By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A rigid structure may not always be the best one. Tuesday, the USD 428 Board of Education heard from Great Bend Middle School Principal David Reiser, along with several teachers and students, about the benefits of elective classes. Reiser told the board there is no perfect schedule that fixes everything, but having the electives keeps students interested and opens up the building.

"We want our seventh graders to be able to experience all we have to offer," he said. "This is their first time in the middle school. We want to expose them to everything. That also helps generate interest for what they want to take in eighth grade."

Seventh and eighth graders have eight periods to fill a day. The staples of math, science, social studies, and English are taught every day. The rest of the schedule is filled with elective classes running every other day, many for only one semester. There are several required electives for seventh graders, but that list drops to only a few for eighth graders. Having the electives not only gives students a chance to express their interests, but also mixes up the student body beyond the assigned cores with the same classmates and teachers.

"We also have more opportunities to learn more things we're interested in and enjoy," said STUCO member Kya Behr. "There are fewer distractions from people who don't enjoy some classes. Some benefits of the elective classes are we get to go more in-depth into these classes than we did last year. This helps us prepare for high school by seeing what some of the electives are like, and it gives us ideas of what we want to do in the future. We're learning more about real-world experiences and what is happening around us."

Some of the favorite electives mentioned by students Tuesday include animal science, real-life math that teaches students about taxes and mortgages, a Holocaust class, and civil rights class. The board also heard from teachers with specialized classes like 3-D art, ag science, and geography. Earlier this month, the board added five more electives to the GBMS cirriculum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677616739048.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Middle School STUCO members spoke about the benefits of elective classes during Tuesday's BOE luncheon. Pictured, from left: Dominik Zimmerman, Mylee Maddox, Kya Behr, and Slayde Apley." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Middle School STUCO members spoke about the benefits of elective classes during Tuesday's BOE luncheon. Pictured, from left: Dominik Zimmerman, Mylee Maddox, Kya Behr, and Slayde Apley.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA rigid structure may not always be the best one. Tuesday, the USD 428 Board of Education heard from Great Bend Middle School Principal David Reiser, along with several teachers and students, about the benefits of elective classes. Reiser told the board there is no perfect schedule that fixes everything, but having the electives keeps students interested and opens up the building."We want our seventh graders to be able to experience all we have to offer," he said. "This is their first time in the middle school. We want to expose them to everything. That also helps generate interest for what they want to take in eighth grade."Seventh and eighth graders have eight periods to fill a day. The staples of math, science, social studies, and English are taught every day. The rest of the schedule is filled with elective classes running every other day, many for only one semester. There are several required electives for seventh graders, but that list drops to only a few for eighth graders. Having the electives not only gives students a chance to express their interests, but also mixes up the student body beyond the assigned cores with the same classmates and teachers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677616872294.jpeg" alt="Art teacher Pamela Williams and student Paige Stacey show off their marionettes during a presentation about 3-D art." />
 <figcaption>Art teacher Pamela Williams and student Paige Stacey show off their marionettes during a presentation about 3-D art.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We also have more opportunities to learn more things we're interested in and enjoy," said STUCO member Kya Behr. "There are fewer distractions from people who don't enjoy some classes. Some benefits of the elective classes are we get to go more in-depth into these classes than we did last year. This helps us prepare for high school by seeing what some of the electives are like, and it gives us ideas of what we want to do in the future. We're learning more about real-world experiences and what is happening around us."Some of the favorite electives mentioned by students Tuesday include animal science, real-life math that teaches students about taxes and mortgages, a Holocaust class, and civil rights class. The board also heard from teachers with specialized classes like 3-D art, ag science, and geography. Earlier this month, the board added five more electives to the GBMS cirriculum.

GBMS students seeing benefits of elective class schedule

Everybody has to start somewhere. For Great Bend High School senior Elly Somers, that was a varsity wrestling match. Now, she's singing the national anthem on much larger stages: varsity basketball and football games, and Barton Community College basketball games. Friday morning, Somers provided the first-ever live singing of the Star-Spangled Banner on KVGB 1590 AM/95.5 FM's "Trading Post" program.

"I started singing when I could first start talking," she said. "I loved music, and my mom is also really musical, so I kind of just learned from her."

A swimmer and cheerleader who plays piano and is active in numerous clubs at GBHS, Somers first approached the activities director about singing the anthem as a sophomore. A little reluctant to put a newcomer on a big stage, he let her sing at the wrestling tournament.

"He told me afterward I should sign a contract to sing at all the other events we have," Somers said.

There is an art to singing the national anthem. Because of its range, starting out too high can have disastrous results. Just ask former track star Carl Lewis about his 1993 rendition of the song. 

"It's definitely harder because I have to jump from low notes to high notes," said Somers. "But, by preparing, I just practice a lot. Because I sing it so much, it just comes easier each time. It took me maybe two or three notes to start with to figure out what works for me. Now I just stick with the same one."

A week before singing live in studio, Somers performed the anthem on Senior Night in front of a packed house at GBHS. The crowd loved it, though Somers is never quite sure if the applause is just because a high school student is doing the singing.

"Especially Friday Senior Night, that was really nerve-racking, but it was also my last game to sing at, so I wanted to do the best I've ever done," she said.

Outside of singing the anthem, Somers now sings with the band Aces &amp; Eights. The band featuring Wichita's Kendall Kaufman on guitar and Great Bend's Colin Hammeke on bass, has transitioned into some poppier tunes by Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Bruno Mars, but still does other songs by frontwomen like Pat Benatar.

Somers is the daughter of Chad and Shannon Somers. She plans to study pre-health at Kansas State University next fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677513704154.jpeg" alt="Great Bend senior Elly Somers sings the anthem at a football game this fall. (photo by Andy Negaard/GBHS)" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend senior Elly Somers sings the anthem at a football game this fall. (photo by Andy Negaard/GBHS)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostEverybody has to start somewhere. For Great Bend High School senior Elly Somers, that was a varsity wrestling match. Now, she's singing the national anthem on much larger stages: varsity basketball and football games, and Barton Community College basketball games. Friday morning, Somers provided the first-ever live singing of the Star-Spangled Banner on KVGB 1590 AM/95.5 FM's "Trading Post" program."I started singing when I could first start talking," she said. "I loved music, and my mom is also really musical, so I kind of just learned from her."A swimmer and cheerleader who plays piano and is active in numerous clubs at GBHS, Somers first approached the activities director about singing the anthem as a sophomore. A little reluctant to put a newcomer on a big stage, he let her sing at the wrestling tournament."He told me afterward I should sign a contract to sing at all the other events we have," Somers said.Watch Friday's Performance:<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikU_Rw8Rdxw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>There is an art to singing the national anthem. Because of its range, starting out too high can have disastrous results. Just ask former track star Carl Lewis about his 1993 rendition of the song. "It's definitely harder because I have to jump from low notes to high notes," said Somers. "But, by preparing, I just practice a lot. Because I sing it so much, it just comes easier each time. It took me maybe two or three notes to start with to figure out what works for me. Now I just stick with the same one."A week before singing live in studio, Somers performed the anthem on Senior Night in front of a packed house at GBHS. The crowd loved it, though Somers is never quite sure if the applause is just because a high school student is doing the singing."Especially Friday Senior Night, that was really nerve-racking, but it was also my last game to sing at, so I wanted to do the best I've ever done," she said.Outside of singing the anthem, Somers now sings with the band Aces &amp; Eights. The band featuring Wichita's Kendall Kaufman on guitar and Great Bend's Colin Hammeke on bass, has transitioned into some poppier tunes by Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Bruno Mars, but still does other songs by frontwomen like Pat Benatar.Somers is the daughter of Chad and Shannon Somers. She plans to study pre-health at Kansas State University next fall.

