By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The lesser prairie chicken and its declining numbers has stolen all the media attention lately. But the greater prairie chicken will soon be the star of the show. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is now filling up spots to watch the bird's mating ritual. Director Curtis Wolf calls it a bucket list item for nature lovers.

"Watching prairie chickens on their mating grounds, it's literally one of the coolest you can see," he said. "Every spring, the males come to an area that's called a lek; it's a communal breeding ground. The males set up territories they defend. They put on displays, they do dances, they fight. Basically, it's all about winning over the females."

Only the greater prairie chicken can be found in Barton County. Though the lesser and greater prairie chickens share many similarities, they are two different species of birds. The greater is larger and has bushy eyebrows that are almost orange in color. The lesser's eyebrows are more yellow in color. Each species also has a unique "booming" sound used to defend its territory. There's another easily identifiable difference on the head.

"The big thing would be the males have this large air sac they use to make the sounds they do," Wolf said. "The greater prairie chickens, the color of that air sac is a bright orange color. For the lesser prairie chicken, it's more of a red, almost purplish color."

Prairie Chicken Lek Tours are $40 per person, and space is limited. There are still several spots available from March 23 through April 21. Participants will watch the ritual from a blind approximately 30 yards from the birds. Call the KWEC at (877) 243-9268 to reserve a spot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615523825324.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe lesser prairie chicken and its declining numbers has stolen all the media attention lately. But the greater prairie chicken will soon be the star of the show. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is now filling up spots to watch the bird's mating ritual. Director Curtis Wolf calls it a bucket list item for nature lovers."Watching prairie chickens on their mating grounds, it's literally one of the coolest you can see," he said. "Every spring, the males come to an area that's called a lek; it's a communal breeding ground. The males set up territories they defend. They put on displays, they do dances, they fight. Basically, it's all about winning over the females."Only the greater prairie chicken can be found in Barton County. Though the lesser and greater prairie chickens share many similarities, they are two different species of birds. The greater is larger and has bushy eyebrows that are almost orange in color. The lesser's eyebrows are more yellow in color. Each species also has a unique "booming" sound used to defend its territory. There's another easily identifiable difference on the head."The big thing would be the males have this large air sac they use to make the sounds they do," Wolf said. "The greater prairie chickens, the color of that air sac is a bright orange color. For the lesser prairie chicken, it's more of a red, almost purplish color."Prairie Chicken Lek Tours are $40 per person, and space is limited. There are still several spots available from March 23 through April 21. Participants will watch the ritual from a blind approximately 30 yards from the birds. Call the KWEC at (877) 243-9268 to reserve a spot.

Mating ritual provides one of the 'greater' shows in Barton Co.

Did you know that deer hunting was enjoyed by 7.9 million people in 2016?

Deer hunters come join us on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood Extension Meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays.

Drew Richetts, an assistant professor and Extension Wildlife specialist with K-State Research &amp; Extension will give a ninety-minute program on white-tailed deer biology, space use, cover requirements, nutritional requirements, managing white-tailed deer habitat, supplemental feeding and managing white-tailed deer populations. And bring your questions, there will be plenty of time for Q &amp; A.

A meal will be provided for only $5.00 per person, payable at the door. RSVP is requested for the meal count. You can register on-line at https://tinyurl.com/ywesfcsb or call 785-628-9430 or email Theresa tam3@ksu.edu

Come learn how to improve the habitat and increase your chances of success when pursuing the most popular game animal in North America.

Wheat Rx Schools scheduled for early March The dates and locations have been set for two Wheat Rx Schools to be held in early March. The first event will take place on March 7 in McPherson. The second seminar is scheduled for March 8 in Russell. Wheat Rx is a partnership between Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers.

These two Wheat Rx schools will have speakers sharing the most up-to-date wheat research information on how to manage your wheat crop not only for yield but also for quality and sustainability, as well as industry partners sharing how growers can capitalize on high protein wheat. Detailed agendas for each school are being finalized and will be shared soon.

Registration for the event is $110 for non-members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. However, members (including new members) will receive one free registration. Lunch and meeting materials are included with the registration fee. Online registration is open at https://kswheat.com/wheat-rx-registration-page

· March 7 McPherson Opera House – Grand Ballroom 216 S Main Street McPherson, KS 67460

· March 8 Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites 1430 South Fossil Street Russell, KS 67665

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>Did you know that deer hunting was enjoyed by 7.9 million people in 2016?Deer hunters come join us on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood Extension Meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays.Drew Richetts, an assistant professor and Extension Wildlife specialist with K-State Research &amp; Extension will give a ninety-minute program on white-tailed deer biology, space use, cover requirements, nutritional requirements, managing white-tailed deer habitat, supplemental feeding and managing white-tailed deer populations. And bring your questions, there will be plenty of time for Q &amp; A.A meal will be provided for only $5.00 per person, payable at the door. RSVP is requested for the meal count. You can register on-line at https://tinyurl.com/ywesfcsb or call 785-628-9430 or email Theresa tam3@ksu.eduCome learn how to improve the habitat and increase your chances of success when pursuing the most popular game animal in North America.Wheat Rx Schools scheduled for early March The dates and locations have been set for two Wheat Rx Schools to be held in early March. The first event will take place on March 7 in McPherson. The second seminar is scheduled for March 8 in Russell. Wheat Rx is a partnership between Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers.These two Wheat Rx schools will have speakers sharing the most up-to-date wheat research information on how to manage your wheat crop not only for yield but also for quality and sustainability, as well as industry partners sharing how growers can capitalize on high protein wheat. Detailed agendas for each school are being finalized and will be shared soon.Registration for the event is $110 for non-members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. However, members (including new members) will receive one free registration. Lunch and meeting materials are included with the registration fee. Online registration is open at https://kswheat.com/wheat-rx-registration-page2023 Wheat Rx Schools· March 7 McPherson Opera House – Grand Ballroom 216 S Main Street McPherson, KS 67460· March 8 Fossil Creek Hotel and Suites 1430 South Fossil Street Russell, KS 67665Stacy 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: Basic wildlife habitat management principles of white-tailed deer

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The City of Great Bend is not giving up on the idea of constructing a
paintball course, but location and expenses are forcing city staff to do more
research. Another project funded through the “quality of life” sales tax, the
paintball course was originally thought to be placed at the Great Bend Expo
Complex grounds west of town.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6f7200b3-6e16-4e70-8371-3f0d49f7891b">RELATED STORY: Great Bend wanting to construct a paintball course</a> 
The .15% sales tax penciled in $5,000 to get the project started. Speaking with
Traveler’s Insurance, the city was informed there would need to be a netting
around the entire course to protect buildings, vehicles and bystanders. The 20-foot
tall netting is estimated at $80,000.

Great Bend City Council member Lindsey
Krom-Craven is also a member of the Quality of Life committee that helped
create a 10-year master plan for the sales tax collection. She emphasized the
importance of creating an activity for older children. 
"If we have to replace this with another option and it's not for the older kids...quality of life doesn't mean anything," said Krom-Craven. "I'm tired of everything being for the adults or little kids. It's not solving anything this for this town. We have to find something for that teenage range." 
The paintball course was expected to be 100' x 180' with obstacles
maintained for safety, but the City of Great Bend would be covered under
general liability. There were concerns at the Expo Complex, buildings would be shot either in game or getting ready to play, even with the netting.

