By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The start of May means warmer weather and the start of boating season. It also means the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is charging to use its boat ramps at Wilson Lake. Brandon Beckman, safety and occupational health specialist with the Corps, said the fees are administered each May 1 through Sept. 30 at the Corps ramps.

"There's a self-pay station at each boat ramp," he said. "There are signs with instructions at each one. It's $5 per day, per vehicle. There are also America the Beautiful passes that we sell at our Corps offices."

Disability, free-access passes are available with proper documentation, as are senior lifetime passes for those 62 years and older. The Corps also offers an annual pass for $40 that may be used at any Corp ramp nationwide. State park passes are not applicable to the Corps ramps, but there are several state ramps at Wilson. The self-pay stations are based on the honor system, but rangers can easily verify payment.

"It's an envelope, and you put the payment in there, and there's a detachable tag you hang on your vehicle," Beckman said. "The portion with the payment, it has the same exact serial number as the one that's hanging in your window."

The Corps also reported Wilson Lake is down approximately 20 inches from normal, and its slide-in docks have been pushed out about as far as they can go. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683048277684.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe start of May means warmer weather and the start of boating season. It also means the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is charging to use its boat ramps at Wilson Lake. Brandon Beckman, safety and occupational health specialist with the Corps, said the fees are administered each May 1 through Sept. 30 at the Corps ramps."There's a self-pay station at each boat ramp," he said. "There are signs with instructions at each one. It's $5 per day, per vehicle. There are also America the Beautiful passes that we sell at our Corps offices."Disability, free-access passes are available with proper documentation, as are senior lifetime passes for those 62 years and older. The Corps also offers an annual pass for $40 that may be used at any Corp ramp nationwide. State park passes are not applicable to the Corps ramps, but there are several state ramps at Wilson. The self-pay stations are based on the honor system, but rangers can easily verify payment."It's an envelope, and you put the payment in there, and there's a detachable tag you hang on your vehicle," Beckman said. "The portion with the payment, it has the same exact serial number as the one that's hanging in your window."The Corps also reported Wilson Lake is down approximately 20 inches from normal, and its slide-in docks have been pushed out about as far as they can go.

Seasonal fee returns on federal boat ramps at Wilson Lake

The first ever Wheat Rx field day will be offered at the Agricultural Research Center - Hays (1232 240th Ave) on Thursday, May 25, from 8 am to 1 pm. This is a collaboration between K-State Research &amp; Extension and the Kansas Wheat Commission. Growers and anyone interested will have the opportunity to see hands on the most update research on growing high yield, high quality, economically feasible wheat. Crop walks include breeding nurseries, long term fertility and tillage experiments, improved agronomy management and disease control trials, finishing up with an inside talk about recent economics of wheat production. Attendance is free but registration is requested at https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays for head count a light breakfast and a lunch meal will be provided.

- 8:40 am: Meeting kickoff and quick overview – Aaron Harries

- 9:00-9:30 am: Guorong Zhang: Wheat research for western Kansas

- 9:40 – 10:10 am: Augustine Obour: What we have learned after 48 years of tillage and N fertility management research

- 10:20 – 10:50 am: Romulo Lollato: Wheat agronomy intensification for combined food security and environmental stewardship

- 10:50 – 11:20 am: Kelsey Onofre: Wheat disease update and management

- 11:30 am: Lucas Haag: Economics of wheat production

- 12:00 pm: lunch RSVP requested at https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays

If you have any questions give me a call at the Cottonwood Extension District office in Hays.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The first ever Wheat Rx field day will be offered at the Agricultural Research Center - Hays (1232 240th Ave) on Thursday, May 25, from 8 am to 1 pm. This is a collaboration between K-State Research &amp; Extension and the Kansas Wheat Commission. Growers and anyone interested will have the opportunity to see hands on the most update research on growing high yield, high quality, economically feasible wheat. Crop walks include breeding nurseries, long term fertility and tillage experiments, improved agronomy management and disease control trials, finishing up with an inside talk about recent economics of wheat production. Attendance is free but registration is requested at https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-hays for head count a light breakfast and a lunch meal will be provided.- 8:00 am: Coffee and registration- 8:40 am: Meeting kickoff and quick overview – Aaron Harries- 9:00-9:30 am: Guorong Zhang: Wheat research for western Kansas- 9:40 – 10:10 am: Augustine Obour: What we have learned after 48 years of tillage and N fertility management research- 10:20 – 10:50 am: Romulo Lollato: Wheat agronomy intensification for combined food security and environmental stewardship- 10:50 – 11:20 am: Kelsey Onofre: Wheat disease update and management- 11:30 am: Lucas Haag: Economics of wheat production- 12:00 pm: lunch RSVP requested at https://kswheat.com/events/wheat-rx-haysIf you have any questions give me a call at the Cottonwood Extension District office in Hays.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Wheat Rx Field Day – May 25 in NW Kansas

Great Bend is very proud to host the Vietnam Veterans Wall That Heals on May 11-14, 2023 at Al Burns Field in Veterans Memorial Park. We invite everyone to come see the Wall for Free during the open hours. However, before it’s set up and ready to be visited, there is an escort that is also something the Public will want to be part of. &nbsp;

The Escort for The Wall That Heals will take place on&nbsp;Tuesday, May 9, 2023&nbsp;and it includes 50-100 motorcycles flying American Flags and the trailer. They will gather and begin in the 300 Block of Main Street in Claflin, KS and the escort will begin at approximately 1:40pm. After traveling South on Main in Claflin they will head West on K4 Highway to Hoisington at approximately 30 mph.

In Hoisington the escort will turn South on Main Street on US Highway 281.&nbsp;The escort should arrive at Great Bend at 2:30, and will turn left, following the US-281 By-pass to 10th Street.&nbsp; It will turn right on 10th Street and proceed West to Main Street, passing Riley school at approximately 2:35.&nbsp; It will turn right at Main and head North to 24th Street, passing North Dillons at approximately 2:40.&nbsp; Then the escort will turn left to proceed West to K-96 highway, passing Jefferson school at approximately 2:45.&nbsp; At K-96 the escort will turn left and proceed Southeast on K-96 to 17th Terrace, turning left and arriving at Al Burns Field at approximately 2:55.

We invite media &amp; residents to gather on Main Street within the block of Lakin to Broadway to showcase a big crowd to show our support. Please attend and help properly pay tribute and show the Pride that Great Bend has to host this honorable display to the United States Vietnam Veterans and families. &nbsp;

For more information about Great Bend’s feature of The Wall That Heals please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploregreatbend.com/wallthathealsgbks" target="_blank">https://www.exploregreatbend.com/wallthathealsgbks</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652424134.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the City of Great Bend...Great Bend is very proud to host the Vietnam Veterans Wall That Heals on May 11-14, 2023 at Al Burns Field in Veterans Memorial Park. We invite everyone to come see the Wall for Free during the open hours. However, before it’s set up and ready to be visited, there is an escort that is also something the Public will want to be part of. &nbsp;The Escort for The Wall That Heals will take place on&nbsp;Tuesday, May 9, 2023&nbsp;and it includes 50-100 motorcycles flying American Flags and the trailer. They will gather and begin in the 300 Block of Main Street in Claflin, KS and the escort will begin at approximately 1:40pm. After traveling South on Main in Claflin they will head West on K4 Highway to Hoisington at approximately 30 mph.In Hoisington the escort will turn South on Main Street on US Highway 281.&nbsp;The escort should arrive at Great Bend at 2:30, and will turn left, following the US-281 By-pass to 10th Street.&nbsp; It will turn right on 10th Street and proceed West to Main Street, passing Riley school at approximately 2:35.&nbsp; It will turn right at Main and head North to 24th Street, passing North Dillons at approximately 2:40.&nbsp; Then the escort will turn left to proceed West to K-96 highway, passing Jefferson school at approximately 2:45.&nbsp; At K-96 the escort will turn left and proceed Southeast on K-96 to 17th Terrace, turning left and arriving at Al Burns Field at approximately 2:55.We invite media &amp; residents to gather on Main Street within the block of Lakin to Broadway to showcase a big crowd to show our support. Please attend and help properly pay tribute and show the Pride that Great Bend has to host this honorable display to the United States Vietnam Veterans and families. &nbsp;For more information about Great Bend’s feature of The Wall That Heals please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exploregreatbend.com/wallthathealsgbks" target="_blank">https://www.exploregreatbend.com/wallthathealsgbks</a>

Great Bend encourages citizens to be part of The Wall That Heals escort

Few things go according to plan. When the USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education began planning the replacement of HVAC building control systems, the goal was to replace the systems in all buildings. Superintendent Patrick Crowdis outlined to the board at Monday's meeting that the project can move forward with just most of the buildings.

