Thursday, April 13&nbsp;- Chamber Coffee &amp; Ribbon Cutting

Sunrise Staffing Services 2015 Forest Ave. RM# 202

Please join the Chamber for their weekly Chamber Coffee. Doors open at 9 a.m. The program begins at 9:30 am. If you can't make it in person, join the Chamber on Facebook or YouTube.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, April 13&nbsp;- Chamber Coffee &amp; Ribbon CuttingSunrise Staffing Services 2015 Forest Ave. RM# 202Please join the Chamber for their weekly Chamber Coffee. Doors open at 9 a.m. The program begins at 9:30 am. If you can't make it in person, join the Chamber on Facebook or YouTube.

Great Bend Chamber coffee hour (4/13)

In an effort to increase soybean yield potential, early planting dates have been promoted as a management practice that can increase soybean yield. Early planting of soybeans can be a relative term, meaning late April/early May for some soybean producers in Kansas, but this definition of early-planted soybeans is late March/early April. Theoretically, the earlier planting date could allow for more vegetative growth and light interception before blooming, increasing the yield potential. With the improvement of soybean seed treatments to protect seed when emergence is slowed due to cool and wet conditions, early planting may be a viable option. This article summarizes research conducted in northeast and north central Kansas to determine the effect of early planting dates, seed density, and maturity group on soybean yield. The planting dates were late March, mid-late April, and May.

Procedures - early soybean planting studies were conducted at three KSU Experiment Fields, Kansas River Valley (Topeka), North Central (Scandia), and the Southeast Research and Extension Center (Parsons) in 2022. The experimental fields at Topeka and Scandia were irrigated and the Parsons field was dryland. The Parsons location had a failed crop due to drought. The planting dates were late March, mid-late April, and May. Two varieties were planted at two seeding rates (100,000 and 150,000 seeds/acre) at each of the three planting dates in both locations.

Results - the first planting date at Topeka emerged by April 25. In spite of taking three weeks to emerge, there were no large gaps in the stand. The second planting date emerged 12-14 days after planting, and the third took 7 days. The first planting date emerged 99 Growing Degree Days (GDD) before the second planting date and 338 GDD before the third date.

Canopy closure with the April 4 planting date was 0.5 and 2.4 days earlier than the April 21 and May 9 planting dates at Topeka. The maturity dates of the three planting dates at Topeka were less than 2 days apart for all treatments. There were very low levels (&lt;5%) of sudden death (SDS) foliar symptoms visible at R6 on September 6, and there were no differences between treatments.

The highest yields were just over 80 bu/a for both varieties planted April 4 at 150,000 seeds/acre at Topeka, and the lowest yield was 76 bu/a planted May 9. There was no significant difference between yields of any of the variety/seeding rate/planting date combination yielding between the high and low-yielding treatments.

At Scandia, there was a significant yield response to the planting date. The fuller season variety yields ranged from 84 bu/a with the 1st planting date to 64 bu/a in the 3rd. The shorter season variety showed no response to the planting date with an average yield of 72.8 bu/a.

Summary -this is the second year this study has been conducted at Topeka and Scandia. Data from the first year of this study (2021) was reported in Kansas Field Research 2022, which had similar results. While caution should be used in making conclusions from this limited data set, it was shown that there can be a very positive yield response to planting soybeans in late March/early April for certain variety/seeding rate combinations. For most variety/seeding rate treatments, there was no major yield loss due to early planting. The last planting date in these studies is often before most producers historically start planting soybeans in the respective locations. Previous work reported in the Kansas Field Research publications had planting dates from early May to late June at Topeka, showing a yield increase with the earlier planting dates if steps were taken to reduce SDS. Further research is needed to determine if these trends for yield response are consistent. An additional question could be identifying varieties that respond with increased yield due to the early planting date more consistently than other varieties.

Information provided by several K-State Agronomist and graduate student involved in the study.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>In an effort to increase soybean yield potential, early planting dates have been promoted as a management practice that can increase soybean yield. Early planting of soybeans can be a relative term, meaning late April/early May for some soybean producers in Kansas, but this definition of early-planted soybeans is late March/early April. Theoretically, the earlier planting date could allow for more vegetative growth and light interception before blooming, increasing the yield potential. With the improvement of soybean seed treatments to protect seed when emergence is slowed due to cool and wet conditions, early planting may be a viable option. This article summarizes research conducted in northeast and north central Kansas to determine the effect of early planting dates, seed density, and maturity group on soybean yield. The planting dates were late March, mid-late April, and May.Procedures - early soybean planting studies were conducted at three KSU Experiment Fields, Kansas River Valley (Topeka), North Central (Scandia), and the Southeast Research and Extension Center (Parsons) in 2022. The experimental fields at Topeka and Scandia were irrigated and the Parsons field was dryland. The Parsons location had a failed crop due to drought. The planting dates were late March, mid-late April, and May. Two varieties were planted at two seeding rates (100,000 and 150,000 seeds/acre) at each of the three planting dates in both locations.Results - the first planting date at Topeka emerged by April 25. In spite of taking three weeks to emerge, there were no large gaps in the stand. The second planting date emerged 12-14 days after planting, and the third took 7 days. The first planting date emerged 99 Growing Degree Days (GDD) before the second planting date and 338 GDD before the third date.Canopy closure with the April 4 planting date was 0.5 and 2.4 days earlier than the April 21 and May 9 planting dates at Topeka. The maturity dates of the three planting dates at Topeka were less than 2 days apart for all treatments. There were very low levels (&lt;5%) of sudden death (SDS) foliar symptoms visible at R6 on September 6, and there were no differences between treatments.The highest yields were just over 80 bu/a for both varieties planted April 4 at 150,000 seeds/acre at Topeka, and the lowest yield was 76 bu/a planted May 9. There was no significant difference between yields of any of the variety/seeding rate/planting date combination yielding between the high and low-yielding treatments.At Scandia, there was a significant yield response to the planting date. The fuller season variety yields ranged from 84 bu/a with the 1st planting date to 64 bu/a in the 3rd. The shorter season variety showed no response to the planting date with an average yield of 72.8 bu/a.Summary -this is the second year this study has been conducted at Topeka and Scandia. Data from the first year of this study (2021) was reported in Kansas Field Research 2022, which had similar results. While caution should be used in making conclusions from this limited data set, it was shown that there can be a very positive yield response to planting soybeans in late March/early April for certain variety/seeding rate combinations. For most variety/seeding rate treatments, there was no major yield loss due to early planting. The last planting date in these studies is often before most producers historically start planting soybeans in the respective locations. Previous work reported in the Kansas Field Research publications had planting dates from early May to late June at Topeka, showing a yield increase with the earlier planting dates if steps were taken to reduce SDS. Further research is needed to determine if these trends for yield response are consistent. An additional question could be identifying varieties that respond with increased yield due to the early planting date more consistently than other varieties.Information provided by several K-State Agronomist and graduate student involved in the study.

CAMPBELL: Effect of early planting dates on soybean yield

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Great Bend school district continues to make progress in its fight against vaping in schools. The USD 428 Board of Education announced the creation of a vaping task force at its March meeting, and the purchase of metal-detecting wands to help combat the problem. Assistant Superintendent John Popp provided updates at Monday's April meeting.

"We've actually divided our vaping task force into two separate groups," he said. "We have a group that is meeting to discuss detection and after-action types of responses; so once we catch somebody vaping, what are our responses and how do we help those students and families in that time, as well as consequences for those kinds of behaviors."

The other side of the task force will focus on education and prevention. The idea is to inform students, parents, and the community at large about the harmful effects of vaping, especially on the adolescent body. USD 428 has teamed up with Juvenile Services, the Barton County Health Department, and Great Bend Police Department.

The district has purchased the $1,700 wands to assist in detecting the metal coils used in vaping devices, and Popp said discussions are still ongoing about vape detectors that can be placed in certain areas, especially in secondary schools. The district has also purchased THC test kits that can unofficially test for additional illegal substances.