On Key: Great Bend senior showing pipes by singing national anthem

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

When “The Wall That Heals” arrives to Great Bend, Chairperson for the
Great Bend Leadership Committee Larry Parsons is hopeful up 15,000 people will
visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica. 

The three-quarter replica from the
memorial in Washington D.C. only makes 30 stops across the country each year.
Parsons said the Great Bend stop in May is the only destination in the area
this year. "There is nothing else in Kansas," said Parsons. "There is nothing else in Nebraska. There is nothing else in Colorado. There is nothing else in Oklahoma. It'll be right here. I think we'll get a lot of television coverage on this event. Marysville had a few years ago and they had people out of Lincoln, Nebraska and Topeka almost every day there. 
The 375-foot-long wall bears the names of the more than 58,000 American men and
women who died during the Vietnam War. The wall will be displayed at Al Burns
Field at Veterans Memorial Park May 11 – May 14 and is free to the public.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652510925.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhen “The Wall That Heals” arrives to Great Bend, Chairperson for the
Great Bend Leadership Committee Larry Parsons is hopeful up 15,000 people will
visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica. The three-quarter replica from the
memorial in Washington D.C. only makes 30 stops across the country each year.
Parsons said the Great Bend stop in May is the only destination in the area
this year. "There is nothing else in Kansas," said Parsons. "There is nothing else in Nebraska. There is nothing else in Colorado. There is nothing else in Oklahoma. It'll be right here. I think we'll get a lot of television coverage on this event. Marysville had a few years ago and they had people out of Lincoln, Nebraska and Topeka almost every day there. 
The 375-foot-long wall bears the names of the more than 58,000 American men and
women who died during the Vietnam War. The wall will be displayed at Al Burns
Field at Veterans Memorial Park May 11 – May 14 and is free to the public.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Thousands expected to visit Great Bend to see ‘The Wall That Heals’

Great Bend Fire Department staff was called Saturday, Feb. 25 to the report of an out of control burn that was initially an approved control burn. Crews were on scene for several hours and were assisted my Ellinwood Fire Department.

The following day, winds picked up and the fire rekindled. Crews were again called out and assisted by Ellinwood Fire.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677604560783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Fire Department staff was called Saturday, Feb. 25 to the report of an out of control burn that was initially an approved control burn. Crews were on scene for several hours and were assisted my Ellinwood Fire Department.The following day, winds picked up and the fire rekindled. Crews were again called out and assisted by Ellinwood Fire.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677604578550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Great Bend Fire Dept. responds to out of control 'controlled burn'

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 following groundbreaking ceremony (4:30 p.m.) Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.

5. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will facilitate this update.

6. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Grandview Lease Purchase &nbsp; &nbsp;b. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp;c. BOT Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp;d. BOT Special Meeting Minutes of February 14, 2023

7. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACCT/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous

8. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGETuesday, February 28, 2023 following groundbreaking ceremony (4:30 p.m.) Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts BuildingAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE2. OFFICIAL BOARD MEETINGS3. PUBLIC COMMENT4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.5. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will facilitate this update.6. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Grandview Lease Purchase &nbsp; &nbsp;b. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp;c. BOT Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp;d. BOT Special Meeting Minutes of February 14, 20237. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACCT/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous8. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.9. PUBLIC COMMENT10. ADJOURNMENT

Barton CC Board of Trustees meeting agenda (2/28)

It's difficult to keep secrets from Mr. Great Bend. Yet Scott Donovan had no idea what was in store for him at Saturday's Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. The past 40 years, his work at Eagle Radio made the voice recognizable. His work on many area boards and committees, and his time volunteering or emceeing community events, made his face a popular one. Saturday, he added another honor to his resume.

"It was a shock," he said. "It was a great time. I heard from so many people on Saturday night and Sunday, and I just appreciate everybody's thoughts. You really don't think about the activities you're involved in all of your life until they start adding up."

Jon Prescott, Barry Bowers, and Leonard Kaiser nominated Donovan for the honor nearly a year ago. All are longtime friends who know of his volunteer work for some 18 local and state agencies. He's done big work with the Knights of Columbus, Central Kansas CASA, Sunflower Diversified Servies, Optimist Club, Barton County Relay for Life, and many more.&nbsp; Bowers presented the award and could not believe Donovan was not already a winner. But no one spilled the beans that he'd actually won.

"These guys are great secret keepers, and they're all great community people," Donovan said. "I've learned so much from all of them, and so much from the people that I've been around and been with all the way, not to mention Eagle Communications. There are so many opportunities working for this company and this radio group that you have to network with folks and be involved with the community. And really, that's what it's all about."

Donovan, born and raised in Great Bend as Darrel Bieker, also thanked his wife of 27 years, Mary, and their two girls, Michala and Emma. 

"I think of all the times my family stood behind me on things," he said. "There were events I couldn't attend because I was doing other things. I have a very thoughtful wife, and very thoughtful girls. They understand, now, that's what it takes to get things done in the community."

Donovan has remained active in the community because he enjoys seeing people smile as they make the community a better place. Donovan is known for his emcee work with the Sunflower Diversity Services Charity Gala, CASA Chocolate Auction, Ducks Unlimited Banquet, and the chamber banquet for 25 years.

"This is one of the biggest giving communities anywhere," he said. "They understand if they have a little, they can help a little. That's what it's all about. There are so many great people in this community that I've worked for and worked with. Many of them are no longer even with us, but still their legacy continues. I think that's what's so important about the place we live here in Great Bend."

His life could have been different. Coming out of high school, Donovan was interested in rocks and geology and pondered a future in the oil business. With no certainty there, he deejayed some dances in high school, spinning old vinyl records, and worked at a club north of Great Bend. Then the radio came calling with a part-time, overnight position.

"I think a lot of people will remember I did this dedication hour from 9-10 every night," he said. "A lot of people dedicated songs. That's really how I got started. It's been an incredible ride working for the late Bob Schmidt and now this company."

