It is always a treat to eat out at a favorite restaurant or community event, and as consumers, we expect the food to be safe. We must rely on the food handlers to provide the safest meal possible.

K-State Research and Extension in partnership with the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association provides training for all food handlers. The ServSafe® program is a national certification program designed to teach safe handling practices to those who serve food to the public.

ServSafe® Food Handlers class is scheduled for Monday, March 20, 2023 from 1:30-4:30pm at the Cottonwood Extension Office at 601 Main in Hays. The class covers basic food safety, personal hygiene, preventing cross contamination, time and temperature, cleaning and sanitation. The course is for commercial food safety employees and non-profit volunteers. The cost for the course is $15 and covers the cost of the ServSafe® Food Handlers manual, training materials and refreshments. Registration is due by March 17, 2023. Please call the office or email if you have any questions or want to register for the class.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>It is always a treat to eat out at a favorite restaurant or community event, and as consumers, we expect the food to be safe. We must rely on the food handlers to provide the safest meal possible.K-State Research and Extension in partnership with the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association provides training for all food handlers. The ServSafe® program is a national certification program designed to teach safe handling practices to those who serve food to the public.ServSafe® Food Handlers class is scheduled for Monday, March 20, 2023 from 1:30-4:30pm at the Cottonwood Extension Office at 601 Main in Hays. The class covers basic food safety, personal hygiene, preventing cross contamination, time and temperature, cleaning and sanitation. The course is for commercial food safety employees and non-profit volunteers. The cost for the course is $15 and covers the cost of the ServSafe® Food Handlers manual, training materials and refreshments. Registration is due by March 17, 2023. Please call the office or email if you have any questions or want to register for the class.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: ServSafe food handlers training offered

Most schools across the country host&nbsp;spirit&nbsp;weeks leading&nbsp;up&nbsp;to homecoming games or other important milestones. But why does the fun have to stop when we become adults? Creative firm Marketing Maven Consulting, based in Great Bend, announced the launch of a new nationwide promotion called&nbsp;GrownUpSpiritWeek, giving workplaces the opportunity to have some fun and make memories as a team. The first ever&nbsp;GrownUpSpiritWeek&nbsp;will take place March 27-31.

"We are hoping this light hearted idea will spread&nbsp;across the country, and are sponsoring some cool prizes to incentivize people to jump on board," said Rachel Mawhirter with Marketing Maven. "There are prizes&nbsp;for every day of the&nbsp;week&nbsp;for the best team photos, as well as individual prizes for best costumes."

Teams of&nbsp;up&nbsp;to 30 people can register at no cost to participate, with fun themes for each day of the&nbsp;week. Those will change from year to year, but for this first event, the themes will include Pajama Day, Decades Day, Sports Day, "The Office" Day, and Company Colors Day. Teams can participate in one or two days, or all of them. It's&nbsp;up&nbsp;to each team how many days they want to dress&nbsp;up&nbsp;for.

Throughout the&nbsp;week, teams upload their photos to social media and tag&nbsp;GrownUpSpiritWeek&nbsp;to be entered for the daily and weekly prizes. 

"Research shows that employees who have fun at work are more engaged and have lower turnover," Mawhirter said. "We hope employers leverage this free opportunity to create fun in the workplace and build camaraderie amongst their teams."

For more information or to sign&nbsp;up&nbsp;a team for free, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.grownupspiritweek.com/" target="_blank">www.grownupspiritweek.com</a>&nbsp;or search #grownupspiritweek on social media. Every team captain will be provided with a flyer and other resources they can circulate around the office to recruit participants. Teams are also encouraged to follow&nbsp;Grown&nbsp;Up&nbsp;Spirit&nbsp;Week&nbsp;on all the major social platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678312288876.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Most schools across the country host&nbsp;spirit&nbsp;weeks leading&nbsp;up&nbsp;to homecoming games or other important milestones. But why does the fun have to stop when we become adults? Creative firm Marketing Maven Consulting, based in Great Bend, announced the launch of a new nationwide promotion called&nbsp;GrownUpSpiritWeek, giving workplaces the opportunity to have some fun and make memories as a team. The first ever&nbsp;GrownUpSpiritWeek&nbsp;will take place March 27-31. "We are hoping this light hearted idea will spread&nbsp;across the country, and are sponsoring some cool prizes to incentivize people to jump on board," said Rachel Mawhirter with Marketing Maven. "There are prizes&nbsp;for every day of the&nbsp;week&nbsp;for the best team photos, as well as individual prizes for best costumes."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678312279525.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Teams of&nbsp;up&nbsp;to 30 people can register at no cost to participate, with fun themes for each day of the&nbsp;week. Those will change from year to year, but for this first event, the themes will include Pajama Day, Decades Day, Sports Day, "The Office" Day, and Company Colors Day. Teams can participate in one or two days, or all of them. It's&nbsp;up&nbsp;to each team how many days they want to dress&nbsp;up&nbsp;for.Throughout the&nbsp;week, teams upload their photos to social media and tag&nbsp;GrownUpSpiritWeek&nbsp;to be entered for the daily and weekly prizes. "Research shows that employees who have fun at work are more engaged and have lower turnover," Mawhirter said. "We hope employers leverage this free opportunity to create fun in the workplace and build camaraderie amongst their teams."For more information or to sign&nbsp;up&nbsp;a team for free, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.grownupspiritweek.com/" target="_blank">www.grownupspiritweek.com</a>&nbsp;or search #grownupspiritweek on social media. Every team captain will be provided with a flyer and other resources they can circulate around the office to recruit participants. Teams are also encouraged to follow&nbsp;Grown&nbsp;Up&nbsp;Spirit&nbsp;Week&nbsp;on all the major social platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New 'Grown Up Spirit Week' launched by Great Bend company

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The keys to the new Great Bend Police Department will be turned over to
staff by Sept. 1. Police Chief Steve Haulmark said
McCownGordon Construction is slightly ahead of schedule as crews are completing
the roof on the 20,100 square-foot facility. 
The $8.8 million project, at 12th Street and Baker Avenue, will
provide Haulmark and the rest of his staff with improved amenities like a much
bigger evidence room. 
"We're going to have a drying cabinet in the evidence room," said Haulmark. "If you had a piece of clothing that was wet and you wanted to dry it out before putting it away, it would go in this cabinet, especially made for that. We'll also have different tools for analyzing fingerprints." 
Named the Great Bend Justice Center, the Police Department will share the building
with Municipal Court. Haulmark was excited about a larger briefing room that
will accommodate the officers’ lockers. "We're going from having a very small briefing room where you can't fit both shifts when there is shift change, to a nice room that will double as a training room," said Haulmark. "When we're hosting training we can move the tables and do stuff in there. That's one of the bigger ticket items for us." 
The Justice Center is funded primarily by the .10% sales tax increase approved
in November 2021 by a vote. The new police station will replace the current
structure on Williams Street that was built in 1938.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678379508258.jpeg" alt="Construction continues at 12th &amp; Baker for the new Great Bend Police Department station." />
 <figcaption>Construction continues at 12th &amp; Baker for the new Great Bend Police Department station.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe keys to the new Great Bend Police Department will be turned over to
staff by Sept. 1. Police Chief Steve Haulmark said
McCownGordon Construction is slightly ahead of schedule as crews are completing
the roof on the 20,100 square-foot facility. 
The $8.8 million project, at 12th Street and Baker Avenue, will
provide Haulmark and the rest of his staff with improved amenities like a much
bigger evidence room. 
"We're going to have a drying cabinet in the evidence room," said Haulmark. "If you had a piece of clothing that was wet and you wanted to dry it out before putting it away, it would go in this cabinet, especially made for that. We'll also have different tools for analyzing fingerprints." 
Named the Great Bend Justice Center, the Police Department will share the building
with Municipal Court. Haulmark was excited about a larger briefing room that
will accommodate the officers’ lockers. "We're going from having a very small briefing room where you can't fit both shifts when there is shift change, to a nice room that will double as a training room," said Haulmark. "When we're hosting training we can move the tables and do stuff in there. That's one of the bigger ticket items for us." 
The Justice Center is funded primarily by the .10% sales tax increase approved
in November 2021 by a vote. The new police station will replace the current
structure on Williams Street that was built in 1938.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Police excited about amenities of new station

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

More than 2.7 million American men and women served in the Vietnam War from 1961 until 1975. More than 58,000 of those servicemen and women died while serving. Yet not everyone can make it to Washington, D.C. to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A 375-foot replica of that wall is coming to Great Bend May 11-14, and Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said volunteers are still needed.

