7/10 BOOKED: Gabriela Hidalgo-Alcala on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Damage to Property and Domestic Violence, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Joshua Carey on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Justus Romine on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $321.25 cash only.

BOOKED: Megan Orndoff on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Battery DV, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 18-hour OR.

RELEASED: Gabriela Hidalgo-Alcala on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Damage to Property and Domestic Violence, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Kelly Polzin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to treatment center.

RELEASED: Jerl Bellesine on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Justus Romine on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $321.25 cash bond.

RELEASED: Megan Orndoff on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Battery DV, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/10 BOOKED: Gabriela Hidalgo-Alcala on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Damage to Property and Domestic Violence, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Joshua Carey on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Justus Romine on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $321.25 cash only.BOOKED: Megan Orndoff on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Battery DV, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 18-hour OR.RELEASED: Gabriela Hidalgo-Alcala on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Damage to Property and Domestic Violence, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Kelly Polzin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to treatment center.RELEASED: Jerl Bellesine on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, by order of the court.RELEASED: Justus Romine on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $321.25 cash bond.RELEASED: Megan Orndoff on Ellinwood Municipal Court case for Battery DV, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/10)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

As the official opening of the new Great Bend Police Department station
gets closer, Chief Steve Haulmark said the plan is to slowly move items from
the current station on Williams Street. Haulmark recently completed a tour of
20,100 square-foot facility being built and said staff is excited about the new
interview rooms, locker room, larger and more efficient evidence room and just
overall expanded space. 
The station, at the intersection of 12th Street &amp; Baker Avenue,
is being built on the city-owned parking lot that has residential houses across
the street to the east. "The architect we hired took light pollution into consideration," said Haulmark. "The builders, prior to getting into the project, knocked on the doors to talk with some folks. We didn't get any negative feedback. We've made efforts to reach out to all those folks." 
With traffic at the 12th and Baker intersection a possible hazard, Haulmark
did mention city officials have discussed either making Baker Avenue,
in front of the station, a permanent one-way street or placing stop signs at
the intersection. 
The $8.8 million project is expected to be move-in ready sometime in September.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688995281682.jpeg" alt="With construction of the new police station, the City of Great Bend is considering a permanent one-way street along Baker Avenue or stop signs at the intersection of 12th Street and Baker." />
 <figcaption>With construction of the new police station, the City of Great Bend is considering a permanent one-way street along Baker Avenue or stop signs at the intersection of 12th Street and Baker.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the official opening of the new Great Bend Police Department station
gets closer, Chief Steve Haulmark said the plan is to slowly move items from
the current station on Williams Street. Haulmark recently completed a tour of
20,100 square-foot facility being built and said staff is excited about the new
interview rooms, locker room, larger and more efficient evidence room and just
overall expanded space. 
The station, at the intersection of 12th Street &amp; Baker Avenue,
is being built on the city-owned parking lot that has residential houses across
the street to the east. "The architect we hired took light pollution into consideration," said Haulmark. "The builders, prior to getting into the project, knocked on the doors to talk with some folks. We didn't get any negative feedback. We've made efforts to reach out to all those folks." 
With traffic at the 12th and Baker intersection a possible hazard, Haulmark
did mention city officials have discussed either making Baker Avenue,
in front of the station, a permanent one-way street or placing stop signs at
the intersection. 
The $8.8 million project is expected to be move-in ready sometime in September.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Traffic flow reconsidered at 12th & Baker with new police station

Today Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming south 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 9 to 11 mph.

Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South-southeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming east-northeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Friday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Friday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Saturday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Sunday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Monday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming south 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 107. South wind 9 to 11 mph.Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South-southeast wind 8 to 11 mph becoming east-northeast in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Friday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.Friday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.Saturday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.Sunday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.Sunday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.Monday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 91.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

For the second straight year, property valuations have
increased in Barton County. The City of Great Bend collected approximately $9.3
million more in valuations from fiscal year 2022 to 2023. Early figures show
Great Bend to collect an additional $16,167,868 in valuations in the proposed
2024 budget. With increased revenue in property valuations, the Great Bend City
Council was in favor of dropping their mill levy from 51.692 in 2023 to 45.202
in 2024. 
 
The Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) is the tax rate, expressed in mills, needed to collect
the same dollar amount of property tax as the last taxing year using this year’s
assessed valuation. Despite lowering their tax rate, City Clerk Shawna Schafer
said the city plans to hold a public hearing of exceeding the RNR just in case
valuations change once finalized this fall. 
 
"Because if final valuations go down in November, we'll receive less revenue than what's in the budget," said Schafer. "If valuations go down, what we have levied in the budget is what we'll get." 
 
The 2024 estimated valuation will garner $128,753,482 for Great Bend. The city has $112,585,614 calculated for the assessed valuation in 2023. Each mill
is expected to have a value of $128,753 in 2024, meaning Great Bend will
collect more than $5.8 million in ad valorem tax, or property taxes in the proposed
budget. 
 
Councilmember Alan Moeder was in favor of the city looking into raising taxes
in the future to build up reserves with rising operational costs. 
 
"As a business man, I've seen things skyrocket the last four years," said Moeder. "This is my fourth budget session, and we have not raised taxes in those four years. We all know the cost of doing business is skyrocketing. I don't want to raise taxes but I don't want to get the city in a bind down the road if we don't have any money. If we need a little bit more money because things cost more, that's what we need to do." 
 
Great Bend’s 2024 revenue summary estimates a total revenue of $25 million and
expenditures at nearly $32 million. Inflation, wage increases and a 10% health
insurance increase are contributing factors for the rise in expenditures.

Listen below to the entire Great Bend City Council budget session from July 10, 2023.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657285932152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFor the second straight year, property valuations have
increased in Barton County. The City of Great Bend collected approximately $9.3
million more in valuations from fiscal year 2022 to 2023. Early figures show
Great Bend to collect an additional $16,167,868 in valuations in the proposed
2024 budget. With increased revenue in property valuations, the Great Bend City
Council was in favor of dropping their mill levy from 51.692 in 2023 to 45.202
in 2024. 
 
The Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) is the tax rate, expressed in mills, needed to collect
the same dollar amount of property tax as the last taxing year using this year’s
assessed valuation. Despite lowering their tax rate, City Clerk Shawna Schafer
said the city plans to hold a public hearing of exceeding the RNR just in case
valuations change once finalized this fall. 
 
"Because if final valuations go down in November, we'll receive less revenue than what's in the budget," said Schafer. "If valuations go down, what we have levied in the budget is what we'll get." 
 
The 2024 estimated valuation will garner $128,753,482 for Great Bend. The city has $112,585,614 calculated for the assessed valuation in 2023. Each mill
is expected to have a value of $128,753 in 2024, meaning Great Bend will
collect more than $5.8 million in ad valorem tax, or property taxes in the proposed
budget. 
 
