5/19 BOOKED: Jamie Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and Headlight, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, no bond set.

BOOKED: Martez Tyus on&nbsp;Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Isaak Fischer on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Leonard Boese on Hoisington Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.

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

BOOKED: Jericho Riddle on Barton County District Court warrants, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Jamie Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and Headlight, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, to Juvenile Intake.

RELEASED: Michael Brohaugh on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Stephen Sprague on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession of Opiate, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, on $300,000 OR bond granted by court.

RELEASED: Martez Tyus on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Laughn Seltmann on Rush County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, on $25,000 OR bond through Rush County.

RELEASED: Christopher Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

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

RELEASED: Nicholas Schwerdtfeger on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Jason Battaglear on Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.

5/20 BOOKED: William Frederick on Barton County District Court warrant for Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Aggravated Assault on LEO, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Starla Parker on Rush County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Luis Tercero-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, No Driver's License, and Transporting an Open Container, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Samuel Freeman on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat and Domestic Battery, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.\

5/21 RELEASED: Luis Tercero-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, No Driver's License, and Transporting an Open Container, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

RELEASED: Leonard Boese on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Jericho Riddle on Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>5/19 BOOKED: Jamie Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and Headlight, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, no bond set.BOOKED: Martez Tyus on&nbsp;Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Isaak Fischer on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Leonard Boese on Hoisington Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Christopher Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jericho Riddle on Barton County District Court warrants, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Jamie Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and Headlight, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, to Juvenile Intake.RELEASED: Michael Brohaugh on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Stephen Sprague on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession of Opiate, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, on $300,000 OR bond granted by court.RELEASED: Martez Tyus on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Laughn Seltmann on Rush County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, on $25,000 OR bond through Rush County.RELEASED: Christopher Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Justin Merritt on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Nicholas Schwerdtfeger on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Jason Battaglear on Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.5/20 BOOKED: William Frederick on Barton County District Court warrant for Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Aggravated Assault on LEO, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: Starla Parker on Rush County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Luis Tercero-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, No Driver's License, and Transporting an Open Container, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Samuel Freeman on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat and Domestic Battery, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.\5/21 RELEASED: Luis Tercero-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, No Driver's License, and Transporting an Open Container, after posting a $1,000 cash bond.RELEASED: Leonard Boese on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Jericho Riddle on Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (5/19 - 5/21)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Earlier this month was National Travel and Tourism Week, and Kansas Tourism
released information on how visitor spending creates direct economic value to local
communities. 

If a baseball or softball team comes to town for a three-day
tournament, the total direct spending of one team is $8,700 in your community
with players, coaches, fans, hotel rooms, meals and snacks. That’s just for one
team. Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes referenced
there are some tournaments in Great Bend that have more than 60 teams, meaning well
over $500,000 for one tournament. Hayes said tourism dollars help lower taxes
in Barton County. "I looked at the latest report for Barton County specifically, and we save $267 because of our tourism efforts," said Hayes.&nbsp; 
According to Kansas Tourism, a traveler is worth $207 per day to Kansas. In
Great Bend, Hayes is working on one-stop tourism packages that will benefit
visitors. "We'll do like a girls trip, family-fun trip, hunting trip and wine and beer adventures," said Hayes. "Tourists could buy a girls weekend package and it would be a one-stop shop. They would pay the hotel and everything else would be there." 
Kansas Tourism stated a family of four making a three-day trip to Kansas will
spend an average of $854 in your community.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589988418787.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostEarlier this month was National Travel and Tourism Week, and Kansas Tourism
released information on how visitor spending creates direct economic value to local
communities. If a baseball or softball team comes to town for a three-day
tournament, the total direct spending of one team is $8,700 in your community
with players, coaches, fans, hotel rooms, meals and snacks. That’s just for one
team. Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes referenced
there are some tournaments in Great Bend that have more than 60 teams, meaning well
over $500,000 for one tournament. Hayes said tourism dollars help lower taxes
in Barton County. "I looked at the latest report for Barton County specifically, and we save $267 because of our tourism efforts," said Hayes.&nbsp; 
According to Kansas Tourism, a traveler is worth $207 per day to Kansas. In
Great Bend, Hayes is working on one-stop tourism packages that will benefit
visitors. "We'll do like a girls trip, family-fun trip, hunting trip and wine and beer adventures," said Hayes. "Tourists could buy a girls weekend package and it would be a one-stop shop. They would pay the hotel and everything else would be there." 
Kansas Tourism stated a family of four making a three-day trip to Kansas will
spend an average of $854 in your community.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Tourism dollars benefiting Great Bend taxpayers

Today A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South-southeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South-southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tuesday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South-southeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tuesday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South-southeast wind 7 to 13 mph.

Wednesday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Wednesday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Thursday A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South-southeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South-southeast wind 8 to 11 mph.Tuesday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South-southeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Tuesday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South-southeast wind 7 to 13 mph.Wednesday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southeast wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Wednesday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.Thursday A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Saturday Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

The Shafer Art Gallery will unveil its next exhibit “Thins I Saw in the Sky,” by artists Shannon Trevethan of Russell and LauraLi Imel with a reception at 6:30 p.m. May 19, featuring a short artist talk, comments by the director, and light refreshments. The exhibit runs through June 16. Admission is free.

Trevethan is the well-known Director of the Dienes Art Center in Russell. Imel is a Kansas City-based artist whose strong academic background informs her quest for spiritually laden forms.

The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Barnes at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barnesd@bartonccc.edu">barnesd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684443861784.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Shafer Art Gallery will unveil its next exhibit “Thins I Saw in the Sky,” by artists Shannon Trevethan of Russell and LauraLi Imel with a reception at 6:30 p.m. May 19, featuring a short artist talk, comments by the director, and light refreshments. The exhibit runs through June 16. Admission is free.Trevethan is the well-known Director of the Dienes Art Center in Russell. Imel is a Kansas City-based artist whose strong academic background informs her quest for spiritually laden forms.The Shafer Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. For more information, contact Barnes at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:barnesd@bartonccc.edu">barnesd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

