Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Dr. Thomas Dagg from The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 7 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on FAMILY/SPORTS MEDICINE.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647437349209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Dr. Thomas Dagg from The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, March 7 at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on FAMILY/SPORTS MEDICINE.Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

Great Bend doctor to be featured on PBS television

University of Nebraska at Kearney students took first place in two categories during the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards competition.

Jon Willis, a sophomore sports communication major from Omaha, won the best station or event promotion category for his Loper sports promo and Ethan McCormick, a sophomore sports communication major from Bennington, claimed the top award in the best pregame or postgame show category for “Loper Gameday Postgame.” Both students are part of the sports broadcasting team for the campus radio station, KLPR 91.1 FM.

The IBS Media Awards were presented Feb. 25 during the organization’s annual conference at the Sheraton Times Square in New York City. The college broadcasting competition includes campus radio and television stations from across the country.

In addition to the overall winners, UNK students were national finalists in several other categories. Those include:

· Best sports talk show – Alex Hammeke, a junior sports communication major from Ellinwood, Kansas

“I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by students who are not only talented but also work hard. This particular group of students is incredibly fun to be around, too. They make coming to work every day something to look forward to,” said Ford Clark, a senior lecturer in the UNK Department of Communication and general manager of KLPR.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677872663484.jpeg" alt="Alex Hammeke, Ellinwood High School and Barton Community College graduate, became a national finalist for Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards as a student at University of Nebraska at Kearney." />
 <figcaption>Alex Hammeke, Ellinwood High School and Barton Community College graduate, became a national finalist for Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards as a student at University of Nebraska at Kearney.</figcaption>
 </figure>University of Nebraska at Kearney students took first place in two categories during the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Media Awards competition.Jon Willis, a sophomore sports communication major from Omaha, won the best station or event promotion category for his Loper sports promo and Ethan McCormick, a sophomore sports communication major from Bennington, claimed the top award in the best pregame or postgame show category for “Loper Gameday Postgame.” Both students are part of the sports broadcasting team for the campus radio station, KLPR 91.1 FM.The IBS Media Awards were presented Feb. 25 during the organization’s annual conference at the Sheraton Times Square in New York City. The college broadcasting competition includes campus radio and television stations from across the country.In addition to the overall winners, UNK students were national finalists in several other categories. Those include:· Best sports talk show – Alex Hammeke, a junior sports communication major from Ellinwood, Kansas“I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by students who are not only talented but also work hard. This particular group of students is incredibly fun to be around, too. They make coming to work every day something to look forward to,” said Ford Clark, a senior lecturer in the UNK Department of Communication and general manager of KLPR.

Ellinwood graduate national finalist for broadcasting award

Voter suppression bills are once again making their way through the state legislature.

The justification — or lack thereof as the case may be — for these bills lies with the unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud made during the 2020 election.

Legislation like these could be warranted if they were being passed to increase election security. But they’re not. Recent elections in Kansas have been as safe and secure as they have ever been.

Hundreds of post-election audits have been conducted across the state since 2020, and not a single failure has been uncovered.

Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has been an outspoken critic of measures that would restrict the state’s ability to collect ballots from voters, causing a rift between top Republican officials in Kansas.

But ever since 2020, questioning election integrity has become a political dog whistle in statehouses across the country.

A majority of Kansans don’t seem to be buying it.

The 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University last fall asked questions about perceptions of voter fraud and election integrity in our state.

The survey found that only 11 percent of respondents thought fraudulent voting decides elections in our state and about the same number (12 percent) thought state and local officials commit election fraud to alter outcomes.

These results suggest that even if Kansans possibly believe one-off incidents of voter fraud are common — there is little evidence to support this, only a handful of cases have been found in the past decade — they do not believe there widespread systemic fraud that alters election results

Despite little popular support, state legislators are perpetuating these false claims by introducing legislation that restricts voters’ ability to cast a ballot.

Senate Bill 208 would modify state law on use of ballot drop boxes. In its original form, it would have limited each county to a single dropbox — severely impractical for the state’s largest counties like Johnson and Sedgwick.

SB 208 was then amended to eliminate the use of ballot drop boxes altogether, despite no reported problems with their usage.

In the Kansas Speaks survey, less than one-third of Kansas voters thought ballot drop boxes should be banned.

Senate Bill 209 eliminates the current three-day grace period for accepting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.

Research shows that mail-in voting is disproportionately used by elderly, disabled, military, and college student voters and therefore restricting when mail-in ballots can be accepted would disenfranchise these voters specifically.

The harm done by these bills is far greater than any credible “justification” legislators could have for supporting them.

Passing these bills would be a shortsighted move by the state legislature. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, let alone voter fraud related to drop boxes and mail-in ballots; there is a lack of popular support for these measures among Kansans; and there isn’t even partisan consensus that these actions are necessary.

Election security is of utmost importance, but our elections are secure and getting more so every year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continuously strengthens our election infrastructure ensuring our protection.

These bills only make it harder for eligible Kansans to have their ballot counted.

Free and fair access to the ballot is what allows citizens to have a voice in their government. It is a vital element of democracy.

Kansans should be concerned that the state legislature is actively trying to suppress that voice.&nbsp;

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="written by: Alexandra Middlewood" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alexandra Middlewood</figcaption>
 </figure>Voter suppression bills are once again making their way through the state legislature.The justification — or lack thereof as the case may be — for these bills lies with the unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud made during the 2020 election.Legislation like these could be warranted if they were being passed to increase election security. But they’re not. Recent elections in Kansas have been as safe and secure as they have ever been.Hundreds of post-election audits have been conducted across the state since 2020, and not a single failure has been uncovered.Republican Secretary of State Scott Schwab has been an outspoken critic of measures that would restrict the state’s ability to collect ballots from voters, causing a rift between top Republican officials in Kansas.But ever since 2020, questioning election integrity has become a political dog whistle in statehouses across the country.A majority of Kansans don’t seem to be buying it.The 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University last fall asked questions about perceptions of voter fraud and election integrity in our state.The survey found that only 11 percent of respondents thought fraudulent voting decides elections in our state and about the same number (12 percent) thought state and local officials commit election fraud to alter outcomes.These results suggest that even if Kansans possibly believe one-off incidents of voter fraud are common — there is little evidence to support this, only a handful of cases have been found in the past decade — they do not believe there widespread systemic fraud that alters election resultsDespite little popular support, state legislators are perpetuating these false claims by introducing legislation that restricts voters’ ability to cast a ballot.Senate Bill 208 would modify state law on use of ballot drop boxes. In its original form, it would have limited each county to a single dropbox — severely impractical for the state’s largest counties like Johnson and Sedgwick.SB 208 was then amended to eliminate the use of ballot drop boxes altogether, despite no reported problems with their usage.In the Kansas Speaks survey, less than one-third of Kansas voters thought ballot drop boxes should be banned.Senate Bill 209 eliminates the current three-day grace period for accepting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day.Research shows that mail-in voting is disproportionately used by elderly, disabled, military, and college student voters and therefore restricting when mail-in ballots can be accepted would disenfranchise these voters specifically.The harm done by these bills is far greater than any credible “justification” legislators could have for supporting them.Passing these bills would be a shortsighted move by the state legislature. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, let alone voter fraud related to drop boxes and mail-in ballots; there is a lack of popular support for these measures among Kansans; and there isn’t even partisan consensus that these actions are necessary.Election security is of utmost importance, but our elections are secure and getting more so every year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security continuously strengthens our election infrastructure ensuring our protection.These bills only make it harder for eligible Kansans to have their ballot counted.Free and fair access to the ballot is what allows citizens to have a voice in their government. It is a vital element of democracy.Kansans should be concerned that the state legislature is actively trying to suppress that voice.&nbsp;Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT: Bills restricting ballot collection are unpopular with Kansans