Donovan working in a small market like Great Bend has allowed him many opportunities he may not have had in larger markets, including serving on the board for the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and serving as its president for two years.

The Citizen of the Year award is the chamber's way of recognizing outstanding individual community service. Dr. Perry Smith was the recipient in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649706433077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIt's difficult to keep secrets from Mr. Great Bend. Yet Scott Donovan had no idea what was in store for him at Saturday's Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. The past 40 years, his work at Eagle Radio made the voice recognizable. His work on many area boards and committees, and his time volunteering or emceeing community events, made his face a popular one. Saturday, he added another honor to his resume."It was a shock," he said. "It was a great time. I heard from so many people on Saturday night and Sunday, and I just appreciate everybody's thoughts. You really don't think about the activities you're involved in all of your life until they start adding up."Jon Prescott, Barry Bowers, and Leonard Kaiser nominated Donovan for the honor nearly a year ago. All are longtime friends who know of his volunteer work for some 18 local and state agencies. He's done big work with the Knights of Columbus, Central Kansas CASA, Sunflower Diversified Servies, Optimist Club, Barton County Relay for Life, and many more.&nbsp; Bowers presented the award and could not believe Donovan was not already a winner. But no one spilled the beans that he'd actually won."These guys are great secret keepers, and they're all great community people," Donovan said. "I've learned so much from all of them, and so much from the people that I've been around and been with all the way, not to mention Eagle Communications. There are so many opportunities working for this company and this radio group that you have to network with folks and be involved with the community. And really, that's what it's all about."Donovan, born and raised in Great Bend as Darrel Bieker, also thanked his wife of 27 years, Mary, and their two girls, Michala and Emma. "I think of all the times my family stood behind me on things," he said. "There were events I couldn't attend because I was doing other things. I have a very thoughtful wife, and very thoughtful girls. They understand, now, that's what it takes to get things done in the community."Donovan has remained active in the community because he enjoys seeing people smile as they make the community a better place. Donovan is known for his emcee work with the Sunflower Diversity Services Charity Gala, CASA Chocolate Auction, Ducks Unlimited Banquet, and the chamber banquet for 25 years."This is one of the biggest giving communities anywhere," he said. "They understand if they have a little, they can help a little. That's what it's all about. There are so many great people in this community that I've worked for and worked with. Many of them are no longer even with us, but still their legacy continues. I think that's what's so important about the place we live here in Great Bend."His life could have been different. Coming out of high school, Donovan was interested in rocks and geology and pondered a future in the oil business. With no certainty there, he deejayed some dances in high school, spinning old vinyl records, and worked at a club north of Great Bend. Then the radio came calling with a part-time, overnight position."I think a lot of people will remember I did this dedication hour from 9-10 every night," he said. "A lot of people dedicated songs. That's really how I got started. It's been an incredible ride working for the late Bob Schmidt and now this company."Donovan working in a small market like Great Bend has allowed him many opportunities he may not have had in larger markets, including serving on the board for the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and serving as its president for two years.The Citizen of the Year award is the chamber's way of recognizing outstanding individual community service. Dr. Perry Smith was the recipient in 2021.

'Mr. Great Bend' Scott Donovan shocked by Citizen of the Year honor

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/27) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:15 a.m. an accident was reported at 31 NE 30 Road. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 8 a.m. utility problems were reported at 6 SW 50 Road. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 2:37 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at S. US 281 Highway at MM 97. 
 
At 2:46 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 2400 block of Main Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 3:44 p.m. an accident was reported at 759 N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:16 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 900 block of N. US 281
Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 5:27 p.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of SE 50 Road. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 6:04 p.m. a chase was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 197 in Dundee. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:22 p.m. an accident was reported at E. US 56 Highway at MM 209. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (2/27) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:27 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 808 Kansas Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 7:51 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 1612 Holland. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 8:13 a.m. the K-9 was called out to the 2300 block of Railroad Avenue. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 9:14 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5926 Eisenhower. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:11 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2137 Morton. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 2:46 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 2400 block of Main Street. 
 
Battery 
 
At 3:10 p.m. Emily Bond reported a battery case in the 2400 block of 24th
Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 4:11 p.m. David Johnson reported criminal damage at 2202 26th
Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 4:38 p.m. Brandon Pheltz reported a theft of a vehicle at 17th
&amp; McKinley. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 4:56 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1208 Jefferson. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 5:25 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2700 29th. Vehicle
moved. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 5:43 p.m. a two-vehicle injury accident was reported at 3209 10th
Street. Minor injuries. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:03 p.m. an officer conducted a check area in reference to a driving complaint
of a golf cart being operated on a public roadway in the 2400 block of Quail
Creek Dr. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 6:04 p.m. an officer assisted the county with a driving complaint. The
driver failed to yield to lights and sirens at W. US 56 Highway at MM 197 in
Dundee. 
 
Theft 
 
At 7:52 p.m. Tina Strout reported a theft of a bicycle at 811 Grant Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/27) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:15 a.m. an accident was reported at 31 NE 30 Road. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 8 a.m. utility problems were reported at 6 SW 50 Road. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 2:37 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at S. US 281 Highway at MM 97. 
 
At 2:46 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 2400 block of Main Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 3:44 p.m. an accident was reported at 759 N. US 281 Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:16 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 900 block of N. US 281
Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 5:27 p.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of SE 50 Road. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 6:04 p.m. a chase was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 197 in Dundee. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:22 p.m. an accident was reported at E. US 56 Highway at MM 209. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (2/27) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:27 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 808 Kansas Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 7:51 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 1612 Holland. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 8:13 a.m. the K-9 was called out to the 2300 block of Railroad Avenue. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 9:14 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5926 Eisenhower. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:11 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2137 Morton. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 2:46 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 2400 block of Main Street. 
 
Battery 
 
At 3:10 p.m. Emily Bond reported a battery case in the 2400 block of 24th
Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 4:11 p.m. David Johnson reported criminal damage at 2202 26th
Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 4:38 p.m. Brandon Pheltz reported a theft of a vehicle at 17th
&amp; McKinley. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 4:56 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1208 Jefferson. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 5:25 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2700 29th. Vehicle
moved. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 5:43 p.m. a two-vehicle injury accident was reported at 3209 10th
Street. Minor injuries. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:03 p.m. an officer conducted a check area in reference to a driving complaint
of a golf cart being operated on a public roadway in the 2400 block of Quail
Creek Dr. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 6:04 p.m. an officer assisted the county with a driving complaint. The
driver failed to yield to lights and sirens at W. US 56 Highway at MM 197 in
Dundee. 
 
Theft 
 
At 7:52 p.m. Tina Strout reported a theft of a bicycle at 811 Grant Street.

Cop Shop (2/27)

2/27 BOOKED: Richard Lloyd on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $562.50 cash only.

BOOKED: Eric Combs on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $300 cash only.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Danielle Delgadillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only.