Shafer Art Gallery presents 'Things I Saw in the Sky' exhibit

The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in June. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583421595707.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in June. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those celebrating 40 years:<ul>
 <li>Richard Baker, Public Service Executive II,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Jeffrey Romine, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,&nbsp;Eskridge</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 35 years:<ul>
 <li>Terry Borger, Highway Maintenance Supervisor,&nbsp;Jetmore</li><li>Richard Coghill, Engineering Technician Specialist,&nbsp;Garden City</li><li>Jeffrey Ruby, Professional Civil Engineer I,&nbsp;Silver Lake</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 30 years:<ul>
 <li>Lisa Hockenberry, Management Analyst II,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Jace Loewen, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Moscow</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 25 years:<ul>
 <li>Donald Benyshek, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Cuba</li><li>Warren Ebberts, Construction Manager,&nbsp;Iola</li><li>Kathryn Meierhoff, Administrative Specialist,&nbsp;Marion</li><li>Darlene Osterhaus, Research Analyst III,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Beverley Small, Engineering Technician Senior,&nbsp;Medicine Lodge</li><li>Robert Winters, Equipment Operator Specialist,&nbsp;Stockton</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 20 years:<ul>
 <li>Elizabeth Bagby, Human Resource Professional I,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>William Heptig, Professional Civil Engineer I,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>Leisa Mauch, Highway Maintenance Superintendent,&nbsp;Cunningham</li><li>Nicholas Rogers, Professional Civil Engineer I,&nbsp;Russell</li><li>Michael Yoho, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Emporia</li>
 </ul>Those celebrating 15 years:<ul>
 <li>Dustin Covert, Facilities Specialist,&nbsp;Burrton</li><li>Karlton Place, Area Engineer,&nbsp;Ellsworth</li><li>Michael Rinehart, Information Systems Manager II,&nbsp;Topeka</li><li>James Uhlig II, Engineering Technician,&nbsp;Kansas City</li><li>Jacob Wilburn, Equipment Operator Senior,&nbsp;Lancaster</li>
 </ul>

Local KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Great Bend High School's 136th graduating class has crossed the stage. The weather was on its best behavior for Sunday evening's ceremony at Memorial Stadium. Principal Tim Friess, Superintendent Khris Thexton, and the USD 428 Board of Education said congratulations to 193 seniors from the Class of 2023.

Salutatorian Kevin Gonzalez spoke first, encouraging everyone to approach life with a little TLC: thankfulness, learning, and connection.

"It is important to remember that we not quit learning when the bell rang last Thursday," he told his classmates. "Life provides constant opportunities for learning. If I could give a piece advice to everybody here, including to myself, it would be to never stop questioning."

Valedictorian Gavin Hirsh used a quote from John F. Kennedy - We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard - to challenge his classmates to never be complacent.

"Comfort zones are our greatest threat as a civilization," he said. "Comfort zones allow us to sit back and relax while we watch our opportunities, and potentially vast futures, fade away in our hands."

While Sunday's graduation officially marked the end of the school year for the 193 seniors, school ends for the rest of USD 428 on Wednesday, May 24.

Find more photos of Sunday's commencement ceremony on the Great Bend Post Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684711347489.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGreat Bend High School's 136th graduating class has crossed the stage. The weather was on its best behavior for Sunday evening's ceremony at Memorial Stadium. Principal Tim Friess, Superintendent Khris Thexton, and the USD 428 Board of Education said congratulations to 193 seniors from the Class of 2023.Salutatorian Kevin Gonzalez spoke first, encouraging everyone to approach life with a little TLC: thankfulness, learning, and connection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684711397920.jpeg" alt="Salutatorian Kevin Gonzalez" />
 <figcaption>Salutatorian Kevin Gonzalez</figcaption>
 </figure>"It is important to remember that we not quit learning when the bell rang last Thursday," he told his classmates. "Life provides constant opportunities for learning. If I could give a piece advice to everybody here, including to myself, it would be to never stop questioning."Valedictorian Gavin Hirsh used a quote from John F. Kennedy - We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard - to challenge his classmates to never be complacent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684711500016.jpeg" alt="Valedictorian Gavin Hirsh" />
 <figcaption>Valedictorian Gavin Hirsh</figcaption>
 </figure>"Comfort zones are our greatest threat as a civilization," he said. "Comfort zones allow us to sit back and relax while we watch our opportunities, and potentially vast futures, fade away in our hands."While Sunday's graduation officially marked the end of the school year for the 193 seniors, school ends for the rest of USD 428 on Wednesday, May 24.Find more photos of Sunday's commencement ceremony on the Great Bend Post Facebook page.

GBHS says goodbye to 193 members of Class of '23

Hear this month's Focus on Ellinwood show with host Nancy Baird that aired May 18, 2023.

The Focus on Ellinwood program airs the third Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Ellinwood show with host Nancy Baird that aired May 18, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/aj22udb0/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Focus on Ellinwood program airs the third Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎤Focus on Ellinwood show

The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, May 16 indicates exceptional drought in
our area with really no change from last week.&nbsp;
Stafford County moved from exception to only extreme drought.&nbsp; Anything after Tuesday isn’t reflected in
this report.&nbsp; Some parts of Southwest and
Northwest Kansas show improved conditions where extreme NW Kansas actual
improved to moderate drought.&nbsp; And there
is the promise for more precipitation.&nbsp; The
six to ten-day outlook (May 23 to 27) indicates a 40 to 50% of above normal temperature
and a normal to a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (May 25 to 31)
indicates a similar temperature outlook and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to
above normal precipitation.&nbsp; Hopefully we
are moving into a more active, normal precipitation pattern.

We are all aware or the effects of
the drought on crop yields, however, there are many other effects of interest
to those of us living out here.&nbsp; 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
many have commented on the larger number of Miller Moths (army cutworms) than
normal.&nbsp; And numbers are significantly
above normal.&nbsp; The drought helps explain
this.&nbsp; The moth survives over the winter
as a partially developed larva and resumes feeding in the spring, goes into the
soil to pupate and emerges as an adult.&nbsp;
Extremely cold winters, especially without snow cover, help increase
morality.&nbsp; While not balmy we had a mild,
dry winter.&nbsp; Also, with normal
precipitation there is a fungus that attacks the larvae and decreases their
numbers.&nbsp; This are also a migrating moth
so while a nuisance to homeowners, and the larvae potentially for newly emerged
crops, numbers should start to decrease shortly.&nbsp; As an aside, dry conditions also favor
grasshopper problems in the summer as these conditions suppress the fungus
attacking their exoskeleton.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
lack of moisture affects the soil in several ways.&nbsp; One, a lack of vegetative growth, above and
below ground, leads to a decrease of organic residue for microorganisms to feed
on, break down and contribute to humus formation.&nbsp; Also, under normal conditions, humus slowly
breaks down each growing season and contributes inorganic plant nutrients like
nitrogen and sulfur to the soil solution.&nbsp;
And under dry soil conditions, plant nutrients like potassium,
phosphorus and much harder for the plant roots to take up.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A
lack of growth from drought also weakens perennial plants from alfalfa to
grasses and trees.&nbsp; It’s harder for the
plant to store nutrients to overwinter and if prolonged, greatly weakens and
eventually can kill the plant.&nbsp;
Especially for trees and shrubs, the effects of the drought may exhibit
themselves for several years after a drought ends.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally,
If you have noticed dead pine and ash trees, this is indirectly due to the
drought as the trees are weakened so that pests such as the pine bark beetle
and emerald ash borer cause greater damage than they normally would and can
destroy weakened trees.

