By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The USD 428 Great Bend Board of Education failed to prove a lease program with Enterprise Fleet Management was too good to be true. The board first heard from an Enterprise consultant during the January meeting. Last month, the body moved forward to the next stage with no fees attached. Monday night, the board made the biggest leap yet by approving 6-0 the lease of 10 2023 Chevy Traverse SUVs to replace 10 of the 38 older vehicles in the district's fleet.

"We really feel like the vans we're looking at replacing, we really do need to replace," said Assistant Superintendent John Popp. "If we don't replace them this way, we're going to be coming to you with a lot of purchases anyway. We feel like this is a really good option. Ten vehicles, it's just a start to get an idea of how this is really going to work for us. It gets some of our most immediate needs met right off the bat. I don't think it's too big a step that we can't handle it even if we decide this isn't the way we want to go with the vehicles in the future."

The price of each Traverse is listed at $35,335. The district will pay a monthly lease fee of $682 for each vehicle, plus a $44 monthly maintenance fee for a total of $727.29. The annual cost of the 10 leases will cost the district $87,240. Enterprise will sell the 10 vehicles the district is replacing, and the Enterprise consultant believes those vehicles should fetch at least $50,000 in sales.

"He really feels confident he'll be able to totally cover our lease payments for a year out of just the sale of these 10 vehicles," Popp said, "so somewhere in the realm of $50-100,000."

According to Enterprise, the district would save approximately $89,000 in its first year using the lease program if it switched out its 23 oldest vehicles. By phasing out all 38 vehicles within six years, Enterprise estimates $359,000 in savings over 10 years. The process centers around the resale of both the district's vehicles and the leased vehicles at the end of their term. Enterprise can maximize the equity in those vehicles to generate savings.

"Add to that, he said there are not very many minivans out there for resale so they're a pretty hot item," said Popp. "People are wanting minivans, especially ones that look as good as ours, even though they have some miles on them."

The board agreed to a 36-month lease program on the 10 SUVs. The $727 monthly fee for each vehicle is locked in for that duration, and the district will have the option of buying each Chevy for $18,303 at the end of the 3-year term. Enterprise believes it can net $30,000 from the sale of each Traverse at the end of the term and put those earnings toward the next round of leases. Enterprise has the 10 vehicles on hand, and Popp hopes for delivery within a month.&nbsp;The Enterprise Fleet Management program is utilized by several other districts and municipalities in Kansas.

"I think the 10 is a really good number to get started with," Popp said. "If all of a sudden we realize there's a catch or things aren't working right, we can stop and pay out the rest of this without taxing our budget."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673368374912.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe USD 428 Great Bend Board of Education failed to prove a lease program with Enterprise Fleet Management was too good to be true. The board first heard from an Enterprise consultant during the January meeting. Last month, the body moved forward to the next stage with no fees attached. Monday night, the board made the biggest leap yet by approving 6-0 the lease of 10 2023 Chevy Traverse SUVs to replace 10 of the 38 older vehicles in the district's fleet."We really feel like the vans we're looking at replacing, we really do need to replace," said Assistant Superintendent John Popp. "If we don't replace them this way, we're going to be coming to you with a lot of purchases anyway. We feel like this is a really good option. Ten vehicles, it's just a start to get an idea of how this is really going to work for us. It gets some of our most immediate needs met right off the bat. I don't think it's too big a step that we can't handle it even if we decide this isn't the way we want to go with the vehicles in the future."The price of each Traverse is listed at $35,335. The district will pay a monthly lease fee of $682 for each vehicle, plus a $44 monthly maintenance fee for a total of $727.29. The annual cost of the 10 leases will cost the district $87,240. Enterprise will sell the 10 vehicles the district is replacing, and the Enterprise consultant believes those vehicles should fetch at least $50,000 in sales.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678153375623.png" alt="Chevy Traverse" />
 <figcaption>Chevy Traverse</figcaption>
 </figure>"He really feels confident he'll be able to totally cover our lease payments for a year out of just the sale of these 10 vehicles," Popp said, "so somewhere in the realm of $50-100,000."According to Enterprise, the district would save approximately $89,000 in its first year using the lease program if it switched out its 23 oldest vehicles. By phasing out all 38 vehicles within six years, Enterprise estimates $359,000 in savings over 10 years. The process centers around the resale of both the district's vehicles and the leased vehicles at the end of their term. Enterprise can maximize the equity in those vehicles to generate savings."Add to that, he said there are not very many minivans out there for resale so they're a pretty hot item," said Popp. "People are wanting minivans, especially ones that look as good as ours, even though they have some miles on them."The board agreed to a 36-month lease program on the 10 SUVs. The $727 monthly fee for each vehicle is locked in for that duration, and the district will have the option of buying each Chevy for $18,303 at the end of the 3-year term. Enterprise believes it can net $30,000 from the sale of each Traverse at the end of the term and put those earnings toward the next round of leases. Enterprise has the 10 vehicles on hand, and Popp hopes for delivery within a month.&nbsp;The Enterprise Fleet Management program is utilized by several other districts and municipalities in Kansas."I think the 10 is a really good number to get started with," Popp said. "If all of a sudden we realize there's a catch or things aren't working right, we can stop and pay out the rest of this without taxing our budget."

Great Bend BOE approves lease of 10 new Chevy SUVs

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Serving with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department for 25 years
prior to becoming Great Bend Police Chief in January 2021, Steve Haulmark
witnessed a community service program that the Kansas City department assisted
with to clean up the area. Haulmark pitched the idea of “Project Clean Sweep”
to Great Bend Interim City Administrator Logan Burns. 
In an effort to clean up abatements and areas with trash and refuse, Burns said
city members spent weekend time cleaning up areas of trash near the river. "There were three spots that we identified near the river that needed cleaned," said Burns. "We had some of the community service members, along with Police Department and Public Works staff, that got this all cleaned up. This was very needed."

The first step in “Project Clean Sweep” is to contact the Code Enforcement Department to identify people in the community
that truly need help, citizens that
do not have the ability to take care of trash and refuse. The
Code Enforcement Department then communicates those citizens and properties to
the Police Department to be taken care of. 
At the end of February, members of “Project Clean Sweep” received the abatement
list from the previous Great Bend City Council meeting and proceeded to handle
the complaints free of charge. 
Burns added if there is anyone that is in need of community service hours or would
like to assist to call city hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678152767395.jpeg" alt="One of the areas "Project Clean Sweep" helped clean by the Arkansas River near Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>One of the areas "Project Clean Sweep" helped clean by the Arkansas River near Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostServing with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department for 25 years
prior to becoming Great Bend Police Chief in January 2021, Steve Haulmark
witnessed a community service program that the Kansas City department assisted
with to clean up the area. Haulmark pitched the idea of “Project Clean Sweep”
to Great Bend Interim City Administrator Logan Burns. 
In an effort to clean up abatements and areas with trash and refuse, Burns said
city members spent weekend time cleaning up areas of trash near the river. "There were three spots that we identified near the river that needed cleaned," said Burns. "We had some of the community service members, along with Police Department and Public Works staff, that got this all cleaned up. This was very needed."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678153066089.jpeg" alt="After pictures of the area that Great Bend's "Project Clean Sweep" cleaned near the river." />
 <figcaption>After pictures of the area that Great Bend's "Project Clean Sweep" cleaned near the river.</figcaption>
 </figure>The first step in “Project Clean Sweep” is to contact the Code Enforcement Department to identify people in the community
that truly need help, citizens that
do not have the ability to take care of trash and refuse. The
Code Enforcement Department then communicates those citizens and properties to
the Police Department to be taken care of. 
At the end of February, members of “Project Clean Sweep” received the abatement
list from the previous Great Bend City Council meeting and proceeded to handle
the complaints free of charge. 
Burns added if there is anyone that is in need of community service hours or would
like to assist to call city hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678153121737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678153138129.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678153155217.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend looks for ‘clean sweep’ with new initiative

If there was a simple $25 add on that could be purchased at the automotive parts store, installed in less than 1 hour, with a tool as simple as a screwdriver, that would guarantee an improvement in fuel efficiency of your cars, trucks, and tractors? Would you do it?

For the soil on your property, soil testing could be considered that miracle product. Using a simple soil probe, it takes about 30 minutes to collect a good sample, one trip to town to deliver it to the Extension Office, Coop or ag retailer, it costs about $25, and it will guarantee an improvement in crop production efficiency each growing season, before it needs to be “replaced”. You would think the extension office, Coops or ag retailers would be inundated with samples every spring, but unfortunately that is not the case.