Councilmember Alan Moeder was in favor of the city looking into raising taxes
in the future to build up reserves with rising operational costs. 
 
"As a business man, I've seen things skyrocket the last four years," said Moeder. "This is my fourth budget session, and we have not raised taxes in those four years. We all know the cost of doing business is skyrocketing. I don't want to raise taxes but I don't want to get the city in a bind down the road if we don't have any money. If we need a little bit more money because things cost more, that's what we need to do." 
 
Great Bend’s 2024 revenue summary estimates a total revenue of $25 million and
expenditures at nearly $32 million. Inflation, wage increases and a 10% health
insurance increase are contributing factors for the rise in expenditures.Listen below to the entire Great Bend City Council budget session from July 10, 2023.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/cbpy5gso/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

City of Great Bend to gain additional $16 million from valuations

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

USD 428 Great Bend announced in March the creation of a district-wide vape task force to address the matter of vaping in all its schools. Monday night, the board of education finalized a policy that will go in student handbooks for the 2023-24 school year. The policy passed with a split 4-2 vote. Assistant Superintendent John Popp laid out the proposal.

"We wanted an option that was more - lenient isn't the right word - but understanding that parents are just finding out. They want an option to keep their kid in school and work with the school to help the kid overcome whatever may or may not be an addiction. We believe there are kids who truly are addicted. We want to work with them and their parents to overcome that addiction."

Building principals will be in contact with parents to determine if corrective actions will follow a growth and education option or a punitive option. The first two offenses under the education option include in-school suspension, while the noncompliance option features immediate out-of-school suspension. Punishment may be more severe for students caught with more than one device. A first offense is five days of out-of-school suspension.

"If we see the child has multiple devices or it's deemed that they are distributing, or that it has a prohibited substance like marijuana or something like that, then we jump down to this more punitive option," Popp said.

Board members Chad Burroughs and Lori Reneau wanted to see a more black-and-white corrective option to make punishment the same for all students. Popp and Board President Jacquie Disque agreed the policy may need to be reviewed shortly after the school year begins.

The vaping task force includes USD 428 building administrators as well as members from the Barton County Health Department, Juvenile Services, and the Great Bend Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627394232170.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostUSD 428 Great Bend announced in March the creation of a district-wide vape task force to address the matter of vaping in all its schools. Monday night, the board of education finalized a policy that will go in student handbooks for the 2023-24 school year. The policy passed with a split 4-2 vote. Assistant Superintendent John Popp laid out the proposal."We wanted an option that was more - lenient isn't the right word - but understanding that parents are just finding out. They want an option to keep their kid in school and work with the school to help the kid overcome whatever may or may not be an addiction. We believe there are kids who truly are addicted. We want to work with them and their parents to overcome that addiction."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689033380526.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Building principals will be in contact with parents to determine if corrective actions will follow a growth and education option or a punitive option. The first two offenses under the education option include in-school suspension, while the noncompliance option features immediate out-of-school suspension. Punishment may be more severe for students caught with more than one device. A first offense is five days of out-of-school suspension."If we see the child has multiple devices or it's deemed that they are distributing, or that it has a prohibited substance like marijuana or something like that, then we jump down to this more punitive option," Popp said.Board members Chad Burroughs and Lori Reneau wanted to see a more black-and-white corrective option to make punishment the same for all students. Popp and Board President Jacquie Disque agreed the policy may need to be reviewed shortly after the school year begins.The vaping task force includes USD 428 building administrators as well as members from the Barton County Health Department, Juvenile Services, and the Great Bend Police Department.

Great Bend board of education finalizes vape policy

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, July 11 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/ZOOM

1. June Financial Statement – Mark Dean

2. NATYCAA – Daktronics Cup – Trevor Rolfs

4. Dr. Heilman approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Fort Riley Academics &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Prometric LLC – Accepting College Credit for DSST Exams &nbsp; &nbsp; Nursing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Pratt Family Practice; Pratt, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Diversicare of Larned; Larned, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Coding, EMS &amp; Pharmacy Technician &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Department of the Army, Irwin Army Community Hospital; Fort Riley, KS – MOU Amendment &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Med Center Health Facility; Bowling Green, KY &nbsp; &nbsp; Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Partnership for Environmental Technical Education (NPETE) – Hazmat Disaster Preparedness (HDPTP) Training at Ft. Pierce, FL &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Partnership for Environmental Technical Education (NPETE) – Hazardous Waste Worker Training (HWWT) at Fort Riley, KS; Fort Sill, OK; Fort Carson, CO; OSHA classes in all time zones. &nbsp; &nbsp; Adult Healthcare &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Country Living of Larned; Larned, KS

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, July 11 – to follow the Study Session Room F-30, lower level, Fine Arts Building/ZOOM

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

2. ATHLETIC INSURANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mark Dean, Vice President of Administration will present for the Board’s consideration.

3. FY24 BUDGETARY ACTION &nbsp; &nbsp;Mark Dean, Vice President of Administration will present for the Board’s consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a) Operational Budget &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b) Published Budget

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, July 11 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/ZOOMDiscussion Topics1. June Financial Statement – Mark Dean2. NATYCAA – Daktronics Cup – Trevor Rolfs3. Economic Impact – Todd Mobray4. Dr. Heilman approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Fort Riley Academics &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Prometric LLC – Accepting College Credit for DSST Exams &nbsp; &nbsp; Nursing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Pratt Family Practice; Pratt, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Diversicare of Larned; Larned, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Coding, EMS &amp; Pharmacy Technician &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Department of the Army, Irwin Army Community Hospital; Fort Riley, KS – MOU Amendment &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Med Center Health Facility; Bowling Green, KY &nbsp; &nbsp; Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Partnership for Environmental Technical Education (NPETE) – Hazmat Disaster Preparedness (HDPTP) Training at Ft. Pierce, FL &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • National Partnership for Environmental Technical Education (NPETE) – Hazardous Waste Worker Training (HWWT) at Fort Riley, KS; Fort Sill, OK; Fort Carson, CO; OSHA classes in all time zones. &nbsp; &nbsp; Adult Healthcare &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Country Living of Larned; Larned, KS---SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, July 11 – to follow the Study Session Room F-30, lower level, Fine Arts Building/ZOOM1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.2. ATHLETIC INSURANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mark Dean, Vice President of Administration will present for the Board’s consideration.3. FY24 BUDGETARY ACTION &nbsp; &nbsp;Mark Dean, Vice President of Administration will present for the Board’s consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a) Operational Budget &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b) Published Budget4. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.5. ADJOURNMENT

BCC Board of Trustees study session agenda (7/11)

A native Kansan has established his dental practice at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care to treat patients of all ages and all walks of life.

Dr. Christopher Miller’s office is located at the Great Bend Heart of Kansas location, 1905 19th.