"There's a big setup process, so we need people who can help set the wall up, who can help get the informational tents and everything else up," she said. "Really, there's everything from a tour guide to manpower to physically get the wall up, to even just support staff. If there's something you want to help with, even if it's that you need to sit at a chair and help, we would love to have a volunteer for that."

The Wall that Heals, a three-quarter replica of the memorial wall in D.C., will be open 24 hours a day. The memorial makes just 30 stops across the country each year, and the Great Bend visit will be the only one within a four-state area this year. Larry Parsons, Chairperson for the Great Bend Leadership Committee, is hopeful the memorial will attract up to 15,000 people. Hayes said, beyond the honor of hosting the wall, it could also benefit the area economically.

"Because we are the only one in the four surrounding states, we are hoping for visitors to come into town," she said. "This may not be an overnight, per se, stay for people, but we're at least hoping they'll come into town, have lunch, and spend money while they're in town. This is also a huge honor. It's a very somber, honorable experience, and we are inviting people from 100-plus miles out."

The Wall that Heals will be escorted from Claflin to Hoisington, then on to Great Bend, where it will be displayed at Al Burns Memorial Field. Volunteers can sign up by <a href="https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/805094da8ac22a4fc1-thewall">CLICKING HERE</a>, or call the Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau at (620) 792-2750.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652395389.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMore than 2.7 million American men and women served in the Vietnam War from 1961 until 1975. More than 58,000 of those servicemen and women died while serving. Yet not everyone can make it to Washington, D.C. to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A 375-foot replica of that wall is coming to Great Bend May 11-14, and Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said volunteers are still needed."There's a big setup process, so we need people who can help set the wall up, who can help get the informational tents and everything else up," she said. "Really, there's everything from a tour guide to manpower to physically get the wall up, to even just support staff. If there's something you want to help with, even if it's that you need to sit at a chair and help, we would love to have a volunteer for that."The Wall that Heals, a three-quarter replica of the memorial wall in D.C., will be open 24 hours a day. The memorial makes just 30 stops across the country each year, and the Great Bend visit will be the only one within a four-state area this year. Larry Parsons, Chairperson for the Great Bend Leadership Committee, is hopeful the memorial will attract up to 15,000 people. Hayes said, beyond the honor of hosting the wall, it could also benefit the area economically."Because we are the only one in the four surrounding states, we are hoping for visitors to come into town," she said. "This may not be an overnight, per se, stay for people, but we're at least hoping they'll come into town, have lunch, and spend money while they're in town. This is also a huge honor. It's a very somber, honorable experience, and we are inviting people from 100-plus miles out."The Wall that Heals will be escorted from Claflin to Hoisington, then on to Great Bend, where it will be displayed at Al Burns Memorial Field. Volunteers can sign up by <a href="https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/805094da8ac22a4fc1-thewall">CLICKING HERE</a>, or call the Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau at (620) 792-2750.

Volunteers needed for Wall That Heals Great Bend stop in May

The upgrades continue at the Great Bend Sports Complex, specifically to
Field 1. The baseball field faces the northeast, and any batter that has
stepped up to the plate throughout the last 10 years knows there is a white
house beyond the centerfield fence. A white baseball and a white house do not
mix well for batters trying to read the pitch zooming towards them. 
Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris Umphres said construction on a “batter’s
eye” was finished last week on Field 1. "People with baseball knowledge know there's a batter's eye that goes in centerfield to help with visual when you go up to bat," said Umphres. "Currently there is a white house dead center. This will help with tournaments, KCAC, KSHSAA and even our own high school by having a visual backdrop so hitters can see the pitch coming in now."

A batter’s eye is a solid screen, usually a darker color, providing a visual
backdrop for the line of sight for the batter. 
Eldridge Fencing installed the dark green structure above the centerfield
fence. 
The improvement adds to the recent $1.37 million project that placed turf at
the ballfields at the complex.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678395891113.jpeg" alt="The new batter's eye installed at Field 1 at the Great Bend Sports Complex." />
 <figcaption>The new batter's eye installed at Field 1 at the Great Bend Sports Complex.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe upgrades continue at the Great Bend Sports Complex, specifically to
Field 1. The baseball field faces the northeast, and any batter that has
stepped up to the plate throughout the last 10 years knows there is a white
house beyond the centerfield fence. A white baseball and a white house do not
mix well for batters trying to read the pitch zooming towards them. 
Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris Umphres said construction on a “batter’s
eye” was finished last week on Field 1. "People with baseball knowledge know there's a batter's eye that goes in centerfield to help with visual when you go up to bat," said Umphres. "Currently there is a white house dead center. This will help with tournaments, KCAC, KSHSAA and even our own high school by having a visual backdrop so hitters can see the pitch coming in now."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678395948872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A batter’s eye is a solid screen, usually a darker color, providing a visual
backdrop for the line of sight for the batter. 
Eldridge Fencing installed the dark green structure above the centerfield
fence. 
The improvement adds to the recent $1.37 million project that placed turf at
the ballfields at the complex.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A ‘batter’s eye’ added to Great Bend Sports Complex ballfield 

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mCgRqySF6Q" 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 Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/9) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:53 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at K-96 Highway at MM 170. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:38 a.m. an accident was reported at S. US 281 Highway &amp; SE 20 Road. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:04 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE K-156 Highway &amp; NE 80
Avenue. 
 
Assault 
 
At 1:14 p.m. an assault was reported at 1016 Harding. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 2:07 p.m. a report of trespassing was made at SE 50 Road &amp; SE 60 Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:40 p.m. an accident was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; Railroad
Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 8:46 p.m. an accident was reported at Railroad Avenue &amp; Patton Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (3/9)

At 2:27 a.m. a report of hearing noises outside his residence was made at 1114 Sherman. It was his cat.

At 2:50 a.m. a report of a dog barking all night was made at 1619 Morton. Owner contacted and brought the dog inside.

At 7:49 a.m. an accident was reported at Lakin &amp; Morton.

At 11:42 a.m. Roger Suchy reported a parking complaint at 1311 Garfield. Vehicle moved.

At 12:08 p.m. a two-vehicle injury accident was reported at 18th &amp; Odell. Minor injuries.

At 1:14 p.m. multiple reports of shots fired in the area were made at 1016 Harding Street. Officers arrested Joshua Belcher for aggravated assault, discharge of a firearm in city limits, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At 1:16 p.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported at 10th &amp; Main.

At 1:55 p.m. a report of a burglary was made at 5844 16th Street Ter.

At 5:39 p.m. Jose Pasos reported a possible gas leak at 112 Elm Street.

At 5:46 p.m. criminal trespassing was reported at 3503 10th Street. Steven McCarroll advised of trespassing.

At 7:57 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3909 10th Street.

At 9:15 p.m. an accident was reported at 1217 Williams.

At 11:54 p.m. a dog barking was reported at 1201 Cleveland Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/9) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:53 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at K-96 Highway at MM 170. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:38 a.m. an accident was reported at S. US 281 Highway &amp; SE 20 Road. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:04 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE K-156 Highway &amp; NE 80
Avenue. 
 
