By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Fundraising is ongoing for the Russell Play Park and plenty of
fundraising initiatives are planned for this summer. A local committee in
Russell is hoping to raise approximately $1.5 million to replace the outdated playground
at Memorial Park with more accessible equipment for individuals with
disabilities to enjoy. 

Kathy McAdoo is the Executive Director at The Arc of
Central Plains, an organization in Hays that brings enrichment and purpose to
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. McAdoo, who lives in
Russell, helped lead the creation of the Arc Park in Hays and is now trying to
do the same thing in Russell. "Russell is very committed to accessible play for kids," said McAdoo. "It isn't just for kids. You're an accident away from becoming disabled, or a person breaks a leg and they're in a wheelchair for two or three months. Now they will be able to go watch and get involved in the play because the new surface will allow them to navigate. Mulch and grass aren't quite so easy to navigate." 
The Russell Play Park committee has organized a couple of dine-out fundraisers,
with the restaurants donating a portion of their proceeds. At the end of June,
the second lemonade stand challenge will return to benefit the new park
enhancements. 
"A lot of folks would spend the day driving to every lemonade stand," said McAdoo. "We had prizes for the kids. Every kiddo that participated in a stand received a package of prizes, things like a Happy Meal at McDonald's." Last year's lemonade stand challenge was able to collect nearly $10,000 with matching funds. Find out how to donate to the Russell Play Park by going to <a href="https://www.russellplaypark.com/?fbclid=IwAR1ZIhRYFPDYXmsvE8Q7abw84o0osp9vuMZ69PEF3rZwvuHv1R9lciyomBc">russellplaypark.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682962254443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFundraising is ongoing for the Russell Play Park and plenty of
fundraising initiatives are planned for this summer. A local committee in
Russell is hoping to raise approximately $1.5 million to replace the outdated playground
at Memorial Park with more accessible equipment for individuals with
disabilities to enjoy. Kathy McAdoo is the Executive Director at The Arc of
Central Plains, an organization in Hays that brings enrichment and purpose to
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. McAdoo, who lives in
Russell, helped lead the creation of the Arc Park in Hays and is now trying to
do the same thing in Russell. "Russell is very committed to accessible play for kids," said McAdoo. "It isn't just for kids. You're an accident away from becoming disabled, or a person breaks a leg and they're in a wheelchair for two or three months. Now they will be able to go watch and get involved in the play because the new surface will allow them to navigate. Mulch and grass aren't quite so easy to navigate." 
The Russell Play Park committee has organized a couple of dine-out fundraisers,
with the restaurants donating a portion of their proceeds. At the end of June,
the second lemonade stand challenge will return to benefit the new park
enhancements. 
"A lot of folks would spend the day driving to every lemonade stand," said McAdoo. "We had prizes for the kids. Every kiddo that participated in a stand received a package of prizes, things like a Happy Meal at McDonald's." Last year's lemonade stand challenge was able to collect nearly $10,000 with matching funds. Find out how to donate to the Russell Play Park by going to <a href="https://www.russellplaypark.com/?fbclid=IwAR1ZIhRYFPDYXmsvE8Q7abw84o0osp9vuMZ69PEF3rZwvuHv1R9lciyomBc">russellplaypark.com</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Fundraising ongoing for new Russell playground equipment

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The community of Wilson, where portions of the movie, "Paper Moon," were filmed will celebrate the movie's 50th anniversary on Friday and Saturday.

"Paper Moon," which was released by Paramount in 1973 stars Ryan O'Neal and his daughter, Tatum O'Neal.

Tatum O'Neal won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, becoming the youngest actress to do so.

"Paper Moon" depicts the Depression era in Kansas and Missoui. It was shot in black in white by director&nbsp;Peter Bogdanovich and tells the story of father, Moze, and his daughter, Addie, as Moze takes his daughter from Gorham, Kan., to St. Joseph, Mo., to live with her aunt.

Eight locations in Wilson were in the movie. All of those locations in Wilson, as well as Dorrance, will be marked during the festival with photos of the original images from the movie, said Melinda Merrill of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/midlandhotelwilson">Midland Railroad Hotel</a> in Wilson.

Maps will be available on the local sites. The tourism agency also will have literature available that tells the history of the buildings in the community.

"It's really cool the pictures that we have of where they did the filming," she said. "It's cool to see and compare that. It brings back memories."

Merrell said many residents remember the filming. Classes were let out so children could watch the filming. Wilson residents worked as extras, she said.

Scenes were also shot in Gorham, Hays, McCracken, northern Ellis County, White Cloud and St. Joseph, Mo.

Rooks County had an event to celebrate the movie in Stockton on April 30.&nbsp;McCracken is planning a "Paper Moon" event for June 16 and 17 in conjunction with several events in Hays during the same weekend.

Defiance Brewing Co. will have a commemorative beer, which has yet to be named. Two free showings of the movie will be offered on June 17 and 18.&nbsp;

There will be special exhibits at the Hays Arts Council Annex along with the Summer Art Walk on June 16 and at the McCracken Historical Society. A full schedule of events for Hays and McCraken will be released soon.

In Wilson this weekend, all festival events will be free thanks to the Wilson tourism organization with the exception of the food.

The movie will be shown on the back of the Railroad Hotel for free on Friday. Popcorn will be served. In case of inclement weather, the movie will be moved indoors.

On Saturday, actors will be dressed in period customers, and visitors are welcome to join in with their own period dress.

Events start at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Coney Island Bar will serve hot dog meals for $5. That will be a fundraiser for the Feed the Children program.

There'll be a free exotic petting zoo, antique dealer, Hat Man Jack's from Wichita, a fried chicken dinner at the Railroad Hotel and free performance by the&nbsp;Kansas All Star Big Band at 7 p.m. on the hotel patio.

The McCracken Museum will be bringing some of its memorabilia from the movie.

Several owners also will be bringing their Model As and Depression-era vehicles for display.&nbsp;The Model T truck that was used in the last part of the movie is on display at the auto museum in Hill City.

Mugs Bakery will be selling kolaches. Reservations for the fried chicken dinner at the hotel are preferred. The cost is $14.99.

On Saturday, someone will be on hand to video record the stories of people who were in the movie as extras or watched the filming.

Merrill said as of May 21, rooms were still available at the Midland Railroad Hotel for the weekend of the festival. Call&nbsp; 785-658-2284 for more information.

Merrill said she hopes the event will not only celebrate Wilson and its history but drum up interest in other filmmakers using Kansas as a location.

