Wind and hail damage took many of the weather-related headlines this weekend, but the Golden Belt area did have significant rain totals with storms moving through on Friday, July 14, and Sunday, July 16. The heavier rains moved through on Sunday with more than two inches falling in some areas. Below are totals reported for July 14-16.

Eagle Media Center, 12th and Baker Great Bend:&nbsp;&nbsp;2.70 3-Miles North of Alexander - Charles Austin:&nbsp;&nbsp;2.40 North of Albert - Steve Schneider:&nbsp;.70 Quail Creek Great Bend-Kevyn Soupiset:&nbsp;&nbsp;2.58 North of Susank-Don Mai: 2.10 West of G.B./North of Larned-Geral Oetken:&nbsp;.46 Seward Metro Plex-Richard Devine: NA West of Galatia-Barbara Merry:&nbsp;NA South of Rush Center-Marvin Schneider: NA Bissell Point - Phil G:&nbsp;1.50 West Great Bend-Juan Yureva: NA BTI South of Great Bend:&nbsp; NA Panning Ranch 2 miles East of Ellinwood:&nbsp; NA Great Bend High School - Mike Courson: 2.22 Hoisington-Greg:&nbsp;NA West of Larned-Gary Wagner:&nbsp; NA North of Hollyrood-Andrew: 2.78 Ellinwood-Glen Hertle: NA

American Plains Coop Locations Test plot West of Great Bend: NA Pawnee Rock:&nbsp;NA North Great Bend location:&nbsp;NA Ellinwood:&nbsp;NA Russell:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA Susank:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA Radium:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA Seward:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653490575826.jpeg" alt="Rainfall totals&nbsp; for July 14-16 called into the 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM studio 792-2479 " />
 <figcaption>Rainfall totals&nbsp; for July 14-16 called into the 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM studio 792-2479 </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostWind and hail damage took many of the weather-related headlines this weekend, but the Golden Belt area did have significant rain totals with storms moving through on Friday, July 14, and Sunday, July 16. The heavier rains moved through on Sunday with more than two inches falling in some areas. Below are totals reported for July 14-16.Eagle Media Center, 12th and Baker Great Bend:&nbsp;&nbsp;2.70 3-Miles North of Alexander - Charles Austin:&nbsp;&nbsp;2.40 North of Albert - Steve Schneider:&nbsp;.70 Quail Creek Great Bend-Kevyn Soupiset:&nbsp;&nbsp;2.58 North of Susank-Don Mai: 2.10 West of G.B./North of Larned-Geral Oetken:&nbsp;.46 Seward Metro Plex-Richard Devine: NA West of Galatia-Barbara Merry:&nbsp;NA South of Rush Center-Marvin Schneider: NA Bissell Point - Phil G:&nbsp;1.50 West Great Bend-Juan Yureva: NA BTI South of Great Bend:&nbsp; NA Panning Ranch 2 miles East of Ellinwood:&nbsp; NA Great Bend High School - Mike Courson: 2.22 Hoisington-Greg:&nbsp;NA West of Larned-Gary Wagner:&nbsp; NA North of Hollyrood-Andrew: 2.78 Ellinwood-Glen Hertle: NAAmerican Plains Coop Locations Test plot West of Great Bend: NA Pawnee Rock:&nbsp;NA North Great Bend location:&nbsp;NA Ellinwood:&nbsp;NA Russell:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA Susank:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA Radium:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA Seward:&nbsp;&nbsp;NA

Area rainfall totals (7/14/23 - 7/16/23)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Always landing on the second Saturday in August, the 11th
Annual Party in the Park is less than a month away in Great Bend. The outdoor
festival at Veterans Memorial Park will feature many of the staples that residents
have come accustom to, but Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes
said there will be new features including Nerf wars, money pit and a cup
competition. 

The musical entertainment begins at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. "We will open with The Heathens, which is a local band," said Hayes. "Our big concert is going to be a Garth Brooks tribute band coming from Texas. Our community really loves songs we can all sing to. This will be a great one to try out. Homebrew will end the night after the fireworks." 
The mud volleyball tournament, wet/dry parade, kids fun zone and the “Anything
that Floats” race all return for the celebration.&nbsp;

Party in the Park schedule (Aug. 12) 9 a.m. - Oozefest Mud Volleyball 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Pop up Adventure Playground 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Paint in the Park 10 a.m. - Wet/Dry Parade&nbsp; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Nerf Wars 11 a.m. -4 p.m. - Kids Fun Zone 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Airbrush Tattoos 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Shifters Car Show 11:15 a.m. - Anything That Floats Race 12 p.m. - Lunch with Vendors 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Nerf Wars 2 p.m. - Money Pit 3 p.m. - Cup Competition&nbsp; 3:15 p.m. - Cornhole Check-in Time 4 p.m. - Cornhole Tournament 6 p.m. - Gates Open for Concert 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Concert Photobooth 6:15 p.m. - The Heathens 8 p.m. - Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute 10 p.m. - Fireworks 10:30 p.m. - Homebrew

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689705435220.jpeg" alt="The 11th Annual Party in the Park is Aug. 12 at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>The 11th Annual Party in the Park is Aug. 12 at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAlways landing on the second Saturday in August, the 11th
Annual Party in the Park is less than a month away in Great Bend. The outdoor
festival at Veterans Memorial Park will feature many of the staples that residents
have come accustom to, but Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes
said there will be new features including Nerf wars, money pit and a cup
competition. The musical entertainment begins at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. "We will open with The Heathens, which is a local band," said Hayes. "Our big concert is going to be a Garth Brooks tribute band coming from Texas. Our community really loves songs we can all sing to. This will be a great one to try out. Homebrew will end the night after the fireworks." 
The mud volleyball tournament, wet/dry parade, kids fun zone and the “Anything
that Floats” race all return for the celebration.&nbsp;Party in the Park schedule (Aug. 12) 9 a.m. - Oozefest Mud Volleyball 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Pop up Adventure Playground 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Paint in the Park 10 a.m. - Wet/Dry Parade&nbsp; 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Nerf Wars 11 a.m. -4 p.m. - Kids Fun Zone 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Airbrush Tattoos 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Shifters Car Show 11:15 a.m. - Anything That Floats Race 12 p.m. - Lunch with Vendors 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Nerf Wars 2 p.m. - Money Pit 3 p.m. - Cup Competition&nbsp; 3:15 p.m. - Cornhole Check-in Time 4 p.m. - Cornhole Tournament 6 p.m. - Gates Open for Concert 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Concert Photobooth 6:15 p.m. - The Heathens 8 p.m. - Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute 10 p.m. - Fireworks 10:30 p.m. - Homebrew