Assault 
 
At 1:14 p.m. an assault was reported at 1016 Harding. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 2:07 p.m. a report of trespassing was made at SE 50 Road &amp; SE 60 Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:40 p.m. an accident was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; Railroad
Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 8:46 p.m. an accident was reported at Railroad Avenue &amp; Patton Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (3/9)ProwlerAt 2:27 a.m. a report of hearing noises outside his residence was made at 1114 Sherman. It was his cat.Animal ComplaintAt 2:50 a.m. a report of a dog barking all night was made at 1619 Morton. Owner contacted and brought the dog inside.Non-Injury AccidentAt 7:49 a.m. an accident was reported at Lakin &amp; Morton.Parking ComplaintAt 11:42 a.m. Roger Suchy reported a parking complaint at 1311 Garfield. Vehicle moved.Injury AccidentAt 12:08 p.m. a two-vehicle injury accident was reported at 18th &amp; Odell. Minor injuries.AssaultAt 1:14 p.m. multiple reports of shots fired in the area were made at 1016 Harding Street. Officers arrested Joshua Belcher for aggravated assault, discharge of a firearm in city limits, criminal possession of a weapon, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:16 p.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported at 10th &amp; Main.Burglary / Not in ProgressAt 1:55 p.m. a report of a burglary was made at 5844 16th Street Ter.Gas Leak / SpillAt 5:39 p.m. Jose Pasos reported a possible gas leak at 112 Elm Street.Trespassing / CriminalAt 5:46 p.m. criminal trespassing was reported at 3503 10th Street. Steven McCarroll advised of trespassing.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 7:57 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 3909 10th Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 9:15 p.m. an accident was reported at 1217 Williams.Animal ComplaintAt 11:54 p.m. a dog barking was reported at 1201 Cleveland Street.

Cop Shop (3/9)

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Bling.” My daughters would say that this term refers to fun, shiny jewelry.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet a remarkable young woman entrepreneur who has built a business around providing fashionable bling for women. She is not only overcoming the challenges of business, she has found that doing so is helping her overcome the challenges of health and life itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nicole Hedges-Campos is the founder of Bling Glamour, a clothing and fashion accessory business. She grew up in the rural community of Scott City, population 4,113 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Hedges-Campos attended Kansas State University and joined a sorority. After college, she moved to Las Vegas with two sorority sisters. She was working in a marketing position when an unknown health disorder popped up.&nbsp;

“I got really sick,” she said. On one occasion, she passed out on an airplane. No one could identify the cause. Ultimately she lost her driver’s license and moved back with her parents in Scott City.&nbsp;

“We were going to doctors all over the country, trying to figure out what was wrong,” Hedges-Campos said. Finally a physician at the Cleveland Clinic identified that she had a connective tissue disease, and prescribed treatment.&nbsp;

Back home, Hedges-Campos was cleaning rooms at her parent’s bed and breakfast.&nbsp;&nbsp;She also started selling purses from her basement.&nbsp;

“I love fashion,” she said. “My mom and I always enjoyed shopping.”&nbsp;

Her eye for fashion proved successful, as customers became very interested in the items she was offering. Hedges-Campos also met and married Mark, a local teacher and coach.&nbsp;

Hedges-Campos decided to open a shop in downtown Scott City. She named it Bling Glamour. The shop started selling handbags and accessories, and expanded its product lines over time to include clothing and jewelry.&nbsp;

“It was a hit,” she said. Not only did the business grow, it seemed to give her a purpose in her recovery. “Bling got me back on my feet. God put this in my heart, and I started getting stronger.”&nbsp;

It went so well that Nicole decided to open a second store in Garden City. “That store went crazy,” she said. A third store opened in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Bling Glamour has grown so much that Mark has joined the business, along with Nicole’s parents. In addition to its online presence, Bling Glamour now has 26 stores in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri, with another on the way.&nbsp;

There have been challenges. At one point, their distribution center was lost to fire. On another, the roof collapsed on their store in Hays.&nbsp;

“It’s been a journey, and a lot of work,” Hedges-Campos said. “God has closed doors in our face, and He has opened them. We relied on our faith to get us through. We feel we are meant to do this.”&nbsp;

Hedges-Campos has especially enjoyed mentoring young women who have joined the company. “We’ve helped encourage some incredible leaders who are working really hard. I’ve loved watching other women find opportunity, find strength, and be leaders.”&nbsp;

Bling Glamour can outfit a customer from head to toe – literally. The company offers items from hats to shoes, with apparel, jewelry and other accessories in between.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kendra Scott jewelry is a popular feature. The store stays very current.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We buy weekly,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;

Through its online site, Bling Glamour is shipping items across the nation and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We just had an order from Guam,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We cater to everybody. This is not only for young women. A grandmother can shop with her granddaughter, and each one can find something. It’s like coming into the store to play dress-up.”&nbsp;

She adds: “I want people to feel better about themselves after they come in. I tell my staff, ‘Love people.’”&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blingglamour.com/">www.blingglamour.com</a>.&nbsp;

Bling. Not only does it enhance one’s wardrobe, it has enabled this young entrepreneur to empower other woman and enrich their lives while enhancing her own health. We commend Nicole Hedges-Campos for making a difference with her fashion and her faith.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678288063920.png" alt="Nicole Hedges-Campos" />
 <figcaption>Nicole Hedges-Campos</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;“Bling.” My daughters would say that this term refers to fun, shiny jewelry.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet a remarkable young woman entrepreneur who has built a business around providing fashionable bling for women. She is not only overcoming the challenges of business, she has found that doing so is helping her overcome the challenges of health and life itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicole Hedges-Campos is the founder of Bling Glamour, a clothing and fashion accessory business. She grew up in the rural community of Scott City, population 4,113 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Hedges-Campos attended Kansas State University and joined a sorority. After college, she moved to Las Vegas with two sorority sisters. She was working in a marketing position when an unknown health disorder popped up.&nbsp;“I got really sick,” she said. On one occasion, she passed out on an airplane. No one could identify the cause. Ultimately she lost her driver’s license and moved back with her parents in Scott City.&nbsp;“We were going to doctors all over the country, trying to figure out what was wrong,” Hedges-Campos said. Finally a physician at the Cleveland Clinic identified that she had a connective tissue disease, and prescribed treatment.&nbsp;Back home, Hedges-Campos was cleaning rooms at her parent’s bed and breakfast.&nbsp;&nbsp;She also started selling purses from her basement.&nbsp;“I love fashion,” she said. “My mom and I always enjoyed shopping.”&nbsp;Her eye for fashion proved successful, as customers became very interested in the items she was offering. Hedges-Campos also met and married Mark, a local teacher and coach.&nbsp;Hedges-Campos decided to open a shop in downtown Scott City. She named it Bling Glamour. The shop started selling handbags and accessories, and expanded its product lines over time to include clothing and jewelry.&nbsp;“It was a hit,” she said. Not only did the business grow, it seemed to give her a purpose in her recovery. “Bling got me back on my feet. God put this in my heart, and I started getting stronger.”&nbsp;It went so well that Nicole decided to open a second store in Garden City. “That store went crazy,” she said. A third store opened in Manhattan.&nbsp;Bling Glamour has grown so much that Mark has joined the business, along with Nicole’s parents. In addition to its online presence, Bling Glamour now has 26 stores in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri, with another on the way.&nbsp;There have been challenges. At one point, their distribution center was lost to fire. On another, the roof collapsed on their store in Hays.&nbsp;“It’s been a journey, and a lot of work,” Hedges-Campos said. “God has closed doors in our face, and He has opened them. We relied on our faith to get us through. We feel we are meant to do this.”&nbsp;Hedges-Campos has especially enjoyed mentoring young women who have joined the company. “We’ve helped encourage some incredible leaders who are working really hard. I’ve loved watching other women find opportunity, find strength, and be leaders.”&nbsp;Bling Glamour can outfit a customer from head to toe – literally. The company offers items from hats to shoes, with apparel, jewelry and other accessories in between.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kendra Scott jewelry is a popular feature. The store stays very current.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We buy weekly,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;Through its online site, Bling Glamour is shipping items across the nation and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We just had an order from Guam,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We cater to everybody. This is not only for young women. A grandmother can shop with her granddaughter, and each one can find something. It’s like coming into the store to play dress-up.”&nbsp;She adds: “I want people to feel better about themselves after they come in. I tell my staff, ‘Love people.’”&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blingglamour.com/">www.blingglamour.com</a>.&nbsp;Bling. Not only does it enhance one’s wardrobe, it has enabled this young entrepreneur to empower other woman and enrich their lives while enhancing her own health. We commend Nicole Hedges-Campos for making a difference with her fashion and her faith.&nbsp;I’m glad bling is a thing.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Nicole Hedges-Campos, Bling Glamour 

3/9 BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, no bond set.

