work from Newman University in Wichita.&nbsp;

In 2006, Dipman transferred to the State Security Program at LSH as the Administrative Program Director, her most recent position before being named Acting Superintendent by KDADS Secretary Howard in February 2019, then Superintendent in May 2019.

In her nearly 5 years as Superintendent, Dipman was instrumental in leading LSH staff through the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting the hospital’s incident response plan to effectively operate in an infectious disease incident. She oversaw the isolation and quarantine processes in three separate hospital programs while continuing to admit patients regardless of COVID status and keep patients and staff safe. While other state agencies moved to remote work, Dipman’s staff continued to provide 24/7 care across hospital programs and units. She advocated for staff pay increases to retain direct care and security staff, including base pay increases, incentive payments during the pandemic, and incentives for hourly employees working through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Dipman also led the implementation effort for statutory changes passed in 2022 to increase the number of providers conducting forensic competency evaluations in jails and expanding mobile restoration services among more than 20 counties.

TOPEKA– Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Monday that Dr. Lindsey Dinkel has been appointed Superintendent at Larned State Hospital (LSH) effective August 20, 2023, when current Superintendent Lesia Dipman officially retires, according to a media release from the agency.“Dr. Dinkel has the clinical and academic familiarity with hospital programs to seamlessly take over the role of superintendent and continue the hospital’s progress toward improved resident experiences and exceptional mental health care,”&nbsp;KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “I believe her range of professional knowledge is an asset that will enable her to transition smoothly and contribute immediately in this role.”Dr. Dinkel has more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field including roles in clinical, administrative, research, and academic settings. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Fort Hays State University followed by her master’s degree in forensic psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.Dr. Dinkel became a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 2020 with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice. She began as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Kansas in 2013 and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2018. She has specialized in treating mental illness in the forensic population and held clinical roles in other settings including child welfare, in-patient psychiatric care, involuntary commitment, and outpatient community service. Dr. Dinkel has been an active adjunct instructor teaching in the fields of forensic psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. She has held several roles during her tenure at LSH, including contract therapist within the Sexual Predator Treatment Program, Chief Operations Officer, and Assistant Superintendent.&nbsp;Dr. Dinkel will have a month to work alongside Superintendent Dipman to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.&nbsp;“KDADS and the State of Kansas extends its sincere gratitude to Superintendent Dipman for her steadfast commitment to the Larned community, her staff, and the residents we care for at the hospital,”&nbsp;KDADS Deputy Secretary of Hospitals and Facilities Scott Brunner said. “Lesia has been instrumental in leading the hospital through some very challenging times in her years in this role and is known and respected for successfully tackling some of the unique concerns on campus as well as her administrative and crisis management skills. She has been a great asset who will be missed.”&nbsp;LSH Superintendent Dipman has served the State of Kansas for 38 years, starting her career at LSH in 1984, working in various positions from food services to the nursing department, and in multiple departments, from the State Security Hospital to the adolescent unit and youth center. Dipman attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University (KSU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from KSU in 1994. By 2004, she was promoted to Director of Social Services at the hospital, and a year later earned a master’s degree in social work from Newman University in Wichita.&nbsp;In 2006, Dipman transferred to the State Security Program at LSH as the Administrative Program Director, her most recent position before being named Acting Superintendent by KDADS Secretary Howard in February 2019, then Superintendent in May 2019.In her nearly 5 years as Superintendent, Dipman was instrumental in leading LSH staff through the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting the hospital’s incident response plan to effectively operate in an infectious disease incident. She oversaw the isolation and quarantine processes in three separate hospital programs while continuing to admit patients regardless of COVID status and keep patients and staff safe. While other state agencies moved to remote work, Dipman’s staff continued to provide 24/7 care across hospital programs and units. She advocated for staff pay increases to retain direct care and security staff, including base pay increases, incentive payments during the pandemic, and incentives for hourly employees working through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Dipman also led the implementation effort for statutory changes passed in 2022 to increase the number of providers conducting forensic competency evaluations in jails and expanding mobile restoration services among more than 20 counties.

Dr. Dinkel appointed new Superintendent at Larned State Hospital

Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton Community College Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Bogner that aired July 24, 2023.

The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687372980932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton Community College Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Bogner that aired July 24, 2023.<div><iframe title="Cougar Pause - Barton Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7hux2-1464749-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Cougar Pause - Foundation Director Bogner

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Call it hitting two birds with one stone. When property is used in the commission of criminal activity, it may be seized by law enforcement officials. After a court process, that property may be sold at an auction. Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir calls it a win for the public and law enforcement.

"If you're hauling dope around in a motor vehicle, I'm going to file a lawsuit and I'm going to try and take your car," he said. "My theory is, we take the wheels away from the dopers, good enough. It slows them down. Bicycles are easier to catch."

Seizures are not limited to vehicles and may also include firearms and cash. Some of those items work their way into the sheriff's auction, and statute dictates how the sheriff's office can use those proceeds.