Paying $80,000 for the netting didn’t set well with the city
council, so Public Works Director Jason Cauley recommended a wooded area owned
by the city that is located a mile south of town by the Arkansas River. "I've been out there a few times," said Cauley. "I know it's kind of sandy. We've talked about going out and blading it at one point. It might be something to investigate." 
Great Bend staff plans to look further into the wooded area and report their
findings to the city council.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663775366881.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is not giving up on the idea of constructing a
paintball course, but location and expenses are forcing city staff to do more
research. Another project funded through the “quality of life” sales tax, the
paintball course was originally thought to be placed at the Great Bend Expo
Complex grounds west of town.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/6f7200b3-6e16-4e70-8371-3f0d49f7891b">RELATED STORY: Great Bend wanting to construct a paintball course</a> 
The .15% sales tax penciled in $5,000 to get the project started. Speaking with
Traveler’s Insurance, the city was informed there would need to be a netting
around the entire course to protect buildings, vehicles and bystanders. The 20-foot
tall netting is estimated at $80,000. Great Bend City Council member Lindsey
Krom-Craven is also a member of the Quality of Life committee that helped
create a 10-year master plan for the sales tax collection. She emphasized the
importance of creating an activity for older children. 
"If we have to replace this with another option and it's not for the older kids...quality of life doesn't mean anything," said Krom-Craven. "I'm tired of everything being for the adults or little kids. It's not solving anything this for this town. We have to find something for that teenage range." 
The paintball course was expected to be 100' x 180' with obstacles
maintained for safety, but the City of Great Bend would be covered under
general liability. There were concerns at the Expo Complex, buildings would be shot either in game or getting ready to play, even with the netting.Paying $80,000 for the netting didn’t set well with the city
council, so Public Works Director Jason Cauley recommended a wooded area owned
by the city that is located a mile south of town by the Arkansas River. "I've been out there a few times," said Cauley. "I know it's kind of sandy. We've talked about going out and blading it at one point. It might be something to investigate." 
Great Bend staff plans to look further into the wooded area and report their
findings to the city council.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend paintball course still in the works; new location needed

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/1) 
 
Fire 
 
At 11:10 a.m. a fire was reported at NE 170 Road &amp; NE 60 Avenue in Beaver. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 9:29 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at MM 101 on S. US 281 Highway. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (3/1) 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
At 12:02 p.m. Janie Strange reported a dog bite at 2606 21st Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 12:44 p.m. a juvenile complaint was reported at 2535 Lakin. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 12:47 p.m. Sarah Parks reported criminal trespassing at 2919 Morton.
Investigation started for burglary. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:50 p.m. erratic driver reported at 10th &amp; Main. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 2:28 p.m. Mpire Reality reported criminal trespassing at 2415 Coronado. 
 
Unknown Problem 
 
At 3:08 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 4714 17th Street Ter. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:39 p.m. a report of wanting to speak to an officer in reference to a
juvenile on a scooter was made. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 5:52 p.m. a report of Melvina Gruber coming into the Walmart store after
being told no to come back was made at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 11:03 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 2524 Russell Pkwy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (3/1) 
 
Fire 
 
At 11:10 a.m. a fire was reported at NE 170 Road &amp; NE 60 Avenue in Beaver. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 9:29 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at MM 101 on S. US 281 Highway. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (3/1) 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
At 12:02 p.m. Janie Strange reported a dog bite at 2606 21st Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 12:44 p.m. a juvenile complaint was reported at 2535 Lakin. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 12:47 p.m. Sarah Parks reported criminal trespassing at 2919 Morton.
Investigation started for burglary. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:50 p.m. erratic driver reported at 10th &amp; Main. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 2:28 p.m. Mpire Reality reported criminal trespassing at 2415 Coronado. 
 
Unknown Problem 
 
At 3:08 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 4714 17th Street Ter. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:39 p.m. a report of wanting to speak to an officer in reference to a
juvenile on a scooter was made. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 5:52 p.m. a report of Melvina Gruber coming into the Walmart store after
being told no to come back was made at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 11:03 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 2524 Russell Pkwy.

Cop Shop (3/1)

3/1 BOOKED: Ashley Spilling on Allen County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash.

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

BOOKED: Eric Smith on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 C/S.

BOOKED: Richard Fletcher on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Geoffrey Dearmore on hold for Barton County District Court.

BOOKED: Jason Loss on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

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

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

BOOKED: Dustin Young on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Gavin Lohr on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended 2nd, Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Jonathan Panning on two Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

RELEASED: Eric Smith on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $250 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Zachary McCulloch on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Layton Brown on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Gavin Lohr on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended 2nd, Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>3/1 BOOKED: Ashley Spilling on Allen County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash.BOOKED: Madison Crawford on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Eric Smith on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 C/S.BOOKED: Richard Fletcher on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Geoffrey Dearmore on hold for Barton County District Court.BOOKED: Jason Loss on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Zachary McCulloch on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Layton Brown on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Dustin Young on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Gavin Lohr on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended 2nd, Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Jonathan Panning on two Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, no bond set.RELEASED: Eric Smith on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $250 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Zachary McCulloch on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Layton Brown on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Gavin Lohr on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended 2nd, Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (3/1)

When Megan Hammeke found out she was named the NextGen Leader of the
Year she was initially overwhelmed with shock. Then nervousness quickly settled
in knowing she had to give a speech in front of hundreds of people without
anything prepared. Through all the emotions, Hammeke was able to deliver a
thankful speech this past Saturday evening at the Great Bend Chamber of
Commerce Banquet. 
“I’m just thankful for the job I have at the Great Bend Recreation Commission,”
said Hammeke. “The Rec has a really great team. I made sure to thank Ryan
(husband) and my family because they have been voluntold more times than I can
count to help put on the Rec events. They’re always helping me do great things.”

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/82d0bdde-7ca1-4a25-b6af-7cac38cb52a2">RELATED STORY: Great Bend Chamber names Hammeke as NextGen Leader of the Year</a> 
Hammeke serves as the marketing, aquatics and program director at the Rec
Commission. Growing up in Great Bend and now raising two children in her
hometown, Hammeke said it was only natural to give back to this community. 
“I just want my kids to have a great experience when it’s their turn to be in
Great Bend,” said Hammeke. “I want them to be proud of where they came from and
have great memories of the things they did. I want to deliver that to the rest
of the community as well. Let’s make a community that people love.” 
The NextGen Leader of the Year award is presented annually to an individual
creating a meaningful impact as a rising leader in Barton County. The award is
presented by the Barton County Young Professionals, a program of the Great Bend
Chamber. 
“You get so used to being in the day-to-day of what you’re doing that you
forget that other people see what you’re doing,” said Hammeke. “The award does
show that people are watching and it’s making a difference. Most of the stuff I
do is community involved. Without the community involvement and appreciation,
there is really no point in my job. It’s great to know that everyone sees that
and wants us to keep going.” 
The NextGen Leader of the Year award has been given out since 2012.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677688862383.jpeg" alt="Megan Hammeke accepts the 2022 NextGen Leader of the Year award at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Feb. 25, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Megan Hammeke accepts the 2022 NextGen Leader of the Year award at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Feb. 25, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhen Megan Hammeke found out she was named the NextGen Leader of the
Year she was initially overwhelmed with shock. Then nervousness quickly settled
in knowing she had to give a speech in front of hundreds of people without
anything prepared. Through all the emotions, Hammeke was able to deliver a
thankful speech this past Saturday evening at the Great Bend Chamber of
Commerce Banquet. 
“I’m just thankful for the job I have at the Great Bend Recreation Commission,”
said Hammeke. “The Rec has a really great team. I made sure to thank Ryan
(husband) and my family because they have been voluntold more times than I can
count to help put on the Rec events. They’re always helping me do great things.”<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/82d0bdde-7ca1-4a25-b6af-7cac38cb52a2">RELATED STORY: Great Bend Chamber names Hammeke as NextGen Leader of the Year</a> 
Hammeke serves as the marketing, aquatics and program director at the Rec
Commission. Growing up in Great Bend and now raising two children in her
hometown, Hammeke said it was only natural to give back to this community. 
“I just want my kids to have a great experience when it’s their turn to be in
Great Bend,” said Hammeke. “I want them to be proud of where they came from and
have great memories of the things they did. I want to deliver that to the rest
of the community as well. Let’s make a community that people love.” 
The NextGen Leader of the Year award is presented annually to an individual
creating a meaningful impact as a rising leader in Barton County. The award is
presented by the Barton County Young Professionals, a program of the Great Bend
Chamber. 
“You get so used to being in the day-to-day of what you’re doing that you
forget that other people see what you’re doing,” said Hammeke. “The award does
show that people are watching and it’s making a difference. Most of the stuff I
do is community involved. Without the community involvement and appreciation,
there is really no point in my job. It’s great to know that everyone sees that
and wants us to keep going.” 
The NextGen Leader of the Year award has been given out since 2012.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend NextGen Leader: Make a community that people love