These are just a few
examples of the effects of long-term drought.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596200583759.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, May 16 indicates exceptional drought in
our area with really no change from last week.&nbsp;
Stafford County moved from exception to only extreme drought.&nbsp; Anything after Tuesday isn’t reflected in
this report.&nbsp; Some parts of Southwest and
Northwest Kansas show improved conditions where extreme NW Kansas actual
improved to moderate drought.&nbsp; And there
is the promise for more precipitation.&nbsp; The
six to ten-day outlook (May 23 to 27) indicates a 40 to 50% of above normal temperature
and a normal to a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (May 25 to 31)
indicates a similar temperature outlook and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to
above normal precipitation.&nbsp; Hopefully we
are moving into a more active, normal precipitation pattern.We are all aware or the effects of
the drought on crop yields, however, there are many other effects of interest
to those of us living out here.&nbsp; ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First,
many have commented on the larger number of Miller Moths (army cutworms) than
normal.&nbsp; And numbers are significantly
above normal.&nbsp; The drought helps explain
this.&nbsp; The moth survives over the winter
as a partially developed larva and resumes feeding in the spring, goes into the
soil to pupate and emerges as an adult.&nbsp;
Extremely cold winters, especially without snow cover, help increase
morality.&nbsp; While not balmy we had a mild,
dry winter.&nbsp; Also, with normal
precipitation there is a fungus that attacks the larvae and decreases their
numbers.&nbsp; This are also a migrating moth
so while a nuisance to homeowners, and the larvae potentially for newly emerged
crops, numbers should start to decrease shortly.&nbsp; As an aside, dry conditions also favor
grasshopper problems in the summer as these conditions suppress the fungus
attacking their exoskeleton.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
lack of moisture affects the soil in several ways.&nbsp; One, a lack of vegetative growth, above and
below ground, leads to a decrease of organic residue for microorganisms to feed
on, break down and contribute to humus formation.&nbsp; Also, under normal conditions, humus slowly
breaks down each growing season and contributes inorganic plant nutrients like
nitrogen and sulfur to the soil solution.&nbsp;
And under dry soil conditions, plant nutrients like potassium,
phosphorus and much harder for the plant roots to take up.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A
lack of growth from drought also weakens perennial plants from alfalfa to
grasses and trees.&nbsp; It’s harder for the
plant to store nutrients to overwinter and if prolonged, greatly weakens and
eventually can kill the plant.&nbsp;
Especially for trees and shrubs, the effects of the drought may exhibit
themselves for several years after a drought ends.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally,
If you have noticed dead pine and ash trees, this is indirectly due to the
drought as the trees are weakened so that pests such as the pine bark beetle
and emerald ash borer cause greater damage than they normally would and can
destroy weakened trees.These are just a few
examples of the effects of long-term drought.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - The Many Effects of the Drought

With Memorial Day Weekend fast approaching, the Fort Larned National Historic Site will host several programs. Though there will be living history demonstrations going on all day each of the three days, there are programs that Fort Larned be giving at specific times. 

Saturday, May 27 10:00AM – Blacksmith Demonstration 11:00AM – Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 1:00PM – Fort Larned Fashion 2:00PM – Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 3:00PM – Play Ball! 19th Century baseball game program where you are welcome to join in the fun! 4:30PM – Retreat Ceremony (lowering of the flag)

Sunday, May 28 10:00AM – Blacksmith Demonstration 11:00AM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 1:00PM – Cemetery Program 2:00PM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 3:00PM – Kansas Music History – Speaker: Derrick Doty, Flint Hills Fiddler 4:30PM – Retreat Ceremony (lowering of the flag)

Monday, May 29 10:00AM – Blacksmith Demonstration 11:00AM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms and Howitzer 1:00PM – Military Discipline at Fort Larned 2:00PM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms and Howitzer 3:00PM – To Live and Die at Fort Larned: Medicine on the Plains 4:30PM – Retreat Ceremony (lowering of the flag)

NOTE: programs are scheduled to change or cancel due to weather or staffing. To double check and make sure we are still presenting that program, give us a call at 620-285-6911.

Photo of Cannon Crew courtesy of Siltman’s Battery, all others, NPS photos&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684443649452.jpeg" alt="NPS photo" />
 <figcaption>NPS photo</figcaption>
 </figure>With Memorial Day Weekend fast approaching, the Fort Larned National Historic Site will host several programs. Though there will be living history demonstrations going on all day each of the three days, there are programs that Fort Larned be giving at specific times. Saturday, May 27 10:00AM – Blacksmith Demonstration 11:00AM – Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 1:00PM – Fort Larned Fashion 2:00PM – Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 3:00PM – Play Ball! 19th Century baseball game program where you are welcome to join in the fun! 4:30PM – Retreat Ceremony (lowering of the flag)Sunday, May 28 10:00AM – Blacksmith Demonstration 11:00AM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 1:00PM – Cemetery Program 2:00PM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms, Howitzer and Ordnance Rifle 3:00PM – Kansas Music History – Speaker: Derrick Doty, Flint Hills Fiddler 4:30PM – Retreat Ceremony (lowering of the flag)Monday, May 29 10:00AM – Blacksmith Demonstration 11:00AM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms and Howitzer 1:00PM – Military Discipline at Fort Larned 2:00PM - Firing Demonstration with Small Arms and Howitzer 3:00PM – To Live and Die at Fort Larned: Medicine on the Plains 4:30PM – Retreat Ceremony (lowering of the flag)NOTE: programs are scheduled to change or cancel due to weather or staffing. To double check and make sure we are still presenting that program, give us a call at 620-285-6911.Photo of Cannon Crew courtesy of Siltman’s Battery, all others, NPS photos&nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorial Day Weekend programs at Fort Larned

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences recently announced its outstanding undergraduate and graduate students for the 2023 spring semester.

All finalists were recognized during the CHBS Annual Recognition Ceremony on May 11.

Each year the CHBS Faculty Advisory Council seeks nominations from each department within the college to recognize undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional performance in leadership, scholarship, and service.

Departments are encouraged to submit one student per degree program that will be recognized as that department's "Outstanding Undergraduate Student" and "Outstanding Graduate Student.”