Musical entertainment announced for Great Bend’s Party in the Park

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/18) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 10:36 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 3116 28th Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 3:34 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 637 SW 10 Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:13 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 50
Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:21 p.m. cattle out was reported at NE 20 Avenue &amp; NW 30 Road. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:18 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1823 Tyler Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident
log (7/18) 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:17 a.m. Cathy McNett reported a theft at 811 Grant Street. 
 
Heat Exposure 
 
At 9:51 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5318 10th Street. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 11:09 a.m. Todd Becker reported a narcotics violation at 5210 10th
Street. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 11:51 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 6000 Broadway. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 4:03 p.m. Clint Stafford reported an animal complaint at 2415 Zarah Dr. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 4:04 p.m. Justin Brown reported criminal damage at 2204 Franklin Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 6:30 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 1100 block of Heizer Street. 
 
At 11:07 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop in the 4900 block of Lakin
Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:18 p.m. the GBFD responded to a residence on fire at 1823 Tyler Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/18) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 10:36 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 3116 28th Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 3:34 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 637 SW 10 Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:13 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 50
Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:21 p.m. cattle out was reported at NE 20 Avenue &amp; NW 30 Road. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:18 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1823 Tyler Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department incident
log (7/18) 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:17 a.m. Cathy McNett reported a theft at 811 Grant Street. 
 
Heat Exposure 
 
At 9:51 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5318 10th Street. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 11:09 a.m. Todd Becker reported a narcotics violation at 5210 10th
Street. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 11:51 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 6000 Broadway. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 4:03 p.m. Clint Stafford reported an animal complaint at 2415 Zarah Dr. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 4:04 p.m. Justin Brown reported criminal damage at 2204 Franklin Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 6:30 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 1100 block of Heizer Street. 
 
At 11:07 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop in the 4900 block of Lakin
Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:18 p.m. the GBFD responded to a residence on fire at 1823 Tyler Street.

Cop Shop (7/18)

At approximately 11:20 p.m.&nbsp; on July 18, the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 1800 block of Tyler Street in Great Bend. Fire units arrived to find a single-family residence with smoke coming from the eaves. 

Fire crews began an initial fire attack and were met with heavy smoke, fire and high heat conditions. Crews were able to make a quick initial attack to extinguish the fire while a search was completed of the residence to ensure everyone was out of the structure. Occupants of the residence were not home at the time of the fire. 

The fire was investigated by an investigator with the Great Bend Fire Department and remains under investigation at this time but appears to be accidental in nature. The residence has significant fire, heat, smoke and water damage throughout. 

Great Bend Fire Department would like to thank the Great Bend Police Department, Wheatland Electric and Kansas Gas Service for their assistance at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689774641001.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 11:20 p.m.&nbsp; on July 18, the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the report of a structure fire in the 1800 block of Tyler Street in Great Bend. Fire units arrived to find a single-family residence with smoke coming from the eaves. Fire crews began an initial fire attack and were met with heavy smoke, fire and high heat conditions. Crews were able to make a quick initial attack to extinguish the fire while a search was completed of the residence to ensure everyone was out of the structure. Occupants of the residence were not home at the time of the fire. The fire was investigated by an investigator with the Great Bend Fire Department and remains under investigation at this time but appears to be accidental in nature. The residence has significant fire, heat, smoke and water damage throughout. Great Bend Fire Department would like to thank the Great Bend Police Department, Wheatland Electric and Kansas Gas Service for their assistance at the scene.

Crews respond to fire on Tyler St. in Great Bend

7/18 BOOKED: Miranda Schwartz on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Raymond Chapman on three Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Willie Freemyer on Rush County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/18 BOOKED: Miranda Schwartz on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO and Leaving the Scene of an Accident, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Raymond Chapman on three Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Willie Freemyer on Rush County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/18)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Barton County Clerk's office continues to handle issues that could throw a wrench in elections. First, there was the move to the new facility at 1500 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend. Then there were power outages that closed county operations on Monday. Clerk Bev Schmeidler announced Tuesday that early voting has started for the USD 112 Central Plains disorganization matter that will be decided across five counties on Aug. 1.

"Ellsworth County is the home county, so we're just doing the Barton County voters in that school district," she said. "We started early voting (Tuesday), and we'll continue to do so until Monday at noon on July 31. That's when early voting will close and Election Day is on Aug. 1. They'll have to go to the polling place in Claflin at that time."

Advanced voting for the special election was already underway in Ellsworth, Russell, Rice, and Lincoln counties. Sunday's storms prevented Barton County from beginning its election on Monday. Voting will take place in an old fitting room inside the former JC Penney building. Chris Saenz with the clerk's office cut the fitting room doors to make shelves for four voting machines, including one for patrons who wish to be seated while voting. Another fitting room may be used for those wanting a paper ballot. Schmeidler said the new facility is just as secure as the office in the courthouse. Even the vents in the fitting room have been blocked to enhance security.

"It's a totally enclosed room here," she said. "There's only one entry and that's a steel door that is double-bolted and we have a security system on. In the courthouse, we have our door that we can lock, then our things within there are locked in a cage. We don't have that so we're kind of exposed. We've been very careful about that."