You can find more about the event on Facebook on either the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/730753872088854/">festival event page</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/czechoutwilson">Czech Out Wilson Facebook page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682544574936.png" alt="Image from "Paper Moon" that was shot in Wilson. Visitors will be able to visit locations where the movie was filmed during the "Paper Moon" Festival in Wilson Friday and Saturday. Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Image from "Paper Moon" that was shot in Wilson. Visitors will be able to visit locations where the movie was filmed during the "Paper Moon" Festival in Wilson Friday and Saturday. Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe community of Wilson, where portions of the movie, "Paper Moon," were filmed will celebrate the movie's 50th anniversary on Friday and Saturday."Paper Moon," which was released by Paramount in 1973 stars Ryan O'Neal and his daughter, Tatum O'Neal.Tatum O'Neal won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, becoming the youngest actress to do so."Paper Moon" depicts the Depression era in Kansas and Missoui. It was shot in black in white by director&nbsp;Peter Bogdanovich and tells the story of father, Moze, and his daughter, Addie, as Moze takes his daughter from Gorham, Kan., to St. Joseph, Mo., to live with her aunt.Eight locations in Wilson were in the movie. All of those locations in Wilson, as well as Dorrance, will be marked during the festival with photos of the original images from the movie, said Melinda Merrill of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/midlandhotelwilson">Midland Railroad Hotel</a> in Wilson.Maps will be available on the local sites. The tourism agency also will have literature available that tells the history of the buildings in the community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682544797256.png" alt="The Midland Railroad Hotel was the site of the filming of "Paper Moon." The hotel is still open today and will be the site of several events for Wilson's "Paper Moon" Festival.&nbsp; Courtesy image.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Midland Railroad Hotel was the site of the filming of "Paper Moon." The hotel is still open today and will be the site of several events for Wilson's "Paper Moon" Festival.&nbsp; Courtesy image.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>"It's really cool the pictures that we have of where they did the filming," she said. "It's cool to see and compare that. It brings back memories."Merrell said many residents remember the filming. Classes were let out so children could watch the filming. Wilson residents worked as extras, she said.Scenes were also shot in Gorham, Hays, McCracken, northern Ellis County, White Cloud and St. Joseph, Mo.Rooks County had an event to celebrate the movie in Stockton on April 30.&nbsp;McCracken is planning a "Paper Moon" event for June 16 and 17 in conjunction with several events in Hays during the same weekend.Defiance Brewing Co. will have a commemorative beer, which has yet to be named. Two free showings of the movie will be offered on June 17 and 18.&nbsp;There will be special exhibits at the Hays Arts Council Annex along with the Summer Art Walk on June 16 and at the McCracken Historical Society. A full schedule of events for Hays and McCraken will be released soon.In Wilson this weekend, all festival events will be free thanks to the Wilson tourism organization with the exception of the food.The movie will be shown on the back of the Railroad Hotel for free on Friday. Popcorn will be served. In case of inclement weather, the movie will be moved indoors.On Saturday, actors will be dressed in period customers, and visitors are welcome to join in with their own period dress.Events start at 10 a.m. Saturday. The Coney Island Bar will serve hot dog meals for $5. That will be a fundraiser for the Feed the Children program.There'll be a free exotic petting zoo, antique dealer, Hat Man Jack's from Wichita, a fried chicken dinner at the Railroad Hotel and free performance by the&nbsp;Kansas All Star Big Band at 7 p.m. on the hotel patio.The McCracken Museum will be bringing some of its memorabilia from the movie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682544962323.png" alt="The Somer Hardware Building in Wilson was the site where the "Paper Moon's" Main characters tricked a retailer out of a $20 bill. Courtesy Image&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Somer Hardware Building in Wilson was the site where the "Paper Moon's" Main characters tricked a retailer out of a $20 bill. Courtesy Image&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Several owners also will be bringing their Model As and Depression-era vehicles for display.&nbsp;The Model T truck that was used in the last part of the movie is on display at the auto museum in Hill City.Mugs Bakery will be selling kolaches. Reservations for the fried chicken dinner at the hotel are preferred. The cost is $14.99.On Saturday, someone will be on hand to video record the stories of people who were in the movie as extras or watched the filming.Merrill said as of May 21, rooms were still available at the Midland Railroad Hotel for the weekend of the festival. Call&nbsp; 785-658-2284 for more information.Merrill said she hopes the event will not only celebrate Wilson and its history but drum up interest in other filmmakers using Kansas as a location.You can find more about the event on Facebook on either the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/730753872088854/">festival event page</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/czechoutwilson">Czech Out Wilson Facebook page</a>.

Wilson to celebrate 50th anniversary of 'Paper Moon' filming

Today Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Wednesday A 20-percent chance of rain after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

Wednesday Night A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 86.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 55.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 89.

Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers. Sunny, with a high near 86.

Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Monday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 87. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 71. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.Wednesday A 20-percent chance of rain after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.Wednesday Night A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.Friday Sunny, with a high near 86.Friday Night Clear, with a low around 55.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 89.Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers. Sunny, with a high near 86.Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.Monday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 87. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

From the City of Russell Fire Department...

The City of Russell Fire Department was dispatched to 1430 South Fossil for a report of an electrical fire located somewhere in the Dole-Specter Conference Center at the Fossil Creek Inn &amp; Suites.

Crews on scene observed no visible flame or smoke from the outside. Once entry was gained into the conference center, smoke could be seen near the ceiling along with the smell of burning electrical.

Crews evacuated the hotel and began searching for the source. Crews were able to determine that the electrical fire was from a burnt motor on the outside, inside the heating/cooling unit, causing the smoke and burnt electrical smell to enter the conference center.

The unit was isolated, and the hotel resumed normal operation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682996002934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the City of Russell Fire Department...The City of Russell Fire Department was dispatched to 1430 South Fossil for a report of an electrical fire located somewhere in the Dole-Specter Conference Center at the Fossil Creek Inn &amp; Suites.Crews on scene observed no visible flame or smoke from the outside. Once entry was gained into the conference center, smoke could be seen near the ceiling along with the smell of burning electrical.Crews evacuated the hotel and began searching for the source. Crews were able to determine that the electrical fire was from a burnt motor on the outside, inside the heating/cooling unit, causing the smoke and burnt electrical smell to enter the conference center.The unit was isolated, and the hotel resumed normal operation.

Russell hotel evacuated after electrical fire reported

Great Bend Fire Department responded to the 600 block of Main Street in Heizer for the report of a structure fire. Units on scene found one residence fully involved in fire with fire spreading to an adjacent house and a shop. 

Along with the three structures on fire, a grass fire was ignited and spreading. Crews initiated a fire attack on the second involved structure and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to the interior of the home. The fully involved structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire and was fought defensively from the exterior due to the large amount of heat and fire. This structure is considered a total loss. The shop was also fully involved, was extinguished and is considered a total loss. 

The fire is being investigated by fire investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Office of the State Fire Marshal and detectives from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time but is being investigated as suspicious in nature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682987050191.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Fire Department responded to the 600 block of Main Street in Heizer for the report of a structure fire. Units on scene found one residence fully involved in fire with fire spreading to an adjacent house and a shop. Along with the three structures on fire, a grass fire was ignited and spreading. Crews initiated a fire attack on the second involved structure and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to the interior of the home. The fully involved structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire and was fought defensively from the exterior due to the large amount of heat and fire. This structure is considered a total loss. The shop was also fully involved, was extinguished and is considered a total loss. The fire is being investigated by fire investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Office of the State Fire Marshal and detectives from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time but is being investigated as suspicious in nature.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682991698089.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend Fire Dept. responds to fire in Heizer