The dangers of vaping will be the topic for the next Multicultural Family Engagement program scheduled for Thursday, April 13, in the Great Bend Middle School commons at 7 p.m. The event is open to all USD 428 families, and daycare will be available. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569626317910.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend school district continues to make progress in its fight against vaping in schools. The USD 428 Board of Education announced the creation of a vaping task force at its March meeting, and the purchase of metal-detecting wands to help combat the problem. Assistant Superintendent John Popp provided updates at Monday's April meeting."We've actually divided our vaping task force into two separate groups," he said. "We have a group that is meeting to discuss detection and after-action types of responses; so once we catch somebody vaping, what are our responses and how do we help those students and families in that time, as well as consequences for those kinds of behaviors."The other side of the task force will focus on education and prevention. The idea is to inform students, parents, and the community at large about the harmful effects of vaping, especially on the adolescent body. USD 428 has teamed up with Juvenile Services, the Barton County Health Department, and Great Bend Police Department.The district has purchased the $1,700 wands to assist in detecting the metal coils used in vaping devices, and Popp said discussions are still ongoing about vape detectors that can be placed in certain areas, especially in secondary schools. The district has also purchased THC test kits that can unofficially test for additional illegal substances.The dangers of vaping will be the topic for the next Multicultural Family Engagement program scheduled for Thursday, April 13, in the Great Bend Middle School commons at 7 p.m. The event is open to all USD 428 families, and daycare will be available.

Full steam ahead: GB schools moving forward with vaping task force

On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright shares information about distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

<div><iframe title="April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month; HDP shares safety tips" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=gts85-13dfdb5-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=600" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Hays Police Department Lt. Brandon Wright shares information about distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

🎙 Post Podcast: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month; HDP shares safety tips

News from the Oil Patch, April 10 John P. Tretbar

Crude prices were trading a few cents above $80 a barrel by lunchtime Monday, after dipping below that mark earlier. That's nearly sixty cents below the settlement price on Thursday ($80.69). The markets were closed for Good Friday. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $71 per barrel, the highest price in McPherson since January 20. Just days after leading the way on the output cut announced by its allies, the world’s largest crude exporter is raising prices to its biggest customers.&nbsp; Bloomberg reports that Saudi Aramco bumped up prices 30 cents a barrel in Asia. The government reported average US crude production last week was unchanged from the week before, at 12.232 million barrels per day. We came close to "unchanged" twice in the last year or so, but those totals were rounded to the nearest hundred-thousand barrels. Actual published totals haven't matched in recent memory. US crude inventories dipped by nearly four million barrels last week to 470 million barrels. That's about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year according to the Energy Information Administration. EIA said US crude imports in the week through March 31st rose by 1.8 million barrels from the week before. The four-week average is about 2.3% less than the same period a year ago. Diesel fuel stockpiles as of March 31st were down 3.6 million barrels from the week before. EIA said gasoline stockpiles dropped by more than four million barrels. The auto club AAA says Monday's average US gasoline price is a dime higher than a week ago and 13 cents higher than a month ago at just over $3.60 per gallon. Diesel is down slightly at $4.19. Oklahoma regulators placed limits on water disposal in the oil patch after a series of earthquakes beginning Thursday northeast of Oklahoma City near the town of Carney. One magnitude 4.0 quake was among a half-dozen tremors, some felt as far away as Fayetteville, Arkansas early Thursday morning. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down two oil and two gas rigs, for a total of 751 active rigs. The number of horizontal drilling rigs at work Thursday was down five from a week earlier. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each down one, while Texas was up one rig for the week. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties. The Kansas Rig Count showed 13 active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one from last week. The count west of Wichita was unchanged at 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 310 wells spudded so far this year, down 39 wells from the tally a year ago. The Kansas Corporation Commission Web site notes 96 new intent-to-drill notices statewide last month. that’s 344 for January-through-March, up from 213 at the end of the quarter last year. Barton County notched four new intents in March, 13 for the first quarter of 2023. There were no new intents last month in Ellis County, with 13 so far this year. Russell County added one intent, three so far this year. In Stafford County, the first-quarter tally is 11, with three filed in March. &nbsp; Kansas regulators okayed 39 new drilling permits, including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County among 17 in Western Kansas. That's 353 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 407 a year ago. Operators completed 26 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service. That's 519 so far this year, compared to 433 a year ago. There are 20 in Western Kansas, including one each in Ellis and Barton counties. Total rail traffic was down 7.6% last month, but oil-by-rail posted gains over 9%. The Association of American Railroads reports oil-by-rail for the month increased 4,280 tanker carloads over the same month last year. Weekly traffic was up 18% across the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, April 10 John P. TretbarCrude prices were trading a few cents above $80 a barrel by lunchtime Monday, after dipping below that mark earlier. That's nearly sixty cents below the settlement price on Thursday ($80.69). The markets were closed for Good Friday. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $71 per barrel, the highest price in McPherson since January 20. Just days after leading the way on the output cut announced by its allies, the world’s largest crude exporter is raising prices to its biggest customers.&nbsp; Bloomberg reports that Saudi Aramco bumped up prices 30 cents a barrel in Asia. The government reported average US crude production last week was unchanged from the week before, at 12.232 million barrels per day. We came close to "unchanged" twice in the last year or so, but those totals were rounded to the nearest hundred-thousand barrels. Actual published totals haven't matched in recent memory. US crude inventories dipped by nearly four million barrels last week to 470 million barrels. That's about four percent above the five-year average for this time of year according to the Energy Information Administration. EIA said US crude imports in the week through March 31st rose by 1.8 million barrels from the week before. The four-week average is about 2.3% less than the same period a year ago. Diesel fuel stockpiles as of March 31st were down 3.6 million barrels from the week before. EIA said gasoline stockpiles dropped by more than four million barrels. The auto club AAA says Monday's average US gasoline price is a dime higher than a week ago and 13 cents higher than a month ago at just over $3.60 per gallon. Diesel is down slightly at $4.19. Oklahoma regulators placed limits on water disposal in the oil patch after a series of earthquakes beginning Thursday northeast of Oklahoma City near the town of Carney. One magnitude 4.0 quake was among a half-dozen tremors, some felt as far away as Fayetteville, Arkansas early Thursday morning. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down two oil and two gas rigs, for a total of 751 active rigs. The number of horizontal drilling rigs at work Thursday was down five from a week earlier. Oklahoma and New Mexico were each down one, while Texas was up one rig for the week. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Barton, Russell and Stafford counties. The Kansas Rig Count showed 13 active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is down one from last week. The count west of Wichita was unchanged at 25 rigs. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 310 wells spudded so far this year, down 39 wells from the tally a year ago. The Kansas Corporation Commission Web site notes 96 new intent-to-drill notices statewide last month. that’s 344 for January-through-March, up from 213 at the end of the quarter last year. Barton County notched four new intents in March, 13 for the first quarter of 2023. There were no new intents last month in Ellis County, with 13 so far this year. Russell County added one intent, three so far this year. In Stafford County, the first-quarter tally is 11, with three filed in March. &nbsp; Kansas regulators okayed 39 new drilling permits, including one in Barton County and one in Ellis County among 17 in Western Kansas. That's 353 new drilling locations statewide so far this year, compared to 407 a year ago. Operators completed 26 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service. That's 519 so far this year, compared to 433 a year ago. There are 20 in Western Kansas, including one each in Ellis and Barton counties. Total rail traffic was down 7.6% last month, but oil-by-rail posted gains over 9%. The Association of American Railroads reports oil-by-rail for the month increased 4,280 tanker carloads over the same month last year. Weekly traffic was up 18% across the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Prices at 3-month high after OPEC+ cuts