"The money I get from those seizure vehicles goes into a separate fund outside of the general fund, so that is under the control of the sheriff," Bellendir said. "That money is used for training, equipment, and stuff that is generally non-budgeted items. I'm saving the taxpayers money by seizing these vehicles. I'm keeping it out of my budget. I don't have to budget for that."

The sheriff's office does take a financial loss on some of the seizures, but Bellendir said overall, the process brings in more money than it costs. Some of the more dilapidated vehicles may be used at the shooting range to give deputies real-life experience of hitting targets through glass or doors.

"It's not like the movies where you shoot it three times and it blows up," said Bellendir. "I haven't found that ammunition yet."

The next Barton County Sheriff's Office auction is scheduled for this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689003064138.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostCall it hitting two birds with one stone. When property is used in the commission of criminal activity, it may be seized by law enforcement officials. After a court process, that property may be sold at an auction. Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir calls it a win for the public and law enforcement."If you're hauling dope around in a motor vehicle, I'm going to file a lawsuit and I'm going to try and take your car," he said. "My theory is, we take the wheels away from the dopers, good enough. It slows them down. Bicycles are easier to catch."Seizures are not limited to vehicles and may also include firearms and cash. Some of those items work their way into the sheriff's auction, and statute dictates how the sheriff's office can use those proceeds."The money I get from those seizure vehicles goes into a separate fund outside of the general fund, so that is under the control of the sheriff," Bellendir said. "That money is used for training, equipment, and stuff that is generally non-budgeted items. I'm saving the taxpayers money by seizing these vehicles. I'm keeping it out of my budget. I don't have to budget for that."The sheriff's office does take a financial loss on some of the seizures, but Bellendir said overall, the process brings in more money than it costs. Some of the more dilapidated vehicles may be used at the shooting range to give deputies real-life experience of hitting targets through glass or doors."It's not like the movies where you shoot it three times and it blows up," said Bellendir. "I haven't found that ammunition yet."The next Barton County Sheriff's Office auction is scheduled for this fall.

Barton Co. Sheriff's Office uses seizures to save tax dollars

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, July 25, 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.

4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.

5. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN &nbsp; &nbsp;Latoya Hill, Instructor &amp; Coordinator Pharmacy Technician program will give this presentation.

6. INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement will give this report.

7. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will facilitate this update.

8. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. BOT Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c. BOT Special Meeting Minutes of July 11, 2023

9. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACC/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update and video by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session, if needed, in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

11. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, July 25, 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts BuildingAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.2. OFFICIAL BOARD MEETINGS3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.5. PHARMACY TECHNICIAN &nbsp; &nbsp;Latoya Hill, Instructor &amp; Coordinator Pharmacy Technician program will give this presentation.6. INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement will give this report.7. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will facilitate this update.8. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. BOT Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c. BOT Special Meeting Minutes of July 11, 20239. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACC/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update and video by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session, if needed, in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.11. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.12. ADJOURNMENT

BCC Board of Trustees meeting agenda (7/25)

As recent storms and other emergencies have proven, 911 services are invaluable in the time of need. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission renewed a pair of contracts with Motorola Solutions to keep those operations in top form. Barton Communications Director Dena Popp presented to the commission.

"Back at the end of 2020, I'm sure the commission is aware, but we got SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) grants for two new 800 radio repeater towers," she said. "Included in that initial year was the maintenance portion of that. Years 2-5 were part of the contract although there were not able to be paid for with the SPARK money because of stipulations on the grant."

The commission agreed to pay $63,923 from the 911 tax fund to pay for annual support on the towers. The new contract will expire April 30, 2024. 

"This maintenance contract is pretty important to us," said Popp. "This provides all of the upgrades to keep us connected with everybody else in the state. There are intrusion alarms on the doors. There are power alarms so if the power goes out we know it. Most generally, the generator picks it right up so it's just a brief interruption. We had the batteries replaced recently. It does heat alarms, so if the air conditioner were to quit and it gets too hot in there, it's going to notify mobile radio. It saves me a lot of having to drive to Susank on a regular basis to try and go monitor that all myself."

The commission approved another $34,575 to be used for radio console upgrades at the Communications Center. That will come from the general fund, but Popp said the technology has been a roller coaster ride and the service agreement will pay for itself in short order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591217350392.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAs recent storms and other emergencies have proven, 911 services are invaluable in the time of need. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission renewed a pair of contracts with Motorola Solutions to keep those operations in top form. Barton Communications Director Dena Popp presented to the commission."Back at the end of 2020, I'm sure the commission is aware, but we got SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) grants for two new 800 radio repeater towers," she said. "Included in that initial year was the maintenance portion of that. Years 2-5 were part of the contract although there were not able to be paid for with the SPARK money because of stipulations on the grant."The commission agreed to pay $63,923 from the 911 tax fund to pay for annual support on the towers. The new contract will expire April 30, 2024. "This maintenance contract is pretty important to us," said Popp. "This provides all of the upgrades to keep us connected with everybody else in the state. There are intrusion alarms on the doors. There are power alarms so if the power goes out we know it. Most generally, the generator picks it right up so it's just a brief interruption. We had the batteries replaced recently. It does heat alarms, so if the air conditioner were to quit and it gets too hot in there, it's going to notify mobile radio. It saves me a lot of having to drive to Susank on a regular basis to try and go monitor that all myself."The commission approved another $34,575 to be used for radio console upgrades at the Communications Center. That will come from the general fund, but Popp said the technology has been a roller coaster ride and the service agreement will pay for itself in short order.