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/cdc434d6-248d-401a-ad14-657e66447040">Barton holds groundbreaking ceremony for new Ag Center</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/19c9e157-c0fc-4c78-95d8-26a51f309861">Internet sleuths help solve hit-and-run in Great Bend</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d1360b2e-e724-4e66-a969-c2e51ff86728">Barton Commission approves construction of 468-foot tower</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677878420753.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $3.6 million Ag and Transportation Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $3.6 million Ag and Transportation Complex on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/o1atn30n/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/cdc434d6-248d-401a-ad14-657e66447040">Barton holds groundbreaking ceremony for new Ag Center</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/19c9e157-c0fc-4c78-95d8-26a51f309861">Internet sleuths help solve hit-and-run in Great Bend</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d1360b2e-e724-4e66-a969-c2e51ff86728">Barton Commission approves construction of 468-foot tower</a>

Eagle Radio's News Week in Review

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Stafford County Economic Development (SCED) has used a few different affordable housing programs to build 10 single-family homes spread across Stafford County. Stafford County reached out to Housing Opportunities Inc. (HOI) to take over the property management of the 10 rentals. 

HOI Executive Director Callie Miller said HOI has been developing and managing affordable housing in Barton and Pawnee counties since 1996, and will now take over the day-to-day operation of the rentals in Stafford County. "We are taking over the management and maintenance of the rental units," said Miller. "We will do all the applications, compliance, reporting and on-staff maintenance guys will take care of any maintenance issues over there." HOI already runs several housing units in Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Scott counties. Miller was excited to expand their role into Stafford County and potentially create partnerships for future housing there.

"HOI has been looking to expand our services and service area for some time now," said Miller. "When SCED approached us about taking on the management of their rental units, it was the perfect opportunity to do just that. HOI has partnered with SCED, in the past to build single family homes, and we are happy to partner with them again on this venture. This partnership supports HOI’s mission by serving both low- and moderate-income families with their rental portfolio. It also opens the door to future project partnerships as SCED continues to look at ways to address Stafford County’s housing shortage. We are excited to see where this new partnership takes us!"

The 10 houses are three-bedroom homes spread out in St. John, Stafford, Hudson and Macksville. "Three of the units are occupied," said Miller. "We have one unit vacant in Hudson. Three units in St. John just completed construction last month so they're available for rent. The two in Macksville are still under construction." The units rent for either $500 or $550 per month and have income limits for the renters.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The two companies entered a partnership that officially began on March 1.&nbsp;

“Stafford County Eco Devo’s rental portfolio has grown from three units to eleven in just over a year with two more houses still under construction,” the Executive Director of SCED, Kathleen Norman, commented. “They (HOI) are well suited to handle the complex compliance and reporting requirements of the new rental houses which were primarily funded by two affordable housing programs.”

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677863398419.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostStafford County Economic Development (SCED) has used a few different affordable housing programs to build 10 single-family homes spread across Stafford County. Stafford County reached out to Housing Opportunities Inc. (HOI) to take over the property management of the 10 rentals. HOI Executive Director Callie Miller said HOI has been developing and managing affordable housing in Barton and Pawnee counties since 1996, and will now take over the day-to-day operation of the rentals in Stafford County. "We are taking over the management and maintenance of the rental units," said Miller. "We will do all the applications, compliance, reporting and on-staff maintenance guys will take care of any maintenance issues over there." HOI already runs several housing units in Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Scott counties. Miller was excited to expand their role into Stafford County and potentially create partnerships for future housing there. "HOI has been looking to expand our services and service area for some time now," said Miller. "When SCED approached us about taking on the management of their rental units, it was the perfect opportunity to do just that. HOI has partnered with SCED, in the past to build single family homes, and we are happy to partner with them again on this venture. This partnership supports HOI’s mission by serving both low- and moderate-income families with their rental portfolio. It also opens the door to future project partnerships as SCED continues to look at ways to address Stafford County’s housing shortage. We are excited to see where this new partnership takes us!"The 10 houses are three-bedroom homes spread out in St. John, Stafford, Hudson and Macksville. "Three of the units are occupied," said Miller. "We have one unit vacant in Hudson. Three units in St. John just completed construction last month so they're available for rent. The two in Macksville are still under construction." The units rent for either $500 or $550 per month and have income limits for the renters.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The two companies entered a partnership that officially began on March 1.&nbsp;“Stafford County Eco Devo’s rental portfolio has grown from three units to eleven in just over a year with two more houses still under construction,” the Executive Director of SCED, Kathleen Norman, commented. “They (HOI) are well suited to handle the complex compliance and reporting requirements of the new rental houses which were primarily funded by two affordable housing programs.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

HOI partners with Stafford Co. Eco Devo for management of rentals

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

An 8- foot-tall tomato plant? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, but one innovative young rural Kansas couple is making it become reality using a gardening technique known as hydroponics.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy are the founders and owners of Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. They were living in Kentucky and then moved to Kansas to be closer to MaryAnn’s parents in Lyndon.&nbsp;

Samuel was operating a locker plant in Osage City until he sold that business. The Beachys’ church was looking to expand in the Wamego and Manhattan area, and Samuel wanted to pursue a new enterprise there.&nbsp;

“I’ve always been intrigued with growing things,” Samuel said. “I loved to grow things in the garden.”&nbsp;

As he and MaryAnn considered a move, they thought about the type of produce operation that could work best in northeast Kansas and decided to try an indoor, hydroponic system. “He did a lot of studying,” MaryAnn said.&nbsp;

As the Beachys prepared to relocate, they told the realtor they were looking for a location that was served by natural gas and was next to a major highway. The realtor identified just one location. It was the first place the Beachys looked at, and they bought it. “This was a Godsend,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

The location was next to Highway 24 east of Manhattan. It already had a house with a large shop. The Beachys built a state-of-the-art polycarbonate truss-style greenhouse that connected to the shop. It is fully hydroponic, so the plants are raised in recycled water with the precise nutrients needed.&nbsp;

Beachy’s Flowers and Produce opened on November 30, 2022. For now, the flowers are coming from Council Grove, but the produce is homegrown and booming.&nbsp;