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Workforce has changed. It’s been that way for years, but the difficulty
of finding qualified employees heightened during and following the COVID-19
pandemic. Great Bend Chamber of Commerce CEO Megan Barfield said many larger
employers and manufacturers in town are looking beyond county and state lines
to find workers. While the company goes through the interview process for the
job details, the Chamber can assist with welcoming the prospects to the area
and attractions. "If employers know someone that is thinking about moving or they are moving, they can call the Chamber and we can give them a relocation packet," said Barfield. "The packet has information to help connect them to community resources...things like where to get your utilities but also things to see and do." 
Barfield noted many times the person applying for the job is excited about the
move if the assignment and pay are right, but sometimes the spouse coming along
can hinder the recruitment if he or she is not in love with the Great Bend
landscape and culture. Barfield said she recently took the spouse of an engineer interviewee for a tour around town, answering questions about the area’s
nature, healthcare and entertainment. "She really like that our downtown was very Hallmark-esque," said Barfield. "If you live here, I don't think you see that or think about that. She couldn't believe how big our courthouse was and the square, and then I told her about all things that happen throughout the year down there. It's that small-town feel, but you're not out in the middle of nowhere with no access to anything." 
Barfield encouraged employers to reach out to the Chamber if they need
assistance in recruitment.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619185518886.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWorkforce has changed. It’s been that way for years, but the difficulty
of finding qualified employees heightened during and following the COVID-19
pandemic. Great Bend Chamber of Commerce CEO Megan Barfield said many larger
employers and manufacturers in town are looking beyond county and state lines
to find workers. While the company goes through the interview process for the
job details, the Chamber can assist with welcoming the prospects to the area
and attractions. "If employers know someone that is thinking about moving or they are moving, they can call the Chamber and we can give them a relocation packet," said Barfield. "The packet has information to help connect them to community resources...things like where to get your utilities but also things to see and do." 
Barfield noted many times the person applying for the job is excited about the
move if the assignment and pay are right, but sometimes the spouse coming along
can hinder the recruitment if he or she is not in love with the Great Bend
landscape and culture. Barfield said she recently took the spouse of an engineer interviewee for a tour around town, answering questions about the area’s
nature, healthcare and entertainment. "She really like that our downtown was very Hallmark-esque," said Barfield. "If you live here, I don't think you see that or think about that. She couldn't believe how big our courthouse was and the square, and then I told her about all things that happen throughout the year down there. It's that small-town feel, but you're not out in the middle of nowhere with no access to anything." 
Barfield encouraged employers to reach out to the Chamber if they need
assistance in recruitment.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Welcome to Great Bend…Chamber assisting in workforce recruitment

Barton County Commission meetings have become a forum for local officials to promote their departments and vent frustrations. Last week, Sheriff Brian Bellendir expressed concern about failed drug-test policies at Central Kansas Community Corrections. Following an executive session during Wednesday's meeting, Community Corrections Director Amy Boxberger addressed those concerns.

"The sheriff has publicly stated that it is the policy of Central Kansas Community Corrections to allow probationers to have positive drug tests with no consequences," she said. "I can assure you, in Barton County alone, I have a caseload of approximately 210 people on supervision and approximately 40 people in custody in the Barton County Jail who would disagree with him."

At the heart of Bellendir's concern is the number of failed drug tests allowed before a person on corrections is reported as in violation. Boxberger said there is accountability but no magic number on failed tests.

"That does not mean that the number is infinite," she said. "Responses should be swift. Best practices are no one-size fits all. There are responses to violations, including drug use on supervision, and the policies support that. Community Corrections is following years of research for evidence-based practices for community supervision to effectuate cost-effective, long-term change to create a safer community as the Kansas Department of Corrections recommends."

Bellendir cited three recent cases, including a police pursuit out of Hoisington on April 1, when 38-year-old William Thomas Frederick, Jr., allegedly fired several shots at a Hoisington police officer. Frederick had absconded from Community Corrections.

"The question with that is, how many bad UAs did this guy have before they violated him?" Bellendir asked after Wednesday's meeting. "Should he have even been on the street? If they would have violated him six months before, would we have had the incident we did? I would speculate he had multiple bad UAs and violations prior to him absconding. Therein lies the crux. Yes, it's my problem at that point, but how many chances was he given? Should he have been violated six months before, before he completely spun off the rails?"

Boxberger provided numbers for the first quarter of 2023 as evidence that violators are being sanctioned. In that time, CKCC issued two arrest-and-detain orders, 17 quick dips, 2-3 day jail sanctions, 59 sanctioned responses to violations, and 67 violation reports filed with Barton County District Court.

"That's a total of 145 sanctioned violation responses that were filed with Barton County District Court in the quarter that we just ended in March," she said. "So we are responding to violations. There are consequences. And when violations cannot be resolved with administrative sanctions, our officers file a case report, an affidavit, and ask the judge to sign a warrant. Once that document is signed, it is distributed to the sheriff's office, and law enforcement becomes responsible for apprehending and bringing the offender before the court. These people are no longer supervised by our agency."

Bellendir said that still does not get to the heart of the matter. Failed drug tests mean the local drug economy still has suppliers and buyers.

"Somebody that has 10 bad UAs, where are they getting the dope?" he said. "They're not getting it at Walmart. They're supporting the local dope dealers, and they're out here committing crimes to support their habit. She will not give you a number on it. She did not give a number on it (Wednesday) morning."

In the commission meeting, Boxberger reiterated that the Kansas Department of Corrections and Community Corrections use evidence-based strategies to address addiction. She said absconders are high-risk offenders, and all sides want drug use to stop. They are just using different tools.

"I understand the concern for drug use in the community," she said. "There are several opportunities for the sheriff and concerned citizens of our community to get involved. One way to show a growth mindset is to encourage those with substance use disorder, to refrain from using derogatory language, or creating more stigma with the public while providing accountability necessary to illicit positive self-change. Recovery is happening. Accountability is happening."

In its effort to address concerns on both sides, the Barton County Commission appointed two more members to the CKCC Advisory Board, bringing the total number to 14 members. Meetings were changed from quarterly to monthly. Advisory Board Chair Hannalore Kitts, a former judge, explained the role of that board.

"The Advisory Board is directed and authorized to formulate an approved comprehensive plan for the operation of community corrections," Kitts said. "We're not responsible to supervise the offenders that are on community corrections, just simply making sure the plan that community corrections is following, that it complies with the state requirements. The Department of Corrections has mandated the advisory boards to do that before the plan is sent to them."

Kitts emphasized that judges are the ones who determine whether or not an individual will go on community corrections. She said the program was created in the late 1980s when the state legislature determined there should be a step up from regular probation because that was not keeping offenders out of jail. The program was a result of cuts to education and treatment programs, and the state did not have enough money to house all the offenders.

Boxberger closed her portion of Wednesday's meeting by thanking her staff. "This has been a difficult time on an already difficult job," she said. "We flinch every time the sirens go off, and they keep coming to work every day." 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678465024989.jpeg" alt="CKCC Director Amy Boxberger outlined her department's work to the Barton County Commission during the March 8 meeting.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>CKCC Director Amy Boxberger outlined her department's work to the Barton County Commission during the March 8 meeting.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBarton County Commission meetings have become a forum for local officials to promote their departments and vent frustrations. Last week, Sheriff Brian Bellendir expressed concern about failed drug-test policies at Central Kansas Community Corrections. Following an executive session during Wednesday's meeting, Community Corrections Director Amy Boxberger addressed those concerns."The sheriff has publicly stated that it is the policy of Central Kansas Community Corrections to allow probationers to have positive drug tests with no consequences," she said. "I can assure you, in Barton County alone, I have a caseload of approximately 210 people on supervision and approximately 40 people in custody in the Barton County Jail who would disagree with him."At the heart of Bellendir's concern is the number of failed drug tests allowed before a person on corrections is reported as in violation. Boxberger said there is accountability but no magic number on failed tests."That does not mean that the number is infinite," she said. "Responses should be swift. Best practices are no one-size fits all. There are responses to violations, including drug use on supervision, and the policies support that. Community Corrections is following years of research for evidence-based practices for community supervision to effectuate cost-effective, long-term change to create a safer community as the Kansas Department of Corrections recommends."Bellendir cited three recent cases, including a police pursuit out of Hoisington on April 1, when 38-year-old William Thomas Frederick, Jr., allegedly fired several shots at a Hoisington police officer. Frederick had absconded from Community Corrections."The question with that is, how many bad UAs did this guy have before they violated him?" Bellendir asked after Wednesday's meeting. "Should he have even been on the street? If they would have violated him six months before, would we have had the incident we did? I would speculate he had multiple bad UAs and violations prior to him absconding. Therein lies the crux. Yes, it's my problem at that point, but how many chances was he given? Should he have been violated six months before, before he completely spun off the rails?"Boxberger provided numbers for the first quarter of 2023 as evidence that violators are being sanctioned. In that time, CKCC issued two arrest-and-detain orders, 17 quick dips, 2-3 day jail sanctions, 59 sanctioned responses to violations, and 67 violation reports filed with Barton County District Court."That's a total of 145 sanctioned violation responses that were filed with Barton County District Court in the quarter that we just ended in March," she said. "So we are responding to violations. There are consequences. And when violations cannot be resolved with administrative sanctions, our officers file a case report, an affidavit, and ask the judge to sign a warrant. Once that document is signed, it is distributed to the sheriff's office, and law enforcement becomes responsible for apprehending and bringing the offender before the court. These people are no longer supervised by our agency."Bellendir said that still does not get to the heart of the matter. Failed drug tests mean the local drug economy still has suppliers and buyers."Somebody that has 10 bad UAs, where are they getting the dope?" he said. "They're not getting it at Walmart. They're supporting the local dope dealers, and they're out here committing crimes to support their habit. She will not give you a number on it. She did not give a number on it (Wednesday) morning."In the commission meeting, Boxberger reiterated that the Kansas Department of Corrections and Community Corrections use evidence-based strategies to address addiction. She said absconders are high-risk offenders, and all sides want drug use to stop. They are just using different tools."I understand the concern for drug use in the community," she said. "There are several opportunities for the sheriff and concerned citizens of our community to get involved. One way to show a growth mindset is to encourage those with substance use disorder, to refrain from using derogatory language, or creating more stigma with the public while providing accountability necessary to illicit positive self-change. Recovery is happening. Accountability is happening."In its effort to address concerns on both sides, the Barton County Commission appointed two more members to the CKCC Advisory Board, bringing the total number to 14 members. Meetings were changed from quarterly to monthly. Advisory Board Chair Hannalore Kitts, a former judge, explained the role of that board."The Advisory Board is directed and authorized to formulate an approved comprehensive plan for the operation of community corrections," Kitts said. "We're not responsible to supervise the offenders that are on community corrections, just simply making sure the plan that community corrections is following, that it complies with the state requirements. The Department of Corrections has mandated the advisory boards to do that before the plan is sent to them."Kitts emphasized that judges are the ones who determine whether or not an individual will go on community corrections. She said the program was created in the late 1980s when the state legislature determined there should be a step up from regular probation because that was not keeping offenders out of jail. The program was a result of cuts to education and treatment programs, and the state did not have enough money to house all the offenders.Boxberger closed her portion of Wednesday's meeting by thanking her staff. "This has been a difficult time on an already difficult job," she said. "We flinch every time the sirens go off, and they keep coming to work every day."