Barton Co. renews pair of 911 contracts with Motorola for $98K

Near the height of the drought, officials at Cheyenne Bottoms thought 10 inches of rain in a short period of time might help refill the wetlands. The experiment has failed. Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner said the 10 inches of rain that have fallen near headquarters since June have barely made a visible impact.

"Direct rainfall over the Bottoms doesn't really do much," he said. "It did saturate the soil, and it creates sheet water that stands there for a little while, but it doesn't do much to actually fill it up."

Wagner often monitors gauges of nearby water supplies that feed the Bottoms, but the Wet Walnut Creek has stopped flowing near Albert, and the Arkansas River is stagnant as well. But Wagner is hopeful that area rains will still benefit wildlife in the future.

"The one good thing about the direct rain we've had over the Bottoms, what is has done is it's done a good job of bringing a pretty good flush of food available if we would get water," he said. "It's not excellent, I wouldn't say, but there's pretty good food available in most of the pools."

Soil moisture throughout March and April is required for even better food sources. Wagner said if water continues to collect at the Bottoms, the plants will be a good food source for waterfowl. If the water does not come, the plants will become an excellent food source for pheasants later on.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689345351681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNear the height of the drought, officials at Cheyenne Bottoms thought 10 inches of rain in a short period of time might help refill the wetlands. The experiment has failed. Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner said the 10 inches of rain that have fallen near headquarters since June have barely made a visible impact."Direct rainfall over the Bottoms doesn't really do much," he said. "It did saturate the soil, and it creates sheet water that stands there for a little while, but it doesn't do much to actually fill it up."Wagner often monitors gauges of nearby water supplies that feed the Bottoms, but the Wet Walnut Creek has stopped flowing near Albert, and the Arkansas River is stagnant as well. But Wagner is hopeful that area rains will still benefit wildlife in the future."The one good thing about the direct rain we've had over the Bottoms, what is has done is it's done a good job of bringing a pretty good flush of food available if we would get water," he said. "It's not excellent, I wouldn't say, but there's pretty good food available in most of the pools."Soil moisture throughout March and April is required for even better food sources. Wagner said if water continues to collect at the Bottoms, the plants will be a good food source for waterfowl. If the water does not come, the plants will become an excellent food source for pheasants later on.

Cheyenne Bottoms not filling up despite recent rains

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/24) 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 10:23 a.m. an accident was reported at NE 40 Avenue &amp; NE 190 Road in
Susank. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 11:02 a.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 300 block of NE K-156
Highway. 
 
At 1:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at Railroad Avenue &amp; Patton
Road. 
 
Battery 
 
At 1:56 p.m. a report of battery was made at 5922 Anchor Way. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:14 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 135 at NE K-156 Highway in
Claflin. 
 
At 5:50 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. K-4 Highway &amp; NE 10
Avenue in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident
log (7/24) 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 1 a.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop at 19th &amp; Main. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 1:30 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2334 Main Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at Railroad Avenue &amp; Patton
Road. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 1:38 p.m. convulsions/seizures were reported at 16th &amp; Stone. 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
At 1:50 p.m. hemorrhage/lacerations were reported at 1121 Holland. 
 
Animal Comlaint 
 
At 2:18 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 5501 9th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 3:03 p.m. a theft was reported at 2609 Quivira Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 4:46 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1316 9th Street. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 7:25 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1424 Broadway. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:18 p.m. an accident was reported at 1000 Main Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:40 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 9951 B-29 Way. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 9:41 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3200 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/24) 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 10:23 a.m. an accident was reported at NE 40 Avenue &amp; NE 190 Road in
Susank. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 11:02 a.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 300 block of NE K-156
Highway. 
 
At 1:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at Railroad Avenue &amp; Patton
Road. 
 
Battery 
 
At 1:56 p.m. a report of battery was made at 5922 Anchor Way. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:14 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 135 at NE K-156 Highway in
Claflin. 
 
At 5:50 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. K-4 Highway &amp; NE 10
Avenue in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident
log (7/24) 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 1 a.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop at 19th &amp; Main. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 1:30 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2334 Main Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at Railroad Avenue &amp; Patton
Road. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 1:38 p.m. convulsions/seizures were reported at 16th &amp; Stone. 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
At 1:50 p.m. hemorrhage/lacerations were reported at 1121 Holland. 
 
Animal Comlaint 
 
At 2:18 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 5501 9th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 3:03 p.m. a theft was reported at 2609 Quivira Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 4:46 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1316 9th Street. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 7:25 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1424 Broadway. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:18 p.m. an accident was reported at 1000 Main Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:40 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 9951 B-29 Way. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 9:41 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3200 10th Street.