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

After starting the process to hire a new city administrator last
December, the Great Bend City Council approved the hiring of Brandon Anderson Monday
night to fill the open position. Anderson has worked in Texas the last
27 years, and the past year as the city manager for the City of Levelland,
Texas. "One of the really encouraging things I heard in my first visit here was how all of our taxing entities seem to be heading in a good direction and together," said Anderson. "I hope that is a really good, important task to keep in mind as we move forward." 
Anderson received a degree from Kansas State University in 1995 and has served
as a city manager or administrator for the past 17 years. Anderson will be kept
in the loop with Great Bend administrative happenings starting immediately but
will not officially begin his role in Great Bend until July 1. "I'm here to serve, just like all of our staff is," said Anderson. "We're accountable to the citizens of this community. I look forward to doing that." 
Kendal Francis was appointed Great Bend City Administrator in July 2018, but
resigned in early January to accept a similar position in Hutchinson. Assistant
City Administrator Logan Burns has served as interim administrator since last
December. 
Strategic Government Resources (SGR) was hired for $18,500 to handle the search
for the next administrator and eventually helped narrow down the 25
applications.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I've always had a saying in life that there are two kinds of people in life...people that are part of the problem and people that are part of the solution," said Anderson. "It's not easy a lot of times to be a part of the solution, but we all must be."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682986663540.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend Post&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;After starting the process to hire a new city administrator last
December, the Great Bend City Council approved the hiring of Brandon Anderson Monday
night to fill the open position. Anderson has worked in Texas the last
27 years, and the past year as the city manager for the City of Levelland,
Texas. "One of the really encouraging things I heard in my first visit here was how all of our taxing entities seem to be heading in a good direction and together," said Anderson. "I hope that is a really good, important task to keep in mind as we move forward." 
Anderson received a degree from Kansas State University in 1995 and has served
as a city manager or administrator for the past 17 years. Anderson will be kept
in the loop with Great Bend administrative happenings starting immediately but
will not officially begin his role in Great Bend until July 1. "I'm here to serve, just like all of our staff is," said Anderson. "We're accountable to the citizens of this community. I look forward to doing that." 
Kendal Francis was appointed Great Bend City Administrator in July 2018, but
resigned in early January to accept a similar position in Hutchinson. Assistant
City Administrator Logan Burns has served as interim administrator since last
December. 
Strategic Government Resources (SGR) was hired for $18,500 to handle the search
for the next administrator and eventually helped narrow down the 25
applications.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"I've always had a saying in life that there are two kinds of people in life...people that are part of the problem and people that are part of the solution," said Anderson. "It's not easy a lot of times to be a part of the solution, but we all must be."

Anderson ready to get to work as Great Bend City Administrator

News From The Oil Patch, May 1 John P. Tretbar

The monthly government production tally shows US crude output was down slightly in February, but remains ten percent higher than a year ago.&nbsp; According to the Energy Information Administration, February crude output was just over 12.4 million barrels per day. Production in Kansas dropped slightly from last month, but rose slightly from last year, at just over 76-thousand barrels per day.

The weekly government production tally was up 120,000 barrels per day compared to the week before, averaging just over 12.2 million barrels per day, compared to 11.9 million a year ago. US crude &nbsp;inventories dropped by more than five million barrels last week.&nbsp; EIA reports stockpiles of 460.9 million barrels, not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's about one percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Crude prices in New York rose about two dollars a barrel Friday but were poised to give most of that back by lunchtime Monday. The benchmark Nymex contract was trading over $75 per barrel. London Brent was a few cents over $79 by midday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $67 a barrel. Some 120 Kansas operators have spudded 400 wells so far this year, drilling an estimated 1.1 million feet of well bore. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says spuds are down 12% from a year ago, while total footage is down nearly 23%. US crude imports increased by 81-thousand barrels per day. EIA said the four week average is up more than eight percent from the same four weeks a year ago. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes Friday (4/28) showed 755 active drilling rigs across the US/ The oil rig count unchanged. The tally of vertical rigs was up five, while directional drilling was down one and horizontal was down two. Oklahoma was down three rigs, Louisiana was up three and New Mexico was up two. The Kansas Rig Count is down slightly for the week, 17 percent lower than a month ago, and 35 percent lower than a year ago. The count west of Wichita is unchanged at 20 rigs. Operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County on Friday. Drilling was underway on leases in Barton and Stafford counties. Operators across Kansas completed 16 wells last week including one each in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 596 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 542 a year ago. Kansas regulators approved 24 new drilling locations across Kansas last week, 416 for the year compared to 486 by the end of April last year. Out of 19 new drilling permits in western Kansas, there are two in Barton County and one each in Ellis and Stafford counties. Tensions flared in the Middle East as Iran's navy seized an oil tanker on it's way from Kuwait to Houston. Reuters reported the seizure came days after the US confiscated crude from a tanker at sea in what the Navy called a sanctions-enforcement operation.&nbsp; The latest escalation between Washington and Tehran comes after years of sanctions pressure over Iran's nuclear program. Iran does not recognize the sanctions, and its oil exports have been rising. The US Supreme Court paves the way for wave of climate-change lawsuits in state courts against energy companies. The high court last week declined to hear an effort by major oil companies to move climate-change lawsuits from state to federal courts, where the companies could expect more favorable treatment. City, county and state governments are suing Chevron, Shell, Exxon Mobile and others alleging varied environmental harms from the emission of greenhouse gases. Depending upon what they're able to prove in state court, they could force energy firms to pay billions of dollars in a nationwide reckoning over climate liability, to help cover the cost of droughts, floods, wildfires and other disasters. Observers say it will be years before we see any such verdict, as each case must now go through the state civil court process, including possible dismissal and a lengthy discovery process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News From The Oil Patch, May 1 John P. TretbarThe monthly government production tally shows US crude output was down slightly in February, but remains ten percent higher than a year ago.&nbsp; According to the Energy Information Administration, February crude output was just over 12.4 million barrels per day. Production in Kansas dropped slightly from last month, but rose slightly from last year, at just over 76-thousand barrels per day.The weekly government production tally was up 120,000 barrels per day compared to the week before, averaging just over 12.2 million barrels per day, compared to 11.9 million a year ago. US crude &nbsp;inventories dropped by more than five million barrels last week.&nbsp; EIA reports stockpiles of 460.9 million barrels, not including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That's about one percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Crude prices in New York rose about two dollars a barrel Friday but were poised to give most of that back by lunchtime Monday. The benchmark Nymex contract was trading over $75 per barrel. London Brent was a few cents over $79 by midday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $67 a barrel. Some 120 Kansas operators have spudded 400 wells so far this year, drilling an estimated 1.1 million feet of well bore. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service says spuds are down 12% from a year ago, while total footage is down nearly 23%. US crude imports increased by 81-thousand barrels per day. EIA said the four week average is up more than eight percent from the same four weeks a year ago. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes Friday (4/28) showed 755 active drilling rigs across the US/ The oil rig count unchanged. The tally of vertical rigs was up five, while directional drilling was down one and horizontal was down two. Oklahoma was down three rigs, Louisiana was up three and New Mexico was up two. The Kansas Rig Count is down slightly for the week, 17 percent lower than a month ago, and 35 percent lower than a year ago. The count west of Wichita is unchanged at 20 rigs. Operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County on Friday. Drilling was underway on leases in Barton and Stafford counties. Operators across Kansas completed 16 wells last week including one each in Barton, Ellis and Stafford counties. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 596 new well-completions so far this year, compared to 542 a year ago. Kansas regulators approved 24 new drilling locations across Kansas last week, 416 for the year compared to 486 by the end of April last year. Out of 19 new drilling permits in western Kansas, there are two in Barton County and one each in Ellis and Stafford counties. Tensions flared in the Middle East as Iran's navy seized an oil tanker on it's way from Kuwait to Houston. Reuters reported the seizure came days after the US confiscated crude from a tanker at sea in what the Navy called a sanctions-enforcement operation.&nbsp; The latest escalation between Washington and Tehran comes after years of sanctions pressure over Iran's nuclear program. Iran does not recognize the sanctions, and its oil exports have been rising. The US Supreme Court paves the way for wave of climate-change lawsuits in state courts against energy companies. The high court last week declined to hear an effort by major oil companies to move climate-change lawsuits from state to federal courts, where the companies could expect more favorable treatment. City, county and state governments are suing Chevron, Shell, Exxon Mobile and others alleging varied environmental harms from the emission of greenhouse gases. Depending upon what they're able to prove in state court, they could force energy firms to pay billions of dollars in a nationwide reckoning over climate liability, to help cover the cost of droughts, floods, wildfires and other disasters. Observers say it will be years before we see any such verdict, as each case must now go through the state civil court process, including possible dismissal and a lengthy discovery process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Climate change suits to advance in state courts

The Burdett Fire Department spent last week stocking and getting familiar with their new addition to the fire house.