The Beachys produce tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, spring onions, kale, spinach, cilantro and cucumbers. In the future, they plan to also grow carrots, beets, potatoes and strawberries. The climate-controlled greenhouse enables produce to be grown year-round.&nbsp;

“My goal is to provide a place where people can buy produce at the same place that it is grown,” Samuel said. That would definitely seem to shorten the supply chain.&nbsp;

“I want to raise enough that you can make a good salad with what we produce.”&nbsp;

The production process is highly scientific, with probes used to control pH and nutrient levels. No soil is needed. Water is constantly recirculated. A retractable ceiling curtain helps control the climate naturally.&nbsp;

“We can open the curtain to let the sun in, and close it when we want to hold in the warmth,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

Lettuce seedlings, for example, are started under growlights. The rooted seedlings, in peat pellets, are placed in rows of watertight PVC trays through which the water and nutrients are pumped and recirculated. The trays are placed on waist-high metal frames and, with time, moved farther apart to make room for the plants to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to plan ahead,” Samuel said. “We plant 200 seeds per week of lettuce, and harvest in two months.”&nbsp;

The Beachys’ butterhead lettuce, with just a hint of sweetness, is a variety that has proven especially popular.&nbsp;

For tomatoes, the truss ceiling makes it possible to use string to hold up the tops of the plants, enabling them to grow to their full potential. With proper trimming and treatment, these plants can grow eight feet tall and produce extraordinary tomatoes. “Our goal is three-quarter pound tomatoes,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

Their produce is available for sale at grocery stores in Wamego, Westmoreland, and Holton; at Manhattan farmer’s market; and direct from the greenhouse. “I would like to grow the business so that people can come right here for their produce,” Samuel said.&nbsp;

Their location is along Highway 24 northwest of the rural community of St. George, population 1,054 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, contact Beachy’s Flowers and Produce at&nbsp;785-219-1759.&nbsp;

Eight feet tall tomato plants? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, and they’re growing at Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. We commend Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy for making a difference with fantastic produce and innovative production practices.&nbsp;

Seeing their success makes me feel ten feet tall.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677791433168.png" alt="Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy" />
 <figcaption>Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural DevelopmentAn 8- foot-tall tomato plant? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, but one innovative young rural Kansas couple is making it become reality using a gardening technique known as hydroponics.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy are the founders and owners of Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. They were living in Kentucky and then moved to Kansas to be closer to MaryAnn’s parents in Lyndon.&nbsp;Samuel was operating a locker plant in Osage City until he sold that business. The Beachys’ church was looking to expand in the Wamego and Manhattan area, and Samuel wanted to pursue a new enterprise there.&nbsp;“I’ve always been intrigued with growing things,” Samuel said. “I loved to grow things in the garden.”&nbsp;As he and MaryAnn considered a move, they thought about the type of produce operation that could work best in northeast Kansas and decided to try an indoor, hydroponic system. “He did a lot of studying,” MaryAnn said.&nbsp;As the Beachys prepared to relocate, they told the realtor they were looking for a location that was served by natural gas and was next to a major highway. The realtor identified just one location. It was the first place the Beachys looked at, and they bought it. “This was a Godsend,” Samuel said.&nbsp;The location was next to Highway 24 east of Manhattan. It already had a house with a large shop. The Beachys built a state-of-the-art polycarbonate truss-style greenhouse that connected to the shop. It is fully hydroponic, so the plants are raised in recycled water with the precise nutrients needed.&nbsp;Beachy’s Flowers and Produce opened on November 30, 2022. For now, the flowers are coming from Council Grove, but the produce is homegrown and booming.&nbsp;The Beachys produce tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, spring onions, kale, spinach, cilantro and cucumbers. In the future, they plan to also grow carrots, beets, potatoes and strawberries. The climate-controlled greenhouse enables produce to be grown year-round.&nbsp;“My goal is to provide a place where people can buy produce at the same place that it is grown,” Samuel said. That would definitely seem to shorten the supply chain.&nbsp;“I want to raise enough that you can make a good salad with what we produce.”&nbsp;The production process is highly scientific, with probes used to control pH and nutrient levels. No soil is needed. Water is constantly recirculated. A retractable ceiling curtain helps control the climate naturally.&nbsp;“We can open the curtain to let the sun in, and close it when we want to hold in the warmth,” Samuel said.&nbsp;Lettuce seedlings, for example, are started under growlights. The rooted seedlings, in peat pellets, are placed in rows of watertight PVC trays through which the water and nutrients are pumped and recirculated. The trays are placed on waist-high metal frames and, with time, moved farther apart to make room for the plants to grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have to plan ahead,” Samuel said. “We plant 200 seeds per week of lettuce, and harvest in two months.”&nbsp;The Beachys’ butterhead lettuce, with just a hint of sweetness, is a variety that has proven especially popular.&nbsp;For tomatoes, the truss ceiling makes it possible to use string to hold up the tops of the plants, enabling them to grow to their full potential. With proper trimming and treatment, these plants can grow eight feet tall and produce extraordinary tomatoes. “Our goal is three-quarter pound tomatoes,” Samuel said.&nbsp;Their produce is available for sale at grocery stores in Wamego, Westmoreland, and Holton; at Manhattan farmer’s market; and direct from the greenhouse. “I would like to grow the business so that people can come right here for their produce,” Samuel said.&nbsp;Their location is along Highway 24 northwest of the rural community of St. George, population 1,054 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, contact Beachy’s Flowers and Produce at&nbsp;785-219-1759.&nbsp;Eight feet tall tomato plants? It sounds like a gardener’s dream, and they’re growing at Beachy’s Flowers and Produce. We commend Samuel and MaryAnn Beachy for making a difference with fantastic produce and innovative production practices.&nbsp;Seeing their success makes me feel ten feet tall.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Beachy’s Flowers and Produce 

Just in time for spring fieldwork season in the tractor, Kansas Wheat is proud to announce the launch of the newest broadcast in town - the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast.&nbsp;

Hosted by Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, the biweekly broadcast will discuss wheat research projects, the latest in the domestic and global wheat markets, policy news like tracking the coming Farm Bill, wheat crop conditions, management decisions and more.&nbsp;

“Wheat’s on Your Mind is meant to be both educational and entertaining, showcasing the stories and people in the wheat world,” Harries said. “We’re excited for the wide array of audiences it will reach from millers to consumers and everyone in between.”&nbsp;

Harries kicked off the first episode with a two-part discussion with Romulo Lollato, a wheat production specialist with K-State Research and Extension. Lollato is a well-known voice in the Kansas wheat industry, sharing the latest in his ongoing research into wheat management strategies and the meteorological limits to winter wheat productivity in the southern Great Plains. He currently oversees 20 different research projects related to wheat production or applied wheat physiology.&nbsp;

“If you’ve been to a wheat meeting in Kansas, you’ll definitely recognize Romulo’s voice,” Harries said. “We sit down to chat about Romulo growing up in Brazil, how his passion for extension work really took hold, how he ended up at Oklahoma State University and what eventually brought him here to K-State.”&nbsp;