Cop Shop (7/24)

7/24 BOOKED: Vista Smith on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $901.50 cash only; and on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Bernard Buehler on Gray County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 cash only.

BOOKED: Tara Bailey on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Luis Escamilla-Gonzalez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, bond set at $500 C/S.

RELEASED: Bernard Buehler on Gray County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

RELEASED: Shawna Contrerez on Barton County District Court case, to treatment.

RELEASED: Luis Escamilla-Gonzalez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Peter Zamarripa on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Driving while Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Absolute Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/24 BOOKED: Vista Smith on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $901.50 cash only; and on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Bernard Buehler on Gray County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 cash only.BOOKED: Tara Bailey on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Luis Escamilla-Gonzalez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, bond set at $500 C/S.RELEASED: Bernard Buehler on Gray County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.RELEASED: Shawna Contrerez on Barton County District Court case, to treatment.RELEASED: Luis Escamilla-Gonzalez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery DV, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Peter Zamarripa on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Driving while Suspended, 2nd or subsequent, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Absolute Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/24)

A new tradition has returned at Great Bend High School: painting concrete under a hot July sun. The GBHS Class of 2023 received approval last year to begin painting Senior Parking Spots. Monday morning, the new group of seniors began re-personalizing many of the stalls.

"Us as WAC Leadership, we're going to carry on the tradition that the seniors before us left," said senior Paige Thexton. "We set up one day in the morning and let all the seniors that were eligible come in and pick their spots."

To be eligible, seniors must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0, as well as minimal tardies or other disciplinary issues. The students also pay $20 to pick their spot, but that's a fraction of the cost as many students are spending more than $120 for various colors of paint to bring their stalls to life. The stalls are reserved for that student from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on school days.

"We opened the doors at 7 and there were kids sitting outside the school doors at 5:30 trying to get the best spot," Thexton said. "It was first-come, first-serve."

This year's class may benefit from last year's project as some of the concrete has already been primed and painted. Money raised from last year's stalls will be used to clean painted stalls that will not be repainted this year. Makeila Straub selected a front-row stall on the south side of the high school that was not painted last year.

"It's a lot of tedious work, especially on this asphalt where you can't get into all the little crevices with your rollers," she said. "We had to use some brushes, and we did a little layer of white first just to have a base coat."

Images are approved by administration ahead of the paint. Straub picked a prime location, but her stall features a large, sandy crack she will have to paint around. Her image: a seagull from the Pixar film "Finding Nemo," proclaiming her space as "Mine, mine, mine!"

Heat indices approaching 110 degrees this week will not slow down the approximately 50 GBHS seniors who picked stalls. "It's terrible," Straub said. "But on the bright side, your paint dries faster."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690219518637.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School senior Rylee Prilling applies a first coat to her parking stall Monday morning." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School senior Rylee Prilling applies a first coat to her parking stall Monday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA new tradition has returned at Great Bend High School: painting concrete under a hot July sun. The GBHS Class of 2023 received approval last year to begin painting Senior Parking Spots. Monday morning, the new group of seniors began re-personalizing many of the stalls."Us as WAC Leadership, we're going to carry on the tradition that the seniors before us left," said senior Paige Thexton. "We set up one day in the morning and let all the seniors that were eligible come in and pick their spots."To be eligible, seniors must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0, as well as minimal tardies or other disciplinary issues. The students also pay $20 to pick their spot, but that's a fraction of the cost as many students are spending more than $120 for various colors of paint to bring their stalls to life. The stalls are reserved for that student from 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on school days."We opened the doors at 7 and there were kids sitting outside the school doors at 5:30 trying to get the best spot," Thexton said. "It was first-come, first-serve."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690219600905.jpeg" alt="Makeila Straub's front-row spot will include a seagull from the movie "Finding Nemo."" />
 <figcaption>Makeila Straub's front-row spot will include a seagull from the movie "Finding Nemo."</figcaption>
 </figure>This year's class may benefit from last year's project as some of the concrete has already been primed and painted. Money raised from last year's stalls will be used to clean painted stalls that will not be repainted this year. Makeila Straub selected a front-row stall on the south side of the high school that was not painted last year."It's a lot of tedious work, especially on this asphalt where you can't get into all the little crevices with your rollers," she said. "We had to use some brushes, and we did a little layer of white first just to have a base coat."Images are approved by administration ahead of the paint. Straub picked a prime location, but her stall features a large, sandy crack she will have to paint around. Her image: a seagull from the Pixar film "Finding Nemo," proclaiming her space as "Mine, mine, mine!"Heat indices approaching 110 degrees this week will not slow down the approximately 50 GBHS seniors who picked stalls. "It's terrible," Straub said. "But on the bright side, your paint dries faster."

Great Bend Class of '24 carrying on Senior Parking Spot tradition

Today Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South-southwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming south-southwest after midnight.

Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. South-southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Breezy.

