Great Bend Post Great Bend High School wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman is expected to take the head wrestling coach position at Barton Community College, pending Board of Trustees approval.&nbsp;

The board will make a motion to approve the personnel report at their meeting on Tuesday, March 28.&nbsp; More details to come on greatbendpost.com.&nbsp;

Great Bend Post Great Bend High School wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman is expected to take the head wrestling coach position at Barton Community College, pending Board of Trustees approval.&nbsp; The board will make a motion to approve the personnel report at their meeting on Tuesday, March 28.&nbsp; More details to come on greatbendpost.com.&nbsp;

GBHS wrestling coach Broeckelman expected to take Barton job

Join the Great Bend Recreation Commission for a fantastic PAWesome Easter Egg Hunt for your four-legged canine friends. The event will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at Veteran’s Memorial Park next to the Dog Park.

Easter eggs will have small pet-friendly treats inside of them, and others will have vouchers for larger prizes. The hunt will be divided into two sections, Small Dog Breed Hunt and Large Dog Breed Hunt. For everyone’s safety, all dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Registration for the event begins at 1 p.m. and the egg hunt will begin at 1:15 p.m. A fee of $5 per dog will be collected and proceeds will go to improvements at the dog park.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit their website at www.greatbendrec.com or call the Recreation Commission office at 620-793-3755 ext. 110.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679680851642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Join the Great Bend Recreation Commission for a fantastic PAWesome Easter Egg Hunt for your four-legged canine friends. The event will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at Veteran’s Memorial Park next to the Dog Park.Easter eggs will have small pet-friendly treats inside of them, and others will have vouchers for larger prizes. The hunt will be divided into two sections, Small Dog Breed Hunt and Large Dog Breed Hunt. For everyone’s safety, all dogs must be on a leash at all times.Registration for the event begins at 1 p.m. and the egg hunt will begin at 1:15 p.m. A fee of $5 per dog will be collected and proceeds will go to improvements at the dog park.In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit their website at www.greatbendrec.com or call the Recreation Commission office at 620-793-3755 ext. 110.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679680864634.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Great Bend Rec hosting Easter egg hunt for your dogs

Contractors are wrapping up Cycle 4 and will begin work for Billing Cycle 1 later this week. The additional cycles will follow as the project progresses. We thank you for your patience as we work to make improvements.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, (620) 793-4150&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jcauley@greatbendks.net" target="_blank">jcauley@greatbendks.net</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679669854594.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the City of Great Bend...Contractors are wrapping up Cycle 4 and will begin work for Billing Cycle 1 later this week. The additional cycles will follow as the project progresses. We thank you for your patience as we work to make improvements.If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director, (620) 793-4150&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jcauley@greatbendks.net" target="_blank">jcauley@greatbendks.net</a>.&nbsp;

Automated water meter infrastructure work continues

BARTON COUNTY — Authorities investigating the home explosion in Great Bend have confirmed the identity of the man who died as&nbsp;48-year-old Ryan Neil Kleweno, according to Police Lt. Heather Smith. "He lived in the home."

The explosion at the home in the 700 block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. Wednesday&nbsp;was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.

Kleweno was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later to the burn unit in a Wichita hospital where he died.

 Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.

Testing showed that the gas line from the main to the structure was intact and was not leaking, according to Smith.

 There was significant damage to neighboring structures and vehicles. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679599027514.png" alt="The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Photo courtesy Great Bend Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Photo courtesy Great Bend Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY — Authorities investigating the home explosion in Great Bend have confirmed the identity of the man who died as&nbsp;48-year-old Ryan Neil Kleweno, according to Police Lt. Heather Smith. "He lived in the home."The explosion at the home in the 700 block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. Wednesday&nbsp;was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.Kleweno was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later to the burn unit in a Wichita hospital where he died. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.Testing showed that the gas line from the main to the structure was intact and was not leaking, according to Smith. There was significant damage to neighboring structures and vehicles. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.&nbsp;

Police confirm ID of man who died in Great Bend home explosion

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action is March 31. To help promote the campaign, four Barton County Youth Crew members traveled to Topeka March 1-2 to speak with state legislators about tobacco and vaping policies. The group shared thoughts about the trip with Barton County Commissioners during Wednesday's meeting. Hoisington Middle School student Brody Rossman spoke of the money grab that is the big tobacco industry.

"As part of this campaign, we went to talk to representatives and senators," he said. "We talked about taking down big tobacco and stopping the influencing of younger people. These companies get kids hooked, and they know they have customers until they either quit or die. They really only care about money."

Great Bend High School sophomore Jasmine Figueroa said approximately 100 students representing groups similar to Youth Crew participated in the two-day event. One activity was demonstrating how many people are affected by tobacco.

"Part of it was we took construction flags, the ones you throw down, and we put them all over the front of the capital building," she said. "There were about 7,000 of them we put down. Each represented a tobacco-related death in the state of Kansas."

Great Bend Middle School student Paige Trendel spoke of meeting with Senator Larry Alley, and Ellinwood High Schooler Alvin Bowyer said the $9.9 million Kansas recently received as part of a settlement against vaping giant Juul should go back into programs to help stop kids from vaping.

Youth Crew will host its second annual "Kick the Habit" kickball tournament Saturday at the Great Bend Sports Complex. Juvenile Services teamed up with Health Occupation Students of America to purchase Hawaiian leis to be handed out at GBHS on March 31 to promote "laying" off tobacco.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679580370034.jpeg" alt="Barton County Youth Crew members met with state legislators earlier this month as part of the Take Down Tobacco campaign. Pictured, from left: Great Bend's Paige Trendel and Jasmine Figueroa, Sen. Larry Alley, Ellinwood's Alvin Bowyer, and Hoisington's Brody Rossman." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Youth Crew members met with state legislators earlier this month as part of the Take Down Tobacco campaign. Pictured, from left: Great Bend's Paige Trendel and Jasmine Figueroa, Sen. Larry Alley, Ellinwood's Alvin Bowyer, and Hoisington's Brody Rossman.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTake Down Tobacco National Day of Action is March 31. To help promote the campaign, four Barton County Youth Crew members traveled to Topeka March 1-2 to speak with state legislators about tobacco and vaping policies. The group shared thoughts about the trip with Barton County Commissioners during Wednesday's meeting. Hoisington Middle School student Brody Rossman spoke of the money grab that is the big tobacco industry."As part of this campaign, we went to talk to representatives and senators," he said. "We talked about taking down big tobacco and stopping the influencing of younger people. These companies get kids hooked, and they know they have customers until they either quit or die. They really only care about money."Great Bend High School sophomore Jasmine Figueroa said approximately 100 students representing groups similar to Youth Crew participated in the two-day event. One activity was demonstrating how many people are affected by tobacco."Part of it was we took construction flags, the ones you throw down, and we put them all over the front of the capital building," she said. "There were about 7,000 of them we put down. Each represented a tobacco-related death in the state of Kansas."Great Bend Middle School student Paige Trendel spoke of meeting with Senator Larry Alley, and Ellinwood High Schooler Alvin Bowyer said the $9.9 million Kansas recently received as part of a settlement against vaping giant Juul should go back into programs to help stop kids from vaping.Youth Crew will host its second annual "Kick the Habit" kickball tournament Saturday at the Great Bend Sports Complex. Juvenile Services teamed up with Health Occupation Students of America to purchase Hawaiian leis to be handed out at GBHS on March 31 to promote "laying" off tobacco.