The recipient of this award must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student who has selected a major of study within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Outstanding Undergraduate Students were: Ashlyn Cole, Phillipsburg – Allied Health Ciara Kearn, Concordia – Communication Sciences and Disorders Abby Scheer, Goddard – Health and Human Performance Sydney Devlin, Smith Center – Nursing CJ Gibson – Psychology Andrea Alfaro, Springfield, VA – Social Work

Outstanding Graduate Students were: Abigail Meyer, Princeton – Communication Sciences and Disorders Gerald Morehead, Coldwater – Health and Human Performance Kaitlin Johnson, Council Grove – Nursing (MSN) Michelle Dreiling, Andale – Nursing (DNP) Danielle Forbes, Wichita – Psychology Madison McCoy, Lincoln, NE – Psychology (Ed.S) Emma Bieker, Great Bend – Social Work

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684436006229.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>University CommunicationsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University’s College of Health and Behavioral Sciences recently announced its outstanding undergraduate and graduate students for the 2023 spring semester.All finalists were recognized during the CHBS Annual Recognition Ceremony on May 11.Each year the CHBS Faculty Advisory Council seeks nominations from each department within the college to recognize undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional performance in leadership, scholarship, and service.Departments are encouraged to submit one student per degree program that will be recognized as that department's "Outstanding Undergraduate Student" and "Outstanding Graduate Student.”The recipient of this award must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student who has selected a major of study within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.Outstanding Undergraduate Students were: Ashlyn Cole, Phillipsburg – Allied Health Ciara Kearn, Concordia – Communication Sciences and Disorders Abby Scheer, Goddard – Health and Human Performance Sydney Devlin, Smith Center – Nursing CJ Gibson – Psychology Andrea Alfaro, Springfield, VA – Social WorkOutstanding Graduate Students were: Abigail Meyer, Princeton – Communication Sciences and Disorders Gerald Morehead, Coldwater – Health and Human Performance Kaitlin Johnson, Council Grove – Nursing (MSN) Michelle Dreiling, Andale – Nursing (DNP) Danielle Forbes, Wichita – Psychology Madison McCoy, Lincoln, NE – Psychology (Ed.S) Emma Bieker, Great Bend – Social Work

FHSU student from Great Bend recognized as outstanding grad

With one announcement, a student’s life was changed. Jorge Pena, now a junior at Great Bend High School, received the highly competitive “Give Something Back” or Give-Back scholarship during his freshman year. With the award, he will receive a full scholarship to attend one of four Kansas schools. Beyond the financial support, Give Back Scholars also receive mentorship throughout their high school career that helps them navigate the transition to college. 

“I am impressed by Jorge’s hard work, motivation, and determination,” said Lacy Wolters, GBHS ACT/Career coordinator. “He is part of the rigorous Biomedical Career &amp; Technical Education Pathway and&nbsp;continues to excel in the classroom and extracurricular activities.”&nbsp;

Pena plans to pursue a career in the medical profession, with aspirations of becoming a doctor. As he prepares for his senior year, Pena has been accepted to intern with The University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus, a program that serves as a capstone for the Biomedical Pathway and will provide first-hand observation and insight into the industry. 

“I’m grateful to my family, classmates, teachers and Gui Burley at GBHS, who have given me the support I needed and the opportunity to become successful in life,” said Pena. “My Give-Back mentor has also motivated me to ‘go for it’ and do my best in the classroom and with student organizations like HOSA. I’m&nbsp;beyond excited to see what the future holds.” 

Wolters describes this as a life-changing opportunity for students. With the requirement to maintain a 3.0 GPA during high school and attend regular mentor meetings, students then choose to attend K-State, Wichita State, Pittsburgh State, or Baker University for their post-secondary education. Every Give Back Scholar receives a full scholarship that covers college tuition, fees, and room and board, lifting the heavy financial burden associated with higher education. Scholars are selected as early as ninth grade so they benefit from college readiness programs, campus visits, financial aid workshops, test preparatory classes, social events, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Give Something Back is a nonprofit that works to provide college scholarships and mentoring to students who face financial challenges or barriers to success. They work to empower students to build resilience, overcome adversity, and find pathways to become self-reliant adults and leaders of their communities. Learn more about the Give Back Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=781957&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1817673&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.giveback.ngo%2F&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=0fd7fca3fab4441f639add54e12ce63d75449a7e8c680bcb127dbfde7120261e" target="_blank">www.giveback.ngo</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684436794500.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With one announcement, a student’s life was changed. Jorge Pena, now a junior at Great Bend High School, received the highly competitive “Give Something Back” or Give-Back scholarship during his freshman year. With the award, he will receive a full scholarship to attend one of four Kansas schools. Beyond the financial support, Give Back Scholars also receive mentorship throughout their high school career that helps them navigate the transition to college. “I am impressed by Jorge’s hard work, motivation, and determination,” said Lacy Wolters, GBHS ACT/Career coordinator. “He is part of the rigorous Biomedical Career &amp; Technical Education Pathway and&nbsp;continues to excel in the classroom and extracurricular activities.”&nbsp;Pena plans to pursue a career in the medical profession, with aspirations of becoming a doctor. As he prepares for his senior year, Pena has been accepted to intern with The University of Kansas Health System – Great Bend Campus, a program that serves as a capstone for the Biomedical Pathway and will provide first-hand observation and insight into the industry. “I’m grateful to my family, classmates, teachers and Gui Burley at GBHS, who have given me the support I needed and the opportunity to become successful in life,” said Pena. “My Give-Back mentor has also motivated me to ‘go for it’ and do my best in the classroom and with student organizations like HOSA. I’m&nbsp;beyond excited to see what the future holds.” Wolters describes this as a life-changing opportunity for students. With the requirement to maintain a 3.0 GPA during high school and attend regular mentor meetings, students then choose to attend K-State, Wichita State, Pittsburgh State, or Baker University for their post-secondary education. Every Give Back Scholar receives a full scholarship that covers college tuition, fees, and room and board, lifting the heavy financial burden associated with higher education. Scholars are selected as early as ninth grade so they benefit from college readiness programs, campus visits, financial aid workshops, test preparatory classes, social events, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Give Something Back is a nonprofit that works to provide college scholarships and mentoring to students who face financial challenges or barriers to success. They work to empower students to build resilience, overcome adversity, and find pathways to become self-reliant adults and leaders of their communities. Learn more about the Give Back Foundation at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=781957&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1817673&amp;destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.giveback.ngo%2F&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=0fd7fca3fab4441f639add54e12ce63d75449a7e8c680bcb127dbfde7120261e" target="_blank">www.giveback.ngo</a>.&nbsp;

Doctor aspirations, Great Bend student given full scholarship

Water was filling up the pool last Thursday at the Great Bend Wetlands
Waterpark. Prior to the official pool opening day on May 27, there
are 44 lifeguards preparing for an enjoyable yet serious responsibility at the
Great Bend pool. 
“It’s kind of crazy when you think about it because we’re asking people ages 15
to 21 to do something that could be so life-threatening for somebody,” said
Megan Hammeke, Great Bend Recreation Commission Aquatics Director. “They take
it very seriously and know what I expect from them. We have fun when we can
have fun and work hard when we need to work hard.” 
Each lifeguard in Great Bend has to get certified through the Red Cross. The
25-30 hour course is good for two years of certification. Through
certification, the lifeguards will learn lifesaving skills such as CPR, AED,
first aid and skills in the water. 
“In Great Bend, because we’re considered a waterpark with our features that we
have, our guards are required to do weekly training,” said Hammeke. “We’ll
practice for at least an hour practicing saves on certain slides.” 
There is even training on whistle blowing. One whistle signifies a warning to a swimmer or patron. A two-whistle approach is a call for Hammeke or a manager to
respond. Three whistles means one of the lifeguards went into the water to make
a rescue. Three whistles and the sound of the air horn is a signal for workers
in the office to call 911 for emergency response. 
“We’ll practice blowing whistles loud enough because I need to hear their
whistles all the way in my office,” said Hammeke. “They will literally stand
there and blow their whistle until I can hear it loudly.”