Friday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South-southwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Wednesday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Southwest wind 9 to 13 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming south-southwest after midnight.Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. South-southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Breezy.Friday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

Many of us are recovering from the recent wind and hail storm.&nbsp; Here at the district office, we experienced some broken glass, as many of you have.&nbsp; Our hearts go out to those of you who experienced the worst of it, but we are also touched to see neighbors reaching out to neighbors to help with the clean up. &nbsp;

The next time you stop at the Service Center, stop in and say hi and meet a few of the new faces here!&nbsp; The Conservation District welcomed our new Conservation Technician&nbsp;Kristia Zeretzke&nbsp;on July 10.&nbsp; We also are pleased to welcome our NRCS partner&nbsp;Joe Gabel&nbsp;to our office.&nbsp; Most recently a Soil Conservation Technician at the La Crosse office, Joe recently took a position with the area office as a Civil Engineering Technician, and is now calling Great Bend his home office.&nbsp; Brad Younker, the area Civil Engineer, will also be stopping in more often.&nbsp; Of course, everyone may be doing field work when the weather permits, but we are excited to have many hands at your service.

The first round of the State Cost Share program has been ranked and contracts are being sent out this week.&nbsp; We were informed recently that there will be&nbsp;a second round of cost share funding coming to the districts in August, so now is a great time to get applications in for fall projects.&nbsp; The additional dollars are specifically for the following projects: &nbsp;Soil Health, Nutrient Management, Irrigation Water Conservation, Pasture Range Management and Riparian Area Conservation. &nbsp;

Maybe this is the year to&nbsp;try cover&nbsp;crops.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is continuing efforts to support conservation districts with outreach assistance Kansas Climate Smart Initiative. Producers can stack dollars they receive through the program with state cost share dollars for select practices they qualify for, making cover crop practices more economical than ever before.

Preparations for&nbsp;Kids Ag Day&nbsp;here in Barton County, and fall gardening classes at the Victory Garden of Barton County are also on the horizon.&nbsp; We look forward to visiting with you soon.

Veronica Coons Barton County Conservation District Manager

&nbsp;Did you know? The conservation district provides educational outreach to classrooms throughout the county.&nbsp; We have a variety of demonstrations and activities that we can bring to students of all ages to spread the word about the importance of conservation in their lives. Teachers - give us a call and let us know how we can help you.

Congratulations&nbsp;to the winner of our 2023 Barton County Fair Open Class Photo Contest The Barton County Conservation District sponsored the special Open Class photo contest again this year, Conservation Photography.&nbsp; This year, our theme was Pollinators.&nbsp; Entries included photos of bees and butterflies hard at work.

FSA The 2023 County Committee Election is coming up and there is still time to submit nominations to FSA for the Local Administrative Area #2.&nbsp; This includes the following townships: &nbsp;Union, Beaver, Cleveland, Cheyenne North, Cheyenne South, Independent, Logan, Lakin West, and Lakin East.&nbsp; Randy Demel has been serving this area for 3 years. Producers living and farming in this area, including minorities, women, and new farmers, are encouraged to consider running for this position.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates.&nbsp;To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form.&nbsp;All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by&nbsp;August 1, 2023.

&nbsp;Did You Know? The conservation district sells seed for your conservation needs.&nbsp; We maintain relationships with reputable seed dealers that provide customized mixes of native grasses and forbs that comply with prescribed seeding plans for conservation projects administered through the local Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.&nbsp; We verify price, receive seed or make arrangements to have large orders delivered to your location, and we ensure documentation is provided in a timely manner to FSA or NRCS.&nbsp; Proceeds raised through conservation seed sales provide additional funds to the district to expand and improve the way we serve the people of Barton County through outreach to producers, schools and the general public. &nbsp;

More Cost Share Dollars coming! As mentioned in our opening letter, a second round of cost share funds is coming our way August 1.&nbsp; Now is a great time to send in your application for assistance with your conservation projects planned for this fall.&nbsp; Attached to this email is an application, a blank W-9, and a list of the eligible practices we will cost share on for this second round of funding.&nbsp; Please have applications in by July 31, as the funds will be on a first-come first-serve basis beginning Aug. 1. &nbsp;

Kansas Association Of Conservation Districts Announces Partnership

&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD), in partnership with Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), is announcing a program to reward producers across Kansas for planting cover crops and implementing other regenerative practices.

In 2022 Kansas had a goal of planting 100,000 acres of cover crops through this program. Kansas producers stepped up and enrolled over that amount. In 2023 the program was expanded to plant 200,000 acres of cover crops as well as other practice activities for producers that have wheat in their rotation.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cover Crops: &nbsp; &nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;New in 2023 $25/acre &nbsp; &nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;New in 2018 to 2022 $15/acre &nbsp; &nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All other $10/acre

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional payment options for implementing regenerative practices/activities of no-till or strip-till, live roots year round, fertilizer efficiency and carbon neutrality.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Single year contracts will continue to be available for producers.

The Barton County Conservation District will assist with implementation of the program at the county level, primarily by assisting producers in the application process.

This program promotes sustainability and regenerative agriculture practices that will help support continuous improvement of the agriculture supply chain. The ultimate goal is to create more value for the crops farmers are growing regeneratively by adding environmental characteristics to the practices that positively impact the environment.