 With the savings put together from their past fundraisers and a local donor group, the fire department was able to replace their rescue truck and gain so many more options with a newer vehicle.

 The group of volunteers in Burdett have been working to improve current equipment on hand as well as gain knowledge by attending trainings.&nbsp;

 The firefighters would like to say a thank you to all that were involved in this purchase.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682959251487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Burdett Fire Department spent last week stocking and getting familiar with their new addition to the fire house. With the savings put together from their past fundraisers and a local donor group, the fire department was able to replace their rescue truck and gain so many more options with a newer vehicle. The group of volunteers in Burdett have been working to improve current equipment on hand as well as gain knowledge by attending trainings.&nbsp; The firefighters would like to say a thank you to all that were involved in this purchase.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682959272478.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Burdett volunteer fire dept. able to replace rescue truck

This is part five of a series on the importance of academic integrity at Barton. The college will feature student stories throughout the spring semester that help showcase values of academic integrity.&nbsp;These values include trust, responsibility, honesty, courage, fairness, and respect.

Barton student and swim team member Jonathan Beers will graduate in a couple of weeks, and he can continue his journey proudly, knowing that he left a legacy as someone who exhibited academic integrity in practice as well as being the ambassador for the value of trust.

“Academic integrity is important to me because I desire to be proud of the work and foundation that I am building in an honest way,” he said. “It is important to me because it makes everything fair if everyone has integrity in their work and in life.”

Beers said his foundation for integrity was instilled in him by his parents.

“I am so glad to represent trust because that has been something that I have always valued in my life,” he said. “From a very young age, my father taught me the importance of trust in my life and how people will trust you to make the right decision if you are the right person. I have developed this trait with a lot of my teachers so that when something goes wrong, they can trust me to try my hardest still.”

Throughout his journey, Beers has learned that acting with integrity has helped him unlock his full potential.

“Academic integrity is so important because it is what the basis of learning is,” he said. “Without integrity, you cannot learn. It's something you have to decide within yourself to choose to become the best version of yourself.”

Beers is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society. He is undecided on where he will continue his education or if he will continue to swim competitively, but he hopes to become a chiropractor.

For more information, contact Director of Innovation &amp; Compliance Lee Miller at (620) 786-7453&nbsp;<a href="mailto:or%C2%A0millerle@bartonccc.edu">or&nbsp;millerle@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682956783627.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photo by Joe VinduskaThis is part five of a series on the importance of academic integrity at Barton. The college will feature student stories throughout the spring semester that help showcase values of academic integrity.&nbsp;These values include trust, responsibility, honesty, courage, fairness, and respect.Barton student and swim team member Jonathan Beers will graduate in a couple of weeks, and he can continue his journey proudly, knowing that he left a legacy as someone who exhibited academic integrity in practice as well as being the ambassador for the value of trust.“Academic integrity is important to me because I desire to be proud of the work and foundation that I am building in an honest way,” he said. “It is important to me because it makes everything fair if everyone has integrity in their work and in life.”Beers said his foundation for integrity was instilled in him by his parents.“I am so glad to represent trust because that has been something that I have always valued in my life,” he said. “From a very young age, my father taught me the importance of trust in my life and how people will trust you to make the right decision if you are the right person. I have developed this trait with a lot of my teachers so that when something goes wrong, they can trust me to try my hardest still.”Throughout his journey, Beers has learned that acting with integrity has helped him unlock his full potential.“Academic integrity is so important because it is what the basis of learning is,” he said. “Without integrity, you cannot learn. It's something you have to decide within yourself to choose to become the best version of yourself.”Beers is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society. He is undecided on where he will continue his education or if he will continue to swim competitively, but he hopes to become a chiropractor.For more information, contact Director of Innovation &amp; Compliance Lee Miller at (620) 786-7453&nbsp;<a href="mailto:or%C2%A0millerle@bartonccc.edu">or&nbsp;millerle@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Academic Integrity Campaign: Trust

I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition. I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.

I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:

• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.

• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.

Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.

May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>I’m writing this article on May Day! I was always excited for May Day when I was a kid because my mother and I had a tradition. I would make construction paper baskets and then we would go around Hays looking for flowers such as tulips and lilacs that were blooming. We would knock on doors and politely ask the homes occupant if we could snip a couple of flowers for our May Day baskets. Most of the time people were happy to help. Then we would place the flowers and some other sweet treats in my home-made construction paper baskets and take them to a few friends and my teachers. With May Day baskets, you ring the door bell and then leave to allow the basket to be an anonymous gift for the recipient. I was always so excited to go to school the next day and see if my teachers and friends enjoyed their May Day baskets. I enjoyed showing my children how to make the baskets and deliver them when they were young also.I share this story because May is also Mental Health Awareness month. This story brings to light many things we can do for our mental health. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut mentally and emotionally, a few simple changes may help you break free:• Take media breaks. Limit how much you are watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Instead, get outside and enjoy the sunshine, warmth and breeze.• Take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly.• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.• Connect with others. Do something kind for someone.Making May Day baskets can incorporate many of these items such as getting outside and enjoying nature or get some exercise, connecting with others, and doing enjoyable activities. Giving to others can help you change your mindset.May Day baskets can also be a wonderful parent-child activity to do together. What better way to help a parent or child’s mental health then spending time together doing something fun and meaningful? If you do it yearly, it can become a tradition. Traditions within families help children feel a sense of belonging and worth.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: It's May

Pawnee Co. wheat plot tour scheduled in May

The Great Bend Recreation Commission summer activity guide has hit mailboxes  and enrollment kicks off on Monday, May 8. There are three easy ways to enroll.

1. Walk-in (1214 Stone Street) 2. Phone (620-793-3755, ext. 110) 3. Online (<a href="https://greatbendrec.com/">greatbendrec.com</a>)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682693711266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission summer activity guide has hit mailboxes and enrollment kicks off on Monday, May 8. There are three easy ways to enroll.1. Walk-in (1214 Stone Street) 2. Phone (620-793-3755, ext. 110) 3. Online (<a href="https://greatbendrec.com/">greatbendrec.com</a>)

3 easy ways to enroll in Great Bend Rec summer activities

From Great Bend High School Forensics coach Kim Heath...

Great Bend High School was named the Season-Wide Forensics Coaches Invitational Team Sweeps Champion on Saturday at the annual FCI tournament. The host school district this year was Buhler. This Season-Wide Sweepstakes recognizes the overall season success of the Panthers and is based on the total qualifications earned by the forensics squad as a whole.

The purpose of the FCI tournament is twofold. First, it is a celebration and a showcase of the talented students across the state. Secondly, a team of highly qualified judges provide a final opportunity for the performers to receive feedback before the state competition.