The day before the pool opens, all the lifeguards will arrive to the waterpark
to go through “boot camp” to practice everything once again. 
“They’ll practice how they do each save and the process of how long it might
take for EMS to get there,” said Hammeke. “We have a mannequin that can go to
the bottom of the pool. They can pull that mannequin off the bottom and then
begin CPR once back on land.” 
Hammeke estimated her pool staff has to perform a save once a week for a
variety of reasons. 
“Kids get tired or they don’t realize how hard that water pushes them,” said
Hammeke. “The oldest slide here in Great Bend has the most water pushing from
it. They think they can touch but the water current from the slide is so hard.
It can be scary in that moment. Parents are scared. We just want the lifeguards
to be prepared and watching the water to be ready to make any saves.” 
The majority of the lifeguards this summer at the Great Bend pool are
returners. Along with the 44 lifeguards, the waterpark staff will include 10
concession stand workers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684433796959.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWater was filling up the pool last Thursday at the Great Bend Wetlands
Waterpark. Prior to the official pool opening day on May 27, there
are 44 lifeguards preparing for an enjoyable yet serious responsibility at the
Great Bend pool. 
“It’s kind of crazy when you think about it because we’re asking people ages 15
to 21 to do something that could be so life-threatening for somebody,” said
Megan Hammeke, Great Bend Recreation Commission Aquatics Director. “They take
it very seriously and know what I expect from them. We have fun when we can
have fun and work hard when we need to work hard.” 
Each lifeguard in Great Bend has to get certified through the Red Cross. The
25-30 hour course is good for two years of certification. Through
certification, the lifeguards will learn lifesaving skills such as CPR, AED,
first aid and skills in the water. 
“In Great Bend, because we’re considered a waterpark with our features that we
have, our guards are required to do weekly training,” said Hammeke. “We’ll
practice for at least an hour practicing saves on certain slides.” 
There is even training on whistle blowing. One whistle signifies a warning to a swimmer or patron. A two-whistle approach is a call for Hammeke or a manager to
respond. Three whistles means one of the lifeguards went into the water to make
a rescue. Three whistles and the sound of the air horn is a signal for workers
in the office to call 911 for emergency response. 
“We’ll practice blowing whistles loud enough because I need to hear their
whistles all the way in my office,” said Hammeke. “They will literally stand
there and blow their whistle until I can hear it loudly.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658761776907.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The day before the pool opens, all the lifeguards will arrive to the waterpark
to go through “boot camp” to practice everything once again. 
“They’ll practice how they do each save and the process of how long it might
take for EMS to get there,” said Hammeke. “We have a mannequin that can go to
the bottom of the pool. They can pull that mannequin off the bottom and then
begin CPR once back on land.” 
Hammeke estimated her pool staff has to perform a save once a week for a
variety of reasons. 
“Kids get tired or they don’t realize how hard that water pushes them,” said
Hammeke. “The oldest slide here in Great Bend has the most water pushing from
it. They think they can touch but the water current from the slide is so hard.
It can be scary in that moment. Parents are scared. We just want the lifeguards
to be prepared and watching the water to be ready to make any saves.” 
The majority of the lifeguards this summer at the Great Bend pool are
returners. Along with the 44 lifeguards, the waterpark staff will include 10
concession stand workers.

More than just getting a tan, seriousness of Great Bend’s lifeguards

Throughout much of Scot Yarnell’s career, he has treated people addicted to opiates.

Today, he is watching for reactions to an over-the-counter herb “that is fast becoming part of the ongoing opioid crisis.” It is called kratom and is sold legally here.

“People, including our neighbors in central Kansas, are becoming addicted to this drug,” said Yarnell, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway. “They are becoming addicted to a drug that is legally sold over the counter.

“In my opinion, it shouldn’t be legal,” he continued. “But, in time, society will see the negative effects that arise and decide to make it illegal. Kansas should follow the lead of six states that have already done this.”

Those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Kratom is an herb with opioid and stimulant-like properties. It is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration for any use.

“People buy kratom because of its euphoric effects; it can give an opioid-like high,” Yarnell explained. “Also, they use it for self-treatment of opioid withdrawal with increasing numbers of lethal overdoses and other effects.

“Kratom should not be used in patients withdrawing from opioids,” Yarnell emphasized. “It can make a bad situation even worse.”

The herb is ingested orally in pill or liquid form; it also can be smoked. It is sometimes used for pain that is often treated with hydrocodone, oxycodone or other opioids.

The herb has grown in popularity in the United States because it acts as a stimulant at low doses and an opioid-like substance at higher dosages, Yarnell noted.

Adverse consequences are usually mild but there are potentially serious side effects, including respiratory depression with chronic high doses.

“In addition,” Yarnell said, “the use of kratom with other substances has been linked to seizures. The number of deaths has been increasing.

“I have helped detoxify patients from kratom in other parts of Kansas,” he recalled. “When the case is severe enough, we use the same protocol as detoxing from heroin or fentanyl.”

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), physical effects can include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, fast heart rate, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of appetite and insomnia.

Lower doses cause increased alertness and energy; the user also talks a lot. Higher doses cause sedative effects.

There have been instances of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusion and confusion, the DEA also reports.