CKCC director addresses concerns of Barton County sheriff

All organizations want to save money, but not at the expense of safety and well-being. The USD 428 Board of Education voted Monday night to approve a new insurance program for district students. Superintendent Khris Thexton explained how the policy is beneficial to the district and students.

"This is a program we have been doing for a number of years under a different company," he said. "I think our previous premiums were north of $40,000 - between $40-45,000. The benefits are similar, but the cost is much better for the district with this program than it is the old program."

The policy through 1st Agency covers injuries for any participant in a school-sponsored or supervised student activity, including athletic events, field trips, and group travel. It also covers catastrophic accidents that are not sports related for all 2,874 district students. The total premium comes in at $18,073.50. Great Bend High School Activities Director Matt Westerhaus said the process for reimbursement is typically user-friendly.

"First and foremost, we need to make sure we are aware of any accidents that take place, then we will communicate with the parents and family members to make sure they understand that process," he said. "Once they're notified, their communication takes place with this company to potentially reimburse or cover whatever their primary insurance doesn't cover."

Money not used for reimbursement will be rolled back into the program to help keep premiums down. The insurance is used to reimburse or supplement personal policies or may be used as primary insurance for uninsured students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681228908393.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAll organizations want to save money, but not at the expense of safety and well-being. The USD 428 Board of Education voted Monday night to approve a new insurance program for district students. Superintendent Khris Thexton explained how the policy is beneficial to the district and students."This is a program we have been doing for a number of years under a different company," he said. "I think our previous premiums were north of $40,000 - between $40-45,000. The benefits are similar, but the cost is much better for the district with this program than it is the old program."The policy through 1st Agency covers injuries for any participant in a school-sponsored or supervised student activity, including athletic events, field trips, and group travel. It also covers catastrophic accidents that are not sports related for all 2,874 district students. The total premium comes in at $18,073.50. Great Bend High School Activities Director Matt Westerhaus said the process for reimbursement is typically user-friendly."First and foremost, we need to make sure we are aware of any accidents that take place, then we will communicate with the parents and family members to make sure they understand that process," he said. "Once they're notified, their communication takes place with this company to potentially reimburse or cover whatever their primary insurance doesn't cover."Money not used for reimbursement will be rolled back into the program to help keep premiums down. The insurance is used to reimburse or supplement personal policies or may be used as primary insurance for uninsured students.

Great Bend board approves insurance policy for students

From a child’s perspective, you can never go wrong with an Easter egg
hunt. Find eggs, get candy. The Great Bend Recreation Commission took the
concept even further this month with their Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Great
Bend Rec Program Director Megan Hammeke said there were 254 entries
pre-registered for the event and at least 100 more children signed up at the event. 
"We filled up the Sports Complex parking lot," said Hammeke. "They were parking almost to Central Kansas Christian Academy because there were so many people coming. If you weren't early, they were running just get to the egg hunt on time." 
Children ages 0-12 were divided into groups to hunt 5,000 eggs in the evening with
their flashlights at the Great Bend Sports Complex.&nbsp;

"We actually bought a bike for every age group," said Hammeke. "There was a golden ticket on each field. In the 9-12 year-old range, the girl that found the golden ticket, her dad came up and told us how big of a blessing it was. They were trying to figure out how to buy their daughter a bike because she needed one this summer. She was the one that found the golden ticket." Earlier in the day, the Great Bend Rec hosted the PAWesome Easter Egg hunt at
Veterans Memorial Park where 92 dogs hunted for eggs with pet-friendly treats
inside. The 92 dogs was an increase from the 60 participants from a year ago.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679680966138.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFrom a child’s perspective, you can never go wrong with an Easter egg
hunt. Find eggs, get candy. The Great Bend Recreation Commission took the
concept even further this month with their Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Great
Bend Rec Program Director Megan Hammeke said there were 254 entries
pre-registered for the event and at least 100 more children signed up at the event. 
"We filled up the Sports Complex parking lot," said Hammeke. "They were parking almost to Central Kansas Christian Academy because there were so many people coming. If you weren't early, they were running just get to the egg hunt on time." 
Children ages 0-12 were divided into groups to hunt 5,000 eggs in the evening with
their flashlights at the Great Bend Sports Complex.&nbsp;"We actually bought a bike for every age group," said Hammeke. "There was a golden ticket on each field. In the 9-12 year-old range, the girl that found the golden ticket, her dad came up and told us how big of a blessing it was. They were trying to figure out how to buy their daughter a bike because she needed one this summer. She was the one that found the golden ticket." Earlier in the day, the Great Bend Rec hosted the PAWesome Easter Egg hunt at
Veterans Memorial Park where 92 dogs hunted for eggs with pet-friendly treats
inside. The 92 dogs was an increase from the 60 participants from a year ago.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend enjoyed unique Easter egg hunts this year

As of April 4, nearly all of Barton County was listed in the "exceptional drought" category released by U.S. Drought Monitor. Since then, fire conditions have only worsened with no moisture, high winds, and climbing temperatures. On behalf of area fire chiefs, Barton County Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller requested a burn ban be reinstated county-wide. Claflin Fire Chief Doug Hubbard attended the meeting to support the request.

"We know a burn ban won't prevent the accidental fires, and we've had some of those in our area," Hubbard said. "We also had a fire that was caused by a controlled burn, a big one. We're just asking for some help with prevention."

Commissioners and other county officials have spoken to fire chiefs from Great Bend, Ellinwood, and Hoisington. All agree a burn ban is an appropriate measure. Albert Fire Chief Charlie Keller said his city burned limbs in a pit two months ago. The city does not add limbs for at least a month, but a resident added limbs Saturday, resulting in a fire.

"Two months, it was still hot," Keller said. "I went out and dumped 2,000 gallons of water on it. It seems to be out. I've been checking it every day. It isn't that they burn today and it's over is our issue. This stuff stays hot. As dry as we are, no rain in the foreseeable future, this puts a little more teeth into what we're trying to do out here preventing."