Youth Crew members visit statehouse for Take Down Tobacco Day

The lesser prairie chicken debate has arrived in Barton County. At least indirectly. Last November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a final rule to register the bird as threatened or endangered in two Distinct Population Segments (DPSs). The Kansas National Resource Coalition (KNRC) has asked its member counties, including Barton, for support in proceeding with a lawsuit to challenge the listing. County Administrator Matt Patzner laid out the issue to commissioners during Wednesday's meeting.

"The listing has come under fire from Kansas congressional delegations, state legislators, including a 60-day notice of intent to sue by the Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach," he said. "The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks recently also announced their disapproval of the listing due to an uptrend in LPC populations in Kansas."

The lesser prairie chicken was listed as a "threatened" species in an area that includes 41 counties in Kansas, including Barton, and listed as an "endangered" species in areas of New Mexico and Texas. A final listing would affect how farmers and ranchers use their land. 

The KNRC has 30 member counties and continues to grow. That group was recently contacted by Pacific Legal Foundation, a public-interest law firm that offered free legal representation for the lawsuit that would set aside the rule restricting landowners. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said it makes no sense for the rule to impact Barton County residents.

"The lesser prairie chicken is probably very important, I don't know," he said. "But there aren't any in Barton County, so why would we try to impose restrictions on ourselves for something that is not here?"

The commission voted 5-0 to support the KNRC in the lawsuit. The KNRC will move forward if a majority of its 30 counties follow suit. The USFWS listing will take effect on March 27.

U.S wildlife officials believe only about 32,000 lesser prairie chickens remain. In January, Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall were part of a group that issued a statement condemning the USFWS's listing, stating that previous conservation work has been successful. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has also stated she would oppose the listing. Jessica Augustine, executive director of the Kansas Audobon Society and an expert on prairie chickens, has come out in favor of the listing, calling Kobach's statements misleading and a scare tactic directed at farmers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627998771383.png" alt="Photo courtesy of Stacy Hoeme" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Stacy Hoeme</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe lesser prairie chicken debate has arrived in Barton County. At least indirectly. Last November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a final rule to register the bird as threatened or endangered in two Distinct Population Segments (DPSs). The Kansas National Resource Coalition (KNRC) has asked its member counties, including Barton, for support in proceeding with a lawsuit to challenge the listing. County Administrator Matt Patzner laid out the issue to commissioners during Wednesday's meeting."The listing has come under fire from Kansas congressional delegations, state legislators, including a 60-day notice of intent to sue by the Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach," he said. "The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks recently also announced their disapproval of the listing due to an uptrend in LPC populations in Kansas."The lesser prairie chicken was listed as a "threatened" species in an area that includes 41 counties in Kansas, including Barton, and listed as an "endangered" species in areas of New Mexico and Texas. A final listing would affect how farmers and ranchers use their land. The KNRC has 30 member counties and continues to grow. That group was recently contacted by Pacific Legal Foundation, a public-interest law firm that offered free legal representation for the lawsuit that would set aside the rule restricting landowners. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said it makes no sense for the rule to impact Barton County residents."The lesser prairie chicken is probably very important, I don't know," he said. "But there aren't any in Barton County, so why would we try to impose restrictions on ourselves for something that is not here?"The commission voted 5-0 to support the KNRC in the lawsuit. The KNRC will move forward if a majority of its 30 counties follow suit. The USFWS listing will take effect on March 27.U.S wildlife officials believe only about 32,000 lesser prairie chickens remain. In January, Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall were part of a group that issued a statement condemning the USFWS's listing, stating that previous conservation work has been successful. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has also stated she would oppose the listing. Jessica Augustine, executive director of the Kansas Audobon Society and an expert on prairie chickens, has come out in favor of the listing, calling Kobach's statements misleading and a scare tactic directed at farmers.

Barton Co. votes to support lawsuit against lesser prairie chicken ruling

Learning the risks and rewards of Wall Street, 270 students at Great Bend High School recently participated in the Sixth Annual Legacy Financial Solutions Investment Challenge.

Utilizing an online platform called How the Market Works, participants started the month of February with $100,000 virtual cash to “invest” at their discretion. While the online trading platform provides research tools, investment content, and real-time trading to simulate participation in the stock market, students and staff members have the opportunity to test their own strategies and experiment with their investments.

At the end of the month-long simulation, the top three student winners were Braxton Love, first; Dustyn Epp, second; and Kyler Harris, third.

“The popularity of the investment challenge has grown substantially in the past six years,” said Lacy Wolters, GBHS career/ACT coordinator. “It’s exciting to see students participate year after year, as well as their enthusiasm grow for personal finance and the stock market.”

“The investment challenge allows students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to a realistic simulation, and even if they’re not enrolled in a personal finance class, they can still participate,” said Wolters.

“It’s our goal to give students a real-life foundation in the world of investments and financial planning,” said Matt Hiss, investment advisor representative with Legacy Financial Solutions. “As participation grows, the excitement tells us we are offering a program where students both learn and enjoy. We enjoy partnering with the school to give students and staff members this experience.”

The Legacy Financial Solutions Investment Challenge awarded the following prizes to the USD 428 staff winners, Daniel Schneider, first place; Jason Duvall, second place; and Andrea Bauer, third place.