A "no" vote in the election would mean keeping USD 112 intact, as is. A "yes" vote would mean disorganizing the district and turning decisions over to the state board of education. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b3cf16a1-8f9b-41ed-bdaa-e87d9bc85c35">CLICK HERE</a> for a list of polling locations on Aug. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689695775554.jpeg" alt="The Barton County Clerk's office is fully operational and secure inside the former JC Penney building located at 1500 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>The Barton County Clerk's office is fully operational and secure inside the former JC Penney building located at 1500 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Barton County Clerk's office continues to handle issues that could throw a wrench in elections. First, there was the move to the new facility at 1500 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend. Then there were power outages that closed county operations on Monday. Clerk Bev Schmeidler announced Tuesday that early voting has started for the USD 112 Central Plains disorganization matter that will be decided across five counties on Aug. 1."Ellsworth County is the home county, so we're just doing the Barton County voters in that school district," she said. "We started early voting (Tuesday), and we'll continue to do so until Monday at noon on July 31. That's when early voting will close and Election Day is on Aug. 1. They'll have to go to the polling place in Claflin at that time."Advanced voting for the special election was already underway in Ellsworth, Russell, Rice, and Lincoln counties. Sunday's storms prevented Barton County from beginning its election on Monday. Voting will take place in an old fitting room inside the former JC Penney building. Chris Saenz with the clerk's office cut the fitting room doors to make shelves for four voting machines, including one for patrons who wish to be seated while voting. Another fitting room may be used for those wanting a paper ballot. Schmeidler said the new facility is just as secure as the office in the courthouse. Even the vents in the fitting room have been blocked to enhance security.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689695896969.jpeg" alt="Advanced voting will take place in an old fitting room inside the old JC Penney building." />
 <figcaption>Advanced voting will take place in an old fitting room inside the old JC Penney building.</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's a totally enclosed room here," she said. "There's only one entry and that's a steel door that is double-bolted and we have a security system on. In the courthouse, we have our door that we can lock, then our things within there are locked in a cage. We don't have that so we're kind of exposed. We've been very careful about that."A "no" vote in the election would mean keeping USD 112 intact, as is. A "yes" vote would mean disorganizing the district and turning decisions over to the state board of education. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b3cf16a1-8f9b-41ed-bdaa-e87d9bc85c35">CLICK HERE</a> for a list of polling locations on Aug. 1.

Advanced voting for USD 112 election now underway in Barton Co.

Today A slight chance of sprinkles before 10 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 5 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight.

Thursday A 10-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. North wind 9 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Thursday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 64. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 a.m, then a slight chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. North-northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 89.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 95.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 69.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A slight chance of sprinkles before 10 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph.Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 5 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight.Thursday A 10-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. North wind 9 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Thursday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 64. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Friday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 a.m, then a slight chance of showers between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. North-northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 89.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 95.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 69.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

Clara Barton Medical Center announced that Valerie Romine, RN, BSN has been promoted to the position of Director of Surgery. Romine has been an employee at Clara Barton since January 2010, serving as the Assistant Manager of the surgery department.

Romine grew up in Great Bend, graduating from Great Bend High School in 1978. She then attended Barton Community College where she received her associate in general studies in 1981. Continuing her education, Romine attended Wichita State University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1983.

Surgical services have been Romine’s area of focus since 1986. She gained experience working at Rush County and Great Bend Regional Hospitals before getting hired at Clara Barton in 2010 as the Assistant Manager of the surgery department.

Romine was selected to succeed long-time Director of Surgery Kim Tutak after her retirement. She was mentored by the leadership of Tutak until earlier this year, when she officially assumed all duties as the Director of Surgery.

“It's a privilege to come to work every day where the staff are passionately driven to provide excellent care to our surgical patients and families,” said Romine. “We work as an exceptional team, knowing what we do has a direct impact on positive surgical outcomes for our patients. This is an outstanding surgical services department that I am proud to be a part of.”

Romine and her husband, Kent, have two adult sons. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, collecting cookbooks, and gardening. She is also a member of the Barton Nursing Advisory Board.

“Val offers a wealth of surgical knowledge and experience that will allow our surgical department to continue to provide exceptional surgical and patient care,” said Amanda Hoffman, Interim CEO/Pharmacy Director at Clara Barton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689710604020.jpeg" alt="Valerie Romine, RN, BSN was promoted to Director of Surgery at Clara Barton Medical Center." />
 <figcaption>Valerie Romine, RN, BSN was promoted to Director of Surgery at Clara Barton Medical Center.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSClara Barton Medical Center announced that Valerie Romine, RN, BSN has been promoted to the position of Director of Surgery. Romine has been an employee at Clara Barton since January 2010, serving as the Assistant Manager of the surgery department.Romine grew up in Great Bend, graduating from Great Bend High School in 1978. She then attended Barton Community College where she received her associate in general studies in 1981. Continuing her education, Romine attended Wichita State University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1983.Surgical services have been Romine’s area of focus since 1986. She gained experience working at Rush County and Great Bend Regional Hospitals before getting hired at Clara Barton in 2010 as the Assistant Manager of the surgery department.Romine was selected to succeed long-time Director of Surgery Kim Tutak after her retirement. She was mentored by the leadership of Tutak until earlier this year, when she officially assumed all duties as the Director of Surgery.“It's a privilege to come to work every day where the staff are passionately driven to provide excellent care to our surgical patients and families,” said Romine. “We work as an exceptional team, knowing what we do has a direct impact on positive surgical outcomes for our patients. This is an outstanding surgical services department that I am proud to be a part of.”Romine and her husband, Kent, have two adult sons. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, collecting cookbooks, and gardening. She is also a member of the Barton Nursing Advisory Board.“Val offers a wealth of surgical knowledge and experience that will allow our surgical department to continue to provide exceptional surgical and patient care,” said Amanda Hoffman, Interim CEO/Pharmacy Director at Clara Barton.

Romine promoted to Director of Surgery at Clara Barton

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.

Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.

· Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.

Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.

Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!

Stay Hydrated Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

· Warning: If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

· Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

· If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

Stay Informed Check for Updates: Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area. Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.

Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

· People who overexert during work or exercise

· People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

The Ellis County Fair does have air-conditioned buildings so please come in and get out of the heat if you need to. We also have sunscreen available donated by the Ellis County Cancer Council. We will have a mother’s room available if you want a private space to get out of the heat to feed your baby in the Unrein building! Have a great week.