Ness County has had a burn ban for approximately a month, and Rush County recently reinstated a ban. Last week, Governor Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency for wildland fires to assist counties in the event of a large fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680799509824.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAs of April 4, nearly all of Barton County was listed in the "exceptional drought" category released by U.S. Drought Monitor. Since then, fire conditions have only worsened with no moisture, high winds, and climbing temperatures. On behalf of area fire chiefs, Barton County Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller requested a burn ban be reinstated county-wide. Claflin Fire Chief Doug Hubbard attended the meeting to support the request."We know a burn ban won't prevent the accidental fires, and we've had some of those in our area," Hubbard said. "We also had a fire that was caused by a controlled burn, a big one. We're just asking for some help with prevention."Commissioners and other county officials have spoken to fire chiefs from Great Bend, Ellinwood, and Hoisington. All agree a burn ban is an appropriate measure. Albert Fire Chief Charlie Keller said his city burned limbs in a pit two months ago. The city does not add limbs for at least a month, but a resident added limbs Saturday, resulting in a fire."Two months, it was still hot," Keller said. "I went out and dumped 2,000 gallons of water on it. It seems to be out. I've been checking it every day. It isn't that they burn today and it's over is our issue. This stuff stays hot. As dry as we are, no rain in the foreseeable future, this puts a little more teeth into what we're trying to do out here preventing."Ness County has had a burn ban for approximately a month, and Rush County recently reinstated a ban. Last week, Governor Laura Kelly declared a disaster emergency for wildland fires to assist counties in the event of a large fire.

Barton County reinstates burn ban

Doing something just because friends did it does not always have the best results. It turned into something historic for Great Bend High School's Valarie Luna. Now a senior, Luna started track as a seventh grader because her friends were doing it. Friday in Wichita, she broke a 44-year-old school record in the high jump.

"All my friends were doing track, so I was just like, I'll do track too," Luna said. "One of my good friends, Jaydon Davis, was like, 'You can jump pretty high. Why don't you come try it with me?' So I did, then I fell in love with the sport."

Luna set a new personal best on the biggest stage last year. After missing her first jump at 5-4 at state, she cleared the bar on her next attempt. Andover Central's Brittany Harshaw cleared 5-4 on her first try. Both jumpers missed on their first two attempts at 5-6, and both cleared the bar on their final tries. That first miss proved to be the difference between a state championship and a silver medal, but the points helped Great Bend edge Kapaun Mt. Carmel for the second-place team trophy.

In the first week of the 2023 season, Luna cleared the bar at 5-2 in a meet. She was inching closer to the record heading into the Pre-State Challenge Friday at Wichita State University.

"At practice, I think it was Tuesday, I jumped 5-6, and I hit it with the back of my heel," said Luna. "Coach was like, 'Oh yeah. You've got this. You're breaking the school record. You're way over it.' Just him believing in me and having that good practice before we actually left was a help."

Jumping Coach Bill Maddy recorded the practice, and Luna could see herself going over the bar but clipping it with her foot at the end. She made the adjustment, then jumped into the history books a few days later by clearing 5-6.5. Sally Boyd previously held the record set in 1979.

Luna's jumping ability has worked in other sports. A standout volleyball player, she has signed to play next year at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City. "Volleyball and track, high jumping especially, have some similarities because I'm a middle blocker and all I do is jump, basically," Valarie said.

Luna also ran for Great Bend's record-breaking 4x100m relay team last year alongside Mackenzie Premer, Sadie Spray, and Kara Feist. That team also broke the previous record from 1979. Valarie is the daughter of Daniel and Pamela Luna.

The Great Bend High School track and field teams host the Jack Bowman Invitational on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681230988430.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDoing something just because friends did it does not always have the best results. It turned into something historic for Great Bend High School's Valarie Luna. Now a senior, Luna started track as a seventh grader because her friends were doing it. Friday in Wichita, she broke a 44-year-old school record in the high jump."All my friends were doing track, so I was just like, I'll do track too," Luna said. "One of my good friends, Jaydon Davis, was like, 'You can jump pretty high. Why don't you come try it with me?' So I did, then I fell in love with the sport."Luna set a new personal best on the biggest stage last year. After missing her first jump at 5-4 at state, she cleared the bar on her next attempt. Andover Central's Brittany Harshaw cleared 5-4 on her first try. Both jumpers missed on their first two attempts at 5-6, and both cleared the bar on their final tries. That first miss proved to be the difference between a state championship and a silver medal, but the points helped Great Bend edge Kapaun Mt. Carmel for the second-place team trophy.In the first week of the 2023 season, Luna cleared the bar at 5-2 in a meet. She was inching closer to the record heading into the Pre-State Challenge Friday at Wichita State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680979361220.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"At practice, I think it was Tuesday, I jumped 5-6, and I hit it with the back of my heel," said Luna. "Coach was like, 'Oh yeah. You've got this. You're breaking the school record. You're way over it.' Just him believing in me and having that good practice before we actually left was a help."Jumping Coach Bill Maddy recorded the practice, and Luna could see herself going over the bar but clipping it with her foot at the end. She made the adjustment, then jumped into the history books a few days later by clearing 5-6.5. Sally Boyd previously held the record set in 1979.Luna's jumping ability has worked in other sports. A standout volleyball player, she has signed to play next year at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City. "Volleyball and track, high jumping especially, have some similarities because I'm a middle blocker and all I do is jump, basically," Valarie said.Luna also ran for Great Bend's record-breaking 4x100m relay team last year alongside Mackenzie Premer, Sadie Spray, and Kara Feist. That team also broke the previous record from 1979. Valarie is the daughter of Daniel and Pamela Luna.The Great Bend High School track and field teams host the Jack Bowman Invitational on Friday.

Raising the bar: Luna breaks decades-old record at GBHS

Encounter Church, an Assemblies of God church in Great Bend, recently celebrated the grand opening of Life Coffee Shop. The new café space is open on Sunday mornings before worship service.

“We are very excited about this new gathering space,” said Senior Pastor Dwight Dozier. “Our mission is to help people encounter God, to help them encounter their God-given purpose, and to help them encounter friendships. This beautiful new space is perfect for socializing before services, or for hosting a Bible study during the week. We know it will be well-used for many years to come.”

The coffee shop space was renovated primarily by volunteers within the church congregation, with the supervision and collaboration of professional vendors as needed. The renovation is just a small part of a multi-year legacy campaign happening at Encounter Church to invest in the future of the church’s ministry by modernizing and updating the church facilities.

“Not only does Life Coffee Shop serve as a gathering space for attendees at our church, it’s also helping to raise funds for missions,” Dozier added. “And on top of that, the beans we use are from Seven Weeks Coffee, an organization working to protect every beating heart, and who will be donating a portion of our bean sales to Moment of Grace Pregnancy Medical Clinic locally.”

Life Coffee Shop is open Wednesday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. prior to discipleship activities at Encounter Church, and on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. before worship service. It may also be open for special events throughout the year. The public is welcome and invited to check out the new space during its operating hours, or to visit www.encounterchurchgb.com to learn more online. Encounter Church is located at 601 Patton Road in Great Bend. For more information, call 620-792-5211.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681226014346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSEncounter Church, an Assemblies of God church in Great Bend, recently celebrated the grand opening of Life Coffee Shop. The new café space is open on Sunday mornings before worship service.“We are very excited about this new gathering space,” said Senior Pastor Dwight Dozier. “Our mission is to help people encounter God, to help them encounter their God-given purpose, and to help them encounter friendships. This beautiful new space is perfect for socializing before services, or for hosting a Bible study during the week. We know it will be well-used for many years to come.”The coffee shop space was renovated primarily by volunteers within the church congregation, with the supervision and collaboration of professional vendors as needed. The renovation is just a small part of a multi-year legacy campaign happening at Encounter Church to invest in the future of the church’s ministry by modernizing and updating the church facilities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681226049961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Not only does Life Coffee Shop serve as a gathering space for attendees at our church, it’s also helping to raise funds for missions,” Dozier added. “And on top of that, the beans we use are from Seven Weeks Coffee, an organization working to protect every beating heart, and who will be donating a portion of our bean sales to Moment of Grace Pregnancy Medical Clinic locally.”Life Coffee Shop is open Wednesday evenings from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. prior to discipleship activities at Encounter Church, and on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. before worship service. It may also be open for special events throughout the year. The public is welcome and invited to check out the new space during its operating hours, or to visit www.encounterchurchgb.com to learn more online. Encounter Church is located at 601 Patton Road in Great Bend. For more information, call 620-792-5211.

Great Bend church celebrates opening of coffee shop

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (4/11) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 5:59 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 90 Avenue &amp; NW 100 Road. 
 