"Due to the cost, part of that being with using the ESSER money we have to meet the Davis-Bacon wage criteria," he said, "which is a higher criteria than if we just to pay for it out of capital outlay, which elevated the cost."

The district budgeted $680,000 from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, which is federal funding used to help schools address the impact of COVID-19. That price will allow Wichita-based Dynamic Control Systems to install the building control systems at the Activity Center, Hoisington High School, and Hoisington Middle School. 

"That would leave this building off, Roosevelt off, and Lincoln has its own building control system that we are not tied to at all right now," Crowdis said.

A consultant advised the district to purchase Nest thermostats for better control in the district building and Roosevelt. That would allow some control in three buildings, with up to 20 thermostats in each building. 

The board agreed Dynamic Control Systems offered a good bid on the project, including customer service once the weather turns cold to examine any temperature oddities in the buildings and target those areas. Crowdis said the installation of the new systems is likely at least 90 days out. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637008939441.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFew things go according to plan. When the USD 431 Hoisington Board of Education began planning the replacement of HVAC building control systems, the goal was to replace the systems in all buildings. Superintendent Patrick Crowdis outlined to the board at Monday's meeting that the project can move forward with just most of the buildings."Due to the cost, part of that being with using the ESSER money we have to meet the Davis-Bacon wage criteria," he said, "which is a higher criteria than if we just to pay for it out of capital outlay, which elevated the cost."The district budgeted $680,000 from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, which is federal funding used to help schools address the impact of COVID-19. That price will allow Wichita-based Dynamic Control Systems to install the building control systems at the Activity Center, Hoisington High School, and Hoisington Middle School. "That would leave this building off, Roosevelt off, and Lincoln has its own building control system that we are not tied to at all right now," Crowdis said.A consultant advised the district to purchase Nest thermostats for better control in the district building and Roosevelt. That would allow some control in three buildings, with up to 20 thermostats in each building. The board agreed Dynamic Control Systems offered a good bid on the project, including customer service once the weather turns cold to examine any temperature oddities in the buildings and target those areas. Crowdis said the installation of the new systems is likely at least 90 days out.

Hoisington board approves $680k project to replace HVAC controls

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

For the past couple of years, the City of Great Bend has paid for a
single membership to Club 1 Fitness for all their employees. All new hires have
to sign an acknowledgment that the city pays for a single membership because
the benefit is a taxable fringe benefit through the IRS, meaning all employees
must pay the tax on the membership. All existing employees see the
approximately $128 gym-membership tax come out of their checks in July. 

As of
now, the gym membership program with Club 1 is scheduled to expire at the end
of June. Chris Berger, the general manager at Club 1, approached the Great Bend
City Council Monday in an attempt to renegotiate a new deal with the city. "Every employee through the city had a membership whether they knew it or not," said Berger. "The city would send me a list of new hires and terminations on Friday. So whether they knew it or not, they could have walked into our facility and used our club. I don't know if that was completely communicated the right way." 
Berger said Club 1 operates 85 corporate accounts throughout the Great Bend
area, and he could trace back to the 1990s for how long the city has provided
memberships for their employees.

Great Bend Human Resources Director Randy
Keasling said the city made the switch from payroll deduction to ease the paperwork
process for administration. "For many years, it was payroll deduct and we did it at any point," said Keasling. "Early on, we realized it was just a disaster for us administratively. We had staff that would jump on and jump off. They'd be single, go to family and then go back to single membership. Administratively, it was honestly just a nightmare." 
The city is considering opening the gym membership deal for bids to see if any
other fitness centers want to make a proposal. Keasling mentioned the city was
approached by Anytime Fitness. The city council will discuss the gym membership
at a future meeting.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Listen below to the entire discussion about the city's gym membership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683130462637.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFor the past couple of years, the City of Great Bend has paid for a
single membership to Club 1 Fitness for all their employees. All new hires have
to sign an acknowledgment that the city pays for a single membership because
the benefit is a taxable fringe benefit through the IRS, meaning all employees
must pay the tax on the membership. All existing employees see the
approximately $128 gym-membership tax come out of their checks in July. As of
now, the gym membership program with Club 1 is scheduled to expire at the end
of June. Chris Berger, the general manager at Club 1, approached the Great Bend
City Council Monday in an attempt to renegotiate a new deal with the city. "Every employee through the city had a membership whether they knew it or not," said Berger. "The city would send me a list of new hires and terminations on Friday. So whether they knew it or not, they could have walked into our facility and used our club. I don't know if that was completely communicated the right way." 
Berger said Club 1 operates 85 corporate accounts throughout the Great Bend
area, and he could trace back to the 1990s for how long the city has provided
memberships for their employees. Great Bend Human Resources Director Randy
Keasling said the city made the switch from payroll deduction to ease the paperwork
process for administration. "For many years, it was payroll deduct and we did it at any point," said Keasling. "Early on, we realized it was just a disaster for us administratively. We had staff that would jump on and jump off. They'd be single, go to family and then go back to single membership. Administratively, it was honestly just a nightmare." 
The city is considering opening the gym membership deal for bids to see if any
other fitness centers want to make a proposal. Keasling mentioned the city was
approached by Anytime Fitness. The city council will discuss the gym membership
at a future meeting.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Listen below to the entire discussion about the city's gym membership.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/4bhajadb/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Gym manager looking to renew City of Great Bend memberships

Jacie Roth has always had a sweet tooth and a passion for baking, so when she and her mother decided to launch a homemade treats business, 161 Candy, she had no idea it would lead to future learning opportunities.

Roth graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 2021 and joined the Barton Community College family as a freshman the following fall, and she has enrolled in several business-related courses. However, there are two that she attributes much of her success to, Introduction to Business and Marketing, both taught by Business Computer Management Instructor Deanna Heier. She was invited to participate in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC) hosted by Kansas State University (KSU) through these classes.

Heier said she immediately thought of Jacie when she heard about the KEC. “Jacie is a real leader in class and has so much initiative to really reach for her dreams and work really hard to achieve them,” she said.

Throughout the business and marketing courses, Roth was tasked with developing a business and marketing plan for a real or fake business.

“I chose to refine 161 Candy within these projects, and the KEC seemed to fit right in with the work I was currently doing in my classes,” she said. “I felt that this competition was a great opportunity for me to showcase the business we have created and gain more publicity for our business as well.”

Roth submitted an executive summary and an ‘elevator’ pitch video. This submission secured her a spot as a finalist in the KEC. On April 20, Roth traveled to Manhattan to compete in the live competition on the KSU campus. The live competition consisted of a tradeshow competition where she would explain her business proposal to the attendees, mostly made up of KSU students, staff, faculty, and community members, who would then vote for their favorite businesses. She also presented her business and marketing plan for 161 Candy to a panel of KEC judges.

“I put countless hours into preparation for the competition by creating several professional presentation boards, purchasing packaging supplies that fit the event theme, printing hundreds of pictures, designing a product scrapbook, preparing a speech, figuring out possible table layouts, and making delicious treats to be displayed and given to judges,” she said.

Out of the six finalists in the college division, 161 Candy took home first place in both the tradeshow and the KEC-judged competitions. Roth won a total of $4,000 that she will use toward funding new kitchen equipment for her business expansion.

“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity that was presented to me,” she said. “I am very proud of all the hard work that I put in to make this all possible.”

