At the end of Parent Project classes, Casey Rowland asks participants to provide feedback about her presentations and their experiences.

As family-engagement advocate at Juvenile Services, Rowland shared some of these recent comments to encourage parents to consider signing up for the next series of classes that begin Tuesday, Feb. 3.

· I have learned not to yell and scream because it doesn’t work. I am learning to pick my battles.

· I was not excited about attending but am very thankful for this class and Casey.

· Casey is absolutely amazing. We hated seeing the class end.

· Less frustration. Less arguing. Making positive steps toward a happy household. Enjoying spending time together.

“We hope parents looking for new avenues to a calmer home atmosphere will consider taking Parent Project classes,” Rowland said. “These sessions are not about being bad parents. They are about learning new techniques and realizing we are not alone in our battles.

“If you attend with an open mind, you may discover new ways to handle conflict. There is no judgment here.”

Upcoming classes The next classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 3 at the Juvenile Services office, 1800 12th, Great Bend. There is no cost; dinner and class materials are provided. Call 620-793-1930 for more information.

Parents are encouraged to attend all sessions because the curriculum is structured so that each class builds on the one before. Zoom options are available for out-of-county residents.

“We have parents dealing with out-of-control teenagers, while others report issues such as talking back and not obeying the rules,” Rowland said. “Our classes are designed for these situations and everything in between. Everyone is welcome – even parents of adult children.”

Rowland works with parents individually, if they choose. These interactions can be prior to the classes beginning, during the 10-week course and/or after the sessions wrap up.

“Even though the classes may be over, I am not going anywhere. I am always here for parents,” Rowland emphasized.

Parent Project is only one piece of Rowland’s family-engagement services. Others include helping families navigate the juvenile-justice system, including court appearances, and providing other resources.

“We just hope you learn some things that help in day-to-day life,” she summarized. “It is good to remember that everyone makes mistakes. When that happens, we re-group.”

20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638377876418.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>At the end of Parent Project classes, Casey Rowland asks participants to provide feedback about her presentations and their experiences.As family-engagement advocate at Juvenile Services, Rowland shared some of these recent comments to encourage parents to consider signing up for the next series of classes that begin Tuesday, Feb. 3.Parents’ comments included:· I have learned not to yell and scream because it doesn’t work. I am learning to pick my battles.· I was not excited about attending but am very thankful for this class and Casey.· Casey is absolutely amazing. We hated seeing the class end.· Less frustration. Less arguing. Making positive steps toward a happy household. Enjoying spending time together.“We hope parents looking for new avenues to a calmer home atmosphere will consider taking Parent Project classes,” Rowland said. “These sessions are not about being bad parents. They are about learning new techniques and realizing we are not alone in our battles.“If you attend with an open mind, you may discover new ways to handle conflict. There is no judgment here.”Upcoming classes The next classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 3 at the Juvenile Services office, 1800 12th, Great Bend. There is no cost; dinner and class materials are provided. Call 620-793-1930 for more information.Parents are encouraged to attend all sessions because the curriculum is structured so that each class builds on the one before. Zoom options are available for out-of-county residents.“We have parents dealing with out-of-control teenagers, while others report issues such as talking back and not obeying the rules,” Rowland said. “Our classes are designed for these situations and everything in between. Everyone is welcome – even parents of adult children.”Rowland works with parents individually, if they choose. These interactions can be prior to the classes beginning, during the 10-week course and/or after the sessions wrap up.“Even though the classes may be over, I am not going anywhere. I am always here for parents,” Rowland emphasized.Parent Project is only one piece of Rowland’s family-engagement services. Others include helping families navigate the juvenile-justice system, including court appearances, and providing other resources.“We just hope you learn some things that help in day-to-day life,” she summarized. “It is good to remember that everyone makes mistakes. When that happens, we re-group.”20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

Parent Project classes begin Feb. 3; parents encouraged to sign up

After an extensive search, the Board of Trustees at Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic have named Troy Moore, DPT, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

"We are excited to welcome Troy as our new CEO. He brings a proven track record of strong leadership and a high level of performance, combined with his passion for exceptional patient care, that our patients and families have come to trust,” said David Gonzales, Board Chair.

Gonzales added the members of the hospital board are confident that under Moore’s leadership, the hospital and clinic will continue its commitment to the best in patient care and fiscal responsibility.

“Together, we can ensure a strong future in healthcare for our families,” he said.

Moore, who is currently a physical therapist, will continue with both inpatient and outpatient care but limit hours while transitioning to the administrative role.

“Stepping into the CEO role is both an honor and responsibility,” Moore said. “My clinical background keeps me grounded in patient care and moving into organizational leadership allows me to expand that impact by supporting our caregivers, strengthening services and ensuring the long-term stability of Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic.”

Gonzales said the staff speaks well of Moore’s leadership style and are comfortable having him lead them in the future.

Moore said his priorities for the first six to 12 months include strengthening communication and goal setting within each department, gaining a clear understanding of the hospital and clinic’s financial health, and establishing measurable objectives that support sustainable growth for a rural healthcare system.

“I look forward to working closely with our staff and the Board on strategic planning, while maintaining open and transparent communication with the USDA and our community so we can align expectations, priorities, and goals to ensure we remain a strong, trusted resource for the families we serve.”

Moore said Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic continues to strengthen its role in the community by expanding services and outpatient care, bringing more specialty providers to the hospital, and keeping patients close to home to ensure high quality, accessible care for all.

“I’m especially excited building on our recent investments in a state-of-the-art surgery suite, which has already led to increased patient volume and has even greater potential for the future,” he said. “In addition, expanding wound care services and bringing in specialty physicians strengthens our medical footprint, improves access to care, and allows more residents to receive advanced services right here in Ellinwood.”

Moore said he is leaning on senior staff and managers to help with the transitions and eventually plans on spending 25 percent of his time doing patient care, particularly working with sports and orthopedic conditions with area athletes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768931496588.jpeg" alt="Troy Moore" />
 <figcaption>Troy Moore</figcaption>
 </figure>After an extensive search, the Board of Trustees at Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic have named Troy Moore, DPT, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)."We are excited to welcome Troy as our new CEO. He brings a proven track record of strong leadership and a high level of performance, combined with his passion for exceptional patient care, that our patients and families have come to trust,” said David Gonzales, Board Chair.Gonzales added the members of the hospital board are confident that under Moore’s leadership, the hospital and clinic will continue its commitment to the best in patient care and fiscal responsibility.“Together, we can ensure a strong future in healthcare for our families,” he said.Moore, who is currently a physical therapist, will continue with both inpatient and outpatient care but limit hours while transitioning to the administrative role.“Stepping into the CEO role is both an honor and responsibility,” Moore said. “My clinical background keeps me grounded in patient care and moving into organizational leadership allows me to expand that impact by supporting our caregivers, strengthening services and ensuring the long-term stability of Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic.”Gonzales said the staff speaks well of Moore’s leadership style and are comfortable having him lead them in the future.Moore said his priorities for the first six to 12 months include strengthening communication and goal setting within each department, gaining a clear understanding of the hospital and clinic’s financial health, and establishing measurable objectives that support sustainable growth for a rural healthcare system.“I look forward to working closely with our staff and the Board on strategic planning, while maintaining open and transparent communication with the USDA and our community so we can align expectations, priorities, and goals to ensure we remain a strong, trusted resource for the families we serve.”Moore said Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic continues to strengthen its role in the community by expanding services and outpatient care, bringing more specialty providers to the hospital, and keeping patients close to home to ensure high quality, accessible care for all.“I’m especially excited building on our recent investments in a state-of-the-art surgery suite, which has already led to increased patient volume and has even greater potential for the future,” he said. “In addition, expanding wound care services and bringing in specialty physicians strengthens our medical footprint, improves access to care, and allows more residents to receive advanced services right here in Ellinwood.”Moore said he is leaning on senior staff and managers to help with the transitions and eventually plans on spending 25 percent of his time doing patient care, particularly working with sports and orthopedic conditions with area athletes.