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>Stay Cool!Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.· Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!Stay Hydrated Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.· Warning: If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.· Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.· If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.Stay Informed Check for Updates: Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area. Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.Monitor Those at High Risk: Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:· Infants and young children· People 65 years of age or older· People who are overweight· People who overexert during work or exercise· People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulationThe Ellis County Fair does have air-conditioned buildings so please come in and get out of the heat if you need to. We also have sunscreen available donated by the Ellis County Cancer Council. We will have a mother’s room available if you want a private space to get out of the heat to feed your baby in the Unrein building! Have a great week.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: Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay informed

Marketing Maven Consulting, an award-winning brand management and design firm based in central Kansas, recently celebrated their grand opening in a new office space at 3108 10th Street, Great Bend. The event included a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.

“Our team and our client base have grown quite a bit the last few years, and this was the next logical move,” said Rachel Mawhirter, founder and owner. “We started in 2013 as a side hustle, and went full time in 2016. Since then, we’ve grown from one employee to five, and this new office is an exciting milestone for our firm. The new location offers a lot of visibility, and room to continue growing if we want to in the future.”

Two of Marketing Maven’s creative professionals are based in Great Bend, with three others in Hays, Manhattan and Kansas City. The firm’s clients are in different industries like healthcare, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, automotive, and others. 

“We have the most fun jobs, getting to be an outsourced marketing department for other companies,” Mawhirter said. “And for companies who just need a project tackled now and then, we also do website design, video production, photography, graphic design, and other one-time brand development projects.”

Marketing Maven hired local contractor Just in Time Remodeling to complete a small cosmetic update in the space before they moved in, and Mark’s Custom Signs installed new signage. The firm’s new office location features 600 square feet of open concept office and meeting space, with a small storage area and a restroom. The conference space is equipped with virtual meeting capabilities, since many of the firm’s clients are spread out across the Midwest. 

“We love that this space is an open canvas with lots of possibilities for us to adapt and evolve over time,” Mawhirter said. “And the location is very visible on 10th Street, with over 15,000 cars driving east and west every day. We’ve already had several calls from people who saw our new signage.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689688020062.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSMarketing Maven Consulting, an award-winning brand management and design firm based in central Kansas, recently celebrated their grand opening in a new office space at 3108 10th Street, Great Bend. The event included a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce.“Our team and our client base have grown quite a bit the last few years, and this was the next logical move,” said Rachel Mawhirter, founder and owner. “We started in 2013 as a side hustle, and went full time in 2016. Since then, we’ve grown from one employee to five, and this new office is an exciting milestone for our firm. The new location offers a lot of visibility, and room to continue growing if we want to in the future.”Two of Marketing Maven’s creative professionals are based in Great Bend, with three others in Hays, Manhattan and Kansas City. The firm’s clients are in different industries like healthcare, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, automotive, and others. “We have the most fun jobs, getting to be an outsourced marketing department for other companies,” Mawhirter said. “And for companies who just need a project tackled now and then, we also do website design, video production, photography, graphic design, and other one-time brand development projects.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689688040069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Marketing Maven hired local contractor Just in Time Remodeling to complete a small cosmetic update in the space before they moved in, and Mark’s Custom Signs installed new signage. The firm’s new office location features 600 square feet of open concept office and meeting space, with a small storage area and a restroom. The conference space is equipped with virtual meeting capabilities, since many of the firm’s clients are spread out across the Midwest. “We love that this space is an open canvas with lots of possibilities for us to adapt and evolve over time,” Mawhirter said. “And the location is very visible on 10th Street, with over 15,000 cars driving east and west every day. We’ve already had several calls from people who saw our new signage.”

Marketing Maven celebrates new Great Bend office

A ribbon cutting for the new police station in Great Bend is tentatively
scheduled for Sept. 21 and the staff hopes to be fully working
out of the building by Sept. 29. Great Bend Police Chief Steve
Haulmark gave the city council a tour of the 20,100 square-foot facility Monday
night as the $8.8 million project is nearing completion. Haulmark highlighted
several areas, including the expanded male and female locker rooms. 
"The lockers are two feet wide, two feet deep and each has a bench to sit on," said Haulmark. "They can change clothes before they leave if they want to. There will be electrical outlets in all the lockers so they can charge their phone, flashlights or whatever. A lot of officers are really excited about this."

The Justice Center will also house the municipal court on the north side of the
building. An expanded evidence room will include its own ventilation system to
prevent drug odors from spreading to the rest of the facility. The evidence
room also has expanded metal built into the walls for extra protection of
evidence. 
Haulmark highlighted a public security feature of the police station in the
vestibule of the main entrance on the northeast side. 
"Those exterior doors, somebody can come in at night even when no one is here," said Haulmark. "It's there if they need a safe place and they're trying to get away from somebody. The doors will lock. There will be a button to call dispatch." 
With parking on Baker Avenue, along the east side of the Justice Center,
Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns discussed the possibility of making
Baker a one-way street with traffic flowing north. Residents would still be
able to parallel park by their homes on the opposite side of the street.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689703704081.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark (left) led a tour of the new Justice Center on Monday, July 17, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark (left) led a tour of the new Justice Center on Monday, July 17, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA ribbon cutting for the new police station in Great Bend is tentatively
scheduled for Sept. 21 and the staff hopes to be fully working
out of the building by Sept. 29. Great Bend Police Chief Steve
Haulmark gave the city council a tour of the 20,100 square-foot facility Monday
night as the $8.8 million project is nearing completion. Haulmark highlighted
several areas, including the expanded male and female locker rooms. 
"The lockers are two feet wide, two feet deep and each has a bench to sit on," said Haulmark. "They can change clothes before they leave if they want to. There will be electrical outlets in all the lockers so they can charge their phone, flashlights or whatever. A lot of officers are really excited about this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689704087700.jpeg" alt="Municipal courtroom&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Municipal courtroom&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Justice Center will also house the municipal court on the north side of the
building. An expanded evidence room will include its own ventilation system to
prevent drug odors from spreading to the rest of the facility. The evidence
room also has expanded metal built into the walls for extra protection of
evidence. 
Haulmark highlighted a public security feature of the police station in the
vestibule of the main entrance on the northeast side. 
"Those exterior doors, somebody can come in at night even when no one is here," said Haulmark. "It's there if they need a safe place and they're trying to get away from somebody. The doors will lock. There will be a button to call dispatch." 
With parking on Baker Avenue, along the east side of the Justice Center,
Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns discussed the possibility of making
Baker a one-way street with traffic flowing north. Residents would still be
able to parallel park by their homes on the opposite side of the street.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689704122491.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689704142658.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Touring new Great Bend police station and amenities

Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), proud partner of Advancing Barton County Childcare (ABCC), invites the public to their daycare center groundbreaking Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m. at Farmer’s Plaza, on the corner of 10th Street and K-96 Highway. 