BOOKED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Joshya Belcher on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Possesion of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Use of a Weapon, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, to Juvenile Services.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District Court warrant for Theft, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brandon Gross on three Barton County District Court warrants, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Clinton Golay on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, and for Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Battery x3, Battery x4, and Assault, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Roger Bass on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, by order of the court.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/9 BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, no bond set.BOOKED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Joshya Belcher on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Possesion of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Use of a Weapon, bond set at $20,000 C/S.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, to Juvenile Services.&nbsp;RELEASED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District Court warrant for Theft, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brandon Gross on three Barton County District Court warrants, to KDOC.RELEASED: Clinton Golay on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, and for Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Battery x3, Battery x4, and Assault, to KDOC.RELEASED: Roger Bass on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, by order of the court.RELEASED: Christopher Behnke on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.&nbsp;

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/9)

There were many questions in Hoisington over the last few months as to
what was going in the new warehouse constructed on south Main Street. Owner Matthew
Gerritzen put to rest any rumors by saying the building will be a new
agriculture seed treatment and fertilizer supplier. 
The shop at 471 South Main Street in Hoisington, called Sundown AgriSupply LLC,
will supply farmers products from Hefty Seed Company and AgroLiquid. "Hefty Seed used to have a location in Garden City but that faded about three years ago due to internal issues within that organization, not the product line," said Gerritzen. "It left a hole in the state of Kansas. I've been working with the Hefty brothers in South Dakota for the last two years to see if we can get a location back in Kansas. It's finally gelled together." 
Gerritzen said the business will be a one- or two-person operation and they can
service all of Kansas with the Hefty Seed products and a more central and
western Kansas focus with the AgroLiquid supply. Between seed treatment and
fertilizer advancements, Gerritzen said these products could improve yields and
earn farmers more money. "Everyone has the old saying of this is how dad did it or how grandpa did it," said Gerritzen. "Farming is changing. Technology is changing. Sometimes you have to have a different perspective to make it work. We might be able to fit that bill." 
Waiting on signage, Gerritzen said the shop is currently open.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Listen below to the entire interview with Gerritzen that aired on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 on the Focus on Hoisington show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678392674398.jpeg" alt="Sundown AgriSupply is currently open at 471 S. Main Street in Hoisington." />
 <figcaption>Sundown AgriSupply is currently open at 471 S. Main Street in Hoisington.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThere were many questions in Hoisington over the last few months as to
what was going in the new warehouse constructed on south Main Street. Owner Matthew
Gerritzen put to rest any rumors by saying the building will be a new
agriculture seed treatment and fertilizer supplier. 
The shop at 471 South Main Street in Hoisington, called Sundown AgriSupply LLC,
will supply farmers products from Hefty Seed Company and AgroLiquid. "Hefty Seed used to have a location in Garden City but that faded about three years ago due to internal issues within that organization, not the product line," said Gerritzen. "It left a hole in the state of Kansas. I've been working with the Hefty brothers in South Dakota for the last two years to see if we can get a location back in Kansas. It's finally gelled together." 
Gerritzen said the business will be a one- or two-person operation and they can
service all of Kansas with the Hefty Seed products and a more central and
western Kansas focus with the AgroLiquid supply. Between seed treatment and
fertilizer advancements, Gerritzen said these products could improve yields and
earn farmers more money. "Everyone has the old saying of this is how dad did it or how grandpa did it," said Gerritzen. "Farming is changing. Technology is changing. Sometimes you have to have a different perspective to make it work. We might be able to fit that bill." 
Waiting on signage, Gerritzen said the shop is currently open.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Listen below to the entire interview with Gerritzen that aired on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 on the Focus on Hoisington show.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/nofch0iy/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

New agriculture business opens on Hoisington’s Main Street

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south-southeast 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 13 to 23 mph becoming north-northwest in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.

Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Breezy.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.

Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Thursday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 50. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south-southeast 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 16 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a south-southeast wind 13 to 23 mph becoming north-northwest in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Breezy.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.Thursday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Clerk Shawna Schafer that aired March 8, 2023.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Clerk Shawna Schafer that aired March 8, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/1d2ay3ng/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙City Edition: City Clerk Shawna Schafer

The City of Great Bend expects a quick turnaround for repairs to the
Brit Spaugh Skate Park, known as “Da Cage” on Morton Street. A preliminary bid to remove
and replace the surface at the skate park came in at just shy of $102,000 for the
125' x 125' surface. 
The chain link fence will also be replaced around the park. The Great Bend City
Council considered going from a 6' tall fence to four feet to save money.
Great Bend Director of Public Lands Scott Keeler pointed out the advantage of
the 6' wall, which eventually the council was in favor of. "A four foot fence, for teenagers, they're going jump clear," said Keeler. "The next thing you know, you have the top rail bent down. That was the reason I was going with six foot. It's a little more of a deterrent for jumping over the top of it. You wouldn't have to deal with the bent up top rails." 
The .15% quality of life sales tax will cover the expense for the resurfacing
and fence replacement. There is $130,000 set aside for the project to hopefully be completed by June.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664458735406.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend expects a quick turnaround for repairs to the
Brit Spaugh Skate Park, known as “Da Cage” on Morton Street. A preliminary bid to remove
and replace the surface at the skate park came in at just shy of $102,000 for the
125' x 125' surface. 
The chain link fence will also be replaced around the park. The Great Bend City
Council considered going from a 6' tall fence to four feet to save money.
Great Bend Director of Public Lands Scott Keeler pointed out the advantage of
the 6' wall, which eventually the council was in favor of. "A four foot fence, for teenagers, they're going jump clear," said Keeler. "The next thing you know, you have the top rail bent down. That was the reason I was going with six foot. It's a little more of a deterrent for jumping over the top of it. You wouldn't have to deal with the bent up top rails." 
The .15% quality of life sales tax will cover the expense for the resurfacing
and fence replacement. There is $130,000 set aside for the project to hopefully be completed by June.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

New surfacing and fence coming to Great Bend skate park

Members of the Great Bend Optimist Club hosted a local competition for the Jr. NBA Skills Challenge.

The competition was held at The Fieldhouse on March 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jr. NBA Skills Challenge provides boys and girls, ages 13 and younger, the opportunity to improve upon and showcase their fitness through five fundamental basketball skills:&nbsp;shooting, lay-ups, dribbling, passing and defense.&nbsp; 

In the local competition for the 13U age group the Champion was Jordan Kitch.&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp;Place went to Levi McCormick and Julian Hernandez finished 3rd.&nbsp; For the 11U competitors, Jakoby Sundahl took the title, with Dylan Sundahl finishing second and Jaxton Leiker 3rd.&nbsp;

Optimist Member and Project Chairman, Shane Dicks said, “This was a good local contest, and participants may have a chance to go for an all-expense paid trip to New York City for the National finals and NBA Draft. They would need to meet the National Qualifying score determined by competition happening through April.” 