“I practice general dentistry, which includes a wide variety of treatments and services,” said Dr. Miller, who is originally from Hill City. “I focus on prevention, emergencies, restorative dentistry, oral surgery and endodontics.

“It is especially gratifying to be here at Heart of Kansas,” he added. “This is a welcoming environment where everyone works as a team to educate patients and provide a high level of healthcare to each individual.”

Part of the education Dr. Miller offers his patients is emphasizing the importance of dental health.

“There is a strong connection between oral health and overall physical health and well-being,” he said.

In addition to his Heart of Kansas practice, Dr. Miller also provides orthodontics at his father’s dental practice in Hill City.

He received his undergraduate degree at Kansas State University in 2013; five years later, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dr. Miller’s advanced education includes a general dentistry residency at NYU Langone Dental Medicine at Tukwila, Wash.

“Since finishing my residency, I have worked as a traveling dentist at many locations, while also working part-time at my dad’s private practice,” he noted.

Brett Middleton, chief executive officer at Heart of Kansas, said “we are truly fortunate that Dr. Miller has joined our team of high-quality healthcare providers. We completely understand the importance of exceptional dental health for everyone.

Because of his professionalism and compassion, Dr. Miller is a perfect fit for our patients and our staff.”

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689000388355.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSA native Kansan has established his dental practice at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care to treat patients of all ages and all walks of life.Dr. Christopher Miller’s office is located at the Great Bend Heart of Kansas location, 1905 19th.“I practice general dentistry, which includes a wide variety of treatments and services,” said Dr. Miller, who is originally from Hill City. “I focus on prevention, emergencies, restorative dentistry, oral surgery and endodontics.“It is especially gratifying to be here at Heart of Kansas,” he added. “This is a welcoming environment where everyone works as a team to educate patients and provide a high level of healthcare to each individual.”Part of the education Dr. Miller offers his patients is emphasizing the importance of dental health.“There is a strong connection between oral health and overall physical health and well-being,” he said.In addition to his Heart of Kansas practice, Dr. Miller also provides orthodontics at his father’s dental practice in Hill City.He received his undergraduate degree at Kansas State University in 2013; five years later, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.Dr. Miller’s advanced education includes a general dentistry residency at NYU Langone Dental Medicine at Tukwila, Wash.“Since finishing my residency, I have worked as a traveling dentist at many locations, while also working part-time at my dad’s private practice,” he noted.Brett Middleton, chief executive officer at Heart of Kansas, said “we are truly fortunate that Dr. Miller has joined our team of high-quality healthcare providers. We completely understand the importance of exceptional dental health for everyone.Because of his professionalism and compassion, Dr. Miller is a perfect fit for our patients and our staff.”Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.

Dr. Miller practices dentistry at Heart of Kansas

A ribbon cutting and grand opening for Russell’s new Historic Park was held this past Saturday. The park is located at the corner of 8th and Kansas streets and includes a visitor center, public restrooms, a splash pad and playground equipment. 

The splash pad will be available for use daily between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. 

This project is the result of a collaborative effort by the Revitalize Russell Committee, the City of Russell, Russell Main Street, the Rotary Club of Russell, Russell PRIDE, the Russell County Historical Society, the Russell County Health Department, and Russell County Economic Development and CVB. Major grant funding was received from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Russell County Area Community Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689000107399.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A ribbon cutting and grand opening for Russell’s new Historic Park was held this past Saturday. The park is located at the corner of 8th and Kansas streets and includes a visitor center, public restrooms, a splash pad and playground equipment. The splash pad will be available for use daily between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. This project is the result of a collaborative effort by the Revitalize Russell Committee, the City of Russell, Russell Main Street, the Rotary Club of Russell, Russell PRIDE, the Russell County Historical Society, the Russell County Health Department, and Russell County Economic Development and CVB. Major grant funding was received from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and the Russell County Area Community Foundation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689000123230.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689000136206.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689000148085.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Russell's new Historic Park is open

While meat and poultry are popular choices for grilling, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reminds us that cooking these foods with intense heat can lead to formation of potential carcinogens. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) form in meat when its proteins react to the intense heat of the grill. Studies have linked HCAs to development of cancer.

You can modify your grilling technique to reduce the chance of cancer risk. Marinating meat before grilling can decrease formation of HCAs. If you are grilling larger cuts of meat, pre-cook them partially to reduce the time meat is exposed to flame. Trim the fat from meat to reduce flare-ups and charring. Cut meat into smaller portions and mix with vegetables to shorten the cooking time. Another way to minimize cancer risk — grill more veggies!

Grilled vegetables and fruits are delicious, and they are key elements in a healthful diet. The bonus is they don’t form HCAs when cooked, so that cancer risk is eliminated. As you plan cookout meals this summer, include plenty of colorful grilled vegetables and fruits like asparagus, all types of peppers, squash, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, carrots, corn, mushrooms, eggplant, potatoes, mangoes, and pineapple. Even the pickiest eaters will usually enjoy some grilled pineapple! Grilled zucchini is one of my favorites and is a good way to get rid of those extra squash that are so prolific. Or try something new, like grilled lettuce!

Here are basic instructions for grilling veggies and fruit:

· Slice veggies the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.

· Drizzle or brush with olive oil before cooking

· Season simply with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you like.

· Grill over medium heat to start. To prevent veggies and fruit from slipping through the grates, lay them crosswise or use a grill basket.

· Close the lid to create the same environment as an oven. Flip halfway through cooking time. More dense vegetables, like peppers and onions, will cook in about 8 to 10 minutes. Squash, eggplant, and asparagus will only require 5 to 7 minutes.

· After removing vegetables and fruit from heat, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar (flavored varieties add interest) and fresh herbs. Before adding herbs, you may need to add just a bit of olive oil.

One way to add flavor to meals from the grill is with a salsa side. There are so many combinations of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings to enjoy! So, don’t think of salsa as just a dip with chips. Almost anything savory, salty, meaty, fresh, or slightly sweet is even better with salsa on top: chicken, fish,

steak, pork, lamb, or a baked potato. Top a salad with salsa and sliced chicken, boiled eggs, or tuna and you have a winning meal, especially in the heat of summer. Have you tried cucumber salsa? It is great on a salad!

Another benefit of grilling is cooking outside keeps the heat outside and not in your home. Cooking enough for leftovers during the weekend can help with busy weekdays between work and other activities. Grilling can offer a different flavor which can sometimes encourage family to try new foods. Grilling is easy and convenient so go ahead and try a new fruit or vegetable today!