Farmers who implement regenerative practices may see improvements in long-term profitability through reduced input costs and higher yields. By accelerating the adoption of these practices, this grant will help enhance soil health, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gasses, improve water resources, and support wildlife while providing economic benefits to participating farmers.

For more information about this new opportunity please contact the Barton County Conservation District office.

The garden took a hit by the hail, but it's still going strong.&nbsp; We are supplying our food bank with lots of fresh veggies from the demonstration garden.&nbsp; If you are interested in signing up early for a bed next spring, we will begin taking applications September 1.&nbsp; Existing gardeners will get first preference, but there are some beds open that our gardeners have “adopted” temporarily. It’s about time to start seeds for fall, and we will be starting fall garden classes in August. .&nbsp; We will share dates and times on our Facebook page and through the media and this newsletter as soon as dates and times are finalized.&nbsp; We hope your garden is growing well!

A newsletter we’ve been following is out of the University of Missouri Extension called the Engaged Neighbor Newsletter. &nbsp; David Burton, the Community Development Specialist there has been working hard for the past two or three years to ignite a&nbsp;neighboring movement.&nbsp; Have you found yourself wondering what it would take for your own neighborhood to be more welcoming and ideal? Check out their newsletter:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mailer.missouri.edu/42N5-KK5F-7D4F6455389AFA046ZPOIWD6D706CAAA12FBCC/cr.aspx&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1689801859173412&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HTfNXD3EOn8Fbi0rKMhcB" target="_blank">https://mailer.missouri.edu/42N5-KK5F-7D4F6455389AFA046ZPOIWD6D706CAAA12FBCC/cr.aspx</a>

Also, for a great movie about neighbors, watch&nbsp;A Man Named Otto, starring Tom Hanks.&nbsp; The movie is very closely based on the book A Man Named Ove, by Fredrik Backman. &nbsp;

I pledge to intentionally build connections with neighbors, develop my leadership skills in my neighborhood, and grow my social capital through neighborhood relationships. I will become an engaged neighbor by pursuing these “Engaged Neighbor” principles.

1. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn and use my neighbors by names and get them together for food and fun.

2. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lend a strong back or a listening ear when needed or requested.

3. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do more front-yard living to be available for conversations and service opportunities.

4. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Discard a mentality of busyness or individualistic gain in favor of a mentality of presence and mutual gain in the place where I live.

5. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Use neighbor etiquette: be quiet, respect their time, and watch their property.

6. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Invest my time and talent through a homeowners or neighborhood association.

7. Express gratitude for those living near you by performing spontaneous kind deeds.

8. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Join with neighbors to set priorities and pursue the common good of the neighborhood.

9. &nbsp; &nbsp; Participate in Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept 28. – Oct. 4) to build connections with my neighbors and share the benefits of being an engaged neighbor.

10. &nbsp; Be motivated by love, kindness, and mutual respect for my neighbor. Never turn a neighbor into a special project.

11. &nbsp; Pursue reconciliation, offer forgiveness, and give my neighbors the benefit of the doubt when conflicts arise.

12. &nbsp; Be a continual learner about the value of neighboring by reading or listening to related books and enrolling in MU&nbsp;Extension's&nbsp;Neighboring 101 class.

13. &nbsp; Include neighbors who are overlooked, marginalized, disabled, widowed or lonely.

14. &nbsp; In your neighborhood, focus on what is strong, not wrong; on solutions not problems.

15.&nbsp; Exercise the plus-one approach to neighboring daily.

16.&nbsp; When it comes to being an engaged neighbor: celebrate it, highlight it, and recognize it.

Contact us: The Barton County Conservation District is located at the USDA Service Center located at 926 S. Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.&nbsp; We are in a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and share an office space.&nbsp; The Great Bend Farm Service Agency office is also located in the same building