Today A 200percent chance of rain after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. East-northeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Tonight A slight chance of rain before 9 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9 p.m. and midnight, then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery, with a north-northeast wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 58. North-northwest wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. West-northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the evening.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind 9 to 13 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

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

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Wednesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 200percent chance of rain after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. East-northeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Tonight A slight chance of rain before 9 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9 p.m. and midnight, then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery, with a north-northeast wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Friday Sunny, with a high near 58. North-northwest wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. West-northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the evening.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. North wind 9 to 13 mph becoming east-northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.Wednesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend offers OSHA-certified hearing tests – audiograms – as part of its occupational health services at St. Rose Medical Pavilion. Achieving this certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration allows the health system to meet conditions some employers have for hearing tests required for potential or current employees.

An audiogram is a hearing test that indicates how loud sounds at different frequencies need to be for a person to hear them. The results of the test will show normal hearing, and mild, moderate and severe hearing loss at different frequencies.

Many of the people who benefit from this service are employees who work in louder environments such as railroad workers, firefighters and hazardous materials employees. They can get a baseline hearing test along with regular monitoring to ensure their hearing safety protection is working as it should.

This service is not limited to corporate employees. Gina Westhoff, physician assistant at St. Rose Medical Pavilion, says other people may need to have an audiogram screening.

“We also see school-age children who need additional screening after a hearing test given at school,” said Westhoff. “Older adults whose families are concerned about hearing loss also can have audiograms.”

The staff at St. Rose Medical Pavilion offers other occupational health services, including pre-employment and employee physicals, drug screenings, EKG and X-ray services. They also offer breathing function tests for people who wear respirators regularly.

“It’s important that we offer these services so companies can get their employees all the testing they need. This prevents the employees from having to go to several different locations for testing that can be done in one place,” Westhoff said. “For our patients, it’s important for them to get in quickly and be seen and treated or referred on if necessary.”

If you have concerns about your hearing, contact your primary care provider. They will refer you to the appropriate testing location or service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628777600525.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThe University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend offers OSHA-certified hearing tests – audiograms – as part of its occupational health services at St. Rose Medical Pavilion. Achieving this certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration allows the health system to meet conditions some employers have for hearing tests required for potential or current employees.An audiogram is a hearing test that indicates how loud sounds at different frequencies need to be for a person to hear them. The results of the test will show normal hearing, and mild, moderate and severe hearing loss at different frequencies.Many of the people who benefit from this service are employees who work in louder environments such as railroad workers, firefighters and hazardous materials employees. They can get a baseline hearing test along with regular monitoring to ensure their hearing safety protection is working as it should.This service is not limited to corporate employees. Gina Westhoff, physician assistant at St. Rose Medical Pavilion, says other people may need to have an audiogram screening.“We also see school-age children who need additional screening after a hearing test given at school,” said Westhoff. “Older adults whose families are concerned about hearing loss also can have audiograms.”The staff at St. Rose Medical Pavilion offers other occupational health services, including pre-employment and employee physicals, drug screenings, EKG and X-ray services. They also offer breathing function tests for people who wear respirators regularly.“It’s important that we offer these services so companies can get their employees all the testing they need. This prevents the employees from having to go to several different locations for testing that can be done in one place,” Westhoff said. “For our patients, it’s important for them to get in quickly and be seen and treated or referred on if necessary.”If you have concerns about your hearing, contact your primary care provider. They will refer you to the appropriate testing location or service.

OSHA-certified hearing tests available at St. Rose Medical Pavilion

Each year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Great Bend Mayor helps
usher in the Christmas season with the lighting of the mayor’s tree in the
downtown square. 

City crews usually begin a two and a half week project in
early January of taking down all the Christmas light displays, including the
mayor’s tree. Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said when staff was
dismantling the tree, just south of the Barton County Courthouse, a squirrel
raced out. "Upon closer examination, we ended up having 17 branches that the majority of the insulation was chewed off," said Keeler. "When we would get snow or rain, part of the tree would be out because it was throwing the GFI switch when it gets wet." 
The original tree was purchased in 2011. To go with brand new lights on a new tree, the expense comes to $19,000. Keeler said the city staff will fix just what is damaged for a price tag of $6,500. 
The .15% quality of life sales tax master plan has allocated $32,000 for
Christmas lights from now until 2025, including $10,000 this year to make
repairs and enhance the displays.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606834424606.jpeg" alt="The Mayor's Christmas Tree in Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>The Mayor's Christmas Tree in Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostEach year, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Great Bend Mayor helps
usher in the Christmas season with the lighting of the mayor’s tree in the
downtown square. City crews usually begin a two and a half week project in
early January of taking down all the Christmas light displays, including the
mayor’s tree. Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said when staff was
dismantling the tree, just south of the Barton County Courthouse, a squirrel
raced out. "Upon closer examination, we ended up having 17 branches that the majority of the insulation was chewed off," said Keeler. "When we would get snow or rain, part of the tree would be out because it was throwing the GFI switch when it gets wet." 
The original tree was purchased in 2011. To go with brand new lights on a new tree, the expense comes to $19,000. Keeler said the city staff will fix just what is damaged for a price tag of $6,500. 
The .15% quality of life sales tax master plan has allocated $32,000 for
Christmas lights from now until 2025, including $10,000 this year to make
repairs and enhance the displays.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Squirrel probs: Time to repair Mayor’s Christmas Tree in Great Bend

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677596155740.jpeg" alt="Cheyenne/Quivira Chapter of Ducks Unlimited members Wally Eldridge and Jerry Ney. The chapter has raised more than $200,000 to assist wetland and water conservation projects in Kansas. The chapter's fundraising placed second, only behind the Overland Park chapter. Eldridge and Ney represented the chapter at the Ducks Unlimited state convention in Mulvane." />
 <figcaption>Cheyenne/Quivira Chapter of Ducks Unlimited members Wally Eldridge and Jerry Ney. The chapter has raised more than $200,000 to assist wetland and water conservation projects in Kansas. The chapter's fundraising placed second, only behind the Overland Park chapter. Eldridge and Ney represented the chapter at the Ducks Unlimited state convention in Mulvane.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Local Ducks Unlimited chapter recognized at state convention

Gold ceremonial shovels went into the ground Tuesday afternoon at Barton
Community College for the construction of the college’s new Agriculture and
Transportation Complex. The future site of the $3.6 million complex, on the
east side of campus, will house a Case New Holland Top Tech training program to
train ag mechanic technicians to enter the workforce. 
Barton already has a Case New Holland program, but Barton Foundation Director
Lindsey Bogner said the new facility will be designed for a different training. "Our current Case program trains service technicians from dealerships across the United States and internationally," said Bogner. "Those are for technicians already working in dealerships, so it's continuing education for them. The new Top Tech program will train new service technicians to go into the field. We will be putting technicians into dealerships and meeting that need for ag mechanics in our area."