Panther Forensics Coach Kim Heath explained, “To qualify for FCI, students must have a state championship qualification with multiple other placings and/or a national tournament qualification.” She continued, “This is a tournament we look forward to all season long! It draws the best of the best from all of the KSHSAA classifications.”

During lunch, four FCI student-nominated competitors performed for the crowd of attendees, coaches and judges. Our Duo Interpretation team of Eave and Thomas were chosen by their fellow competitors for the showcase.

In the tournament itself, Great Bend finished in 2nd Place to Lansing. Maddix Pokorski won 1st Place in Extemporaneous Speaking and 5th Place in Impromptu Speaking. Eave Taylor and Thomas Henrikson took home the gold in Duo Interpretation. Alondra Alvarez placed 2nd in Prose and 6th in Impromptu. In Dramatic Interpretation, Milena Carbajal was 3rd and Xanna Smith was 4th. Milena also won 4th Place in Poetry. Tommy Henrikson finished 4th Place in Humorous Interpretation. Darcy Feist placed 2nd in both Original Oration and Program of Oral Interpretation. Anna Bitter took 6th Place in Program of Oral Interpretation, and Quinton Heath was 6th in Prose. Reese King finished 9th in Informative Speaking.

Chrisangel Adame will join this team of students on Saturday to compete at the 5A KSHSAA State Championship at Valley Center. To qualify for the Championships, each student placed first or second at a regular tournament.

Although GBHS qualified over 30 entries for the State Champs, each school is limited to 16 total entries. The remainder of Great Bend’s qualifiers will perform at the State Festival at Wichita Southeast High School on Saturday. The eight GBHS students representing the Panthers at the

State Festival will include Theo Hokinson-Smith, Chanler Riley, Danica Cline, Lea Nokes, Ailey Williams, Hannah Hopkins, Keaton Kruckenberg, and Ellie Damm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682956569197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend High School Forensics coach Kim Heath...Great Bend High School was named the Season-Wide Forensics Coaches Invitational Team Sweeps Champion on Saturday at the annual FCI tournament. The host school district this year was Buhler. This Season-Wide Sweepstakes recognizes the overall season success of the Panthers and is based on the total qualifications earned by the forensics squad as a whole.The purpose of the FCI tournament is twofold. First, it is a celebration and a showcase of the talented students across the state. Secondly, a team of highly qualified judges provide a final opportunity for the performers to receive feedback before the state competition.Panther Forensics Coach Kim Heath explained, “To qualify for FCI, students must have a state championship qualification with multiple other placings and/or a national tournament qualification.” She continued, “This is a tournament we look forward to all season long! It draws the best of the best from all of the KSHSAA classifications.”During lunch, four FCI student-nominated competitors performed for the crowd of attendees, coaches and judges. Our Duo Interpretation team of Eave and Thomas were chosen by their fellow competitors for the showcase.In the tournament itself, Great Bend finished in 2nd Place to Lansing. Maddix Pokorski won 1st Place in Extemporaneous Speaking and 5th Place in Impromptu Speaking. Eave Taylor and Thomas Henrikson took home the gold in Duo Interpretation. Alondra Alvarez placed 2nd in Prose and 6th in Impromptu. In Dramatic Interpretation, Milena Carbajal was 3rd and Xanna Smith was 4th. Milena also won 4th Place in Poetry. Tommy Henrikson finished 4th Place in Humorous Interpretation. Darcy Feist placed 2nd in both Original Oration and Program of Oral Interpretation. Anna Bitter took 6th Place in Program of Oral Interpretation, and Quinton Heath was 6th in Prose. Reese King finished 9th in Informative Speaking.Chrisangel Adame will join this team of students on Saturday to compete at the 5A KSHSAA State Championship at Valley Center. To qualify for the Championships, each student placed first or second at a regular tournament.Although GBHS qualified over 30 entries for the State Champs, each school is limited to 16 total entries. The remainder of Great Bend’s qualifiers will perform at the State Festival at Wichita Southeast High School on Saturday. The eight GBHS students representing the Panthers at theState Festival will include Theo Hokinson-Smith, Chanler Riley, Danica Cline, Lea Nokes, Ailey Williams, Hannah Hopkins, Keaton Kruckenberg, and Ellie Damm.

Great Bend Forensics wins All-Season Sweepstakes

Taking place in the middle of April, the weather can be unpredictable for
Barton Community College Foundation’s sporting clay shoot fundraiser.
Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Bogner said the April 16 event at Camp Aldrich was a chilly day. The Foundation had giveaways that included
Barton stocking caps, and those caps were quickly used by the participants. 

Despite
the cold weather, Bogner reported an improved year for the 13th
annual clay shoot. "We made a lot of changes with sponsorships, shooter registrations and our raffle was open to the public," said Bogner. "There were a lot of different things but a very good success." 
This year, the clay shoot had 238 registrations compared to 208 last year.
Bogner said the fundraiser collected approximately $23,000 this year, a bump
from last year’s $15,000. 
The money raised is used for faculty mini-grants, which Barton faculty members
can use to enhance student learning in their classrooms. The Foundation has
awarded more than $132,000 in mini-grants to date.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1617029189520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostTaking place in the middle of April, the weather can be unpredictable for
Barton Community College Foundation’s sporting clay shoot fundraiser.
Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Bogner said the April 16 event at Camp Aldrich was a chilly day. The Foundation had giveaways that included
Barton stocking caps, and those caps were quickly used by the participants. Despite
the cold weather, Bogner reported an improved year for the 13th
annual clay shoot. "We made a lot of changes with sponsorships, shooter registrations and our raffle was open to the public," said Bogner. "There were a lot of different things but a very good success." 
This year, the clay shoot had 238 registrations compared to 208 last year.
Bogner said the fundraiser collected approximately $23,000 this year, a bump
from last year’s $15,000. 
The money raised is used for faculty mini-grants, which Barton faculty members
can use to enhance student learning in their classrooms. The Foundation has
awarded more than $132,000 in mini-grants to date.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Improved year for Barton CC sporting clay shoot fundraiser

4/28 BOOKED: Lucky Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Elias Vasquez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Paul Poteet on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Marcus Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Domestic Battery, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Patrick Moody-Standlee on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Interference with LEO, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Sean Brown on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

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

BOOKED: Savanna Bradshaw on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Kevin Pekarek, Jr., on three Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.

RELEASED: Trisha Johnson on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, $10,000 OR bond reinstated by court.

RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on three Barton County District Court warrants for Possession of Methamphetamine, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Probation Violation, on $10,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Jacob Lane on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 cash bond.