Moore named new CEO of Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic

News from the Oil Patch, Jan. 20 By John P. Tretbar

Near-month NYMEX crude settled Friday at $59.44 per barrel, a gain of 25 cents on the day, up 32 cents from a week ago, and more than a dollar higher than at the first of the year. Prices a year ago were just under $79.

Kansas crude prices start the week two dollars higher than the first of this year, but about 12 dollars lower than the first of last year. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common starts the week at $49.75 per barrel for a half-dollar weekly gain, after gaining a quarter per gallon on Friday.

Operators completed 24 wells in Kansas this week.&nbsp; That's 42 wells since the start of the year. Independent Oil and Gas Service notes one well-completion in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; Add two in Finney County, one in Gove County, and one in Rooks County for a total of 11 wells in Western Kansas this week. Topping the list of completions so far this year is Anderson County with 19, followed by Allen County with four.&nbsp; Ellis County is third with three completions since New Year's Day.

Leading the permit tally so far this year are Woodson County with nine permits, followed by Rawlins County with four.&nbsp; Rounding out the state total are &nbsp;Gove, &nbsp;Rice, and Sumner counties with one each. Kansas regulators okayed eleven new drilling permits this week, or 16 so far this year.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged from a week ago, down seven percent from a month ago, and down 17 percent from a year ago. There are seven active rigs east of Wichita, and seven in Western Kansas.&nbsp; Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Russell and Rooks counties.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up one oil rig but down two seeking natural gas, for a total of 543 rigs. New Mexico is up two rigs; Texas is down two. Louisiana drops by one rig from last week. The total in the US is down by 37 rigs from a year ago.&nbsp; Texas is down 53 rigs from last year at this time. A few states show rising rigs counts compared to last year, including Utah, Wyoming, Ohio, and Louisiana.

Average gasoline prices last year dropped 21 cents a gallon compared to the year before. The Energy Information Administration reports prices have dropped in each of the three years since spiking to an eight-year high after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The average pump price last year was $3.10 per gallon, down from three thirty-one ($3.31) in 2024, and three fifty-two ($3.52) in 2023. &nbsp;The cheapest road-trips are still in Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kansas slips to number three. Pump prices dropped to five-year lows last week across the country, across the state, and across town. They're up a few cents this week rising to $2.42 per gallon Thursday in Kansas. Only Oklahoma and Texas were cheaper. Diesel prices are about three cents lower than last week.

The government reports big increases in crude-oil and fuel inventories. Gasoline stockpiles are up 46 million barrels since Thanksgiving, after rising in each of the last nine weekly reports, including nine million barrels this week. Inventories are four percent above the five-year seasonal average. Diesel inventories are dropping. The government says diesel stockpiles are about four percent below the five-year average.

Commercial crude oil inventories rise 3.4 million barrels to just over 422 million as of January 9th. EIA says stockpiles are about three percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Strategic stockpiles rise by 200-thousand barrels for a total just under 414 million. That's up five percent from a year ago.

Crude oil imports are up three-quarters of a million daily barrels, a 12 percent spike, at just under 7.1 million barrels a day. Imports are up nearly a million barrels a day from a year ago, but down nearly half a million from two years ago. The four-week average is down nearly six percent from last year.

At 4.3 million barrels a day, crude-oil exports are up one percent from last week, up five-and-a-half percent from a year ago, and down more than 14% from two years ago. The four-week average is up nearly 300-thousand barrels or eight percent from a year ago, at just over 39-hundred barrels a day. Refined product exports are down two percent from a week ago at just over seven million barrels a day.US crude production drops below 13.8 million barrels a day for the first time in nine weeks. The Energy Information Administration reports output dropped by 58-thousand daily barrels to average 13,753,000 barrels per day. Output outpaces last year at this time by more than a quarter million barrels a day.&nbsp; The four-week average remains above 13.8 million.

The Bureau of Land Management approved 5,742 permits, a 55% increase from the year before.&nbsp; BLM held 22 lease sales last year, leasing some 328,000 new acres of public land across 10 states.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574803826328.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Jan. 20 By John P. TretbarNear-month NYMEX crude settled Friday at $59.44 per barrel, a gain of 25 cents on the day, up 32 cents from a week ago, and more than a dollar higher than at the first of the year. Prices a year ago were just under $79.Kansas crude prices start the week two dollars higher than the first of this year, but about 12 dollars lower than the first of last year. At CHS in McPherson, Kansas Common starts the week at $49.75 per barrel for a half-dollar weekly gain, after gaining a quarter per gallon on Friday.Operators completed 24 wells in Kansas this week.&nbsp; That's 42 wells since the start of the year. Independent Oil and Gas Service notes one well-completion in Ellis County, and one in Stafford County.&nbsp; Add two in Finney County, one in Gove County, and one in Rooks County for a total of 11 wells in Western Kansas this week. Topping the list of completions so far this year is Anderson County with 19, followed by Allen County with four.&nbsp; Ellis County is third with three completions since New Year's Day.Leading the permit tally so far this year are Woodson County with nine permits, followed by Rawlins County with four.&nbsp; Rounding out the state total are &nbsp;Gove, &nbsp;Rice, and Sumner counties with one each. Kansas regulators okayed eleven new drilling permits this week, or 16 so far this year.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is unchanged from a week ago, down seven percent from a month ago, and down 17 percent from a year ago. There are seven active rigs east of Wichita, and seven in Western Kansas.&nbsp; Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Russell and Rooks counties.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is up one oil rig but down two seeking natural gas, for a total of 543 rigs. New Mexico is up two rigs; Texas is down two. Louisiana drops by one rig from last week. The total in the US is down by 37 rigs from a year ago.&nbsp; Texas is down 53 rigs from last year at this time. A few states show rising rigs counts compared to last year, including Utah, Wyoming, Ohio, and Louisiana.Average gasoline prices last year dropped 21 cents a gallon compared to the year before. The Energy Information Administration reports prices have dropped in each of the three years since spiking to an eight-year high after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The average pump price last year was $3.10 per gallon, down from three thirty-one ($3.31) in 2024, and three fifty-two ($3.52) in 2023. &nbsp;The cheapest road-trips are still in Oklahoma.&nbsp; Kansas slips to number three. Pump prices dropped to five-year lows last week across the country, across the state, and across town. They're up a few cents this week rising to $2.42 per gallon Thursday in Kansas. Only Oklahoma and Texas were cheaper. Diesel prices are about three cents lower than last week.The government reports big increases in crude-oil and fuel inventories. Gasoline stockpiles are up 46 million barrels since Thanksgiving, after rising in each of the last nine weekly reports, including nine million barrels this week. Inventories are four percent above the five-year seasonal average. Diesel inventories are dropping. The government says diesel stockpiles are about four percent below the five-year average.Commercial crude oil inventories rise 3.4 million barrels to just over 422 million as of January 9th. EIA says stockpiles are about three percent below the five-year seasonal average.Strategic stockpiles rise by 200-thousand barrels for a total just under 414 million. That's up five percent from a year ago.Crude oil imports are up three-quarters of a million daily barrels, a 12 percent spike, at just under 7.1 million barrels a day. Imports are up nearly a million barrels a day from a year ago, but down nearly half a million from two years ago. The four-week average is down nearly six percent from last year.At 4.3 million barrels a day, crude-oil exports are up one percent from last week, up five-and-a-half percent from a year ago, and down more than 14% from two years ago. The four-week average is up nearly 300-thousand barrels or eight percent from a year ago, at just over 39-hundred barrels a day. Refined product exports are down two percent from a week ago at just over seven million barrels a day.US crude production drops below 13.8 million barrels a day for the first time in nine weeks. The Energy Information Administration reports output dropped by 58-thousand daily barrels to average 13,753,000 barrels per day. Output outpaces last year at this time by more than a quarter million barrels a day.&nbsp; The four-week average remains above 13.8 million.The Bureau of Land Management approved 5,742 permits, a 55% increase from the year before.&nbsp; BLM held 22 lease sales last year, leasing some 328,000 new acres of public land across 10 states.