The facility will include classrooms, shop spaces, CDL vehicle and equipment
storage, corrals, instructor offices, loading docks and a CDL testing area. 
Receiving a $1.8 million matching grant, Bogner and the college are in charge
of fundraising the other half of the project. On Tuesday, Bogner said the
college has collected $561,000, about 30% of their goal. 
"We have to have the rest of the money matched by next June," said Bogner. "We're still working on that. Right now we're working on major gifts and our tax credit sales. We're trying to get to everybody that we know is interested, which is a lot of people. This is impacting a lot of different industries. We're getting there." 
The State of Kansas approved $5 million in tax credits to be split among
community and technical colleges across the state. Boger said these are 60% tax
credits, meaning if an individual or business donates $1,000, you get a $600 credit
on your state taxes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677694923677.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>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGold ceremonial shovels went into the ground Tuesday afternoon at Barton
Community College for the construction of the college’s new Agriculture and
Transportation Complex. The future site of the $3.6 million complex, on the
east side of campus, will house a Case New Holland Top Tech training program to
train ag mechanic technicians to enter the workforce. 
Barton already has a Case New Holland program, but Barton Foundation Director
Lindsey Bogner said the new facility will be designed for a different training. "Our current Case program trains service technicians from dealerships across the United States and internationally," said Bogner. "Those are for technicians already working in dealerships, so it's continuing education for them. The new Top Tech program will train new service technicians to go into the field. We will be putting technicians into dealerships and meeting that need for ag mechanics in our area."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660147873943.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The facility will include classrooms, shop spaces, CDL vehicle and equipment
storage, corrals, instructor offices, loading docks and a CDL testing area. 
Receiving a $1.8 million matching grant, Bogner and the college are in charge
of fundraising the other half of the project. On Tuesday, Bogner said the
college has collected $561,000, about 30% of their goal. 
"We have to have the rest of the money matched by next June," said Bogner. "We're still working on that. Right now we're working on major gifts and our tax credit sales. We're trying to get to everybody that we know is interested, which is a lot of people. This is impacting a lot of different industries. We're getting there." 
The State of Kansas approved $5 million in tax credits to be split among
community and technical colleges across the state. Boger said these are 60% tax
credits, meaning if an individual or business donates $1,000, you get a $600 credit
on your state taxes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton holds groundbreaking ceremony for new Ag Center

A port is not a canal, it's not water. As Stafford County Port Authority (SCPA) Board President Carolyn Dunn explains, "At its essence, it's public infrastructure that allows transportation to occur." On the plains of Stafford County, that port is a transload rail facility and loop that could handle full-size unit grain trains of more than 100 cars. The Kansas legislature authorized the creation of the port authority in 2014, and with grant deadlines approaching, the SCPA is hoping to begin construction near St. John later this fall. The ultimate goal is creating more jobs and pumping an estimated $7-9 million annually into the local economy.

"We can have port tenants that locate there and offer their services for the more efficient railroad transportation to various businesses in the area," Dunn said. "We've tried to approach this in a way that not only helps us get businesses to locate in our part of the state, but is also very conservative to our limited tax base."

In 2020, SPCA received a letter of intent from Wind River Grain of Garden City to build the grain terminal. That allowed SCPA to apply for grants, and it received a $2.5 million Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant in April 2022. The state legislature added another $2.5 million for the project. It's a good start, but the project could cost an additional $3-5 million.

"With five million, we had a really solid start, but as infrastructure costs have gone up just like every other construction cost has gone up, we've not been sure that's going to be fully enough to go to construction," said Dunn.

But now there are time constraints. A grain company would still be the anchor of the project, but SCPA is now in talks with two other companies that have expressed interest in leasing the land. SCPA has applied for an additional $5 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration that would benefit the project, but to keep the $5 million in grants already received, construction needs to begin this year.

"We're so far along that we also don't want to lose that progress, and don't want to miss this opportunity if we don't get the federal grant," said Dunn. "So right now, we're talking to two other businesses we would like to persuade to locate here. If they did, and those improvements that they make played into our TIF district, that would also make moving forward a lot more clear."

Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman said the plan is to move forward with the $5 million in the bank, but it would not allow for everything in the plans, and there would be a fair bit of debt financing required.

That's where the TIF, or Tax Increment Financing, District comes into play. SCPA would own the land and lease it to the businesses operating on it. It could use lease money collected to pay off the debt, and property taxes assigned and collected to any new infrastructure could also be used to pay off the debt. That means no tax increases for the general public.

SCPA is moving forward with construction plans later this year, but many details are still in the works. The additional $5 million in federal grant money would make the project much easier and allow SCPA to scratch some items off its wish list, such as a higher-volume energy line to handle usage from the new businesses. It would also help ensure long-term success for the project.

Norman estimates a new grain company could bring approximately 10 direct jobs to the area, and some 20 more auxiliary jobs like trucking. One of the other companies in question would also bring approximately 30 jobs to the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649863544736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA port is not a canal, it's not water. As Stafford County Port Authority (SCPA) Board President Carolyn Dunn explains, "At its essence, it's public infrastructure that allows transportation to occur." On the plains of Stafford County, that port is a transload rail facility and loop that could handle full-size unit grain trains of more than 100 cars. The Kansas legislature authorized the creation of the port authority in 2014, and with grant deadlines approaching, the SCPA is hoping to begin construction near St. John later this fall. The ultimate goal is creating more jobs and pumping an estimated $7-9 million annually into the local economy."We can have port tenants that locate there and offer their services for the more efficient railroad transportation to various businesses in the area," Dunn said. "We've tried to approach this in a way that not only helps us get businesses to locate in our part of the state, but is also very conservative to our limited tax base."In 2020, SPCA received a letter of intent from Wind River Grain of Garden City to build the grain terminal. That allowed SCPA to apply for grants, and it received a $2.5 million Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant in April 2022. The state legislature added another $2.5 million for the project. It's a good start, but the project could cost an additional $3-5 million."With five million, we had a really solid start, but as infrastructure costs have gone up just like every other construction cost has gone up, we've not been sure that's going to be fully enough to go to construction," said Dunn.But now there are time constraints. A grain company would still be the anchor of the project, but SCPA is now in talks with two other companies that have expressed interest in leasing the land. SCPA has applied for an additional $5 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration that would benefit the project, but to keep the $5 million in grants already received, construction needs to begin this year."We're so far along that we also don't want to lose that progress, and don't want to miss this opportunity if we don't get the federal grant," said Dunn. "So right now, we're talking to two other businesses we would like to persuade to locate here. If they did, and those improvements that they make played into our TIF district, that would also make moving forward a lot more clear."Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman said the plan is to move forward with the $5 million in the bank, but it would not allow for everything in the plans, and there would be a fair bit of debt financing required.That's where the TIF, or Tax Increment Financing, District comes into play. SCPA would own the land and lease it to the businesses operating on it. It could use lease money collected to pay off the debt, and property taxes assigned and collected to any new infrastructure could also be used to pay off the debt. That means no tax increases for the general public.SCPA is moving forward with construction plans later this year, but many details are still in the works. The additional $5 million in federal grant money would make the project much easier and allow SCPA to scratch some items off its wish list, such as a higher-volume energy line to handle usage from the new businesses. It would also help ensure long-term success for the project.Norman estimates a new grain company could bring approximately 10 direct jobs to the area, and some 20 more auxiliary jobs like trucking. One of the other companies in question would also bring approximately 30 jobs to the area.