Advancing Barton County Childcare, established by Great Bend Economic Development, has taken on the task of securing funding and constructing a state-of-the-art group daycare center in Great Bend. Recognizing the need for reliable and accessible childcare services, this 6,500-square-foot facility is the first of several daycares to be built across Barton County. 

The groundbreaking ceremony is celebrating the physical beginning of the project as well as celebrating that this project is now fully funded, thanks to a substantial grant from the State. Funding partners, contractors, architects, board members and legislators will be on hand for remarks about the project. ABCC plans to unveil developments surrounding their endeavor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665631326785.jpeg" alt="Site for Great Bend's new daycare center at Farmer's Plaza." />
 <figcaption>Site for Great Bend's new daycare center at Farmer's Plaza.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Economic Development (GBED), proud partner of Advancing Barton County Childcare (ABCC), invites the public to their daycare center groundbreaking Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m. at Farmer’s Plaza, on the corner of 10th Street and K-96 Highway. Advancing Barton County Childcare, established by Great Bend Economic Development, has taken on the task of securing funding and constructing a state-of-the-art group daycare center in Great Bend. Recognizing the need for reliable and accessible childcare services, this 6,500-square-foot facility is the first of several daycares to be built across Barton County. The groundbreaking ceremony is celebrating the physical beginning of the project as well as celebrating that this project is now fully funded, thanks to a substantial grant from the State. Funding partners, contractors, architects, board members and legislators will be on hand for remarks about the project. ABCC plans to unveil developments surrounding their endeavor.

Great Bend daycare center groundbreaking Thursday

BARTON COUNTY —A powerful supercell thunderstorm tracked straight south during the early evening of hours Sunday. It produced extreme wind gusts but no tornado, according to meteorologist Chance Hayes with the National Weather Service in Wichita.&nbsp;

The weather service conducted a damage survey across Barton County on Monday and determined there were only straight line winds of 70 to 80 miles per hour.

The Russell Airport reported a 77 mph wind gust. The strong winds moved into Great Bend, which resulted in widespread wind damage throughout community. There were two pockets of extremely strong winds. Those included&nbsp; an area south to southeast from the court house downtown and another on the west side of the town.

 In addition to the strong winds, the storm produced wind driven hail up to softball size.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The weather service expects to do additional storm damage survey work this week in Russell County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689688267549.png" alt="Storm damage in Great Bend photo courtesy Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Great Bend photo courtesy Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —A powerful supercell thunderstorm tracked straight south during the early evening of hours Sunday. It produced extreme wind gusts but no tornado, according to meteorologist Chance Hayes with the National Weather Service in Wichita.&nbsp;The weather service conducted a damage survey across Barton County on Monday and determined there were only straight line winds of 70 to 80 miles per hour.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689688250119.png" alt="Storm damage in Great Bend photo courtesy Midwest Energy" />
 <figcaption>Storm damage in Great Bend photo courtesy Midwest Energy</figcaption>
 </figure>The Russell Airport reported a 77 mph wind gust. The strong winds moved into Great Bend, which resulted in widespread wind damage throughout community. There were two pockets of extremely strong winds. Those included&nbsp; an area south to southeast from the court house downtown and another on the west side of the town. In addition to the strong winds, the storm produced wind driven hail up to softball size.&nbsp;&nbsp;The weather service expects to do additional storm damage survey work this week in Russell County.

NWS: Straight line winds, no tornado in Sunday storm

This is day 12 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.

Wheat harvest continues to be a slog with producers fighting rains and weeds to get the crop across the scale. Harvest is now 71 percent complete, well behind 98 percent last year and 94 percent for the five-year average, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 16, 2023.&nbsp;

In the far southwestern corner of the state, Morgan Walls with Elkhart Co-op reports wheat harvest in Morton County has been a drag. Weather has been inhibitive; quality has been a challenge and weeds continue to be a struggle.&nbsp;

Wheat harvest here should be wrapped up by the fourth of July, but this year that’s when the first loads hit the scales. With rain delays that have continuously deteriorated test weights, wheat harvest should finally finish by the end of the week.&nbsp;

But it’s hard to gauge where harvest is at, as 70 to 75 percent of planted acres were zeroed out by crop insurance, and more acres were taken out by spotty hail in the last couple of weeks. Test weights are averaging lighter than preferred at about 58 pounds per bushel with protein ranging between 12 and 14 percent. Yields are all over the place, from five bushels an acre all the way up to a very small area that had timely moisture and is seeing averages around 70 bushels per acre.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following a busy weekend of cutting in Ness County harvest is all but done, according to Brad Cowan, general manager of CGS in Bazine. After having started cutting around June 23, producers are just tired after fighting the weeds, fighting the weather and fighting green wheat.&nbsp;

Yields ranged from 15 to 55 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 59.6 pounds per bushel and average protein coming in consistently just short of 13 percent. Fields that were close, but not released by crop insurance, benefitted from a perfect two-week period of filling weather, resulting in yields at 25 to 30 bushels per acre.&nbsp;

Weeds have been a continuous struggle, which means more work for the elevators. CGS will take in about the same number of bushels as last year, which is roughly half of the five-year average. That wheat will be loaded by train onto the short line and delivered to flour mills in eastern Kansas.&nbsp;

Weeds are also the main struggle in Meade County, where Dave Strecker with Alliance Ag and Grain LLC reported from Fowler in the eastern part of the county. Harvest here has been going on for a long time, having started around June 27 and still only about three-quarters finished.&nbsp;

Strecker said grain quality is pretty good with better than average proteins, but bushels are down dramatically due to approximately 65 percent abandonment of planted acres. There are several producers who won’t bring a single bushel of wheat to town.&nbsp;