For more information on the Great Bend High School Personal Finance and Investing class or the “How the Market Works” simulation, please contact Lacy Wolters at&nbsp; (620) 793-1521. For information about Legacy Financial Solutions, call (620) 792-6333 or visit their office at 2001 Broadway Ave in Downtown Great Bend. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679576764734.jpeg" alt="Matt and Dena Hiss (right) of Legacy Financial Solutions visited Robin Linsner's Personal Finance and Investing class to present Braxton Love with his back-to-back first-place Visa gift card." />
 <figcaption>Matt and Dena Hiss (right) of Legacy Financial Solutions visited Robin Linsner's Personal Finance and Investing class to present Braxton Love with his back-to-back first-place Visa gift card.</figcaption>
 </figure>Learning the risks and rewards of Wall Street, 270 students at Great Bend High School recently participated in the Sixth Annual Legacy Financial Solutions Investment Challenge.Utilizing an online platform called How the Market Works, participants started the month of February with $100,000 virtual cash to “invest” at their discretion. While the online trading platform provides research tools, investment content, and real-time trading to simulate participation in the stock market, students and staff members have the opportunity to test their own strategies and experiment with their investments.At the end of the month-long simulation, the top three student winners were Braxton Love, first; Dustyn Epp, second; and Kyler Harris, third.“The popularity of the investment challenge has grown substantially in the past six years,” said Lacy Wolters, GBHS career/ACT coordinator. “It’s exciting to see students participate year after year, as well as their enthusiasm grow for personal finance and the stock market.”“The investment challenge allows students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to a realistic simulation, and even if they’re not enrolled in a personal finance class, they can still participate,” said Wolters.“It’s our goal to give students a real-life foundation in the world of investments and financial planning,” said Matt Hiss, investment advisor representative with Legacy Financial Solutions. “As participation grows, the excitement tells us we are offering a program where students both learn and enjoy. We enjoy partnering with the school to give students and staff members this experience.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679576815568.jpeg" alt="GBHS Math Teacher Daniel Schneider won first place among district staff." />
 <figcaption>GBHS Math Teacher Daniel Schneider won first place among district staff.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Legacy Financial Solutions Investment Challenge awarded the following prizes to the USD 428 staff winners, Daniel Schneider, first place; Jason Duvall, second place; and Andrea Bauer, third place.For more information on the Great Bend High School Personal Finance and Investing class or the “How the Market Works” simulation, please contact Lacy Wolters at&nbsp; (620) 793-1521. For information about Legacy Financial Solutions, call (620) 792-6333 or visit their office at 2001 Broadway Ave in Downtown Great Bend.

Investment challenge brings stock market to life for GBHS students

On Friday, March 24, at about 9:45 a.m., members of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at four locations simultaneously. The target of the warrants was the Holiday Apartments located at 5210 10th Street in Great Bend. 

A few weeks prior to Friday’s arrests, law enforcement had responded to this apartment complex for a suspected fentanyl overdose. Deputies made forcible entry into all four apartments. During the course of the investigation detectives located methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia. The fentanyl will be sent to the KBI for analysis.

Two persons were arrested at the scene. Steven Chad Reed, age 47 of Great Bend, was arrested on two warrants stemming from previous charges of assault on a law enforcement officer and a domestic violence battery case. Reed is being held in lieu of $6,000 bond. Also arrested was Brianna Feist, age 25 of Great Bend. Feist was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Feist is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.

Some of the individuals targeted in this operation were not home at the time of the search warrants. As this investigation continues further arrests are expected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679682599599.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, March 24, at about 9:45 a.m., members of the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at four locations simultaneously. The target of the warrants was the Holiday Apartments located at 5210 10th Street in Great Bend. A few weeks prior to Friday’s arrests, law enforcement had responded to this apartment complex for a suspected fentanyl overdose. Deputies made forcible entry into all four apartments. During the course of the investigation detectives located methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia. The fentanyl will be sent to the KBI for analysis.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679682619023.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two persons were arrested at the scene. Steven Chad Reed, age 47 of Great Bend, was arrested on two warrants stemming from previous charges of assault on a law enforcement officer and a domestic violence battery case. Reed is being held in lieu of $6,000 bond. Also arrested was Brianna Feist, age 25 of Great Bend. Feist was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Feist is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679682631111.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Some of the individuals targeted in this operation were not home at the time of the search warrants. As this investigation continues further arrests are expected.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679682573104.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton Co. Sheriff's Office execute 4 search warrants; arrests made

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/doPcPDLJu2o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎤 Forward Ever: Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason

On March 23, 2023 at about 2:45 PM the Sheriff’s Office was notified of an accident in the 900 block of E. Barton County Rd. This location is just east of the junction of US 56 and E. Barton County Rd. near Ellinwood.

Upon arrival Sheriff’s deputies located a 1993 Ford Ranger pickup, green in color that had overturned and was in a field on the north side of the roadway. The sole occupant of the vehicle later identified as Ronald Kelly age 84 of Ellinwood was trapped in the vehicle. Personnel from the Ellinwood Fire Department and EMS Service extracted Kelly from the vehicle at which time he was transported to Ellinwood District Hospital. Kelly was flown to a Wichita area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigation at the scene indicates the vehicle was eastbound and for unknown reasons left the roadway and struck a farm driveway at which point it became airborne. The vehicle vaulted over the drive landing in the field on the other side and overturned. Kelly was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the possibility the driver had a medical incident prior to the collision.

The Sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the Ellinwood Police Department, Ellinwood EMS Service, and Ellinwood Fire Department. A Game Warden from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks also stopped to assist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679676127333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On March 23, 2023 at about 2:45 PM the Sheriff’s Office was notified of an accident in the 900 block of E. Barton County Rd. This location is just east of the junction of US 56 and E. Barton County Rd. near Ellinwood.Upon arrival Sheriff’s deputies located a 1993 Ford Ranger pickup, green in color that had overturned and was in a field on the north side of the roadway. The sole occupant of the vehicle later identified as Ronald Kelly age 84 of Ellinwood was trapped in the vehicle. Personnel from the Ellinwood Fire Department and EMS Service extracted Kelly from the vehicle at which time he was transported to Ellinwood District Hospital. Kelly was flown to a Wichita area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679677978849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigation at the scene indicates the vehicle was eastbound and for unknown reasons left the roadway and struck a farm driveway at which point it became airborne. The vehicle vaulted over the drive landing in the field on the other side and overturned. Kelly was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the possibility the driver had a medical incident prior to the collision.The Sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the Ellinwood Police Department, Ellinwood EMS Service, and Ellinwood Fire Department. A Game Warden from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks also stopped to assist.

Fatal car accident near Ellinwood

RICE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of fraudulent debit/credit card purchases at fuel pumps, according to a media release from police in Lyons.

Police believe a device know as a skimmer was placed on a fuel pump card reader.&nbsp;The skimming device is used to capture the magnetic strip containing a customer's personal information, name and credit card number.

In October, police investigated a similar device on gas pump at travel centers in Salina.&nbsp; In January, police found a skimmer on a pump in Atwood and in the Sumner County community of Oxford.

Police advised, when using credit or debt cards at fuel pumps, check to make sure the card reader is secure to the pump. If you find that the card reader is not secure please contact Lyons Police Department immediately. 620-257-2355

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673955619636.png" alt="Skimmer from a gas pump in NW Kansas&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Skimmer from a gas pump in NW Kansas&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several cases of fraudulent debit/credit card purchases at fuel pumps, according to a media release from police in Lyons.Police believe a device know as a skimmer was placed on a fuel pump card reader.&nbsp;The skimming device is used to capture the magnetic strip containing a customer's personal information, name and credit card number.In October, police investigated a similar device on gas pump at travel centers in Salina.&nbsp; In January, police found a skimmer on a pump in Atwood and in the Sumner County community of Oxford.Police advised, when using credit or debt cards at fuel pumps, check to make sure the card reader is secure to the pump. If you find that the card reader is not secure please contact Lyons Police Department immediately. 620-257-2355

Police: Possible card skimmer on gas pump in Lyons

The Barton Music Department will present a choral concert at 7:30 p.m. April 20 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Admission is free.

Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eric Foley said the concert will include all Barton vocal ensembles.&nbsp;

“Groups will perform some music that originates from either Kansas composers or arrangers, all of them living, plus selections from popular music from the fifties to the present," he said. "Our smaller ensembles will present some works from the early days of television and the Ed Sullivan show and then will combine to share popular music from an earlier period as well.&nbsp; There will be something for everyone in addition to highlighting our own musicians that hail from Kansas."

For more information, contact Foley at (620) 792-9395 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foleye@bartonccc.edu">foleye@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://shows.bartonccc.edu/">shows.bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679575380267.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaThe Barton Music Department will present a choral concert at 7:30 p.m. April 20 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Admission is free.Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eric Foley said the concert will include all Barton vocal ensembles.&nbsp;“Groups will perform some music that originates from either Kansas composers or arrangers, all of them living, plus selections from popular music from the fifties to the present," he said. "Our smaller ensembles will present some works from the early days of television and the Ed Sullivan show and then will combine to share popular music from an earlier period as well.&nbsp; There will be something for everyone in addition to highlighting our own musicians that hail from Kansas."For more information, contact Foley at (620) 792-9395 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foleye@bartonccc.edu">foleye@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://shows.bartonccc.edu/">shows.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Music Department to present spring choral concert

The City of Great Bend reported a water main break at the intersection of Grant Street and Lakin Avenue. The city street &amp; water departments are working on the issue.

Eisenhower Elementary School is closing due to the water main break. Families have been notified, and students can be picked up as soon as possible.

Expect water service outages in the area. The streets surrounding the intersection will be closed to allow the crews to work.

If you have any questions or concerns contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, 620-793-4150.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679672753368.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Great Bend reported a water main break at the intersection of Grant Street and Lakin Avenue. The city street &amp; water departments are working on the issue.Eisenhower Elementary School is closing due to the water main break. Families have been notified, and students can be picked up as soon as possible.Expect water service outages in the area. The streets surrounding the intersection will be closed to allow the crews to work.If you have any questions or concerns contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, 620-793-4150.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679672769430.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Water main break at Grant & Lakin in Great Bend

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

RUSSELL — An 11-year-old from Russell is making some tasty treats with the hopes of helping some furry friends.

Kyleigh Funk, a fifth-grader, is a partner in Funky Sweet Treats. Her mom makes specialty cakes and cookies.

Kyleigh makes dog and cat treats. Fifty percent of Kyleigh's proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. She made her first donation of 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys plus treats to the society over the weekend.

Kyleigh has two dogs and two cats; three of them were rescues from the humane society. Maddie is a lab and boxer mix. Chief is a mutt, and she has two cats Mater and Tater. Kyleigh said she wanted to help other animals.

Kyleigh Funk baking cat and dog treats in her home kitchen. Courtesy photo.

She said her dogs really like both the dog and cat treats. The cats haven't been so wild about the cat treats.&nbsp;

Apple chicken or peanut butter dog treats are $7 a dozen. Tuna cat treats are $5 per bag.

The other 50 percent of Kyleigh's proceeds she plans to use on summer activities. She plays softball and football.

Kyleigh began baking with her mom when she was little. She poured the dry ingredients in a mixing a bowl that was bigger than she was and got to stir. She said she's always loved to bake and hopes to be a baker when she grows up.

Kyleigh Funk with the 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys she recently donated to the Human Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo.

"It's just kind of calming and fun to do," she said of baking.&nbsp;

Kyleigh cooks in her home kitchen with her mom with organic ingredients.

The treats come from simple recipes Kyleigh said her mom helped her find. They include whole wheat flour, eggs, baby food, and peanut butter or tuna.&nbsp;

You can contact Kyleigh's mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/842357592471015/user/506546113/">Jennifer Funk, on Facebook</a>&nbsp;to order cat or dog treats. You also can buy treats in-person at Korner K9 Canine Grooming, 1036 N. Fossil, Russell, or at the Russell Farmer's Market this summer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679344551021.jpeg" alt="Kyleigh Funk, 11, Russell, is selling homemade cat and dog treats. Fifty percent of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Kyleigh Funk, 11, Russell, is selling homemade cat and dog treats. Fifty percent of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. Photo by Cristina Janney / Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostRUSSELL — An 11-year-old from Russell is making some tasty treats with the hopes of helping some furry friends.Kyleigh Funk, a fifth-grader, is a partner in Funky Sweet Treats. Her mom makes specialty cakes and cookies.Kyleigh makes dog and cat treats. Fifty percent of Kyleigh's proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the High Plains. She made her first donation of 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys plus treats to the society over the weekend.Kyleigh has two dogs and two cats; three of them were rescues from the humane society. Maddie is a lab and boxer mix. Chief is a mutt, and she has two cats Mater and Tater. Kyleigh said she wanted to help other animals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679344622709.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kyleigh Funk baking cat and dog treats in her home kitchen. Courtesy photo.She said her dogs really like both the dog and cat treats. The cats haven't been so wild about the cat treats.&nbsp;Apple chicken or peanut butter dog treats are $7 a dozen. Tuna cat treats are $5 per bag.The other 50 percent of Kyleigh's proceeds she plans to use on summer activities. She plays softball and football.Kyleigh began baking with her mom when she was little. She poured the dry ingredients in a mixing a bowl that was bigger than she was and got to stir. She said she's always loved to bake and hopes to be a baker when she grows up.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679345159375.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kyleigh Funk with the 41 dog toys and 36 cat toys she recently donated to the Human Society of the High Plains. Courtesy photo."It's just kind of calming and fun to do," she said of baking.&nbsp;Kyleigh cooks in her home kitchen with her mom with organic ingredients.The treats come from simple recipes Kyleigh said her mom helped her find. They include whole wheat flour, eggs, baby food, and peanut butter or tuna.&nbsp;You can contact Kyleigh's mother,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/842357592471015/user/506546113/">Jennifer Funk, on Facebook</a>&nbsp;to order cat or dog treats. You also can buy treats in-person at Korner K9 Canine Grooming, 1036 N. Fossil, Russell, or at the Russell Farmer's Market this summer.

Russell pre-teen helping Humane Society by baking cat, dog treats

3/23 BOOKED: Joshua Hillbrink on KDOC warrant for Parole Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Daulton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Christopher Mattox on Pratt County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Logan Wells on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of school property, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/23 BOOKED: Joshua Hillbrink on KDOC warrant for Parole Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Daulton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Christopher Mattox on Pratt County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Logan Wells on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of school property, bond set at $100,000 C/S.RELEASED: Christopher Scheck on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/23)

Today A slight chance of showers before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. North-northeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 9 mph.