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>While meat and poultry are popular choices for grilling, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reminds us that cooking these foods with intense heat can lead to formation of potential carcinogens. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) form in meat when its proteins react to the intense heat of the grill. Studies have linked HCAs to development of cancer.You can modify your grilling technique to reduce the chance of cancer risk. Marinating meat before grilling can decrease formation of HCAs. If you are grilling larger cuts of meat, pre-cook them partially to reduce the time meat is exposed to flame. Trim the fat from meat to reduce flare-ups and charring. Cut meat into smaller portions and mix with vegetables to shorten the cooking time. Another way to minimize cancer risk — grill more veggies!Grilled vegetables and fruits are delicious, and they are key elements in a healthful diet. The bonus is they don’t form HCAs when cooked, so that cancer risk is eliminated. As you plan cookout meals this summer, include plenty of colorful grilled vegetables and fruits like asparagus, all types of peppers, squash, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, carrots, corn, mushrooms, eggplant, potatoes, mangoes, and pineapple. Even the pickiest eaters will usually enjoy some grilled pineapple! Grilled zucchini is one of my favorites and is a good way to get rid of those extra squash that are so prolific. Or try something new, like grilled lettuce!Here are basic instructions for grilling veggies and fruit:· Slice veggies the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.· Drizzle or brush with olive oil before cooking· Season simply with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you like.· Grill over medium heat to start. To prevent veggies and fruit from slipping through the grates, lay them crosswise or use a grill basket.· Close the lid to create the same environment as an oven. Flip halfway through cooking time. More dense vegetables, like peppers and onions, will cook in about 8 to 10 minutes. Squash, eggplant, and asparagus will only require 5 to 7 minutes.· After removing vegetables and fruit from heat, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar (flavored varieties add interest) and fresh herbs. Before adding herbs, you may need to add just a bit of olive oil.One way to add flavor to meals from the grill is with a salsa side. There are so many combinations of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings to enjoy! So, don’t think of salsa as just a dip with chips. Almost anything savory, salty, meaty, fresh, or slightly sweet is even better with salsa on top: chicken, fish,steak, pork, lamb, or a baked potato. Top a salad with salsa and sliced chicken, boiled eggs, or tuna and you have a winning meal, especially in the heat of summer. Have you tried cucumber salsa? It is great on a salad!Another benefit of grilling is cooking outside keeps the heat outside and not in your home. Cooking enough for leftovers during the weekend can help with busy weekdays between work and other activities. Grilling can offer a different flavor which can sometimes encourage family to try new foods. Grilling is easy and convenient so go ahead and try a new fruit or vegetable today!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: Grilling fruits and vegetables

From the Barton County Historical Society...

The Barton County Historical Society welcomes Darren L. Ivey, Director of Library &amp; College Archives, to present in our Ray Schulz Memorial Library on Monday, July 24. Darren’s program will be “Rebels in Blue: Galvanized Yankees on the Santa Fe Trail.” It will present a general history of Confederate prisoners of war that volunteered for frontier duty with the U.S. Army and will begin at 7 p.m. at the Barton County Historical Society, 85 S. Highway 281, Great Bend.

Admission is free for members of the society and $5 for individuals over 16 wishing to attend the program. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m. Light refreshments are provided and the bottled water for attendees is provided by Wheatland Electric. The Barton County Historical Society is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday all year and has summer hours in April, from 1-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657710396550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Barton County Historical Society...The Barton County Historical Society welcomes Darren L. Ivey, Director of Library &amp; College Archives, to present in our Ray Schulz Memorial Library on Monday, July 24. Darren’s program will be “Rebels in Blue: Galvanized Yankees on the Santa Fe Trail.” It will present a general history of Confederate prisoners of war that volunteered for frontier duty with the U.S. Army and will begin at 7 p.m. at the Barton County Historical Society, 85 S. Highway 281, Great Bend.Admission is free for members of the society and $5 for individuals over 16 wishing to attend the program. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m. Light refreshments are provided and the bottled water for attendees is provided by Wheatland Electric. The Barton County Historical Society is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday all year and has summer hours in April, from 1-4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Rebels in Blue program by Darren Ivey of Barton Community College

The League of Women Voters of Great Bend and the Women for Kansas of
Barton County organizations are sponsoring an educational meeting on “An
Introduction to Alternative Election Methods.” The program is scheduled for
July 16 at 2 p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592
Northeast K-156 Highway. 

League of Women Voters President Janice Walker said the
education of the voting public is important to increase voter turnout and
increase voter confidence. "We're nonpartisan groups," said Walker. "That means we don't encourage people to vote for anyone, but just to vote. You can belong to whatever party you want to. We want people to understand the issues. That is part of the league's drive is voting and understanding the issues." 
The PowerPoint presentation will take approximately 45 minutes and will look at
other voting methods such as Instant Runoff Voting, Single Transferable Vote,
Ranked Choice, Voting and Proportional Representation. The pros and cons of
each method will be examined. Participants are encouraged to bring their
laptop, iPad or smart phone.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688665294661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe League of Women Voters of Great Bend and the Women for Kansas of
Barton County organizations are sponsoring an educational meeting on “An
Introduction to Alternative Election Methods.” The program is scheduled for
July 16 at 2 p.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592
Northeast K-156 Highway. League of Women Voters President Janice Walker said the
education of the voting public is important to increase voter turnout and
increase voter confidence. "We're nonpartisan groups," said Walker. "That means we don't encourage people to vote for anyone, but just to vote. You can belong to whatever party you want to. We want people to understand the issues. That is part of the league's drive is voting and understanding the issues." 
The PowerPoint presentation will take approximately 45 minutes and will look at
other voting methods such as Instant Runoff Voting, Single Transferable Vote,
Ranked Choice, Voting and Proportional Representation. The pros and cons of
each method will be examined. Participants are encouraged to bring their
laptop, iPad or smart phone.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Alternative voting methods explained in Barton Co. program

Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting July 10 - 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center

1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests

2. Consent Agenda: Action Item &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: June 12th, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports

3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments

4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 June Attendance Report

5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Appointments &amp; Designations &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 2023-2024 Intent to Exceed RNR &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2023-2024 Budget and RNR Rate Publication Notice &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 City Auditorium Lighting &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Executive Session: Personnel Matters of Non-Elected Personnel

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291691646.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting July 10 - 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation CenterAgenda1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests2. Consent Agenda: Action Item &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: June 12th, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 June Attendance Report5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Appointments &amp; Designations &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 2023-2024 Intent to Exceed RNR &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2023-2024 Budget and RNR Rate Publication Notice &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 City Auditorium Lighting &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Executive Session: Personnel Matters of Non-Elected Personnel6. Other Business7. Adjournment

Great Bend Rec Board meeting agenda (7/10)

The final bits of scrambling are underway. Barton County announced the treasurer's office would be open at its new 1500 Kansas Ave. location beginning Monday as part of the courthouse HVAC renovation project. County Administrator Matt Patzner said contractors are moving in July 12, so all departments must be moved by the night before.

"Our focus right now is getting everything out of the building," he said. "I think once we get over there, there's going to be some reorganizing and little things that maybe this should go here and this should go here. We're going to deal with that once we're out of the building."