News from the Oil Patch: Drilling permits on public lands spike

The Central Kansas Nonprofit Network (CKNN) invites nonprofit organizations from across the region to attend its upcoming quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Barton Community College. The gathering is designed to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and build shared solutions for the challenges facing nonprofits today.

The meeting will take place in Room F-30, with coffee and networking from 8–9 a.m., followed by the working meeting from 9–11 a.m. All central Kansas area nonprofit leaders, staff, and partners are encouraged to attend.

This quarter’s meeting will focus on strengthening collective impact through shared priorities and practical action. Participants will engage in guided conversation to clarify and align around key topic areas, including:

Following the discussion, attendees will break into action teams to continue work launched at previous meetings, including:

All nonprofit organizations in Central Kansas are welcome and encouraged to attend.

About the Central Kansas Nonprofit Network The Central Kansas Nonprofit Network, a task force of Central Kansas Partnership, is a grassroots alliance of nonprofit organizations united by a shared mission: to build stronger, more connected communities through collaboration, education, and resource sharing. By fostering open communication, identifying common challenges, and aligning efforts, we aim to reduce duplication, improve access to services, and create greater collective impact across Central Kansas. With over 100 years of combined nonprofit experience, our members bring wisdom, passion, and dedication to the table—empowering one another through shared programming, joint initiatives, and mutual support.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768866522246.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Central Kansas Nonprofit Network (CKNN) invites nonprofit organizations from across the region to attend its upcoming quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Barton Community College. The gathering is designed to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and build shared solutions for the challenges facing nonprofits today.The meeting will take place in Room F-30, with coffee and networking from 8–9 a.m., followed by the working meeting from 9–11 a.m. All central Kansas area nonprofit leaders, staff, and partners are encouraged to attend.This quarter’s meeting will focus on strengthening collective impact through shared priorities and practical action. Participants will engage in guided conversation to clarify and align around key topic areas, including:<ul>
 <li>Program collaboration</li><li>Data sharing and community impact</li><li>Grant writing and fundraising</li><li>Capacity building, including staffing and burnout</li>
 </ul>Following the discussion, attendees will break into action teams to continue work launched at previous meetings, including:<ul>
 <li>Exploring the feasibility of a shared nonprofit resource hub</li><li>Identifying shared storage and space opportunities</li><li>Developing collaborative community events</li><li>Advancing pooled marketing and outreach efforts</li>
 </ul>All nonprofit organizations in Central Kansas are welcome and encouraged to attend.About the Central Kansas Nonprofit Network The Central Kansas Nonprofit Network, a task force of Central Kansas Partnership, is a grassroots alliance of nonprofit organizations united by a shared mission: to build stronger, more connected communities through collaboration, education, and resource sharing. By fostering open communication, identifying common challenges, and aligning efforts, we aim to reduce duplication, improve access to services, and create greater collective impact across Central Kansas. With over 100 years of combined nonprofit experience, our members bring wisdom, passion, and dedication to the table—empowering one another through shared programming, joint initiatives, and mutual support.

Central KS Nonprofit Network invites organizations to Jan. 21 meeting at BCC

Booked Chambers, Randy L on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202200485 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $832.50 cash Only, and Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202200023 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $590.86 Cash Only. Released Rogers, Henry L. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT3034CR0337 for Probation Violation by receiving a $1,000.00 O.R bond through Judge Burgess.

Released Willis, Bryce B on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500917 for Serve Sentence, time served.

Booked Houp, Annissia R. on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202500462 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,000.00 Cash or Surety, Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202500270 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,000.00 cash or Surety, Wilson County District Court Warrant #W12025CR000112 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $250.00 Cash Only, and Great Bend Municipal Court Case #26-95 for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer. Bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>1/19</h2>Booked Chambers, Randy L on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202200485 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $832.50 cash Only, and Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202200023 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $590.86 Cash Only. Released Rogers, Henry L. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT3034CR0337 for Probation Violation by receiving a $1,000.00 O.R bond through Judge Burgess.Released Willis, Bryce B on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500917 for Serve Sentence, time served.Booked Houp, Annissia R. on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202500462 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,000.00 Cash or Surety, Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202500270 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,000.00 cash or Surety, Wilson County District Court Warrant #W12025CR000112 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $250.00 Cash Only, and Great Bend Municipal Court Case #26-95 for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer. Bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764168064649.png" alt="Your&nbsp; Ad Here! 620-792-3647" />
 <figcaption>Your&nbsp; Ad Here! 620-792-3647</figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (1/19)

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 52. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22. South southwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 49. North northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. West southwest wind around 7 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Friday A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 52. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22. South southwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 49. North northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. West southwest wind around 7 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10.Friday A 50 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 20.

Tuesday's weather

By MIKE COURON Great Bend Post

No more blind sides. Alan Moeder officially took over as Great Bend mayor during the Jan. 5 city council meeting. During Monday's meeting, he updated the council on how he will run meetings during his tenure. In recent meetings, council members have had the opportunity to speak about any issue during the councilmember report portion of the meeting. Moeder said no more.

"This next part is going to get a little tricky, you guys, and you need to understand where we're going with this," Moeder said. "Councilmember reports are going to change from what's been in the past. They will be reports on the boards and commissions they serve on, and that's it."

Councilmember Gary Parr asked if that meant councilmembers would no longer be able to speak freely during the meetings. Moeder reiterated that if a councilmember is not on a board or a committee, or the item is not on the agenda, the council will not be allowed to speak.  

"You have to get it on the agenda, and you have to have facts so the rest of the commission knows what you're talking about, so they're not not jumped and surprised," Moeder said.

"I don't think that's right," said Parr. "I think we ought to be able to speak freely. If the citizens and the taxpayers have an issue that they want one of us, their representatives, to bring forward, we ought to be able to to freely bring that forward."

Moeder affirmed he is running the meeting, and any councilmember wanting to overrule the decision could seek advice from City Attorney Allen Glendenning. 

"If someone has come to with you with something during the time since our last meeting, then the thing to do is get with (City Administrator Logan Burns), or try to share it or find answers," said Councilmember Rickee Maddox. "But when you bring it to the council, I assume you've already tried your best to find the answer. That's what we've done in the past. I've been confronted with something during the week, then I tried to get an answer, but I don't necessarily need to bring to the entire council."

"I appreciate that, but I bring the question here to get answers from us to the people, is why the questions are brought," Parr answered.

"The people can come to this meeting and be part of the meeting," Moeder said. "If they care enough about the city council, then they come come."

Councilmember Davis Jimenez said it is the role of the council to represent the public. Moeder agreed but noted meeting agendas are published well in advance of meetings, so there are plenty of opportunities for citizens to ask questions.

Parr asked Moeder if Monday's decision was part of a new meeting bylaw. Moeder pointed to the printed agenda and said it states the councilmember reports are for members serving on boards or committees, and that the previous mayor got away from that practice but that he will not.

Later in the meeting, the council voted 8-0 to approve a code of procedure for meetings. Glendenning explained why timing is important when adding items to the agenda.

"(City Clerk Shawna Schafer) tries to get that agenda out so the public can have it, and so all of you can have it well in advance of the meetings," he said. "So the deadline is usually Tuesday at noon the week before the meeting that you would need to get that agenda item on, not come in Monday morning and say, 'Add this to the agenda.' But that said, you can add things to the agenda by vote of the council at the meeting if you want to. I would urge you to exercise some caution doing that because there's a transparency problem when stuff just comes up out of the blue, and the public has been told here's what we're going to talk about, and then we end up talking about something else, making motions, and acting on things that were never on the agenda and nobody saw coming."