The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684418631107.jpeg" alt="These photos depict the kratom leaf and the capsules that are consumed by users. They were taken from a Drug Enforcement Administration website." />
 <figcaption>These photos depict the kratom leaf and the capsules that are consumed by users. They were taken from a Drug Enforcement Administration website.</figcaption>
 </figure>Throughout much of Scot Yarnell’s career, he has treated people addicted to opiates.Today, he is watching for reactions to an over-the-counter herb “that is fast becoming part of the ongoing opioid crisis.” It is called kratom and is sold legally here.“People, including our neighbors in central Kansas, are becoming addicted to this drug,” said Yarnell, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, 5815 Broadway. “They are becoming addicted to a drug that is legally sold over the counter.“In my opinion, it shouldn’t be legal,” he continued. “But, in time, society will see the negative effects that arise and decide to make it illegal. Kansas should follow the lead of six states that have already done this.”Those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.Kratom is an herb with opioid and stimulant-like properties. It is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration for any use.“People buy kratom because of its euphoric effects; it can give an opioid-like high,” Yarnell explained. “Also, they use it for self-treatment of opioid withdrawal with increasing numbers of lethal overdoses and other effects.“Kratom should not be used in patients withdrawing from opioids,” Yarnell emphasized. “It can make a bad situation even worse.”The herb is ingested orally in pill or liquid form; it also can be smoked. It is sometimes used for pain that is often treated with hydrocodone, oxycodone or other opioids.The herb has grown in popularity in the United States because it acts as a stimulant at low doses and an opioid-like substance at higher dosages, Yarnell noted.Adverse consequences are usually mild but there are potentially serious side effects, including respiratory depression with chronic high doses.“In addition,” Yarnell said, “the use of kratom with other substances has been linked to seizures. The number of deaths has been increasing.“I have helped detoxify patients from kratom in other parts of Kansas,” he recalled. “When the case is severe enough, we use the same protocol as detoxing from heroin or fentanyl.”Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), physical effects can include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, fast heart rate, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of appetite and insomnia.Lower doses cause increased alertness and energy; the user also talks a lot. Higher doses cause sedative effects.There have been instances of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusion and confusion, the DEA also reports.The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

The Center’s nurse practitioner warns of kratom’s effects

This summer, Smoky Hills PBS is working with public libraries throughout central and western Kansas to conduct summer reading programs through the "Share a Story" project.

Share a Story is a 45-60 minute program geared toward children ages 2-7.&nbsp; Each program consists of the following format:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Read it&nbsp;– Read a PBS KIDS book

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch it&nbsp;– View a show related to the book

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do it&nbsp;– Have fun making a craft

Each participant receives his or her own book and related materials.&nbsp;

Share a Story helps children become better readers by inspiring adults to read to children every day.&nbsp; Research shows that activities like these do make a difference.&nbsp; Children who are read to every day, from birth on, do better in school, become good listeners and writers, and have better language, critical and imaginative skills.

Simple, fun daily activities like reading aloud, storytelling, rhyming, singing, exercise, drawing, and acting, teach young children language and literacy skills – and that’s what Smoky Hills PBS Share a Story is all about!

The Share a Story program begins in libraries across central and western Kansas&nbsp;starting May 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complete schedule of Share a Story events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684437716696.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This summer, Smoky Hills PBS is working with public libraries throughout central and western Kansas to conduct summer reading programs through the "Share a Story" project.Share a Story is a 45-60 minute program geared toward children ages 2-7.&nbsp; Each program consists of the following format:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Read it&nbsp;– Read a PBS KIDS book2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch it&nbsp;– View a show related to the book3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do it&nbsp;– Have fun making a craftEach participant receives his or her own book and related materials.&nbsp;Share a Story helps children become better readers by inspiring adults to read to children every day.&nbsp; Research shows that activities like these do make a difference.&nbsp; Children who are read to every day, from birth on, do better in school, become good listeners and writers, and have better language, critical and imaginative skills.Simple, fun daily activities like reading aloud, storytelling, rhyming, singing, exercise, drawing, and acting, teach young children language and literacy skills – and that’s what Smoky Hills PBS Share a Story is all about!The Share a Story program begins in libraries across central and western Kansas&nbsp;starting May 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complete schedule of Share a Story events can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS 'Share a Story' hits local libraries this summer

Bicycling is fun and good for the environment and your health.&nbsp;It's good for your wallet, too; it can be an inexpensive and reliable way to get to the places you need or want to go, but it can be a hazardous mode of transportation or pastime.&nbsp;This is why the Pilot Club of Great Bend, also known as the Helmet People, suggests a guide to safe riding.

First and foremost, WEAR A HELMET.&nbsp;Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone--adults and children--on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, it was reported that over 900 bicyclists were killed, and over 38,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States.

Secondly, make sure you are able to be seen.&nbsp;Wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright clothing.&nbsp;When possible, ride during the day.&nbsp;If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use a flashing bike light and headlamp.

Next, both cyclists and motorists should get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists. Make sure when on the roadway ride single file in the direction of traffic.&nbsp;Share the road.&nbsp;Both motorists and bicyclists should look out for each other and show mutual respect.&nbsp;Put safety first.&nbsp;

In the Spring and Summer, the Pilot Club of Great Bend participates in events where they properly fit and give away free helmets to children ages 4 - 14. Look for us at community events and get your children fitted for a helmet so their head is protected, and their ride is safer.

Bike to Work week is May 15-21, with Friday, May 19, as Bike to Work Day.&nbsp;So, be especially vigilant those days when on the road.&nbsp;

Pilot Club of Great Bend&nbsp; Rhonda Knudson - Vice President&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594235575578.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Bicycling is fun and good for the environment and your health.&nbsp;It's good for your wallet, too; it can be an inexpensive and reliable way to get to the places you need or want to go, but it can be a hazardous mode of transportation or pastime.&nbsp;This is why the Pilot Club of Great Bend, also known as the Helmet People, suggests a guide to safe riding.First and foremost, WEAR A HELMET.&nbsp;Helmets appropriate for bicycling should be worn by everyone--adults and children--on every bike ride regardless of the length of the ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2020, it was reported that over 900 bicyclists were killed, and over 38,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States.Secondly, make sure you are able to be seen.&nbsp;Wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright clothing.&nbsp;When possible, ride during the day.&nbsp;If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use a flashing bike light and headlamp.Next, both cyclists and motorists should get acquainted with traffic laws; bicyclists must follow the same rules as motorists. Make sure when on the roadway ride single file in the direction of traffic.&nbsp;Share the road.&nbsp;Both motorists and bicyclists should look out for each other and show mutual respect.&nbsp;Put safety first.&nbsp;In the Spring and Summer, the Pilot Club of Great Bend participates in events where they properly fit and give away free helmets to children ages 4 - 14. Look for us at community events and get your children fitted for a helmet so their head is protected, and their ride is safer.Bike to Work week is May 15-21, with Friday, May 19, as Bike to Work Day.&nbsp;So, be especially vigilant those days when on the road.&nbsp;Pilot Club of Great Bend&nbsp; Rhonda Knudson - Vice President&nbsp;

Bike Month - Great Bend Pilot Club suggests rules for the road

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTguNzY5NjgwNzEifQ.vMmEEeYnYn9BbX-6sqqPkGohPiUU7siCZwAW_wRcDu4/s/1305943097/br/199910418287-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. &nbsp;