Patzner and movers will work over the weekend, then Road and Bridge Department staff will put the final touches on the move Monday. Temperatures inside the former JC Penney building remained warm Friday but that should change ahead of Monday with the air conditioning unit being fixed.

"They got the part they needed over there," Patzner said. "They're installing it right now. I guess they have to go through a whole process of draining it and vacuuming it out and everything to make sure there's no debris in there."

The Barton County Commission will meet for the first time Tuesday at the 1500 Kansas Ave. location. With a previous commitment being rescheduled, the commission will meet at its regular 9 a.m. time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688749565617.jpeg" alt="Melanie Garcia with the Barton County Treasurer's Office was at her new desk inside the former JC Penney Building on Friday." />
 <figcaption>Melanie Garcia with the Barton County Treasurer's Office was at her new desk inside the former JC Penney Building on Friday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe final bits of scrambling are underway. Barton County announced the treasurer's office would be open at its new 1500 Kansas Ave. location beginning Monday as part of the courthouse HVAC renovation project. County Administrator Matt Patzner said contractors are moving in July 12, so all departments must be moved by the night before."Our focus right now is getting everything out of the building," he said. "I think once we get over there, there's going to be some reorganizing and little things that maybe this should go here and this should go here. We're going to deal with that once we're out of the building."Patzner and movers will work over the weekend, then Road and Bridge Department staff will put the final touches on the move Monday. Temperatures inside the former JC Penney building remained warm Friday but that should change ahead of Monday with the air conditioning unit being fixed."They got the part they needed over there," Patzner said. "They're installing it right now. I guess they have to go through a whole process of draining it and vacuuming it out and everything to make sure there's no debris in there."The Barton County Commission will meet for the first time Tuesday at the 1500 Kansas Ave. location. With a previous commitment being rescheduled, the commission will meet at its regular 9 a.m. time.

Barton Co. nearing deadline to complete courthouse move

7/7 BOOKED: Jerl Bellesine on three Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $1,685.50 cash only.

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

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

BOOKED: Lorenzo Jimenez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at $250 cash only.

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

RELEASED: Sheldon Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Lorenzo Jimenez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Heather Holmes on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear and Pawnee County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, with transfer to Pawnee County.

RELEASED: McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, after posting a $250 cash bond.

RELEASED: Michael Clark on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, on order from the court.

RELEASED: Grant Jackson on Barton County District Court case for Abuse of a Child, after posting $75,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Aubryanna Kurth on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery LEO, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Interference with LEO, on 48-hour OR bond.

7/8 BOOKED: John Lynch on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S; and on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S and $357.50 cash only.

RELEASED: John Lynch on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear; and on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety and $347.50 cash bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Cirrus Feil on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

7/9 BOOKED: Willie Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Fabio Chavez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference LEO, Criminal Damage to Property, and Disorderly Conduct, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Rebecca Bell-Desmarteau on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

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

RELEASED: Kyra Zimmer on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Rebecca Bell-Desmarteau on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>7/7 BOOKED: Jerl Bellesine on three Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $1,685.50 cash only.BOOKED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Misty Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Lorenzo Jimenez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at $250 cash only.BOOKED: Brayden Powell-Rand on three Barton County District Court cases, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Sheldon Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, by order of the court.RELEASED: Lorenzo Jimenez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Heather Holmes on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear and Pawnee County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, with transfer to Pawnee County.RELEASED: McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, after posting a $250 cash bond.RELEASED: Michael Clark on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, on order from the court.RELEASED: Grant Jackson on Barton County District Court case for Abuse of a Child, after posting $75,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Aubryanna Kurth on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery LEO, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Interference with LEO, on 48-hour OR bond.7/8 BOOKED: John Lynch on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S; and on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S and $357.50 cash only.RELEASED: John Lynch on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear; and on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety and $347.50 cash bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Cirrus Feil on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.7/9 BOOKED: Willie Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Fabio Chavez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference LEO, Criminal Damage to Property, and Disorderly Conduct, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Rebecca Bell-Desmarteau on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Willie Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Kyra Zimmer on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Rebecca Bell-Desmarteau on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Damien Findley on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on Barton County District Court cases, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/7 - 7/9)

Erma Bombeck, Ann Landers, and now Becky Gillette. Newspaper columnists have often collected their works and turned them into books. Gillette, a Great Bend resident since 1958, has now done the same with her book "Jessie's Corner," a collection of religious-based columns under the same name.

"I started out in Ellinwood," Gillette said. "Most newspapers will have a religious column somewhere and Ellinwood didn't. I had been collecting different scriptures over the years and I thought maybe I could do something with them, so I started writing 'Jesse's Corner.'"

Gillette graduated from Great Bend High School in 1969 and earned an education degree a few years later. But "over the last 500 years," she taught for about seven years in an elementary classroom. Instead, she moved, got married, worked as a pension administrator, and has preached in various churches for various denominations for the past 15 years. She began writing for the Main Street Media publications in 2019. 

By then, Gillette found herself jumping ahead in well-known verses of the Bible. Her column originated from a peculiar new way to read religious text.

"It's like reading the end of a book before you even start," she said. "You know how it's going to end up. I thought there was a lot of stuff in here I'm missing by projecting myself into the future part of the bible. So I decided to start with Revelations and read backward to Genesis."

Gillette applies everyday life to various pieces of scripture, including the time she got lost in the small town of Seward. "The problem is we don't know what we don't know," she said. "While I knew how to get to Seward, I didn't know anything about Mom's Bar &amp; Grill, which is where we were meeting. I ended up spending about 30 minutes trying to find Mom's Bar &amp; Grill, which is on a dirt road on the west side of town."

Gillette's collection of essays was illustrated by Great Bend's Phyllis Brack. Accordingly, Gillette has scheduled a book signing at Brack's Dilly &amp; Doc Creative Studio, 1119 Main Street in Great Bend, on July 29 from 2-4 p.m. A copy of the book will be raffled off at the event.