Several surveys from past years in the Southern &amp; Great Plains have continued to show that an overall small percentage of farmers soil test regularly, and some of those don’t even follow the soil test recommendation once it is received.

Nothing that could be done offered a greater return on investment than what is possible from a $25 soil test. Especially following a low yielding, drought that we experienced last year. Logic would tell us that there should be left-over fertilizer from the last growing season. The only way to know how much, is to properly take soil samples.

The folks who study the adaptation of new technology would tell you that some will study their lesson, decide and quickly move toward early implementation of new technology. Some will watch closely until they see it is successful with others and then move toward implementation. Others will implement the new technology when they determine it is critical for their survival. And a last group will implement a new technology only when it becomes legally mandated.

So, even if there was a cheap, simple add on that guaranteed to increase fuel efficiency there would still be those who would not make the effort to change. After decades of promoting soil testing I guess those of us who work in Extension Education and the commercial ag industry have witnessed this same reluctance to adapt a proven technology.

But even after decades of promoting soil testing we won’t give up. Call your local county or district extension office, Coop or ag retailer for more information about the benefits of soil testing.

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>If there was a simple $25 add on that could be purchased at the automotive parts store, installed in less than 1 hour, with a tool as simple as a screwdriver, that would guarantee an improvement in fuel efficiency of your cars, trucks, and tractors? Would you do it?For the soil on your property, soil testing could be considered that miracle product. Using a simple soil probe, it takes about 30 minutes to collect a good sample, one trip to town to deliver it to the Extension Office, Coop or ag retailer, it costs about $25, and it will guarantee an improvement in crop production efficiency each growing season, before it needs to be “replaced”. You would think the extension office, Coops or ag retailers would be inundated with samples every spring, but unfortunately that is not the case.Several surveys from past years in the Southern &amp; Great Plains have continued to show that an overall small percentage of farmers soil test regularly, and some of those don’t even follow the soil test recommendation once it is received.Nothing that could be done offered a greater return on investment than what is possible from a $25 soil test. Especially following a low yielding, drought that we experienced last year. Logic would tell us that there should be left-over fertilizer from the last growing season. The only way to know how much, is to properly take soil samples.The folks who study the adaptation of new technology would tell you that some will study their lesson, decide and quickly move toward early implementation of new technology. Some will watch closely until they see it is successful with others and then move toward implementation. Others will implement the new technology when they determine it is critical for their survival. And a last group will implement a new technology only when it becomes legally mandated.So, even if there was a cheap, simple add on that guaranteed to increase fuel efficiency there would still be those who would not make the effort to change. After decades of promoting soil testing I guess those of us who work in Extension Education and the commercial ag industry have witnessed this same reluctance to adapt a proven technology.But even after decades of promoting soil testing we won’t give up. Call your local county or district extension office, Coop or ag retailer for more information about the benefits of soil testing.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: It’s soil sampling time for summer crops and forages

Golden Belt Community Concert members will revel in an evening of music celebrating Simon &amp; Garfunkel, the best-selling duo in rock-and-roll history. Award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, together known as The Everly Set, will sing the music of the forever-popular Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.

With great humor, soaring energy, charm and laser-precise harmony, Altman and Skuller will lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon &amp; Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career.

Altman is the founder Rockapella, American a cappella singing group that began in the mid-1980s, and Skuller is the recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Buddy Holly Prize.

Their concert will include such hits as “The Boxer,” “Sound of Silence,” “America,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “59th Street Bridge Song,” “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “Cecelia,” among so many others.

Members will remember The Everly Set, who performed a tribute to the Everly Brothers here in the 2019-2020 season. They present the music of Simon &amp; Garfunkel with the same great humor, energy, charm and precision.

This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Anyone who is not a member and wishes to purchase a season membership may do so at this concert. Because the concert association encourages music education in the schools, full-time students of any age will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door.

Season memberships are $50 per adult; $10 for any full-time enrolled student; $110 for a Family Membership (two adults and all dependent children living in the same household); and $110 for a Grandparent Package (two adults and up to four minor grandchildren).

The GBCCA 2022-2023 season will conclude on April 22 with Beginnings, the ultimate Chicago Tribute Band.

For more information about GBCCA and to see video previews of the season’s concerts, go to the web site, www.goldenbeltcca.org, or call 620-793-2748.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114357220.jpeg" alt="The Everly Set, namely Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, will perform Forever Simon &amp; Garfunkel for the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone. The performance is open to GBCCA members. Memberships will be available for purchase at the concert." />
 <figcaption>The Everly Set, namely Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, will perform Forever Simon &amp; Garfunkel for the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone. The performance is open to GBCCA members. Memberships will be available for purchase at the concert.</figcaption>
 </figure>Golden Belt Community Concert members will revel in an evening of music celebrating Simon &amp; Garfunkel, the best-selling duo in rock-and-roll history. Award-winning singer-songwriters Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, together known as The Everly Set, will sing the music of the forever-popular Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.With great humor, soaring energy, charm and laser-precise harmony, Altman and Skuller will lead the audience on a journey through Paul Simon &amp; Art Garfunkel’s teenage roots, their early success as a groovy folk act, their global dominance as hit-makers, and the best of Paul Simon’s solo career.Altman is the founder Rockapella, American a cappella singing group that began in the mid-1980s, and Skuller is the recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Buddy Holly Prize.Their concert will include such hits as “The Boxer,” “Sound of Silence,” “America,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “59th Street Bridge Song,” “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “Cecelia,” among so many others.Members will remember The Everly Set, who performed a tribute to the Everly Brothers here in the 2019-2020 season. They present the music of Simon &amp; Garfunkel with the same great humor, energy, charm and precision.This GBCCA event is open to association members. No single concert tickets are available. Anyone who is not a member and wishes to purchase a season membership may do so at this concert. Because the concert association encourages music education in the schools, full-time students of any age will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door.Season memberships are $50 per adult; $10 for any full-time enrolled student; $110 for a Family Membership (two adults and all dependent children living in the same household); and $110 for a Grandparent Package (two adults and up to four minor grandchildren).The GBCCA 2022-2023 season will conclude on April 22 with Beginnings, the ultimate Chicago Tribute Band.For more information about GBCCA and to see video previews of the season’s concerts, go to the web site, www.goldenbeltcca.org, or call 620-793-2748.

The Everly Set performs ‘Forever Simon & Garfunkel’ tribute in Great Bend

City of Great Bend staff participated in a follow up Creating Better Workplace Culture training to take city employment to the next level. This team will try to implement goals, empower all levels and continue to serve the community. Instructor Sandy Brown helped continue this process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678115975808.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Great Bend staff participated in a follow up Creating Better Workplace Culture training to take city employment to the next level. This team will try to implement goals, empower all levels and continue to serve the community. Instructor Sandy Brown helped continue this process.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678115990968.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend city staff completes workplace culture training

Great Bend Chamber of Commerce staff members and Barton County Young Professionals President, Katie Hales, recently attended the first Young Professionals Day at the capital hosted by Topeka Forge on Feb. 16. This event brought together young professionals from around the state to build civic engagement and promote networking.

Representatives from Barton County had the opportunity to meet with Kansas State Representative, Tory Marie Blew, District 112, and participate in a variety of activities, including legislative 101 sessions, lunch with peers and Legislators and the chance to attend committee meetings or schedule meetings with officials from their local delegation. The event also featured remarks from elected officials, statehouse tours and attendance at legislative sessions.

Chamber President, Megan Barfield, expressed excitement about bringing similar opportunities to young professionals in the Great Bend area. 

“We are thrilled to have had the chance to participate in this inaugural event and to connect with peers from across the state," said Barfield. "The opportunity to engage with our state representatives and to learn more about the legislative process was invaluable.”