The wheat that is coming in is yielding 20 to 35 bushels per acre, compared to the 60 to 70 bushels per acre for a normal year. Overall, he estimated the area will take in a maximum of 25 percent of bushels compared to the five-year average.&nbsp;

But, by this time next week, Strecker expects that all the wheat that will be harvested will be in the bin. And that’s much-needed as the corn is tasseling. He estimated only five weeks until the first load of dryland corn arrives, not a lot of time for the elevators to turn house and prepare for fall harvest.&nbsp;

With triple-digit temperatures expected in coming days, producers will likely make quick harvest progress if summer storms stay away. Stay tuned as the Kansas Wheat crew continues to share results from the field with the next report scheduled for July 18.&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/2023/7/1689686431266.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 12 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.Wheat harvest continues to be a slog with producers fighting rains and weeds to get the crop across the scale. Harvest is now 71 percent complete, well behind 98 percent last year and 94 percent for the five-year average, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 16, 2023.&nbsp;In the far southwestern corner of the state, Morgan Walls with Elkhart Co-op reports wheat harvest in Morton County has been a drag. Weather has been inhibitive; quality has been a challenge and weeds continue to be a struggle.&nbsp;Wheat harvest here should be wrapped up by the fourth of July, but this year that’s when the first loads hit the scales. With rain delays that have continuously deteriorated test weights, wheat harvest should finally finish by the end of the week.&nbsp;But it’s hard to gauge where harvest is at, as 70 to 75 percent of planted acres were zeroed out by crop insurance, and more acres were taken out by spotty hail in the last couple of weeks. Test weights are averaging lighter than preferred at about 58 pounds per bushel with protein ranging between 12 and 14 percent. Yields are all over the place, from five bushels an acre all the way up to a very small area that had timely moisture and is seeing averages around 70 bushels per acre.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a busy weekend of cutting in Ness County harvest is all but done, according to Brad Cowan, general manager of CGS in Bazine. After having started cutting around June 23, producers are just tired after fighting the weeds, fighting the weather and fighting green wheat.&nbsp;Yields ranged from 15 to 55 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 59.6 pounds per bushel and average protein coming in consistently just short of 13 percent. Fields that were close, but not released by crop insurance, benefitted from a perfect two-week period of filling weather, resulting in yields at 25 to 30 bushels per acre.&nbsp;Weeds have been a continuous struggle, which means more work for the elevators. CGS will take in about the same number of bushels as last year, which is roughly half of the five-year average. That wheat will be loaded by train onto the short line and delivered to flour mills in eastern Kansas.&nbsp;Weeds are also the main struggle in Meade County, where Dave Strecker with Alliance Ag and Grain LLC reported from Fowler in the eastern part of the county. Harvest here has been going on for a long time, having started around June 27 and still only about three-quarters finished.&nbsp;Strecker said grain quality is pretty good with better than average proteins, but bushels are down dramatically due to approximately 65 percent abandonment of planted acres. There are several producers who won’t bring a single bushel of wheat to town.&nbsp;The wheat that is coming in is yielding 20 to 35 bushels per acre, compared to the 60 to 70 bushels per acre for a normal year. Overall, he estimated the area will take in a maximum of 25 percent of bushels compared to the five-year average.&nbsp;But, by this time next week, Strecker expects that all the wheat that will be harvested will be in the bin. And that’s much-needed as the corn is tasseling. He estimated only five weeks until the first load of dryland corn arrives, not a lot of time for the elevators to turn house and prepare for fall harvest.&nbsp;With triple-digit temperatures expected in coming days, producers will likely make quick harvest progress if summer storms stay away. Stay tuned as the Kansas Wheat crew continues to share results from the field with the next report scheduled for July 18.&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 12, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

Each Tuesday at noon, Barton County Communications conducts tests of the tornado sirens in the county. Officials learned the hard way that no test is perfect. With full power during the last test on July 11, the system appeared to be in working order. With no power when the sirens were needed on July 16, the sirens failed to activate. Communications Director Dena Popp explained it was a two-part problem that has been addressed.

"The batteries didn't hold up," she said. "That was the part of the county. The generator didn't come on, which is on behalf of the city. The batteries have already been replaced and I'll be checking the other towers just to prevent anything further from those aspects of it. The fire department is working on their part with the generator issues."

Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith explained at Monday's city council meeting that a generator at Fire Station 2 is now being tied into the system so there is a backup to the backup. Popp said dispatchers on duty attempted to sound the sirens 10 times after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 6:05 p.m. Sunday evening. Law enforcement, not warnings, prompts the decision to sound the sirens.

"It is not automatic to sound the sirens just because we are in a warning," said Popp. "We don't want to over-utilize that resource. We want people to realize if the sirens are going off we believe it's very serious. We do rely on law enforcement to make that call that they feel the public is in jeopardy and they will tell us to sound the sirens. That's when we will activate the sirens."

Barton County Communications controls all of the tornado sirens in the county except those activated by staff at Barton Community College on that property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657066499456.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEach Tuesday at noon, Barton County Communications conducts tests of the tornado sirens in the county. Officials learned the hard way that no test is perfect. With full power during the last test on July 11, the system appeared to be in working order. With no power when the sirens were needed on July 16, the sirens failed to activate. Communications Director Dena Popp explained it was a two-part problem that has been addressed."The batteries didn't hold up," she said. "That was the part of the county. The generator didn't come on, which is on behalf of the city. The batteries have already been replaced and I'll be checking the other towers just to prevent anything further from those aspects of it. The fire department is working on their part with the generator issues."Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith explained at Monday's city council meeting that a generator at Fire Station 2 is now being tied into the system so there is a backup to the backup. Popp said dispatchers on duty attempted to sound the sirens 10 times after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 6:05 p.m. Sunday evening. Law enforcement, not warnings, prompts the decision to sound the sirens."It is not automatic to sound the sirens just because we are in a warning," said Popp. "We don't want to over-utilize that resource. We want people to realize if the sirens are going off we believe it's very serious. We do rely on law enforcement to make that call that they feel the public is in jeopardy and they will tell us to sound the sirens. That's when we will activate the sirens."Barton County Communications controls all of the tornado sirens in the county except those activated by staff at Barton Community College on that property.