Great Bend City Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month. Another 8-0 vote Monday changed the meeting time from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Burns also announced that public comments will again be allowed on the city's live Facebook feed of the meetings, but they could be removed if harassing or vulgar comments are made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768873736015.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Mayor Alan Moeder updates the council on how he will run meetings during the Jan. 19 meeting." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Mayor Alan Moeder updates the council on how he will run meetings during the Jan. 19 meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURON Great Bend PostNo more blind sides. Alan Moeder officially took over as Great Bend mayor during the Jan. 5 city council meeting. During Monday's meeting, he updated the council on how he will run meetings during his tenure. In recent meetings, council members have had the opportunity to speak about any issue during the councilmember report portion of the meeting. Moeder said no more."This next part is going to get a little tricky, you guys, and you need to understand where we're going with this," Moeder said. "Councilmember reports are going to change from what's been in the past. They will be reports on the boards and commissions they serve on, and that's it."<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ewk15tq1/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Councilmember Gary Parr asked if that meant councilmembers would no longer be able to speak freely during the meetings. Moeder reiterated that if a councilmember is not on a board or a committee, or the item is not on the agenda, the council will not be allowed to speak. "You have to get it on the agenda, and you have to have facts so the rest of the commission knows what you're talking about, so they're not not jumped and surprised," Moeder said."I don't think that's right," said Parr. "I think we ought to be able to speak freely. If the citizens and the taxpayers have an issue that they want one of us, their representatives, to bring forward, we ought to be able to to freely bring that forward."Moeder affirmed he is running the meeting, and any councilmember wanting to overrule the decision could seek advice from City Attorney Allen Glendenning. "If someone has come to with you with something during the time since our last meeting, then the thing to do is get with (City Administrator Logan Burns), or try to share it or find answers," said Councilmember Rickee Maddox. "But when you bring it to the council, I assume you've already tried your best to find the answer. That's what we've done in the past. I've been confronted with something during the week, then I tried to get an answer, but I don't necessarily need to bring to the entire council.""I appreciate that, but I bring the question here to get answers from us to the people, is why the questions are brought," Parr answered."The people can come to this meeting and be part of the meeting," Moeder said. "If they care enough about the city council, then they come come."Councilmember Davis Jimenez said it is the role of the council to represent the public. Moeder agreed but noted meeting agendas are published well in advance of meetings, so there are plenty of opportunities for citizens to ask questions.Parr asked Moeder if Monday's decision was part of a new meeting bylaw. Moeder pointed to the printed agenda and said it states the councilmember reports are for members serving on boards or committees, and that the previous mayor got away from that practice but that he will not.Later in the meeting, the council voted 8-0 to approve a code of procedure for meetings. Glendenning explained why timing is important when adding items to the agenda."(City Clerk Shawna Schafer) tries to get that agenda out so the public can have it, and so all of you can have it well in advance of the meetings," he said. "So the deadline is usually Tuesday at noon the week before the meeting that you would need to get that agenda item on, not come in Monday morning and say, 'Add this to the agenda.' But that said, you can add things to the agenda by vote of the council at the meeting if you want to. I would urge you to exercise some caution doing that because there's a transparency problem when stuff just comes up out of the blue, and the public has been told here's what we're going to talk about, and then we end up talking about something else, making motions, and acting on things that were never on the agenda and nobody saw coming."Great Bend City Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month. Another 8-0 vote Monday changed the meeting time from 6:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Burns also announced that public comments will again be allowed on the city's live Facebook feed of the meetings, but they could be removed if harassing or vulgar comments are made.

🎙️Great Bend City Council votes for new meeting time; mayor enforcing agenda as printed

Barton County Commission&nbsp; Jan. 20, 2026 Barton County Courthouse, 9 a.m.

Items included on the Jan. 20, 2026, Barton County Commission agenda:

RESOLUTION 2026-03: A Resolution to Expand Fire District No. 2 to Include Fairview, Grant and Wheatland Townships, and the City of Galatia, Barton County, Kansas: -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Created in 2018, Fire District No. 2 consists of Albion, Eureka, North Homestead, South Homestead, Union Townships and the Cities of Hoisington, Olmitz and Susank. It has been proposed that the District be expanded to include Fairview, Grant and Wheatland Townships, and the City of Galatia. Should this Resolution be adopted, the Barton County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main – Suite 106, Great Bend, Kansas, regarding the expansion. It is anticipated that the Board of Trustees, as appointed by the County Commission, would expand to a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of twelve (12) members.

FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. Per Resolution 2018-10, which created Fire District No. 2, the members of the Fire District Board of Trustees shall consist of not more than one (1) appointee from each participating township and not more than one (1) from each participating city. There is one unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, open for North Homestead Township. Curtis Peterson has reapplied to represent the City of Olmitz. That term expires December 31, 2027.

COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: 2025 Action Report: -J. Colin Reynolds, County Attorney, will provide the Commission with a 2025 action report that includes case filings, convictions and other relative statistics.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Local Emergency Planning Committee: -Sean Kelly, Emergency Management Director, will provide details. The Barton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is comprised of representatives from the following groups: state/local officials; law enforcement; firefighting; emergency management; health; hospital; broadcast media and/or communications media; transportation; local environmental group; community service/civic group; emergency medical services; and facilities/industries regulated by SARA Title III. Nominations have been sought for appointment according to LEPC bylaws.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: -Chairman Duane Reif will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT – -Elected officials have been invited to attend the Barton County Historical Society Annual Meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Best Western Courtyard, 2920 – 10th Street, Great Bend, Kansas.

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3KSUeAJ%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExS0VsMGhmaTVkcUFCNkZvN3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4o94QvccTazkWgdxaGXxjCjRQJsDd7_NR3pVN-x3Mwqs0ibOIcpuplVLYqkQ_aem_QBd5yWWt4HSMMWCZKvH5Qg&amp;h=AT1OmWU6ryUC56Uo5rl5gn0A8P9xkIOLkqsEBqIJWd2E0wnQO63ezl_vygMapSTNEhJFpSlpCM1bS9pNM2yiaAcZghrEQ6plqgC3El8DU8vrOPVH2vW7w2lw7k8iexxWUKwn7o49q3QM&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0UAnaPcCHZOSwTkYU3x13EkWrZD0nJTWuy0-txj7wbGH7Fpaj-GR9uAJjviwyPd9-J1SpKUidV_tsu7DUgzlWDdq3IKHOhLAuDtVefngWldD-J9pvUEFgpsxfJwCl41q8Ea9Ov6_grF_Ek3gfTg9cMCZJ-EOqq4lfFQwPNAf7K_e2iVqqb8aOLEqVG2jnxEgxxJ8RKAA5AuO3M0pRafpLO4Q" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3KSUeAJ</a>. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

Barton County Commission&nbsp; Jan. 20, 2026 Barton County Courthouse, 9 a.m.Items included on the Jan. 20, 2026, Barton County Commission agenda:RESOLUTION 2026-03: A Resolution to Expand Fire District No. 2 to Include Fairview, Grant and Wheatland Townships, and the City of Galatia, Barton County, Kansas: -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Created in 2018, Fire District No. 2 consists of Albion, Eureka, North Homestead, South Homestead, Union Townships and the Cities of Hoisington, Olmitz and Susank. It has been proposed that the District be expanded to include Fairview, Grant and Wheatland Townships, and the City of Galatia. Should this Resolution be adopted, the Barton County Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main – Suite 106, Great Bend, Kansas, regarding the expansion. It is anticipated that the Board of Trustees, as appointed by the County Commission, would expand to a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of twelve (12) members. FIRE DISTRICT NO. 2: Appointment of a Board of Trustees: -Mr. Patzner will provide details. Per Resolution 2018-10, which created Fire District No. 2, the members of the Fire District Board of Trustees shall consist of not more than one (1) appointee from each participating township and not more than one (1) from each participating city. There is one unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, open for North Homestead Township. Curtis Peterson has reapplied to represent the City of Olmitz. That term expires December 31, 2027. COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: 2025 Action Report: -J. Colin Reynolds, County Attorney, will provide the Commission with a 2025 action report that includes case filings, convictions and other relative statistics. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Local Emergency Planning Committee: -Sean Kelly, Emergency Management Director, will provide details. The Barton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is comprised of representatives from the following groups: state/local officials; law enforcement; firefighting; emergency management; health; hospital; broadcast media and/or communications media; transportation; local environmental group; community service/civic group; emergency medical services; and facilities/industries regulated by SARA Title III. Nominations have been sought for appointment according to LEPC bylaws. EXECUTIVE SESSION: -Chairman Duane Reif will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.ANTICIPATED ANNOUNCEMENT – -Elected officials have been invited to attend the Barton County Historical Society Annual Meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Best Western Courtyard, 2920 – 10th Street, Great Bend, Kansas.The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3KSUeAJ%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExS0VsMGhmaTVkcUFCNkZvN3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4o94QvccTazkWgdxaGXxjCjRQJsDd7_NR3pVN-x3Mwqs0ibOIcpuplVLYqkQ_aem_QBd5yWWt4HSMMWCZKvH5Qg&amp;h=AT1OmWU6ryUC56Uo5rl5gn0A8P9xkIOLkqsEBqIJWd2E0wnQO63ezl_vygMapSTNEhJFpSlpCM1bS9pNM2yiaAcZghrEQ6plqgC3El8DU8vrOPVH2vW7w2lw7k8iexxWUKwn7o49q3QM&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0UAnaPcCHZOSwTkYU3x13EkWrZD0nJTWuy0-txj7wbGH7Fpaj-GR9uAJjviwyPd9-J1SpKUidV_tsu7DUgzlWDdq3IKHOhLAuDtVefngWldD-J9pvUEFgpsxfJwCl41q8Ea9Ov6_grF_Ek3gfTg9cMCZJ-EOqq4lfFQwPNAf7K_e2iVqqb8aOLEqVG2jnxEgxxJ8RKAA5AuO3M0pRafpLO4Q" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3KSUeAJ</a>. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