RELEASED: Lucky Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Charles Rowe, Jr., on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, by order of the court.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Marcus Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Domestic Battery, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

4/29 BOOKED: Ralph Tuey, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S; on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $512.50 cash only; and on Russell County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Raul Rocha on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

4/30 BOOKED: Nicholos Wornkey on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $1,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Alex Kober on Rush County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Cristian Cervantes-Macias on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jerad Powell on Barton County District case for Driving While Suspended, Expired Registration, Failing to Provide Insurance, and Operating Vehicle Without Lights when Required, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Jennifer Hernandez on Hoisington Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Elias Vasquez on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Sean Brown on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Jerad Powell on Barton County District case for Driving While Suspended, Expired Registration, Failing to Provide Insurance, and Operating Vehicle Without Lights when Required, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jonathan Panning on Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, after time served.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>4/28 BOOKED: Lucky Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Elias Vasquez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Paul Poteet on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Marcus Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Domestic Battery, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Patrick Moody-Standlee on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Interference with LEO, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Sean Brown on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Brayden Powell-Rand on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Savanna Bradshaw on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Kevin Pekarek, Jr., on three Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.RELEASED: Trisha Johnson on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, $10,000 OR bond reinstated by court.RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on three Barton County District Court warrants for Possession of Methamphetamine, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Probation Violation, on $10,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Jacob Lane on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 cash bond.RELEASED: Lucky Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Charles Rowe, Jr., on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, by order of the court.&nbsp;RELEASED: Marcus Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Domestic Battery, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.4/29 BOOKED: Ralph Tuey, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S; on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $512.50 cash only; and on Russell County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Raul Rocha on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.4/30 BOOKED: Nicholos Wornkey on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $1,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.&nbsp;BOOKED: Alex Kober on Rush County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Cristian Cervantes-Macias on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jerad Powell on Barton County District case for Driving While Suspended, Expired Registration, Failing to Provide Insurance, and Operating Vehicle Without Lights when Required, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Jennifer Hernandez on Hoisington Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Elias Vasquez on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.&nbsp;RELEASED: Sean Brown on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;RELEASED: Jerad Powell on Barton County District case for Driving While Suspended, Expired Registration, Failing to Provide Insurance, and Operating Vehicle Without Lights when Required, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jonathan Panning on Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, after time served.&nbsp;

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (4/28 - 4/30)

Through multiple partnerships and community effort the last two years,
the bike campground in Great Bend continues to see improvements and added amenities.
In the future, a new mural will be painted at the campground just north of the
10th Street and Harrison Street intersection, behind the Central
Baptist Church. &nbsp;

The
new mural will include suicide prevention resources, along with biking and
information that the church wants painted on the shed.&nbsp;Holly Bowyer, with The Center for Counseling and Consultation, leads the Suicide Prevention Task Force with Central Kansas Partnership. Bowyer said the suicide
prevention resources are available in many forms for those in need. 
"If anyone is not comfortable calling the National Suicide Hotline, there is a text line," said Bowyer. "741741. You can text with someone 24 hours a day. There are resources, whether they're local or national."

The campground accommodates bicyclists stopping through Great Bend with a
charging station, picnic tables, porta-potty and a water well. 

The Suicide
Prevention Task Force donated funding to have the suicide prevention hotline
listed near the water well. Bowyer said the task force is still looking for an
artist to paint the mural, but getting more people talking about mental health
is a positive step in suicide prevention. "You always have people that are afraid others will see them going into an agency or think less of them," said Bowyer. "With more and more celebrities and other people talking about mental health and suicide prevention help the stigma has improved. I still think there are a lot of people that are afraid to reach out and don't know where to reach out." 
The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682455599620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThrough multiple partnerships and community effort the last two years,
the bike campground in Great Bend continues to see improvements and added amenities.
In the future, a new mural will be painted at the campground just north of the
10th Street and Harrison Street intersection, behind the Central
Baptist Church. &nbsp;The
new mural will include suicide prevention resources, along with biking and
information that the church wants painted on the shed.&nbsp;Holly Bowyer, with The Center for Counseling and Consultation, leads the Suicide Prevention Task Force with Central Kansas Partnership. Bowyer said the suicide
prevention resources are available in many forms for those in need. 
"If anyone is not comfortable calling the National Suicide Hotline, there is a text line," said Bowyer. "741741. You can text with someone 24 hours a day. There are resources, whether they're local or national."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682456223829.jpeg" alt="A mural, incorporating suicide prevention resources, will be painted on the shed at the bicycle campground in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A mural, incorporating suicide prevention resources, will be painted on the shed at the bicycle campground in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>The campground accommodates bicyclists stopping through Great Bend with a
charging station, picnic tables, porta-potty and a water well. The Suicide
Prevention Task Force donated funding to have the suicide prevention hotline
listed near the water well. Bowyer said the task force is still looking for an
artist to paint the mural, but getting more people talking about mental health
is a positive step in suicide prevention. "You always have people that are afraid others will see them going into an agency or think less of them," said Bowyer. "With more and more celebrities and other people talking about mental health and suicide prevention help the stigma has improved. I still think there are a lot of people that are afraid to reach out and don't know where to reach out." 
The National Suicide Hotline is 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mural for Great Bend’s bike campground to incorporate suicide prevention

Today Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 37. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. East-northeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Thursday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.

Thursday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.

Sunday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 37. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 72. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 44. East-northeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southeast after midnight.Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 75. South wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Wednesday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.Thursday A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.Thursday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56.Sunday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired April 27, 2023.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired April 27, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/mld4v0f1/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧Focus on Stafford County show

Great Bend City Council meeting Monday, May 1 - 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/. Agenda Opening: Pledge of Allegiance A. Consent Agenda B. Old Business C. Recognition of Visitors and Announcements &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes. D. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;2. Interim Administrators Update &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Abatements &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Zarah Apartments &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Dominic Eck and Gilmore Bell will be present to request a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) resolution and an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) resolution of intent for the Zarah Apartments. &nbsp; &nbsp;6. Appointment of City Administrator &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mayor Cod Schmidt will make the appointment of the City Administrator. &nbsp; &nbsp;7. Executive Session &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; An executive session has been requested to seek legal advice concerning contract matters. Adjournment Following the council meeting, the governing body will conduct a work session to discuss $15/hour minimum pay and quality of life projects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585774044357.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend City Council meeting Monday, May 1 - 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/. Agenda Opening: Pledge of Allegiance A. Consent Agenda B. Old Business C. Recognition of Visitors and Announcements &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes. D. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;2. Interim Administrators Update &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Abatements &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Zarah Apartments &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Dominic Eck and Gilmore Bell will be present to request a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID) resolution and an Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) resolution of intent for the Zarah Apartments. &nbsp; &nbsp;6. Appointment of City Administrator &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mayor Cod Schmidt will make the appointment of the City Administrator. &nbsp; &nbsp;7. Executive Session &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; An executive session has been requested to seek legal advice concerning contract matters. Adjournment Following the council meeting, the governing body will conduct a work session to discuss $15/hour minimum pay and quality of life projects.

Great Bend City Council meeting agenda (5/1)

From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...

The Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival is set to take place in downtown Jack Kilby Square on May 6 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. There will be live music from Los Traficantes Del Norte, a popular band known for its energetic performances. Local food vendors will also be on hand, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine to satisfy your appetite. 

In addition to the music and food, there will be plenty of entertainment to keep everyone engaged throughout the day. From dancing to games and other activities, there's something for everyone at this festival. 

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will have its own booth at the event, so be sure to stop by and visit with the Chamber staff. We'll be serving up cotton candy and hosting a giveaway for a chance to win gift baskets with items from local businesses, as well as pinatas for the kids to enjoy. 

"It's a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community," said Chamber CEO Megan Barfield. "We hope to see you all there!" 