Saturday A 40-percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Light and variable wind becoming west 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday A 30-percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A slight chance of showers before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. North-northeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 9 mph.Saturday A 40-percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 51. Light and variable wind becoming west 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Saturday Night A 40-percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Sunday A 30-percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Breezy.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

A shot made in 1998 occasionally rears its head all these years later on the basketball court. In the NCAA Tournament that year, Valparaiso opened the bracket as a big underdog against Mississippi State. Valpo trailed 69-67 into the final seconds when Homer Drew called the Pacer play:&nbsp; an inbounds pass sailed over the midcourt line where it was quickly passed to a running Bryce Drew. The ensuing 3-point shot helped propel Valpo to the Sweet 16 as the No. 13 seed.

Great Bend-native Matt Keeley had a Cinderella story of his own going in the NAIA National Tournament. His Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit needed a buzzer-beater and wins against two top-10 nationally ranked teams to advance to the Fab Four in Kansas City. There, OUAZ erased most of a 23-point deficit but came up a point shy of the upset against top-ranked College of Idaho to end the season with a 25-10 record.

"Our guys are starting to Ted Lasso it and hit the 'believe' sign," Keeley said of the run. "Confidence is contagious and it's a big-time drug. We were just on a roll and we were playing well. The locker room at the end was pretty devastating because we were convinced we were going to win it. We thought we had as good a shot as anyone. When it ends, it caught us off guard because we thought we had another day left in us."

The Spirit made the 800-mile trip from Surprise, Ariz. to Park City's Hartman Arena for round one of the tournament. For Keeley, a 2000 graduate of Great Bend High School, the trip was like a Homecoming.

"When the draw came out we were super excited, or I was," he said. "It had nothing to do with who we were playing and everything to do with where we were playing. It was so close to home, and knowing right away some friends and family were going to be able to get down there."

But the best finish in school history almost never happened. The Spirit trailed Baker University by four points in the final 30 seconds of the first round. OUAZ forced overtime, but again the outlook was bleak as Baker took the lead with just 2.7 seconds remaining.

"In overtime, we kind of controlled it," Keeley said. "We thought with 16 seconds to go we're going to win. We have the ball and we're ahead. Then a turnover and a clutch shot by one of their players, now with two seconds left we're going to lose. We run the old Valpo play."

The old Valpo play worked. Josiah De'LaCerda scored the final four points in regulation to force overtime, and his 3-pointer at the buzzer sent the Spirit into the second round.

"What's hilarious is we're in the locker room afterward and our guys are like, 'Coach, where did you come up with that play? That was awesome,'" said Keeley. "'Yeah, I just thought of it. It just came to me.' We had to show them the video because most of these guys weren't born until like 2001."

Things got a little easier after that. OUAZ downed seventh-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan to advance to the Round of 16 at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium. The NAIA Tournament was played in the historic building from 1937 to 1974, then has hosted each tournament since 2002. The building played host to three of the first NCAA Final Fours. It hosted its final NCAA Tournament game in 1964.

"Wilt Chamberlain played in that building, and John Wooden has coached in that building," Keeley said. "To take your team and be a part of that, and now they get to experience it, that's what was really fun. I hope I get to do that often. Winning is hard, so you never take it for granted, but to take a team and be a part of the history of the tournament and the history of that building, and they leave that legacy, that's probably the coolest thing."

OUAZ defeated Southeastern University (Fla.) 79-71 to advance to the school's first-ever Great 8. The Spirit then knocked off tenth-ranked Montana Tech 76-58 to advance to the Fab Four. There, OUAZ drew top-ranked College of Idaho, winners of 34-straight games, including 16 consecutive wins by double figures.

The Spirit trailed by 23 points with under 13 minutes to play in that contest. Keeley's team made a run. The coach nearly decided to begin fouling with more than six minutes to play. Instead, he waited until the final media timeout and began fouling with nearly three minutes remaining. The strategy paid off as the Yotes went 18 of 30 from the line in the second half. Two late missed Idaho free throws resulted in an offensive rebound and two made free throws. Those would prove to be the difference.

Twice in the final seconds, OUAZ was able to cut the gap to a single point. De'leCerda, hero of the first game of the tournament, put up a game-tying attempt near the buzzer. He rebounded the blocked shot and swished a jumper at the buzzer, but the shot came from inside the arc. The Spirit comeback bid came up one point shy at 73-72.

Keeley accepted the job in Arizona six years ago. He's received two regional coaching honors and reached the national tournament in back-to-back seasons. It's a far cry from the program's beginnings - using area high school gyms that made it recruiting difficult. Keeley hopes that will change after this year's run.

"We have been back in the office both (Monday and Tuesday), taking a swing at some guys maybe we couldn't have gotten to answer the phone in the past," he said. "All of a sudden, we're making plans to get them on campus and into their living rooms to present all the positives we have going on out here. We think there are several of them. We're definitely trying to take that momentum and show you're not helping to build it, now you're helping to sustain it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678798785026.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA shot made in 1998 occasionally rears its head all these years later on the basketball court. In the NCAA Tournament that year, Valparaiso opened the bracket as a big underdog against Mississippi State. Valpo trailed 69-67 into the final seconds when Homer Drew called the Pacer play:&nbsp; an inbounds pass sailed over the midcourt line where it was quickly passed to a running Bryce Drew. The ensuing 3-point shot helped propel Valpo to the Sweet 16 as the No. 13 seed.Great Bend-native Matt Keeley had a Cinderella story of his own going in the NAIA National Tournament. His Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit needed a buzzer-beater and wins against two top-10 nationally ranked teams to advance to the Fab Four in Kansas City. There, OUAZ erased most of a 23-point deficit but came up a point shy of the upset against top-ranked College of Idaho to end the season with a 25-10 record."Our guys are starting to Ted Lasso it and hit the 'believe' sign," Keeley said of the run. "Confidence is contagious and it's a big-time drug. We were just on a roll and we were playing well. The locker room at the end was pretty devastating because we were convinced we were going to win it. We thought we had as good a shot as anyone. When it ends, it caught us off guard because we thought we had another day left in us."The Spirit made the 800-mile trip from Surprise, Ariz. to Park City's Hartman Arena for round one of the tournament. For Keeley, a 2000 graduate of Great Bend High School, the trip was like a Homecoming.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678381237830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"When the draw came out we were super excited, or I was," he said. "It had nothing to do with who we were playing and everything to do with where we were playing. It was so close to home, and knowing right away some friends and family were going to be able to get down there."But the best finish in school history almost never happened. The Spirit trailed Baker University by four points in the final 30 seconds of the first round. OUAZ forced overtime, but again the outlook was bleak as Baker took the lead with just 2.7 seconds remaining."In overtime, we kind of controlled it," Keeley said. "We thought with 16 seconds to go we're going to win. We have the ball and we're ahead. Then a turnover and a clutch shot by one of their players, now with two seconds left we're going to lose. We run the old Valpo play."The old Valpo play worked. Josiah De'LaCerda scored the final four points in regulation to force overtime, and his 3-pointer at the buzzer sent the Spirit into the second round."What's hilarious is we're in the locker room afterward and our guys are like, 'Coach, where did you come up with that play? That was awesome,'" said Keeley. "'Yeah, I just thought of it. It just came to me.' We had to show them the video because most of these guys weren't born until like 2001."Things got a little easier after that. OUAZ downed seventh-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan to advance to the Round of 16 at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium. The NAIA Tournament was played in the historic building from 1937 to 1974, then has hosted each tournament since 2002. The building played host to three of the first NCAA Final Fours. It hosted its final NCAA Tournament game in 1964.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671592162020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Wilt Chamberlain played in that building, and John Wooden has coached in that building," Keeley said. "To take your team and be a part of that, and now they get to experience it, that's what was really fun. I hope I get to do that often. Winning is hard, so you never take it for granted, but to take a team and be a part of the history of the tournament and the history of that building, and they leave that legacy, that's probably the coolest thing."OUAZ defeated Southeastern University (Fla.) 79-71 to advance to the school's first-ever Great 8. The Spirit then knocked off tenth-ranked Montana Tech 76-58 to advance to the Fab Four. There, OUAZ drew top-ranked College of Idaho, winners of 34-straight games, including 16 consecutive wins by double figures.The Spirit trailed by 23 points with under 13 minutes to play in that contest. Keeley's team made a run. The coach nearly decided to begin fouling with more than six minutes to play. Instead, he waited until the final media timeout and began fouling with nearly three minutes remaining. The strategy paid off as the Yotes went 18 of 30 from the line in the second half. Two late missed Idaho free throws resulted in an offensive rebound and two made free throws. Those would prove to be the difference.Twice in the final seconds, OUAZ was able to cut the gap to a single point. De'leCerda, hero of the first game of the tournament, put up a game-tying attempt near the buzzer. He rebounded the blocked shot and swished a jumper at the buzzer, but the shot came from inside the arc. The Spirit comeback bid came up one point shy at 73-72.Keeley accepted the job in Arizona six years ago. He's received two regional coaching honors and reached the national tournament in back-to-back seasons. It's a far cry from the program's beginnings - using area high school gyms that made it recruiting difficult. Keeley hopes that will change after this year's run."We have been back in the office both (Monday and Tuesday), taking a swing at some guys maybe we couldn't have gotten to answer the phone in the past," he said. "All of a sudden, we're making plans to get them on campus and into their living rooms to present all the positives we have going on out here. We think there are several of them. We're definitely trying to take that momentum and show you're not helping to build it, now you're helping to sustain it."

Great Bend-native Keeley shares the ups and downs of NAIA tourney run

A home explosion in Great Bend on Wednesday was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.

The explosion occurred at a home in the 700 Block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. and critically injured a man.

&nbsp;The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679599027514.png" alt="The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Photo courtesy Great Bend Fire and EMS" />
 <figcaption>The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal. Photo courtesy Great Bend Fire and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>A home explosion in Great Bend on Wednesday was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.The explosion occurred at a home in the 700 Block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. and critically injured a man.&nbsp;The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.Testing showed that the gas line from the main to the structure was intact and was not leaking, according to Smith. There was significant damage to neighboring structures and vehicles. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.&nbsp;

Investigators determine cause of explosion at Great Bend home

Tractor safety classes offered by Midway Extension District, Cottonwood Extension District, Post Rock Extension District, River Valley Extension District &amp; Central Kansas Extension District,&nbsp;

– This summer, thousands of Kansas teenagers will begin their first job working for a farmer or rancher. For those that are ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed. A thirteen-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday.&nbsp;

To help prepare some of those youth for the upcoming work season. The Midway and Cottonwood Extension Districts, will be hosting an in-person tractor safety class on April 22nd starting at 8:15 am at the Russell 4-H building 702 Fairway Dr, Russell, KS.&nbsp;

This course will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state that youth 14 and 15 years of age who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP or greater must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.&nbsp;

The course will be held on Saturday, April 22nd, starting at 8:15 am. The cost of the program is 15 dollars to cover the cost of materials for the course. Those wanting to enroll should visit and complete the “Tractor Safety Registration Form.” https://bit.ly/2023TractorSafety Enrollment is due by Friday, April 14th, for the Russell location.&nbsp;

Other tractor safety courses will be held.&nbsp;

April 29, Beloit, KS, at Carrico Implement&nbsp;

May 25, Salina, KS, at Great Plains Manufacturing&nbsp;

Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling or emailing Russell Craig Dinkel cadinkel@ksu.edu, Clinton Laflin cllaflin@ksu.edu, phone at 785-472-4442 Alicia Boor aboor@ksu.edu phone 620-793-1910 Beloit Blair Todd: blairet@ksu.edu phone 785-738-3597 Kaitlyn Hildebrand: khildebrand@ksu.edu phone 785-243-8185 Salina Justine Henderson jwh04@ksu.edu, phone 785-392-2147 Jay Wisbey jwisbey@ksu.edu Phone 785-309-5850&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.

<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>Tractor safety classes offered by Midway Extension District, Cottonwood Extension District, Post Rock Extension District, River Valley Extension District &amp; Central Kansas Extension District,&nbsp;– This summer, thousands of Kansas teenagers will begin their first job working for a farmer or rancher. For those that are ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed. A thirteen-year-old may enroll in the training if turning 14 before the next year’s class is offered, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday.&nbsp;To help prepare some of those youth for the upcoming work season. The Midway and Cottonwood Extension Districts, will be hosting an in-person tractor safety class on April 22nd starting at 8:15 am at the Russell 4-H building 702 Fairway Dr, Russell, KS.&nbsp;This course will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state that youth 14 and 15 years of age who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian and operate a farm tractor that is 20 HP or greater must successfully pass a tractor safety training program.&nbsp;The course will be held on Saturday, April 22nd, starting at 8:15 am. The cost of the program is 15 dollars to cover the cost of materials for the course. Those wanting to enroll should visit and complete the “Tractor Safety Registration Form.” https://bit.ly/2023TractorSafety Enrollment is due by Friday, April 14th, for the Russell location.&nbsp;Other tractor safety courses will be held.&nbsp;April 29, Beloit, KS, at Carrico Implement&nbsp;May 25, Salina, KS, at Great Plains Manufacturing&nbsp;Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling or emailing Russell Craig Dinkel cadinkel@ksu.edu, Clinton Laflin cllaflin@ksu.edu, phone at 785-472-4442 Alicia Boor aboor@ksu.edu phone 620-793-1910 Beloit Blair Todd: blairet@ksu.edu phone 785-738-3597 Kaitlyn Hildebrand: khildebrand@ksu.edu phone 785-243-8185 Salina Justine Henderson jwh04@ksu.edu, phone 785-392-2147 Jay Wisbey jwisbey@ksu.edu Phone 785-309-5850&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.

BOOR: Tractor safety

Everybody likes a good friend. For the Fort Larned National Historic Site, those friends are known as the Old Guard. The group supports Fort Larned primarily through fundraising to promote history and interpretation at the park, including the recent purchase of a pistol used by a soldier while stationed at the fort. But the Old Guard also knows how to party. The group will host its annual Mess &amp; Muster meeting on Saturday, April 22.

"We're going to have several re-enactment groups," said Park Ranger Celeste Dixon. "We'll have drills, demonstrations, and special talks throughout the day. In the evening, there is a dinner that requires a reservation."

Programming throughout the day is free and begins at 9 a.m. The day will include several reenactments, special programs, and a military retreat ceremony. The dinner scheduled for 6 p.m. includes smoked brisket, potato salad, beans, rolls, cobbler, and tea. A free Victorian ball and celebration featuring the Kansas Brigade Band closes out the evening.

"You don't have to wear period clothes," Dixon said. "The soldiers and some of the volunteers who are attending will be in period clothes, but anybody is welcome to come. You don't have to dress up for that."

All events except the dinner are free to the public. Registration for the dinner is $25 per person, with registration due by April 14. Volunteers wanting to help with the reenactments or a host of other activities are always welcome and can sign up by calling the site at (620) 285-6911, or emailing fols_internet@nps.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679338351630.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEverybody likes a good friend. For the Fort Larned National Historic Site, those friends are known as the Old Guard. The group supports Fort Larned primarily through fundraising to promote history and interpretation at the park, including the recent purchase of a pistol used by a soldier while stationed at the fort. But the Old Guard also knows how to party. The group will host its annual Mess &amp; Muster meeting on Saturday, April 22."We're going to have several re-enactment groups," said Park Ranger Celeste Dixon. "We'll have drills, demonstrations, and special talks throughout the day. In the evening, there is a dinner that requires a reservation."Programming throughout the day is free and begins at 9 a.m. The day will include several reenactments, special programs, and a military retreat ceremony. The dinner scheduled for 6 p.m. includes smoked brisket, potato salad, beans, rolls, cobbler, and tea. A free Victorian ball and celebration featuring the Kansas Brigade Band closes out the evening."You don't have to wear period clothes," Dixon said. "The soldiers and some of the volunteers who are attending will be in period clothes, but anybody is welcome to come. You don't have to dress up for that."All events except the dinner are free to the public. Registration for the dinner is $25 per person, with registration due by April 14. Volunteers wanting to help with the reenactments or a host of other activities are always welcome and can sign up by calling the site at (620) 285-6911, or emailing fols_internet@nps.gov.

Old Guard Mess & Muster returns to Ft. Larned in April

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell discusses upcoming tractor safety courses.

<div><iframe title="Area extension districts plans tractor safety courses for youth" allowtransparency="true" height="300" 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=ymm9n-13c4e01-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=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Cottonwood Extension district agent Stacy Campbell discusses upcoming tractor safety courses.

🎙 Post Podcast: Area Extension districts plans tractor safety courses for youth

Barton Community College will host a student recital at 4 p.m. April 5 and May 3 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building. The recitals are free and open to the public. Barton instrumental and vocal students will perform a wide array of styles and genres. For more information, please contact Keyboard Instructor Alejandro Avila at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilaal@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">avilaal@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9384.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679419004470.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaBarton Community College will host a student recital at 4 p.m. April 5 and May 3 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building. The recitals are free and open to the public. Barton instrumental and vocal students will perform a wide array of styles and genres. For more information, please contact Keyboard Instructor Alejandro Avila at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilaal@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">avilaal@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9384.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton music students to present spring student recitals

The Barton Foundation aims to enhance the Barton student experience with its 13th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot fundraiser from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, April 16&nbsp;at Camp Aldrich, 884 NE 110 Ave. in Claflin. The money raised is used for Faculty Mini-Grants, which Barton faculty members can use to enhance student learning experiences in their classrooms. The Foundation has awarded $132,479 in mini-grants to date.

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said the event allows the Foundation the opportunity to provide great support in our classrooms to improve student learning experiences.

“Last year, we were able to fund over $12,500 in Mini-Grants across Barton campuses because of the generous support of our sponsors, shooters, and guests,” she said. “This year, we hope to do the same.” Participants can compete as individuals or as three-person teams in a modified Lewis Class style tournament. The shoot begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start. Shooters can start the course throughout the day, but the last shooter starts by 3 p.m.&nbsp;

Registration is $100, and those who pre-register by April 3 get a free pulled pork and beef lunch and a free hunter orange, fleece-lined hat as an early-bird prize. Shooters will need to provide their own shells. A small amount of ammo will be available for sale, but you must call ahead and shoot at the event to purchase this ammo. ATVs and golf carts are welcome. Those interested can register at&nbsp;<a href="https://clayshoot.bartonccfoundation.org/">clayshoot.bartonccfoundation.org</a>.

Registration includes 100 sporting clays, prizes for the overall winners and Lewis Class winners, and raffle drawings for great gifts, including a matching set of 12 gauge and 20 gauge Winchester pump shotguns, a three-day bow hunt at Camp Aldrich, grill, gift cards, and more are added every day.&nbsp;

New this year, raffle tickets to the bow hunt and matching gun set are available to the public through a “Gun &amp; Hunt Raffle” with tickets at $5 each, and the purchaser can choose which prize they’d like to win. The winner will be drawn at 3 p.m. the day of the shoot and does not have to be present to win. The winner of the 12/20 matching gun set must be 18 and pass a background check to win.&nbsp;

Linden Target Sports will handle logistics and supply the equipment. The company has designed a course to complement the beautiful landscape of Camp Aldrich, which sits on 290 acres of rolling sand hills and wilderness areas located two miles north of Highway 156 between Claflin and the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. The camp boasts at least 70 species of wildflowers and grasses, 57 different types of birds, deer, turkey, and various other animals; some of which are on the endangered species list.