Barton County Commission agenda items for Jan. 20 meeting

I don’t know about your house but the aftermath of the holidays can sure take a toll on my home organization. There are extra boxes and bags, that carton of something at the back of the fridge, and often, just too much stuff!

Karen Blakeslee, K-State food scientist and coordinator of the Rapid Response Center for food science notes that this can be a great time to tackle cluttered cabinets, crowded refrigerators, and stuffed drawers.

In an article provided by K-State, Blakeslee says, “The start of the new year, everybody’s trying to get organized, clean things out, so why not start in the kitchen area and see what kind of mystery food you might have in your kitchen.”

Her advise is that if a utensil or gadget hasn’t been used in a year or more, it may be time to let it go. Extra items can be donated or passed along to college students or others who are just starting out.

Checking dates is another key step. Spices typically last six months to a year, and canned foods should be rotated so the oldest items are used first. High-acid canned foods, such as tomatoes and fruit, generally keep 12 to 18 months, while low-acid foods like vegetables and soups may last two to five years. Home-canned foods should be used within one year.

Refrigerators and freezers also need regular attention. Blakeslee recommends removing everything, cleaning shelves and drawers by hand and sanitizing surfaces with a mild bleach solution. Labeling and dating freezer items can help prevent forgotten leftovers from lingering too long.

“Things don’t last forever,” Blakeslee said. “But when you organize your kitchen in a way that makes sense, you can save money, reduce food waste and make cooking safer and less frustrating.”

One of my own goals is to go through the kitchen drawers and pantry cabinets to review, pare down, and reorganize. Oh yeah, and I’ll be checking all the labels in the fridge while I’m at it!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>I don’t know about your house but the aftermath of the holidays can sure take a toll on my home organization. There are extra boxes and bags, that carton of something at the back of the fridge, and often, just too much stuff!Karen Blakeslee, K-State food scientist and coordinator of the Rapid Response Center for food science notes that this can be a great time to tackle cluttered cabinets, crowded refrigerators, and stuffed drawers.In an article provided by K-State, Blakeslee says, “The start of the new year, everybody’s trying to get organized, clean things out, so why not start in the kitchen area and see what kind of mystery food you might have in your kitchen.”Her advise is that if a utensil or gadget hasn’t been used in a year or more, it may be time to let it go. Extra items can be donated or passed along to college students or others who are just starting out.Checking dates is another key step. Spices typically last six months to a year, and canned foods should be rotated so the oldest items are used first. High-acid canned foods, such as tomatoes and fruit, generally keep 12 to 18 months, while low-acid foods like vegetables and soups may last two to five years. Home-canned foods should be used within one year.Refrigerators and freezers also need regular attention. Blakeslee recommends removing everything, cleaning shelves and drawers by hand and sanitizing surfaces with a mild bleach solution. Labeling and dating freezer items can help prevent forgotten leftovers from lingering too long.“Things don’t last forever,” Blakeslee said. “But when you organize your kitchen in a way that makes sense, you can save money, reduce food waste and make cooking safer and less frustrating.”One of my own goals is to go through the kitchen drawers and pantry cabinets to review, pare down, and reorganize. Oh yeah, and I’ll be checking all the labels in the fridge while I’m at it!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Tips for cleaning up the kitchen after busy holiday season

While representatives of the Family Crisis Center (FCC) have presented their human-trafficking curriculum at some high schools in their 11-county service area, the goal is to take the program to all of them.

Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Kylee Graves, FCC executive director, is taking the opportunity to encourage school administrators and teachers to participate.

“We have 21 high schools in our service territory and want to visit each of them,” Graves said. “Human trafficking is a big problem everywhere, including communities in central Kansas. And it will continue to grow, especially because of an increasing number of social-media platforms.

“Teenagers want and need to learn about this topic,” she continued. “When we visit schools, students are curious and engaged in our discussions. We want to share this information with as many teenagers as we can.”

The curriculum is called “Safer, Smarter Teens: Be the Change.” It delivers critical safety information appropriate for high school students in six lessons. Each lesson includes a 10-minute video, classroom activities and parent-education materials.

“We have discovered that some teenagers suspect that something is happening to them or a friend but they don’t really know what to call it,” Graves commented. “It might entail online dating, which could involve a stranger grooming them for human trafficking.

“Young people often don’t understand the gravity of what can happen, such as being groomed and then sold for labor and/or sex.”

Parents and other adults should be aware of warning signs that a teenager is being groomed.

These signs include withdrawing from other people by decreasing the number of favorite activities and interacting with only one person instead of a group of friends.

“Any obvious change in a teenager’s routine can be a sign of human trafficking or other problems,” Graves said.

FCC staff members see the results of human-trafficking first-hand when they offer support to survivors.

“At first, they don’t want to talk because they are afraid for their physical safety,” Graves reported. “We do everything possible to re-assure them and many eventually can open up about their experiences.”

Graves is aware that many central Kansans “don’t believe this is a big problem here. They think it is just one of those things that happens in big cities. We hope they will come to realize that it happens here and will continue to happen if we don’t find ways to prevent it.”

FCC serves Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Ellsworth, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties.

For more information, call 620-793-9941; the 24-hour crisis hotline is 866-792-1885.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760671348716.jpeg" alt="Kylee Graves" />
 <figcaption>Kylee Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>While representatives of the Family Crisis Center (FCC) have presented their human-trafficking curriculum at some high schools in their 11-county service area, the goal is to take the program to all of them.Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Kylee Graves, FCC executive director, is taking the opportunity to encourage school administrators and teachers to participate.“We have 21 high schools in our service territory and want to visit each of them,” Graves said. “Human trafficking is a big problem everywhere, including communities in central Kansas. And it will continue to grow, especially because of an increasing number of social-media platforms.“Teenagers want and need to learn about this topic,” she continued. “When we visit schools, students are curious and engaged in our discussions. We want to share this information with as many teenagers as we can.”The curriculum is called “Safer, Smarter Teens: Be the Change.” It delivers critical safety information appropriate for high school students in six lessons. Each lesson includes a 10-minute video, classroom activities and parent-education materials.“We have discovered that some teenagers suspect that something is happening to them or a friend but they don’t really know what to call it,” Graves commented. “It might entail online dating, which could involve a stranger grooming them for human trafficking.“Young people often don’t understand the gravity of what can happen, such as being groomed and then sold for labor and/or sex.”Parents and other adults should be aware of warning signs that a teenager is being groomed.These signs include withdrawing from other people by decreasing the number of favorite activities and interacting with only one person instead of a group of friends.“Any obvious change in a teenager’s routine can be a sign of human trafficking or other problems,” Graves said.FCC staff members see the results of human-trafficking first-hand when they offer support to survivors.“At first, they don’t want to talk because they are afraid for their physical safety,” Graves reported. “We do everything possible to re-assure them and many eventually can open up about their experiences.”Graves is aware that many central Kansans “don’t believe this is a big problem here. They think it is just one of those things that happens in big cities. We hope they will come to realize that it happens here and will continue to happen if we don’t find ways to prevent it.”FCC serves Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Ellsworth, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties.For more information, call 620-793-9941; the 24-hour crisis hotline is 866-792-1885.