The Young Professionals Day at the Capitol provided a platform for young professionals to connect, learn and engage with their state government.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114840977.jpeg" alt="Left to Right: Edith Solorzano, Rep. Tory Marie Blew, Katie Hales, Megan Barfield, Ashley Hickman" />
 <figcaption>Left to Right: Edith Solorzano, Rep. Tory Marie Blew, Katie Hales, Megan Barfield, Ashley Hickman</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Chamber of Commerce staff members and Barton County Young Professionals President, Katie Hales, recently attended the first Young Professionals Day at the capital hosted by Topeka Forge on Feb. 16. This event brought together young professionals from around the state to build civic engagement and promote networking.Representatives from Barton County had the opportunity to meet with Kansas State Representative, Tory Marie Blew, District 112, and participate in a variety of activities, including legislative 101 sessions, lunch with peers and Legislators and the chance to attend committee meetings or schedule meetings with officials from their local delegation. The event also featured remarks from elected officials, statehouse tours and attendance at legislative sessions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114890353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chamber President, Megan Barfield, expressed excitement about bringing similar opportunities to young professionals in the Great Bend area. “We are thrilled to have had the chance to participate in this inaugural event and to connect with peers from across the state," said Barfield. "The opportunity to engage with our state representatives and to learn more about the legislative process was invaluable.”The Young Professionals Day at the Capitol provided a platform for young professionals to connect, learn and engage with their state government.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114904776.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County represented at inaugural Young Professionals Day

United Way of Central Kansas Board members and staff read at local daycares and schools including Great Bend Children’s Learning Center, Barton Community College Child Development Center, Larned Elementary School, Roosevelt Elementary School in Hoisington, Ellinwood Elementary School and St. John’s CDC in Ellinwood. Along with reading, UWCK donated books to each facility they visited and sent the kids home with a book of their own in partnership with The University of Kansas Health System. 

“Learn About Exercising” is an interactive book that encourages both reading and activity, engaging children on multiple levels.

Dr. Seuss Day is celebrated each year on March 2 in honor of Theodor Geisel’s birthday. It is part of a larger movement, Read Across America Week, which aims to promote reading in a fun and interactive way.

United Way of Central Kansas is an advocate of literacy. Over the years, UWCK has provided Literacy Kits to students heading into Kindergarten and Reading Engagement Kits to Pre-K students. In 2014, UWCK first introduced the area to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, expanding it again in 2017. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides a free book each month mailed to a child, age 0-5, regardless of income. You can register by visiting your local library or enroll online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678126719280.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>United Way of Central Kansas Board members and staff read at local daycares and schools including Great Bend Children’s Learning Center, Barton Community College Child Development Center, Larned Elementary School, Roosevelt Elementary School in Hoisington, Ellinwood Elementary School and St. John’s CDC in Ellinwood. Along with reading, UWCK donated books to each facility they visited and sent the kids home with a book of their own in partnership with The University of Kansas Health System. “Learn About Exercising” is an interactive book that encourages both reading and activity, engaging children on multiple levels.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678126744487.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Seuss Day is celebrated each year on March 2 in honor of Theodor Geisel’s birthday. It is part of a larger movement, Read Across America Week, which aims to promote reading in a fun and interactive way.United Way of Central Kansas is an advocate of literacy. Over the years, UWCK has provided Literacy Kits to students heading into Kindergarten and Reading Engagement Kits to Pre-K students. In 2014, UWCK first introduced the area to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, expanding it again in 2017. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides a free book each month mailed to a child, age 0-5, regardless of income. You can register by visiting your local library or enroll online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678126756247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678126765727.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Local United Way reads to children to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day

The Salvation Army of Barton County is pleased to announce that they are the 2023 first quarter recipients of $10,000+ in charitable donations from members of the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County group. As the group celebrated the start of their giving year, the Salvation Army joined past charitable organizations in sharing $200,000 of support since the group’s formation in 2017.

The Salvation Army’s founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs.” The organization’s charity shops, youth camps, shelters for the homeless, and humanitarian aid to developing countries and during disaster relief can be found in 133 countries world-wide. The quarterly pledges of the 100+ People Who Care members will assist the organization in funding their emergency assistance program. This program assists struggling families in Barton County with rent and utilities, prescription assistance, and gas vouchers.

The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from the Salvation Army will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to

receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on their Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678114550562.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Salvation Army of Barton County is pleased to announce that they are the 2023 first quarter recipients of $10,000+ in charitable donations from members of the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County group. As the group celebrated the start of their giving year, the Salvation Army joined past charitable organizations in sharing $200,000 of support since the group’s formation in 2017.The Salvation Army’s founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs.” The organization’s charity shops, youth camps, shelters for the homeless, and humanitarian aid to developing countries and during disaster relief can be found in 133 countries world-wide. The quarterly pledges of the 100+ People Who Care members will assist the organization in funding their emergency assistance program. This program assists struggling families in Barton County with rent and utilities, prescription assistance, and gas vouchers.The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from the Salvation Army will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations toreceive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on their Facebook page.

Salvation Army of Barton Co. receives $10,000+ in charitable donations

Some enter this world eager to dig. From the time they first go outside, they find a stick or spoon and investigate what lies beneath them. A few dirt lovers mature into agriculturists or big equipment operators. Others seek ancient life hidden in earth’s layers. Discovering fossilized teeth, bones, and imprints offers a way to travel through time.

For those who don’t evidence of ancient life in their own yard or pasture, visit a local history museum to see what amateur paleontologists have shared. A trip to the Trego County Historical Museum offers a close look at fossilized remains of cretaceous sea creatures as well as prehistoric bison, imperial elephant, and mammoth bones from the Pleistocene Era. Local Purinton family members and others loaned this collection that permits visitors to stand up close and personal to regional creatures that existed during multiple geologic eras.

Guests enter the museum doors in 2023, but a short walk transports them back in time over 80 million years. Eyes widen as they spy remains of mosasaurs, squid, and other creatures that thrived in an ancient sea covering the middle of this continent. One display showcases a mouthful of fossilized teeth left behind by Ptychodus mortoni, an oyster crushing shark. Only a foot away rests the remains of a large inoceramus, a clam commonly found in this area. Those who wander Big Creek’s banks find fossilized bivalve remains that fit in their palms, but this one enormous example is a doozy . Whoever found it labored hours to release it from its rocky crypt.

While this big clam sieved seawater in its search for nutrients, fish swam nearby and pooped. On the same ranch where searchers found the clam, they also found shark teeth, fish jaw bones, and more clams. They discovered light-yellow, limestone ovals the size of quail and chicken eggs, now identified as fossilized fish dung that scientists call coprolites. Clearly, these deposits didn’t exit little fish.

Not only did fossil hunters find sea creatures, they also discovered Pteranodon bones. Imagine traveling through time to spy a 37-pound flying creature, riding hot air currents. It had a beak similar to a pelican’s so it could “scoop fish in its jaws and swallow them whole.” It would take a large beak to swallow the fish that left behind the coprolites displayed nearby.

Slide a few feet west of the sea creatures to time-travel millions of years forward to when waters had receded and the area morphed into a Pleistocene grassland. During that time, prehistoric bison and various mammoth species grazed this region. According to Sept. 9, 1974 University of Nebraska Museum Notes, “12 to 14-foot-tall mammoths ate from 800 to 1200 pounds of grass a day. Mastodonts such as Megabelodons joined these land mammals and browsed area leaves.” One Trego County farmer hit something while plowing. He discovered femurs and a partial tusk of a mastodont labeled an Imperial Elephant. Visit the Trego County Historical Society and marvel at the size of these leg bones.