"Jessie's Corner" can be purchased online at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jessies-Corner-Something-Think-About-ebook/dp/B0C9PWXPCV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20TNZB5TK1FMM&amp;keywords=gillette+jessie%27s+corner&amp;qid=1688656308&amp;sprefix=gillette+jessie%27s+corne%2Caps%2C119&amp;sr=8-1">Amazon.com</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jessies-corner-becky-gillette/1143710639?ean=9781664299863">Barnes and Noble. </a>Physical or digital copies may also be purchased through WestBow Press by <a href="https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/826554-jessies-corner">CLICKING HERE</a>. Copies may take two weeks to arrive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688656594346.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostErma Bombeck, Ann Landers, and now Becky Gillette. Newspaper columnists have often collected their works and turned them into books. Gillette, a Great Bend resident since 1958, has now done the same with her book "Jessie's Corner," a collection of religious-based columns under the same name."I started out in Ellinwood," Gillette said. "Most newspapers will have a religious column somewhere and Ellinwood didn't. I had been collecting different scriptures over the years and I thought maybe I could do something with them, so I started writing 'Jesse's Corner.'"Gillette graduated from Great Bend High School in 1969 and earned an education degree a few years later. But "over the last 500 years," she taught for about seven years in an elementary classroom. Instead, she moved, got married, worked as a pension administrator, and has preached in various churches for various denominations for the past 15 years. She began writing for the Main Street Media publications in 2019. By then, Gillette found herself jumping ahead in well-known verses of the Bible. Her column originated from a peculiar new way to read religious text."It's like reading the end of a book before you even start," she said. "You know how it's going to end up. I thought there was a lot of stuff in here I'm missing by projecting myself into the future part of the bible. So I decided to start with Revelations and read backward to Genesis."Gillette applies everyday life to various pieces of scripture, including the time she got lost in the small town of Seward. "The problem is we don't know what we don't know," she said. "While I knew how to get to Seward, I didn't know anything about Mom's Bar &amp; Grill, which is where we were meeting. I ended up spending about 30 minutes trying to find Mom's Bar &amp; Grill, which is on a dirt road on the west side of town."Gillette's collection of essays was illustrated by Great Bend's Phyllis Brack. Accordingly, Gillette has scheduled a book signing at Brack's Dilly &amp; Doc Creative Studio, 1119 Main Street in Great Bend, on July 29 from 2-4 p.m. A copy of the book will be raffled off at the event."Jessie's Corner" can be purchased online at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jessies-Corner-Something-Think-About-ebook/dp/B0C9PWXPCV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20TNZB5TK1FMM&amp;keywords=gillette+jessie%27s+corner&amp;qid=1688656308&amp;sprefix=gillette+jessie%27s+corne%2Caps%2C119&amp;sr=8-1">Amazon.com</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jessies-corner-becky-gillette/1143710639?ean=9781664299863">Barnes and Noble. </a>Physical or digital copies may also be purchased through WestBow Press by <a href="https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/826554-jessies-corner">CLICKING HERE</a>. Copies may take two weeks to arrive.

Great Bend writer turns newspaper columns into Christian book

Today Sunny, with a high near 89. South-southwest wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Increasing clouds, with a low around 68. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 94. South-southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.

Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Friday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Friday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

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

Today Sunny, with a high near 89. South-southwest wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Increasing clouds, with a low around 68. South wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 94. South-southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72. South wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Wednesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South wind around 10 mph.Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 95.Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Friday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.Friday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 66.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

USD 428 Board of Education meeting&nbsp; July 10 - 5 p.m. 201 S. Patton Road, Great Bend

1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. President &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Vice-President &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nominations are now in order for the office of president and vice-president. The Board will elect a president and a vice-president by vote.

3. PRESENTATIONS / RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS &nbsp; &nbsp;None

4. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Members’ Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· Citizens Open Forum &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence

ORGANIZATION OF THE 2023-2024 BOARD OF EDUCATION

5. APPOINTMENTS / DESIGNATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Board Clerk Recommendation: John Popp &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is recommended that Assistant Superintendent John Popp would be appointed as the Clerk of the Board of Education.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Assistant Clerk Recommendation: Cathie McManaman &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board needs to appoint an Assistant Clerk to serve in the absence of the Board Clerk and provide continuity to district services. Cathie McManaman will continue to serve in this capacity.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Treasurer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: Kathy Roberts / April Harbaugh &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is recommended that Kathy Roberts or April Harbaugh, Payroll Clerk(s), will serve in this capacity.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Assistant Treasurer Recommendation: Jolene Kirmer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board appoints an Assistant Treasurer to serve in the absence of the Board Treasurer and to provide continuity to district services. It is recommended that Jolene Kirmer will serve as Assistant Treasurer.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Truancy Officers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: All Learning Center Principals and Assistant Principals. These administrators have been serving as Truancy Officers, and it is recommended that they will continue in this position.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Hearing Officer for Free and Reduced &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Khris Thexton. The Superintendent has been serving as this officer, and it is recommended that this practice will continue.

&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Food Service Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Kristy Alvord. It is recommended that Food Service Director Kristy Alvord continues serving in this capacity.

&nbsp; &nbsp;H. KPERS Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: Kathy Roberts / April Harbaugh. It is recommended that Kathy Roberts or April Harbaugh will serve in this capacity.

&nbsp; &nbsp;I. Federal / State Grant Representatives &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: Traci Burns, JoAnn Blevins, and Ashley Riley. It is recommended that these persons will serve as representatives since they play major roles in grant areas.

&nbsp; &nbsp;J. USD 428 Education Foundation Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Aaron Emerson. The BOE member who has fulfilled this role is Aaron Emerson. It is recommended that Aaron Emerson continues in this role.

&nbsp; &nbsp;K. Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and Section 504 Representatives &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: John Popp and Ashley Riley. These persons are recommended to serve as representatives since they play major roles in related matters. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

&nbsp; &nbsp;L. KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Susan Young. Susan Young has served in this capacity in the past and will continue to fill this role.

&nbsp; &nbsp;M. Freedom of Information Officer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Andrea Bauer. The Public Information Director has been serving as the district's Freedom of Information Officer, and Andrea Bauer is recommended to fill this capacity.

&nbsp; &nbsp;N. Records Custodian Recommendation: John Popp &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is recommended that John Popp will serve in this capacity.

&nbsp; &nbsp;O. Name Depository for District Funds &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: The administration recommends that the Board continue with the current accounts.

&nbsp; &nbsp;P. Selection of Official District Newspaper &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Great Bend Tribune. The school district has relied on The Tribune as the official newspaper in the past and the administration recommends that The Tribune will continue to be USD 428's official newspaper.

&nbsp; &nbsp;Q. Selection of District Insurance Committee Members &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Insurance and Plan 125 issues are important to employees of the district. A committee comprised of persons from a cross-section of licensed and classified job categories will meet throughout the 2023-2024 year to review the status of the offerings and alternative possibilities and bring recommendations for insurance offerings to the Board for the subsequent year. Jacquie Disque has served as a committee member representing the Board of Education, and reappointment is recommended.

&nbsp; &nbsp;R. Homeless Coordinator &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: JoAnn Blevins. In compliance with BOE Policy JBCA, a Homeless Coordinator is being named. The administration recommends that Mrs. Blevins would serve in that position.

&nbsp; &nbsp;S. Selection of BOE Members to 2024 IBB Team &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Deanna Essmiller, Susan Young. The administration appoints representatives to the 2024 Interest-Based Bargaining Team for teacher negotiations. Deanna Essmiller and Susan Young will continue to serve in this position.