Part one of the podcast focuses less on Lollato’s agronomic expertise and more on giving listeners a deeper glimpse into where he grew up in Brazil and how his father’s work in research shaped his views on disseminating research directly to the farmers that can put that research into practice.&nbsp;

“We have research institutions that do research and my dad was in one of those,” Lollato shared. “By his nature, he was an extension guy and he was just telling things in a way that it was fun for growers to learn. But he was an outlier in that sense that he was doing a lot more extension than he was getting credit for because in Brazil that was done by a completely separate person than the one doing the research.”&nbsp;

Following part two of Harries’ chat with Lollato will be a conversation with Rollie Sears, retired K-State and AgriPro wheat breeder and current president of Prairie View Genetics. The pair will be discussing the development of Jagger, one of the most widely planted and best parent varieties of hard red winter wheat.&nbsp;

Sears made the initial cross for Jagger at K-State and has tracked the variety’s pedigree into popular varieties planted today, including Everest, Joe and Tatanka. Tune in to learn more about how this Jagger came to be and the importance of investing grower dollars into wheat breeding programs.&nbsp;

Kansas Wheat will be promoting individual episodes on the organization’s social media channel, but listeners should subscribe so they don’t miss any of the excitement. Listeners can tune in wherever they listen to podcasts, including Apple or Spotify. Or check out the podcast’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gEYlxF07u7UuH49dkNPPRCsA3ZGMNv2EJv6fLPkYdciSHEImCoc-MQauKBcnIqQcBp6zp5bhQUBGxBpLnAB9VNj9Ou-lxhQu3yHJ71HnELK4NsS2klxgebC_EAuq711MR1IyOovIfr3ToxpfgZfUZA==&amp;c=paNHTEKtLgqPpttAovxp10eSHjaH0GxooCq5EhI6FReZy00AhEbNGQ==&amp;ch=SR8PWgxtp5CV9zf-wT9sdlGIfyUM9soArDFL89ANugz_zWAG5PR8Dg==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662500196293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Just in time for spring fieldwork season in the tractor, Kansas Wheat is proud to announce the launch of the newest broadcast in town - the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast.&nbsp;Hosted by Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, the biweekly broadcast will discuss wheat research projects, the latest in the domestic and global wheat markets, policy news like tracking the coming Farm Bill, wheat crop conditions, management decisions and more.&nbsp;“Wheat’s on Your Mind is meant to be both educational and entertaining, showcasing the stories and people in the wheat world,” Harries said. “We’re excited for the wide array of audiences it will reach from millers to consumers and everyone in between.”&nbsp;Harries kicked off the first episode with a two-part discussion with Romulo Lollato, a wheat production specialist with K-State Research and Extension. Lollato is a well-known voice in the Kansas wheat industry, sharing the latest in his ongoing research into wheat management strategies and the meteorological limits to winter wheat productivity in the southern Great Plains. He currently oversees 20 different research projects related to wheat production or applied wheat physiology.&nbsp;“If you’ve been to a wheat meeting in Kansas, you’ll definitely recognize Romulo’s voice,” Harries said. “We sit down to chat about Romulo growing up in Brazil, how his passion for extension work really took hold, how he ended up at Oklahoma State University and what eventually brought him here to K-State.”&nbsp;Part one of the podcast focuses less on Lollato’s agronomic expertise and more on giving listeners a deeper glimpse into where he grew up in Brazil and how his father’s work in research shaped his views on disseminating research directly to the farmers that can put that research into practice.&nbsp;“We have research institutions that do research and my dad was in one of those,” Lollato shared. “By his nature, he was an extension guy and he was just telling things in a way that it was fun for growers to learn. But he was an outlier in that sense that he was doing a lot more extension than he was getting credit for because in Brazil that was done by a completely separate person than the one doing the research.”&nbsp;Following part two of Harries’ chat with Lollato will be a conversation with Rollie Sears, retired K-State and AgriPro wheat breeder and current president of Prairie View Genetics. The pair will be discussing the development of Jagger, one of the most widely planted and best parent varieties of hard red winter wheat.&nbsp;Sears made the initial cross for Jagger at K-State and has tracked the variety’s pedigree into popular varieties planted today, including Everest, Joe and Tatanka. Tune in to learn more about how this Jagger came to be and the importance of investing grower dollars into wheat breeding programs.&nbsp;Kansas Wheat will be promoting individual episodes on the organization’s social media channel, but listeners should subscribe so they don’t miss any of the excitement. Listeners can tune in wherever they listen to podcasts, including Apple or Spotify. Or check out the podcast’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001gEYlxF07u7UuH49dkNPPRCsA3ZGMNv2EJv6fLPkYdciSHEImCoc-MQauKBcnIqQcBp6zp5bhQUBGxBpLnAB9VNj9Ou-lxhQu3yHJ71HnELK4NsS2klxgebC_EAuq711MR1IyOovIfr3ToxpfgZfUZA==&amp;c=paNHTEKtLgqPpttAovxp10eSHjaH0GxooCq5EhI6FReZy00AhEbNGQ==&amp;ch=SR8PWgxtp5CV9zf-wT9sdlGIfyUM9soArDFL89ANugz_zWAG5PR8Dg==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Kansas Wheat launches 'Wheat’s on Your Mind' podcast

Ellinwood Hospital &amp; Clinic congratulated Karen Riggs on 30 years of service. The hospital noted Riggs is formally known as the dietary manager, but staff knows her as Karen of "Karen's Kitchen."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677875936614.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSEllinwood Hospital &amp; Clinic congratulated Karen Riggs on 30 years of service. The hospital noted Riggs is formally known as the dietary manager, but staff knows her as Karen of "Karen's Kitchen."

Riggs celebrates 30 years at Ellinwood Hospital

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

Live in Kansas and the Midwest for very long, and it becomes commonplace to expect a wide variety of spring and summer weather. Tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding and lightning often dominate the news headlines in this part of the country.

But Chip Redmond says those weather hazards can happen most anytime of year.

“You can’t just focus on a couple weeks of the year,” said Redmond, manager of the Kansas Mesonet, a network of weather monitoring stations throughout the state. “For example, we see tornadoes most often in the spring and early summer, but we could see them year-round. We’ve had tornadoes in December before.”

The National Weather Service in Topeka has designated March 6-10 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Kansas, including a statewide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. All Kansans are urged to participate in the drill by practicing the plans they have in place for seeking shelter from a tornado.

“You’ve got to keep that plan fresh,” Redmond said. “Anytime there’s a wind threat, whether it’s a tornado or severe winds, the best thing to do is to get centrally located in your house – typically a bathroom that has four interior walls around it, or underneath the stairwell in a basement. You want as many walls between you and the outside in all directions.”

Redmond suggests people keep a weather safety kit that includes such items as non-perishable food, blankets, boots, extra clothes, helmets, weather radio, batteries, a charging device for phones and even a map to track the path of the storm while listening to news reports.

He also recommends that parents practice the plan with children well in advance of severe weather threats; doing so helps to ease children’s anxiety in a real emergency.

Though parts of Kansas are starved for rain, flash flooding is also a common threat in spring and summer. It’s also a tricky threat.

“Honestly, flash flooding kills more people than tornadoes in most years,” Redmond said. “That’s because people really underestimate the power of water.”

He said water can quickly rise in areas that people don’t expect – such as across a roadway – and the current is often turbulent.

“There’s a good meteorologist slogan for when water’s on the road: ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown,’” Redmond said. “You don’t know what kind of turbulence and current that water has underneath, and for that matter, you don’t know the state of the road underneath the water. Find another way to your destination.”

To stay safe from lightning, the meteorologist’s advice is ‘When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.’ Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, according to the National Weather Service, accounting for an average of 47 deaths.

“Staying safe in severe weather really is having situational awareness all the time,” Redmond said. “Whether you’re driving down the road or going to bed at night, know the forecast and know what’s going on around you all the time. Forecasts aren’t perfect; they can change very quickly. So make a habit of checking the weather in the morning, during the day and before you go to bed.”

More weather safety tips are available online from the National Weather Service. More information on Kansas weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts, is available online from the Kansas Mesonet.

What’s the difference between a weather watch and warning

The National Weather Service issues alerts on severe weather based on the immediacy of a storm. Knowing the terms associated with weather alerts can help you stay safe.

A storm watch means that severe weather has not yet occurred, but weather conditions are expected to produce potentially dangerous weather.

A storm warning means that meteorologists have already observed severe conditions, and dangerous weather is imminent in your area or location. Take appropriate action as quickly and safely as possible.

Sometimes, a weather advisory is issued, indicating a less serious condition compared to warnings, but still requires residents to take appropriate precautions to avoid threats to life or property.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Live in Kansas and the Midwest for very long, and it becomes commonplace to expect a wide variety of spring and summer weather. Tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding and lightning often dominate the news headlines in this part of the country.But Chip Redmond says those weather hazards can happen most anytime of year.“You can’t just focus on a couple weeks of the year,” said Redmond, manager of the Kansas Mesonet, a network of weather monitoring stations throughout the state. “For example, we see tornadoes most often in the spring and early summer, but we could see them year-round. We’ve had tornadoes in December before.”The National Weather Service in Topeka has designated March 6-10 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Kansas, including a statewide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. All Kansans are urged to participate in the drill by practicing the plans they have in place for seeking shelter from a tornado.“You’ve got to keep that plan fresh,” Redmond said. “Anytime there’s a wind threat, whether it’s a tornado or severe winds, the best thing to do is to get centrally located in your house – typically a bathroom that has four interior walls around it, or underneath the stairwell in a basement. You want as many walls between you and the outside in all directions.”Redmond suggests people keep a weather safety kit that includes such items as non-perishable food, blankets, boots, extra clothes, helmets, weather radio, batteries, a charging device for phones and even a map to track the path of the storm while listening to news reports.He also recommends that parents practice the plan with children well in advance of severe weather threats; doing so helps to ease children’s anxiety in a real emergency.Though parts of Kansas are starved for rain, flash flooding is also a common threat in spring and summer. It’s also a tricky threat.“Honestly, flash flooding kills more people than tornadoes in most years,” Redmond said. “That’s because people really underestimate the power of water.”He said water can quickly rise in areas that people don’t expect – such as across a roadway – and the current is often turbulent.“There’s a good meteorologist slogan for when water’s on the road: ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown,’” Redmond said. “You don’t know what kind of turbulence and current that water has underneath, and for that matter, you don’t know the state of the road underneath the water. Find another way to your destination.”To stay safe from lightning, the meteorologist’s advice is ‘When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.’ Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, according to the National Weather Service, accounting for an average of 47 deaths.“Staying safe in severe weather really is having situational awareness all the time,” Redmond said. “Whether you’re driving down the road or going to bed at night, know the forecast and know what’s going on around you all the time. Forecasts aren’t perfect; they can change very quickly. So make a habit of checking the weather in the morning, during the day and before you go to bed.”More weather safety tips are available online from the National Weather Service. More information on Kansas weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts, is available online from the Kansas Mesonet.# # #What’s the difference between a weather watch and warningThe National Weather Service issues alerts on severe weather based on the immediacy of a storm. Knowing the terms associated with weather alerts can help you stay safe.A storm watch means that severe weather has not yet occurred, but weather conditions are expected to produce potentially dangerous weather.A storm warning means that meteorologists have already observed severe conditions, and dangerous weather is imminent in your area or location. Take appropriate action as quickly and safely as possible.Sometimes, a weather advisory is issued, indicating a less serious condition compared to warnings, but still requires residents to take appropriate precautions to avoid threats to life or property.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Severe weather can hit anytime

Barton County's third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is live on Wednesday, March 8 at noon at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. This competition for 7th-grade through 12th-grade students from Barton County is brought to Great Bend by Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. 

This competition was created to challenge our youth, encourage our business community to partner with and mentor our younger generations, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. This event is also made possible by a partnership with NetWork Kansas. NetWork Kansas holds regional and state Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges as part of its mission in developing entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout Kansas. 

Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce partner on this competition as both organizations are tasked with strengthening the area’s workforce for the business community, and in this case, that means nurturing the next generation’s entrepreneurs.

This competition and live trade show will take place at the Great Bend Events Center on March 8 at noon. Students and judges have lunch together to break the ice, and then competitors will begin their formal 4-minute presentations to the judges at noon. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event to cheer on our student competitors and show their support for the next generation of business ideas, and the winners will be announced at 2 pm. 

There is $2500 in prize money to be divided among the top competitors. Third place will receive $500, second place will receive $750, and first place will receive $1000 and the opportunity to continue onto the state-level competition. Audience members will have a chance to vote for their favorite and award the People’s Choice to one competitor as well as $250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677854303562.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County's third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is live on Wednesday, March 8 at noon at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. This competition for 7th-grade through 12th-grade students from Barton County is brought to Great Bend by Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. This competition was created to challenge our youth, encourage our business community to partner with and mentor our younger generations, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. This event is also made possible by a partnership with NetWork Kansas. NetWork Kansas holds regional and state Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges as part of its mission in developing entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout Kansas. Great Bend Economic Development and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce partner on this competition as both organizations are tasked with strengthening the area’s workforce for the business community, and in this case, that means nurturing the next generation’s entrepreneurs.This competition and live trade show will take place at the Great Bend Events Center on March 8 at noon. Students and judges have lunch together to break the ice, and then competitors will begin their formal 4-minute presentations to the judges at noon. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event to cheer on our student competitors and show their support for the next generation of business ideas, and the winners will be announced at 2 pm. There is $2500 in prize money to be divided among the top competitors. Third place will receive $500, second place will receive $750, and first place will receive $1000 and the opportunity to continue onto the state-level competition. Audience members will have a chance to vote for their favorite and award the People’s Choice to one competitor as well as $250.

Public invited to Barton Co. Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Put your shoes on before severe weather hits. One of the big messages to come out of the 2001 Hoisington tornado is the importance of having reliable shoes should there be rubble to navigate. That's why Barton County Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller attended Wednesday's commission meeting to proclaim the week of March 6-10 as Severe Weather Preparedness week. The state saw its first tornado of 2023 Sunday in southwest Kansas.

"Actually, there were only 56 tornadoes that occurred last year, and that is well below the average, but that was even up from the year before that," Miller said. "We have kind of been in a real downturn for the number of tornadoes."

The strongest tornado in Kansas last year was the EF-3 twister that passed through portions of Butler and Sedgwick counties on April 29. Miller said the president did not declare an emergency, which made several aid programs unavailable to those without adequate insurance.

"That's another reason for everybody to be prepared," she said, "not only for where they're going to take cover during severe weather, but to look at their insurance coverage."

Commissioner Duane Reif lived in Hoisington at the time of the 2001 tornado. He seconded the importance of being prepared.

"Make sure you keep an emergency kit somewhere safe," he said. "I didn't think it was all that important until you do have a tornado. I have to agree 100 percent. People didn't even know what their insurance covered until they checked their insurance and realized they weren't covered like they thought they were."

Heading into the dangerous spring season, the National Weather Service out of Wichita will again present its "Storm Fury on the Plains" program at the Crest Theater in Great Bend at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 13.

"They really just want to get out," Miller said, "talk to the public, encourage communication between the public and the Weather Service, and just to make everybody aware of what they're seeing when they're outside looking at things."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659105457430.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostPut your shoes on before severe weather hits. One of the big messages to come out of the 2001 Hoisington tornado is the importance of having reliable shoes should there be rubble to navigate. That's why Barton County Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller attended Wednesday's commission meeting to proclaim the week of March 6-10 as Severe Weather Preparedness week. The state saw its first tornado of 2023 Sunday in southwest Kansas."Actually, there were only 56 tornadoes that occurred last year, and that is well below the average, but that was even up from the year before that," Miller said. "We have kind of been in a real downturn for the number of tornadoes."The strongest tornado in Kansas last year was the EF-3 twister that passed through portions of Butler and Sedgwick counties on April 29. Miller said the president did not declare an emergency, which made several aid programs unavailable to those without adequate insurance."That's another reason for everybody to be prepared," she said, "not only for where they're going to take cover during severe weather, but to look at their insurance coverage."Commissioner Duane Reif lived in Hoisington at the time of the 2001 tornado. He seconded the importance of being prepared."Make sure you keep an emergency kit somewhere safe," he said. "I didn't think it was all that important until you do have a tornado. I have to agree 100 percent. People didn't even know what their insurance covered until they checked their insurance and realized they weren't covered like they thought they were."Heading into the dangerous spring season, the National Weather Service out of Wichita will again present its "Storm Fury on the Plains" program at the Crest Theater in Great Bend at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 13."They really just want to get out," Miller said, "talk to the public, encourage communication between the public and the Weather Service, and just to make everybody aware of what they're seeing when they're outside looking at things."&nbsp;

Barton Commission promotes preparedness ahead of spring storms

Technology has improved education for both teachers and students. But it does come with strings attached. At Tuesday's USD 428 Board of Education Luncheon at Great Bend Middle School, Counselors Brian Williams and Wendy Sundahl expressed some of the issues the school faces with technology, including bullying.

"The thing we've most come across that we really don't have a handle on is social media," Williams said. "What's going on is kids are getting on Snapchat. They're getting in groups, and they'll take pictures of somebody, and they'll make mean comments."

Naturally, that starts a back-and-forth between groups of friends. Because no side wants to be seen as weak, the comments continue. "My friend group and your friend group are constantly fighting," said Williams. "What happens is it comes into school. Even if those kids aren't in class together, they'll see each other in the halls."

A vast majority of GBMS students have their own phones. The school does have an approved policy regarding phones in its handbook. Phones are allowed in the building but are supposed to be turned off and hidden in lockers or book bags. A first violation of the policy results in two detentions, and the phone is returned to the student. A second offense means four detentions, and the phone is handed over to parents. Subsequent violations have even harsher penalties, yet electronics violations continue to be one of the top reasons for referrals in the school.

Sundahl pointed out that students do not use the standard texting app on their phones, but use apps with groups so that when one message is sent, it is seen by a large audience. When it comes to teen romance, that can be a distraction where students are sneaking off to see if their romantic interest has replied.

"They will come to me and say, 'I just can't think about school today,'" Sundahl said. "'I sent him a text on Snapchap and he's left it unopened. It's still closed. Or he opened, and I haven't heard anything.'"

While those issues may begin outside of school on private phones, another issue stems from using school-issued Chromebooks. Students have learned how to use the Google docs share feature to communicate throughout the school day. Many of those conversations are innocent, similar to note passing of generations past, but some are more nefarious.

"So you and I can talk, and we can say either appropriate things or inappropriate things or bully," Williams said. "But no one else can see it. Every now and then, if a keyword is used, some of those things will give us notifications, but what we're finding out as admins on those, we'll look that up but it won't even give us access. It will prompt us to ask permission to see that file. Do you think the student is going to give us permission to do that? We've talked to our tech department, and there's simply no answer for that because of the way Google works."

The district has tried to mitigate the effects of bullying in all its buildings. Teachers have their own forms they can fill out to keep counselors informed, and anyone can go to the district webpage and report bullying by <a href="https://www.greatbendschools.net/parents-students/bullying">CLICKING HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661182427053.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTechnology has improved education for both teachers and students. But it does come with strings attached. At Tuesday's USD 428 Board of Education Luncheon at Great Bend Middle School, Counselors Brian Williams and Wendy Sundahl expressed some of the issues the school faces with technology, including bullying."The thing we've most come across that we really don't have a handle on is social media," Williams said. "What's going on is kids are getting on Snapchat. They're getting in groups, and they'll take pictures of somebody, and they'll make mean comments."Naturally, that starts a back-and-forth between groups of friends. Because no side wants to be seen as weak, the comments continue. "My friend group and your friend group are constantly fighting," said Williams. "What happens is it comes into school. Even if those kids aren't in class together, they'll see each other in the halls."A vast majority of GBMS students have their own phones. The school does have an approved policy regarding phones in its handbook. Phones are allowed in the building but are supposed to be turned off and hidden in lockers or book bags. A first violation of the policy results in two detentions, and the phone is returned to the student. A second offense means four detentions, and the phone is handed over to parents. Subsequent violations have even harsher penalties, yet electronics violations continue to be one of the top reasons for referrals in the school.Sundahl pointed out that students do not use the standard texting app on their phones, but use apps with groups so that when one message is sent, it is seen by a large audience. When it comes to teen romance, that can be a distraction where students are sneaking off to see if their romantic interest has replied."They will come to me and say, 'I just can't think about school today,'" Sundahl said. "'I sent him a text on Snapchap and he's left it unopened. It's still closed. Or he opened, and I haven't heard anything.'"While those issues may begin outside of school on private phones, another issue stems from using school-issued Chromebooks. Students have learned how to use the Google docs share feature to communicate throughout the school day. Many of those conversations are innocent, similar to note passing of generations past, but some are more nefarious."So you and I can talk, and we can say either appropriate things or inappropriate things or bully," Williams said. "But no one else can see it. Every now and then, if a keyword is used, some of those things will give us notifications, but what we're finding out as admins on those, we'll look that up but it won't even give us access. It will prompt us to ask permission to see that file. Do you think the student is going to give us permission to do that? We've talked to our tech department, and there's simply no answer for that because of the way Google works."The district has tried to mitigate the effects of bullying in all its buildings. Teachers have their own forms they can fill out to keep counselors informed, and anyone can go to the district webpage and report bullying by <a href="https://www.greatbendschools.net/parents-students/bullying">CLICKING HERE.</a>

Great Bend Middle School counselors battling the downsides of tech

As the City of Great Bend, with a number of partners, gets set to put
their plans into action for renovations at Brit Spaugh Park, city officials
want to reassure all the horseshoe competitors that the horseshoe pits will remain
at the park.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ce97a77d-badd-4d20-883c-d37796bf27d3">RELATED STORY: Great Bend reveals design of Brit Spaugh Park overhaul</a> 
The approximate $2 million project will overhaul the south side of the park with
an outdoor basketball court, pickleball courts, two mini soccer pitches,
playground and a restroom facility. The project will wipe out the small baseball
field and old BMX track.

Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris
Umphres said the plan will still include horseshoe pits, but they will be
relocated to just north of the Kansas National Guard Armory. "We thought the horseshoe pits, the people that do that, don't necessarily want the hustle and bustle of the new features," said Umphres. "So if we put up north, we still meet their needs. They're doing their own thing and still throwing horseshoes."

At last week's work session, Great Bend Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said there were several horseshoe competitors that wanted to keep the pits to practice for state tournaments. 
Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) was contracted to design concepts
for the Brit Spaugh Park project. The latest design includes what the area will
look like with four horseshoe pits. 
The motion to approve the $101,000 proposal from PEC for design services will
be requested at the Great Bend City Council meeting on Monday, March 6. 
Once receiving the construction documents, the city can send the project out to
bid to contractors and ultimately start the project. Construction documents are
expected to take around four months to complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677784194916.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the City of Great Bend, with a number of partners, gets set to put
their plans into action for renovations at Brit Spaugh Park, city officials
want to reassure all the horseshoe competitors that the horseshoe pits will remain
at the park.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/ce97a77d-badd-4d20-883c-d37796bf27d3">RELATED STORY: Great Bend reveals design of Brit Spaugh Park overhaul</a> 
The approximate $2 million project will overhaul the south side of the park with
an outdoor basketball court, pickleball courts, two mini soccer pitches,
playground and a restroom facility. The project will wipe out the small baseball
field and old BMX track. Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris
Umphres said the plan will still include horseshoe pits, but they will be
relocated to just north of the Kansas National Guard Armory. "We thought the horseshoe pits, the people that do that, don't necessarily want the hustle and bustle of the new features," said Umphres. "So if we put up north, we still meet their needs. They're doing their own thing and still throwing horseshoes."At last week's work session, Great Bend Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said there were several horseshoe competitors that wanted to keep the pits to practice for state tournaments. 
Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) was contracted to design concepts
for the Brit Spaugh Park project. The latest design includes what the area will
look like with four horseshoe pits. 
The motion to approve the $101,000 proposal from PEC for design services will
be requested at the Great Bend City Council meeting on Monday, March 6. 
Once receiving the construction documents, the city can send the project out to
bid to contractors and ultimately start the project. Construction documents are
expected to take around four months to complete.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Design for revamped Great Bend Park will still include horseshoe pits

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/2) 
 
Falls 
 
At 4:38 a.m. a report of falls was made at 505 E. 6th Street in
Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:15 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th &amp; Patton. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (3/2) 
 
Falls 
 
At 5:09 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926 Hemlock. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:15 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th Patton. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 9:20 a.m. a report of someone breaking the glass in the front door was made
at 1516 7th Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 10:47 a.m. the K-9 was used on a traffic stop at 3111 10th
Street. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 3:13 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 3419 Meadowlark. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 4:16 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926 Eisenhower Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:35 p.m. an accident was reported in the 3200 block of 10th
Street. 
 
Overdose / Poisoning 
 
At 8:15 p.m. a subject was transported from 1421 11th Street to the
hospital. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 10:40 p.m. Joshua Hilbrink was arrested for possession of methamphetamine at
5520 10th Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 10:49 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 5520 10th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/2) 
 
Falls 
 
At 4:38 a.m. a report of falls was made at 505 E. 6th Street in
Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:15 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th &amp; Patton. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (3/2) 
 
Falls 
 
At 5:09 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926 Hemlock. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:15 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 10th Patton. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 9:20 a.m. a report of someone breaking the glass in the front door was made
at 1516 7th Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 10:47 a.m. the K-9 was used on a traffic stop at 3111 10th
Street. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 3:13 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 3419 Meadowlark. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 4:16 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5926 Eisenhower Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:35 p.m. an accident was reported in the 3200 block of 10th
Street. 
 
Overdose / Poisoning 
 
At 8:15 p.m. a subject was transported from 1421 11th Street to the
hospital. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 10:40 p.m. Joshua Hilbrink was arrested for possession of methamphetamine at
5520 10th Street. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 10:49 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 5520 10th.

Cop Shop (3/2)

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/564dd554-a285-4978-b929-62aceefdcdb2">Groundbreaking ceremony date set for Ellinwood new hospital</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677854020412.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Read the story here:<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/564dd554-a285-4978-b929-62aceefdcdb2">Groundbreaking ceremony date set for Ellinwood new hospital</a>

Speakers lined up for Ellinwood hospital groundbreaking today

3/2 BOOKED: Chad Gibson on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Misty Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Miguel Moreno on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

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

BOOKED: Joshua Hillbrink on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Ashley Skilling on Allen County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting cash bond.

RELEASED: Jonathon Hertel on Barton County District Court case for Attempted Kidnapping, DUI, and Sexual Battery, on $50,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Edwin Castro-Ortiz on Barton County District Court warrant, on $10,000 OR bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/2 BOOKED: Chad Gibson on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Misty Bryant on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Miguel Moreno on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Dalton Staudinger on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Joshua Hillbrink on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Ashley Skilling on Allen County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting cash bond.RELEASED: Jonathon Hertel on Barton County District Court case for Attempted Kidnapping, DUI, and Sexual Battery, on $50,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Edwin Castro-Ortiz on Barton County District Court warrant, on $10,000 OR bond.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/2)

One of the biggest fears for law enforcement is the active-shooter situation. So many variables, the potential for a large number of victims, and the obvious direct threat from active gunfire make it a dreaded call. Fake calls do not help. On Wednesday, law enforcement officials responded to nearly a dozen active shooter calls in schools around the state, ranging from Liberal in southwest Kansas to Topeka in the northeast, and including Russell in the middle. Fortunately, they were all fake. Unfortunately, law enforcement still has to respond as if the threat is real.