Our phone number is (620) 792-3346.&nbsp; We are at extension 303. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620306273203.jpeg" alt="Conservation Connection, July 2023 edition" />
 <figcaption>Conservation Connection, July 2023 edition</figcaption>
 </figure>Hello Barton County! &nbsp;Many of us are recovering from the recent wind and hail storm.&nbsp; Here at the district office, we experienced some broken glass, as many of you have.&nbsp; Our hearts go out to those of you who experienced the worst of it, but we are also touched to see neighbors reaching out to neighbors to help with the clean up. &nbsp;The next time you stop at the Service Center, stop in and say hi and meet a few of the new faces here!&nbsp; The Conservation District welcomed our new Conservation Technician&nbsp;Kristia Zeretzke&nbsp;on July 10.&nbsp; We also are pleased to welcome our NRCS partner&nbsp;Joe Gabel&nbsp;to our office.&nbsp; Most recently a Soil Conservation Technician at the La Crosse office, Joe recently took a position with the area office as a Civil Engineering Technician, and is now calling Great Bend his home office.&nbsp; Brad Younker, the area Civil Engineer, will also be stopping in more often.&nbsp; Of course, everyone may be doing field work when the weather permits, but we are excited to have many hands at your service.The first round of the State Cost Share program has been ranked and contracts are being sent out this week.&nbsp; We were informed recently that there will be&nbsp;a second round of cost share funding coming to the districts in August, so now is a great time to get applications in for fall projects.&nbsp; The additional dollars are specifically for the following projects: &nbsp;Soil Health, Nutrient Management, Irrigation Water Conservation, Pasture Range Management and Riparian Area Conservation. &nbsp;Maybe this is the year to&nbsp;try cover&nbsp;crops.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts is continuing efforts to support conservation districts with outreach assistance Kansas Climate Smart Initiative. Producers can stack dollars they receive through the program with state cost share dollars for select practices they qualify for, making cover crop practices more economical than ever before.Preparations for&nbsp;Kids Ag Day&nbsp;here in Barton County, and fall gardening classes at the Victory Garden of Barton County are also on the horizon.&nbsp; We look forward to visiting with you soon.Veronica Coons Barton County Conservation District Manager--&nbsp;Did you know? The conservation district provides educational outreach to classrooms throughout the county.&nbsp; We have a variety of demonstrations and activities that we can bring to students of all ages to spread the word about the importance of conservation in their lives. Teachers - give us a call and let us know how we can help you.Congratulations&nbsp;to the winner of our 2023 Barton County Fair Open Class Photo Contest The Barton County Conservation District sponsored the special Open Class photo contest again this year, Conservation Photography.&nbsp; This year, our theme was Pollinators.&nbsp; Entries included photos of bees and butterflies hard at work.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/kkufkGpISkW9YtxCkDgkg_2IJcGN6ziq3GceYrBftdKJPqdzkJtfih5uTORuFIuubeaPOKHvnBvisF0ve1_3b3CRX8h9AXmKAt620hYwHo5-pXusVlLD1OqmgEuotthlW13mnDZTcJoF4qJJRxv43Po" alt="Our 1st place winner this year is Willow Braddy of Hoisington and the photo was taken at the Wodzyiak farm." />
 <figcaption>Our 1st place winner this year is Willow Braddy of Hoisington and the photo was taken at the Wodzyiak farm.</figcaption>
 </figure>--FSA The 2023 County Committee Election is coming up and there is still time to submit nominations to FSA for the Local Administrative Area #2.&nbsp; This includes the following townships: &nbsp;Union, Beaver, Cleveland, Cheyenne North, Cheyenne South, Independent, Logan, Lakin West, and Lakin East.&nbsp; Randy Demel has been serving this area for 3 years. Producers living and farming in this area, including minorities, women, and new farmers, are encouraged to consider running for this position.Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates.&nbsp;To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form.&nbsp;All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by&nbsp;August 1, 2023.--&nbsp;Did You Know? The conservation district sells seed for your conservation needs.&nbsp; We maintain relationships with reputable seed dealers that provide customized mixes of native grasses and forbs that comply with prescribed seeding plans for conservation projects administered through the local Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.&nbsp; We verify price, receive seed or make arrangements to have large orders delivered to your location, and we ensure documentation is provided in a timely manner to FSA or NRCS.&nbsp; Proceeds raised through conservation seed sales provide additional funds to the district to expand and improve the way we serve the people of Barton County through outreach to producers, schools and the general public. &nbsp;--More Cost Share Dollars coming! As mentioned in our opening letter, a second round of cost share funds is coming our way August 1.&nbsp; Now is a great time to send in your application for assistance with your conservation projects planned for this fall.&nbsp; Attached to this email is an application, a blank W-9, and a list of the eligible practices we will cost share on for this second round of funding.&nbsp; Please have applications in by July 31, as the funds will be on a first-come first-serve basis beginning Aug. 1. &nbsp;--Kansas Association Of Conservation Districts Announces Partnership&nbsp;The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD), in partnership with Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), is announcing a program to reward producers across Kansas for planting cover crops and implementing other regenerative practices.In 2022 Kansas had a goal of planting 100,000 acres of cover crops through this program. Kansas producers stepped up and enrolled over that amount. In 2023 the program was expanded to plant 200,000 acres of cover crops as well as other practice activities for producers that have wheat in their rotation.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cover Crops: &nbsp; &nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;New in 2023 $25/acre &nbsp; &nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;New in 2018 to 2022 $15/acre &nbsp; &nbsp;·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All other $10/acre·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional payment options for implementing regenerative practices/activities of no-till or strip-till, live roots year round, fertilizer efficiency and carbon neutrality.