&nbsp; &nbsp;T. Attorney Services &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Watkins Calcara, Chtd.. The administration recommends approval of the contract with Watkins Calcara, Chtd., for legal services. The firm has been an excellent resource for the BOE and the school district.

&nbsp; &nbsp;U. BOE Representative to the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Aaron Emerson. Membership on the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Aaron Emerson for the position.

&nbsp; &nbsp;V. BOE Representative to the Supplemental Salary Committee &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Lori Reneau. Membership on the Supplemental Salary Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Lori Reneau serve in this position.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Recommendation for Early Payment of Claims &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This allows payment of certain types of bills prior to the BOE meetings. Such bills include utility bills, bills which allow a discount if paid by a certain date, or bills that would result in a penalty for late payment. The BOE must authorize such action each year, and the authority must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Adoption of 1,116-Hour Calendar for 2023-2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This is a routine action that is required by state law. The 2023-2024 calendar has already been approved. This action provides the district with more flexibility throughout the year.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Approval of Mileage Rate for Approved Travel for District Employees&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Licensed Employees’ Agreement stipulates that the annual mileage rate for reimbursement to employees for approved miles traveled is established each July, according to the Kansas state rate. The current state rate is 65.5 cents.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Rescind Previous Policy and Adopt BOE Policy Manual for the 2023-2024 Year &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To be in compliance with Kansas law, the administration recommends the adoption of the following resolution. RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that all policy statements found in the minutes of this Board of Education prior to June 30, 2023 (with the exception of the 2023-2024 student and teacher handbooks, which were approved on May 8, 2023), be rescinded and that the Board of Education adopt the BOE Policy Manual as presented and recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, to govern this school district during the 2023-2024 school year, subject to periodic review, amendment, and revision by the Board of Education.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Authorization of Certificates for Manual Signature &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; On occasions, manual signatures are required in Board-approved business functions of USD 428. The administration recommends authorization of manual signatures for the Superintendent of Schools as well as the following BOE positions: President, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of 2023-2024 Petty Cash Resolution &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board of Education must establish separate petty cash funds for each entity and authorize employees to administer the petty cash funds. The funds may not exceed $3,000.00. See details on designated treasurers and assigned petty cash amounts. The administration recommends approval.

&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Approval of Resolution to Maintain Activity Funds &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is a recommended practice to have a Board of Education resolution on file to authorize maintaining and operating the district's activity funds for financial purposes. The administration recommends approval of the resolution.

&nbsp; &nbsp;H. Approval of Resolution to Waive Annual Requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Fixed Assets Accounting for 2023-2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This is a standard annual procedure to avoid a complex depreciation accounting system which has no value for a school district. The administration recommends approval.