"If there happens to be a police car or sheriff's deputy close, they're immediately going to respond," said Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. "You have to get buzzed into these places. You just pray the secretary didn't get up to get a cup of coffee or something and doesn't buzz you in immediately, and now you're capping rounds through the door."

High-stakes training has changed over the years. In 1999, two student gunmen killed 12 classmates and a teacher at Columbine High School near Denver. With active shooters in the building, police waited for a tactical team before moving inside. Now, police are trained to take immediate action.

"The training at that time was you hang on and wait for a tactical team to get there," said Bellendir. "After Columbine, that changed. The training is now you go in, period. You try to neutralize that gunman as fast as you can."

That strategy did not go as planned in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022, when a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. More than 370 law enforcement officers eventually responded to that shooting, and some studies indicate the shooting could have been stopped within three minutes. Instead, 77 minutes ticked by, with shots being fired for a portion of that time. Bellendir used that tragedy to train his own deputies the next day. Saving lives, he said, is a no-hold-barred duty of law enforcement.

"We've even talked, if you could, drive one of the cars through the doors," he said. "I mean if you have to get in. If you're confident there is gunfire going on, especially in a situation like that where've got multiple calls coming out of the building. You've got kids calling parents, you've got parents calling 911 where it's pretty definite what you've got going on in there, we will gain entry into that building however we have to."

Swatting calls, themselves, have proven deadly. In 2017, a gamer in California sent Wichita police to an unsuspecting home to settle a gaming feud. When 28-year-old Andrew Finch stepped outside to see what was going on, he was fatally shot by police.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bellendir said swatting calls make the job more difficult because of the stakes on the line. Police making split-second decisions may make the wrong one based on the information available at the time. Attorneys and juries will later have weeks and months, often years, to parse out those details. He hopes that was not the intent of Wednesday's rash of swatting calls.

"It could also be aimed at law enforcement," he said. "It could be somebody who hates law enforcement and is just trying to get some cop to screw up and make a bad call. It's tough."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614955691374.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOne of the biggest fears for law enforcement is the active-shooter situation. So many variables, the potential for a large number of victims, and the obvious direct threat from active gunfire make it a dreaded call. Fake calls do not help. On Wednesday, law enforcement officials responded to nearly a dozen active shooter calls in schools around the state, ranging from Liberal in southwest Kansas to Topeka in the northeast, and including Russell in the middle. Fortunately, they were all fake. Unfortunately, law enforcement still has to respond as if the threat is real."If there happens to be a police car or sheriff's deputy close, they're immediately going to respond," said Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir. "You have to get buzzed into these places. You just pray the secretary didn't get up to get a cup of coffee or something and doesn't buzz you in immediately, and now you're capping rounds through the door."High-stakes training has changed over the years. In 1999, two student gunmen killed 12 classmates and a teacher at Columbine High School near Denver. With active shooters in the building, police waited for a tactical team before moving inside. Now, police are trained to take immediate action."The training at that time was you hang on and wait for a tactical team to get there," said Bellendir. "After Columbine, that changed. The training is now you go in, period. You try to neutralize that gunman as fast as you can."That strategy did not go as planned in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022, when a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers. More than 370 law enforcement officers eventually responded to that shooting, and some studies indicate the shooting could have been stopped within three minutes. Instead, 77 minutes ticked by, with shots being fired for a portion of that time. Bellendir used that tragedy to train his own deputies the next day. Saving lives, he said, is a no-hold-barred duty of law enforcement."We've even talked, if you could, drive one of the cars through the doors," he said. "I mean if you have to get in. If you're confident there is gunfire going on, especially in a situation like that where've got multiple calls coming out of the building. You've got kids calling parents, you've got parents calling 911 where it's pretty definite what you've got going on in there, we will gain entry into that building however we have to."Swatting calls, themselves, have proven deadly. In 2017, a gamer in California sent Wichita police to an unsuspecting home to settle a gaming feud. When 28-year-old Andrew Finch stepped outside to see what was going on, he was fatally shot by police.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bellendir said swatting calls make the job more difficult because of the stakes on the line. Police making split-second decisions may make the wrong one based on the information available at the time. Attorneys and juries will later have weeks and months, often years, to parse out those details. He hopes that was not the intent of Wednesday's rash of swatting calls."It could also be aimed at law enforcement," he said. "It could be somebody who hates law enforcement and is just trying to get some cop to screw up and make a bad call. It's tough."

Barton Co. Sheriff: Swatting calls not easy for law enforcement

Today Sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 32. West-northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming east in the evening.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 9 to 14 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. East wind 8 to 18 mph becoming south-southeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. South-southeast wind 16 to 18 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Breezy.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.

Tuesday Night A slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.

Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Thursday A 30-percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 59. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 32. West-northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming east in the evening.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 9 to 14 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. East wind 8 to 18 mph becoming south-southeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. South-southeast wind 16 to 18 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Breezy.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 56.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.Tuesday Night A slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Wednesday A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43.Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.Thursday A 30-percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 40.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

Barton Community College has been providing affordable and accessible higher education to Barton County for over 50 years, and thanks to a collaborative study with the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University the College has been able to further confirm the economic benefit of the college to the county.

The College’s Institutional Effectiveness Department set a goal to make the college's return on investment (ROI) for the county easy to understand and simple as one number. The results of their work show that for every $1 in taxes, Barton County residents enjoy a return of $2.05 brought into the local economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653460221698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Maggie HarrisBarton Community College has been providing affordable and accessible higher education to Barton County for over 50 years, and thanks to a collaborative study with the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State University the College has been able to further confirm the economic benefit of the college to the county.The College’s Institutional Effectiveness Department set a goal to make the college's return on investment (ROI) for the county easy to understand and simple as one number. The results of their work show that for every $1 in taxes, Barton County residents enjoy a return of $2.05 brought into the local economy."That information is critically important," said Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman. "It sends a big message. We think there will be other details we can promote to the public."Based on the study, the College received $10 million in taxes from Barton County over a three-year average. In return the College spent an average of $20.6 million in Barton County, this includes purchases by the College and wages to employees. This generates a rate of return of 205 percent and a direct impact of $2.05 on Barton County’s economy.Another common question is how much of the college is funded by county taxes, and the answer is that they account for one-third of the college’s total revenue, at about 35 percent. About 44 percent comes from student tuition and fees. Another 17 percent comes from state aid, with less than five percent coming from grants and other sources.This study was stage one of a two-stage plan to measure and report on Barton Community College’s economic impact. Stage two will be completed later this spring with a deeper look at updated numbers. The study was conducted by Barton’s Institutional Research staff and was corroborated and certified by the Docking Institute through Fort Hays State University, which as an unbiased third party, verified that the report was acceptable and accurate.

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