Thank goodness, area museums make it possible to time travel often. This is necessary for humans who want to wrap modern brains around hard- to-pronounce names and difficult-to-imagine geologic eras. Visit often as a reminder the world changes over time. To make it more fun, invite a youngster along to see cretaceous and Pleistocene critters

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677856520229.jpeg" alt="written by: Karen Madorin" />
 <figcaption>written by: Karen Madorin</figcaption>
 </figure>Some enter this world eager to dig. From the time they first go outside, they find a stick or spoon and investigate what lies beneath them. A few dirt lovers mature into agriculturists or big equipment operators. Others seek ancient life hidden in earth’s layers. Discovering fossilized teeth, bones, and imprints offers a way to travel through time.For those who don’t evidence of ancient life in their own yard or pasture, visit a local history museum to see what amateur paleontologists have shared. A trip to the Trego County Historical Museum offers a close look at fossilized remains of cretaceous sea creatures as well as prehistoric bison, imperial elephant, and mammoth bones from the Pleistocene Era. Local Purinton family members and others loaned this collection that permits visitors to stand up close and personal to regional creatures that existed during multiple geologic eras.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677856537628.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Guests enter the museum doors in 2023, but a short walk transports them back in time over 80 million years. Eyes widen as they spy remains of mosasaurs, squid, and other creatures that thrived in an ancient sea covering the middle of this continent. One display showcases a mouthful of fossilized teeth left behind by Ptychodus mortoni, an oyster crushing shark. Only a foot away rests the remains of a large inoceramus, a clam commonly found in this area. Those who wander Big Creek’s banks find fossilized bivalve remains that fit in their palms, but this one enormous example is a doozy . Whoever found it labored hours to release it from its rocky crypt.While this big clam sieved seawater in its search for nutrients, fish swam nearby and pooped. On the same ranch where searchers found the clam, they also found shark teeth, fish jaw bones, and more clams. They discovered light-yellow, limestone ovals the size of quail and chicken eggs, now identified as fossilized fish dung that scientists call coprolites. Clearly, these deposits didn’t exit little fish.Not only did fossil hunters find sea creatures, they also discovered Pteranodon bones. Imagine traveling through time to spy a 37-pound flying creature, riding hot air currents. It had a beak similar to a pelican’s so it could “scoop fish in its jaws and swallow them whole.” It would take a large beak to swallow the fish that left behind the coprolites displayed nearby.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677856554228.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Slide a few feet west of the sea creatures to time-travel millions of years forward to when waters had receded and the area morphed into a Pleistocene grassland. During that time, prehistoric bison and various mammoth species grazed this region. According to Sept. 9, 1974 University of Nebraska Museum Notes, “12 to 14-foot-tall mammoths ate from 800 to 1200 pounds of grass a day. Mastodonts such as Megabelodons joined these land mammals and browsed area leaves.” One Trego County farmer hit something while plowing. He discovered femurs and a partial tusk of a mastodont labeled an Imperial Elephant. Visit the Trego County Historical Society and marvel at the size of these leg bones.Thank goodness, area museums make it possible to time travel often. This is necessary for humans who want to wrap modern brains around hard- to-pronounce names and difficult-to-imagine geologic eras. Visit often as a reminder the world changes over time. To make it more fun, invite a youngster along to see cretaceous and Pleistocene crittersKaren is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Time travel at the local history museum

There are a lot of irons in the fire currently for the City of Great
Bend when it comes to quality of life projects. Brit Spaugh Park improvements,
splash pad, paintball course, just to name a few. A smaller project Great Bend
wants to accomplish this year is to separate the dog park at Veterans Memorial
Park for a “large dog” area and a “small dog” area. 
The initial plans called for extending the dog park to the north for a separate
gated area for small dogs. Great Bend City Council member Cory Urban said the
current enclosure more than big enough to divide up. "I think you take the existing park, that's already irrigated, and you take the north 10 or 15 feet and go one fence down," said Urban. "You don't have to expand. Take what we have and compartmentalize it. That park is way bigger than any dog is using all the time. For those little dogs, that is going to be more than enough." 
The .15% quality of life sales tax planned for $10,000 for the dog park improvements.
A quote from Eldridge Fencing of $12,875 for approximately 500 feet of fencing
was made for the original plan. Placing the small dog area in the existing park
will cut down on the cost for the 4-foot tall chain link fence.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664308122710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThere are a lot of irons in the fire currently for the City of Great
Bend when it comes to quality of life projects. Brit Spaugh Park improvements,
splash pad, paintball course, just to name a few. A smaller project Great Bend
wants to accomplish this year is to separate the dog park at Veterans Memorial
Park for a “large dog” area and a “small dog” area. 
The initial plans called for extending the dog park to the north for a separate
gated area for small dogs. Great Bend City Council member Cory Urban said the
current enclosure more than big enough to divide up. "I think you take the existing park, that's already irrigated, and you take the north 10 or 15 feet and go one fence down," said Urban. "You don't have to expand. Take what we have and compartmentalize it. That park is way bigger than any dog is using all the time. For those little dogs, that is going to be more than enough." 
The .15% quality of life sales tax planned for $10,000 for the dog park improvements.
A quote from Eldridge Fencing of $12,875 for approximately 500 feet of fencing
was made for the original plan. Placing the small dog area in the existing park
will cut down on the cost for the 4-foot tall chain link fence.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend has a plan for ‘small dog’ area at dog park

On Friday, March 3 at approximately 7:53 a.m., officers from the Great Bend Police Department executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 2219 16th St., Apt. D in Great Bend. 

Upon arrival, police apprehended two individuals inside the apartment complex identified as Garrett Buckbee, age 26 and Amanda Decker, age 35.

During a search of Apartment D, detectives located over 87 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, marijuana, prescription pills and suspected fentanyl pills consisting of fake oxycodone 30 mg pills more commonly known as "dirty 30's". 

Buckbee and Decker were arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. Additionally, Buckbee was charged with violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Buckbee and Decker were each booked in lieu of $300,000 cash surety bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678113788304.png" alt="Garrett Buckbee" />
 <figcaption>Garrett Buckbee</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, March 3 at approximately 7:53 a.m., officers from the Great Bend Police Department executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 2219 16th St., Apt. D in Great Bend. Upon arrival, police apprehended two individuals inside the apartment complex identified as Garrett Buckbee, age 26 and Amanda Decker, age 35.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678113808039.png" alt="Amanda Decker" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Decker</figcaption>
 </figure>During a search of Apartment D, detectives located over 87 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, marijuana, prescription pills and suspected fentanyl pills consisting of fake oxycodone 30 mg pills more commonly known as "dirty 30's". Buckbee and Decker were arrested and booked into the Barton County Jail on charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp. Additionally, Buckbee was charged with violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Buckbee and Decker were each booked in lieu of $300,000 cash surety bond.

87 grams of meth located on 16th Street in Great Bend 

3/3 BOOKED: Erik Simpson on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Shae Emig on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Garrett Buckbee on Barton County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Kansas Offender Registration Act Failure to Register, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $300,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Amanda Decker&nbsp;Barton County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $300,000 C/S.

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

BOOKED: Brianna Feist on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Edson Merlau on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Richard Fletcher on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Jason Loss on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, on 48-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Misty Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

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

RELEASED: Dustin Young on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.

3/4 BOOKED: Kenneth Reed on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Emily Bond on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Nelson Martinez on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 C/S.

BOOKED: Travis Ploutz on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Ryan Lang on Barton County District Court case for Violation of Protective Order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Chad Gibson on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Emily Bond on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Marijuana, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Nelson Martinez on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting total surety bond of $2,750 through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Edson Merlau on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, on 48-hour OR bond.

3/5 BOOKED: Elvis Garcia on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Insurance, No Driver's License, and Driving Left of Center, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Andreas Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Disobey Traffic Control Device, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Kevin Murphy on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Cody Graham on Kingman County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Andreas Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Disobey Traffic Control Device, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Shae Emig on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.

BOOKED: Erik Simpson on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Elvis Garcia on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Insurance, No Driver's License, and Driving Left of Center, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Cody Graham on Kingman County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/3 BOOKED: Erik Simpson on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Shae Emig on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Garrett Buckbee on Barton County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Kansas Offender Registration Act Failure to Register, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $300,000 C/S.BOOKED: Amanda Decker&nbsp;Barton County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $300,000 C/S.BOOKED: Barry Dewald on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Brianna Feist on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Edson Merlau on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, bond set at $20,000 C/S.RELEASED: Richard Fletcher on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Jason Loss on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, on 48-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Misty Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Barry Dewald on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Dustin Young on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.3/4 BOOKED: Kenneth Reed on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: Emily Bond on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Nelson Martinez on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 C/S.BOOKED: Travis Ploutz on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Ryan Lang on Barton County District Court case for Violation of Protective Order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Chad Gibson on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Emily Bond on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Marijuana, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Nelson Martinez on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting total surety bond of $2,750 through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Edson Merlau on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Assault, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, on 48-hour OR bond.3/5 BOOKED: Elvis Garcia on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Insurance, No Driver's License, and Driving Left of Center, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Andreas Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Disobey Traffic Control Device, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Kevin Murphy on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Cody Graham on Kingman County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Andreas Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Disobey Traffic Control Device, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Shae Emig on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.BOOKED: Erik Simpson on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Elvis Garcia on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, No Insurance, No Driver's License, and Driving Left of Center, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Cody Graham on Kingman County District Court warrant for Possession of Marijuana, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/3 - 3/5)

The third year of Friday celebrations in downtown Great Bend will start
with extra excitement in April as the Lovegrass Music Festival Association will
introduce the area to three bluegrass bands. 

Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm
of Great Bend Economic Development, introduced “Fridays on Forest” as a way to
bring entertainment, food and drinks outdoors along Forest Avenue. Economic
Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said having a big show from
Lovegrass Music Festival is a great way to kickoff the Friday events on April
28. "It was Lovegrass that reached out to us," said June. "They saw what we were doing and reached out at the end of last year. This could be a forum for them to bring bluegrass out to Great Bend." 
Lovegrass puts on a three-day music festival at Lake Wilson State Park in
August, and will bring three bands to Great Bend, including Gravel Yard, Brook
Blanche Band and Old Fangled. 
In addition to music, attendees can enjoy food and alcohol sold on Forest Avenue
between Main and Williams. "What was wonderful was we sold all of our sponsorships before the end of the year," said June. "I think Great Bend gets what's going on. They want to be part of it." 
The alleyway between Forest and Lakin Avenue is also included in the consumption
district between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the final Friday from April to October.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677862225730.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe third year of Friday celebrations in downtown Great Bend will start
with extra excitement in April as the Lovegrass Music Festival Association will
introduce the area to three bluegrass bands. Great Bend Alive, the downtown arm
of Great Bend Economic Development, introduced “Fridays on Forest” as a way to
bring entertainment, food and drinks outdoors along Forest Avenue. Economic
Development Communications Director Lee Ann June said having a big show from
Lovegrass Music Festival is a great way to kickoff the Friday events on April
28. "It was Lovegrass that reached out to us," said June. "They saw what we were doing and reached out at the end of last year. This could be a forum for them to bring bluegrass out to Great Bend." 
Lovegrass puts on a three-day music festival at Lake Wilson State Park in
August, and will bring three bands to Great Bend, including Gravel Yard, Brook
Blanche Band and Old Fangled. 
In addition to music, attendees can enjoy food and alcohol sold on Forest Avenue
between Main and Williams. "What was wonderful was we sold all of our sponsorships before the end of the year," said June. "I think Great Bend gets what's going on. They want to be part of it." 
The alleyway between Forest and Lakin Avenue is also included in the consumption
district between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the final Friday from April to October.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bluegrass music to kick-off ‘Fridays on Forest’ in Great Bend

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of rain after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 40. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of rain after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday A 30-percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 49. North-northeast wind around 11 mph.

Wednesday Night A 50-percent chance of rain, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 38.

Thursday A 40-percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 49.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. North wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of rain after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 40. East-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of rain after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 33. Northeast wind around 10 mph.Wednesday A 30-percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 49. North-northeast wind around 11 mph.Wednesday Night A 50-percent chance of rain, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 38.Thursday A 40-percent chance of rain, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.Friday Sunny, with a high near 49.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 49.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's Weather

Great Bend City Council meeting March 6&nbsp; -&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/. Agenda Opening: Pledge of Allegiance A. Consent Agenda B. Old Business C. Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Please keep comments to three minutes. D. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;2. Interim Administrator's Update &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Abatements &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Passage of Charter Ordinance Repealing Charter Ordinance 18 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The city is engaged in recodification for the purpose of updating them and bring them into line with current practice. Repealing the old ordinance removes this anomaly and updates the code consistent with the recodification efforts. &nbsp; &nbsp;6. Vacation of Right-of-Way of White Sands Drive - Cameron &amp; Sarah Smith &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Cameron &amp; Sarah Smith have requested the vacation of 50' of White Sands Drive immediately west of their property. &nbsp; &nbsp;7. Vacation of Right-of-Way of White Sands Drive - Ron &amp; Debbie Koelsch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ron &amp; Debbie Koelsch have requested the vacation of 50' of White Sands Drive immediately west of their property. &nbsp; &nbsp;8. Vacation of Right-of-Way of White Sands Drive - Mark &amp; Denise Guthrie &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mark &amp; Denise Guthrie have requested the vacation of 50' of White Sands Drive immediately west of their property. &nbsp; &nbsp;9. Brit Spaugh Park Project Design Services &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PEC was previously contracted to provide design concepts for the Brit Spaugh Park project that was cost shared with the Great Bend Recreation. The latest concept from PEC shows what the final design would look like with the adding of the horseshoe pits. The $101,000 construction documents would allow the city to send the project out to bid to contractors. A motion will be requested to approve the proposal from PEC for $101,000. &nbsp; &nbsp;10. Executive Session &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; An executive session has been requested to discuss personnel matters concerning non-elected personnel for the preliminary review of applicants for the City Administrator. Adjournment

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657285910889.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend City Council meeting March 6&nbsp; -&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/. Agenda Opening: Pledge of Allegiance A. Consent Agenda B. Old Business C. Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Please keep comments to three minutes. D. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;2. Interim Administrator's Update &nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4. Abatements &nbsp; &nbsp;5. Passage of Charter Ordinance Repealing Charter Ordinance 18 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The city is engaged in recodification for the purpose of updating them and bring them into line with current practice. Repealing the old ordinance removes this anomaly and updates the code consistent with the recodification efforts. &nbsp; &nbsp;6. Vacation of Right-of-Way of White Sands Drive - Cameron &amp; Sarah Smith &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Cameron &amp; Sarah Smith have requested the vacation of 50' of White Sands Drive immediately west of their property. &nbsp; &nbsp;7. Vacation of Right-of-Way of White Sands Drive - Ron &amp; Debbie Koelsch &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ron &amp; Debbie Koelsch have requested the vacation of 50' of White Sands Drive immediately west of their property. &nbsp; &nbsp;8. Vacation of Right-of-Way of White Sands Drive - Mark &amp; Denise Guthrie &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mark &amp; Denise Guthrie have requested the vacation of 50' of White Sands Drive immediately west of their property. &nbsp; &nbsp;9. Brit Spaugh Park Project Design Services &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PEC was previously contracted to provide design concepts for the Brit Spaugh Park project that was cost shared with the Great Bend Recreation. The latest concept from PEC shows what the final design would look like with the adding of the horseshoe pits. The $101,000 construction documents would allow the city to send the project out to bid to contractors. A motion will be requested to approve the proposal from PEC for $101,000. &nbsp; &nbsp;10. Executive Session &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; An executive session has been requested to discuss personnel matters concerning non-elected personnel for the preliminary review of applicants for the City Administrator. Adjournment

Great Bend City Council meeting agenda (3/6)

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Office of Broadband Development will bring its “Kansas Broadband Roadshow” to Beloit on Thursday, March 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Barton Community College Fine Arts Building.

Broadband staff currently are traveling across the state to learn directly from Kansans about internet access and its availability in their communities.

The meetings will give the Broadband Office a grassroots understanding of the current connectivity landscape throughout Kansas to develop an effective five-year strategic action plan and support statewide digital equity.

“Now more than ever, reliable broadband is necessary to support employment, lifelong learning, access to essential services and strong family relationships,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By listening to diverse communities across the state, we will be able to better address the specific challenges different areas face as we work toward Governor Kelly’s goal of getting every Kansan who wants access connected by 2030.”

The Office of Broadband officially kicked off its engagement process on January 19 at the inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit. Staff gathered input from invested communities and partners to ensure strategic engagement. The upcoming public meetings will allow Kansans from across the state the chance to discuss their experiences, needs and opportunities as it relates to high-speed access and development.

The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that historically have been disproportionately impacted by digital inequities. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.

“Before funds are allocated for broadband support, states are tasked with creating a strategic, thoughtful approach to using the dollars they will receive to bring broadband to underserved communities,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “This listening tour will be foundational in the creation and strategic development of a planning document to connect and support all Kansans.”

Plans will be submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) before funds are dispersed. All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the

Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis. To register for Tuesday’s event, click here.

A full list of scheduled public engagement sessions as well as additional dates and locations can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/officeofbroadbanddevelopment/broadbandroadshow/.