Stafford County Port Authority planning new construction in 2023

With $75,000 set aside for lights to be installed around the walking trail
at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend, the project is expected to come in under
budget. Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said a quote to purchase 20
poles is $23,060, leaving a balance of $51,940 for installation. Burns didn’t
expect much maintenance for the LED lights, but the Quality of Life sales tax
master plan does budget for project upkeep. "The line item for equipment and maintenance in 2023 is $5,000," said Burns. "Every year after that, there is $10,000 allocated. This could be for a light that goes out or something that needs fixed. That would be allocated towards quality of life projects." 
The utility expense for the lights would fall back to city’s park department
budget. The Vets Park trail is 9/10 of a mile, or 4,752 feet. The 20 poles,
each 20-feet tall, will be spread along the path, leaving 77 feet of unlighted
area between each light. 
"One of the questions I had from nearby neighbors was how much light pollution we were going to have from the lights we picked out," said Burns. "There's very little light pollution. I've talked to those neighbors. If we need to space them out more we can." 
The lights would be on a timer for certain evening hours and would be shut off
during the holidays for the city’s Christmas light displays. Great Bend is
seeking quotes for the labor and installation cost. 
Improving the lighting at the walking path is part of a list of projects from the
.15% quality of life sales tax.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677598751821.jpeg" alt="Great Bend prepares to have 20 light poles installed along the walking path at Veterans Memorial Park." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend prepares to have 20 light poles installed along the walking path at Veterans Memorial Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWith $75,000 set aside for lights to be installed around the walking trail
at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend, the project is expected to come in under
budget. Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said a quote to purchase 20
poles is $23,060, leaving a balance of $51,940 for installation. Burns didn’t
expect much maintenance for the LED lights, but the Quality of Life sales tax
master plan does budget for project upkeep. "The line item for equipment and maintenance in 2023 is $5,000," said Burns. "Every year after that, there is $10,000 allocated. This could be for a light that goes out or something that needs fixed. That would be allocated towards quality of life projects." 
The utility expense for the lights would fall back to city’s park department
budget. The Vets Park trail is 9/10 of a mile, or 4,752 feet. The 20 poles,
each 20-feet tall, will be spread along the path, leaving 77 feet of unlighted
area between each light. 
"One of the questions I had from nearby neighbors was how much light pollution we were going to have from the lights we picked out," said Burns. "There's very little light pollution. I've talked to those neighbors. If we need to space them out more we can." 
The lights would be on a timer for certain evening hours and would be shut off
during the holidays for the city’s Christmas light displays. Great Bend is
seeking quotes for the labor and installation cost. 
Improving the lighting at the walking path is part of a list of projects from the
.15% quality of life sales tax.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

20 lights for Great Bend’s walking path at Vets Park

Good nutrition is important to overall health, and it begins at birth, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast where they discussed the importance of the calves nursing within the first 24 hours of life.

“Colostrum is the first milk that the calf gets from its mother that contains a lot of immunity to set it up for the first 4-5 months of life,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White. “As soon as the calf starts drinking, it has 12-24 hours to absorb the colostrum before its gut closes.”

To help facilitate the delivery of colostrum to the calf, veterinarian Bob Larson said there needs to be selection pressure put on teat size and udder structure.

“I want the cows to deliver the colostrum, so I am going to retain females that have a good mothering ability along with a quality udder,” Larson said.

“Once the calf starts to nurse, make sure they get a full dose of colostrum because once milk enters their gut, the process of closing begins,”.

One step that producers can do to set up the cows for success is to make sure they maintain a good body condition entering the calving season and while they are nursing calves.

“Cows that are thin will produce colostrum that is of lower quality than those that are receiving good nutrition,” said Phillip Lancaster, beef cattle nutritionist. “Research has shown that a calf born to a thin cow in a stressful delivery will experience a diminished absorption of the colostrum.”

To make sure the cows maintain their weight pre-calving, Lancaster said producers need to be sure that the energy and protein requirements are an emphasis in the ration.

Even with the best preparation, experts agree that difficult births do happen occasionally and at a higher rate with heifers calving for the first time.

“When the female and her calf have gone through a difficult birth, often both the dam and the calf are exhausted and nursing becomes a challenge,” Larson said. “This may be a time when the producer needs to intervene and supplement the colostrum.”

In such a case, producers have options to consider on sourcing the colostrum.

“The best option for the colostrum is to get it from the dam herself even if that means you have to milk out the cow and give it to the calf through a bottle or tube depending on how well the calf is thriving,” Lubbers said.

If that is not possible, then Lubbers recommends supplementing with a commercial replacement powder or obtaining colostrum from another cow within the herd that the producer was able to collect earlier in the calving season.

“Because of the biosecurity risks, I would only use colostrum from my own herd or provide it by way of a commercial supplement,”

Larson agreed with this recommendation, adding: “Make sure to keep some commercial supplement on hand because the timing of when this needs to be delivered is important.”

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Good nutrition is important to overall health, and it begins at birth, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast where they discussed the importance of the calves nursing within the first 24 hours of life.“Colostrum is the first milk that the calf gets from its mother that contains a lot of immunity to set it up for the first 4-5 months of life,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White. “As soon as the calf starts drinking, it has 12-24 hours to absorb the colostrum before its gut closes.”To help facilitate the delivery of colostrum to the calf, veterinarian Bob Larson said there needs to be selection pressure put on teat size and udder structure.“I want the cows to deliver the colostrum, so I am going to retain females that have a good mothering ability along with a quality udder,” Larson said.“Once the calf starts to nurse, make sure they get a full dose of colostrum because once milk enters their gut, the process of closing begins,”.One step that producers can do to set up the cows for success is to make sure they maintain a good body condition entering the calving season and while they are nursing calves.“Cows that are thin will produce colostrum that is of lower quality than those that are receiving good nutrition,” said Phillip Lancaster, beef cattle nutritionist. “Research has shown that a calf born to a thin cow in a stressful delivery will experience a diminished absorption of the colostrum.”To make sure the cows maintain their weight pre-calving, Lancaster said producers need to be sure that the energy and protein requirements are an emphasis in the ration.Even with the best preparation, experts agree that difficult births do happen occasionally and at a higher rate with heifers calving for the first time.“When the female and her calf have gone through a difficult birth, often both the dam and the calf are exhausted and nursing becomes a challenge,” Larson said. “This may be a time when the producer needs to intervene and supplement the colostrum.”In such a case, producers have options to consider on sourcing the colostrum.“The best option for the colostrum is to get it from the dam herself even if that means you have to milk out the cow and give it to the calf through a bottle or tube depending on how well the calf is thriving,” Lubbers said.If that is not possible, then Lubbers recommends supplementing with a commercial replacement powder or obtaining colostrum from another cow within the herd that the producer was able to collect earlier in the calving season.“Because of the biosecurity risks, I would only use colostrum from my own herd or provide it by way of a commercial supplement,”Larson agreed with this recommendation, adding: “Make sure to keep some commercial supplement on hand because the timing of when this needs to be delivered is important.”Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Calves nursing

Three high-rise buildings. That's the approximate height of a new guyed communications tower that will soon be erected southwest of Albert. The Barton County Commission Wednesday morning heard from Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham and Skyward Land Services' Patrick Erwin before voting 4-0 to approve the construction of the 468-foot tower. Erwin said the tower is as big as they get.