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTE4Ljc2OTY4MDcxIn0.5otf38dEtWGhD06yzLFDTB4te7gNq9rF3HIW6FDNGAI/s/1305943097/br/199910418287-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTE4Ljc2OTY4MDcxIn0.ybtvm-EoL5QiNZ-r7StMrHbyHt_1XYod7lvfYHusxnc/s/1305943097/br/199910418287-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593727789226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory update due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292LzExNjMvUmVwb3J0LWFuLUlsbG5lc3Mtb3ItSGVhbHRoLUluY2lkZW50P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTguNzY5NjgwNzEifQ.vMmEEeYnYn9BbX-6sqqPkGohPiUU7siCZwAW_wRcDu4/s/1305943097/br/199910418287-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active Advisories&nbsp;Warning<ul>
 <li>Pomona Lake, Osage County (Added on May 18)</li>
 </ul>Watch<ul>
 <li>Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (Added on May 18)</li><li>Melvern Lake, Osage County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist. &nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock. &nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans. &nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided. &nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded. &nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae. &nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible. &nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation. &nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.&nbsp;</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.&nbsp;</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.&nbsp;</li><li>Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions. &nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292Lzc3Ny9IYXJtZnVsLUFsZ2FsLUJsb29tcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTE4Ljc2OTY4MDcxIn0.5otf38dEtWGhD06yzLFDTB4te7gNq9rF3HIW6FDNGAI/s/1305943097/br/199910418287-l" target="_blank">kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a>&nbsp;and check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3RvcnltYXBzLmFyY2dpcy5jb20vc3Rvcmllcy9jMDcwYzgwNTkyOTM0NzMwODM0YzE5NDI4MDMwMGVjYj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTE4Ljc2OTY4MDcxIn0.ybtvm-EoL5QiNZ-r7StMrHbyHt_1XYod7lvfYHusxnc/s/1305943097/br/199910418287-l" target="_blank">interactive story</a>.

Public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director in Barton County, that aired May 18, 2023.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director in Barton County, that aired May 18, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ia10jiss/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧County Edition: Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee

Barton Community College will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day.

The college is now on summer hours. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.&nbsp; The college will be closed on Fridays through July 28.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681226867078.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community College will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day.The college is now on summer hours. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.&nbsp; The college will be closed on Fridays through July 28.

Barton Community College shifting to summer hours

On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>'s Drew Gannon shares ways to take advantage of summer for health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Warmer weather presents outdoor fitness opportunities" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6bpcs-1411f2c-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">Post Podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/" target="_blank">Fort Hays State University</a>'s Drew Gannon shares ways to take advantage of summer for health.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Warmer weather presents outdoor fitness opportunities

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/8c98cf66-2ae3-4a55-9789-a9c2793abbd1">Great Bend council to decide if chickens are allowed in town</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ef20b0fe-43a8-48d7-9e21-6af1da0ff43c">Former Great Bend city administrator fired from position in Hutchinson</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ff19554a-b0ed-48ae-8c79-4765393fc567">City of Great Bend dealing with damaged underground lines</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684201798240.jpg" alt="The Great Bend City Council will decide whether or not chickens will be allowed within city limits at their next meeting in June." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend City Council will decide whether or not chickens will be allowed within city limits at their next meeting in June.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/oymax4ms/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/8c98cf66-2ae3-4a55-9789-a9c2793abbd1">Great Bend council to decide if chickens are allowed in town</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ef20b0fe-43a8-48d7-9e21-6af1da0ff43c">Former Great Bend city administrator fired from position in Hutchinson</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ff19554a-b0ed-48ae-8c79-4765393fc567">City of Great Bend dealing with damaged underground lines</a>

Eagle Radio's News Week in Review

The Great Bend Bat Cat baseball season is scheduled to begin June 2, but the baseball team is already a big winner. The group 100+ People Who Care Barton County hands out at least $10,000 to a non-profit each quarter. At its May meeting, the group selected the Bat Cats as this quarter's recipient. Roger Ward, general manager of the team, said it was an honor to be recognized.

"I'll be the first one to admit, I cried," he said. "It's been a tough go, just like for anyone else. Speaking for myself, getting this thing going from scratch, and clawing every year trying to make it right and make it the best for everybody, our players that come into town, our fans."

The 100+ People nominate potential winners for the next quarter's award. Last quarter, the Bat Cats were nominated alongside the Ellinwood Hospital Foundation and Barton Arts Movement. The organizations are then invited to present before the group about how the funds would be used. 

"We're going to put all into the facility," Ward said. "As you know, we've done a lot of upgrades there but we're going to continue that and make it good for the players. The fan experience is going to be much better. We're just going to keep on climbing."

Bat Cat players begin reporting to town on Thursday. Ward said several players are still looking for local hosts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684419918084.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Bat Cat baseball season is scheduled to begin June 2, but the baseball team is already a big winner. The group 100+ People Who Care Barton County hands out at least $10,000 to a non-profit each quarter. At its May meeting, the group selected the Bat Cats as this quarter's recipient. Roger Ward, general manager of the team, said it was an honor to be recognized."I'll be the first one to admit, I cried," he said. "It's been a tough go, just like for anyone else. Speaking for myself, getting this thing going from scratch, and clawing every year trying to make it right and make it the best for everybody, our players that come into town, our fans."The 100+ People nominate potential winners for the next quarter's award. Last quarter, the Bat Cats were nominated alongside the Ellinwood Hospital Foundation and Barton Arts Movement. The organizations are then invited to present before the group about how the funds would be used. "We're going to put all into the facility," Ward said. "As you know, we've done a lot of upgrades there but we're going to continue that and make it good for the players. The fan experience is going to be much better. We're just going to keep on climbing."Bat Cat players begin reporting to town on Thursday. Ward said several players are still looking for local hosts.

100+ People Who Care give $10,000 to Great Bend Bat Cats

By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas District

Monarch butterflies are well known and loved. These butterflies inform our scientific literacy from a young age as we study metamorphosis and their unique relationship with milkweed (their host plant). I always look forward to seeing their beauty each and every season as they migrate north from their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico and fly throughout our region of Central Kansas before returning south later in the year.

The annual monarch census has shown a trend of declines in the monarch butterfly population for many years which is why it is important that we understand how best to provide habitat in our local gardens to help them survive and thrive.

Primary reasons for monarch butterfly decline include the&nbsp;loss of stems of milkweed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;loss of habitat&nbsp;in general due to urbanization and land use changes.&nbsp;Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly&nbsp;and without it monarch butterflies have no way to reproduce and provide food for their larvae (caterpillars).

It is estimated that&nbsp;an additional 1.8 billion stems of milkweed are needed&nbsp;to conserve our monarch butterflies!

New research is providing some great information on how we can best build our monarch butterfly gardens in our backyards and home landscapes.