This event is free and open to the public, so mark your calendars for May 6 and come join the fun. For more information about the Cinco De Mayo Festival, please visit their Facebook Page&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=781802&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1817405&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D100067138062886&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=4b8b724124afa9cbe6d4357b26d75342d86e4d95e326857cd01aa1f273115797" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682692429376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...The Annual Cinco De Mayo Festival is set to take place in downtown Jack Kilby Square on May 6 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. There will be live music from Los Traficantes Del Norte, a popular band known for its energetic performances. Local food vendors will also be on hand, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine to satisfy your appetite. In addition to the music and food, there will be plenty of entertainment to keep everyone engaged throughout the day. From dancing to games and other activities, there's something for everyone at this festival. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will have its own booth at the event, so be sure to stop by and visit with the Chamber staff. We'll be serving up cotton candy and hosting a giveaway for a chance to win gift baskets with items from local businesses, as well as pinatas for the kids to enjoy. "It's a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community," said Chamber CEO Megan Barfield. "We hope to see you all there!" This event is free and open to the public, so mark your calendars for May 6 and come join the fun. For more information about the Cinco De Mayo Festival, please visit their Facebook Page&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=781802&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1817405&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D100067138062886&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=4b8b724124afa9cbe6d4357b26d75342d86e4d95e326857cd01aa1f273115797" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend's Cinco De Mayo celebration set for Saturday

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, April 25 indicates continued expansion of
exceptional drought further east and along the southern counties.&nbsp; The rains this week don’t factor into this
report, however, with the severity of the drought in Western Kansas it helps
but we are still exceptionally short of soil moisture.&nbsp; It will take twelve to fifteen inches over
six weeks or so to eliminate the drought.&nbsp;
The six to ten-day outlook (May 2 to 6) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of
leaning to above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (May 4 to 10)
indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal temperatures and a 33
to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today, May 1st is just
two days away.&nbsp; We are heading into high
school and college graduation season. College graduates at Barton are either
heading off to a four-year school or into the work force.&nbsp; The same goes for high school graduates.&nbsp; One area with a significant need for
qualified employees is the agricultural sector of our economy.&nbsp; From farms and ranches to co-ops, marketing
to crop protection, truckers and scale technicians, there is a chronic shortage
of workers.&nbsp; These are good careers with competitive
wages, benefits, and job security.&nbsp; The
industry is short enough on employees they are hiring people with no
agriculture background and training them from scratch.&nbsp; They would prefer to hire employees with some
training and skill level.&nbsp; That’s where
institutions like Barton Community College and other two-year and four-year
schools come into the picture.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some of these careers do require
four-year and, in some cases, graduate degrees, however, many, if not most,
only require a certificate or two-year degree.&nbsp;
Some certificates are completed in only one semester while others take
two.&nbsp; Tuition at community colleges is
much lower than four-year schools and many employers will work around student
schedules while employed.&nbsp; Some will
reimburse students for successfully completed classes.&nbsp; For example, Barton offers
certificates/standalone programs for CDL, Scale Technician, Welding, and Crop
Protection.&nbsp; Two-year degrees include
Crop Protection, Ag. Business Management, Agronomy, and Agriculture.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the challenges these career
paths face is public perception and awareness.&nbsp;
Much of the potential workforce didn’t grow up on a farm.&nbsp; Many are unaware of potential careers in
agriculture.&nbsp; There is a stereotype of
what the industry is and most are unaware of how high-tech mush of the industry
is.&nbsp; People not involved or having been
raised in the industry think that only “farm kids” are wanted.&nbsp; This is simply not accurate.&nbsp; The industry wants motivated individuals with
good work ethics, a willingness to learn, are intelligent, and possess basic
essential skills.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One last misconception that cuts
both ways.&nbsp; These industries aren’t
concerned about your age or gender.&nbsp;
Nontraditional students are as desired as twenty-one-year old’s.&nbsp; Women are an ever increasing segment of all
sectors in the industry. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596995818491.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, April 25 indicates continued expansion of
exceptional drought further east and along the southern counties.&nbsp; The rains this week don’t factor into this
report, however, with the severity of the drought in Western Kansas it helps
but we are still exceptionally short of soil moisture.&nbsp; It will take twelve to fifteen inches over
six weeks or so to eliminate the drought.&nbsp;
The six to ten-day outlook (May 2 to 6) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of
leaning to above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (May 4 to 10)
indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to above normal temperatures and a 33
to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Today, May 1st is just
two days away.&nbsp; We are heading into high
school and college graduation season. College graduates at Barton are either
heading off to a four-year school or into the work force.&nbsp; The same goes for high school graduates.&nbsp; One area with a significant need for
qualified employees is the agricultural sector of our economy.&nbsp; From farms and ranches to co-ops, marketing
to crop protection, truckers and scale technicians, there is a chronic shortage
of workers.&nbsp; These are good careers with competitive
wages, benefits, and job security.&nbsp; The
industry is short enough on employees they are hiring people with no
agriculture background and training them from scratch.&nbsp; They would prefer to hire employees with some
training and skill level.&nbsp; That’s where
institutions like Barton Community College and other two-year and four-year
schools come into the picture.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some of these careers do require
four-year and, in some cases, graduate degrees, however, many, if not most,
only require a certificate or two-year degree.&nbsp;
Some certificates are completed in only one semester while others take
two.&nbsp; Tuition at community colleges is
much lower than four-year schools and many employers will work around student
schedules while employed.&nbsp; Some will
reimburse students for successfully completed classes.&nbsp; For example, Barton offers
certificates/standalone programs for CDL, Scale Technician, Welding, and Crop
Protection.&nbsp; Two-year degrees include
Crop Protection, Ag. Business Management, Agronomy, and Agriculture.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the challenges these career
paths face is public perception and awareness.&nbsp;
Much of the potential workforce didn’t grow up on a farm.&nbsp; Many are unaware of potential careers in
agriculture.&nbsp; There is a stereotype of
what the industry is and most are unaware of how high-tech mush of the industry
is.&nbsp; People not involved or having been
raised in the industry think that only “farm kids” are wanted.&nbsp; This is simply not accurate.&nbsp; The industry wants motivated individuals with
good work ethics, a willingness to learn, are intelligent, and possess basic
essential skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One last misconception that cuts
both ways.&nbsp; These industries aren’t
concerned about your age or gender.&nbsp;
Nontraditional students are as desired as twenty-one-year old’s.&nbsp; Women are an ever increasing segment of all
sectors in the industry.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Agricultural Careers

Over seventy members from the nine League of Women Voters groups representing Emporia, Great Bend, Johnson County, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Salina, Topeka and Wichita gathered at the Advanced Learning Library in Wichita on April 22. After business was concluded, and state officers were elected, Keynote speakers engaged the attendees.

Speaker Sara Jane Crespo from Wichita radio station KMUW introduced the One Small Step initiative that she has helped produce since 2020. Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us, even those with whom we disagree. The initiative brings strangers with different political views together to record a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics, but to learn who we are as people. Audio recordings of each interview are archived at the Library of Congress. One Small Step productions does not strive to change people’s minds about politics, but to change everyone’s mind about people. The Wichita recordings can be found here: Stories – StoryCorps (https://storycorps.org/stories/?location=kansas). For more information contact Sara Crespo at crespo@kmuw.org.

The final Keynote speakers were a panel of people in the media helping attendees to ‘Spot and Combat Mis-and Disinformation.' Kayla Vix, the LWVUS Field Communication Senior Manager, was the moderator. On the panel were Claudia Amaro from Planeta Venus, P.J. Griekspoor from The Community Voice, Sherman Smith from the Kansas Reflector, and Chance Swaim from the Wichita Eagle. The four journalists fielded a series of questions as to the news media’s role, how the misinformation has changed, how to find true information, and what gives you hope in the current climate.