"The company that we're representing, Tillman Infrastructure, is actively marketing this tower to the likes of Nex-Tech and some of the other smaller wireless internet service providers that are out there," he told the commission. "We do have Verizon under contract to be an anchor tenant on this structure."

Eight of the nine Barton Planning Commission members were present at a Feb. 14 public hearing and recommended approval from the county commission. The one absent member asked why a new tower was needed if another tower already existed in the area. Erwin explained that Verizon could longer lease space on that tower and would need the new one. 

Erwin said a minimum of four companies would likely lease space on the tower. Space is sold in increments of 10 feet on a first-come, first-serve basis for elevation. Companies can put whatever they wish in that leased space so long as it does not compromise the structural integrity of the tower. Goreham said the upcoming Russell Water District project will also benefit from the tower.

"One of the things they do is they have digital meters," she said. "This tower is going to help them tremendously with communication for those digital meters because they start in Rush County, and they come into Barton County and also into Russell County. This is going to be huge for that project also."

The tower will be located on a 120-acre tract of land three-fourths of a mile from the Rush County line on Northwest 40 Road. The lattice-style tower and all accompanying equipment will be contained within a 16-acre section. Erwin worked with Goreham for nearly a year to find a location suitable for a tower of that size. No building permits will be issued until the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission have approved the structure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607448779484.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThree high-rise buildings. That's the approximate height of a new guyed communications tower that will soon be erected southwest of Albert. The Barton County Commission Wednesday morning heard from Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham and Skyward Land Services' Patrick Erwin before voting 4-0 to approve the construction of the 468-foot tower. Erwin said the tower is as big as they get."The company that we're representing, Tillman Infrastructure, is actively marketing this tower to the likes of Nex-Tech and some of the other smaller wireless internet service providers that are out there," he told the commission. "We do have Verizon under contract to be an anchor tenant on this structure."Eight of the nine Barton Planning Commission members were present at a Feb. 14 public hearing and recommended approval from the county commission. The one absent member asked why a new tower was needed if another tower already existed in the area. Erwin explained that Verizon could longer lease space on that tower and would need the new one. Erwin said a minimum of four companies would likely lease space on the tower. Space is sold in increments of 10 feet on a first-come, first-serve basis for elevation. Companies can put whatever they wish in that leased space so long as it does not compromise the structural integrity of the tower. Goreham said the upcoming Russell Water District project will also benefit from the tower."One of the things they do is they have digital meters," she said. "This tower is going to help them tremendously with communication for those digital meters because they start in Rush County, and they come into Barton County and also into Russell County. This is going to be huge for that project also."The tower will be located on a 120-acre tract of land three-fourths of a mile from the Rush County line on Northwest 40 Road. The lattice-style tower and all accompanying equipment will be contained within a 16-acre section. Erwin worked with Goreham for nearly a year to find a location suitable for a tower of that size. No building permits will be issued until the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission have approved the structure.

Barton Commission approves construction of 468-foot tower

Lines form on Saturday mornings outside the Bin Shop'n store in downtown Great Bend. The bins are refilled each week with new merchandise starting at $7.99. Prices go down daily after that, ending with a 99-cent clearance on Thursday. The waits will be unnecessary at a new, smaller store in Larned. On Friday, that store officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Larned Chamber of Commerce.

"The newest store is called a Bin Shop' Boutique and Gift," said Bin Shop'n Business Manager Nicole Heneha. "At that location in Larned, it's only our clothing, shoes, and accessories. Everything in that store is $3.99 daily. So it's more of a small clothing boutique feel than the bins."

The larger bin stores can be found in Great Bend, Hutchinson, Salina, and Wichita. The boutique will feature smaller items like clothing, hats, shoes, boots, purses and handbags, and gift sets. 

"The whole idea is to bring shopping to smaller towns that don't have very many options to go anywhere and shop without really traveling," Heneha said.

The Bin Shop'n Boutique is located at 418 Broadway in Larned. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677514747012.jpeg" alt="All items at the new Bin Shop'n Boutique &amp; Gifts store are $3.99 daily." />
 <figcaption>All items at the new Bin Shop'n Boutique &amp; Gifts store are $3.99 daily.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLines form on Saturday mornings outside the Bin Shop'n store in downtown Great Bend. The bins are refilled each week with new merchandise starting at $7.99. Prices go down daily after that, ending with a 99-cent clearance on Thursday. The waits will be unnecessary at a new, smaller store in Larned. On Friday, that store officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Larned Chamber of Commerce."The newest store is called a Bin Shop' Boutique and Gift," said Bin Shop'n Business Manager Nicole Heneha. "At that location in Larned, it's only our clothing, shoes, and accessories. Everything in that store is $3.99 daily. So it's more of a small clothing boutique feel than the bins."The larger bin stores can be found in Great Bend, Hutchinson, Salina, and Wichita. The boutique will feature smaller items like clothing, hats, shoes, boots, purses and handbags, and gift sets. "The whole idea is to bring shopping to smaller towns that don't have very many options to go anywhere and shop without really traveling," Heneha said.The Bin Shop'n Boutique is located at 418 Broadway in Larned. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Bin Shop'n opens new boutique store in Larned

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/28) 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 2:14 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 24th &amp; Williams. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 8:57 a.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 4714 Railroad. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 10:19 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 800 block of NW 80 Avenue
in Olmitz. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:11 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 330 E. US 56 Highway. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 5:02 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 205 Hoisington. 
 
At 5:55 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 606 Cheyenne View Dr. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 7:06 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 31 NE 30 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:28 p.m. an accident was reported in the 900 block of E. US 56 Highway in
Ellinwood. 
 
At 8:38 p.m. an accident was reported at 3676 Avenue X in Rush County. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (2/28) 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 1:09 a.m. K-9 Menta was utilized on an outside agency assistance in the 3700
block of Railroad Avenue. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 1:43 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1442 16th Street. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 2:14 a.m. an officer arrested Jonathan Whisnant for DUI and speeding at 24th
&amp; Williams. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 7:29 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 2316 9th Street. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 11:45 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 1:03 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5703 Hemlock. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:11 p.m. a semi with shifted load was reported at 330 E. US 56 Highway. 
 
Theft 
 
At 5:15 p.m. Skyler Edwards reported the theft of a bicycle at 2215 Jackson. 
 
Fire 
 
At 5:58 p.m. Kayla Baxley reported a small vehicle fire at 1214 Stone. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:49 p.m. a motorcycle driving at a high rate of speed was reported at 26th
&amp; Jackson. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:31 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2312 8th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:57 p.m. a subject who was intoxicated drove away from their residence at
19th &amp; Madison. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 10:14 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2627 Paseo Dr.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/28) 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 2:14 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 24th &amp; Williams. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 8:57 a.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 4714 Railroad. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 10:19 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 800 block of NW 80 Avenue
in Olmitz. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:11 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 330 E. US 56 Highway. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 5:02 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 205 Hoisington. 
 
At 5:55 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 606 Cheyenne View Dr. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 7:06 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 31 NE 30 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:28 p.m. an accident was reported in the 900 block of E. US 56 Highway in
Ellinwood. 
 