Dicks also complimented the Great Bend High School and Barton Community College athletes, Sadie Spray, Kylie McCormick, Parker Dicks and Joel Ortiz who volunteered to mentor the participants in the competition.

The Great Bend Optimist Club is a civic group dedicated to being the Friend of Youth.&nbsp; The Club meets each Monday for lunch at the Walnut Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678311842135.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Members of the Great Bend Optimist Club hosted a local competition for the Jr. NBA Skills Challenge.The competition was held at The Fieldhouse on March 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jr. NBA Skills Challenge provides boys and girls, ages 13 and younger, the opportunity to improve upon and showcase their fitness through five fundamental basketball skills:&nbsp;shooting, lay-ups, dribbling, passing and defense.&nbsp; In the local competition for the 13U age group the Champion was Jordan Kitch.&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp;Place went to Levi McCormick and Julian Hernandez finished 3rd.&nbsp; For the 11U competitors, Jakoby Sundahl took the title, with Dylan Sundahl finishing second and Jaxton Leiker 3rd.&nbsp;Optimist Member and Project Chairman, Shane Dicks said, “This was a good local contest, and participants may have a chance to go for an all-expense paid trip to New York City for the National finals and NBA Draft. They would need to meet the National Qualifying score determined by competition happening through April.” Dicks also complimented the Great Bend High School and Barton Community College athletes, Sadie Spray, Kylie McCormick, Parker Dicks and Joel Ortiz who volunteered to mentor the participants in the competition.The Great Bend Optimist Club is a civic group dedicated to being the Friend of Youth.&nbsp; The Club meets each Monday for lunch at the Walnut Bowl.

Winners of Great Bend Optimist Club's basketball challenge

Great Bend residents will have a chance to meet the new Cottonwood District Extension Director Jay Harris. A Great Bend Chamber of Commerce of Coffee Hour and open house will be held March 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at 3007 10th Street.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4a6d01e8-c105-41c0-82db-78f345e416e2">RELATED STORY: Jay Harris to serve as Cottonwood District Extension Director</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678311073684.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend residents will have a chance to meet the new Cottonwood District Extension Director Jay Harris. A Great Bend Chamber of Commerce of Coffee Hour and open house will be held March 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at 3007 10th Street.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/4a6d01e8-c105-41c0-82db-78f345e416e2">RELATED STORY: Jay Harris to serve as Cottonwood District Extension Director</a>

Great Bend residents can meet new Cottonwood Extension Director

Great Bend and Barton County have several area outdoor attractions. Getting out-of-state tourists to know about them is another story. That's why four area representatives recently attended the 75th Omaha International Boat Sports &amp; Travel Show in Nebraska from Feb. 23-26. Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said the show is always a success, with up to 20,000 potential tourists attending each year. 

"The Omaha Travel Show is one of Great Bend's best shows of the year," she said. "What's crazy is Omaha people are really interested in an affordable family weekend getaway from the city. They really like the idea of coming to the wetlands. A lot of them recognize our drag strip, and they are sold easily on our zoo right next to our waterpark. We sell it, really, as a getaway from the city package."

Hayes attended the show with fellow employee Amanda Gaddis, KWEC Senior Administrative Assistant Dayona Nett, and retired KWEC employee Linda Penner, who was recently named the CVB's 2022 Frontline Employee of the Year. The group spoke directly with nearly 2,400 show visitors to promote the Great Bend area.

"Part of our goal for the CVB is to make sure we're reaching outside of the state to be able to promote and encourage tourism," Hayes said. "We really want out-of-state dollars to come to Great Bend. Kansas Tourism has already proven we have plenty of outside dollars coming to our state. Great Bend is just trying to make sure we're staying in the game and getting a piece of that pie."

Hayes said KWEC staff is included in the trip because birding is key to the Cheyenne Bottoms area. The local group entices potential tourists with a game that keeps them at the booth for five minutes.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678207935655.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau's Amanda Gaddis teaches potential tourists about Cheyenne Bottoms at the Omaha International Boat Sports &amp; Travel Show." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau's Amanda Gaddis teaches potential tourists about Cheyenne Bottoms at the Omaha International Boat Sports &amp; Travel Show.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGreat Bend and Barton County have several area outdoor attractions. Getting out-of-state tourists to know about them is another story. That's why four area representatives recently attended the 75th Omaha International Boat Sports &amp; Travel Show in Nebraska from Feb. 23-26. Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said the show is always a success, with up to 20,000 potential tourists attending each year. "The Omaha Travel Show is one of Great Bend's best shows of the year," she said. "What's crazy is Omaha people are really interested in an affordable family weekend getaway from the city. They really like the idea of coming to the wetlands. A lot of them recognize our drag strip, and they are sold easily on our zoo right next to our waterpark. We sell it, really, as a getaway from the city package."Hayes attended the show with fellow employee Amanda Gaddis, KWEC Senior Administrative Assistant Dayona Nett, and retired KWEC employee Linda Penner, who was recently named the CVB's 2022 Frontline Employee of the Year. The group spoke directly with nearly 2,400 show visitors to promote the Great Bend area."Part of our goal for the CVB is to make sure we're reaching outside of the state to be able to promote and encourage tourism," Hayes said. "We really want out-of-state dollars to come to Great Bend. Kansas Tourism has already proven we have plenty of outside dollars coming to our state. Great Bend is just trying to make sure we're staying in the game and getting a piece of that pie."Hayes said KWEC staff is included in the trip because birding is key to the Cheyenne Bottoms area. The local group entices potential tourists with a game that keeps them at the booth for five minutes.

Great Bend area promoted as destination at Omaha convention

Construction is underway at the building on west 10th Street, and Harbor Freight Tools is expected to open to the public this spring. The
store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community. 

Great
Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger is excited to see the
progress on the transformation of the building at 4903 10th Street. "We are thrilled to welcome Harbor Freight Tools to the community," said Arnberger. "We're very excited. We hope for success for them." 
Harbor Freight will take over the location of the former Ace Hardware store. 
Harbor Freight has more than 1,300 locations nationwide and joined the
KansasWorks job fair in Great Bend this week. Those interested in a job can
still find an application at <a href="https://jobs.harborfreight.com/careers/#retail-careers">harborfreight.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678216979766.jpeg" alt="4903 10th Street in Great Bend is undergoing renovations to become a Harbor Freight Tools store." />
 <figcaption>4903 10th Street in Great Bend is undergoing renovations to become a Harbor Freight Tools store.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostConstruction is underway at the building on west 10th Street, and Harbor Freight Tools is expected to open to the public this spring. The
store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community. Great
Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger is excited to see the
progress on the transformation of the building at 4903 10th Street. "We are thrilled to welcome Harbor Freight Tools to the community," said Arnberger. "We're very excited. We hope for success for them." 
Harbor Freight will take over the location of the former Ace Hardware store. 
Harbor Freight has more than 1,300 locations nationwide and joined the
KansasWorks job fair in Great Bend this week. Those interested in a job can
still find an application at <a href="https://jobs.harborfreight.com/careers/#retail-careers">harborfreight.com</a>.&nbsp;

10th Street building transformation continues for Harbor Freight

Legacy Financial Solutions, formerly known as Hiss Sherman Wealth Management, has undergone a rebranding to better align with their mission and values. The company celebrated their new look with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Chamber Coffee hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. The new name and logo, according to owner and financial advisor Matt Hiss, embody the company's focus on building legacies for clients.

“Our steady growth over the past few years has brought us new clients, teammates, locations, and opportunities. It was time to create a brand that could grow with us and ultimately equip us to better serve our clients,” says Matt Hiss.