Heier said it was exciting to see Roth implement what she learned in the classroom to take her business to the next level. “Jacie’s dedication and passion for her business is apparent and paid off during her competition this spring,” she said. “I am very proud of her for all her accomplishments and very excited to see how her business will grow.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683037496011.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jacie Roth has always had a sweet tooth and a passion for baking, so when she and her mother decided to launch a homemade treats business, 161 Candy, she had no idea it would lead to future learning opportunities.Roth graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 2021 and joined the Barton Community College family as a freshman the following fall, and she has enrolled in several business-related courses. However, there are two that she attributes much of her success to, Introduction to Business and Marketing, both taught by Business Computer Management Instructor Deanna Heier. She was invited to participate in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge (KEC) hosted by Kansas State University (KSU) through these classes.Heier said she immediately thought of Jacie when she heard about the KEC. “Jacie is a real leader in class and has so much initiative to really reach for her dreams and work really hard to achieve them,” she said.Throughout the business and marketing courses, Roth was tasked with developing a business and marketing plan for a real or fake business.“I chose to refine 161 Candy within these projects, and the KEC seemed to fit right in with the work I was currently doing in my classes,” she said. “I felt that this competition was a great opportunity for me to showcase the business we have created and gain more publicity for our business as well.”Roth submitted an executive summary and an ‘elevator’ pitch video. This submission secured her a spot as a finalist in the KEC. On April 20, Roth traveled to Manhattan to compete in the live competition on the KSU campus. The live competition consisted of a tradeshow competition where she would explain her business proposal to the attendees, mostly made up of KSU students, staff, faculty, and community members, who would then vote for their favorite businesses. She also presented her business and marketing plan for 161 Candy to a panel of KEC judges.“I put countless hours into preparation for the competition by creating several professional presentation boards, purchasing packaging supplies that fit the event theme, printing hundreds of pictures, designing a product scrapbook, preparing a speech, figuring out possible table layouts, and making delicious treats to be displayed and given to judges,” she said.Out of the six finalists in the college division, 161 Candy took home first place in both the tradeshow and the KEC-judged competitions. Roth won a total of $4,000 that she will use toward funding new kitchen equipment for her business expansion.“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity that was presented to me,” she said. “I am very proud of all the hard work that I put in to make this all possible.”Heier said it was exciting to see Roth implement what she learned in the classroom to take her business to the next level. “Jacie’s dedication and passion for her business is apparent and paid off during her competition this spring,” she said. “I am very proud of her for all her accomplishments and very excited to see how her business will grow.”

Barton student wins $4,000 in entrepreneurship competition

Barton County will get some help from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to replace a 99-year-old bridge just east of Great Bend. County Engineer Barry McManaman presented a proposal to the Barton County Commission Wednesday for approval. KDOT will pay 85 percent of construction costs, up to $1 million, for replacement of the bridge located approximately one mile east of Kiowa Kitchen on East Barton County Road.

"This particular bridge is off-system bridge No. 202," McManaman said. "It's only 19 feet wide and has some really high concrete rails on the side, so it really restricts vehicular, and especially farm equipment, movement."

The bridge, built in 1924, is a fracture-critical structure with a steel support beam encased in concrete on each side. It's the last remaining bridge of that kind in the county.

"If we ever had a real serious hit on that bridge, the reason it's called fracture critical is if you lose one of those beams, the whole bridge would come down," McManaman said. "There's not any redundancy in the bridge. It's good to get those kind of bridges off our system."

With Wednesday's approval, McManaman will work with Kirkham Michael to get out bids for the project. The commission agreed that replacing the bridge could benefit farmers moving large equipment in the area, especially with potential construction on U.S. 56 Highway in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683129158849.jpeg" alt="Bridge No. 202, approximately a mile east of Kiowa Kitchen, is just 19 feet wide. The Barton County Commission approved replacement of the bridge Wednesday morning." />
 <figcaption>Bridge No. 202, approximately a mile east of Kiowa Kitchen, is just 19 feet wide. The Barton County Commission approved replacement of the bridge Wednesday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBarton County will get some help from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to replace a 99-year-old bridge just east of Great Bend. County Engineer Barry McManaman presented a proposal to the Barton County Commission Wednesday for approval. KDOT will pay 85 percent of construction costs, up to $1 million, for replacement of the bridge located approximately one mile east of Kiowa Kitchen on East Barton County Road."This particular bridge is off-system bridge No. 202," McManaman said. "It's only 19 feet wide and has some really high concrete rails on the side, so it really restricts vehicular, and especially farm equipment, movement."The bridge, built in 1924, is a fracture-critical structure with a steel support beam encased in concrete on each side. It's the last remaining bridge of that kind in the county."If we ever had a real serious hit on that bridge, the reason it's called fracture critical is if you lose one of those beams, the whole bridge would come down," McManaman said. "There's not any redundancy in the bridge. It's good to get those kind of bridges off our system."With Wednesday's approval, McManaman will work with Kirkham Michael to get out bids for the project. The commission agreed that replacing the bridge could benefit farmers moving large equipment in the area, especially with potential construction on U.S. 56 Highway in the future.

Barton County replacing final fracture-critical bridge

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The City of Great Bend is always looking to stay competitive in the job
market and one of the first ways of recruiting and retaining employees is by having good wages. Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the city
wanted to reevaluate their pay rates after Barton County raised their minimum
starting wage to $15 per hour. 

At Monday’s Great Bend City Council work session, Burns presented the governing body options for increasing pay to all
city employees for the next budget. Mayor Cody Schmidt said last year the city
handed out 5% raises, but additional wage bumps are needed. "From my line of work, from what I do to back some of these department heads...it's the dollar they take home that feeds their family," said Schmidt. "I think the overall number they take home to feed their family in today's world is what people are looking for." 
The council’s preferred option is to raise employees to a $15.50 minimum wage,
give any employee over the minimum a 50-cent increase and provide up to
2%-merit raises. By bringing up newly hired staff to $15.50, the city is
combating a wage compression issue by providing all other employees a 50-cent raise.

Great Bend Utilities Superintendent Reuben Martin said the merit raise, or pay
increases based on evaluations, are needed to treat and reward employees
fairly. "If I'm not able to give someone an evaluation raise at the end of the year for going above and beyond, what that does is allow this guy over here who is working his butt off every day, and a guy over here that doesn't really care...you're not rewarding the first person," said Martin. "Everybody gets that first raise. The new guys go up. At the end of the year, this guy had four times as much production as this guy over here. You're telling the hard worker he is the same as the guy that doesn't care." 
The preferred option would add approximately $272,305 to Great Bend’s upcoming
budget. Burns said the city will wait until they get more accurate valuation
figures from the county before proceeding with the pay raises.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683042658215.jpeg" alt="The City of Great Bend is considering raising their minimum wage to $15.50 per hour." />
 <figcaption>The City of Great Bend is considering raising their minimum wage to $15.50 per hour.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is always looking to stay competitive in the job
market and one of the first ways of recruiting and retaining employees is by having good wages. Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the city
wanted to reevaluate their pay rates after Barton County raised their minimum
starting wage to $15 per hour. At Monday’s Great Bend City Council work session, Burns presented the governing body options for increasing pay to all
city employees for the next budget. Mayor Cody Schmidt said last year the city
handed out 5% raises, but additional wage bumps are needed. "From my line of work, from what I do to back some of these department heads...it's the dollar they take home that feeds their family," said Schmidt. "I think the overall number they take home to feed their family in today's world is what people are looking for." 
The council’s preferred option is to raise employees to a $15.50 minimum wage,
give any employee over the minimum a 50-cent increase and provide up to
2%-merit raises. By bringing up newly hired staff to $15.50, the city is
combating a wage compression issue by providing all other employees a 50-cent raise.
Great Bend Utilities Superintendent Reuben Martin said the merit raise, or pay
increases based on evaluations, are needed to treat and reward employees
fairly. "If I'm not able to give someone an evaluation raise at the end of the year for going above and beyond, what that does is allow this guy over here who is working his butt off every day, and a guy over here that doesn't really care...you're not rewarding the first person," said Martin. "Everybody gets that first raise. The new guys go up. At the end of the year, this guy had four times as much production as this guy over here. You're telling the hard worker he is the same as the guy that doesn't care." 
The preferred option would add approximately $272,305 to Great Bend’s upcoming
budget. Burns said the city will wait until they get more accurate valuation
figures from the county before proceeding with the pay raises.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

City of Great Bend looking to increase minimum wage to $15.50

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (5/2) 
 
Theft 
 
At 1:57 p.m. a theft was reported at SE 60 Avenue &amp; SE 50 Road. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 7:54 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 40 Avenue &amp; NW 110 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 9:05 p.m. an accident was reported in the 1600 block of Susank Road in
Hoisington. 
 