At 8:38 p.m. an accident was reported at 3676 Avenue X in Rush County. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (2/28) 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 1:09 a.m. K-9 Menta was utilized on an outside agency assistance in the 3700
block of Railroad Avenue. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 1:43 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1442 16th Street. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 2:14 a.m. an officer arrested Jonathan Whisnant for DUI and speeding at 24th
&amp; Williams. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 7:29 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 2316 9th Street. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 11:45 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3910 Cedar Park. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 1:03 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5703 Hemlock. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:11 p.m. a semi with shifted load was reported at 330 E. US 56 Highway. 
 
Theft 
 
At 5:15 p.m. Skyler Edwards reported the theft of a bicycle at 2215 Jackson. 
 
Fire 
 
At 5:58 p.m. Kayla Baxley reported a small vehicle fire at 1214 Stone. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:49 p.m. a motorcycle driving at a high rate of speed was reported at 26th
&amp; Jackson. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:31 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2312 8th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:57 p.m. a subject who was intoxicated drove away from their residence at
19th &amp; Madison. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 10:14 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2627 Paseo Dr.

Cop Shop (2/28)

2/28 BOOKED: Echostorm Stidham on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with LEO, and Endangering a Child, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Larry Watkins on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Jonathan Whisnant on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Cameron Randol on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with LEO, and Endangering a Child, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Lori Fiscus on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $2,268 cash only.

RELEASED: Echostorm Stidham on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with LEO, and Endangering a Child, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Larry Watkins on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jonathan Whisnant on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Michael Warran on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, by order of the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647271132908.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2/28 BOOKED: Echostorm Stidham on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with LEO, and Endangering a Child, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Larry Watkins on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Jonathan Whisnant on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Cameron Randol on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with LEO, and Endangering a Child, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Lori Fiscus on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $2,268 cash only.RELEASED: Echostorm Stidham on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Interference with LEO, and Endangering a Child, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Larry Watkins on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jonathan Whisnant on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence and Speeding, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Michael Warran on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, by order of the court.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/28)

Great Bend’s idea of creating a public shooting range seemed like a good
idea on paper. The city’s .15% quality of life sales tax was set to allocate
$34,000 to potentially expand the police department’s shooting range at the Great
Bend Expo Complex grounds. After a conversation with an insurance provider, city
staff found out there are a lot of liability issues and expenses. 
Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said a range safety officer would need
to be on-site at all times and waivers would need to be signed. "You're going to need somebody there checking people in, making sure they're not bringing in something they're not supposed to," said Haulmark. "You're probably going to need a couple of range safety officers, particularly if you have more than one person shooting. I wouldn't be comfortable with people shooting long guns and handguns. It would probably be limited to handguns, which cuts down a lot of people that would use it." 
The Great Bend City Council was in consensus at last week’s work session that
the shooting range was not feasible. The board determined a private business or
organization would have to provide such a facility. 
"Garden City opened one," said Haulmark. "The police department partnered with a private business. They built a $2.5 million building. It's open to the public like Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays...something like that. They have three or four staff members that are present. They charge an entry fee or annual membership. I think at least half of the project was private funds." 
In November 2021, Great Bend voters passed a .15% sales tax increase to go
toward quality of life projects. The city will reallocate the $34,000 for the shooting
range to another project.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Haulmark did say as a community service, the police department could staff the shooting range once or twice a year to open the range to the public.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664311883769.jpeg" alt="Great Bend's "quality of life" projects included the creation of a public shooting range. One idea was to extend the police department's shooting range, pictured above, at the Great Bend Expo Complex grounds. Due to liability and staffing challenges, the project was deemed not feasible." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend's "quality of life" projects included the creation of a public shooting range. One idea was to extend the police department's shooting range, pictured above, at the Great Bend Expo Complex grounds. Due to liability and staffing challenges, the project was deemed not feasible.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend’s idea of creating a public shooting range seemed like a good
idea on paper. The city’s .15% quality of life sales tax was set to allocate
$34,000 to potentially expand the police department’s shooting range at the Great
Bend Expo Complex grounds. After a conversation with an insurance provider, city
staff found out there are a lot of liability issues and expenses. 
Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said a range safety officer would need
to be on-site at all times and waivers would need to be signed. "You're going to need somebody there checking people in, making sure they're not bringing in something they're not supposed to," said Haulmark. "You're probably going to need a couple of range safety officers, particularly if you have more than one person shooting. I wouldn't be comfortable with people shooting long guns and handguns. It would probably be limited to handguns, which cuts down a lot of people that would use it." 
The Great Bend City Council was in consensus at last week’s work session that
the shooting range was not feasible. The board determined a private business or
organization would have to provide such a facility. 
"Garden City opened one," said Haulmark. "The police department partnered with a private business. They built a $2.5 million building. It's open to the public like Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays...something like that. They have three or four staff members that are present. They charge an entry fee or annual membership. I think at least half of the project was private funds." 
In November 2021, Great Bend voters passed a .15% sales tax increase to go
toward quality of life projects. The city will reallocate the $34,000 for the shooting
range to another project.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Haulmark did say as a community service, the police department could staff the shooting range once or twice a year to open the range to the public.

Great Bend’s idea for a public shooting range deemed ‘not feasible’

Today Sunny, with a high near 58. North-northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. East-northeast wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Thursday A chance of snow before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., then a chance of rain after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Breezy, with an east-northeast wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow before midnight, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 58. North-northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. East-northeast wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Thursday A chance of snow before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain and snow between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., then a chance of rain after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Breezy, with an east-northeast wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow before midnight, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 60.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

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

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Agenda Meeting March 1, 2023 9:00 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the February 22, 2023, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devises. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month – Fourth Run: &nbsp; &nbsp;-An Accounts Payable Register for the 13th Month, 2022, will be submitted to the Commission. Thirteenth month expenditures include any unpaid bills for a product, service or utility that was received in 2022.

III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: &nbsp; &nbsp;-An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of February 15, 2023, and ending March 1, 2023.

IV. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. CONSIDERATION OF TABLED MINUTES: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will provide details. On February 22, 2023, the Commission tabled the consideration of the February 15, 2023, minutes. The minutes were tabled as Executive Session information was not included therein.

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION 2023-06: Resolution for Approval of Conditional Land Use Permit for a Described Tract of Land: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. A Public Hearing was held on February 14, 2023, to consider a Conditional Land Use Permit request from Tillman Infrastructure, LLC by Skyward Land Services, Inc to construct a 468’ Guyed Communications Tower on a small portion of an existing 120+/- acre tract owned by Lindsey Ward Schlegel on NW 40 Road, approximately three quarters of a mile east of the Rush County line. It was unanimously recommended by the Barton County Planning Commission that the Barton County Commissioners approve this request. Due to the height of this tower, there is one condition of approval recommended, that no building permit can be issued to construct the tower until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approvals have been received and copies submitted to the Barton County Environmental Management Office.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. RESOLUTION 2023-07: A Resolution Prescribing Barton County’s Policies Dealing with Financial Institutions and Rescinding Resolution 2017-16, Same, Adopted September 18, 2017: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Jim Jordan, County Treasurer, will provide details. This Resolution was last updated in 2017. During a recent review, it was suggested that the title of the Financial Officer be updated to County Administrator and the role of the Deputy County Treasurer be expanded to include those duties currently being performed.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. PROCLAMATION 2023-01: Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 6 – 10, 2023: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Amy Miller, Emergency Risk Manager, will present details. Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 6 – 10, 2023, is a cooperative effort of the National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management Association, and local county emergency management agencies. Barton County Emergency Management reminds everyone to be prepared for the spring severe weather season. The proposed Proclamation encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to plan and prepare for an emergency.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. COURTHOUSE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Network Project for Temporary Facilities: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Derreck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will present details. On February 22, 2023, the Information Technology Department released a Request for Proposal seeking pricing for various network equipment. Included in the proposal was connections needed for computers, cameras, phones and ancillary electrical equipment to be used at the two temporary locations that will house Courthouse operations during the HVAC improvement project. Bids were accepted until 1:00 p.m., February 28, 2023. The Commission will be asked to award the bid.