Legacy Financial Solutions offers a unique approach to financial planning, which is reflected in their four main areas of expertise: Investment Management, Retirement Planning, Multi-generational Wealth Planning, and Strategic Business Planning. They have a team of financial professionals with varying levels of expertise, allowing them to tailor their clients' plans to better pursue their goals. The company is independent, meaning they have a fiduciary duty to always put clients' interests first and are not tied to proprietary products or limited to certain services.

Marketing Coordinator Dena Hiss elaborated on the rebrand, stating that everything has been streamlined to better reflect the company's unique process of serving clients. Legacy Financial Solutions' mission is to equip clients to fully pursue, build, and achieve their own personal legacy. The company has helped clients across 21 different states over the past 36 years and serves over 1,000 clients nationwide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678212470020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSLegacy Financial Solutions, formerly known as Hiss Sherman Wealth Management, has undergone a rebranding to better align with their mission and values. The company celebrated their new look with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting and Chamber Coffee hosted by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. The new name and logo, according to owner and financial advisor Matt Hiss, embody the company's focus on building legacies for clients.“Our steady growth over the past few years has brought us new clients, teammates, locations, and opportunities. It was time to create a brand that could grow with us and ultimately equip us to better serve our clients,” says Matt Hiss.Legacy Financial Solutions offers a unique approach to financial planning, which is reflected in their four main areas of expertise: Investment Management, Retirement Planning, Multi-generational Wealth Planning, and Strategic Business Planning. They have a team of financial professionals with varying levels of expertise, allowing them to tailor their clients' plans to better pursue their goals. The company is independent, meaning they have a fiduciary duty to always put clients' interests first and are not tied to proprietary products or limited to certain services.Marketing Coordinator Dena Hiss elaborated on the rebrand, stating that everything has been streamlined to better reflect the company's unique process of serving clients. Legacy Financial Solutions' mission is to equip clients to fully pursue, build, and achieve their own personal legacy. The company has helped clients across 21 different states over the past 36 years and serves over 1,000 clients nationwide.

Legacy Financial Solutions celebrates with ribbon cutting in GB

A master plan for improvements at Heizer Park in Great Bend have been
sketched out, but no commencement on the upgrades has been set by the City of
Great Bend. A goal to make improvements at the park in the southeast portion of
the town was announced in 2020, and the Great Bend City Council said at
February’s work session a timeline for Heizer is still unclear.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a90e6388-8a21-4296-ac12-9a7ffa78f636">RELATED STORY: Entering design phase for Great Bend's Heizer Park improvements</a> 
Along with a restroom and new playground features, Great Bend Recreation
Commission Director Chris Umphres said improvements to the grass area would add
four soccer fields. "We say soccer field but it's really irrigated, nice grass for kids to play on," said Umphres. "Right now it's kind of stickers. It's not great grass. We say soccer, but it's really nice grass." 
The city was approved for a $161,000 grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife
and Park for Heizer renovations. Great Bend is still waiting for a conceptual estimate, but Great Bend Interim City Administrator Logan Burns guessed $1 million is needed to complete the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678138350040.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA master plan for improvements at Heizer Park in Great Bend have been
sketched out, but no commencement on the upgrades has been set by the City of
Great Bend. A goal to make improvements at the park in the southeast portion of
the town was announced in 2020, and the Great Bend City Council said at
February’s work session a timeline for Heizer is still unclear.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a90e6388-8a21-4296-ac12-9a7ffa78f636">RELATED STORY: Entering design phase for Great Bend's Heizer Park improvements</a> 
Along with a restroom and new playground features, Great Bend Recreation
Commission Director Chris Umphres said improvements to the grass area would add
four soccer fields. "We say soccer field but it's really irrigated, nice grass for kids to play on," said Umphres. "Right now it's kind of stickers. It's not great grass. We say soccer, but it's really nice grass." 
The city was approved for a $161,000 grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife
and Park for Heizer renovations. Great Bend is still waiting for a conceptual estimate, but Great Bend Interim City Administrator Logan Burns guessed $1 million is needed to complete the project.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend’s Heizer Park improvements could cost $1 million

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/8) 
 
Theft 
 
At 10 a.m. a theft was reported at 317 Pawnee Avenue in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (3/8) 
 
Battery 
 
At 1:53 a.m. a battery case was reported at 1109 Main. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 7:43 a.m. an alarm was reported at 705 10th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 11:56 a.m. a report of geese walking across the road was made at 10th
&amp; K-96 Highway. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:02 p.m. a report of someone striking his vehicle and leaving the scene at
1514 Park Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 2:57 p.m. Walmart, 3503 10th Street, reported a subject
shoplifting. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:29 p.m. an accident was reported at 12th &amp; Baker. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 11:40 p.m. a theft of items from the residence over the last month was
reported at 3009 Broadway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/8) 
 
Theft 
 
At 10 a.m. a theft was reported at 317 Pawnee Avenue in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (3/8) 
 
Battery 
 
At 1:53 a.m. a battery case was reported at 1109 Main. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 7:43 a.m. an alarm was reported at 705 10th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 11:56 a.m. a report of geese walking across the road was made at 10th
&amp; K-96 Highway. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:02 p.m. a report of someone striking his vehicle and leaving the scene at
1514 Park Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 2:57 p.m. Walmart, 3503 10th Street, reported a subject
shoplifting. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:29 p.m. an accident was reported at 12th &amp; Baker. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 11:40 p.m. a theft of items from the residence over the last month was
reported at 3009 Broadway.

Cop Shop (3/8)

Increased property valuations do not necessarily mean a rise in taxes. That's what Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser and the commission emphasized at Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting. The good news is, for the first time in a couple of years, appraisals were put in the mail by the March 1 deadline. The bad news is appraisals were up significantly all around Barton County. Prosser explained to the commission.

"When they open those notices, in general, we have seen increases between 10 and 30 percent on our residential, if not a little bit more in some instances," she said. "Our ag ground went down in value this year, however, our ag buildings increased in value. There is reasoning behind this. It is all driven by mathematical analysis."

There were 17,892 parcels to be valuated in the county, and the county sent out 10,950 pieces of mail regarding those valuations. Prosser said, county-wide, residential properties increased by 20.2 percent, commercial properties were up 16.9 percent, and the overall county increase was 14.6 percent.&nbsp;

"We analyze properties that have sold in Barton County in the last three years on the open market," Prosser said. "So we're looking at sales that occurred in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Each parcel is then compared to similar properties that have sold. We know that no two properties are the same, therefore, we make adjustments."

Adjustments are made for total living area, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the condition and location of the property. In Great Bend, single-story, two-bed, one-bathroom homes in the 600-800 square foot range have seen the sharpest increases, going from $28,000 in 2020 to $89,000 in 2022. Larger homes at 1,500 square feet also saw large increases from $119,600 in 2020 to $236,000 last year.

"We know in our smaller towns we have supply and demand," said Prosser. "So in Hoisington and Ellinwood, where we don't have as many houses, there's not as many that come on the market. So, of course, with that demand, when our houses do, they usually sell for a little bit more."

Prosser then explained how those valuations could impact taxes collected. The state passed a revenue-neutral rate law meaning taxing entities must hold a public hearing if they collect more dollars than the year prior. Those taxing entities include emergency services, cities, townships, schools, and libraries. With higher valuations, that would mean lower mil levies. The county clerk's office will send out a notice later this year indicating which taxing entities plan to collect more dollars and where that public hearing will be. This year, Barton County itself remained revenue neutral.

"In essence, don't throw the county under the bus," said former Barton Commissioner Jon Prescott. "If you see yours did go up a little bit, check and see which one of the taxing entities did increase. That's only fair to the county."

Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said, while all property taxes are paid to the county, Barton County only keeps about 25 percent of that total. Barton Community College receives approximately 20 percent, followed by cities, townships, schools, and libraries.