BOOKED: Kurt Woods on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $75,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Evan Markley on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear.

BOOKED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Christopher Delauder on Russell County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 cash only.

BOOKED: McKinley Payne on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Richard Lloyd on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting a cash bond of $562.50.

RELEASED: Gerardo Castillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $300 cash bond.

RELEASED: Eric Combs on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $300 cash bond.

RELEASED: Danielle Delgadillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $200 cash bond.

RELEASED: Cassandra Thorne on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Evan Markley on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear, after posting an $832.75 cash bond and an $11,000 surety bond through B and K Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: McKinley Payne on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2/27 BOOKED: Richard Lloyd on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $562.50 cash only.BOOKED: Eric Combs on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $300 cash only.&nbsp;BOOKED: Danielle Delgadillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only.BOOKED: Kurt Woods on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $75,000 C/S.BOOKED: Evan Markley on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear.BOOKED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Christopher Delauder on Russell County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 cash only.BOOKED: McKinley Payne on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Richard Lloyd on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting a cash bond of $562.50.RELEASED: Gerardo Castillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $300 cash bond.RELEASED: Eric Combs on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $300 cash bond.RELEASED: Danielle Delgadillo on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $200 cash bond.RELEASED: Cassandra Thorne on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Evan Markley on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear, after posting an $832.75 cash bond and an $11,000 surety bond through B and K Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court case for Flee and Elude, Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: McKinley Payne on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/27)

In the Netflix smash documentary "Don't (Mess) with Cats," internet sleuths from around the world try to find the location and identity of a criminal via videos posted online. Local sleuths had their own opportunity to play detective after a hit-and-run accident in Great Bend early Saturday morning. 

Brock Sherwood is the owner of the 2019 Jeep that was legally parked in the 3100 block of Forest Avenue in Great Bend. He heard the accident just after 2 a.m., but thought nothing of the sound until his girlfriend went to leave for the Special Olympics tournament later that morning.

"I went out there, and that's when I saw the tire and everything else," he said. "That's when I looked at her and said it's totaled because someone did a hit-and-run on us last night. It's beat up pretty bad."

Sherwood had four cameras installed in the Jeep. A Larned graduate, Sherwood joined the armed services and lived in California for several years. The habit of having a camera around stuck with him.

"It's mostly for insurance reasons," he said. "If you're driving down the road and someone runs a stoplight or a stop sign, you have video evidence of it. The big thing out there is wheels get stolen, cars are broken into, and people stealing catalytic converters is huge in California."

Sherwood reported the accident to police just before 8 a.m., then went to see what evidence the cameras might contain. The cameras captured a gray Ford Mustang striking Sherwood's Jeep at 2:04 a.m. A short time later, a red Jeep arrived at the scene, and the occupant of that vehicle clearly communicated with the driver of the Mustang. The red Jeep showed up two more times at 2:24 and 2:26.

"So we know, based on the evidence the videos gave us, the red Jeep knows something that happened," Sherwood said. "They would have some more information for us. That's when we made the post on Facebook."

Sherwood's shared the videos in a post on social media. That post was shared nearly 200 times by early Sunday, including by a local law enforcement page. The mother of a suspected driver was tagged in that shared post. Sherwood was able to track down the driver by Saturday afternoon.

"We were amazed at the response that social media had helped us track down who did the hit-and-run so we can get the insurance stuff taken care of," he said.

According to the Great Bend Police Department's accident report, 21-year-old Alex Randolph of Great Bend admitted to having an argument and going for a drive when his Mustang struck the Jeep. Randolph was cited for Failure to Report an Accident, Inattentive Driving, and Texting While Driving. He is scheduled for a court appearance in March.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677526639446.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIn the Netflix smash documentary "Don't (Mess) with Cats," internet sleuths from around the world try to find the location and identity of a criminal via videos posted online. Local sleuths had their own opportunity to play detective after a hit-and-run accident in Great Bend early Saturday morning. Brock Sherwood is the owner of the 2019 Jeep that was legally parked in the 3100 block of Forest Avenue in Great Bend. He heard the accident just after 2 a.m., but thought nothing of the sound until his girlfriend went to leave for the Special Olympics tournament later that morning."I went out there, and that's when I saw the tire and everything else," he said. "That's when I looked at her and said it's totaled because someone did a hit-and-run on us last night. It's beat up pretty bad."Sherwood had four cameras installed in the Jeep. A Larned graduate, Sherwood joined the armed services and lived in California for several years. The habit of having a camera around stuck with him."It's mostly for insurance reasons," he said. "If you're driving down the road and someone runs a stoplight or a stop sign, you have video evidence of it. The big thing out there is wheels get stolen, cars are broken into, and people stealing catalytic converters is huge in California."Sherwood reported the accident to police just before 8 a.m., then went to see what evidence the cameras might contain. The cameras captured a gray Ford Mustang striking Sherwood's Jeep at 2:04 a.m. A short time later, a red Jeep arrived at the scene, and the occupant of that vehicle clearly communicated with the driver of the Mustang. The red Jeep showed up two more times at 2:24 and 2:26."So we know, based on the evidence the videos gave us, the red Jeep knows something that happened," Sherwood said. "They would have some more information for us. That's when we made the post on Facebook."Sherwood's shared the videos in a post on social media. That post was shared nearly 200 times by early Sunday, including by a local law enforcement page. The mother of a suspected driver was tagged in that shared post. Sherwood was able to track down the driver by Saturday afternoon."We were amazed at the response that social media had helped us track down who did the hit-and-run so we can get the insurance stuff taken care of," he said.According to the Great Bend Police Department's accident report, 21-year-old Alex Randolph of Great Bend admitted to having an argument and going for a drive when his Mustang struck the Jeep. Randolph was cited for Failure to Report an Accident, Inattentive Driving, and Texting While Driving. He is scheduled for a court appearance in March.

Internet sleuths help solve hit-and-run in Great Bend

Today Sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 9 to 17 mph becoming west-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 57. North-northwest wind 8 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 28. Blustery, with an east-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Thursday A slight chance of snow before 9 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9 a.m. and noon, then a chance of rain after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 40. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow before 9 p.m., then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Breezy.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 9 to 17 mph becoming west-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 57. North-northwest wind 8 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Wednesday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 28. Blustery, with an east-northeast wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.Thursday A slight chance of snow before 9 a.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow between 9 a.m. and noon, then a chance of rain after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 40. Breezy, with a northeast wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow before 9 p.m., then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Friday Sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Breezy.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's Weather

USD 428 Board of Education meeting (luncheon) Tuesday, Feb. 28&nbsp; -&nbsp; 12 p.m. Great Bend Middle School, 1919 Harrison Street

4. Building Report &nbsp; &nbsp;Principal David Reiser and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Great Bend Middle School.