FCC shares human-trafficking information; encourages schools to get involved

Booked in Houp, John E. on a Barton County District Court case #26-57 for DUI, No Driving License. Bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Houp, John E. on a Barton County District Court case #26-57 for Driving under influence, Driving with license cancelled/suspended/revoked. By posting a $1,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked Koerner, Gabriel on Rush County District Court Warrant #RH24CR000012 for Serve Sentence with No Bond.

Booked in Bowyer, William J. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2021CR0318 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.

Booked Juvenile on Barton County District Court warrant #BT24JV62 for Probation Violation. Bond set at No Bond.

Released Juvenile on Barton County District Court warrant #BT24JV62 for Probation Violation. Transported to Juvenile Detention Center.

Booked in Willis, Bryce B on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500917 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.

Booked in McFarland, Najerri A. on Barton County District Court case #26-8 for Possession of Marijuana. Bond is set at $2,500.00 cash/surety.

Released McFarland, Najerri A. on Barton County District Court case #26-8 for Possession of Marijuana. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $2,500.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.


Booked in Brand, Brianna D. on a Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500335 for Contempt of Court. Bond set at $419.50 cash only.

Booked Calzada-Flores, Gilberto on Barton County District Court case #25-58 for Illegal transportation of alcohol. Bond set $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Calzada-Flores, Gilberto on Barton County District Court case #26-58 for Illegal transportation of alcohol. Bonded with a $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Koerner, Gabriel on Rush County District Court Warrant #RH24CR000012 for Time served.

Released Brand, Brianna D. on a Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500335 for Contempt of Court. Posted a $419.50 cash only bond through Great Bend Municipal Court.

Released Bowyer, William J. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2021cR0318 for Serve Sentence, Time Served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>1/16</h2>Booked in Houp, John E. on a Barton County District Court case #26-57 for DUI, No Driving License. Bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.Released Houp, John E. on a Barton County District Court case #26-57 for Driving under influence, Driving with license cancelled/suspended/revoked. By posting a $1,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.Booked Koerner, Gabriel on Rush County District Court Warrant #RH24CR000012 for Serve Sentence with No Bond.Booked in Bowyer, William J. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2021CR0318 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.<h2>1/17</h2>Booked Juvenile on Barton County District Court warrant #BT24JV62 for Probation Violation. Bond set at No Bond.Released Juvenile on Barton County District Court warrant #BT24JV62 for Probation Violation. Transported to Juvenile Detention Center.Booked in Willis, Bryce B on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500917 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.Booked in McFarland, Najerri A. on Barton County District Court case #26-8 for Possession of Marijuana. Bond is set at $2,500.00 cash/surety.Released McFarland, Najerri A. on Barton County District Court case #26-8 for Possession of Marijuana. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $2,500.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.
<h2>1/18</h2>Booked in Brand, Brianna D. on a Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500335 for Contempt of Court. Bond set at $419.50 cash only.Booked Calzada-Flores, Gilberto on Barton County District Court case #25-58 for Illegal transportation of alcohol. Bond set $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.Released Calzada-Flores, Gilberto on Barton County District Court case #26-58 for Illegal transportation of alcohol. Bonded with a $1,000.00 cash or surety.Released Koerner, Gabriel on Rush County District Court Warrant #RH24CR000012 for Time served.Released Brand, Brianna D. on a Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500335 for Contempt of Court. Posted a $419.50 cash only bond through Great Bend Municipal Court.Released Bowyer, William J. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2021cR0318 for Serve Sentence, Time Served.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764168064649.png" alt="Your Ad Here! 620-792-3647" />
 <figcaption>Your Ad Here! 620-792-3647</figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (1/16-1/18)

From the Great Bend Police Department

Great Bend Police Department K9 Neo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 

K9 Neo’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially-lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified.  Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations. 

 The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. 

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.  accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest.  Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. 

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at <a href="http://www.vik9s.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSzFWdmhnWjRDeEZUOEc4V3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6SGRP4_J3mCKJ4E_kkZGNACctQpyvSDJxWGqoITuSLpdmidzAy_ojQaFtzOg_aem_JkA1Lih0rKqGujSN56BZig" target="_blank">www.vik9s.org</a>, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768799864899.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Police Department K9 Neo with handler Blake Ridgel" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Police Department K9 Neo with handler Blake Ridgel</figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Police DepartmentGreat Bend Police Department K9 Neo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Neo’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within 10 weeks.Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially-lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations. The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at <a href="http://www.vik9s.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSzFWdmhnWjRDeEZUOEc4V3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6SGRP4_J3mCKJ4E_kkZGNACctQpyvSDJxWGqoITuSLpdmidzAy_ojQaFtzOg_aem_JkA1Lih0rKqGujSN56BZig" target="_blank">www.vik9s.org</a>, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Police Department’s K9 Neo to get donation of body armor

M.L.King Day Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 35. North wind 5 to 11 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22. West southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 51. South southwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 50. North northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>M.L.King Day Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 35. North wind 5 to 11 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22. West southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 51. South southwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 50. North northwest wind 6 to 13 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Monday's weather

The
drought monitor as of Tuesday, January 13th indicates marked
improvement, especially in eastern Kansas.&nbsp;
Last week’s precipitation helped a great deal.&nbsp; Only four percent is even in moderate
drought.&nbsp; The six-to ten-day outlook (January
20 to 24) indicates near normal for temperatures and precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (January 22
to 28) indicates a near normal to slightly below normal for temperatures and normal
to a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.&nbsp; 