Trash Complaint / Dumping 
 
At 1:19 p.m. a trash complaint was reported at 350 NE 30 Road. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 9:41 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 4701 10th Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log
(4/11) 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 1:35 A.M. marijuana was located at 10th &amp; Williams. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 6:08 a.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 1108 Warner Rd. 
 
Fireworks Complaint 
 
At 9:48 a.m. a report of a smoke bomb being thrown on his lawn overnight
creating a burned patch was made at 1901 Cottonwood Dr. 
 
Falls 
 
At 11:35 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3317 Broadway. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 12:21 p.m. electrical wire hanging down was reported at 1705 Taft Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 1105 Williams Street. 
 
At 2:42 p.m. an accident was reported at 4107 10th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 3:59 a dog charging at him on the sidewalk was reported at 2715 19th
Street. 
 
At 8:06 p.m. a barking dog was reported at 9th &amp; Morton. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 9:41 p.m. marijuana was located at 4701 10th Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 11:34 p.m. K-9 Menta was utilized during a traffic stop at 10th
&amp; 281 Bypass.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (4/11) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 5:59 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 90 Avenue &amp; NW 100 Road. 
 
Trash Complaint / Dumping 
 
At 1:19 p.m. a trash complaint was reported at 350 NE 30 Road. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 9:41 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 4701 10th Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log
(4/11) 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 1:35 A.M. marijuana was located at 10th &amp; Williams. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 6:08 a.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 1108 Warner Rd. 
 
Fireworks Complaint 
 
At 9:48 a.m. a report of a smoke bomb being thrown on his lawn overnight
creating a burned patch was made at 1901 Cottonwood Dr. 
 
Falls 
 
At 11:35 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3317 Broadway. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 12:21 p.m. electrical wire hanging down was reported at 1705 Taft Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 1105 Williams Street. 
 
At 2:42 p.m. an accident was reported at 4107 10th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 3:59 a dog charging at him on the sidewalk was reported at 2715 19th
Street. 
 
At 8:06 p.m. a barking dog was reported at 9th &amp; Morton. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 9:41 p.m. marijuana was located at 4701 10th Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 11:34 p.m. K-9 Menta was utilized during a traffic stop at 10th
&amp; 281 Bypass.

Cop Shop (4/11)

🎥Barton County Historical Society (SPONSORED)

4/11 BOOKED: Levi Nord on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Sharr Hamby-Diehl on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: David Smith on Barton County District Court warrant for Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Shaminy Clone on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $2,645.50 cash only or 49 days in jail.

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

RELEASED: Zachariah Dittrick on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Timothy Chism on KDOC Parole A&amp;D warrant for Parole Violation by a KDOC warrant withdrawal, releasing back to KDOC Parole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>4/11 BOOKED: Levi Nord on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Sharr Hamby-Diehl on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: David Smith on Barton County District Court warrant for Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Shaminy Clone on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $2,645.50 cash only or 49 days in jail.BOOKED: Heather Holmes on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Zachariah Dittrick on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to KDOC.RELEASED: Timothy Chism on KDOC Parole A&amp;D warrant for Parole Violation by a KDOC warrant withdrawal, releasing back to KDOC Parole.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (4/11)

Today Sunny, with a high near 85. Breezy, with a south wind 18 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 22 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 85. Windy, with a south wind 21 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Windy, with a south wind 28 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Friday A slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Night A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Breezy.

Saturday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Breezy.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 72.

Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 39.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 77.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 85. Breezy, with a south wind 18 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 22 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 85. Windy, with a south wind 21 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph.Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Windy, with a south wind 28 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.Friday A slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Friday Night A 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Breezy.Saturday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Breezy.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 72.Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 39.Monday Sunny, with a high near 77.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 77.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday weather

By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher Spring has sprung on our central Kansas farm. The daffodils and apricot trees are in full bloom and being visited by the honeybees. The small flock of sheep we’ve been caring for all winter have now more than doubled as all of the ewes have lambed. Now the pasture is full of little white lambs frolicking and bouncing all around as their mothers keep watch. Our machine shop has also transitioned from housing a winter basketball court to housing a planter being prepped and bags of corn seed stacked high as we await our season of spring planting. Like any spring, the Kansas weather has fluctuated from cold to warm and from cold to hot. I’ve experienced many recent days where I’ve had my son change out of the athletic shorts he planned to wear to school and instead have made him get some pants on. There’s also been days where I’ve told the kids to leave their coats at home only to regret that decision when the temperatures drop a bit too much by the time they get off the afternoon bus.&nbsp; It’s definitely the time of the year where major fluctuations in weather still occur. It’s also the time of the year where some serious countdowns have begun.&nbsp; While state assessments are about to begin for my children, school will actually wrap up and the kids will be on summer break in less than 30 days. We’ve made it past the holiday celebrations, the winter concerts, the days of indoor recesses, and the mornings of waiting for the school bus in the dark. Daylight is noticeably getting longer, talk of the end-of-year field day has begun and summer camp forms are being sent home. I can assure you, the kids have already started their final countdown. With that final countdown to summer break, there is also an elevated level of anticipation as we get closer and closer to the return of my son’s cattle from their winter pastures. They will be worked in the coming days and then brought home to pasture over the summer months in the pastures nearest our house. I can’t wait to see the cows grazing nearby while I look out my front windows. While we prepare the fencing and the water sources, we know the clock continues to tick for the herd’s arrival home for the summer. The countdown carries over as we also prepare to get the machines in the fields to begin spring planting. While we’ve been making final adjustments to the planter, we’ve also been anxiously awaiting a good spring rain before planting the seeds into the ground. While it seems we aren’t in as big of a hurry as previous years to start planting, mostly due to the dry conditions, the countdown has clearly begun and we wait and watch to determine when we will give ourselves the greenlight to begin. Yes, spring has definitely sprung! And with it, all of the final countdowns have also begun. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573617414005.jpeg" alt="Kim Baldwin" />
 <figcaption>Kim Baldwin</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIM BALDWIN McPherson County farmer and rancher Spring has sprung on our central Kansas farm. The daffodils and apricot trees are in full bloom and being visited by the honeybees. The small flock of sheep we’ve been caring for all winter have now more than doubled as all of the ewes have lambed. Now the pasture is full of little white lambs frolicking and bouncing all around as their mothers keep watch. Our machine shop has also transitioned from housing a winter basketball court to housing a planter being prepped and bags of corn seed stacked high as we await our season of spring planting. Like any spring, the Kansas weather has fluctuated from cold to warm and from cold to hot. I’ve experienced many recent days where I’ve had my son change out of the athletic shorts he planned to wear to school and instead have made him get some pants on. There’s also been days where I’ve told the kids to leave their coats at home only to regret that decision when the temperatures drop a bit too much by the time they get off the afternoon bus.&nbsp; It’s definitely the time of the year where major fluctuations in weather still occur. It’s also the time of the year where some serious countdowns have begun.&nbsp; While state assessments are about to begin for my children, school will actually wrap up and the kids will be on summer break in less than 30 days. We’ve made it past the holiday celebrations, the winter concerts, the days of indoor recesses, and the mornings of waiting for the school bus in the dark. Daylight is noticeably getting longer, talk of the end-of-year field day has begun and summer camp forms are being sent home. I can assure you, the kids have already started their final countdown. With that final countdown to summer break, there is also an elevated level of anticipation as we get closer and closer to the return of my son’s cattle from their winter pastures. They will be worked in the coming days and then brought home to pasture over the summer months in the pastures nearest our house. I can’t wait to see the cows grazing nearby while I look out my front windows. While we prepare the fencing and the water sources, we know the clock continues to tick for the herd’s arrival home for the summer. The countdown carries over as we also prepare to get the machines in the fields to begin spring planting. While we’ve been making final adjustments to the planter, we’ve also been anxiously awaiting a good spring rain before planting the seeds into the ground. While it seems we aren’t in as big of a hurry as previous years to start planting, mostly due to the dry conditions, the countdown has clearly begun and we wait and watch to determine when we will give ourselves the greenlight to begin. Yes, spring has definitely sprung! And with it, all of the final countdowns have also begun. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The final countdown