Answers ranged from understanding that ‘influencers’ shape the way people consume news, to the loss of the Fairness Doctrine in the mid-eighties when newscasters needed to cover both sides of the issue. While more people are reading news stories, they often go to media platforms and blogs that are not fact-checked. Five years ago, the newsrooms were bigger with more reporters. Now, there are not enough bodies to inform the public about what is going on. Investigative pieces help to debunk lies, but that takes time and money. People need to learn to think critically by analyzing the facts, evidence, and observations. With the internet, one can debunk lies quickly. Libraries are good places to research information and read news publications at no cost. The panelists find hope in the younger generation as they feel they are more civilly engaged, smarter, and have a better understanding of what is happening in the world. At the completion of the panel’s presentation outgoing co-president, Jacquie Lightfoot, awarded each journalist with their own Wooden Spoon to keep stirring up democracy as it has been for over one hundred years.

The League of Women Voters of Great Bend is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the informed and active participation of citizens in the right to vote and engagement with their government. All citizens of voting age, both women and men are encouraged to join. Contact President Janice Walker at 620-617-4568 or janicew1949@gmail.com for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682693128242.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over seventy members from the nine League of Women Voters groups representing Emporia, Great Bend, Johnson County, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Salina, Topeka and Wichita gathered at the Advanced Learning Library in Wichita on April 22. After business was concluded, and state officers were elected, Keynote speakers engaged the attendees.Speaker Sara Jane Crespo from Wichita radio station KMUW introduced the One Small Step initiative that she has helped produce since 2020. Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an effort to remind the country of the humanity in all of us, even those with whom we disagree. The initiative brings strangers with different political views together to record a 50-minute conversation—not to debate politics, but to learn who we are as people. Audio recordings of each interview are archived at the Library of Congress. One Small Step productions does not strive to change people’s minds about politics, but to change everyone’s mind about people. The Wichita recordings can be found here: Stories – StoryCorps (https://storycorps.org/stories/?location=kansas). For more information contact Sara Crespo at crespo@kmuw.org.The final Keynote speakers were a panel of people in the media helping attendees to ‘Spot and Combat Mis-and Disinformation.' Kayla Vix, the LWVUS Field Communication Senior Manager, was the moderator. On the panel were Claudia Amaro from Planeta Venus, P.J. Griekspoor from The Community Voice, Sherman Smith from the Kansas Reflector, and Chance Swaim from the Wichita Eagle. The four journalists fielded a series of questions as to the news media’s role, how the misinformation has changed, how to find true information, and what gives you hope in the current climate.Answers ranged from understanding that ‘influencers’ shape the way people consume news, to the loss of the Fairness Doctrine in the mid-eighties when newscasters needed to cover both sides of the issue. While more people are reading news stories, they often go to media platforms and blogs that are not fact-checked. Five years ago, the newsrooms were bigger with more reporters. Now, there are not enough bodies to inform the public about what is going on. Investigative pieces help to debunk lies, but that takes time and money. People need to learn to think critically by analyzing the facts, evidence, and observations. With the internet, one can debunk lies quickly. Libraries are good places to research information and read news publications at no cost. The panelists find hope in the younger generation as they feel they are more civilly engaged, smarter, and have a better understanding of what is happening in the world. At the completion of the panel’s presentation outgoing co-president, Jacquie Lightfoot, awarded each journalist with their own Wooden Spoon to keep stirring up democracy as it has been for over one hundred years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682693187287.jpeg" alt="Janice Walker, League of Women Voters of Great Bend President" />
 <figcaption>Janice Walker, League of Women Voters of Great Bend President</figcaption>
 </figure>The League of Women Voters of Great Bend is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the informed and active participation of citizens in the right to vote and engagement with their government. All citizens of voting age, both women and men are encouraged to join. Contact President Janice Walker at 620-617-4568 or janicew1949@gmail.com for more information.

League of Women Voters of Great Bend participate in Wichita convention

I’ve used this space many times over the years to provide some defense of the political powers and interests of the cities that over 75% of Kansans live in. I did last month in response to a bill in Topeka—which thankfully died in committee—that would have forbidden cities from exercising almost any kind of local control over the businesses which their residents interact with. This month I’m looking at another bill, one that isn’t as egregious a violation of Home Rule on its face, but in the long run might turn out to be just as bad, or worse.

The bill in question is an omnibus bill, containing a large huge number of proposed changes to Kansas tax laws. There is much in it that Kansans of many different political orientations might either criticize or praise, but its “government competition” section deserves special criticism.

As written, it would mean that any restaurant, child-care center, or heath club which operates within five miles of any similar entity which can be defined, on the basis of its tax status, as “owned or operated by a governmental entity,” would be exempt from paying property taxes.

That this provision of the bill is an attempt (the latest of several) by the owners of Genesis Health Clubs to get state legislators to guarantee them the same property-tax exemption which non-profit YMCAs enjoy has been exposed by multiple journalists.&nbsp;It is worth taking a moment, though, to be clear on why a provision like this can get this far.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>I’ve used this space many times over the years to provide some defense of the political powers and interests of the cities that over 75% of Kansans live in. I did last month in response to a bill in Topeka—which thankfully died in committee—that would have forbidden cities from exercising almost any kind of local control over the businesses which their residents interact with. This month I’m looking at another bill, one that isn’t as egregious a violation of Home Rule on its face, but in the long run might turn out to be just as bad, or worse.The bill in question is an omnibus bill, containing a large huge number of proposed changes to Kansas tax laws. There is much in it that Kansans of many different political orientations might either criticize or praise, but its “government competition” section deserves special criticism.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As written, it would mean that any restaurant, child-care center, or heath club which operates within five miles of any similar entity which can be defined, on the basis of its tax status, as “owned or operated by a governmental entity,” would be exempt from paying property taxes.That this provision of the bill is an attempt (the latest of several) by the owners of Genesis Health Clubs to get state legislators to guarantee them the same property-tax exemption which non-profit YMCAs enjoy has been exposed by multiple journalists.&nbsp;It is worth taking a moment, though, to be clear on why a provision like this can get this far.It’s not simply because of the influence of wealthy constituents and donors. Sure, that’s what philosophers might call the efficient cause of the provision—the part that actually acted to make it happen. But what of its material cause—that is, the substance or context out of which the provision was made or was enabled to come to be, when the efficient cause went to work?Here I think one can only point to the pervasive disrespect too many in our state government have for the responsibility of the cities and counties to make governing decisions in response to the needs and demands of their own residents.If we believe in local government, then those local governments obviously need revenue to be able to do the collective work which the citizens who live in those cities and counties ask them to do, particularly when it comes to providing the quality-of-life improvements which many non-profits make available at no (or at least comparatively low) cost to Kansas communities. If this provision becomes law, it could greatly harm the ability of Kansas municipalities to collect property taxes, as it may allow restaurants and gyms operating miles from not just from YMCAs, but from anything as small as a limited-hours deli, or an on-site day-care center, operating inside a city hall or a court house or other public facility, to no longer contribute any property tax to the cities which provide them with fire and police protection and much more. Which would only help undermine the whole point of local democracy in the first place.With any luck, Governor Kelly will use her line-item veto power to strike out this provision, thus making certain Kansas cities and counties can continue to take responsibility for those things which the Home Rule provision of the state constitution says they should be able to. But as for striking out the disregard too many have the right of municipalities to govern themselves—well, the evidence suggests that will take a lot longer.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita.