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>

Great Bend HR Director trying to create good culture in declining workforce

3/22 BOOKED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Demetrius Legarreta on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Demetrius Legarreta on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/22 BOOKED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Demetrius Legarreta on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Demetrius Legarreta on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/22)

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. North-northeast wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Tonight A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. East-northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday A 40-percent chance of showers, mainly after 7 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 48. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. North-northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Sunday A 50-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.

Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 54.

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

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. North-northeast wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Tonight A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. East-northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday A 40-percent chance of showers, mainly after 7 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 48. North-northeast wind around 10 mph.Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 31. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.Saturday A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. North-northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.Sunday A 50-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 50.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 54.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Breezy.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota Highlander driven by&nbsp; Donald J. Svita, 70, Pueblo, Colorado, was eastbound on Kansas 14 at Kansas 156, a mile and a half south of Ellsworth.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign. A southbound 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by Luke W. Johnson, 39, Randolph, struck the SUV.

EMS transported both drivers to Ellsworth Medical Center where Svita was pronounced deceased. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Toyota Highlander driven by&nbsp; Donald J. Svita, 70, Pueblo, Colorado, was eastbound on Kansas 14 at Kansas 156, a mile and a half south of Ellsworth.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign. A southbound 2006 Peterbilt semi driven by Luke W. Johnson, 39, Randolph, struck the SUV.EMS transported both drivers to Ellsworth Medical Center where Svita was pronounced deceased. The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Driver missed stop sign, dies after crash with a semi

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/2023/3/1679409983083.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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;

Barton music students to present spring student recitals

The National Sorghum Yield Contest embraces four objectives:

· Improve sorghum yields across the country,

· Identify top sorghum producers in each state,

· Recognize growers for their outstanding yields.

This article contains information from the KSRE publication MF3615 National Sorghum Yield Contest: A Summary for Kansas. The full publication is available online at: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3615.pdf

Results - five years of data were summarized (2013-2017) from the National Sorghum Yield Contest with a focus on Kansas entries. The data analyzed comprised a total of 175 observations from 38 counties. Most entries were for dryland fields (63%) with an average yield of 139 bushels per acre. For irrigated fields, the average water application was 8 inches, with a yield of 161 bushels per acre. Data entries were split in three groups (high, medium, and low) according to their yield values.

· The high-yielding group included values from 175 to 230 bushels per acre, with an average of 190 bushels per acre.

· The medium-yielding group included values from 125 to 175 bushels per acre, with an average value of 150 bushels per acre.

· The low-yielding values ranged from 60 to 125 bushels per acre, with an average yield of 110 bushels per acre.

Grain yield reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service from USDA for the sorghum yield from the same period (2013-2017) ranged from 59 to 91 bushels per acre. Thus, the data from the yield contest is roughly two-fold above the state average.

Conventional tillage presented similar frequencies across yield groups. The high-yielding group presented a large proportion of fields with reduced-till; yet this factor was not significant to explain the yield variations. Irrigated fields prevailed in the high-yielding group 72%; diminishing their frequency within the medium- and low-yielding groups (34 and 19%, respectively).

Crop Management -management practices explained close to 80% of the yield variation. Irrigation was the factor accounting for a large proportion of the yield variation (21%), followed by nitrogen fertilization (18%), and changes in planting date (11%). Row spacing did not vary among yield groups. Most entries (88%) presented a row spacing of 30 inches. The remaining 12% had other variations with narrower rows (10 to 20 inches). No significant yield differences were observed relating to row spacing. High-yielding planting dates ranged from May 1 to June 1. A greater proportion of late-planting dates (after June 1) were found in medium- to low-yielding groups. No distinctive pattern was found regarding plant density among yield groups Irrigated fields had higher seeding rates. Observations with nitrogen fertilization of less than 200 pounds per acre were the most frequent. These low nitrogen fertilization rates were less frequent in the high-yielding group, with the high-yielding group presenting a high frequency of high phosphorus rates (P&gt;25 pounds per acre) and lowest proportion of no phosphorus fertilization.

Summary - the reported management practices implemented by farmers in the five years (2013-2017) analyzed from the National Sorghum Yield Contest impacted the sorghum yields in different magnitudes. The result of the study indicated that the use of irrigation and adequate nitrogen fertilization is critical to maximize sorghum grain yields in Kansas. In addition, planting before June was shown to be a relevant strategy to maximize sorghum yields across the different production regions.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The National Sorghum Yield Contest embraces four objectives:· Improve sorghum yields across the country,· Transfer knowledge between growers,· Identify top sorghum producers in each state,· Recognize growers for their outstanding yields.This article contains information from the KSRE publication MF3615 National Sorghum Yield Contest: A Summary for Kansas. The full publication is available online at: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3615.pdfResults - five years of data were summarized (2013-2017) from the National Sorghum Yield Contest with a focus on Kansas entries. The data analyzed comprised a total of 175 observations from 38 counties. Most entries were for dryland fields (63%) with an average yield of 139 bushels per acre. For irrigated fields, the average water application was 8 inches, with a yield of 161 bushels per acre. Data entries were split in three groups (high, medium, and low) according to their yield values.· The high-yielding group included values from 175 to 230 bushels per acre, with an average of 190 bushels per acre.· The medium-yielding group included values from 125 to 175 bushels per acre, with an average value of 150 bushels per acre.· The low-yielding values ranged from 60 to 125 bushels per acre, with an average yield of 110 bushels per acre.Grain yield reported by the National Agricultural Statistics Service from USDA for the sorghum yield from the same period (2013-2017) ranged from 59 to 91 bushels per acre. Thus, the data from the yield contest is roughly two-fold above the state average.Conventional tillage presented similar frequencies across yield groups. The high-yielding group presented a large proportion of fields with reduced-till; yet this factor was not significant to explain the yield variations. Irrigated fields prevailed in the high-yielding group 72%; diminishing their frequency within the medium- and low-yielding groups (34 and 19%, respectively).Crop Management -management practices explained close to 80% of the yield variation. Irrigation was the factor accounting for a large proportion of the yield variation (21%), followed by nitrogen fertilization (18%), and changes in planting date (11%). Row spacing did not vary among yield groups. Most entries (88%) presented a row spacing of 30 inches. The remaining 12% had other variations with narrower rows (10 to 20 inches). No significant yield differences were observed relating to row spacing. High-yielding planting dates ranged from May 1 to June 1. A greater proportion of late-planting dates (after June 1) were found in medium- to low-yielding groups. No distinctive pattern was found regarding plant density among yield groups Irrigated fields had higher seeding rates. Observations with nitrogen fertilization of less than 200 pounds per acre were the most frequent. These low nitrogen fertilization rates were less frequent in the high-yielding group, with the high-yielding group presenting a high frequency of high phosphorus rates (P&gt;25 pounds per acre) and lowest proportion of no phosphorus fertilization.Summary - the reported management practices implemented by farmers in the five years (2013-2017) analyzed from the National Sorghum Yield Contest impacted the sorghum yields in different magnitudes. The result of the study indicated that the use of irrigation and adequate nitrogen fertilization is critical to maximize sorghum grain yields in Kansas. In addition, planting before June was shown to be a relevant strategy to maximize sorghum yields across the different production regions.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: National Sorghum Yield Contest - A summary for Kansas

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

City of Great Bend officials want residents to know an upcoming inventory regarding lead water service lines is not the city's idea. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates there are between 6 and 10 million lead service lines in the country. The federal agency is now using state and municipal governments to begin replacement of those lines. Public Works Director Jason Cauley presented the issue to the city council during Monday's meeting.

"They're wanting all public water services to have a lead inventory, so they're requiring us to go through and survey all of our services to find out if there's lead in the ground," he said. "If there's lead in the ground, they want us to come up with an action plan to replace that lead."

Cauley said the city's policy is already to replace lead lines when they are found. For its part, the city has already taken a few steps, including poring through old records for documentation of lead. Visual inspections are the next step, but Cauley said the EPA wants all lines inventoried.

"One of the most complex parts of this is, EPA is not only requiring us to survey our side, they also want to know what the customer has," he said. "Our typical rule of thumb is anything past the meter is the customer's responsibility. EPA says that may be, but we still need to know what that line is."

That puts the city in a tight spot as the EPA can hold the city accountable even if customers choose not to participate in the inventory. Cauley and councilmembers agreed there may need to be an incentivized push to help with the inventory, even utilizing local plumbers.

Cauley spent a decade with the water department and recalls replacing only one lead service line. Councilmember Alan Moeder has 46 years of plumbing service and has never replaced a lead line in the city. Newer lines, however, might still have lead goosenecks.

"We do have a lot of cast iron," said Cauley. "Cast iron, there's the possibility of having those goosenecks. Every time we find one of those, we immediately replace it, retap the service, put a new service line in."

The EPA wants inventory on lines from the meter to the foundation. Cauley said that means actually seeing the lines, performing a scratch test, and taking a photo so it can be identified. 

"What they're recommending is they want you to actually visualize your line," he said. "They're not recommending doing any self-tests of anything of that nature. They want visual proof of what you have. That is another burden back on the homeowner."

Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said the city has records for every address within the city, with every permit dating back approximately 80 years. Those permits may or may not include what type of material was used to replace any lines. The goal for the city now is to plug all the data into a spreadsheet and determine any possible lead hotspots.

"I think with the data we have, we can have a general idea where the potential for that could be," Cauley said. "Once we figure out where the potential could be, instead of hitting every house, we could hit maybe every third house if need be to figure that out."

The EPA set a deadline of October 2024 for the inventory. Part of step one for the city will be mailing out a survey to property owners. The EPA has not specified a penalty for municipalities that are non-compliant, and Cauley is hopeful the scope of the project will result in more time to get it done.

"We'll see how the surveys pan out and see what kind of data we can get," he said. "Hopefully, there are a lot of people having the same issue. I'm hoping they start moving that goalpost a little bit and giving us more time and maybe altering some things."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679413636952.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostCity of Great Bend officials want residents to know an upcoming inventory regarding lead water service lines is not the city's idea. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates there are between 6 and 10 million lead service lines in the country. The federal agency is now using state and municipal governments to begin replacement of those lines. Public Works Director Jason Cauley presented the issue to the city council during Monday's meeting."They're wanting all public water services to have a lead inventory, so they're requiring us to go through and survey all of our services to find out if there's lead in the ground," he said. "If there's lead in the ground, they want us to come up with an action plan to replace that lead."Cauley said the city's policy is already to replace lead lines when they are found. For its part, the city has already taken a few steps, including poring through old records for documentation of lead. Visual inspections are the next step, but Cauley said the EPA wants all lines inventoried."One of the most complex parts of this is, EPA is not only requiring us to survey our side, they also want to know what the customer has," he said. "Our typical rule of thumb is anything past the meter is the customer's responsibility. EPA says that may be, but we still need to know what that line is."That puts the city in a tight spot as the EPA can hold the city accountable even if customers choose not to participate in the inventory. Cauley and councilmembers agreed there may need to be an incentivized push to help with the inventory, even utilizing local plumbers.Cauley spent a decade with the water department and recalls replacing only one lead service line. Councilmember Alan Moeder has 46 years of plumbing service and has never replaced a lead line in the city. Newer lines, however, might still have lead goosenecks."We do have a lot of cast iron," said Cauley. "Cast iron, there's the possibility of having those goosenecks. Every time we find one of those, we immediately replace it, retap the service, put a new service line in."The EPA wants inventory on lines from the meter to the foundation. Cauley said that means actually seeing the lines, performing a scratch test, and taking a photo so it can be identified. "What they're recommending is they want you to actually visualize your line," he said. "They're not recommending doing any self-tests of anything of that nature. They want visual proof of what you have. That is another burden back on the homeowner."Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said the city has records for every address within the city, with every permit dating back approximately 80 years. Those permits may or may not include what type of material was used to replace any lines. The goal for the city now is to plug all the data into a spreadsheet and determine any possible lead hotspots."I think with the data we have, we can have a general idea where the potential for that could be," Cauley said. "Once we figure out where the potential could be, instead of hitting every house, we could hit maybe every third house if need be to figure that out."The EPA set a deadline of October 2024 for the inventory. Part of step one for the city will be mailing out a survey to property owners. The EPA has not specified a penalty for municipalities that are non-compliant, and Cauley is hopeful the scope of the project will result in more time to get it done."We'll see how the surveys pan out and see what kind of data we can get," he said. "Hopefully, there are a lot of people having the same issue. I'm hoping they start moving that goalpost a little bit and giving us more time and maybe altering some things."

EPA behind inventory of water lines in Great Bend, other municipalities

No one likes the bad news. Earlier this week, Brit Spaugh Zoo staff in Great Bend announced the death of Mrs. B, a bald eagle that spent the last 44 years of her life at the zoo. But Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick saved some good news for her appearance on KVGB 1590 AM/95.5 FM's "City Edition" program Wednesday. A pair of new animals were recently acquired from Milford Nature Center in Junction City.

"We have two female bobcats that will go out on exhibit," Burdick said. "Their names are Hope and Amora. They are seven and 14. They needed a new home, essentially. They were going to be phasing out the bobcats, so they needed a place to go."

Bobcats can be found in nature all around Kansas, including Barton County. The cats live approximately seven years in the wild but can go as long as 25 years in captivity. At 15-35 pounds, bobcats are not the most menacing of predators, but they are well-suited for life in Kansas.

"They're like a giant housecat essentially, but they have claws, teeth, all that," said Burdick. "They definitely have their own personalities. They do really well in our winters, and they seem to manage summers fine."

Burdick said most of the exhibits at the zoo are full at the moment, and staff is also trying to improve existing exhibits before bringing in more big animals. The new cougar exhibit was finished at the end of last year. Hope and Amora will move into their exhibit once some benches and climbing toys are installed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575403351832.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNo one likes the bad news. Earlier this week, Brit Spaugh Zoo staff in Great Bend announced the death of Mrs. B, a bald eagle that spent the last 44 years of her life at the zoo. But Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick saved some good news for her appearance on KVGB 1590 AM/95.5 FM's "City Edition" program Wednesday. A pair of new animals were recently acquired from Milford Nature Center in Junction City."We have two female bobcats that will go out on exhibit," Burdick said. "Their names are Hope and Amora. They are seven and 14. They needed a new home, essentially. They were going to be phasing out the bobcats, so they needed a place to go."Bobcats can be found in nature all around Kansas, including Barton County. The cats live approximately seven years in the wild but can go as long as 25 years in captivity. At 15-35 pounds, bobcats are not the most menacing of predators, but they are well-suited for life in Kansas."They're like a giant housecat essentially, but they have claws, teeth, all that," said Burdick. "They definitely have their own personalities. They do really well in our winters, and they seem to manage summers fine."Burdick said most of the exhibits at the zoo are full at the moment, and staff is also trying to improve existing exhibits before bringing in more big animals. The new cougar exhibit was finished at the end of last year. Hope and Amora will move into their exhibit once some benches and climbing toys are installed.

New bobcat exhibit coming soon to GB's Brit Spaugh Zoo

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend

As the temperatures begin to rise, the six and eight-legged things begin to thrive. While most insects and arachnids are harmless to humans, the tick is not one of them. Unfortunately, tick-borne illnesses have been on the uptick in recent years. With tick season in Kansas beginning in April, Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said now is the time to start watching your environment.

"Any place that has taller vegetation and forested areas, you come across ticks and have them," he said. "If that's the case, one of the best things to do is do some checks over your clothes and your body after being in those areas to try to make sure, if you have a tick, get it taken care of as quickly as possible."

Ticks have been known to cause 18 diseases in humans, though just four are common in Kansas, namely Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme gets its name from the Connecticut community where it was first described in 1975. There are an estimated 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year in the U.S. If left untreated, the disease can lead to neurological symptoms and heart problems. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which impacts nearly 2,000 people each year, can be more severe and even deadly.

There are ways to prevent tick bites, but in the event of a bite, removing the full tick in a timely manner can be crucial. The Mayo Clinic stresses grabbing the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with a steady motion. Twisting or jerking can leave part of the tick behind.

"The big thing is making sure to get the whole thing," Wolf said. "Using a pair of tweezers or one of the actual tick-remover tools is probably the best way, so you don't leave the head in, and then it can become infected and cause other issues."

Preventing tick bites may be ideal. Wearing long sleeves and pants protects the skin, and wearing light-colored clothing makes the ticks more visible. Insect repellents like OFF and DEET can reduce the risk of being bitten. Permethrin kills ticks rather than repels them and can be applied to clothing but not directly to the skin. Some companies even offer to treat clothes with Permethrin.

"One particular company called Insect Shield, you can buy clothing that already has the permethrin in it," said Wolf. "We actually sell some of those articles of clothing here at the Education Center. It is successful. It's a good thing to have."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655216489922.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great BendAs the temperatures begin to rise, the six and eight-legged things begin to thrive. While most insects and arachnids are harmless to humans, the tick is not one of them. Unfortunately, tick-borne illnesses have been on the uptick in recent years. With tick season in Kansas beginning in April, Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said now is the time to start watching your environment."Any place that has taller vegetation and forested areas, you come across ticks and have them," he said. "If that's the case, one of the best things to do is do some checks over your clothes and your body after being in those areas to try to make sure, if you have a tick, get it taken care of as quickly as possible."Ticks have been known to cause 18 diseases in humans, though just four are common in Kansas, namely Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Lyme gets its name from the Connecticut community where it was first described in 1975. There are an estimated 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year in the U.S. If left untreated, the disease can lead to neurological symptoms and heart problems. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which impacts nearly 2,000 people each year, can be more severe and even deadly.There are ways to prevent tick bites, but in the event of a bite, removing the full tick in a timely manner can be crucial. The Mayo Clinic stresses grabbing the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with a steady motion. Twisting or jerking can leave part of the tick behind."The big thing is making sure to get the whole thing," Wolf said. "Using a pair of tweezers or one of the actual tick-remover tools is probably the best way, so you don't leave the head in, and then it can become infected and cause other issues."Preventing tick bites may be ideal. Wearing long sleeves and pants protects the skin, and wearing light-colored clothing makes the ticks more visible. Insect repellents like OFF and DEET can reduce the risk of being bitten. Permethrin kills ticks rather than repels them and can be applied to clothing but not directly to the skin. Some companies even offer to treat clothes with Permethrin."One particular company called Insect Shield, you can buy clothing that already has the permethrin in it," said Wolf. "We actually sell some of those articles of clothing here at the Education Center. It is successful. It's a good thing to have."

April-October is tick season in Kansas

Parenting is difficult enough. USD 428 is trying to make the job a little easier with the launch of the SafeArrival feature via the SchoolMessenger app. District Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said the feature will make reporting absences easier and more efficient.

"The app is something that's been available to our parents for a couple of years," she said, "but this SafeArrival adds a feature for Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School families to actually report absences in advance using the convenient app on their smartphone."

Bauer estimates 50-60 percent of district parents are already using the SchoolMessenger app. The SafeArrival feature will be activated Wednesday and put into use for Thursday's launch. First-time users of the app can create an account using the same email used in Skyward. SchoolMessenger also has a website or an automated phone system. The app, Bauer said, is another convenient way to report absences.

"We want to make sure our kids get to school safely, and they're accounted for, and we know where they're at," she said. "This will speed up that process of being able to verify who's in the building, where we need to reach out to families to make contact, and it will even automate some of that family contact to make sure families are aware, and the school is aware of where our kids are."

Depending on the type of information being shared, the district can communicate with parents using the app via email, text, phone, or push notifications from the app. Bauer said now is a good time to try the app for those who have not already.

"We want to encourage all our middle school and high school families, in advance of the launch, to download the SchoolMessenger app," she said. "We are testing the SafeArrival program for the remaining nine weeks, just to get an idea if it works for families. So this is a test run. We're hoping if all goes well, we'll continue on with it for next school year."

District staff will assist those interested in using the SchoolMessenger app on a Support Night planned for Wednesday, March 22 in the Great Bend High School from 6-8 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679422939652.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostParenting is difficult enough. USD 428 is trying to make the job a little easier with the launch of the SafeArrival feature via the SchoolMessenger app. District Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said the feature will make reporting absences easier and more efficient."The app is something that's been available to our parents for a couple of years," she said, "but this SafeArrival adds a feature for Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School families to actually report absences in advance using the convenient app on their smartphone."Bauer estimates 50-60 percent of district parents are already using the SchoolMessenger app. The SafeArrival feature will be activated Wednesday and put into use for Thursday's launch. First-time users of the app can create an account using the same email used in Skyward. SchoolMessenger also has a website or an automated phone system. The app, Bauer said, is another convenient way to report absences."We want to make sure our kids get to school safely, and they're accounted for, and we know where they're at," she said. "This will speed up that process of being able to verify who's in the building, where we need to reach out to families to make contact, and it will even automate some of that family contact to make sure families are aware, and the school is aware of where our kids are."Depending on the type of information being shared, the district can communicate with parents using the app via email, text, phone, or push notifications from the app. Bauer said now is a good time to try the app for those who have not already."We want to encourage all our middle school and high school families, in advance of the launch, to download the SchoolMessenger app," she said. "We are testing the SafeArrival program for the remaining nine weeks, just to get an idea if it works for families. So this is a test run. We're hoping if all goes well, we'll continue on with it for next school year."District staff will assist those interested in using the SchoolMessenger app on a Support Night planned for Wednesday, March 22 in the Great Bend High School from 6-8 p.m.

USD 428 launches SafeArrival for GBMS, GBHS students

If you let a city go and you don't care about it, you might have what Pawnee Rock looks like today. That was the message from Pawnee Rock resident and Revitalization Project group member Denise Penn to the Barton County Commission during Wednesday's meeting. Penn said there is always traffic to and from the rock north of town, but that's about it.

"But yet, when you get to town, there's nothing," she said. "There's no place to stop and get a drink. There's no place to rest and relax. And that's what we want to change. There's also no place for our children to play."

Penn told the commission that, with their contribution of $50,000, an anonymous donor would match that contribution. The commission voted 5-0 to give the money to the project. Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger commended the group for its work.

"The previous commission told you to back and so some legwork, and you did," she said. "You went back, and you raised money, and you communicated with the community. You got letters of support, and you have a plan. This anonymous donation of this $50,000 matching is just huge."

After the vote, Golden Belt Community Foundation Director Christy Tustin announced the anonymous donor is the Brad and Jeanine Haynes Advised Fund, in memory of Jeanine's parents, Keith and Marian (Schmitt) Mull.

Penn also shared some history and demographics of Pawnee Rock, which was established along the Santa Fe Trail in 1822, 50 years before Great Bend was established. The city was incorporated in 1887, and used to be the home of at least five churches and parades that featured thousands of spectators. There are 180 homes in Pawnee Rock, 134 of which are currently occupied and 22 that need to be demolished.

Penn said phase one of the revitalization will be purchasing and constructing a gazebo in the city park. The second phase includes the installation of new playground equipment. A fun run fundraiser is also in the works for July. With Wednesday's vote from the commission, Penn said the gazebo should be in place by late spring or summer. 

"With Barton County, our motto is 'Barton County invests in growth,'" said Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson. "Growth without a plan or people to implement the plan really isn't growth at all. Pawnee Rock has a plan, but even more important, Pawnee Rock has the people willing to put in the time and hard work to see it through. Most of them are in this room today. Today, Barton County not only invests in growth, but today Barton County invests in the people."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669134983896.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIf you let a city go and you don't care about it, you might have what Pawnee Rock looks like today. That was the message from Pawnee Rock resident and Revitalization Project group member Denise Penn to the Barton County Commission during Wednesday's meeting. Penn said there is always traffic to and from the rock north of town, but that's about it."But yet, when you get to town, there's nothing," she said. "There's no place to stop and get a drink. There's no place to rest and relax. And that's what we want to change. There's also no place for our children to play."Penn told the commission that, with their contribution of $50,000, an anonymous donor would match that contribution. The commission voted 5-0 to give the money to the project. Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger commended the group for its work."The previous commission told you to back and so some legwork, and you did," she said. "You went back, and you raised money, and you communicated with the community. You got letters of support, and you have a plan. This anonymous donation of this $50,000 matching is just huge."After the vote, Golden Belt Community Foundation Director Christy Tustin announced the anonymous donor is the Brad and Jeanine Haynes Advised Fund, in memory of Jeanine's parents, Keith and Marian (Schmitt) Mull.Penn also shared some history and demographics of Pawnee Rock, which was established along the Santa Fe Trail in 1822, 50 years before Great Bend was established. The city was incorporated in 1887, and used to be the home of at least five churches and parades that featured thousands of spectators. There are 180 homes in Pawnee Rock, 134 of which are currently occupied and 22 that need to be demolished.Penn said phase one of the revitalization will be purchasing and constructing a gazebo in the city park. The second phase includes the installation of new playground equipment. A fun run fundraiser is also in the works for July. With Wednesday's vote from the commission, Penn said the gazebo should be in place by late spring or summer. "With Barton County, our motto is 'Barton County invests in growth,'" said Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson. "Growth without a plan or people to implement the plan really isn't growth at all. Pawnee Rock has a plan, but even more important, Pawnee Rock has the people willing to put in the time and hard work to see it through. Most of them are in this room today. Today, Barton County not only invests in growth, but today Barton County invests in the people."

Barton Commission pledges $50K to Pawnee Rock revitalization

The Great Bend City Council voted in favor of the purchase of a $436,000
fire engine truck at Monday’s meeting. The process to replace the fire
department’s 1992 pumper/tanker begin in late 2019. Great Bend Deputy Fire Chief
Brent Smith said at that time, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
guidelines have an engine being a frontline apparatus for 10 years then moving
to a backup for five years before being retired out of the fire service. "The guidelines show that truck should have been replaced no later than 15 years," said Smith. "With good maintenance and care, we've been able to keep that truck in service as long as we have. The truck is tested annually. The truck did pass its last pump test, but the company did cut the test a little bit short because they were afraid the truck would overheat." 
A committee was formed to find a new pumper/tanker truck. The committee went on
five trips across the country to look at fire trucks in other cities that were
close to what Great Bend was looking for. 
"Almost the exact truck we're buying is in McAlester, Oklahoma," said Smith. "We looked at that truck to make sure this was something we could put in service here and be a good addition to our fleet." 
Of the two bids received by the deadline, Great Bend approved the low bid from
Deep South Fire Trucks for $436,000. The delivery time on the new vehicle will
be between 400 to 465 days.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679373385350.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend City Council voted in favor of the purchase of a $436,000
fire engine truck at Monday’s meeting. The process to replace the fire
department’s 1992 pumper/tanker begin in late 2019. Great Bend Deputy Fire Chief
Brent Smith said at that time, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
guidelines have an engine being a frontline apparatus for 10 years then moving
to a backup for five years before being retired out of the fire service. "The guidelines show that truck should have been replaced no later than 15 years," said Smith. "With good maintenance and care, we've been able to keep that truck in service as long as we have. The truck is tested annually. The truck did pass its last pump test, but the company did cut the test a little bit short because they were afraid the truck would overheat." 
A committee was formed to find a new pumper/tanker truck. The committee went on
five trips across the country to look at fire trucks in other cities that were
close to what Great Bend was looking for. 
"Almost the exact truck we're buying is in McAlester, Oklahoma," said Smith. "We looked at that truck to make sure this was something we could put in service here and be a good addition to our fleet." 
Of the two bids received by the deadline, Great Bend approved the low bid from
Deep South Fire Trucks for $436,000. The delivery time on the new vehicle will
be between 400 to 465 days.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend will wait 400+ days to get new $436K fire engine

3/21 BOOKED: Yajaira Esparza on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 cash only.

BOOKED: John Roberts on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault while Disguising Identity, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Miguel Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Daniel Bartonek on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Yajaira Esparza on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $500 cash bond.

RELEASED: Lorenzo Jimenez on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Stalking Order, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/21 BOOKED: Yajaira Esparza on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 cash only.BOOKED: John Roberts on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault while Disguising Identity, bond set at $20,000 C/S.RELEASED: Miguel Gonzalez on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Daniel Bartonek on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.&nbsp;RELEASED: Yajaira Esparza on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $500 cash bond.RELEASED: Lorenzo Jimenez on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Stalking Order, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/21)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post Debris littered the roof of the Baltzell Lodge and surrounding properties early Wednesday morning, the result of a large overnight explosion in the 700 block of east 10th Street in Great Bend. The initial report of the blast came in around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, and the explosion could be felt and heard as far away as Ellinwood.

"We're not sure what caused the explosion," Great Bend Chief of Police Steve Haulmark said Wednesday morning. "We're being assisted greatly by the fire department, the state fire marshal, and KBI. We're all working together on this, and it's still pretty early. We don't have a lot to release at this point."

Mariah Thomas was having a sleepless night several blocks directly west of the explosion. She was sitting on a porch swing facing east when the night sky lit up.

"I just this huge fireball flying through the sky," she said. "I saw it before I heard it. Then, the sound wave hit, and it knocked out the electricity in the whole surrounding area. I called 911 right away as it was happening. Once I hung up with them, I heard people just screaming. That probably was the worst part."

Thomas said the fireball had a peculiar look. "It was the explosion that was so crazy to me because it wasn't like one giant flame and a bunch of fire," she said. "It looked almost like an artillery shell firework. It was full of red sparks. That's the part that really blew my mind."

Haulmark did confirm a male subject was severely injured in the explosion, which leveled a residence situated just east of the Baltzell main office. As of 8 a.m., U.S. 56 Highway eastbound traffic was still reduced to one lane to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. Haulmark encouraged drivers to stay away from the area.

"There's really not a lot to see here, and there's no further concern for the community at this point," he said. "Either us or one of the other agencies will release a press release as soon as we can."

Haulmark said the state fire marshal's office is currently leading the investigation, and he was not sure when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation would take over.

Watch for more details on Great Bend Post.com as they are made available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679490654446.jpeg" alt="Emergency personnel responded to the 700 block of east 10th Street in Great Bend early Wednesday morning after a residential explosion." />
 <figcaption>Emergency personnel responded to the 700 block of east 10th Street in Great Bend early Wednesday morning after a residential explosion.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post Debris littered the roof of the Baltzell Lodge and surrounding properties early Wednesday morning, the result of a large overnight explosion in the 700 block of east 10th Street in Great Bend. The initial report of the blast came in around 3 a.m. Wednesday morning, and the explosion could be felt and heard as far away as Ellinwood."We're not sure what caused the explosion," Great Bend Chief of Police Steve Haulmark said Wednesday morning. "We're being assisted greatly by the fire department, the state fire marshal, and KBI. We're all working together on this, and it's still pretty early. We don't have a lot to release at this point."Mariah Thomas was having a sleepless night several blocks directly west of the explosion. She was sitting on a porch swing facing east when the night sky lit up."I just this huge fireball flying through the sky," she said. "I saw it before I heard it. Then, the sound wave hit, and it knocked out the electricity in the whole surrounding area. I called 911 right away as it was happening. Once I hung up with them, I heard people just screaming. That probably was the worst part."Thomas said the fireball had a peculiar look. "It was the explosion that was so crazy to me because it wasn't like one giant flame and a bunch of fire," she said. "It looked almost like an artillery shell firework. It was full of red sparks. That's the part that really blew my mind."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679490732594.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Haulmark did confirm a male subject was severely injured in the explosion, which leveled a residence situated just east of the Baltzell main office. As of 8 a.m., U.S. 56 Highway eastbound traffic was still reduced to one lane to maintain the integrity of the crime scene. Haulmark encouraged drivers to stay away from the area."There's really not a lot to see here, and there's no further concern for the community at this point," he said. "Either us or one of the other agencies will release a press release as soon as we can."Haulmark said the state fire marshal's office is currently leading the investigation, and he was not sure when the Kansas Bureau of Investigation would take over.Watch for more details on Great Bend Post.com as they are made available.

One injured in overnight explosion in Great Bend

The Barton Community College women's basketball team will face Moberly Area Community College in the 1st round of the NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock, TX on Wednesday, March 22. You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM, online at <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=kvgbfm2">greatbendpost.com</a> or the B104.3 mobile app. Tip-off from Lubbock begins at 10 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678918167288.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College women's basketball team will face Moberly Area Community College in the 1st round of the NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock, TX on Wednesday, March 22. You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM, online at <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=kvgbfm2">greatbendpost.com</a> or the B104.3 mobile app. Tip-off from Lubbock begins at 10 a.m.

🎧LISTEN Live: Barton 🏀 at the National Tournament

Learning lifelong athletic skills at no cost. That's one of the benefits of the Golden Belt Youth Running Project that returned to action earlier this week. Great Bend High School track and cross country coach Lyles Lashley said the program is a good opportunity for young athletes in grades K-6.

"We call it 'little kid track,'" he said. "It's basically from kindergarten to first grade all the way up to sixth grade. Anybody that can come out and follow directions can come out. Basically, we teach them how to run, and we also do field events. They can go to any track meets they want to go to."

Practices are held at the GBHS track Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Mondays are typically built around running events, and Wednesdays focus more on field events like jumping and throwing. The goal is to improve athleticism across all sports.

"We teach them proper running mechanics and how to do sprint drills," Lashley said. "Every sport involves some sort of running. You want to be as efficient and fast as you can in all those sports."

Lashley, Dan Quillen, and Brandon Schroeter help coach alongside other GBHS coaches and athletes who volunteer their time. Practices are come and go as schedules dictate, though attending is encouraged. The only cost of the Project involves participating in any of the 8-10 meets offered through the group. Entering the meets is optional and typically costs around $10 per meet.

<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR2PsQNSoTR93PLOoL-tks4kAdnkOhWhkQ1CPs0j-UJLwY6iT85IslBIYXHUdELMQ/pub?fbclid=IwAR3q05ZDITW0RMQYLzb7SDQ6WKenwZ3plPCvtI9sZa7MoebxNAxjDaXSaNU">CLICK HERE</a> to access the waiver that must be printed and completed prior to practicing. Follow the Project on Facebook for updates by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=golden%20belt%20youth%20running%20project">CLICKING HERE</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679370430473.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLearning lifelong athletic skills at no cost. That's one of the benefits of the Golden Belt Youth Running Project that returned to action earlier this week. Great Bend High School track and cross country coach Lyles Lashley said the program is a good opportunity for young athletes in grades K-6."We call it 'little kid track,'" he said. "It's basically from kindergarten to first grade all the way up to sixth grade. Anybody that can come out and follow directions can come out. Basically, we teach them how to run, and we also do field events. They can go to any track meets they want to go to."Practices are held at the GBHS track Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. Mondays are typically built around running events, and Wednesdays focus more on field events like jumping and throwing. The goal is to improve athleticism across all sports."We teach them proper running mechanics and how to do sprint drills," Lashley said. "Every sport involves some sort of running. You want to be as efficient and fast as you can in all those sports."Lashley, Dan Quillen, and Brandon Schroeter help coach alongside other GBHS coaches and athletes who volunteer their time. Practices are come and go as schedules dictate, though attending is encouraged. The only cost of the Project involves participating in any of the 8-10 meets offered through the group. Entering the meets is optional and typically costs around $10 per meet.<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR2PsQNSoTR93PLOoL-tks4kAdnkOhWhkQ1CPs0j-UJLwY6iT85IslBIYXHUdELMQ/pub?fbclid=IwAR3q05ZDITW0RMQYLzb7SDQ6WKenwZ3plPCvtI9sZa7MoebxNAxjDaXSaNU">CLICK HERE</a> to access the waiver that must be printed and completed prior to practicing. Follow the Project on Facebook for updates by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=golden%20belt%20youth%20running%20project">CLICKING HERE</a>.&nbsp;

Golden Belt Youth Running Project practices begin at GBHS

Wednesday Widespread dense fog, mainly before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Breezy, with an east wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 21 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.

Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday Night A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday A 50-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Sunday A chance of rain and snow showers before 1 p.m., then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Sunday Night A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 20&nbsp; percent.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday Widespread dense fog, mainly before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Breezy, with an east wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 21 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.Thursday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Thursday Night A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Friday A 50-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.Sunday A chance of rain and snow showers before 1 p.m., then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.Sunday Night A slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 20&nbsp; percent.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 49.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

RICE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday in Rice County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Pallisade driven by Hua Lin, 33, Wichita, was westbound on Avenue Q five miles north of Sterling

The driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign at Kansas 14 and collided with a northbound 2017 Ford Focus driven by Christy A. Morrison, 50, Lyons. Both vehicles came to rest in the Northwest ditch.

EMS transported Morrison to a hospital in Wichita and a passenger in the Ford Christopher A. Morrison, 60, Lyons, to Lyons Medical Center where he was pronounce deceased.&nbsp;

Lin and a passenger in the Hyundai were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574443414576.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Tuesday in Rice County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Hyundai Pallisade driven by Hua Lin, 33, Wichita, was westbound on Avenue Q five miles north of SterlingThe driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign at Kansas 14 and collided with a northbound 2017 Ford Focus driven by Christy A. Morrison, 50, Lyons. Both vehicles came to rest in the Northwest ditch.EMS transported Morrison to a hospital in Wichita and a passenger in the Ford Christopher A. Morrison, 60, Lyons, to Lyons Medical Center where he was pronounce deceased.&nbsp;Lin and a passenger in the Hyundai were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV, car crash

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 1997 Toyota Tacoma driven by Carlos Hernandez, 70, Aurora, Colorado, was stopped eastbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of the Russell exit. The driver pulled the SUV towing a Honda CRV into the driving lane.

A 2012 Honda Accord driven by Drake A. Wick, 24, Clive, Iowa, struck the Honda CRV. After impact, all three vehicles entered the median.&nbsp;

EMS transported Hernandez to the hospital in Russell. Wick was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Tuesday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 1997 Toyota Tacoma driven by Carlos Hernandez, 70, Aurora, Colorado, was stopped eastbound on Interstate 70 two miles east of the Russell exit. The driver pulled the SUV towing a Honda CRV into the driving lane.A 2012 Honda Accord driven by Drake A. Wick, 24, Clive, Iowa, struck the Honda CRV. After impact, all three vehicles entered the median.&nbsp;EMS transported Hernandez to the hospital in Russell. Wick was not injured.&nbsp; Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after 3-vehicle Russell Co. crash

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Juxp37. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the March 8, 2023, and the March 15, 2023, Regular Meetings. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devises. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. YOUTH CREW: Take Down Tobacco Day: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Jasmine Figueroa, a Sophomore at Great Bend High school, will present details. Alvin Bowyer, Ellinwood High School; Paige Trendel, Great Bend Middle School; and Brody Rossman, Hoisington Middle School, represented Youth Crew at Take Down Tobacco Day in Topeka in early March. The students will be introduced and discuss their day. In addition, the youth will detail community goals determined after attending this event.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. CITY OF PAWNEE ROCK: Community Park Restoration: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Denise Penn, Manager of Intermediary Relationships, Cuna Mutual and Pawnee Rock resident, will provide details. For some time, City of Pawnee Rock officials and Pawnee Rock residents have been working to secure funding to restore the community park to appeal to local families and restore pride in the community. Included in Phase I of the project is re-doing the roof on the public restrooms and the construction of a 20’ X 40’ pavilion. As funding is being raised from multiple sources, including a private donation pledge of $50,000 if Barton County also commits $50,000, the Commission will be asked to allocate $50,000 to the Pawnee Rock Revitalization Project.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KANSAS NATURAL RESOURCE COALITION: Vote on Lesser Prairie chicken Lawsuit: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) member counties, representing the majority of the geographically defined Lesser Prairie-chicken (LPC) range in Kansas, are asked to vote on a lawsuit against U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in reference to the Lesser Prairie-chicken listing.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Shawn Hutchinson will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Financial Update – Matt Patzer, County Administrator.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. – Zoning Amendment Application – Lance Crosby, dba C4 AG Solutions, LLC – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County Engineer

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11:00 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion to include initial review of Façade Improvement Grant applicants – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, is scheduled for March 23, 2023.

V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010086631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Juxp37. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERSAgenda MeetingMarch 22, 2023 9 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the March 8, 2023, and the March 15, 2023, Regular Meetings. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devises. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. YOUTH CREW: Take Down Tobacco Day: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Jasmine Figueroa, a Sophomore at Great Bend High school, will present details. Alvin Bowyer, Ellinwood High School; Paige Trendel, Great Bend Middle School; and Brody Rossman, Hoisington Middle School, represented Youth Crew at Take Down Tobacco Day in Topeka in early March. The students will be introduced and discuss their day. In addition, the youth will detail community goals determined after attending this event.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. CITY OF PAWNEE ROCK: Community Park Restoration: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Denise Penn, Manager of Intermediary Relationships, Cuna Mutual and Pawnee Rock resident, will provide details. For some time, City of Pawnee Rock officials and Pawnee Rock residents have been working to secure funding to restore the community park to appeal to local families and restore pride in the community. Included in Phase I of the project is re-doing the roof on the public restrooms and the construction of a 20’ X 40’ pavilion. As funding is being raised from multiple sources, including a private donation pledge of $50,000 if Barton County also commits $50,000, the Commission will be asked to allocate $50,000 to the Pawnee Rock Revitalization Project.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KANSAS NATURAL RESOURCE COALITION: Vote on Lesser Prairie chicken Lawsuit: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) member counties, representing the majority of the geographically defined Lesser Prairie-chicken (LPC) range in Kansas, are asked to vote on a lawsuit against U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in reference to the Lesser Prairie-chicken listing.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Shawn Hutchinson will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Financial Update – Matt Patzer, County Administrator.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. – Zoning Amendment Application – Lance Crosby, dba C4 AG Solutions, LLC – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County Engineer&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11:00 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion to include initial review of Façade Improvement Grant applicants – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, is scheduled for March 23, 2023.V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023.VI. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (3/22)

A walking and fishing bridge will be installed at Veterans Lake this
spring, as the Great Bend City Council voted 6-1 Monday to purchase a 230' bridge to be installed by EZ Docks for $158,555. 
The current bridge, on the south side of Vets Lake, was installed around 2000
and is starting to deteriorate. Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler
felt the time was right to replace the bridge after the city recently installed
a new fishing dock nearby. "Right now, these bridges have a 10-year warranty," said Keeler. "The specs from the company say they'll last 25 to 30 years. Most of the docks the company has put in, going back to 1991, are still in place." 
Along with Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement money from previous
flooding and wind storms, Great Bend has $146,480 set aside for the project.
FEMA will reimburse the city 75% and the State of Kansas will reimburse the
city 10% for the bridge replacement. Leaving the city with 15% of the project,
Great Bend’s share will be $23,783 for the turnkey installation.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/88b761d1-34cd-49f3-9862-bb3557b4de53">RELATED STORY: Great Bend to replace docks at Vets and Stone lakes</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678912346828.jpeg" alt="A new walking/fishing bridge will be installed this spring at Veterans Lake in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A new walking/fishing bridge will be installed this spring at Veterans Lake in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA walking and fishing bridge will be installed at Veterans Lake this
spring, as the Great Bend City Council voted 6-1 Monday to purchase a 230' bridge to be installed by EZ Docks for $158,555. 
The current bridge, on the south side of Vets Lake, was installed around 2000
and is starting to deteriorate. Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler
felt the time was right to replace the bridge after the city recently installed
a new fishing dock nearby. "Right now, these bridges have a 10-year warranty," said Keeler. "The specs from the company say they'll last 25 to 30 years. Most of the docks the company has put in, going back to 1991, are still in place." 
Along with Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement money from previous
flooding and wind storms, Great Bend has $146,480 set aside for the project.
FEMA will reimburse the city 75% and the State of Kansas will reimburse the
city 10% for the bridge replacement. Leaving the city with 15% of the project,
Great Bend’s share will be $23,783 for the turnkey installation.&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/88b761d1-34cd-49f3-9862-bb3557b4de53">RELATED STORY: Great Bend to replace docks at Vets and Stone lakes</a>

New walking/fishing bridge to be installed this spring at Vets Lake

Nex-Tech, a company in business technology solutions and broadband connectivity, announced the next phase of its fiber project in Great Bend. Nex-Tech has seen success in the community where fiber has been built to the residential areas. The company plans to complete construction by the end of 2023. &nbsp;

The first area of focus this year will be the west part of town. It will include residents north of 10th Street and residential neighborhoods west of the railroad tracks. Construction is already underway. &nbsp;

Neighborhoods within this area have entered the sign-up phase. Residents are now able to select their preferred service options from a variety of packages. These customers will be connected to Nex-Tech's fiber Internet service once the construction process is complete in their area. &nbsp;

As Nex-Tech reaches the final areas of Great Bend, it does so with the goal of providing the community with the highest level of Internet connectivity. Residents will have access to Internet speeds up to 1 Gig that allow big benefits, including buffer-free streaming, real-time gaming, and a reliable work-from-home connection. They will also be able to sign up for TV Now, Nex-Tech's entertainment option that provides a unique combination of streaming and live TV. &nbsp;

No matter the package selected, residents can be sure that they are connected to a network that is prepared to grow with the Great Bend community.&nbsp;

“Nex-Tech has been working on the fiber deployment to residential customers since 2020. We are very excited to be able to keep expanding the fiber services to all the residential areas north of 10th Street,” said Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement at Nex-Tech. “We have had a fantastic response from our customers and are pleased to be able to bring cutting-edge fiber technology to the residents of Great Bend.”&nbsp;

Those interested in signing up for services or learning more about Nex-Tech's Great Bend fiber project and its completion can visit www.nex-tech.com/great-bend or call 877-625-7872. The local office at 3700 10th Street is also open for inquiries. &nbsp;

About Nex-Tech  &nbsp; Nex-Tech connects thousands of people and businesses through a robust broadband network. Nex-Tech’s powerful fiber-to-the-premise technology delivers leading-edge enterprise solutions to clients nationwide including cloud services, servers, security, phone systems, hosted PBX, managed IT, creative solutions, and network operations monitoring. Nex-Tech employees are customer-focused on providing the most effective technology solutions with unsurpassed user-friendly support. Headquartered in Lenora, Kansas, Nex-Tech has been delivering exceptional service for over 70 years. Visit us at www.nex-tech.com/.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664806521852.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSNex-Tech, a company in business technology solutions and broadband connectivity, announced the next phase of its fiber project in Great Bend. Nex-Tech has seen success in the community where fiber has been built to the residential areas. The company plans to complete construction by the end of 2023. &nbsp;The first area of focus this year will be the west part of town. It will include residents north of 10th Street and residential neighborhoods west of the railroad tracks. Construction is already underway. &nbsp;Neighborhoods within this area have entered the sign-up phase. Residents are now able to select their preferred service options from a variety of packages. These customers will be connected to Nex-Tech's fiber Internet service once the construction process is complete in their area. &nbsp;As Nex-Tech reaches the final areas of Great Bend, it does so with the goal of providing the community with the highest level of Internet connectivity. Residents will have access to Internet speeds up to 1 Gig that allow big benefits, including buffer-free streaming, real-time gaming, and a reliable work-from-home connection. They will also be able to sign up for TV Now, Nex-Tech's entertainment option that provides a unique combination of streaming and live TV. &nbsp;No matter the package selected, residents can be sure that they are connected to a network that is prepared to grow with the Great Bend community.&nbsp;“Nex-Tech has been working on the fiber deployment to residential customers since 2020. We are very excited to be able to keep expanding the fiber services to all the residential areas north of 10th Street,” said Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement at Nex-Tech. “We have had a fantastic response from our customers and are pleased to be able to bring cutting-edge fiber technology to the residents of Great Bend.”&nbsp;Those interested in signing up for services or learning more about Nex-Tech's Great Bend fiber project and its completion can visit www.nex-tech.com/great-bend or call 877-625-7872. The local office at 3700 10th Street is also open for inquiries. &nbsp;About Nex-Tech  &nbsp; Nex-Tech connects thousands of people and businesses through a robust broadband network. Nex-Tech’s powerful fiber-to-the-premise technology delivers leading-edge enterprise solutions to clients nationwide including cloud services, servers, security, phone systems, hosted PBX, managed IT, creative solutions, and network operations monitoring. Nex-Tech employees are customer-focused on providing the most effective technology solutions with unsurpassed user-friendly support. Headquartered in Lenora, Kansas, Nex-Tech has been delivering exceptional service for over 70 years. Visit us at www.nex-tech.com/.

Nex-Tech announces new fiber construction zones in Great Bend

Eating healthy can be a challenge with busy lifestyles, but small changes can benefit your overall health. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee encourages daily physical activity and replacing some foods with more nutritious options.

“The concept of nutrition includes choosing healthful foods, then after consumption, the body breaks the foods down into the nutrients that provide fuel for our bodies. So, for example, a fresh orange would be more nutritious than a can of orange soda,” Blakeslee said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Eating healthy can be a challenge with busy lifestyles, but small changes can benefit your overall health. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee encourages daily physical activity and replacing some foods with more nutritious options.“The concept of nutrition includes choosing healthful foods, then after consumption, the body breaks the foods down into the nutrients that provide fuel for our bodies. So, for example, a fresh orange would be more nutritious than a can of orange soda,” Blakeslee said.Blakeslee suggests keeping fruits and vegetables easily accessible, selecting whole grain products, drinking water or unsweetened beverages and replacing salt with spices and herbs.Improving health at home, school or work can look like setting reminders to get up and move every hour, if possible, or using the stairs at work to add more movement, Blakeslee said.“Every little bit counts. Try a new fruit or vegetable each week as a family,” Blakeslee said.Blakeslee offers tips to improve nutritional decisions at home such as:· Plan meals and snacks.· Make a grocery list to match that plan and stick with the list.· Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.· If fresh produce is not available, canned, frozen or dried can be a great choice.· Avoid meal plans that specify restricting certain foods or food groups.· Learn to cook at home and make it a family activity. When kids actively help prepare meals, they are more likely to eat what they make.“Remember that food and eating nutritious food should be a happy occasion to create memories and traditions,” Blakeslee said.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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