Barton 911 director: Tornado siren issues have been addressed

The free Tdap vaccination will be available Tuesday, July 18 at 1300 Kansas Avenue in Great Bend. The service will be provided from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Workers will take a lunch break from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689686971763.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The free Tdap vaccination will be available Tuesday, July 18 at 1300 Kansas Avenue in Great Bend. The service will be provided from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Workers will take a lunch break from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Free Tdap vaccine offered at Barton Co. Health Dept. Tues.

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/17) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:04 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 328 Point Dr. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 8:02 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 10 block of NE 80 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:03 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 191. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:36 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1437 10th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:20 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56 Highway at MM 215 in
Ellinwood. 
 
Theft 
 
At 4:29 p.m. a theft was reported at 1080 NE 190 Road in Claflin. 
 
Heat Exposure 
 
At 4:50 p.m. a heat exposure case was reported at 1080 NE 190 Road in Claflin. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:09 p.m. an accident was reported at McKinley Street &amp; 2nd
Street.

Great Bend Police Department incident
log (7/17) 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:08 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 191. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 10:27 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1435 22nd Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 10:47 a.m. Dakota Zecha reported smoke coming from the residence at 1810
Adams. No fire, electrical issue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 11:39 a.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported at Lakin &amp; Main. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:10 p.m. Brandi Lang reported at theft at 2400 10th Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 12:49 p.m. Jeremy Sigler reported a car accident at 3008 10th
Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 1:50 p.m. Kim Morrison reported a structure fire at 1419 Hubbard. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 3:10 p.m. Carlos Prado reported a car accident at 3909 10th
Street. 
 
At 3:13 p.m. Andrea Holman reported an accident at Broadway &amp; Sheridan. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 4:05 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1419 21st Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 6:51 p.m. a parking complaint was reported in the 1100 block of 3rd
Street. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 6:59 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 416 Walnut. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:57 p.m. Sheyanne Drylie reported an animal complaint at 2200 Washington. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 11:46 p.m. a report of someone throwing a firework in his front yard
damaging his lawn was made at 1710 Lincoln.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (7/17) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:04 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 328 Point Dr. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 8:02 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 10 block of NE 80 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:03 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 191. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:36 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1437 10th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:20 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56 Highway at MM 215 in
Ellinwood. 
 
Theft 
 
At 4:29 p.m. a theft was reported at 1080 NE 190 Road in Claflin. 
 
Heat Exposure 
 
At 4:50 p.m. a heat exposure case was reported at 1080 NE 190 Road in Claflin. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:09 p.m. an accident was reported at McKinley Street &amp; 2nd
Street.Great Bend Police Department incident
log (7/17) 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:08 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 191. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 10:27 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1435 22nd Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 10:47 a.m. Dakota Zecha reported smoke coming from the residence at 1810
Adams. No fire, electrical issue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 11:39 a.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported at Lakin &amp; Main. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:10 p.m. Brandi Lang reported at theft at 2400 10th Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 12:49 p.m. Jeremy Sigler reported a car accident at 3008 10th
Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 1:50 p.m. Kim Morrison reported a structure fire at 1419 Hubbard. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 3:10 p.m. Carlos Prado reported a car accident at 3909 10th
Street. 
 
At 3:13 p.m. Andrea Holman reported an accident at Broadway &amp; Sheridan. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 4:05 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1419 21st Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 6:51 p.m. a parking complaint was reported in the 1100 block of 3rd
Street. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 6:59 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 416 Walnut. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:57 p.m. Sheyanne Drylie reported an animal complaint at 2200 Washington. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 11:46 p.m. a report of someone throwing a firework in his front yard
damaging his lawn was made at 1710 Lincoln.

Cop Shop (7/17)

7/14 BOOKED: Brianna Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Andres Nava, Jr., on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jonathon Chappell on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $1,319.34 cash only.

BOOKED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court case for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Driving While Suspended, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Gunner Mayhugh on Barton County District Court case, on hold for KDOC.

BOOKED: Brayden Powell-Rand on three Barton County District Court cases, to serve sentence.

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

RELEASED: Talian Ashworth on Vernon Parish District Court warrant, to Vernon Parish.

RELEASED: Juan Fragosa-Cervantes on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat, time served but transported to ICE.

RELEASED: Cassandra Thorne on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Ernest Klima on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Andres Nava, Jr., on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court case for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Driving While Suspended, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Valerie Burns on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault-Use of a Deadly Weapon, on $20,000 OR bond granted by court.

7/15 BOOKED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Julio Ayala on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Juan Prieto on Barton County District Court warrants for Criminal Threat, Criminal Damage x4, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Trespass, total bond set at $35,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Alexander Chavez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonds.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Alexander Chavez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

7/16 BOOKED: Carson Keller on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, bond set at $500 C/S or 18-hour OR.

BOOKED: Devin Pflughoeft on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, bond set at $500 C/S or 18-hour OR.

BOOKED: Caden Knoblauch on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine with intent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Open Container, Inoperable headlamps, and Improper Display, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Chelsea Buchanan on four Stafford County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Xavier Carey on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $500 C/S.

RELEASED: Devin Pflughoeft on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Billy Hadix on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Kurt Woods on four Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.

RELEASED: Julio Ayala on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Chelsea Buchanan on four Stafford County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, to Stafford County.

RELEASED: Xavier Carey on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Carson Keller on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, on 18-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

7/17 BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery of LEO, no bond set.

BOOKED: Grace Fox on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Malachi Wasson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery of LEO, to Juvenile Justice Authority.