6. Approval of Grants and Contributions

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633712856177.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education meeting (luncheon) Tuesday, Feb. 28&nbsp; -&nbsp; 12 p.m. Great Bend Middle School, 1919 Harrison StreetAgenda1. Call to Order / Roll Call2. Adoption of Agenda3. Recognition of Visitors4. Building Report &nbsp; &nbsp;Principal David Reiser and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Great Bend Middle School.5. Approval of Personnel Report6. Approval of Grants and Contributions7. Adjournment

Great Bend school board luncheon agenda (2/28)

News from the Oil Patch, Feb. 27 John P. Tretbar

Tons of oil-soaked soil from the Keystone spill in December wound up in a landfill near Omaha. Environmentalists in the area tell the Nebraska Examiner newspaper that TC Energy is "a foreign corporation using Nebraska as a dumping ground." They're demanding close monitoring of the site. Company officials, along with regulators in Lincoln, insist the soil qualifies as "non-hazardous solid waste," and said the Pheasant Point landfill near Bennington is designed to accept it. Nymex benchmark crude settled nearly a dollar higher Friday at $76.32 per barrel. Prices were down slightly on Monday. US crude has traded between about seventy and eighty dollars per barrel for over two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $66.50 per barrel Monday, after gaining 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are two dollars cheaper than at the first of the month, and three dollars less than at the first of the year. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down seven oil rigs last week to 753 active rigs nationwide. There were changes across the country, with West Virginia down three and Pennsylvania up three. Oklahoma, New Mexico and California were each down two rigs, and Colorado was down one. The Rig Count in Kansas shows 22 active rigs west of Wichita, up three over last week, with drilling underway on leases in Barton and Stafford counties. Drilling activity in Kansas so far this year lags behind last year in spuds and footage drilled. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 150 wells drilled to 445-thousand feet through February 16th. Scouting reports show 398 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators in Kansas completed 32 wells last week, fourteen in the western half of the state, including one each in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 23 new drilling locations, including two each in Barton and Ellis counties. U.S. crude oil inventories have climbed every week since mid-December. The latest government tally showed 479 million barrels as of February 17th, an increase of nearly eight million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says inventories are about nine percent above the five-year average for this time of year. US Operators pumped 12.347 million barrels of crude oil per day during the week through February 17th. EIA says that's up 91-thousand barrels per day from the week before. US refiners imported 6.3 million barrels of crude per day last week, an increase of 94-thousand barrels per day. Four-week average imports are about 3.1 percent greater than in the same four weeks last year. Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced an agreement to sell part of its remaining Eagle Ford assets in South Texas to INEOS Energy for $1.4 billion. The company is selling 172-thousand net acres with average output of 36-thousand barrels per day. Oklahoma-based Chesapeake is leaving the Eagle Ford to focus on its assets in the Haynesville and Marcellus shale plays. Crude output in the nation's number-three producing state took a tumble in December due to extreme winter weather. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports statewide production dipped by 13%, dropping below one million barrels per day for the first time since last April. Natural gas production was also down 13%.&nbsp; Operators captured 94% of the gas produced at oil wells, unchanged from the month before. Russia is making a lot more money on oil sales following Europe's price cap and other sanctions than was previously thought. Bloomberg cites academic research showing Moscow received an average $74 per barrel over the four weeks following the price cap. That's nearly 25% above the price cap of $60 per barrel set by the Group of Seven on December 5th. India’s state-owned refiner Hindustan Petroleum is now facing payment issues for its purchases of cheap Russian crude due to a price cap imposed on Russian exports. Bloomberg reports the refiner is unwilling to declare its buying price for Russian oil, and that’s making it difficult to find western banks willing to process payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Feb. 27 John P. TretbarTons of oil-soaked soil from the Keystone spill in December wound up in a landfill near Omaha. Environmentalists in the area tell the Nebraska Examiner newspaper that TC Energy is "a foreign corporation using Nebraska as a dumping ground." They're demanding close monitoring of the site. Company officials, along with regulators in Lincoln, insist the soil qualifies as "non-hazardous solid waste," and said the Pheasant Point landfill near Bennington is designed to accept it. Nymex benchmark crude settled nearly a dollar higher Friday at $76.32 per barrel. Prices were down slightly on Monday. US crude has traded between about seventy and eighty dollars per barrel for over two months. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $66.50 per barrel Monday, after gaining 75 cents on Friday. Kansas prices are two dollars cheaper than at the first of the month, and three dollars less than at the first of the year. The weekly Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was down seven oil rigs last week to 753 active rigs nationwide. There were changes across the country, with West Virginia down three and Pennsylvania up three. Oklahoma, New Mexico and California were each down two rigs, and Colorado was down one. The Rig Count in Kansas shows 22 active rigs west of Wichita, up three over last week, with drilling underway on leases in Barton and Stafford counties. Drilling activity in Kansas so far this year lags behind last year in spuds and footage drilled. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 150 wells drilled to 445-thousand feet through February 16th. Scouting reports show 398 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators in Kansas completed 32 wells last week, fourteen in the western half of the state, including one each in Ellis and Stafford counties. Kansas regulators okayed 23 new drilling locations, including two each in Barton and Ellis counties. U.S. crude oil inventories have climbed every week since mid-December. The latest government tally showed 479 million barrels as of February 17th, an increase of nearly eight million barrels. The Energy Information Administration says inventories are about nine percent above the five-year average for this time of year. US Operators pumped 12.347 million barrels of crude oil per day during the week through February 17th. EIA says that's up 91-thousand barrels per day from the week before. US refiners imported 6.3 million barrels of crude per day last week, an increase of 94-thousand barrels per day. Four-week average imports are about 3.1 percent greater than in the same four weeks last year. Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced an agreement to sell part of its remaining Eagle Ford assets in South Texas to INEOS Energy for $1.4 billion. The company is selling 172-thousand net acres with average output of 36-thousand barrels per day. Oklahoma-based Chesapeake is leaving the Eagle Ford to focus on its assets in the Haynesville and Marcellus shale plays. Crude output in the nation's number-three producing state took a tumble in December due to extreme winter weather. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports statewide production dipped by 13%, dropping below one million barrels per day for the first time since last April. Natural gas production was also down 13%.&nbsp; Operators captured 94% of the gas produced at oil wells, unchanged from the month before. Russia is making a lot more money on oil sales following Europe's price cap and other sanctions than was previously thought. Bloomberg cites academic research showing Moscow received an average $74 per barrel over the four weeks following the price cap. That's nearly 25% above the price cap of $60 per barrel set by the Group of Seven on December 5th. India’s state-owned refiner Hindustan Petroleum is now facing payment issues for its purchases of cheap Russian crude due to a price cap imposed on Russian exports. Bloomberg reports the refiner is unwilling to declare its buying price for Russian oil, and that’s making it difficult to find western banks willing to process payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Russia dodges price cap, but India can't dodge bankers

Governor Laura Kelly announced more than $2&nbsp;million in grant awards to&nbsp;improve how&nbsp;the&nbsp;state supports&nbsp;victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking. The Family Crisis Center in Great Bend received more than $47,000.