Commissioner Barb Esfeld recently attended a legislative session in Topeka. State lawmakers are discussing cuts in food sales taxes that would mean less state money coming to counties. That would create a deficit and shift the tax burden.

"That just shifted the burden of the money we will lose on food sales tax to property tax," she said. "The House has not voted on it. Please get ahold of your representatives if you want to, if you choose to, if you believe, like me, it's going to put more burden on that."

Property owners have 30 days to appeal their valuation through the appraiser's office. Prosser encouraged anyone with complaints or questions to set up a meeting.

"Basically it's a very informal meeting where you come in, and we'll discuss that value, how we came up with that value, what our numbers are showing," she said. "We're going to start holding those hearings next Monday, March 13. It can be held in our office, or we can also do it via telephone."

Those meetings will be scheduled Monday through Thursday, with Friday being open for fieldwork. As a taxpayer, Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham commended the appraiser's office on the appeal process.

"Not only was it pleasant to go up there and ask questions and be educated, but it was a learning experience for us and for them because they don't know what the inside of our house looks like," she said. "They don't understand all the certain situations around building a new shed or whatever."

Anyone wishing to discuss this year's valuation can call the appraiser's office at (620) 793-1821.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678372775201.jpeg" alt="Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser explained the valuation process during Wednesday's commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser explained the valuation process during Wednesday's commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIncreased property valuations do not necessarily mean a rise in taxes. That's what Barton County Appraiser Wendy Prosser and the commission emphasized at Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting. The good news is, for the first time in a couple of years, appraisals were put in the mail by the March 1 deadline. The bad news is appraisals were up significantly all around Barton County. Prosser explained to the commission."When they open those notices, in general, we have seen increases between 10 and 30 percent on our residential, if not a little bit more in some instances," she said. "Our ag ground went down in value this year, however, our ag buildings increased in value. There is reasoning behind this. It is all driven by mathematical analysis."There were 17,892 parcels to be valuated in the county, and the county sent out 10,950 pieces of mail regarding those valuations. Prosser said, county-wide, residential properties increased by 20.2 percent, commercial properties were up 16.9 percent, and the overall county increase was 14.6 percent.&nbsp;"We analyze properties that have sold in Barton County in the last three years on the open market," Prosser said. "So we're looking at sales that occurred in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Each parcel is then compared to similar properties that have sold. We know that no two properties are the same, therefore, we make adjustments."Adjustments are made for total living area, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the condition and location of the property. In Great Bend, single-story, two-bed, one-bathroom homes in the 600-800 square foot range have seen the sharpest increases, going from $28,000 in 2020 to $89,000 in 2022. Larger homes at 1,500 square feet also saw large increases from $119,600 in 2020 to $236,000 last year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678372841695.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We know in our smaller towns we have supply and demand," said Prosser. "So in Hoisington and Ellinwood, where we don't have as many houses, there's not as many that come on the market. So, of course, with that demand, when our houses do, they usually sell for a little bit more."Prosser then explained how those valuations could impact taxes collected. The state passed a revenue-neutral rate law meaning taxing entities must hold a public hearing if they collect more dollars than the year prior. Those taxing entities include emergency services, cities, townships, schools, and libraries. With higher valuations, that would mean lower mil levies. The county clerk's office will send out a notice later this year indicating which taxing entities plan to collect more dollars and where that public hearing will be. This year, Barton County itself remained revenue neutral."In essence, don't throw the county under the bus," said former Barton Commissioner Jon Prescott. "If you see yours did go up a little bit, check and see which one of the taxing entities did increase. That's only fair to the county."Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said, while all property taxes are paid to the county, Barton County only keeps about 25 percent of that total. Barton Community College receives approximately 20 percent, followed by cities, townships, schools, and libraries.Commissioner Barb Esfeld recently attended a legislative session in Topeka. State lawmakers are discussing cuts in food sales taxes that would mean less state money coming to counties. That would create a deficit and shift the tax burden."That just shifted the burden of the money we will lose on food sales tax to property tax," she said. "The House has not voted on it. Please get ahold of your representatives if you want to, if you choose to, if you believe, like me, it's going to put more burden on that."Property owners have 30 days to appeal their valuation through the appraiser's office. Prosser encouraged anyone with complaints or questions to set up a meeting."Basically it's a very informal meeting where you come in, and we'll discuss that value, how we came up with that value, what our numbers are showing," she said. "We're going to start holding those hearings next Monday, March 13. It can be held in our office, or we can also do it via telephone."Those meetings will be scheduled Monday through Thursday, with Friday being open for fieldwork. As a taxpayer, Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham commended the appraiser's office on the appeal process."Not only was it pleasant to go up there and ask questions and be educated, but it was a learning experience for us and for them because they don't know what the inside of our house looks like," she said. "They don't understand all the certain situations around building a new shed or whatever."Anyone wishing to discuss this year's valuation can call the appraiser's office at (620) 793-1821.

Barton Co. Appraiser explains increase in this year's valuations

3/8 BOOKED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Travis Ploutz on Ellis County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

BOOKED: Ryan Lang on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

BOOKED: Nathan Hillgeist on Beaver County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $17,000 C/S.

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

BOOKED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Tara Bailey on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brian Hendrix on Barton County District Court case for three counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child (14&lt;16), Aggravated Endangering a Child, Felony Solicitation, and Interference with Law Enforcement, after posting $75,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/8 BOOKED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Travis Ploutz on Ellis County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Ryan Lang on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Nathan Hillgeist on Beaver County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $17,000 C/S.BOOKED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District Court warrant for Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court warrant for Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Tara Bailey on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Matthew Harris on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brian Hendrix on Barton County District Court case for three counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child (14&lt;16), Aggravated Endangering a Child, Felony Solicitation, and Interference with Law Enforcement, after posting $75,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/8)

If the goal of education is learning and problem solving, the Hoisington Middle School robotics team is mastering it. Two teams recently finished first at the state competition in Garden City. The eight students from those two teams are now headed to the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas April 30 through May 2. The teams presented to the USD 431 Board of Education at Monday's meeting.

"I see it every single day where they build something," said HMS Robotics Teacher Augustus Anders. "They have a great idea, they build it, and they test it. Sometimes it works great the first time. Most of the time, though, it doesn't work perfectly, so they have to change it up. Sometimes if something goes wrong in transportation, they have to build right at the tournament. To see my teams focused and striving for that one goal, it's amazing."

Nineteen middle school teams competed at the state competition in Garden City this year. All seven Hoisington teams qualified for state, with four of those teams making the finals. Teams from different schools are paired for each of the six qualifying rounds. Both teams get the points in the collaborative effort, and the points are averaged to determine the 10 finalists. That's where Hoisington lucked out.

"We were up pretty high in the beginning but we moved down a few points," said DJ Wyant, a programmer and driver that was one of eight students nominated for Robotics Student of the Year at state. "What they do is take the top-10 teams and put first and second together, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, and so on."

Because Hoisington was sitting third and fourth, those two teams were put together for the finals: a single round of competition that would determine who goes to Dallas.

"We were lucky enough to have two of our teams paired up," Anders said. "They got 112 points, which is the highest score in the finals in the state of Kansas. Team A also got the highest score overall in the state of Kansas by scoring 120 points. We were pretty excited about that."

The robotics class meets daily. In those 45 minutes, the students are introduced to the game for the competition. Brody Rossman explained this year's game.

"This year's was a game called Slapshot" he said. "There are five towers, and the goal is to get all the pucks out of the towers and to shoot them under a bar. On the other side of the bar, there is a two, a three, a four, and a one-point zone. Whenever you shoot them underneath the bar, you add up all the points at the end."

Each tower requires a different mechanical operation to dispense the discs, from lifting a bar to spinning a wheel to pushing a button. Not all teams will get all the available discs to shoot under the bar for points, but 45 points are on the line for teams that free up all the pucks.