The plant with the little purple flowers that have been showing up in home lawns is called henbit. If you are not sure this is what you have, check the stems. If they are square rather than round, you have henbit. A plant that also is low growing but has round stems and tiny white flowers is chickweed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both these plants are winter annuals and start to grow in the fall. They spend the winter as small plants and so most people do not pay much attention to them until they start to flower in the spring. Trying to kill either one at this late stage with a herbicide usually is a waste of time and money. Though plants may be burned back, they will rarely be killed. So what should you do? Remember, these are winter annuals that will die as soon as the weather turns hot.&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep the lawn mowed until nature takes its course.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, you can do something next fall that will help the following spring. There are two possible courses of action, as far as chemical controls go. The first is to apply a preemergence herbicide in early to mid-September.&nbsp; This will prevent henbit and other winter annuals from germinating. Preemergence herbicides labeled for both henbit and chickweed include prodiamine (Barricade), dithiopyr (Dimension),&nbsp; isoxaben (Gallery), pendimethalin (Halts and others), oryzalin (Surflan and Weed Impede) and XL. All but Surflan, Weed Impede and XL are also labeled for speedwell. The second course of action is to wait until late October or early November (after most henbit has germinated) and use a postemergence broadleaf herbicide, such as those mentioned above. With this approach, most of the henbit will be killed but, because small numbers of henbit continue to germinate through the late fall and winter, some plants will be missed. This approach works well because henbit is relatively easy to kill in the fall and many people want to treat for dandelions at that time (i.e., October) anyway. Just remember you will have to do some spot-spraying in the spring if you want to get all the henbit. As a final note, henbit will not be very competitive in dense, healthy lawns, so good cultural management will reduce the need for herbicides.&nbsp;

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The plant with the little purple flowers that have been showing up in home lawns is called henbit. If you are not sure this is what you have, check the stems. If they are square rather than round, you have henbit. A plant that also is low growing but has round stems and tiny white flowers is chickweed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both these plants are winter annuals and start to grow in the fall. They spend the winter as small plants and so most people do not pay much attention to them until they start to flower in the spring. Trying to kill either one at this late stage with a herbicide usually is a waste of time and money. Though plants may be burned back, they will rarely be killed. So what should you do? Remember, these are winter annuals that will die as soon as the weather turns hot.&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep the lawn mowed until nature takes its course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, you can do something next fall that will help the following spring. There are two possible courses of action, as far as chemical controls go. The first is to apply a preemergence herbicide in early to mid-September.&nbsp; This will prevent henbit and other winter annuals from germinating. Preemergence herbicides labeled for both henbit and chickweed include prodiamine (Barricade), dithiopyr (Dimension),&nbsp; isoxaben (Gallery), pendimethalin (Halts and others), oryzalin (Surflan and Weed Impede) and XL. All but Surflan, Weed Impede and XL are also labeled for speedwell. The second course of action is to wait until late October or early November (after most henbit has germinated) and use a postemergence broadleaf herbicide, such as those mentioned above. With this approach, most of the henbit will be killed but, because small numbers of henbit continue to germinate through the late fall and winter, some plants will be missed. This approach works well because henbit is relatively easy to kill in the fall and many people want to treat for dandelions at that time (i.e., October) anyway. Just remember you will have to do some spot-spraying in the spring if you want to get all the henbit. As a final note, henbit will not be very competitive in dense, healthy lawns, so good cultural management will reduce the need for herbicides.&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.&nbsp;

BOOR: Henbit and chickweed in lawns 

In 2022, there was an average of three work zone crashes every day in
Kansas. A work zone is an area of a street or highway with construction,
maintenance or utility work. The Kansas Department of Transportation
construction and maintenance workers face danger on a daily basis in their
jobs. KDOT Public Affairs Manager Tim Potter said employees or contracted
workers try to do everything possible to make sure drivers are aware of work
zones. "One of the main things we rely on are signs that people should heed," said Potter. "In particular, one of the most important signs is the reduced speed limit sign for the work zone. There's work activity going on, construction vehicles and workers around." 
National Work Zone Awareness week will begin April 17 to highlight the
importance of slowing down while in work zones.

Potter said awareness of work
zones is also for the safety of motorists. Between 85% to 90% of the time, the
people that are injured in work zone crashes are motorists. "We rely on people being alert," said Potter. "The top contributing circumstance of work zone crashes is inattention. People are following too closely, driving to fast for the conditions, improperly changing lanes or violating the right-of-way." 
Everyone is encouraged to wear orange on April 19, the official “Go
Orange Day” in Kansas to show support for Kansas highway workers.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681138545119.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn 2022, there was an average of three work zone crashes every day in
Kansas. A work zone is an area of a street or highway with construction,
maintenance or utility work. The Kansas Department of Transportation
construction and maintenance workers face danger on a daily basis in their
jobs. KDOT Public Affairs Manager Tim Potter said employees or contracted
workers try to do everything possible to make sure drivers are aware of work
zones. "One of the main things we rely on are signs that people should heed," said Potter. "In particular, one of the most important signs is the reduced speed limit sign for the work zone. There's work activity going on, construction vehicles and workers around." 
National Work Zone Awareness week will begin April 17 to highlight the
importance of slowing down while in work zones. Potter said awareness of work
zones is also for the safety of motorists. Between 85% to 90% of the time, the
people that are injured in work zone crashes are motorists. "We rely on people being alert," said Potter. "The top contributing circumstance of work zone crashes is inattention. People are following too closely, driving to fast for the conditions, improperly changing lanes or violating the right-of-way." 
Everyone is encouraged to wear orange on April 19, the official “Go
Orange Day” in Kansas to show support for Kansas highway workers.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Stay alert: Three work zone crashes per day in Kansas

On April 6, at approximately 2:50 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 block of K-96 Highway for a moving infraction. 

During the traffic stop, K9 Menta was utilized to conduct a free air sniff, where she alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics. Officers located prescription medications, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. Officers also located a pair of brass knuckles and a firearm. 

The driver of the vehicle, Laughn Seltmann, age 56, was placed under arrest for possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, unlawful carry of a weapon, driving while suspended and no proof of current insurance. Seltmann was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked in lieu of bond. 

If anyone has any information regarding this or any other investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at (620) 793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at (620) 792-1300.

On April 7, at approximately 2:39 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of Garfield Street for an equipment infraction. 

During the traffic stop, K9 Menta was utilized to conduct a free air sniff, where she alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics. Officers located a glass pipe containing a white residue and a small bag containing a white powdery substance. 

The driver of the vehicle, Crystal Bates, age 38, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license. BATES was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked in lieu of a $10,000 bond. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681228801838.jpeg" alt="Laughn Seltmann" />
 <figcaption>Laughn Seltmann</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 6, at approximately 2:50 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 block of K-96 Highway for a moving infraction. During the traffic stop, K9 Menta was utilized to conduct a free air sniff, where she alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics. Officers located prescription medications, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. Officers also located a pair of brass knuckles and a firearm. The driver of the vehicle, Laughn Seltmann, age 56, was placed under arrest for possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, unlawful carry of a weapon, driving while suspended and no proof of current insurance. Seltmann was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked in lieu of bond. If anyone has any information regarding this or any other investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at (620) 793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at (620) 792-1300.---<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681228775583.jpeg" alt="Crystal Bates" />
 <figcaption>Crystal Bates</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 7, at approximately 2:39 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of Garfield Street for an equipment infraction. During the traffic stop, K9 Menta was utilized to conduct a free air sniff, where she alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics. Officers located a glass pipe containing a white residue and a small bag containing a white powdery substance. The driver of the vehicle, Crystal Bates, age 38, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license. BATES was transported to the Barton County Jail where she was booked in lieu of a $10,000 bond. If anyone has any information regarding this or any other investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at (620) 793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at (620) 792-1300.

K-9 Menta assists with two drug arrests in Great Bend

Water is easy to take for granted - until it's no longer there. Over the past years, many organizations submitted ways for the state to conserve and improve water resources. Those ideas became the Kansas Water Plan (KWP) that was adopted in 2022. Monday at the Great Bend Senior Center, Barton County Conservation District Manager Veronica Coons explained what the KWP means for Barton County in an event co-hosted by the League of Women Voters.

"It's not law," Coons said. "It's a plan, and it's a voluntary plan, so all the efforts going into it are voluntary efforts. The big thing we're trying to do is do more outreach, more education to help people understand the importance of adopting some of the things we're looking at to help conserve and protect our water resources here."