These grants are provided through the Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Act Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA). The&nbsp;grant&nbsp;program supports efforts&nbsp;to respond&nbsp;to crimes against women&nbsp;by&nbsp;developing,&nbsp;training, or expanding units&nbsp;of&nbsp;law enforcement&nbsp;officers, prosecutors, judges,&nbsp;and court personnel,&nbsp;specifically targeting crimes against women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We must do all we can to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;of domestic violence and sexual assault&nbsp;have the&nbsp;support and resources&nbsp;they need&nbsp;to&nbsp;navigate their traumatic experience and&nbsp;demand&nbsp;justice,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This funding strengthens&nbsp;Kansas’&nbsp;victim services and legal assistance programs&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance that mission&nbsp;and promote coordinated community responses&nbsp;for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.”&nbsp;

Funds from the Federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) assist programs in providing victims of sexual assault with crisis intervention and accompaniment and advocacy assistance through the medical and criminal justice processes. The funds also provide educational information to survivors of sexual assault.&nbsp;

Funds are available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.&nbsp;

2023 S.T.O.P. WAWA Grant Awards

Barton - Family Crisis Center, $47,504

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630508513546.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Governor Laura Kelly announced more than $2&nbsp;million in grant awards to&nbsp;improve how&nbsp;the&nbsp;state supports&nbsp;victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking. The Family Crisis Center in Great Bend received more than $47,000.These grants are provided through the Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Act Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA). The&nbsp;grant&nbsp;program supports efforts&nbsp;to respond&nbsp;to crimes against women&nbsp;by&nbsp;developing,&nbsp;training, or expanding units&nbsp;of&nbsp;law enforcement&nbsp;officers, prosecutors, judges,&nbsp;and court personnel,&nbsp;specifically targeting crimes against women.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We must do all we can to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;of domestic violence and sexual assault&nbsp;have the&nbsp;support and resources&nbsp;they need&nbsp;to&nbsp;navigate their traumatic experience and&nbsp;demand&nbsp;justice,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This funding strengthens&nbsp;Kansas’&nbsp;victim services and legal assistance programs&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance that mission&nbsp;and promote coordinated community responses&nbsp;for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.”&nbsp;Funds from the Federal Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) assist programs in providing victims of sexual assault with crisis intervention and accompaniment and advocacy assistance through the medical and criminal justice processes. The funds also provide educational information to survivors of sexual assault.&nbsp;Funds are available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.&nbsp;2023 S.T.O.P. WAWA Grant Awards Barton - Family Crisis Center, $47,504

Great Bend's Family Crisis Center receives $47K grant

STAFFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 350 St. John-Hudson are investigating a break-in at the school over the weekend, according to Superintendent Josh Meyer. There were no classes in school in the district on Monday.

The intruder left graffiti on walls of the school that contained words that would be considered threatening in nature, according a letter from Meyer to the USD 350 school community.

“We have no information that would lead us to believe there is a specific plan for violence toward any individual or anyone here at the school," Meyer wrote. "The vandal is a current student and is being disciplined according to district policy."

There was glass in the building and a mess to clean up before having students back in the building.

Classes will resume on Tuesday with an increased police presence to help students feel safe, according to Meyer's letter. "We have a safety plan in place, as well as our Safe Defend system to protect staff and students."

STAFFORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and officials with USD 350 St. John-Hudson are investigating a break-in at the school over the weekend, according to Superintendent Josh Meyer. There were no classes in school in the district on Monday.The intruder left graffiti on walls of the school that contained words that would be considered threatening in nature, according a letter from Meyer to the USD 350 school community.“We have no information that would lead us to believe there is a specific plan for violence toward any individual or anyone here at the school," Meyer wrote. "The vandal is a current student and is being disciplined according to district policy."There was glass in the building and a mess to clean up before having students back in the building.Classes will resume on Tuesday with an increased police presence to help students feel safe, according to Meyer's letter. "We have a safety plan in place, as well as our Safe Defend system to protect staff and students."

Police investigate vandalism that closed St. John-Hudson school

The Barton Music Department will host metropolitan opera singer Hugo Vera as part of an evening of music that will feature a masterclass portion at 4 p.m. in the Chapel and a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium March 8. The event is free and open to the public and is fully sponsored by the Barton Foundation.

Vera will lead everyone in an evening of music covering a diverse selection of musical genres. The masterclass portion will feature Vera working with Barton's voice students, as well as students from local teachers in Great Bend and helping them with performance techniques. The night will culminate with a concert that will showcase the amazing talents of Vera collaborating in an exciting program with Barton's Keyboard Studies Instructor and Director of Accompaniment Alejandro Avila.

For more information, please contact Avila at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilaal@bartonccc.edu">avilaal@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9384.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677256769052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Music Department will host metropolitan opera singer Hugo Vera as part of an evening of music that will feature a masterclass portion at 4 p.m. in the Chapel and a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium March 8. The event is free and open to the public and is fully sponsored by the Barton Foundation.Vera will lead everyone in an evening of music covering a diverse selection of musical genres. The masterclass portion will feature Vera working with Barton's voice students, as well as students from local teachers in Great Bend and helping them with performance techniques. The night will culminate with a concert that will showcase the amazing talents of Vera collaborating in an exciting program with Barton's Keyboard Studies Instructor and Director of Accompaniment Alejandro Avila.For more information, please contact Avila at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilaal@bartonccc.edu">avilaal@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9384.

Barton Music Dept. to present vocal masterclass and concert

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes presented a 2022 annual
report to the Great Bend City Council last week where she was able review
attendance at events, website analytics, marketing success and transient guest
tax income. 
Hayes promoted the Explore Great Bend Facebook page as a resource for people to
learn about upcoming events. The page made over 23 million impressions, or digital
views, in 2022 and has well over 10,000 followers. "All this information helps us set goals for the retailers on how we spend tax dollars to help them," said Hayes. "It also helps us on how we do our events and gives us goals for the CVB as well." 
The city’s website, greatbendks.net, had more than 172,000 page views in 2022 as many users
visited pages for utilities, events and the zoo. "You can look at the top searches," said Hayes. "The top searches of 2022 on our website were inmate searches, arrests and warrants, online bill pay, admissions and events, hotels and maps." 22,055 guests attended the 168 booked events at the Great Bend Events
Center in 2022, an increase of nearly 3,000 from the previous year. 
Great Bend collected $434,649 in transient guest tax in 2022. The 6% guest tax
is applied to anyone that rents a room at a motel in town. The 2022 amount was
the most ever collected, surpassing the previous record by more than $85,000
that was set in 2016. The transient guest tax is used to fund the Great Bend
Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and the Events Center.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677268595492.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes presented a 2022 annual
report to the Great Bend City Council last week where she was able review
attendance at events, website analytics, marketing success and transient guest
tax income. 
Hayes promoted the Explore Great Bend Facebook page as a resource for people to
learn about upcoming events. The page made over 23 million impressions, or digital
views, in 2022 and has well over 10,000 followers. "All this information helps us set goals for the retailers on how we spend tax dollars to help them," said Hayes. "It also helps us on how we do our events and gives us goals for the CVB as well." 
The city’s website, greatbendks.net, had more than 172,000 page views in 2022 as many users
visited pages for utilities, events and the zoo. "You can look at the top searches," said Hayes. "The top searches of 2022 on our website were inmate searches, arrests and warrants, online bill pay, admissions and events, hotels and maps." 22,055 guests attended the 168 booked events at the Great Bend Events
Center in 2022, an increase of nearly 3,000 from the previous year. 
Great Bend collected $434,649 in transient guest tax in 2022. The 6% guest tax
is applied to anyone that rents a room at a motel in town. The 2022 amount was
the most ever collected, surpassing the previous record by more than $85,000
that was set in 2016. The transient guest tax is used to fund the Great Bend
Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau and the Events Center.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking at the statistics from Great Bend’s events and services