"That's also kind of the beauty of it," said Anders. "Some teams want to focus on one or two towers. They're banking on another team getting the towers they can't get. We were actually fortunate enough that both teams that are going to Dallas can do all three different styles of towers, which is partly why were able to go to worlds."

VEX sponsors virtually everything about the robotics competitions, from the pieces to the playing fields. All schools have access to the same VEX components, though some schools have more VEX pieces. Teams know the goal and set off to construct the robots that will accomplish that goal. Brayden Smith explained the robots have to be smaller than 11 x 19 inches in size, and no more than 15 inches tall. No tools are required as the pieces fit together like Legos.

"It really depends on how much experience you have with it," Smith said. "We've had to change it a lot because we've come up with ideas that haven't worked. We've run into a lot of difficulties finding things that do work."

Isaiah Mitchell explained that once the drive trains are built, the teams must then learn how to activate the towers and build accordingly. All the movement is done by remote control, which the students must program themselves.

"It's a lot simpler on the programming this year," Wyant said. "We program it ourselves. We just go on a computer and type what we want the stuff to do."

Gavin Jackson mostly builds the robot but does a little of everything else. He said the competitions are unique in that teams compete against one another, but they must also work together to maximize points.

Lincoln Blankenship programs and drives and explained the scoring for this year's game. The robot's "shooter thing" is not completely accurate, but the team has a good idea where the pucks will go. The goal is to hit the 4-point zone, which is past the two and three-point zones, but before the 1-point zone that means the puck was overshot.

"We just kind of scoot up a little closer," he said. "We've done this a lot and know the right position to get it into the 4-point zone."

Anders likens this year's game to Shuffleboard with the various point zones. Each team has two drivers and one minute to complete the game, so each driver has approximately 30 seconds to maximize points.

Once the puck is fired under the line it cannot be moved. However, when a team feels it has sufficient points, or as time runs down, they can use an extension arm on the robot to increase or even double points by touching an expansion zone.

The world competition at Dallas' Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center will feature more than 800 teams, each with four or five members. Blankenship was one of the HMS students who was able to attend last year's competition. "It was really interesting because it was like nothing I've ever seen before," he said. "It was really fun meeting a bunch of people from all over the world."

Students on the teams include Smith, Mitchell, and Xavier Stevenson on Team A, and Blankenship, Jackson, Rossman, Wyant, and Cameron Knackstedt on Team D. Coaches are Anders and Anne Selfridge.

"We both work hard with each team both in class and during tournaments," Anders said. "Our job is to encourage and give advice to the students. VEX robotics is a student-lead program, so the kids build the robots, learn the rules of the game, and respectfully keep the refs accountable with calls and scoring."

Registration for the world championships is $1,200 per team. Anders said the teams are seeking donations and sponsorships to help with costs for registration, travel, and boarding. Anyone willing to donate can call the Hoisington Middle School at (620) 653-4951.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678308590788.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIf the goal of education is learning and problem solving, the Hoisington Middle School robotics team is mastering it. Two teams recently finished first at the state competition in Garden City. The eight students from those two teams are now headed to the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas April 30 through May 2. The teams presented to the USD 431 Board of Education at Monday's meeting."I see it every single day where they build something," said HMS Robotics Teacher Augustus Anders. "They have a great idea, they build it, and they test it. Sometimes it works great the first time. Most of the time, though, it doesn't work perfectly, so they have to change it up. Sometimes if something goes wrong in transportation, they have to build right at the tournament. To see my teams focused and striving for that one goal, it's amazing."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678322794870.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nineteen middle school teams competed at the state competition in Garden City this year. All seven Hoisington teams qualified for state, with four of those teams making the finals. Teams from different schools are paired for each of the six qualifying rounds. Both teams get the points in the collaborative effort, and the points are averaged to determine the 10 finalists. That's where Hoisington lucked out."We were up pretty high in the beginning but we moved down a few points," said DJ Wyant, a programmer and driver that was one of eight students nominated for Robotics Student of the Year at state. "What they do is take the top-10 teams and put first and second together, third and fourth, fifth and sixth, and so on."Because Hoisington was sitting third and fourth, those two teams were put together for the finals: a single round of competition that would determine who goes to Dallas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678322835381.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"We were lucky enough to have two of our teams paired up," Anders said. "They got 112 points, which is the highest score in the finals in the state of Kansas. Team A also got the highest score overall in the state of Kansas by scoring 120 points. We were pretty excited about that."The robotics class meets daily. In those 45 minutes, the students are introduced to the game for the competition. Brody Rossman explained this year's game."This year's was a game called Slapshot" he said. "There are five towers, and the goal is to get all the pucks out of the towers and to shoot them under a bar. On the other side of the bar, there is a two, a three, a four, and a one-point zone. Whenever you shoot them underneath the bar, you add up all the points at the end."Each tower requires a different mechanical operation to dispense the discs, from lifting a bar to spinning a wheel to pushing a button. Not all teams will get all the available discs to shoot under the bar for points, but 45 points are on the line for teams that free up all the pucks."That's also kind of the beauty of it," said Anders. "Some teams want to focus on one or two towers. They're banking on another team getting the towers they can't get. We were actually fortunate enough that both teams that are going to Dallas can do all three different styles of towers, which is partly why were able to go to worlds."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678322894541.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>VEX sponsors virtually everything about the robotics competitions, from the pieces to the playing fields. All schools have access to the same VEX components, though some schools have more VEX pieces. Teams know the goal and set off to construct the robots that will accomplish that goal. Brayden Smith explained the robots have to be smaller than 11 x 19 inches in size, and no more than 15 inches tall. No tools are required as the pieces fit together like Legos."It really depends on how much experience you have with it," Smith said. "We've had to change it a lot because we've come up with ideas that haven't worked. We've run into a lot of difficulties finding things that do work."Isaiah Mitchell explained that once the drive trains are built, the teams must then learn how to activate the towers and build accordingly. All the movement is done by remote control, which the students must program themselves."It's a lot simpler on the programming this year," Wyant said. "We program it ourselves. We just go on a computer and type what we want the stuff to do."Gavin Jackson mostly builds the robot but does a little of everything else. He said the competitions are unique in that teams compete against one another, but they must also work together to maximize points.Lincoln Blankenship programs and drives and explained the scoring for this year's game. The robot's "shooter thing" is not completely accurate, but the team has a good idea where the pucks will go. The goal is to hit the 4-point zone, which is past the two and three-point zones, but before the 1-point zone that means the puck was overshot."We just kind of scoot up a little closer," he said. "We've done this a lot and know the right position to get it into the 4-point zone."Anders likens this year's game to Shuffleboard with the various point zones. Each team has two drivers and one minute to complete the game, so each driver has approximately 30 seconds to maximize points.Once the puck is fired under the line it cannot be moved. However, when a team feels it has sufficient points, or as time runs down, they can use an extension arm on the robot to increase or even double points by touching an expansion zone.The world competition at Dallas' Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center will feature more than 800 teams, each with four or five members. Blankenship was one of the HMS students who was able to attend last year's competition. "It was really interesting because it was like nothing I've ever seen before," he said. "It was really fun meeting a bunch of people from all over the world."Students on the teams include Smith, Mitchell, and Xavier Stevenson on Team A, and Blankenship, Jackson, Rossman, Wyant, and Cameron Knackstedt on Team D. Coaches are Anders and Anne Selfridge."We both work hard with each team both in class and during tournaments," Anders said. "Our job is to encourage and give advice to the students. VEX robotics is a student-lead program, so the kids build the robots, learn the rules of the game, and respectfully keep the refs accountable with calls and scoring." Registration for the world championships is $1,200 per team. Anders said the teams are seeking donations and sponsorships to help with costs for registration, travel, and boarding. Anyone willing to donate can call the Hoisington Middle School at (620) 653-4951.

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