At 9:26 p.m. an accident was reported at 30 SE 10 Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (5/2) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:12 a.m. an accident was reported at 2424 19th Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 8:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 2020 11th Street. 
 
Fire 
 
At 9:07 a.m. a subject burning in an unapproved burn pit was reported at 1209
Holland. Fire was put out and subject was advised of the burning regulations. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 10:30 a.m. a dog at large was reported at 1819 Monroe. 
 
Theft 
 
At 1:57 p.m. a theft was reported at SE 60 Avenue &amp; SE 50 Road. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 3:16 p.m. a dog in a car was reported at 2801 Main Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:22 p.m. a report of a vehicle cutting her off was made at 10th
&amp; Harrison. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 5:45 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2813 Morton. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:36 p.m. a report of wanting to speak with an officer in reference to an erratic
driver was made at 2206 Tyler. 
 
Heart Problems 
 
At 9:19 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2907 24th Street. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 9:41 p.m. minor injuries were reported at 3503 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (5/2) 
 
Theft 
 
At 1:57 p.m. a theft was reported at SE 60 Avenue &amp; SE 50 Road. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 7:54 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 40 Avenue &amp; NW 110 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 9:05 p.m. an accident was reported in the 1600 block of Susank Road in
Hoisington. 
 
At 9:26 p.m. an accident was reported at 30 SE 10 Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (5/2) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:12 a.m. an accident was reported at 2424 19th Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 8:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 2020 11th Street. 
 
Fire 
 
At 9:07 a.m. a subject burning in an unapproved burn pit was reported at 1209
Holland. Fire was put out and subject was advised of the burning regulations. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 10:30 a.m. a dog at large was reported at 1819 Monroe. 
 
Theft 
 
At 1:57 p.m. a theft was reported at SE 60 Avenue &amp; SE 50 Road. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 3:16 p.m. a dog in a car was reported at 2801 Main Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:22 p.m. a report of a vehicle cutting her off was made at 10th
&amp; Harrison. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 5:45 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2813 Morton. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:36 p.m. a report of wanting to speak with an officer in reference to an erratic
driver was made at 2206 Tyler. 
 
Heart Problems 
 
At 9:19 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2907 24th Street. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 9:41 p.m. minor injuries were reported at 3503 10th Street.

Cop Shop (5/2)

5/2 BOOKED: Kelly Polzin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Wyatt Urban on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

RELEASED: Kelly Polzin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $20,000 surety bond through A-1 Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Mitchell Selle on Barton County District Court case, with transfer to KDOC.

RELEASED: Sean Flagg on Barton County District Court case, with transfer to KDOC.

RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger on McPherson County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, to McPherson County.

RELEASED: Rylan Whitmer on KDOC Parole warrant for Parole Violation, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Sharr Hamby-Diehl on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>5/2 BOOKED: Kelly Polzin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Wyatt Urban on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.RELEASED: Kelly Polzin on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $20,000 surety bond through A-1 Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Mitchell Selle on Barton County District Court case, with transfer to KDOC.RELEASED: Sean Flagg on Barton County District Court case, with transfer to KDOC.RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger on McPherson County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, to McPherson County.RELEASED: Rylan Whitmer on KDOC Parole warrant for Parole Violation, to KDOC.RELEASED: Sharr Hamby-Diehl on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (5/2)

Earlier this year, the City of Great Bend made it clear that one of
their main focuses this year was getting a $2 million improvement to the south
side of Brit Spaugh Park. While the city has funds set aside from the .15%
quality of life sales tax to assist the project, private donations are needed
to move forward.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ce97a77d-badd-4d20-883c-d37796bf27d3">RELATED STORY: Great Bend reveals design of Brit Spaugh Park overhaul</a>

Great Bend City Council member Alan Moeder said there
are donors out there, but the city needs the final drawings with specifications
first. 
"Donors want to see what they're helping pay for," said Moeder. "I can't go ask people for money if we don't have something in concrete, in my opinion. I don't have a problem asking people for money but I want more than just a pretty picture. I need more than that because I want to be able to answer any questions they have." 
The city wants to construct an outdoor basketball court, four pickleball
courts, two mini soccer pitches, playground and a restroom facility.

The Great
Bend Recreation Commission and Harms Trust are prepared to contribute to the
project but are waiting for the engineer’s drawings that are expected to cost
approximately $100,000 according to Mayor Cody Schmidt. 
"To taxpayers, $100,000 for drawings is crazy but unfortunately that's the step you have to take to complete big projects," said Schmidt. "Unfortunately, that is where some of your tax dollars go to...that side of the work." 
The council was in favor with proceeding with a request for proposal (RFP) on
the Brit Spaugh Park drawings, but without the funding situated Great Bend will
look into ordering and installing a splash pad at Veterans Memorial Park for
roughly $650,000, a project they can fully fund now.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a7c855a6-55d0-4a8a-b641-3ad6a3d4cb94">RELATED STORY: New Great Bend splash pad on hold, to be located at Vets Park</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677081725470.jpeg" alt="Rendering of the splash pad Great Bend is considering installing at Veterans Memorial Park." />
 <figcaption>Rendering of the splash pad Great Bend is considering installing at Veterans Memorial Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostEarlier this year, the City of Great Bend made it clear that one of
their main focuses this year was getting a $2 million improvement to the south
side of Brit Spaugh Park. While the city has funds set aside from the .15%
quality of life sales tax to assist the project, private donations are needed
to move forward.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ce97a77d-badd-4d20-883c-d37796bf27d3">RELATED STORY: Great Bend reveals design of Brit Spaugh Park overhaul</a>Great Bend City Council member Alan Moeder said there
are donors out there, but the city needs the final drawings with specifications
first. 
"Donors want to see what they're helping pay for," said Moeder. "I can't go ask people for money if we don't have something in concrete, in my opinion. I don't have a problem asking people for money but I want more than just a pretty picture. I need more than that because I want to be able to answer any questions they have." 
The city wants to construct an outdoor basketball court, four pickleball
courts, two mini soccer pitches, playground and a restroom facility. The Great
Bend Recreation Commission and Harms Trust are prepared to contribute to the
project but are waiting for the engineer’s drawings that are expected to cost
approximately $100,000 according to Mayor Cody Schmidt. 
"To taxpayers, $100,000 for drawings is crazy but unfortunately that's the step you have to take to complete big projects," said Schmidt. "Unfortunately, that is where some of your tax dollars go to...that side of the work." 
The council was in favor with proceeding with a request for proposal (RFP) on
the Brit Spaugh Park drawings, but without the funding situated Great Bend will
look into ordering and installing a splash pad at Veterans Memorial Park for
roughly $650,000, a project they can fully fund now.&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a7c855a6-55d0-4a8a-b641-3ad6a3d4cb94">RELATED STORY: New Great Bend splash pad on hold, to be located at Vets Park</a>

Great Bend shifting focus to splash pad installation

Today A 20-percent chance of showers after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a light east-southeast wind becoming south 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Tonight A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 6 to 10 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy.

Sunday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20-percent chance of showers after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a light east-southeast wind becoming south 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Tonight A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. South wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. North wind 6 to 10 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 57.Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy.Sunday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

The first year of the Juvenile Services (JS) Day School is wrapping up after serving seven students who had either been suspended or expelled from school.

“Overall, this first year was a success but we certainly learned a lot,” said Marissa Woodmansee, JS director. “We are reviewing things that worked and things that didn’t work. Any adjustments we make will be to better serve our youth.

“Like with anything else,” she added, “we couldn’t predict every possible scenario. But at the end of the day, we want young people to have a safe environment to continue their education and recognize the importance of a high school diploma.”

Day School is a service offered to youth under JS supervision. For example, when students are referred to JS, they go through an intake process and become a client; they are then under the agency’s supervision.

Of the seven students in the program so far, all were either expelled or suspended from Barton County schools after other avenues to a solution were unsuccessful. The first student arrived in October last year.

“Oftentimes, they have already gone through in-school suspensions,” Woodmansee said. “The reality is these are teenagers at high risk for problems. This is the population we need and want to serve.”

Day School is available from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Students use their laptops to check their assignments online and they can email their teachers if they need guidance.

“Some students thought that if they were expelled or suspended, they could sleep in at home and hang out but – surprise - that is not the case. “Parents have told us they appreciate this opportunity,” Woodmansee commented.

Jack Bowman, JS program advocate and Day School supervisor, said he is glad to be part of this alternative resource for students and families.

“Overall, the kids are well-behaved here,” Bowman said. “Occasionally, there are issues that cause a problem but the student is not disrupting others.

“For instance, one student was playing video games on his phone when he should have been working on assignments. But he wasn’t causing a problem for anyone but himself.”

“One student was disturbing others and even vandalized property here,” Bowman recalled. “We are pretty patient and will work with students. But there is a limit.”

This student was sent to another educational facility.

“In general, if someone is not cooperative, we talk to the case manager and determine a course of action after that,” Bowman noted.

Bowman’s background includes employment as due process coordinator and safety and security lieutenant at Larned State Hospital. He was one of the first Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) transition employment specialists and earned certification as an offender workforce development specialist.

In addition, Bowman was an instructor for Back to Basics security training for KDOC staff across the state. “I taught courses for youth in anger replacement therapy, life skills and other topics,” he said. “These and other experiences combine to allow me to help young people. Some say I was ‘built for this job’ at Juvenile Services.”

Beginnings Juvenile Services Day School is the result of an annual report that Woodmansee provided to the Kansas Legislature on behalf of the local Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.

“We looked at our data and reported on the gaps and barriers to our services,” Woodmansee said. “Not having a Day School was a gap. We asked ourselves: what if students try to get suspended early in the school year simply because they don’t want to go to school.

“We needed another alternative to work with youth and families. All of us appreciate the Legislature and KDOC – JS for supporting us in this effort.”

KDOC-JS awarded a $160,391.19 grant for the Day School, cognitive classes that Bowman also supervises and an upcoming new program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683035444683.jpeg" alt="Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director for the 20th Judicial District" />
 <figcaption>Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director for the 20th Judicial District</figcaption>
 </figure>The first year of the Juvenile Services (JS) Day School is wrapping up after serving seven students who had either been suspended or expelled from school.“Overall, this first year was a success but we certainly learned a lot,” said Marissa Woodmansee, JS director. “We are reviewing things that worked and things that didn’t work. Any adjustments we make will be to better serve our youth.“Like with anything else,” she added, “we couldn’t predict every possible scenario. But at the end of the day, we want young people to have a safe environment to continue their education and recognize the importance of a high school diploma.”Day School is a service offered to youth under JS supervision. For example, when students are referred to JS, they go through an intake process and become a client; they are then under the agency’s supervision.Of the seven students in the program so far, all were either expelled or suspended from Barton County schools after other avenues to a solution were unsuccessful. The first student arrived in October last year.“Oftentimes, they have already gone through in-school suspensions,” Woodmansee said. “The reality is these are teenagers at high risk for problems. This is the population we need and want to serve.”Day School is available from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Students use their laptops to check their assignments online and they can email their teachers if they need guidance.“Some students thought that if they were expelled or suspended, they could sleep in at home and hang out but – surprise - that is not the case. “Parents have told us they appreciate this opportunity,” Woodmansee commented.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683035483505.jpeg" alt="Jack Bowman, Juvenile Services program advocate" />
 <figcaption>Jack Bowman, Juvenile Services program advocate</figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Bowman, JS program advocate and Day School supervisor, said he is glad to be part of this alternative resource for students and families.“Overall, the kids are well-behaved here,” Bowman said. “Occasionally, there are issues that cause a problem but the student is not disrupting others.“For instance, one student was playing video games on his phone when he should have been working on assignments. But he wasn’t causing a problem for anyone but himself.”Then there is the other extreme.“One student was disturbing others and even vandalized property here,” Bowman recalled. “We are pretty patient and will work with students. But there is a limit.”This student was sent to another educational facility.“In general, if someone is not cooperative, we talk to the case manager and determine a course of action after that,” Bowman noted.Bowman’s background includes employment as due process coordinator and safety and security lieutenant at Larned State Hospital. He was one of the first Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) transition employment specialists and earned certification as an offender workforce development specialist.In addition, Bowman was an instructor for Back to Basics security training for KDOC staff across the state. “I taught courses for youth in anger replacement therapy, life skills and other topics,” he said. “These and other experiences combine to allow me to help young people. Some say I was ‘built for this job’ at Juvenile Services.”Beginnings Juvenile Services Day School is the result of an annual report that Woodmansee provided to the Kansas Legislature on behalf of the local Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.“We looked at our data and reported on the gaps and barriers to our services,” Woodmansee said. “Not having a Day School was a gap. We asked ourselves: what if students try to get suspended early in the school year simply because they don’t want to go to school.“We needed another alternative to work with youth and families. All of us appreciate the Legislature and KDOC – JS for supporting us in this effort.”KDOC-JS awarded a $160,391.19 grant for the Day School, cognitive classes that Bowman also supervises and an upcoming new program.

Local Juvenile Services wraps up first year of new Day School

Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) congratulates Brinlie Stevens, junior at Scott Community High School, and Ashlyn Howard, junior at Great Bend High School. These two outstanding students were selected to serve as the delegates representing WEC at the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour this summer and were recognized at WEC’s annual meeting and 75th anniversary celebration in Scott City, Kan. on April 26, 2023.

Eligible students completed an online application, including a written essay about a family, social, or school situation in which their leadership made the difference. Based on their applications, Stevens and Howard were selected as finalists. After an extensive interview, they were selected as the two winners by the WEC Board of Trustees.

“One situation where I used my leadership skills to make a difference in my community was when I recruited girls for my high school’s cross-country team…I organized team bonding activities like cookouts, outdoor movies, hiking, and hide and seek, which made the new team members feel comfortable and welcome. The team aspect of cross country is important to me,” wrote Stevens.

Howard wrote, “Kindness and encouragement are easy to spread; you may have to start and be the first to do so. As I’ve encouraged others and faced some of my fears, I’ve grown from the person I was last year.”

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour flies students to Washington, D.C., providing Stevens and Howard with the opportunity to meet their Congressional Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill, meet with nationally recognized speakers to talk about current topics important to rural communities, tour national historic landmarks and museums, attend a performance at the Kennedy Center, cruse on the Potomac River, and build meaningful connections with other youth leaders from across the country.

Youth Tour is a life-changing trip that brings more than a thousand high school juniors and seniors to Washington, D.C. from all across America, courtesy of their local sponsoring electric cooperative, their state association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Over the years, these delegates have met with their elected officials and explored Capitol Hill. They have learned about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities as well as how programs like NRECA International are impacting lives around the world.

Applications for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. and Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs are accepted each year beginning in November and must be received by the January deadline. High school juniors who reside in WEC’s service territory that are a legal dependent of an active member receiving service from WEC are eligible to apply. See our website for more information at weci.net/youth-tour-program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683052650320.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School junior Ashlyn Howard (right), pictured with Mary Hoisington (left), Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) member services and key accounts manager, was selected to represent WEC at this year’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School junior Ashlyn Howard (right), pictured with Mary Hoisington (left), Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) member services and key accounts manager, was selected to represent WEC at this year’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSWheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) congratulates Brinlie Stevens, junior at Scott Community High School, and Ashlyn Howard, junior at Great Bend High School. These two outstanding students were selected to serve as the delegates representing WEC at the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour this summer and were recognized at WEC’s annual meeting and 75th anniversary celebration in Scott City, Kan. on April 26, 2023.Eligible students completed an online application, including a written essay about a family, social, or school situation in which their leadership made the difference. Based on their applications, Stevens and Howard were selected as finalists. After an extensive interview, they were selected as the two winners by the WEC Board of Trustees.“One situation where I used my leadership skills to make a difference in my community was when I recruited girls for my high school’s cross-country team…I organized team bonding activities like cookouts, outdoor movies, hiking, and hide and seek, which made the new team members feel comfortable and welcome. The team aspect of cross country is important to me,” wrote Stevens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683052695663.png" alt="Scott Community High School junior Brinlie Stevens (right) was recognized by Wheatland Electric Cooperative CEO Bruce Mueller for being selected to represent WEC at this year's Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington D.C." />
 <figcaption>Scott Community High School junior Brinlie Stevens (right) was recognized by Wheatland Electric Cooperative CEO Bruce Mueller for being selected to represent WEC at this year's Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington D.C.</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard wrote, “Kindness and encouragement are easy to spread; you may have to start and be the first to do so. As I’ve encouraged others and faced some of my fears, I’ve grown from the person I was last year.”The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour flies students to Washington, D.C., providing Stevens and Howard with the opportunity to meet their Congressional Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill, meet with nationally recognized speakers to talk about current topics important to rural communities, tour national historic landmarks and museums, attend a performance at the Kennedy Center, cruse on the Potomac River, and build meaningful connections with other youth leaders from across the country.Youth Tour is a life-changing trip that brings more than a thousand high school juniors and seniors to Washington, D.C. from all across America, courtesy of their local sponsoring electric cooperative, their state association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Over the years, these delegates have met with their elected officials and explored Capitol Hill. They have learned about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities as well as how programs like NRECA International are impacting lives around the world.Applications for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. and Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs are accepted each year beginning in November and must be received by the January deadline. High school juniors who reside in WEC’s service territory that are a legal dependent of an active member receiving service from WEC are eligible to apply. See our website for more information at weci.net/youth-tour-program.

Great Bend student to represent Wheatland Electric in Washington DC

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican Independence. The Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, was actually just one battle in the war against France. But a symbolic win there, and later financial support from the United States, and May 5 became associated with a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Martha and Fernando Delgadillo helped bring the celebration to Great Bend in 1994. Margarita Ayala, one of the local coordinators, said it's still a festive way to bring people together.

"It is very important because it's a way for our Hispanic community to get involved in the USA," she said. "It was that battle where Mexico was helping the USA. I think it's a good way to connect both cultures."

Along with the Delgadillos, community leaders Miguel Giner, Guill Burley, Luz Betty Gordon, Nancy Schuetz, Dr. Perry Schuetz, and Steven Wolf helped bring the celebration to Great Bend. It's always been held at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend, and returns this Saturday, May 6.

A parade kicks off this year's event at 11 a.m. Food trucks, music, and dancing will follow until 7 p.m. outside the Barton County Courthouse. Cinco de Mayo queens have been around since the beginning - Ayala participated as one herself 25 years ago.

"This year, we tried to adopt something new, which is the king,' Ayala said. "After about 25 years, this will be the first time we'll have a king. Everyone who would like to participate has to have good standing at school."

Previously, the queen candidates wrote an essay about Cinco de Mayo. Ayala, an educator and coach at Great Bend High School and Middle School, helped introduce the idea of making sure queens, and now kings, have good standing at school, including no failing classes. There was just one king candidate this first year, but queen numbers have doubled to eight this year.

In the past, judges determined who would get first place. This year, queen candidates sold $1 tickets that counted as votes. GBMS seventh grader Vanessa Vasquez has been named queen, and GBHS freshman Christian Chacon-Renteria has been named king.

Great Bend's Cinco de Mayo celebration continues to grow after taking a year off due to COVID-19. Live music returned last year, and Los Traficantes Del Norte will play live at Jack Kilby Square this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682966941535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostContrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican Independence. The Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, was actually just one battle in the war against France. But a symbolic win there, and later financial support from the United States, and May 5 became associated with a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Martha and Fernando Delgadillo helped bring the celebration to Great Bend in 1994. Margarita Ayala, one of the local coordinators, said it's still a festive way to bring people together."It is very important because it's a way for our Hispanic community to get involved in the USA," she said. "It was that battle where Mexico was helping the USA. I think it's a good way to connect both cultures."Along with the Delgadillos, community leaders Miguel Giner, Guill Burley, Luz Betty Gordon, Nancy Schuetz, Dr. Perry Schuetz, and Steven Wolf helped bring the celebration to Great Bend. It's always been held at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend, and returns this Saturday, May 6.A parade kicks off this year's event at 11 a.m. Food trucks, music, and dancing will follow until 7 p.m. outside the Barton County Courthouse. Cinco de Mayo queens have been around since the beginning - Ayala participated as one herself 25 years ago.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682967006538.jpeg" alt="2023 Queen Vanessa Vasquez" />
 <figcaption>2023 Queen Vanessa Vasquez</figcaption>
 </figure>"This year, we tried to adopt something new, which is the king,' Ayala said. "After about 25 years, this will be the first time we'll have a king. Everyone who would like to participate has to have good standing at school."Previously, the queen candidates wrote an essay about Cinco de Mayo. Ayala, an educator and coach at Great Bend High School and Middle School, helped introduce the idea of making sure queens, and now kings, have good standing at school, including no failing classes. There was just one king candidate this first year, but queen numbers have doubled to eight this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682967019397.jpeg" alt="2023 King Christian Chacon-Renteria" />
 <figcaption>2023 King Christian Chacon-Renteria</figcaption>
 </figure>In the past, judges determined who would get first place. This year, queen candidates sold $1 tickets that counted as votes. GBMS seventh grader Vanessa Vasquez has been named queen, and GBHS freshman Christian Chacon-Renteria has been named king.Great Bend's Cinco de Mayo celebration continues to grow after taking a year off due to COVID-19. Live music returned last year, and Los Traficantes Del Norte will play live at Jack Kilby Square this year.

Great Bend's Cinco de Mayo celebration a tradition since 1994

May is an excellent time to fertilize cool-season lawns such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass if they will be irrigated throughout the summer. Non-irrigated lawns often go through a period of summer dormancy because of drought and do not need this fertilization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; May is a good time to fertilize because the springtime flush of growth characteristic of these grasses has tapered off, so the fertilizer you apply will be less likely to cause excessive shoot growth than if you fertilized at a full rate in April. Slow-release nitrogen sources are ideal. These nitrogen sources promote controlled growth, which is desirable as the stressful summer weather approaches. Relatively few fertilizers available to the homeowner supply ALL of the nitrogen in the slowly available form. But one such product that is widely available is Milorganite. Other such products available in the retail market include cottonseed meal, alfalfa-based fertilizers, and any other products derived from plants or animals. (Bloodmeal is an exception, and contrary to popular belief, the nitrogen it supplies is quickly available.) These products are all examples of natural organic fertilizers. They typically contain less than 10 percent nitrogen by weight, so compared to most synthetic fertilizers, more product must be applied to get the same amount of nitrogen. Translation: they are more expensive! Apply enough to give the lawn one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. For example, if the fertilizer is 6 percent nitrogen by weight, you will need to apply almost 17 pounds of fertilizer product per 1,000 square feet.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Summer lawn fertilizers that contain at least a portion of the nitrogen as slow-release are fine to use as well. Be sure to follow label directions. If cost is prohibitive, you can use the less expensive quick-release (i.e., soluble) sources, but split the application into two doses as follows: apply enough to give the lawn 0.5 lb nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in May and again in early June.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>May is an excellent time to fertilize cool-season lawns such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass if they will be irrigated throughout the summer. Non-irrigated lawns often go through a period of summer dormancy because of drought and do not need this fertilization.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; May is a good time to fertilize because the springtime flush of growth characteristic of these grasses has tapered off, so the fertilizer you apply will be less likely to cause excessive shoot growth than if you fertilized at a full rate in April. Slow-release nitrogen sources are ideal. These nitrogen sources promote controlled growth, which is desirable as the stressful summer weather approaches. Relatively few fertilizers available to the homeowner supply ALL of the nitrogen in the slowly available form. But one such product that is widely available is Milorganite. Other such products available in the retail market include cottonseed meal, alfalfa-based fertilizers, and any other products derived from plants or animals. (Bloodmeal is an exception, and contrary to popular belief, the nitrogen it supplies is quickly available.) These products are all examples of natural organic fertilizers. They typically contain less than 10 percent nitrogen by weight, so compared to most synthetic fertilizers, more product must be applied to get the same amount of nitrogen. Translation: they are more expensive! Apply enough to give the lawn one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. For example, if the fertilizer is 6 percent nitrogen by weight, you will need to apply almost 17 pounds of fertilizer product per 1,000 square feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Summer lawn fertilizers that contain at least a portion of the nitrogen as slow-release are fine to use as well. Be sure to follow label directions. If cost is prohibitive, you can use the less expensive quick-release (i.e., soluble) sources, but split the application into two doses as follows: apply enough to give the lawn 0.5 lb nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in May and again in early June.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

BOOR: Fertilize cool season

The paint project inside the Great Bend City Auditorium is underway. Renovaa Home Innovation LLC showed a few before and after pictures on their social media. Renovaa noted they finished the first section of the project.

At the March Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting, Rec Director Chris Umphres said it has been 30 to 40 years since the City Auditorium has been fully painted.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/494b8642-dbfb-4e24-86b3-3c82ddf26a41">RELATED STORY: Great Bend's City Auditorium to receive fresh paint job</a>

Renovaa estimated the project would take nine weeks to complete. The Great Bend Rec Board approved a motion in March to accept the painting bid not to exceed $60,000.

Great Bend PostThe paint project inside the Great Bend City Auditorium is underway. Renovaa Home Innovation LLC showed a few before and after pictures on their social media. Renovaa noted they finished the first section of the project.At the March Great Bend Recreation Commission meeting, Rec Director Chris Umphres said it has been 30 to 40 years since the City Auditorium has been fully painted.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/494b8642-dbfb-4e24-86b3-3c82ddf26a41">RELATED STORY: Great Bend's City Auditorium to receive fresh paint job</a>Renovaa estimated the project would take nine weeks to complete. The Great Bend Rec Board approved a motion in March to accept the painting bid not to exceed $60,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683057751270.jpeg" alt="BEFORE - GBRC Auditorium&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>BEFORE - GBRC Auditorium&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683057786884.jpeg" alt="AFTER - GBRC&nbsp;Auditorium " />
 <figcaption>AFTER - GBRC&nbsp;Auditorium </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683057808347.jpeg" alt="BEFORE" />
 <figcaption>BEFORE</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683057820604.jpeg" alt="AFTER" />
 <figcaption>AFTER</figcaption>
 </figure>

📷Fresh paint inside Great Bend's City Auditorium

Bird watchers, be on the lookout. With the arrival of more warm weather, a pair of bird species are making their reappearance across Kansas. Black-bellied whistling ducks are typically found in Texas and Louisiana, but the birds have made Ellinwood's Wolf Pond a temporary home over the last five or six years. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf calls the ducks a peculiar sight.

"They're such a strange-looking duck," he said. "They look like little clowns. They're a large duck, about the size of the mallard, but they have these bright orange bills, these bright pink legs. They just look really odd."

Wolf said until about 10 years ago, sightings of the ducks were rare in Kansas. The birds enjoy perching on the rooftops of homes and build their nests in trees. Wolf said more than two dozen of the ducks will remain in Ellinwood throughout the summer, and a couple of pairs have successfully bred there in recent years. 

The other bird that stands out from the rest is the Baltimore oriole. KWEC sells special feeders for the songbirds with the trademark orange and black feathers. 

"They're not as much of a seed eater," Wolf said. "What they actually like are sugars, kind of like hummingbirds. They actually will eat the same sugar water you can use in a hummingbird feeder, but the popular thing to feed orioles is grape jelly."

There are actually two types of orioles that frequent Kansas. The Baltimore species has the brighter colors, and the orchard oriole has a more subdued, rust-orange color. Using sweets instead of seeds in a feeder may also draw in gray catbirds and thrashers. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682950352993.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBird watchers, be on the lookout. With the arrival of more warm weather, a pair of bird species are making their reappearance across Kansas. Black-bellied whistling ducks are typically found in Texas and Louisiana, but the birds have made Ellinwood's Wolf Pond a temporary home over the last five or six years. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf calls the ducks a peculiar sight."They're such a strange-looking duck," he said. "They look like little clowns. They're a large duck, about the size of the mallard, but they have these bright orange bills, these bright pink legs. They just look really odd."Wolf said until about 10 years ago, sightings of the ducks were rare in Kansas. The birds enjoy perching on the rooftops of homes and build their nests in trees. Wolf said more than two dozen of the ducks will remain in Ellinwood throughout the summer, and a couple of pairs have successfully bred there in recent years. The other bird that stands out from the rest is the Baltimore oriole. KWEC sells special feeders for the songbirds with the trademark orange and black feathers. "They're not as much of a seed eater," Wolf said. "What they actually like are sugars, kind of like hummingbirds. They actually will eat the same sugar water you can use in a hummingbird feeder, but the popular thing to feed orioles is grape jelly."There are actually two types of orioles that frequent Kansas. The Baltimore species has the brighter colors, and the orchard oriole has a more subdued, rust-orange color. Using sweets instead of seeds in a feeder may also draw in gray catbirds and thrashers.

Whistling ducks, orioles making presence known in Central KS

We are saddened to share the passing of our geriatric African Leopard, Toby, who was 19 years old. Since mid-March staff have been closely monitoring and treating Toby, including palliative care around the clock. Unfortunately, we were fighting against aging, which is a losing battle. African Leopards typically live 10-12 years in the wild and while they can live to 23 years under human care, 15-20 is more common.

A necropsy was performed, and preliminary results show he had kidney failure. Additional samples were sent to the K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for further testing. Renal (kidney) disease is common in aging felines and can be managed but not cured.

Toby came to the zoo in 2004 as a cub and was raised by the keepers. He was a special cat to all who met him, and he held a special place in his keepers’ hearts. Toby always ran out to greet you in the morning and one of his favorite activities was playing hide and seek with his keepers. Please keep the zookeepers in mind as his passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Park Department at 620-793-4111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683053623999.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the City of Great Bend...We are saddened to share the passing of our geriatric African Leopard, Toby, who was 19 years old. Since mid-March staff have been closely monitoring and treating Toby, including palliative care around the clock. Unfortunately, we were fighting against aging, which is a losing battle. African Leopards typically live 10-12 years in the wild and while they can live to 23 years under human care, 15-20 is more common.A necropsy was performed, and preliminary results show he had kidney failure. Additional samples were sent to the K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for further testing. Renal (kidney) disease is common in aging felines and can be managed but not cured.Toby came to the zoo in 2004 as a cub and was raised by the keepers. He was a special cat to all who met him, and he held a special place in his keepers’ hearts. Toby always ran out to greet you in the morning and one of his favorite activities was playing hide and seek with his keepers. Please keep the zookeepers in mind as his passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Park Department at 620-793-4111.