Overall,
this has been a very mild winter with an occasional brief cold period.&nbsp; High temperature records have been set.&nbsp; Nighttime lows have been mild overall.&nbsp; While many of us aren’t thrilled by winter,
it’s important to producers and even benefits all of us.&nbsp; Today, what are the benefits of winter, a
true winter.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
let’s touch on the wheat crop.&nbsp; We plant
winter wheat, meaning it must accumulate cold to vernalize.&nbsp; If it doesn’t, it won’t flower.&nbsp; We aren’t likely in danger of this happening
but may flirt with the possibility of freeze damage.&nbsp; Wheat is most winterhardy at the start of
winter.&nbsp; As winter progresses, typically
temperatures warm and daylength increases, it becomes less winterhardy.&nbsp; With unseasonably warm temperatures, it can
break dormancy early and start to grow with the growing point emerging from the
soil at jointing.&nbsp; We figure here around
March 15th.&nbsp; If conditions
have it occur earlier and we have a cold snap, it can damage or even kill the
growing point and vascular system.&nbsp; Many
long time wheat producers can recall when this has happened.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second,
a “real” winter helps with pest control and not just for producers.&nbsp; You have probably noticed how many flies,
ladybugs, and other insects are around on warmer days compared to normal.&nbsp; Extended cold never eliminates all of them
but helps keep many populations under lower levels.&nbsp; And winter means many insects have to come in
from south of here as they can’t overwinter.&nbsp;
If we continue this trend, they may be able to overwinter here.&nbsp; The same is true of diseases that normally
must blow in from the south.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For
homeowners, it can cause premature opening of tree leaf and flower buds.&nbsp; It allows many vertebrate and invertebrate
pests to be more active than normal in lawns and farm fields.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On
the precipitation front, warmer temperatures mean more rain, and unfortunately
freezing rain.&nbsp; And our heaviest
snowfalls occur when it’s in the 20s and low 30s.&nbsp; When temperatures are lower than that,
snowfall is typically lower and fluffier.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor as of Tuesday, January 13th indicates marked
improvement, especially in eastern Kansas.&nbsp;
Last week’s precipitation helped a great deal.&nbsp; Only four percent is even in moderate
drought.&nbsp; The six-to ten-day outlook (January
20 to 24) indicates near normal for temperatures and precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (January 22
to 28) indicates a near normal to slightly below normal for temperatures and normal
to a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.&nbsp; Overall,
this has been a very mild winter with an occasional brief cold period.&nbsp; High temperature records have been set.&nbsp; Nighttime lows have been mild overall.&nbsp; While many of us aren’t thrilled by winter,
it’s important to producers and even benefits all of us.&nbsp; Today, what are the benefits of winter, a
true winter.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
let’s touch on the wheat crop.&nbsp; We plant
winter wheat, meaning it must accumulate cold to vernalize.&nbsp; If it doesn’t, it won’t flower.&nbsp; We aren’t likely in danger of this happening
but may flirt with the possibility of freeze damage.&nbsp; Wheat is most winterhardy at the start of
winter.&nbsp; As winter progresses, typically
temperatures warm and daylength increases, it becomes less winterhardy.&nbsp; With unseasonably warm temperatures, it can
break dormancy early and start to grow with the growing point emerging from the
soil at jointing.&nbsp; We figure here around
March 15th.&nbsp; If conditions
have it occur earlier and we have a cold snap, it can damage or even kill the
growing point and vascular system.&nbsp; Many
long time wheat producers can recall when this has happened.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Second,
a “real” winter helps with pest control and not just for producers.&nbsp; You have probably noticed how many flies,
ladybugs, and other insects are around on warmer days compared to normal.&nbsp; Extended cold never eliminates all of them
but helps keep many populations under lower levels.&nbsp; And winter means many insects have to come in
from south of here as they can’t overwinter.&nbsp;
If we continue this trend, they may be able to overwinter here.&nbsp; The same is true of diseases that normally
must blow in from the south.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For
homeowners, it can cause premature opening of tree leaf and flower buds.&nbsp; It allows many vertebrate and invertebrate
pests to be more active than normal in lawns and farm fields.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On
the precipitation front, warmer temperatures mean more rain, and unfortunately
freezing rain.&nbsp; And our heaviest
snowfalls occur when it’s in the 20s and low 30s.&nbsp; When temperatures are lower than that,
snowfall is typically lower and fluffier.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Producers Need Winter

The celebration of the year is just around the corner, and we don’t want you to miss out!

Please join us for the&nbsp;Annual Chamber Banquet&nbsp;on&nbsp;Jan. 31. It will be an evening dedicated to celebrating our local business community, networking with peers, and looking ahead to an exciting year of growth.

Space is filling up quickly. To ensure we have an accurate count for catering and seating, please confirm your attendance by emailing:&nbsp;hoisingtoncofc@outlook.com.

RSVP by Jan. 23. If you have already registered, thank you! We look forward to seeing you there. Let’s kick off the year by celebrating the strength of our business community together!



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768706574584.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From the Hoisington ChamberThe celebration of the year is just around the corner, and we don’t want you to miss out!Please join us for the&nbsp;Annual Chamber Banquet&nbsp;on&nbsp;Jan. 31. It will be an evening dedicated to celebrating our local business community, networking with peers, and looking ahead to an exciting year of growth.Event Details:<ul>
 <li>Date:&nbsp;Saturday, Jan. 31</li><li>Time:&nbsp;5:30 pm Cocktail Hour (Charcuterie Board) - 6:30 pm Program &amp; Dinner</li><li>Location:&nbsp;Hoisington Columbus Club</li><li>Highlights:&nbsp;&nbsp;Awards Ceremony / Dinner &amp; Drinks / DJ Tyler Morton</li><li>Cost: $30/pp</li><li>Meal:&nbsp;Grilled Pork Chop, Mashed Potato, Green Beans, Dinner Roll, and Asstd. Cake for Dessert</li>
 </ul>Space is filling up quickly. To ensure we have an accurate count for catering and seating, please confirm your attendance by emailing:&nbsp;hoisingtoncofc@outlook.com.RSVP by Jan. 23. If you have already registered, thank you! We look forward to seeing you there. Let’s kick off the year by celebrating the strength of our business community together!

RSVP this week: Hoisington Chamber banquet and awards set for Jan. 31

For most college students, the start of a new semester means finding the right buildings on campus, scouting out the best parking spots, and settling into a familiar routine of library sessions and coffee runs. But for two Fort Hays State University students, and for one semester, campus isn’t made of brick and mortar—it’s made of steel, salt water, and 106 days of horizon-chasing.

Mallory Palmer, an online Business Education senior from Osawatomie, and Tayton Roberts, a sophomore Political Science major from Olathe, are part of an elite group of Tiger explorers participating in a Semester at Sea experience. It is a program that transforms a cruise ship into a floating university, circumnavigating the globe to turn the world itself into a classroom.

While they are at different stages of their journey—Mallory having returned in 2025 and Tayton preparing to embark this January—the two have formed a unique bond, proving that even in a global program, the FHSU community remains tight-knit.

For both Mallory and Tayton, the seeds of this adventure were sown long before they reached college. Both girls discovered Semester at Sea on social media, watching students waking up in new countries every week.

“I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it,” Mallory recalled. After years of wondering ‘what if,’ she finally decided to stop dreaming and start doing. “I just decided to make it happen.”

Tayton felt a similar pull. A pre-law student with a passion for international relations, she was drawn to the opportunity of a lifetime. “I think it was the aspect that you get to see so many different countries, not just one,” Tayton said. “And you are with a group of American students, so it feels a little safer. You get to meet a lot of people from different places while sharing the same experience.”

The itinerary is nothing short of breathtaking. The voyage begins in Bangkok, Thailand. From there, the ship—housing roughly 600 students, faculty, and staff—becomes a moving bridge between cultures. The route spans three continents, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Spain, before finally disembarking in Bremerhaven, Germany.

While at sea, students take a full 12-credit course load, including a mandatory core course in global studies. The credits are issued by Colorado State University and transferred back to FHSU, ensuring that while the students are seeing the world, they aren’t falling behind on their degrees.

For Mallory, the academic and social aspects blended seamlessly. “The ship's staff does a good job of preparing you,” she explained. “They did a pre-port the night before arriving in a country and gave you the basics... a heads-up on what to watch out for to stay safe and places you should visit.”

As Tayton prepares to leave, Mallory has stepped into a mentorship role, helping Tayton navigate the anxieties of packing four months of life into a tiny stateroom. Tayton’s current challenge? Fitting all her toiletries, clothes, and schoolbooks into two rolling duffels and a backpack.

“It’s surreal. I’m excited for Morocco and the African countries. I think Africa is so gorgeous. I really want to swim with sharks in South Africa and go on camel treks in Morocco.”

She has already used social media to connect with her future roommate, a student from South Carolina. “She seems amazing. I feel a lot better knowing that I will know someone.”

Stacey Lang, FHSU’s Study Abroad Coordinator, emphasizes that Semester at Sea is far more than a sightseeing tour. It is a rigorous exercise in global citizenship, a core value of the FHSU mission.

“This experience directly supports FHSU’s goal of developing engaged global citizen-leaders,” Lang said. “Students return with a broadened worldview, cultural competence, and leadership skills—qualities central to FHSU’s mission. They bring back global insights that enrich classroom discussion and campus culture.”

Mallory’s experience confirms this. When asked for her best advice, she didn’t talk about landmarks or museums; she talked about the internal shift that happens when you're thousands of miles from home.

Her primary takeaway is that the most meaningful growth happens when you “expect the unexpected.” She suggests that while preparation is vital, students should be brave enough to let the plan fall away. “Be flexible,” she noted, "and don't plan everything to a ‘T.’” For Mallory, being open to new foods and unplanned detours led to the highlight of her trip: the deep connections made with people around the world.