The number of applications to become the next Great Bend City
Administrator keep coming in as the city is looking to start the interview
process soon. In early February, Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said
there were 16 applications. At last week’s city council meeting, Burns said
there are now 25 individuals interested in the position. "We're looking at getting those narrowed down," said Burns. "The city council received some score sheets to turn in by March 6. We'll start scheduling some video interviews at that point." 
Strategic Government Resources (SGR) was hired for $18,500 to handle the search
for the next administrator. The search closed Feb. 17 for a
position that has a salary range of $114,000 to $171,000. 
Great Bend is looking for the next administrator after Kendal Francis resigned
in early January to accept a position in Hutchinson.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657285932152.jpeg" alt="Great Bend City Hall" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend City Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe number of applications to become the next Great Bend City
Administrator keep coming in as the city is looking to start the interview
process soon. In early February, Interim City Administrator Logan Burns said
there were 16 applications. At last week’s city council meeting, Burns said
there are now 25 individuals interested in the position. "We're looking at getting those narrowed down," said Burns. "The city council received some score sheets to turn in by March 6. We'll start scheduling some video interviews at that point." 
Strategic Government Resources (SGR) was hired for $18,500 to handle the search
for the next administrator. The search closed Feb. 17 for a
position that has a salary range of $114,000 to $171,000. 
Great Bend is looking for the next administrator after Kendal Francis resigned
in early January to accept a position in Hutchinson.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Interviews to start soon for Great Bend Administrator position

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired Feb. 23, 2023.

The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired Feb. 23, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/e5rimjv2/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧Focus on Stafford County show

The Barton County Planning Commission may soon have its hands full with a large solar panel project. A recent commission study session with Acciona Energia highlights why the planning commission and zoning regulations are important for all residents in the county. Environmental Manager and Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham shed some light on what the planning commission does when an individual or company proposes a major project.

"They hear and consider everything associated with the request, listen to any landowners that might have a beef with it, or perhaps are in favor of the project," Goreham said. "When they close that public hearing, they open their regular meeting and formally vote on what to recommend the county commissioners approve."

The Barton Planning Commission is made up of nine individuals who have been appointed by the Barton County Commission. By statute, five of the members must live in a rural area, and the other four can live anywhere in the county. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the courthouse.

Barton County officially adopted zoning regulations in June 2000. Those regulations give county officials a standard to work against when determining whether a proposal should be accepted or not.

"Zoning is how the county controls how the county is developed," Goreham said. "I can honestly tell you in 20 years, I really feel like it is a necessary evil. It's kind of a pain for people to go through certain processes, but in the long run, it's good for everyone that lives in the county because we have some basic controls."

Goreham often handles small projects, such as building permits or other insignificant changes to property. Larger projects that require zoning amendments or conditional land-use permits go before the planning commission. After taking in the information from all parties involved, the commission will either recommend the project for approval or disapproval to the Barton County Commission.  

Following a 14-day mandatory protest period, the county commission will then vote to approve or disapprove the planning commission's recommendation. The county commission needs a simple majority of at least three commissioners to approve the recommendation and a supermajority of at least four commissioners to go against the recommendation or send it back for more study.

Much of the work is done behind the scenes before it ever reaches the county commission. Goreham often recommends developers speak to neighbors in the area to see to determine the prevailing attitude. In her 20 years in her position, she said she can recall just two instances where public outrage halted a project in its tracks. One involved developing a business in a low-traffic area. The business ultimately chose a different location.

"All those residential people that lived there were absolutely opposed to it because they didn't want the traffic," she said. "They didn't want a big business going in there right where they lived. They were in an uproar and signed all kinds of petitions. That didn't even make it to the commission."

But that's why the process largely works. Having zoning regulations in place with an objective third-party applying standardized rules to applications ensures fairness on all sides.

"It doesn't matter what they want because it's not about them," Goreham said. "It's not about the nine planning commissioners. It's about doing the job of listening to the applicant. Does it fit in the county? Does it fit in the zoning regulations? And do you have opposition with the landowners it will affect?"

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Barton County Planning Commission may soon have its hands full with a large solar panel project. A recent commission study session with Acciona Energia highlights why the planning commission and zoning regulations are important for all residents in the county. Environmental Manager and Zoning Administrator Judy Goreham shed some light on what the planning commission does when an individual or company proposes a major project."They hear and consider everything associated with the request, listen to any landowners that might have a beef with it, or perhaps are in favor of the project," Goreham said. "When they close that public hearing, they open their regular meeting and formally vote on what to recommend the county commissioners approve."The Barton Planning Commission is made up of nine individuals who have been appointed by the Barton County Commission. By statute, five of the members must live in a rural area, and the other four can live anywhere in the county. They meet on the second Tuesday of every month at the courthouse.Barton County officially adopted zoning regulations in June 2000. Those regulations give county officials a standard to work against when determining whether a proposal should be accepted or not."Zoning is how the county controls how the county is developed," Goreham said. "I can honestly tell you in 20 years, I really feel like it is a necessary evil. It's kind of a pain for people to go through certain processes, but in the long run, it's good for everyone that lives in the county because we have some basic controls."Goreham often handles small projects, such as building permits or other insignificant changes to property. Larger projects that require zoning amendments or conditional land-use permits go before the planning commission. After taking in the information from all parties involved, the commission will either recommend the project for approval or disapproval to the Barton County Commission. Following a 14-day mandatory protest period, the county commission will then vote to approve or disapprove the planning commission's recommendation. The county commission needs a simple majority of at least three commissioners to approve the recommendation and a supermajority of at least four commissioners to go against the recommendation or send it back for more study.Much of the work is done behind the scenes before it ever reaches the county commission. Goreham often recommends developers speak to neighbors in the area to see to determine the prevailing attitude. In her 20 years in her position, she said she can recall just two instances where public outrage halted a project in its tracks. One involved developing a business in a low-traffic area. The business ultimately chose a different location."All those residential people that lived there were absolutely opposed to it because they didn't want the traffic," she said. "They didn't want a big business going in there right where they lived. They were in an uproar and signed all kinds of petitions. That didn't even make it to the commission."But that's why the process largely works. Having zoning regulations in place with an objective third-party applying standardized rules to applications ensures fairness on all sides."It doesn't matter what they want because it's not about them," Goreham said. "It's not about the nine planning commissioners. It's about doing the job of listening to the applicant. Does it fit in the county? Does it fit in the zoning regulations? And do you have opposition with the landowners it will affect?"