Leopard at Great Bend zoo dies at 19

The first childcare center organized through Great Bend Economic
Development is progressing and looking toward a June groundbreaking. Advancing
Barton County Childcare, established by Economic Development, has worked to
secure funding for the $1.6 million group daycare in Great Bend.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/27b4bbd3-b843-44fd-a630-f85d0deeabc0">RELATED STORY: Great Bend's new daycare center to be located near west 10th Street</a>

Eco Devo
Director Sara Arnberger said after a request for a quote and interview process,
Icon Structures was chosen as the project’s construction manager at risk. "Icon Structures will be putting out public bid requests for subcontractors," said Arnberger. "Those are expected to be out mid- to late May. Also, we will be interviewing for the site director position at the end of May. We are still accepting applications until that time." 
The 4,500 square-foot daycare center, to be located near the 10th
Street and K-96 Highway intersection, is anticipated to be the first of
multiple daycares built around Barton County. The Farmer’s Plaza Childcare
Center will serve up to 59 children.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678205588121.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe first childcare center organized through Great Bend Economic
Development is progressing and looking toward a June groundbreaking. Advancing
Barton County Childcare, established by Economic Development, has worked to
secure funding for the $1.6 million group daycare in Great Bend.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/27b4bbd3-b843-44fd-a630-f85d0deeabc0">RELATED STORY: Great Bend's new daycare center to be located near west 10th Street</a>Eco Devo
Director Sara Arnberger said after a request for a quote and interview process,
Icon Structures was chosen as the project’s construction manager at risk. "Icon Structures will be putting out public bid requests for subcontractors," said Arnberger. "Those are expected to be out mid- to late May. Also, we will be interviewing for the site director position at the end of May. We are still accepting applications until that time." 
The 4,500 square-foot daycare center, to be located near the 10th
Street and K-96 Highway intersection, is anticipated to be the first of
multiple daycares built around Barton County. The Farmer’s Plaza Childcare
Center will serve up to 59 children.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A June groundbreaking for Great Bend’s new daycare 

Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired May 1, 2023.&nbsp;

The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired May 1, 2023.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/akesu0mr/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎤KS Wetlands Education Center Show: Director Curtis Wolf

Nearly a month has passed since Justin Kruse received the news no son wants to hear. On April 4, Justin's father, 70-year-old Bernard Kruse of Hoisington, was on his way to meet some friends for a weekly get-together when a vehicle pulled out in front of his motorcycle. Kruse was killed in the crash at the JUCO Road and U.S. 281 Highway intersection. An awareness ride and celebration of life are planned for this Saturday.

"It's important to look for motorcycles because they are always there," Justin said. "We're going to be doing a Motorcycle Awareness Ride on Saturday, May 6, at 3 p.m., kickstands up from the Tap Room in Hoisington. We're going to ride down 281 south to the American Legion, where food and drink will be provided."

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as many riders dust off their bikes for the summer season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2020. That represents 14 percent of all highway fatalities that year. Studies show motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682961654313.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNearly a month has passed since Justin Kruse received the news no son wants to hear. On April 4, Justin's father, 70-year-old Bernard Kruse of Hoisington, was on his way to meet some friends for a weekly get-together when a vehicle pulled out in front of his motorcycle. Kruse was killed in the crash at the JUCO Road and U.S. 281 Highway intersection. An awareness ride and celebration of life are planned for this Saturday."It's important to look for motorcycles because they are always there," Justin said. "We're going to be doing a Motorcycle Awareness Ride on Saturday, May 6, at 3 p.m., kickstands up from the Tap Room in Hoisington. We're going to ride down 281 south to the American Legion, where food and drink will be provided."May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as many riders dust off their bikes for the summer season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2020. That represents 14 percent of all highway fatalities that year. Studies show motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash.

Motorcycle Awareness Ride planned in memory of fallen rider

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (5/1) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 2:51 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 600 block of NW 190 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:59 a.m. an accident was reported at W. Barton County Road &amp; SW 100. 
 
At 7:15 a.m. an accident was reported at W. Barton County Road &amp; SW 120. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:55 a.m. utility problems were reported at Coronado Avenue &amp; Paseo Dr. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:35 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 614 Byers Avenue in Heizer. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 2:05 p.m. an accident was reported in the 600 block of N. US 281 Highway in
Hoisington. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 2:24 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 573 A NW 110 Avenue in Albert. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:41 p.m. cattle out was reported at NW 40 Avenue &amp; NW 110 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 9:40 p.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 400 block of SE 60 Avenue
in Ellinwood. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (5/1) 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
EMS assistance was needed at 5521 Apache Road. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 6:26 a.m. a medical alarm was reported at 5225 Ridgeway Dr. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:19 p.m. an aggressive dog in the area was reported at 2205 29th
Street. 
 
At 12:28 p.m. a dog barking in the area was reported at 1408 Roosevelt Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 12:31 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1101 Kansas. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 1:20 p.m. a report of a subject from earlier was back on the property at
5926 Eisenhower. Tyler Partington was contacted and advised to stay off the
apartment complex property. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 1:58 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 5:36 p.m. a fire hydrant leaking was reported at 11th &amp;
Heizer. The water department was flushing the hydrant. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 6:03 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 300 Evergreen. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:32 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 41 McKinley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (5/1) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 2:51 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 600 block of NW 190 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:59 a.m. an accident was reported at W. Barton County Road &amp; SW 100. 
 
At 7:15 a.m. an accident was reported at W. Barton County Road &amp; SW 120. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:55 a.m. utility problems were reported at Coronado Avenue &amp; Paseo Dr. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 11:35 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 614 Byers Avenue in Heizer. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 2:05 p.m. an accident was reported in the 600 block of N. US 281 Highway in
Hoisington. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 2:24 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 573 A NW 110 Avenue in Albert. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:41 p.m. cattle out was reported at NW 40 Avenue &amp; NW 110 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 9:40 p.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 400 block of SE 60 Avenue
in Ellinwood. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (5/1) 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
EMS assistance was needed at 5521 Apache Road. 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 6:26 a.m. a medical alarm was reported at 5225 Ridgeway Dr. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:19 p.m. an aggressive dog in the area was reported at 2205 29th
Street. 
 
At 12:28 p.m. a dog barking in the area was reported at 1408 Roosevelt Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 12:31 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1101 Kansas. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 1:20 p.m. a report of a subject from earlier was back on the property at
5926 Eisenhower. Tyler Partington was contacted and advised to stay off the
apartment complex property. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 1:58 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 5:36 p.m. a fire hydrant leaking was reported at 11th &amp;
Heizer. The water department was flushing the hydrant. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 6:03 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 300 Evergreen. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:32 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 41 McKinley.

Cop Shop (5/1)

On the 1st of May, we will begin charging at our ramps again. 

Prices are still five dollars a day, or an annual pass can be bought at the project office or at the park booths once we open for the recreation season for forty dollars. 

Currently, with the lake being down about 20 inches, all of our slide-in docks are pushed in about as far as they will go. 

Staff at the lake will keep an eye on the slid-in docks to ensure they are usable. 

Hopefully, in the near future, we will get some much-needed rain and can get back to conservation pool for the summer months.&nbsp;&nbsp;

U.S. Army Corp of EngineersOn the 1st of May, we will begin charging at our ramps again. Prices are still five dollars a day, or an annual pass can be bought at the project office or at the park booths once we open for the recreation season for forty dollars. Currently, with the lake being down about 20 inches, all of our slide-in docks are pushed in about as far as they will go. Staff at the lake will keep an eye on the slid-in docks to ensure they are usable. Hopefully, in the near future, we will get some much-needed rain and can get back to conservation pool for the summer months.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWilsonLakeUSACE%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02r4q8azPXZK1MMSoN14FnVfDrgPCmpS2zf4ByoGSNgZD1KrcCvX2pwVXnesu6GMeQl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="633" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Wilson Lake boat ramps charges begin May 1

5/1 BOOKED: Juan Carlos Nunez-Suarez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Driver's License, and Headlights, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Crystal Bates on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $140,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Juan Carlos Nunez-Suarez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Driver's License, and Headlights, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Preston Hughes on KDOC Parole Warrant for Probation Violation, after withdrawal of warrant.

RELEASED: Kurt Woods on Rush County District Court for Failure to Appear, after release to Rush County.

RELEASED: Dustin Hawkins on Barton County District Court case for Arson, on OR bond from county attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>5/1 BOOKED: Juan Carlos Nunez-Suarez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Driver's License, and Headlights, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Crystal Bates on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $140,000 C/S.RELEASED: Juan Carlos Nunez-Suarez on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Driver's License, and Headlights, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Preston Hughes on KDOC Parole Warrant for Probation Violation, after withdrawal of warrant.RELEASED: Kurt Woods on Rush County District Court for Failure to Appear, after release to Rush County.RELEASED: Dustin Hawkins on Barton County District Court case for Arson, on OR bond from county attorney.&nbsp;