More information about federal broadband efforts is available at AffordableConnectivity.gov and InternetforAll.gov.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development The Kansas Office of Broadband Development was established in 2020 to help ensure that all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a global economy by improving universal access to quality, affordable and reliable broadband. The Office is housed within the Community Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677870438602.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Office of Broadband Development will bring its “Kansas Broadband Roadshow” to Beloit on Thursday, March 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Barton Community College Fine Arts Building.Broadband staff currently are traveling across the state to learn directly from Kansans about internet access and its availability in their communities.The meetings will give the Broadband Office a grassroots understanding of the current connectivity landscape throughout Kansas to develop an effective five-year strategic action plan and support statewide digital equity.“Now more than ever, reliable broadband is necessary to support employment, lifelong learning, access to essential services and strong family relationships,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By listening to diverse communities across the state, we will be able to better address the specific challenges different areas face as we work toward Governor Kelly’s goal of getting every Kansan who wants access connected by 2030.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677870451722.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Office of Broadband officially kicked off its engagement process on January 19 at the inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit. Staff gathered input from invested communities and partners to ensure strategic engagement. The upcoming public meetings will allow Kansans from across the state the chance to discuss their experiences, needs and opportunities as it relates to high-speed access and development.The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that historically have been disproportionately impacted by digital inequities. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.“Before funds are allocated for broadband support, states are tasked with creating a strategic, thoughtful approach to using the dollars they will receive to bring broadband to underserved communities,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “This listening tour will be foundational in the creation and strategic development of a planning document to connect and support all Kansans.”Plans will be submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) before funds are dispersed. All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and theDigital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis. To register for Tuesday’s event, click here.A full list of scheduled public engagement sessions as well as additional dates and locations can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/officeofbroadbanddevelopment/broadbandroadshow/.More information about federal broadband efforts is available at AffordableConnectivity.gov and InternetforAll.gov.About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development The Kansas Office of Broadband Development was established in 2020 to help ensure that all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a global economy by improving universal access to quality, affordable and reliable broadband. The Office is housed within the Community Development Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

‘Kansas Broadband Roadshow’ coming to Great Bend

In-person book fair at Central Kansas Christian Academy

The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, February 28 indicates an expansion of
exceptional drought in Southwest, South central, and part of Southeast
Kansas.&nbsp; On the positive side, Northeast
and part of East Central Kansas are no longer even abnormally dry.&nbsp; Parts of North Central Kansas are still
slightly improving.&nbsp; You can view the map
for the United states here: <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/</a>.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (to March 7 to 11)
indicates a 60 to 70% chance of leaning below normal temperatures and 50 to 60%
chance of leaning above normal precipitation.&nbsp;
The eight to fourteen-day outlook (March 9 to 15) indicates a 70 to 80%
chance of below normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal
precipitation.&nbsp; A much more promising
pattern than last year.&nbsp; Just a note, 70
to 80% chance doesn’t tell you how much colder it will be than normal but
simply there is a strong likelihood of below normal temperatures.

Why discuss soil temperature?&nbsp; Most of us know there is a minimum soil
temperature for seeds to germinate.&nbsp; Gardeners
right know are preparing to plant cool season crops such as lettuce.&nbsp; They are waiting to plant seeds requiring
higher soil temperatures such as corn.&nbsp;
But there are many important things to consider besides
germination.&nbsp; 

Here
is a brief, not exhaustive list of other things soil temperature plays a role
in.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hard
red winter wheat wont flower and produce seed unless exposed to a certain
amount of cold temperatures, depending on the maturity of the variety.&nbsp; This prevents it from flower too early and allows
it to avoid the greatest risk of winter type conditions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many
native plant seeds won’t germinate in the spring unless exposed to a certain
amount of cold that allows them to break dormancy and germinate.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil
temperature plays a key role in the growth and development of plants after
germination.&nbsp; Too cold or too hot
decreases growth and can even lead to plant death.&nbsp; And the root system is much more sensitive to
hot temperatures than the above ground plant structures.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil
temperature determines the rate of evaporation of water from the soil.&nbsp; And for nutrients like phosphorus that move
to the root by diffusion, cold soil temperatures slow down this process and
that is why plants may exhibit nutrient deficiencies even with adequate levels
in the soil.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It
also affects water movement in the soil.&nbsp;
The cooler the temperatures, the slower water will flow.&nbsp; And for nutrients like nitrate and sulfate
carried along in the water, it slows uptake.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil
temperature determines the rate of microbial activity in the soil and microbes
are responsible for breaking down organic matter into humus and release
nutrients as they do such as nitrogen and sulfur.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596200583759.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, February 28 indicates an expansion of
exceptional drought in Southwest, South central, and part of Southeast
Kansas.&nbsp; On the positive side, Northeast
and part of East Central Kansas are no longer even abnormally dry.&nbsp; Parts of North Central Kansas are still
slightly improving.&nbsp; You can view the map
for the United states here: <a href="https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/">https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/</a>.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (to March 7 to 11)
indicates a 60 to 70% chance of leaning below normal temperatures and 50 to 60%
chance of leaning above normal precipitation.&nbsp;
The eight to fourteen-day outlook (March 9 to 15) indicates a 70 to 80%
chance of below normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal
precipitation.&nbsp; A much more promising
pattern than last year.&nbsp; Just a note, 70
to 80% chance doesn’t tell you how much colder it will be than normal but
simply there is a strong likelihood of below normal temperatures.Why discuss soil temperature?&nbsp; Most of us know there is a minimum soil
temperature for seeds to germinate.&nbsp; Gardeners
right know are preparing to plant cool season crops such as lettuce.&nbsp; They are waiting to plant seeds requiring
higher soil temperatures such as corn.&nbsp;
But there are many important things to consider besides
germination.&nbsp; Here
is a brief, not exhaustive list of other things soil temperature plays a role
in.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hard
red winter wheat wont flower and produce seed unless exposed to a certain
amount of cold temperatures, depending on the maturity of the variety.&nbsp; This prevents it from flower too early and allows
it to avoid the greatest risk of winter type conditions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many
native plant seeds won’t germinate in the spring unless exposed to a certain
amount of cold that allows them to break dormancy and germinate.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil
temperature plays a key role in the growth and development of plants after
germination.&nbsp; Too cold or too hot
decreases growth and can even lead to plant death.&nbsp; And the root system is much more sensitive to
hot temperatures than the above ground plant structures.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil
temperature determines the rate of evaporation of water from the soil.&nbsp; And for nutrients like phosphorus that move
to the root by diffusion, cold soil temperatures slow down this process and
that is why plants may exhibit nutrient deficiencies even with adequate levels
in the soil.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It
also affects water movement in the soil.&nbsp;
The cooler the temperatures, the slower water will flow.&nbsp; And for nutrients like nitrate and sulfate
carried along in the water, it slows uptake.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Soil
temperature determines the rate of microbial activity in the soil and microbes
are responsible for breaking down organic matter into humus and release
nutrients as they do such as nitrogen and sulfur.Naturally, the list could
go on.&nbsp;

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Soil Temperature and Plant Growth

Barton Arts Movement is thrilled to announce a Sidewalk Chalk contest for artists of all ages in Barton County! The competition offers prizes for three age groups, and a grand prize of $250 in gift certificates for the overall judge's choice winner! Deadline to enter is. March 20, 2023. 

"We did a similar contest in the summer of 2022, and it was a huge hit! 

With a busy mural season over this summer, we're moving it up to springtime this year," says Andrea Bauer, Co-Chair for Barton Arts Movement. "Appropriately, the theme this year is 'Think Spring' and artists can interpret that theme however they'd like."

Anyone interested in participating simply needs to complete their sidewalk chalk art and submit a photo on the BAM website on or before March 20, 2023. Prizes will be awarded to three age groups, and we'll showcase some of the entries on the Barton Arts Movement facebook page between now and the deadline. 

<a href="https://www.bartonartsmovement.com/contests">Submit an Entry HERE</a>

The goal of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bam?__eep__=6&amp;__tn__=*NK*F" target="_blank">#BAM</a> movement is to create community pride through public art, and YOU can be a part of inspiring others and bringing color and joy to your neighborhood! Learn more about how you can join the movement at <a href="http://www.bartonartsmovement.com/?fbclid=IwAR1nrnL5gOVZ_zTRfdEE_BL0oywbfP__IWX0cNcKJinaz4zAsf03TQE3yMo" target="_blank">www.bartonartsmovement.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677869277202.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Arts Movement is thrilled to announce a Sidewalk Chalk contest for artists of all ages in Barton County! The competition offers prizes for three age groups, and a grand prize of $250 in gift certificates for the overall judge's choice winner! Deadline to enter is. March 20, 2023. 