For Tayton, the upcoming voyage isn't just a personal milestone; it’s a professional one. As a future lawyer, she believes understanding the world is non-negotiable. “I think that having a good worldview is so important. Seeing three different continents will give me a diversity of knowledge. It applies to anything—learning to work with people, adapt, and just being flexible.”

As Tayton prepares to board the ship in Thailand, she carries with her the support of the FHSU Global Affairs and International Student Services as well as the wisdom of Mallory, her ‘Tiger’ predecessor.

For other FHSU students inspired by Mallory and Tayton’s journey, the door is open. The university encourages anyone interested to schedule an advising session with our Global Affairs Coordinator, Stacey Lang.

As Mallory Palmer prepares to graduate this spring and Tayton Roberts prepares to set sail, their stories remind us that Tiger Nation isn't just a place in Western Kansas—it’s a global community, one port at a time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768706312109.jpeg" alt="Tisa Mason" />
 <figcaption>Tisa Mason</figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON FHSUFor most college students, the start of a new semester means finding the right buildings on campus, scouting out the best parking spots, and settling into a familiar routine of library sessions and coffee runs. But for two Fort Hays State University students, and for one semester, campus isn’t made of brick and mortar—it’s made of steel, salt water, and 106 days of horizon-chasing.Mallory Palmer, an online Business Education senior from Osawatomie, and Tayton Roberts, a sophomore Political Science major from Olathe, are part of an elite group of Tiger explorers participating in a Semester at Sea experience. It is a program that transforms a cruise ship into a floating university, circumnavigating the globe to turn the world itself into a classroom.While they are at different stages of their journey—Mallory having returned in 2025 and Tayton preparing to embark this January—the two have formed a unique bond, proving that even in a global program, the FHSU community remains tight-knit.For both Mallory and Tayton, the seeds of this adventure were sown long before they reached college. Both girls discovered Semester at Sea on social media, watching students waking up in new countries every week.“I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to do it,” Mallory recalled. After years of wondering ‘what if,’ she finally decided to stop dreaming and start doing. “I just decided to make it happen.”Tayton felt a similar pull. A pre-law student with a passion for international relations, she was drawn to the opportunity of a lifetime. “I think it was the aspect that you get to see so many different countries, not just one,” Tayton said. “And you are with a group of American students, so it feels a little safer. You get to meet a lot of people from different places while sharing the same experience.”The itinerary is nothing short of breathtaking. The voyage begins in Bangkok, Thailand. From there, the ship—housing roughly 600 students, faculty, and staff—becomes a moving bridge between cultures. The route spans three continents, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Spain, before finally disembarking in Bremerhaven, Germany.While at sea, students take a full 12-credit course load, including a mandatory core course in global studies. The credits are issued by Colorado State University and transferred back to FHSU, ensuring that while the students are seeing the world, they aren’t falling behind on their degrees.For Mallory, the academic and social aspects blended seamlessly. “The ship's staff does a good job of preparing you,” she explained. “They did a pre-port the night before arriving in a country and gave you the basics... a heads-up on what to watch out for to stay safe and places you should visit.”As Tayton prepares to leave, Mallory has stepped into a mentorship role, helping Tayton navigate the anxieties of packing four months of life into a tiny stateroom. Tayton’s current challenge? Fitting all her toiletries, clothes, and schoolbooks into two rolling duffels and a backpack.“It’s surreal. I’m excited for Morocco and the African countries. I think Africa is so gorgeous. I really want to swim with sharks in South Africa and go on camel treks in Morocco.”She has already used social media to connect with her future roommate, a student from South Carolina. “She seems amazing. I feel a lot better knowing that I will know someone.”Stacey Lang, FHSU’s Study Abroad Coordinator, emphasizes that Semester at Sea is far more than a sightseeing tour. It is a rigorous exercise in global citizenship, a core value of the FHSU mission.“This experience directly supports FHSU’s goal of developing engaged global citizen-leaders,” Lang said. “Students return with a broadened worldview, cultural competence, and leadership skills—qualities central to FHSU’s mission. They bring back global insights that enrich classroom discussion and campus culture.”Mallory’s experience confirms this. When asked for her best advice, she didn’t talk about landmarks or museums; she talked about the internal shift that happens when you're thousands of miles from home.Her primary takeaway is that the most meaningful growth happens when you “expect the unexpected.” She suggests that while preparation is vital, students should be brave enough to let the plan fall away. “Be flexible,” she noted, "and don't plan everything to a ‘T.’” For Mallory, being open to new foods and unplanned detours led to the highlight of her trip: the deep connections made with people around the world.For Tayton, the upcoming voyage isn't just a personal milestone; it’s a professional one. As a future lawyer, she believes understanding the world is non-negotiable. “I think that having a good worldview is so important. Seeing three different continents will give me a diversity of knowledge. It applies to anything—learning to work with people, adapt, and just being flexible.”As Tayton prepares to board the ship in Thailand, she carries with her the support of the FHSU Global Affairs and International Student Services as well as the wisdom of Mallory, her ‘Tiger’ predecessor.For other FHSU students inspired by Mallory and Tayton’s journey, the door is open. The university encourages anyone interested to schedule an advising session with our Global Affairs Coordinator, Stacey Lang.As Mallory Palmer prepares to graduate this spring and Tayton Roberts prepares to set sail, their stories remind us that Tiger Nation isn't just a place in Western Kansas—it’s a global community, one port at a time.

From the High Plains to the High Seas: FHSU students embrace global citizenship

More exercise. A better diet. Both are popular New Year's resolutions, but what about more kindness? Treacyn Williams, a fifth grader at Eisenhower Elementary in Great Bend, knows that kindness can come in little ways. He recently received a giant $100 check from OPI &amp; Golden Belt Printing as the latest winner in Eagle Media's Make A Difference Contest.

"I can make a difference by telling someone have a nice day," Treacyn said.

All Barton County students, grades K-6, are eligible for the Make a Difference Contest, which will run for the duration of the 2025-26 school year. As a weekly winner, Treacyn and his teacher, Mrs. Maneth, are now eligible for the monthly prize. That lucky student will win another $100 and a book bag filled with goodies from other contest sponsors, and her teacher will also receive $100.

The Make a Difference contest, presented by OPI &amp; Golden Belt Printing, is sponsored in part by Big Ben Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medical Park Pharmacy, R&amp;R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrantz Bemis Water Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response, &amp; Scooter's Coffee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768706117816.jpeg" alt="Treacyn Williams, a fifth grader at Eisenhower Elementary, recently received $100 in Eagle Media's Make a Difference Contest, presented by OPI &amp; Golden Belt Printing." />
 <figcaption>Treacyn Williams, a fifth grader at Eisenhower Elementary, recently received $100 in Eagle Media's Make a Difference Contest, presented by OPI &amp; Golden Belt Printing.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostMore exercise. A better diet. Both are popular New Year's resolutions, but what about more kindness? Treacyn Williams, a fifth grader at Eisenhower Elementary in Great Bend, knows that kindness can come in little ways. He recently received a giant $100 check from OPI &amp; Golden Belt Printing as the latest winner in Eagle Media's Make A Difference Contest."I can make a difference by telling someone have a nice day," Treacyn said.All Barton County students, grades K-6, are eligible for the Make a Difference Contest, which will run for the duration of the 2025-26 school year. As a weekly winner, Treacyn and his teacher, Mrs. Maneth, are now eligible for the monthly prize. That lucky student will win another $100 and a book bag filled with goodies from other contest sponsors, and her teacher will also receive $100.The Make a Difference contest, presented by OPI &amp; Golden Belt Printing, is sponsored in part by Big Ben Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medical Park Pharmacy, R&amp;R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrantz Bemis Water Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response, &amp; Scooter's Coffee.

Eisenhower fifth grader Treacyn Williams wins $100 as latest Make a Difference pick

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a southwest wind 13 to 20 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind 8 to 10 mph.

M.L.King Day Partly sunny, with a high near 34. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a southwest wind 13 to 20 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind 8 to 10 mph.M.L.King Day Partly sunny, with a high near 34. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 53. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 43.