The KWP has five guiding principles that include securing, protecting, and restoring Kansas reservoirs and reducing vulnerability to extreme events. Right now, most of the state is classified as at least abnormally dry, with exceptional drought affecting some 50 counties. Ideas like using less water to irrigate lawns and using moisture sensors on crops can help conserve water.

"We definitely need to conserve water, but it's not something we predict is going to be forever," Coons said. "We're not in a forever drought or anything. It's always going to be important to conserve water. It's always going to be important to protect the quality of the water, whether you're in a drought or a flood cycle. Becoming aware of that is important for everybody."

Read the 2022 Kansas Water Plan in its entirety <a href="https://kwo.ks.gov/docs/default-source/water-vision-water-plan/water-plan/complete-kwp-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=57338e14_2">HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680615113272.png" alt="Center pivot irrigation sprayers like this one in Finney County have become common sights across western Kansas. These systems use water more efficiently than the old flood irrigation methods that preceded them, but new technology can help farmers conserve even more. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Center pivot irrigation sprayers like this one in Finney County have become common sights across western Kansas. These systems use water more efficiently than the old flood irrigation methods that preceded them, but new technology can help farmers conserve even more. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWater is easy to take for granted - until it's no longer there. Over the past years, many organizations submitted ways for the state to conserve and improve water resources. Those ideas became the Kansas Water Plan (KWP) that was adopted in 2022. Monday at the Great Bend Senior Center, Barton County Conservation District Manager Veronica Coons explained what the KWP means for Barton County in an event co-hosted by the League of Women Voters."It's not law," Coons said. "It's a plan, and it's a voluntary plan, so all the efforts going into it are voluntary efforts. The big thing we're trying to do is do more outreach, more education to help people understand the importance of adopting some of the things we're looking at to help conserve and protect our water resources here."The KWP has five guiding principles that include securing, protecting, and restoring Kansas reservoirs and reducing vulnerability to extreme events. Right now, most of the state is classified as at least abnormally dry, with exceptional drought affecting some 50 counties. Ideas like using less water to irrigate lawns and using moisture sensors on crops can help conserve water."We definitely need to conserve water, but it's not something we predict is going to be forever," Coons said. "We're not in a forever drought or anything. It's always going to be important to conserve water. It's always going to be important to protect the quality of the water, whether you're in a drought or a flood cycle. Becoming aware of that is important for everybody."Read the 2022 Kansas Water Plan in its entirety <a href="https://kwo.ks.gov/docs/default-source/water-vision-water-plan/water-plan/complete-kwp-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=57338e14_2">HERE.</a>

Coons explains what state water plan means to Barton Co.

Alligators are back out at Great Bend zoo

After 23 years in a leadership role at Clara Barton Medical Center in
Hoisington, including the last several years as CEO, Jim Blackwell announced
his resignation this month. Blackwell has accepted a consulting position with
Great Plains Health Alliance, based in Wichita but he will be able to work from
home and remain in Hoisington. 

Blackwell said conversations of possibly working
with Great Plains began years ago but wanted the timing to be right, especially
with new construction and renovations that were ongoing. "It was the hardest decision of my life," said Blackwell. "I love everything here. The trajectory of our hospital is going in a great way. When all the stars started to align, I thought it was a great time to be able to step off the bus and hand it to somebody else. They're going to be able to continue to pace this organization and mission forward." 
Blackwell noted he couldn’t have asked for a better board and more than 300
employees to work with during his time at Clara Barton. "There is a deep-rooted pride in what everybody does here, and it resonates to the work that people render to the patients that walk through our door," said Blackwell. "That's the one thing I'm the most proud of...is seeing everyone come together in this healthcare community, and we all push forward with that common goal in mind." 
Blackwell’s final day with Clara Barton is May 31.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680806295010.jpeg" alt="Clara Barton Medical Center CEO Jim Blackwell will resign on May 31, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Clara Barton Medical Center CEO Jim Blackwell will resign on May 31, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAfter 23 years in a leadership role at Clara Barton Medical Center in
Hoisington, including the last several years as CEO, Jim Blackwell announced
his resignation this month. Blackwell has accepted a consulting position with
Great Plains Health Alliance, based in Wichita but he will be able to work from
home and remain in Hoisington. Blackwell said conversations of possibly working
with Great Plains began years ago but wanted the timing to be right, especially
with new construction and renovations that were ongoing. "It was the hardest decision of my life," said Blackwell. "I love everything here. The trajectory of our hospital is going in a great way. When all the stars started to align, I thought it was a great time to be able to step off the bus and hand it to somebody else. They're going to be able to continue to pace this organization and mission forward." 
Blackwell noted he couldn’t have asked for a better board and more than 300
employees to work with during his time at Clara Barton. "There is a deep-rooted pride in what everybody does here, and it resonates to the work that people render to the patients that walk through our door," said Blackwell. "That's the one thing I'm the most proud of...is seeing everyone come together in this healthcare community, and we all push forward with that common goal in mind." 
Blackwell’s final day with Clara Barton is May 31.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Clara Barton CEO: We all pushed forward with a common goal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681225742459.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Middle School Principal David Reiser" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Middle School Principal David Reiser</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681225588411.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 428 personnel changes; GBMS principal retires

Sometimes the good news has to wait. The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) was originally going to announce its baseball and softball championship site host sites in October of last year. Last Friday, the KCAC board announced both championships will remain at the Great Bend Sports Complex through the 2025 season. Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau Director Christina Hayes said this is the ninth year for the championships and thanked the Great Bend Rec for its work in helping keep the championships here. 

"Not only is it good for tourism and bringing in sales tax dollars and transient guest tax dollars, but this was a dedication and promise of the city council, the school district, and the Rec, all who have said they promise to bring in big tournaments to help have outside visitors spend money in town," she said. "This is a huge win for Great Bend, everyone involved, and we really appreciate KCAC for choosing us."

The championships first came to Great Bend in 2014. Since then, there have been many upgrades to the Sports Complex, including the $1.37 million project to turf the fields. That helped secure the new deal with KCAC.

"I think the Rec and the CVB, we put together such a great bid, and the Rec has done such a great job in the past being an amazing host to KCAC," Hayes said. "We, as a community, are so thankful they would choose us because that is a good four days of hotel fills. Of course, they eat our restaurants, they fuel up, they spend money, and it does put Great Bend on the map for the KCAC collegiate teams."

The KCAC Softball Championships will take place from May 3-5 at the Complex, and the Baseball Championships will run May 3-6.

“The KCAC is delighted with Great Bend’s desire to continue as our partner in hosting the conference’s Softball and Baseball Championships through the 2025 season,” said Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner.  “We very much appreciate the upgrades to the Great Bend Sports Complex, the hospitality felt by KCAC teams when in Great Bend, and the city’s commitment to putting on two excellent events.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681138901859.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSometimes the good news has to wait. The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) was originally going to announce its baseball and softball championship site host sites in October of last year. Last Friday, the KCAC board announced both championships will remain at the Great Bend Sports Complex through the 2025 season. Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau Director Christina Hayes said this is the ninth year for the championships and thanked the Great Bend Rec for its work in helping keep the championships here. "Not only is it good for tourism and bringing in sales tax dollars and transient guest tax dollars, but this was a dedication and promise of the city council, the school district, and the Rec, all who have said they promise to bring in big tournaments to help have outside visitors spend money in town," she said. "This is a huge win for Great Bend, everyone involved, and we really appreciate KCAC for choosing us."The championships first came to Great Bend in 2014. Since then, there have been many upgrades to the Sports Complex, including the $1.37 million project to turf the fields. That helped secure the new deal with KCAC."I think the Rec and the CVB, we put together such a great bid, and the Rec has done such a great job in the past being an amazing host to KCAC," Hayes said. "We, as a community, are so thankful they would choose us because that is a good four days of hotel fills. Of course, they eat our restaurants, they fuel up, they spend money, and it does put Great Bend on the map for the KCAC collegiate teams."The KCAC Softball Championships will take place from May 3-5 at the Complex, and the Baseball Championships will run May 3-6.“The KCAC is delighted with Great Bend’s desire to continue as our partner in hosting the conference’s Softball and Baseball Championships through the 2025 season,” said Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner. “We very much appreciate the upgrades to the Great Bend Sports Complex, the hospitality felt by KCAC teams when in Great Bend, and the city’s commitment to putting on two excellent events.”

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