"We did a similar contest in the summer of 2022, and it was a huge hit! With a busy mural season over this summer, we're moving it up to springtime this year," says Andrea Bauer, Co-Chair for Barton Arts Movement. "Appropriately, the theme this year is 'Think Spring' and artists can interpret that theme however they'd like."Anyone interested in participating simply needs to complete their sidewalk chalk art and submit a photo on the BAM website on or before March 20, 2023. Prizes will be awarded to three age groups, and we'll showcase some of the entries on the Barton Arts Movement facebook page between now and the deadline. ------------------------AGE GROUPS:------------------------<ol>
 <li>Ten (10) years of age and under.</li><li>Eleven (11) to Seventeen (17) years of age.</li><li>Eighteen (18) years of age and up.</li>
 </ol>------------------------HOW TO ENTER:------------------------<ol>
 <li>Make some beautiful sidewalk chalk art and take a photo of your finished work. Bonus points if YOU are in the photo too!</li><li>Submit your photo entry using the form below. </li><li>Get bonus points for posting your photo to social media with the hashtag <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bartonartsmovement?__eep__=6&amp;__tn__=*NK*F" target="_blank">#BartonArtsMovement</a>!</li>
 </ol><a href="https://www.bartonartsmovement.com/contests">Submit an Entry HERE</a>The goal of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bam?__eep__=6&amp;__tn__=*NK*F" target="_blank">#BAM</a> movement is to create community pride through public art, and YOU can be a part of inspiring others and bringing color and joy to your neighborhood! Learn more about how you can join the movement at <a href="http://www.bartonartsmovement.com/?fbclid=IwAR1nrnL5gOVZ_zTRfdEE_BL0oywbfP__IWX0cNcKJinaz4zAsf03TQE3yMo" target="_blank">www.bartonartsmovement.com.</a>

Sidewalk Chalk contest for all ages in Barton County

As I continue to highlight a few of the 40 projects that 4-H offers, my focus this week is on Clothing and Textiles, Forestry, and Woodworking.

One of my favorite projects as a 4-H member was the Clothing and Textiles project! Beyond the practical aspects of learning about fabrics and how to sew, the Clothing and Textiles project also helps youth with learning about fabric care: when something says to wash in cold water, what does that mean? When a label states “dry clean only”, what do you do with that? Another important life skill is learning to calculate the cost per wear; in other words, if you purchase a cheap item but if it falls apart after 3 washings versus a more expensive item that you may wear weekly for 2 years. Which is truly the better purchase? The Buymanship part of Clothing and Textiles also includes how to select an outfit for a particular event and that fits you appropriately while working within a budget. These are important life skills no matter your job and career choice.

As part of the Ag and Natural Resources 4-H curriculum, Forestry provides an opportunity to learn about trees, their impact on our environment, and management. Additionally, the Forestry project encourages youth to go outside and explore. They develop collections of trees and can learn about related careers such as the Forestry Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ag-management fields, the National Park Service, and Wildlife and Parks.

The Woodworking project is one of my favorites to view because this is not something in my skill set! The Woodworking project requires that you enjoy working with wood, using tools, and building things such as a table, wooden toy, or a chair. Very practical skills begin with measuring things and using hand tools to learning to safely operate routers and jointers. These are great skills whether you are looking at a career in carpentry or are interested in developing a lifelong hobby.

When you visit a county or the Kansas State Fair this year, I hope that you will take time to view these projects knowing a little more about the learning objectives of our 4-H members!

If you are interested in learning more about these or other 4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section! All projects include communications skills, record keeping, career connections, and opportunities for leadership and community service!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910. Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>As I continue to highlight a few of the 40 projects that 4-H offers, my focus this week is on Clothing and Textiles, Forestry, and Woodworking.One of my favorite projects as a 4-H member was the Clothing and Textiles project! Beyond the practical aspects of learning about fabrics and how to sew, the Clothing and Textiles project also helps youth with learning about fabric care: when something says to wash in cold water, what does that mean? When a label states “dry clean only”, what do you do with that? Another important life skill is learning to calculate the cost per wear; in other words, if you purchase a cheap item but if it falls apart after 3 washings versus a more expensive item that you may wear weekly for 2 years. Which is truly the better purchase? The Buymanship part of Clothing and Textiles also includes how to select an outfit for a particular event and that fits you appropriately while working within a budget. These are important life skills no matter your job and career choice.As part of the Ag and Natural Resources 4-H curriculum, Forestry provides an opportunity to learn about trees, their impact on our environment, and management. Additionally, the Forestry project encourages youth to go outside and explore. They develop collections of trees and can learn about related careers such as the Forestry Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, ag-management fields, the National Park Service, and Wildlife and Parks.The Woodworking project is one of my favorites to view because this is not something in my skill set! The Woodworking project requires that you enjoy working with wood, using tools, and building things such as a table, wooden toy, or a chair. Very practical skills begin with measuring things and using hand tools to learning to safely operate routers and jointers. These are great skills whether you are looking at a career in carpentry or are interested in developing a lifelong hobby.When you visit a county or the Kansas State Fair this year, I hope that you will take time to view these projects knowing a little more about the learning objectives of our 4-H members!If you are interested in learning more about these or other 4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section! All projects include communications skills, record keeping, career connections, and opportunities for leadership and community service!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910. Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

BERAN: Highlighting more 4-H projects

Warm weather on the horizon will mean increased power usage. To accommodate that need, the city of Hoisington is planning for a brief outage on Friday, March 17 as city crews repair an electricity substation in town. The outage is planned for 1 a.m. and should last approximately three hours. Dustin Colston, a lineman for the city, explained why the repairs are needed.

"Our main substation for town has a couple of broken pieces in it that are preventing us from being able to generate properly," he said. "With the springtime coming and our load going up, our power plant wouldn't be able to power our town in case of an emergency. We'd have too much load for the route we're currently taking."

The outage is expected to affect all utility customers except Clara Barton Hospital, Roto-Mix, the elementary schools, and a small circuit in town. Those with medical conditions that require overnight power should prepare accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, including severe cold, an approaching storm, or high winds, the repairs will be moved to Wednesday, March 22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677873100280.jpeg" alt="The areas in yellow will not be impacted by the planned electrical outage on March 17 in Hoisington." />
 <figcaption>The areas in yellow will not be impacted by the planned electrical outage on March 17 in Hoisington.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWarm weather on the horizon will mean increased power usage. To accommodate that need, the city of Hoisington is planning for a brief outage on Friday, March 17 as city crews repair an electricity substation in town. The outage is planned for 1 a.m. and should last approximately three hours. Dustin Colston, a lineman for the city, explained why the repairs are needed."Our main substation for town has a couple of broken pieces in it that are preventing us from being able to generate properly," he said. "With the springtime coming and our load going up, our power plant wouldn't be able to power our town in case of an emergency. We'd have too much load for the route we're currently taking."The outage is expected to affect all utility customers except Clara Barton Hospital, Roto-Mix, the elementary schools, and a small circuit in town. Those with medical conditions that require overnight power should prepare accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, including severe cold, an approaching storm, or high winds, the repairs will be moved to Wednesday, March 22.

Hoisington planning for brief power outage on March 17

Charlie Brown had his iconic shirt, Pigpen had his dirt, and Linus always had his blanket. That's how Project Linus got its name. Since 1995, the organization has donated more than nine million handmade quilts and blankets to children in need or crisis. Julia Needham-Pentz donated blankets near her former home in Topeka. With a recent move to central Kansas, she discovered a need for blankets here as well. Now in Macksville, Needham-Pentz is the chapter coordinator for Project Linus in Barton, Pawnee, Stafford, and Pratt counties.

"When I got talking to the Pratt hospital, I realized there was such a great need in this area, and there was no coordinator," she said. "So I contacted the head office in the Kansas City area."

Project Linus, based in Belton, Mo., has chapters in all 50 states. In 1995, Parade Magazine ran a story about a three-year-old girl who was diagnosed with leukemia. She always carried her "blankie" to chemotherapy treatments. That prompted Karen Loucks, a thousand miles away, to start Project Linus.

"A lady decided in Denver she was going to start making blankets for the cancer center in Denver," Needham-Pentz said. "That is how Linus Project got started."

The local chapter is just a few weeks old, but Needham-Pentz has already recruited 13 members and other volunteers. Working daily, she alone has made 30 blankets since the first of the year. Blankets donated to the project must be handmade in one of five manners: quilting, crocheting, knit, tied fleece, or fleece with crochet around the edge. Materials used must be new, washable, and free of contaminants like mold, mildew, or smoke.