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Single year contracts will continue to be available for producers.The Barton County Conservation District will assist with implementation of the program at the county level, primarily by assisting producers in the application process.This program promotes sustainability and regenerative agriculture practices that will help support continuous improvement of the agriculture supply chain. The ultimate goal is to create more value for the crops farmers are growing regeneratively by adding environmental characteristics to the practices that positively impact the environment.Farmers who implement regenerative practices may see improvements in long-term profitability through reduced input costs and higher yields. By accelerating the adoption of these practices, this grant will help enhance soil health, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gasses, improve water resources, and support wildlife while providing economic benefits to participating farmers.For more information about this new opportunity please contact the Barton County Conservation District office.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/AeihBbhXhLxcycCZOdYJM3EZ8eblX7n1YM7Rw4o_HlZIb0ov5KjISvMyGM-fufo3JcGA8o-SLmEDJol1uGbcCMjF-WBe3ue8LAXLDm9S-GAvKvrpESJ44KaaJJVIvgiq27xbCBXqjdCDjvoJvvtp89M" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>--We still have a couple of spaces left!<figure>
 <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ylXbZN3WaaPwKNDllizL0HBgZySuZdLgdhuuc8Qy1LLUWykYuLhZ-9xEn3Y5el4suaBRDXwRTdyECuPnVl3ENCubMqajhfXX5NYZtixR-f1SCf5AiM71zPn0WjkLN3Q2-9pGZdRouu_RUVdFTe4SnSY" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The garden took a hit by the hail, but it's still going strong.&nbsp; We are supplying our food bank with lots of fresh veggies from the demonstration garden.&nbsp; If you are interested in signing up early for a bed next spring, we will begin taking applications September 1.&nbsp; Existing gardeners will get first preference, but there are some beds open that our gardeners have “adopted” temporarily. It’s about time to start seeds for fall, and we will be starting fall garden classes in August. .&nbsp; We will share dates and times on our Facebook page and through the media and this newsletter as soon as dates and times are finalized.&nbsp; We hope your garden is growing well!--Becoming an Engaged NeighborA newsletter we’ve been following is out of the University of Missouri Extension called the Engaged Neighbor Newsletter. &nbsp; David Burton, the Community Development Specialist there has been working hard for the past two or three years to ignite a&nbsp;neighboring movement.&nbsp; Have you found yourself wondering what it would take for your own neighborhood to be more welcoming and ideal? Check out their newsletter:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mailer.missouri.edu/42N5-KK5F-7D4F6455389AFA046ZPOIWD6D706CAAA12FBCC/cr.aspx&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1689801859173412&amp;usg=AOvVaw2HTfNXD3EOn8Fbi0rKMhcB" target="_blank">https://mailer.missouri.edu/42N5-KK5F-7D4F6455389AFA046ZPOIWD6D706CAAA12FBCC/cr.aspx</a>Also, for a great movie about neighbors, watch&nbsp;A Man Named Otto, starring Tom Hanks.&nbsp; The movie is very closely based on the book A Man Named Ove, by Fredrik Backman. &nbsp;From the newsletter:<h2>Engaged Neighbor Pledge</h2>I pledge to intentionally build connections with neighbors, develop my leadership skills in my neighborhood, and grow my social capital through neighborhood relationships. I will become an engaged neighbor by pursuing these “Engaged Neighbor” principles.1. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn and use my neighbors by names and get them together for food and fun.2. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lend a strong back or a listening ear when needed or requested.3. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do more front-yard living to be available for conversations and service opportunities.4. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Discard a mentality of busyness or individualistic gain in favor of a mentality of presence and mutual gain in the place where I live.5. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Use neighbor etiquette: be quiet, respect their time, and watch their property.6. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Invest my time and talent through a homeowners or neighborhood association.7. Express gratitude for those living near you by performing spontaneous kind deeds.8. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Join with neighbors to set priorities and pursue the common good of the neighborhood.9. &nbsp; &nbsp; Participate in Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept 28. – Oct. 4) to build connections with my neighbors and share the benefits of being an engaged neighbor.10. &nbsp; Be motivated by love, kindness, and mutual respect for my neighbor. Never turn a neighbor into a special project.11. &nbsp; Pursue reconciliation, offer forgiveness, and give my neighbors the benefit of the doubt when conflicts arise.12. &nbsp; Be a continual learner about the value of neighboring by reading or listening to related books and enrolling in MU&nbsp;Extension's&nbsp;Neighboring 101 class.13. &nbsp; Include neighbors who are overlooked, marginalized, disabled, widowed or lonely.14. &nbsp; In your neighborhood, focus on what is strong, not wrong; on solutions not problems.15.&nbsp; Exercise the plus-one approach to neighboring daily.16.&nbsp; When it comes to being an engaged neighbor: celebrate it, highlight it, and recognize it.--Contact us: The Barton County Conservation District is located at the USDA Service Center located at 926 S. Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.&nbsp; We are in a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and share an office space.&nbsp; The Great Bend Farm Service Agency office is also located in the same buildingOur phone number is (620) 792-3346.&nbsp; We are at extension 303. &nbsp;Barton County Conservation District Manager&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Veronica Coons <a href="mailto:bcconservation.dis@gmail.com">bcconservation.dis@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;NRCS Supervisory District Conservationist&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; Haley Bond <a href="mailto:haley.bond@usda.gov">haley.bond@usda.gov</a>NRCS Soil Technician&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;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dan Frieb <a href="mailto:dan.frieb@usda.gov">dan.frieb@usda.gov</a>&nbsp;