RELEASED: Grace Fox on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Malachi Wasson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/14 BOOKED: Brianna Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Andres Nava, Jr., on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jonathon Chappell on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $1,319.34 cash only.BOOKED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court case for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Driving While Suspended, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Gunner Mayhugh on Barton County District Court case, on hold for KDOC.BOOKED: Brayden Powell-Rand on three Barton County District Court cases, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Brianna Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Talian Ashworth on Vernon Parish District Court warrant, to Vernon Parish.RELEASED: Juan Fragosa-Cervantes on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Threat, time served but transported to ICE.RELEASED: Cassandra Thorne on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Ernest Klima on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Andres Nava, Jr., on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: John Lynch on Barton County District Court case for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Driving While Suspended, and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Valerie Burns on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault-Use of a Deadly Weapon, on $20,000 OR bond granted by court.7/15 BOOKED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Julio Ayala on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Juan Prieto on Barton County District Court warrants for Criminal Threat, Criminal Damage x4, Aggravated Assault x2, and Criminal Trespass, total bond set at $35,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Alexander Chavez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Shawn Taylor on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonds.&nbsp;RELEASED: Alexander Chavez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.7/16 BOOKED: Carson Keller on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, bond set at $500 C/S or 18-hour OR.BOOKED: Devin Pflughoeft on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, bond set at $500 C/S or 18-hour OR.BOOKED: Caden Knoblauch on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine with intent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, Open Container, Inoperable headlamps, and Improper Display, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Chelsea Buchanan on four Stafford County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Xavier Carey on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $500 C/S.RELEASED: Devin Pflughoeft on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Billy Hadix on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Kurt Woods on four Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.RELEASED: Julio Ayala on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Chelsea Buchanan on four Stafford County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, to Stafford County.RELEASED: Xavier Carey on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Carson Keller on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Disorderly Conduct, on 18-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.7/17 BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery of LEO, no bond set.BOOKED: Grace Fox on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Malachi Wasson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery of LEO, to Juvenile Justice Authority.RELEASED: Grace Fox on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Malachi Wasson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/14 - 7/17)

Today Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 105. East-southeast wind 9 to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. North-northeast wind 7 to 11 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East-southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph.

Thursday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 96.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 105. East-southeast wind 9 to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. North-northeast wind 7 to 11 mph.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.Wednesday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East-southeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north-northeast after midnight.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph.Thursday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 89.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 96.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 69.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

The Great Bend City Council received several updates from department
heads on the storm damage and how the city is moving forward at Monday’s meeting.


As of 5 p.m. Monday, Wheatland Electric informed city administration that approximately
1,500 customers were still without electricity following Sunday evening's storm that
included strong winds and large hail. 

Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith said
the initial report from emergency management was the storm included straight-line
winds, ruling out a tornado. Despite the storm not classified as a tornado,
many citizens were left wondering why the tornado sirens did not sound. Smith
said Barton County Dispatch attempted to activate the sirens 10 times without
any success. 
"Through some testing today, we identified some weaknesses," said Smith. "The system had some fail-safes that failed. They're working through their side of that. As part of that, we're going to tie that into Fire Station 2's generator so there is a backup to their backup."

Public Works Director Jason Cauley said his department helped clear the main thoroughfares,
or most used streets, of branches and debris. One Public Works Department crew
staffed the compost site with a constant line of vehicles backed up to the
Railroad Avenue entrance at times. 

Those residents unable to remove their
branches to the compost site, can stack them up near the curb as the city will
conduct a city-wide pickup on Monday, July 24. "Bring everything out to the back of the curb, not in the street and not in the sidewalk," said Cauley. "We are going to go through all neighborhoods once. We don't want to go back more than once due to the amount of manpower that takes to go back." 
The Front Door, or utilities office on 10th Street, was closed
Monday, but will be operational again Tuesday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689650802951.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend City Council received several updates from department
heads on the storm damage and how the city is moving forward at Monday’s meeting.
As of 5 p.m. Monday, Wheatland Electric informed city administration that approximately
1,500 customers were still without electricity following Sunday evening's storm that
included strong winds and large hail. Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith said
the initial report from emergency management was the storm included straight-line
winds, ruling out a tornado. Despite the storm not classified as a tornado,
many citizens were left wondering why the tornado sirens did not sound. Smith
said Barton County Dispatch attempted to activate the sirens 10 times without
any success. 
"Through some testing today, we identified some weaknesses," said Smith. "The system had some fail-safes that failed. They're working through their side of that. As part of that, we're going to tie that into Fire Station 2's generator so there is a backup to their backup."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689650837118.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Public Works Director Jason Cauley said his department helped clear the main thoroughfares,
or most used streets, of branches and debris. One Public Works Department crew
staffed the compost site with a constant line of vehicles backed up to the
Railroad Avenue entrance at times. Those residents unable to remove their
branches to the compost site, can stack them up near the curb as the city will
conduct a city-wide pickup on Monday, July 24. "Bring everything out to the back of the curb, not in the street and not in the sidewalk," said Cauley. "We are going to go through all neighborhoods once. We don't want to go back more than once due to the amount of manpower that takes to go back." 
The Front Door, or utilities office on 10th Street, was closed
Monday, but will be operational again Tuesday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend explains why tornado sirens failed during storm

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 17,&nbsp; the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS responded to 10 SW 40 Avenue for the report of a hazardous materials incident at Fuller Industries. This incident was discovered while cleanup was being done from storm damage suffered Sunday, July 16. 

With unknown chemicals and unknown quantities of chemical possibly involved, a mutual aid request was made for the McPherson Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team. Sedgwick County Fire District #1 Hazardous Materials Team also responded when a request was made for a regional hazardous material response team from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689639540998.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 17,&nbsp; the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS responded to 10 SW 40 Avenue for the report of a hazardous materials incident at Fuller Industries. This incident was discovered while cleanup was being done from storm damage suffered Sunday, July 16. With unknown chemicals and unknown quantities of chemical possibly involved, a mutual aid request was made for the McPherson Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team. Sedgwick County Fire District #1 Hazardous Materials Team also responded when a request was made for a regional hazardous material response team from the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. Hazardous Material teams were able to enter the building, survey the damage and take samples of the chemicals that were possibly involved. All samples tested were below permissible limits or had negative results. With no further emergency found, the building was turned back over to Fuller Industries so that cleanup could begin. Great Bend Fire Department would like to thank the McPherson Fire Department, Sedgwick County Fire District #1, Great Bend Police Department, HazMat Response, MidWest Energy and Kansas Gas Service for their assistance at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689639558621.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689639579822.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

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