"We prefer them to be new, handmade," Needham-Pentz said. "What is better than a kid getting a homemade blanket that is made with love, and to see the smile on their face?"

Blankets are made for ages 0-18 and given to area hospitals, crisis centers, cancer centers, pediatric units, emergency rooms, and social services for distribution. Needham-Pentz recalls after the Greensburg tornado, the Red Cross contacted Project Linus for 100 blankets. The organization had them rounded up by the next day.

The new chapter is always looking for new members, and donations of clean material or money is always welcome. Being new to the area with a new organization, Needham-Pentz is also looking for available space to host meetings. Anyone willing to donate blankets, materials, or join Project Linus, can email Needham-Pentz at julia.linusinckansas@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677698217469.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostCharlie Brown had his iconic shirt, Pigpen had his dirt, and Linus always had his blanket. That's how Project Linus got its name. Since 1995, the organization has donated more than nine million handmade quilts and blankets to children in need or crisis. Julia Needham-Pentz donated blankets near her former home in Topeka. With a recent move to central Kansas, she discovered a need for blankets here as well. Now in Macksville, Needham-Pentz is the chapter coordinator for Project Linus in Barton, Pawnee, Stafford, and Pratt counties."When I got talking to the Pratt hospital, I realized there was such a great need in this area, and there was no coordinator," she said. "So I contacted the head office in the Kansas City area."Project Linus, based in Belton, Mo., has chapters in all 50 states. In 1995, Parade Magazine ran a story about a three-year-old girl who was diagnosed with leukemia. She always carried her "blankie" to chemotherapy treatments. That prompted Karen Loucks, a thousand miles away, to start Project Linus."A lady decided in Denver she was going to start making blankets for the cancer center in Denver," Needham-Pentz said. "That is how Linus Project got started."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677698240187.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The local chapter is just a few weeks old, but Needham-Pentz has already recruited 13 members and other volunteers. Working daily, she alone has made 30 blankets since the first of the year. Blankets donated to the project must be handmade in one of five manners: quilting, crocheting, knit, tied fleece, or fleece with crochet around the edge. Materials used must be new, washable, and free of contaminants like mold, mildew, or smoke."We prefer them to be new, handmade," Needham-Pentz said. "What is better than a kid getting a homemade blanket that is made with love, and to see the smile on their face?"Blankets are made for ages 0-18 and given to area hospitals, crisis centers, cancer centers, pediatric units, emergency rooms, and social services for distribution. Needham-Pentz recalls after the Greensburg tornado, the Red Cross contacted Project Linus for 100 blankets. The organization had them rounded up by the next day.The new chapter is always looking for new members, and donations of clean material or money is always welcome. Being new to the area with a new organization, Needham-Pentz is also looking for available space to host meetings. Anyone willing to donate blankets, materials, or join Project Linus, can email Needham-Pentz at julia.linusinckansas@gmail.com.

Children in need or crisis provided blankets in Barton Co. area

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir that aired March 2, 2023.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 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 County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir that aired March 2, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/4ekw3mbv/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙County Edition: Sheriff Brian Bellendir

USD 428 Board of Education Monday, March 6&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. District Education Center, 201 S. Patton Road

1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp;· Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent on citizen participation.

2. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Career Milestone Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Milestone Program is based on five-year increments, recognizing years of service of licensed and classified employees. Employees reaching milestones will receive a token of appreciation from the district for their longevity and commitment. Employees reaching 20, 25, and 30-year milestones will be recognized. &nbsp; &nbsp;· First Reading- Secondary Math Curriculum Adoption &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The 7-12 math curriculum committee will present their selections for the adoption of secondary mathematics resources to pilot. This is a First Reading.

3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of Wrestling Mat &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In February, the Board approved bid specifications for 372 linear feet of padded wainscoting panels for the East Campus wrestling room at 1721 24th Street. USA Gymnastics &amp; Supply, Inc. submitted a bid for $24,250.00. The administration will recommend approval of this bid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594824975671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education Monday, March 6&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. District Education Center, 201 S. Patton RoadAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER1.1 Roll Call1.2 Adoption of Agenda1.3 Recognition of Visitors1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp;· Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent on citizen participation.1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum2. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Career Milestone Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Milestone Program is based on five-year increments, recognizing years of service of licensed and classified employees. Employees reaching milestones will receive a token of appreciation from the district for their longevity and commitment. Employees reaching 20, 25, and 30-year milestones will be recognized. &nbsp; &nbsp;· First Reading- Secondary Math Curriculum Adoption &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The 7-12 math curriculum committee will present their selections for the adoption of secondary mathematics resources to pilot. This is a First Reading.3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of Wrestling Mat &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In February, the Board approved bid specifications for 372 linear feet of padded wainscoting panels for the East Campus wrestling room at 1721 24th Street. USA Gymnastics &amp; Supply, Inc. submitted a bid for $24,250.00. The administration will recommend approval of this bid.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Fleet Management Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; At the February meeting, board members approved a no-cost/no-obligation contract to allow the company to evaluate the fleet of district vehicles and propose options for consideration. Mr. Popp will provide an update on this topic and will make a recommendation.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Goals &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton and board members continue developing new district goals relevant to USD 428. Mr. Thexton will discuss and update of these goals.5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of JAG-K Memorandum &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The administration recommends renewing a Partnership Agreement/MOU to extend the Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas program (JAG-K) for the 2023-2024 middle and high school year. The program costs $33,660 ($11,220 per program), with no increase from 2022-2023. However, a $980 per program increase is expected for the 2024-2025 school year.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. First Reading of School Calendars &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Review of the 2023-2024 and development of the 2024-25 school calendars are in process, and drafts are being presented for BOE review and input.6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT / CURRICULUM REPORT&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A. KESA Information/Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) Outside Validation Team (OVT) will review the district's progress over the past year. The team will study district data, listen to focus groups, and give feedback on current and future improvement steps.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. State Assessments in USD 428 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; State Assessments in Kansas are a rigorous assessment of what students have learned and are used to predict college readiness and are comparative to the ACT. State Assessments begin in April and continue through May.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Vape Task Force &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Vaping is an ever-increasing problem for school-age students, and we have seen our share of vaping issues with students in Great Bend. As a result, the district has engaged area agencies to form a task force to discuss options and responses to this growing concern. The Vaping Task Force, comprised of representatives from USD 428, Barton County Juvenile Services, Barton County Health Department, and the Great Bend Police Department, will meet regularly to provide recommendations to the Board.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Information Fair&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428 will host a come-and-go Pre-Enrollment Information Fair for parents/guardians of incoming preschool &amp; kindergarten on Wednesday, April 5, from 1-7 p.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. The event connects families with information about USD 428 Preschool and Kindergarten programs and other community resources that serve young learners.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Be Our Guest Academy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Great Bend Convention and Business Bureau will provide customer service professional development to enhance employee skills. USD 428 school secretaries will have access to this self-paced training on Friday, March 10.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Personnel Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Recruitment continues, and positions are slowly being filled. There have been few applicants, but the administration has had many conversations with people interested in career changes to become teachers.&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Curriculum Meeting Minutes (No attachment) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting 3/21/23 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; § Professional Development Council (PDC): Next meetings- 3/6/23 and 4/3/237. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Legislative Update &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Mini-Grant Update &nbsp; &nbsp;C. KTOY Banquet &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Staff Appreciation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; As a small token of appreciation for USD 428 dedicated employees, all USD 428 staff members are invited to enjoy complimentary bowling, appetizers, and door prizes at Walnut Bowl this Friday, March 10, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Grants / Contributions8. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION9. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (February 13 and February 28, 2023) &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will go into executive session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Mr. President, I move that the Board go into executive session to discuss an individual employee’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”11. UPCOMING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;· Employee Appreciation: Friday, March 10, at Walnut Bowl &nbsp; &nbsp;· Spring Break: USD 428 will observe Spring Break March 13-17, 2023. There will also be No School on Friday, March 10, for Teacher Grading/Collaboration. &nbsp; &nbsp;· BOE Luncheon Meeting: March 28, 2023, Jefferson Elementary &nbsp; &nbsp;· Preschool and Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment Fair: 1-7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the Great Bend Events Center &nbsp; &nbsp;· BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for April 10, 2023, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;· IBB Negotiation Meeting: 8:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at the District Education Center.12. ADJOURNMENT