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 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education meeting&nbsp; July 10 - 5 p.m. 201 S. Patton Road, Great BendAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. President &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Vice-President &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Nominations are now in order for the office of president and vice-president. The Board will elect a president and a vice-president by vote.3. PRESENTATIONS / RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS &nbsp; &nbsp;None4. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Members’ Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· Citizens Open Forum &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / CorrespondenceORGANIZATION OF THE 2023-2024 BOARD OF EDUCATION5. APPOINTMENTS / DESIGNATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Board Clerk Recommendation: John Popp &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is recommended that Assistant Superintendent John Popp would be appointed as the Clerk of the Board of Education.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Assistant Clerk Recommendation: Cathie McManaman &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board needs to appoint an Assistant Clerk to serve in the absence of the Board Clerk and provide continuity to district services. Cathie McManaman will continue to serve in this capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Treasurer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: Kathy Roberts / April Harbaugh &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is recommended that Kathy Roberts or April Harbaugh, Payroll Clerk(s), will serve in this capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Assistant Treasurer Recommendation: Jolene Kirmer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board appoints an Assistant Treasurer to serve in the absence of the Board Treasurer and to provide continuity to district services. It is recommended that Jolene Kirmer will serve as Assistant Treasurer.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Truancy Officers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: All Learning Center Principals and Assistant Principals. These administrators have been serving as Truancy Officers, and it is recommended that they will continue in this position.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Hearing Officer for Free and Reduced &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Khris Thexton. The Superintendent has been serving as this officer, and it is recommended that this practice will continue.&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Food Service Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Kristy Alvord. It is recommended that Food Service Director Kristy Alvord continues serving in this capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp;H. KPERS Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: Kathy Roberts / April Harbaugh. It is recommended that Kathy Roberts or April Harbaugh will serve in this capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp;I. Federal / State Grant Representatives &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: Traci Burns, JoAnn Blevins, and Ashley Riley. It is recommended that these persons will serve as representatives since they play major roles in grant areas.&nbsp; &nbsp;J. USD 428 Education Foundation Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Aaron Emerson. The BOE member who has fulfilled this role is Aaron Emerson. It is recommended that Aaron Emerson continues in this role.&nbsp; &nbsp;K. Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and Section 504 Representatives &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendations: John Popp and Ashley Riley. These persons are recommended to serve as representatives since they play major roles in related matters. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.&nbsp; &nbsp;L. KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Susan Young. Susan Young has served in this capacity in the past and will continue to fill this role.&nbsp; &nbsp;M. Freedom of Information Officer &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Andrea Bauer. The Public Information Director has been serving as the district's Freedom of Information Officer, and Andrea Bauer is recommended to fill this capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp;N. Records Custodian Recommendation: John Popp &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is recommended that John Popp will serve in this capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp;O. Name Depository for District Funds &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: The administration recommends that the Board continue with the current accounts.&nbsp; &nbsp;P. Selection of Official District Newspaper &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Great Bend Tribune. The school district has relied on The Tribune as the official newspaper in the past and the administration recommends that The Tribune will continue to be USD 428's official newspaper.&nbsp; &nbsp;Q. Selection of District Insurance Committee Members &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Insurance and Plan 125 issues are important to employees of the district. A committee comprised of persons from a cross-section of licensed and classified job categories will meet throughout the 2023-2024 year to review the status of the offerings and alternative possibilities and bring recommendations for insurance offerings to the Board for the subsequent year. Jacquie Disque has served as a committee member representing the Board of Education, and reappointment is recommended.&nbsp; &nbsp;R. Homeless Coordinator &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: JoAnn Blevins. In compliance with BOE Policy JBCA, a Homeless Coordinator is being named. The administration recommends that Mrs. Blevins would serve in that position.&nbsp; &nbsp;S. Selection of BOE Members to 2024 IBB Team &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Deanna Essmiller, Susan Young. The administration appoints representatives to the 2024 Interest-Based Bargaining Team for teacher negotiations. Deanna Essmiller and Susan Young will continue to serve in this position.&nbsp; &nbsp;T. Attorney Services &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Watkins Calcara, Chtd.. The administration recommends approval of the contract with Watkins Calcara, Chtd., for legal services. The firm has been an excellent resource for the BOE and the school district.&nbsp; &nbsp;U. BOE Representative to the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Aaron Emerson. Membership on the GBHS Hall of Fame Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Aaron Emerson for the position.&nbsp; &nbsp;V. BOE Representative to the Supplemental Salary Committee &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recommendation: Lori Reneau. Membership on the Supplemental Salary Committee includes one Board of Education member. The administration recommends Lori Reneau serve in this position.6. ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Recommendation for Early Payment of Claims &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This allows payment of certain types of bills prior to the BOE meetings. Such bills include utility bills, bills which allow a discount if paid by a certain date, or bills that would result in a penalty for late payment. The BOE must authorize such action each year, and the authority must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Adoption of 1,116-Hour Calendar for 2023-2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This is a routine action that is required by state law. The 2023-2024 calendar has already been approved. This action provides the district with more flexibility throughout the year.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Approval of Mileage Rate for Approved Travel for District Employees&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Licensed Employees’ Agreement stipulates that the annual mileage rate for reimbursement to employees for approved miles traveled is established each July, according to the Kansas state rate. The current state rate is 65.5 cents.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Rescind Previous Policy and Adopt BOE Policy Manual for the 2023-2024 Year &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To be in compliance with Kansas law, the administration recommends the adoption of the following resolution. RESOLUTION: Be it resolved that all policy statements found in the minutes of this Board of Education prior to June 30, 2023 (with the exception of the 2023-2024 student and teacher handbooks, which were approved on May 8, 2023), be rescinded and that the Board of Education adopt the BOE Policy Manual as presented and recommended by the Superintendent of Schools, to govern this school district during the 2023-2024 school year, subject to periodic review, amendment, and revision by the Board of Education.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Authorization of Certificates for Manual Signature &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; On occasions, manual signatures are required in Board-approved business functions of USD 428. The administration recommends authorization of manual signatures for the Superintendent of Schools as well as the following BOE positions: President, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of 2023-2024 Petty Cash Resolution &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board of Education must establish separate petty cash funds for each entity and authorize employees to administer the petty cash funds. The funds may not exceed $3,000.00. See details on designated treasurers and assigned petty cash amounts. The administration recommends approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Approval of Resolution to Maintain Activity Funds &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; It is a recommended practice to have a Board of Education resolution on file to authorize maintaining and operating the district's activity funds for financial purposes. The administration recommends approval of the resolution.&nbsp; &nbsp;H. Approval of Resolution to Waive Annual Requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Fixed Assets Accounting for 2023-2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; This is a standard annual procedure to avoid a complex depreciation accounting system which has no value for a school district. The administration recommends approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;I. Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; To be in compliance with BOE Policy A, the administration recommends adoption of the resolution: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education.&nbsp; &nbsp;J. Approval to Publish Notifications &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Approval of these notifications must be part of the BOE minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Equal Employment / Educational Opportunity Agency &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Rights Through Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (includes disclosure of directory information) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Asbestos Notification &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · Student Data Privacy Act&nbsp; &nbsp;K. Resolution to Authorize Bank Signature Card Designees &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Resignations, appointments, and reassignments necessitate changes in authorized signers for district bank accounts. The Board of Education resolution will allow the administration to change signers, as deemed appropriate, with Board of Education approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;L. Freedom of Information Copy Costs &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In regard to copies approved and prepared by the Freedom of Information Officer, the administration recommends the cost per copy at $.30.&nbsp; &nbsp;M. Disposition of Property &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration seeks BOE approval to regularly dispose of unneeded, out-of-date district-owned property valued at $750 or less.&nbsp; &nbsp;N. Destruction of Records &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration seeks BOE approval to destroy all BOE meeting agendas and financial records more than five years old (current practice). See the attached resolution for destruction of the documents. It is the intent to include this resolution to the BOE each year with the applicable date applied, thereby maintaining manageable storage of documents.&nbsp; &nbsp;O. 2023-2024 Substitute Teacher Pay &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The USD 428 substitute teacher per-day pay is $120 per day. The half day substitute rate is $60.00.&nbsp; &nbsp;P. Internet Filtering Software &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district has a contract with TwoTrees (7/1/21 – 6/30/24) for windows computer internet filtering, and a contract with GoGuardian for Chromebook filtering (7/1/23 – 6/29/24)&nbsp; &nbsp;Q. Travel Expenses: Meal Rate &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In reference to BOE Policy GAN, the maximum allowance per meal is to be recommended by the superintendent for approval by the BOE. The recommendation is to authorize $10 per meal in state and $15 per meal out of state.&nbsp; &nbsp;R. Fees: Application for Use of School Facilities &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; District facilities are utilized by in-district and outside agencies for various functions (i.e., private groups athletic practices and tournaments), and fees (when applicable) are charged according to preset amounts. The recommendation is to have unchanged fees for the upcoming fiscal year.7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Second Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; At the meeting of 6/12/2023, BOE members heard the first reading of KASB-recommended new and revised policies. At this second reading, the administration recommends approval.8. NEW BUSINESS&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of Music Equipment Quote &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will discuss two Buy Board procurement vocal riser quotes for elementary vocal music. He will make a recommendation and request board action.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Revenue Neutral Discussion &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will discuss the property taxation policy of USD 428 Great Bend, with respect to exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2023-2024. The administration requests approval to exceed the RNR in the upcoming budget proposal.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Handbook Language Change &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration has updated new student policies regarding cell phones, tobacco/vape, or nicotine delivery systems. Wording will be added to student handbooks outlining corrective discipline actions for students violating the policy.9. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT / CURRICULUM REPORT&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Summer School finality: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the 2023 Summer School program and its impact on USD 428 students.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Beginning of Year Schedule: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 2-3 – Enrollment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 3 – Helping Hands Enrollment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 10-11, 14-16–New Teacher Orientation (5 Days) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 17, 18 – Teacher Inservice &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 17 – Business Showcase/Teacher Inservice &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 21, 22 – Teacher Workday &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 23 – First Day of Classes – K-6, 7, 9 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; · August 24 – First Day of Classes – Grades 8, 10-12&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Information (Licensed) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 0 New Licensed positions &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 6 Positions unable to be filled (Instructional Coaches) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 8 Positions filled with long-term substitute teachers (most in various stages of acquiring licensure) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 5 Positions filled with people with provisional licensure (licensed but completing teacher programs) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 16 Fully licensed people hired, new to the district &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 22 Total teachers hired &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § 23 Resignations&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Curriculum Meetings &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting is 9/5/23 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Professional Development Council (PDC): Next meeting is on 8/21/2310. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Budget Update &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Summer Meal Program &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Approval of Grant Applications / Contributions (Attachment 10.D)11. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION12. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [June 12, and June 29, 2023]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report (Attachment 12.C)13. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for August 14, 2023, at the District Education Center14. ADJOURNMENT

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