Goreham: Barton Planning Commission the front line of zoning regulation

2/24 BOOKED: David Sohm on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $250 cash only.

BOOKED: Shea Emig on Ellinwood Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Hannah Potter on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $100 cash only.

BOOKED: Cassandra Thorne on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Nathan Manley on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Zachary Horyna on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Joshua Castaneda on Barton County District Court warrant for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Hannah Potter on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $100 cash bond.

RELEASED: David Sohm on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting a $250 cash bond.

2/25 BOOKED: Kelly Jones on Great Bend District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $300 cash only.

BOOKED: Robert Matthews on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Luis Anchando on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving with an Open Container, and Left of Center, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Rhiannon Mossberg on four Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $3,461 cash only.

RELEASED: Kelly Jones on Great Bend District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $300 cash bond.

RELEASED: Robert Matthews on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Luis Anchando on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving with an Open Container, and Left of Center, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Rhiannon Mossberg on four Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, on OR bond through GBPD.

2/26 RELEASED: Shea Emig on Ellinwood Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Nathan Manley on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Zachary Horyna on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: McKinle Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2/24 BOOKED: David Sohm on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $250 cash only.BOOKED: Shea Emig on Ellinwood Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Hannah Potter on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $100 cash only.BOOKED: Cassandra Thorne on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Nathan Manley on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Zachary Horyna on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.BOOKED: McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Joshua Castaneda on Barton County District Court warrant for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, by order of the court.RELEASED: Hannah Potter on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $100 cash bond.RELEASED: David Sohm on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting a $250 cash bond.2/25 BOOKED: Kelly Jones on Great Bend District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $300 cash only.BOOKED: Robert Matthews on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Luis Anchando on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving with an Open Container, and Left of Center, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Rhiannon Mossberg on four Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $3,461 cash only.RELEASED: Kelly Jones on Great Bend District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $300 cash bond.RELEASED: Robert Matthews on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Luis Anchando on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving with an Open Container, and Left of Center, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Rhiannon Mossberg on four Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, on OR bond through GBPD.2/26 RELEASED: Shea Emig on Ellinwood Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Charles Buck on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Nathan Manley on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Zachary Horyna on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: McKinle Payne on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/24 - 2/26)

Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said this month that
Veterans Lake is next to the lowest that he has seen it in 28 years. Keeler said
you would be hard pressed to find water deeper than eight feet at the moment. On average, the water level is currently between four and a half to six feet deep. On an average year, the deepest point of the lake is usually 11 and a half
feet. 

While the drought has taken a toll on many bodies of water, Keeler pointed out
the City of Great Bend is still having to constantly monitor Vets Lake. 
"It still has a touch of blue-green algae," said Keeler. "It's been concentrated and we're still within safe limits. Last month, we put new aerators in it. They were eight years old. The aerators help diffuse the water and add oxygen to ensure that the fish have plenty of oxygen." 
In the years past, city crews had to treat the lake with aluminum sulfate which
gathers the blue-green algae and phosphorus, combines them, and drops it to the
bottom so the lake can go through its regular cycle of turnover in the spring
and fall. Keeler said alum hasn’t been used for the past three years. "It's something we're going to have to maintain and keep testing," said Keeler. "As needed, we'll treat the water to keep it in control. We don't want to have another fish kill like we did several years back." 
The previous blue-green algae issues wiped out most of the habitat for fish.
This spring, Great Bend will add aquatic water life, or plants, to the bottom
of the lake to increase the fish habitat.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663786562783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said this month that
Veterans Lake is next to the lowest that he has seen it in 28 years. Keeler said
you would be hard pressed to find water deeper than eight feet at the moment. On average, the water level is currently between four and a half to six feet deep. On an average year, the deepest point of the lake is usually 11 and a half
feet. While the drought has taken a toll on many bodies of water, Keeler pointed out
the City of Great Bend is still having to constantly monitor Vets Lake. 
"It still has a touch of blue-green algae," said Keeler. "It's been concentrated and we're still within safe limits. Last month, we put new aerators in it. They were eight years old. The aerators help diffuse the water and add oxygen to ensure that the fish have plenty of oxygen." 
In the years past, city crews had to treat the lake with aluminum sulfate which
gathers the blue-green algae and phosphorus, combines them, and drops it to the
bottom so the lake can go through its regular cycle of turnover in the spring
and fall. Keeler said alum hasn’t been used for the past three years. "It's something we're going to have to maintain and keep testing," said Keeler. "As needed, we'll treat the water to keep it in control. We don't want to have another fish kill like we did several years back." 
The previous blue-green algae issues wiped out most of the habitat for fish.
This spring, Great Bend will add aquatic water life, or plants, to the bottom
of the lake to increase the fish habitat.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

City Official: Vets Lake next to the lowest I’ve ever seen it

Today Sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a northwest wind 17 to 22 mph decreasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North-northwest wind 8 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 64. East wind 8 to 18 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind 10 to 16 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North-northwest wind 9 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery.

Thursday Rain and snow likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 46.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a northwest wind 17 to 22 mph decreasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North-northwest wind 8 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 64. East wind 8 to 18 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 30. West wind 10 to 16 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. North-northwest wind 9 to 11 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery.Thursday Rain and snow likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Thursday Night A chance of rain and snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.Friday Sunny, with a high near 46.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's Weather

Find out more about the grant program through the linked story below. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/59a86eb4-ded3-4e46-a8aa-cdd3e282c0e7">Barton County renews Facade Improvement Grant program&nbsp;</a>

Find out more about the grant program through the linked story below. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/59a86eb4-ded3-4e46-a8aa-cdd3e282c0e7">Barton County renews Facade Improvement Grant program&nbsp;</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677257796069.jpeg" alt="Beugelsdijk Chiropractic, 1309 / 1311 Williams in Great Bend, received improvements to its exterior with help from the facade improvement grant program through Barton County." />
 <figcaption>Beugelsdijk Chiropractic, 1309 / 1311 Williams in Great Bend, received improvements to its exterior with help from the facade improvement grant program through Barton County.</figcaption>
 </figure>