Research done at the University of Kentucky has discovered that monarchs will use and thrive in even small gardens that are designed with a few key things in mind.

First, monarchs prefer an easy to find and accessible milkweed plant.&nbsp;When milkweed was planted at the perimeter (edge) of the monarch butterfly garden, research found that it supported 2.5 to 4 times more monarchs.

The image shows an example. The milkweed (m) is planted in clumps on the exterior of the butterfly garden where it is easy to find.&nbsp;Monarchs use visual cues&nbsp;such as leaf shape to locate milkweed and when milkweed is planted on the exterior of the garden it was much more easily found by the butterflies. The nectar plants can be intermixed as desired and planted inside the milkweed.

Isolated milkweed plants are colonized by monarchs much more readily than milkweed that is intermixed with many other types of plants.&nbsp;In fact, it was even better to plant milkweed in individual clumps on the edge of the garden and set them off with mulch.

The research also discovered that monarch butterfly gardens that were placed in an area with open and easy north/south access were more attractive to the butterflies.&nbsp;When possible, plant monarch gardens in a way that allow easy and unobstructed north/south access since this is their natural migration path.

Other monarch butterfly garden components

Don’t forget other key ways to make butterflies feel at home in your garden.

Nectar&nbsp;is the fuel for adult butterflies and every monarch garden should include a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout the season. The color, as well as the shape, of a flower’s blooms attracts butterflies. While a wide variety of color will attract a greater variety of butterflies, it’s also important to plant your flowers in masses using three or more plants of one variety but remember to keep the milkweed on the perimeter. Here are some examples of plants that can provide nectar.

Water or a ‘puddling’ space&nbsp;is beneficial to monarch butterflies. Provide a “puddling” space by burying a shallow container of sand and keeping it moist. The butterflies will congregate on damp sand to extract needed salts and minerals.

Add a few light-colored stones&nbsp;protected from the wind on which the cold-blooded butterflies can bask in the sun.

Avoid pesticide use.&nbsp;The chemicals that kill undesirable insects will also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.

Deadhead spent blossoms.&nbsp;Not only will this practice encourage more blooms, it also helps control plants that can become invasive by removing seed heads.

To see more lawn and garden information, visit the <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension Lawn and Garden webpage</a>.

And check out the Salina Post Lawn and Garden page, under the Local tab or <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684029477177.png" alt="Photos and images courtesy Jason Graves" />
 <figcaption>Photos and images courtesy Jason Graves</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON GRAVES Horticulture Extension Agent, Central Kansas DistrictMonarch butterflies are well known and loved. These butterflies inform our scientific literacy from a young age as we study metamorphosis and their unique relationship with milkweed (their host plant). I always look forward to seeing their beauty each and every season as they migrate north from their overwintering grounds in northern Mexico and fly throughout our region of Central Kansas before returning south later in the year.The annual monarch census has shown a trend of declines in the monarch butterfly population for many years which is why it is important that we understand how best to provide habitat in our local gardens to help them survive and thrive.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028440215.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Reasons for decline</h2>Primary reasons for monarch butterfly decline include the&nbsp;loss of stems of milkweed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;loss of habitat&nbsp;in general due to urbanization and land use changes.&nbsp;Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly&nbsp;and without it monarch butterflies have no way to reproduce and provide food for their larvae (caterpillars).It is estimated that&nbsp;an additional 1.8 billion stems of milkweed are needed&nbsp;to conserve our monarch butterflies!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028608973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Monarch garden structure</h2>New research is providing some great information on how we can best build our monarch butterfly gardens in our backyards and home landscapes.Research done at the University of Kentucky has discovered that monarchs will use and thrive in even small gardens that are designed with a few key things in mind.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028730308.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First, monarchs prefer an easy to find and accessible milkweed plant.&nbsp;When milkweed was planted at the perimeter (edge) of the monarch butterfly garden, research found that it supported 2.5 to 4 times more monarchs.The image shows an example. The milkweed (m) is planted in clumps on the exterior of the butterfly garden where it is easy to find.&nbsp;Monarchs use visual cues&nbsp;such as leaf shape to locate milkweed and when milkweed is planted on the exterior of the garden it was much more easily found by the butterflies. The nectar plants can be intermixed as desired and planted inside the milkweed.Isolated milkweed plants are colonized by monarchs much more readily than milkweed that is intermixed with many other types of plants.&nbsp;In fact, it was even better to plant milkweed in individual clumps on the edge of the garden and set them off with mulch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684028882943.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The research also discovered that monarch butterfly gardens that were placed in an area with open and easy north/south access were more attractive to the butterflies.&nbsp;When possible, plant monarch gardens in a way that allow easy and unobstructed north/south access since this is their natural migration path.<h2>Key points:</h2><ol>
 <li>Monarchs will use even very small gardens</li><li>Avoid ‘hiding’ milkweed&nbsp;among other plants</li><li>Plant gardens where there is easy north/south access&nbsp;to incoming butterflies</li><li>Isolated and taller varieties of milkweed plants are preferred&nbsp;by monarch butterflies, set them off with mulch</li><li>Plant milkweeds on exterior of gardens</li><li>Plant several species of milkweed native to our region&nbsp;but avoid using tropical milkweed in Kansas. When native milkweed stops blooming, it is a cue for the monarch to migrate. Since tropical milkweed blooms much later than our native milkweeds it can interfere with the cue monarchs rely on to migrate at the proper time.</li>
 </ol><h2>Other monarch butterfly garden components</h2>Don’t forget other key ways to make butterflies feel at home in your garden.Nectar&nbsp;is the fuel for adult butterflies and every monarch garden should include a variety of nectar producing flowers that bloom throughout the season. The color, as well as the shape, of a flower’s blooms attracts butterflies. While a wide variety of color will attract a greater variety of butterflies, it’s also important to plant your flowers in masses using three or more plants of one variety but remember to keep the milkweed on the perimeter. Here are some examples of plants that can provide nectar.Water or a ‘puddling’ space&nbsp;is beneficial to monarch butterflies. Provide a “puddling” space by burying a shallow container of sand and keeping it moist. The butterflies will congregate on damp sand to extract needed salts and minerals.Add a few light-colored stones&nbsp;protected from the wind on which the cold-blooded butterflies can bask in the sun.Avoid pesticide use.&nbsp;The chemicals that kill undesirable insects will also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.Deadhead spent blossoms.&nbsp;Not only will this practice encourage more blooms, it also helps control plants that can become invasive by removing seed heads.To see more lawn and garden information, visit the <a href="https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/">Central Kansas District Extension Lawn and Garden webpage</a>.And check out the Salina Post Lawn and Garden page, under the Local tab or <a href="https://salinapost.com/category/garden">click here</a>.