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

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

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

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

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9:30 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. – Conditional Land Use Permit Application – Larry and Sheree Marshall, dba Marshall Towing – Salvage Storage Facility

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Annual Review – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director,&nbsp;and Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled for March 2, 2023.

VII. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010086631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3kRwvDH. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERSAgenda Meeting March 1, 2023 9:00 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the February 22, 2023, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devises. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month – Fourth Run: &nbsp; &nbsp;-An Accounts Payable Register for the 13th Month, 2022, will be submitted to the Commission. Thirteenth month expenditures include any unpaid bills for a product, service or utility that was received in 2022.III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: &nbsp; &nbsp;-An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of February 15, 2023, and ending March 1, 2023.IV. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. CONSIDERATION OF TABLED MINUTES: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will provide details. On February 22, 2023, the Commission tabled the consideration of the February 15, 2023, minutes. The minutes were tabled as Executive Session information was not included therein.V. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION 2023-06: Resolution for Approval of Conditional Land Use Permit for a Described Tract of Land: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager, will provide details. A Public Hearing was held on February 14, 2023, to consider a Conditional Land Use Permit request from Tillman Infrastructure, LLC by Skyward Land Services, Inc to construct a 468’ Guyed Communications Tower on a small portion of an existing 120+/- acre tract owned by Lindsey Ward Schlegel on NW 40 Road, approximately three quarters of a mile east of the Rush County line. It was unanimously recommended by the Barton County Planning Commission that the Barton County Commissioners approve this request. Due to the height of this tower, there is one condition of approval recommended, that no building permit can be issued to construct the tower until the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approvals have been received and copies submitted to the Barton County Environmental Management Office.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. RESOLUTION 2023-07: A Resolution Prescribing Barton County’s Policies Dealing with Financial Institutions and Rescinding Resolution 2017-16, Same, Adopted September 18, 2017: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Jim Jordan, County Treasurer, will provide details. This Resolution was last updated in 2017. During a recent review, it was suggested that the title of the Financial Officer be updated to County Administrator and the role of the Deputy County Treasurer be expanded to include those duties currently being performed.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. PROCLAMATION 2023-01: Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 6 – 10, 2023: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Amy Miller, Emergency Risk Manager, will present details. Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 6 – 10, 2023, is a cooperative effort of the National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management Association, and local county emergency management agencies. Barton County Emergency Management reminds everyone to be prepared for the spring severe weather season. The proposed Proclamation encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to plan and prepare for an emergency.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. COURTHOUSE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Network Project for Temporary Facilities: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Derreck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will present details. On February 22, 2023, the Information Technology Department released a Request for Proposal seeking pricing for various network equipment. Included in the proposal was connections needed for computers, cameras, phones and ancillary electrical equipment to be used at the two temporary locations that will house Courthouse operations during the HVAC improvement project. Bids were accepted until 1:00 p.m., February 28, 2023. The Commission will be asked to award the bid.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Shawn Hutchinson will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.VI. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9:30 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. – Conditional Land Use Permit Application – Larry and Sheree Marshall, dba Marshall Towing – Salvage Storage Facility&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Annual Review – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director,&nbsp;and Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled for March 2, 2023.VII. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 8, 2023.VIII. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (3/1)

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “Bird Watching With KWEC” on Wednesday, March 1, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp;

Birdwatching surged in popularity during Covid.&nbsp; The Merlin Bird ID app is a great tool, whether you are a beginner or more experienced birder.&nbsp; During this program, we will practice using the app, identifying a variety of bird mounts.&nbsp; We will explore the Sound ID function on the app that allows you to listen to the call around you and show real time suggestions for who’s singing.&nbsp; The app can even identify a bird in a photo.&nbsp; Mandy Kern, KWEC Program Specialist, will be the speaker for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677601187181.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “Bird Watching With KWEC” on Wednesday, March 1, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp;Birdwatching surged in popularity during Covid.&nbsp; The Merlin Bird ID app is a great tool, whether you are a beginner or more experienced birder.&nbsp; During this program, we will practice using the app, identifying a variety of bird mounts.&nbsp; We will explore the Sound ID function on the app that allows you to listen to the call around you and show real time suggestions for who’s singing.&nbsp; The app can even identify a bird in a photo.&nbsp; Mandy Kern, KWEC Program Specialist, will be the speaker for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

Birdwatching with the Kansas Wetlands Education Center

The Great Bend Police Department will soon be utilizing 12 cameras
positioned around town to assist in the capture of criminals. The term “Big
Brother” was thrown around by a few citizens for an abuse of government power
or an invasion of privacy with mass surveillance. 
When U.S. Senator Jerry Moran announced Great Bend received a $132,000 federal
grant, he joked that this equipment is not about catching people speeding or
running stop signs.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895">RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a> 
The technology will be utilized to read license plates to potentially catch a
criminal fleeing, alert law enforcement of a stolen vehicle or a potential
kidnapping suspect. Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said the cameras
will record every vehicle that passes by and information will be stored in a
Cloud database for 30 days. "Unless we extended that window, which I don't know why we would, for a specific investigation, we might ask them to hold on to it a little bit longer," said Haulmark. "The great thing is, a lot of the crime happening in the overnight hours, we might not know anything but we can start looking at our cameras. They'll show all the major ingress and egress points in the city." 
The cameras will be positioned around the major entrances into Great Bend. "There is an opportunity with this system that we could federate other cameras in," said Haulmark. "For example, if Walmart had a great camera viewing 10th Street we could federate their camera to the system so we could view that as well. There is a slight upcharge to that and we would have to gain cooperation of the businesses." 
The Police Department entered a one-year lease for the license plate
technology. Along with a one-time expense of $7,000 for software and installation,
each camera leases for $2,500 per year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663597952147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Police Department will soon be utilizing 12 cameras
positioned around town to assist in the capture of criminals. The term “Big
Brother” was thrown around by a few citizens for an abuse of government power
or an invasion of privacy with mass surveillance. 
When U.S. Senator Jerry Moran announced Great Bend received a $132,000 federal
grant, he joked that this equipment is not about catching people speeding or
running stop signs. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3e9328fd-1b8a-4584-b52c-6547c57e1895">RELATED STORY: Great Bend receives $132K grant for license plate reading technology</a> 
The technology will be utilized to read license plates to potentially catch a
criminal fleeing, alert law enforcement of a stolen vehicle or a potential
kidnapping suspect. Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark said the cameras
will record every vehicle that passes by and information will be stored in a
Cloud database for 30 days. "Unless we extended that window, which I don't know why we would, for a specific investigation, we might ask them to hold on to it a little bit longer," said Haulmark. "The great thing is, a lot of the crime happening in the overnight hours, we might not know anything but we can start looking at our cameras. They'll show all the major ingress and egress points in the city." 
The cameras will be positioned around the major entrances into Great Bend. "There is an opportunity with this system that we could federate other cameras in," said Haulmark. "For example, if Walmart had a great camera viewing 10th Street we could federate their camera to the system so we could view that as well. There is a slight upcharge to that and we would have to gain cooperation of the businesses." 
The Police Department entered a one-year lease for the license plate
technology. Along with a one-time expense of $7,000 for software and installation,
each camera leases for $2,500 per year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;