For more information, contact Donna McCormick at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mccormickd@bartoncc.edu">mccormickd@bartoncc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9306.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679518227456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaThe Barton Foundation aims to enhance the Barton student experience with its 13th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot fundraiser from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, April 16&nbsp;at Camp Aldrich, 884 NE 110 Ave. in Claflin. The money raised is used for Faculty Mini-Grants, which Barton faculty members can use to enhance student learning experiences in their classrooms. The Foundation has awarded $132,479 in mini-grants to date.Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said the event allows the Foundation the opportunity to provide great support in our classrooms to improve student learning experiences.“Last year, we were able to fund over $12,500 in Mini-Grants across Barton campuses because of the generous support of our sponsors, shooters, and guests,” she said. “This year, we hope to do the same.” Participants can compete as individuals or as three-person teams in a modified Lewis Class style tournament. The shoot begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start. Shooters can start the course throughout the day, but the last shooter starts by 3 p.m.&nbsp;Registration is $100, and those who pre-register by April 3 get a free pulled pork and beef lunch and a free hunter orange, fleece-lined hat as an early-bird prize. Shooters will need to provide their own shells. A small amount of ammo will be available for sale, but you must call ahead and shoot at the event to purchase this ammo. ATVs and golf carts are welcome. Those interested can register at&nbsp;<a href="https://clayshoot.bartonccfoundation.org/">clayshoot.bartonccfoundation.org</a>.Registration includes 100 sporting clays, prizes for the overall winners and Lewis Class winners, and raffle drawings for great gifts, including a matching set of 12 gauge and 20 gauge Winchester pump shotguns, a three-day bow hunt at Camp Aldrich, grill, gift cards, and more are added every day.&nbsp;New this year, raffle tickets to the bow hunt and matching gun set are available to the public through a “Gun &amp; Hunt Raffle” with tickets at $5 each, and the purchaser can choose which prize they’d like to win. The winner will be drawn at 3 p.m. the day of the shoot and does not have to be present to win. The winner of the 12/20 matching gun set must be 18 and pass a background check to win.&nbsp;Linden Target Sports will handle logistics and supply the equipment. The company has designed a course to complement the beautiful landscape of Camp Aldrich, which sits on 290 acres of rolling sand hills and wilderness areas located two miles north of Highway 156 between Claflin and the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. The camp boasts at least 70 species of wildflowers and grasses, 57 different types of birds, deer, turkey, and various other animals; some of which are on the endangered species list.For more information, contact Donna McCormick at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mccormickd@bartoncc.edu">mccormickd@bartoncc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9306.

Barton Foundation's Clay Shoot features new raffle this year

Great Bend Middle School will host the 2023 Spring Expo on Monday, March 27 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the GBMS gym. The come-and-go event will showcase student learning through a variety of dynamic exhibits and interactive project demonstrations led by students. The event also includes free popcorn and door prizes.

“We hope to showcase the wide variety of learning enrichment we offer at GBMS,” said Saylem Ryff, family engagement coordinator at GBMS. “From artwork, robots, classroom projects, and more, the expanded electives at GBMS will provide even more to see and enjoy this year.”

The Spring Expo is open to all, including GBMS parents, sixth-grade students and families, as well as the Great Bend community as a whole.

“For our incoming students, it’s a preview of life at GBMS,” said Ryff. “We want them to get excited about this next transition in their education and hope the evening sparks their interest in the activities they’ll enjoy as students.”

Please direct questions about the Spring Expo to GBMS at 620-793-1510. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679518485958.png" alt="Captured at the 2022 Spring Expo, GBMS students share a robotics demonstration with future Panthers." />
 <figcaption>Captured at the 2022 Spring Expo, GBMS students share a robotics demonstration with future Panthers.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Middle School will host the 2023 Spring Expo on Monday, March 27 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the GBMS gym. The come-and-go event will showcase student learning through a variety of dynamic exhibits and interactive project demonstrations led by students. The event also includes free popcorn and door prizes.“We hope to showcase the wide variety of learning enrichment we offer at GBMS,” said Saylem Ryff, family engagement coordinator at GBMS. “From artwork, robots, classroom projects, and more, the expanded electives at GBMS will provide even more to see and enjoy this year.”The Spring Expo is open to all, including GBMS parents, sixth-grade students and families, as well as the Great Bend community as a whole.“For our incoming students, it’s a preview of life at GBMS,” said Ryff. “We want them to get excited about this next transition in their education and hope the evening sparks their interest in the activities they’ll enjoy as students.”Please direct questions about the Spring Expo to GBMS at 620-793-1510.

Student learning on display at GBMS Spring Expo March 27

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

If you look at job openings on the City of Great Bend’s website, you’ll
see open positions for the streets department, utilities, police officers,
firefighters and other service positions with public lands. Great Bend Human
Resources Director Randy Keasling is working with city staff to make employment
with the city as a destination career. Over the past three years, city
administration has concentrated on improving workforce culture to make sure the
city is a place people want to work. 
Keasling noted getting people to apply can still be a struggle, especially the
last three years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The baby
boomers, people born in the 1940s to 1960s, are starting to leave a large dent
in the workforce with retirements. "The boomers are a huge generation," said Keasling. "As those folks retire out of the workforce, the generations that follow them aren't nearly as big. It's leaving a gap, and it's a a concern for employers trying to think of ways to fill those open positions." 
Great Bend hired a workforce culture coach from Kansas City years ago to
constantly give staff ideas on what employees are seeking. Keasling said
workforce culture means something different to everyone, and each employee has
value, no matter what their age. 
"I think the challenge, for all of us, is to put our individual egos in our back pocket," said Keasling. "Everyone has something to bring to the table no matter where they are in their journey of their career. At the city, that's something we're really learning and trying to understand. Everyone has something to bring, whether that's a 45-plus-year employee or a four-month employee." 
You can find a link to open jobs through the City of Great Bend at <a href="https://ks-greatbend.civicplushrms.com/careers/">greatbendks.net</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Listen below to the entire interview with Keasling that aired on "City Edition" on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM on March 15, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679073716909.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIf you look at job openings on the City of Great Bend’s website, you’ll
see open positions for the streets department, utilities, police officers,
firefighters and other service positions with public lands. Great Bend Human
Resources Director Randy Keasling is working with city staff to make employment
with the city as a destination career. Over the past three years, city
administration has concentrated on improving workforce culture to make sure the
city is a place people want to work. 
Keasling noted getting people to apply can still be a struggle, especially the
last three years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The baby
boomers, people born in the 1940s to 1960s, are starting to leave a large dent
in the workforce with retirements. "The boomers are a huge generation," said Keasling. "As those folks retire out of the workforce, the generations that follow them aren't nearly as big. It's leaving a gap, and it's a a concern for employers trying to think of ways to fill those open positions." 
Great Bend hired a workforce culture coach from Kansas City years ago to
constantly give staff ideas on what employees are seeking. Keasling said
workforce culture means something different to everyone, and each employee has
value, no matter what their age. 
"I think the challenge, for all of us, is to put our individual egos in our back pocket," said Keasling. "Everyone has something to bring to the table no matter where they are in their journey of their career. At the city, that's something we're really learning and trying to understand. Everyone has something to bring, whether that's a 45-plus-year employee or a four-month employee." 
You can find a link to open jobs through the City of Great Bend at <a href="https://ks-greatbend.civicplushrms.com/careers/">greatbendks.net</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Listen below to the entire interview with Keasling that aired on "City Edition" on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM on March 15, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/bpcgmkf1/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

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