By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend Municipal Airport was among 66 airport projects across
the state selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding. This
year, the program awarded more than $11 million. The program typically requires
airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of
the total project. 
The Great Bend airport received $5,588 to replace the primary wind cone
that sits between the runways. Airport Manager Martin Miller said the current
wind cone has probably been out there for 50 years. "It's a big wind sock," said Miller. "It has a 36-inch throat and is about 12 feet long. It's used by pilots before they take off and when they're landing to determine which way to land. It's primary visual indication of which runway to use. Ours got old and the illumination is old. It's required at airfields, and it's nice to have an up-to-date model." 
The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation received 153
applications this year for the KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to
impact on flight safety, economic growth and regional benefit.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676480208784.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Municipal Airport was among 66 airport projects across
the state selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding. This
year, the program awarded more than $11 million. The program typically requires
airport sponsors to participate in project costs by paying a minimum of 5% of
the total project. 
The Great Bend airport received $5,588 to replace the primary wind cone
that sits between the runways. Airport Manager Martin Miller said the current
wind cone has probably been out there for 50 years. "It's a big wind sock," said Miller. "It has a 36-inch throat and is about 12 feet long. It's used by pilots before they take off and when they're landing to determine which way to land. It's primary visual indication of which runway to use. Ours got old and the illumination is old. It's required at airfields, and it's nice to have an up-to-date model." 
The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation received 153
applications this year for the KAIP grants. Projects were scored according to
impact on flight safety, economic growth and regional benefit.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Grant received to replace wind cone at Great Bend airport

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Adding approximately three square miles of solar panels could be in Barton County's future. Unfortunately, no one knows much about it. Two representatives from the Spanish company Acciona Energia met with Barton County Commissioners in a study session on Jan. 25. As the firm now begins to request conditional land-use permits, County Environmental Manager Judy Goreham met with the commission Wednesday to discuss the plan. Unfortunately, few know exactly where the panels might go.

"What we intend to do as a planning commission for Barton County, whenever we get the actual sites, we want separate applications per site," Goreham said. "It will be cleaner for us to deal with landowners within 1,000 feet and handle each one separately."

Few details were released in the Jan. 25 study session, leaving plenty of concern for local government officials. Goreham said those conversations will also be part of moving forward.

"We intend to formally invite all the entities associated with Cheyenne Bottoms so they can have an actual copy of the application, they're invited to the public hearing, and we're going to request their comments and feedback as part of it," Goreham said. "This company has never worked with a fly-zone or a wetland. We just want to make sure we cover that."

Part of the application process will require Acciona to state which fire district they will be part of. Commissioner Duane Reif said it might not be a bad idea to include fire departments in future conversations. "That'd be the issue with a fire," he said. "If you have a fire run through it, could you spray water on it? I don't know."

When the Acciona representatives first met with commissioners on Jan. 25, the body had virtually no details about the company. The firm did release an informational packet about its plans, but the location of any solar panels was intentionally left vague to include a large portion of the county extending approximately five miles north of Great Bend and approximately eight miles east. The representatives would not disclose whether impacted properties will lie within a 3-mile buffer around the city of Great Bend, but did say no properties were included in a flood plain.

Director of Solar Development Adam Stratton said that location was selected due to the availability of transmission lines. "We can move in and basically plug into the existing infrastructure," he said. "We don't have to upgrade that station, put more infrastructure into it. The utility would usually charge us to do that. We pay them to do it anyway, but we look for ones that are already prepared for growth."

The company is working with area landowners to lease property for the panels. Stratton said in the study session that, on average, Acciona can pay farmers approximately four times what they would earn farming the land. Nondisclosure agreements have been signed, so Stratton would not discuss the locations or financial matters about the leases. He did say the company is working with 40-year leases.

"We propose we're preserving it for them," he said. "Whatever they want to do with it after 30 years, it's still in the family. They can do what they want with it or decide to start farming again or not."

Stratton said Acciona may have a better idea of final locations after more engineering studies are done within 4-6 weeks of the Jan. 25 meeting. Goreham expects the first conditional land-use permit requests to begin filing in over the next several weeks.

Commissioners and other county officials including Goreham and County Engineer Barry McManaman asked many questions in the first meeting. Here are some of the details Stratton was able to share:

- The total area of planned solar panels would total approximately three-square miles, though not in one group.

- Power generated from the panels is typically purchased by Fortune 500 companies that use the renewable source to offset their carbon footprint.

- The company is in planning stages for similar projects in Pawnee and Edwards Counties.

- The project in Barton County was initially meant to be two projects, but overlapping properties have likely converted it into a single project. Stratton said the company typically would not approach landowners without at least 80 acres of land.

- Acciona has a "comprehensive planting plan" for ground around the panels. Poles are put 7-9 feet into the ground with no concrete. The panels will track the sun from east to west with a maximum height of 15 feet. The plan includes planting native grasses to help keep out noxious weeds.

- Landowners on a recent project in Ohio requested corridors for wildlife travel around the panels.

- A certain percent of the net profits from the local project would go back into the community.

- Acciona will use "thousands" of trucks for the installation of the panels, but none will be over-sized. Each site will have one overweight load. Stratton said the company prefers to have a road-use agreement with the county prior to any construction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676491221990.jpeg" alt="Spain-based Acciona Energia is looking to install solar panels at unknown locations within the red box in the above map of Barton County." />
 <figcaption>Spain-based Acciona Energia is looking to install solar panels at unknown locations within the red box in the above map of Barton County.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAdding approximately three square miles of solar panels could be in Barton County's future. Unfortunately, no one knows much about it. Two representatives from the Spanish company Acciona Energia met with Barton County Commissioners in a study session on Jan. 25. As the firm now begins to request conditional land-use permits, County Environmental Manager Judy Goreham met with the commission Wednesday to discuss the plan. Unfortunately, few know exactly where the panels might go."What we intend to do as a planning commission for Barton County, whenever we get the actual sites, we want separate applications per site," Goreham said. "It will be cleaner for us to deal with landowners within 1,000 feet and handle each one separately."Few details were released in the Jan. 25 study session, leaving plenty of concern for local government officials. Goreham said those conversations will also be part of moving forward."We intend to formally invite all the entities associated with Cheyenne Bottoms so they can have an actual copy of the application, they're invited to the public hearing, and we're going to request their comments and feedback as part of it," Goreham said. "This company has never worked with a fly-zone or a wetland. We just want to make sure we cover that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676491568547.jpeg" alt="Photo from Acciona's information packet." />
 <figcaption>Photo from Acciona's information packet.</figcaption>
 </figure>Part of the application process will require Acciona to state which fire district they will be part of. Commissioner Duane Reif said it might not be a bad idea to include fire departments in future conversations. "That'd be the issue with a fire," he said. "If you have a fire run through it, could you spray water on it? I don't know."When the Acciona representatives first met with commissioners on Jan. 25, the body had virtually no details about the company. The firm did release an informational packet about its plans, but the location of any solar panels was intentionally left vague to include a large portion of the county extending approximately five miles north of Great Bend and approximately eight miles east. The representatives would not disclose whether impacted properties will lie within a 3-mile buffer around the city of Great Bend, but did say no properties were included in a flood plain.Director of Solar Development Adam Stratton said that location was selected due to the availability of transmission lines. "We can move in and basically plug into the existing infrastructure," he said. "We don't have to upgrade that station, put more infrastructure into it. The utility would usually charge us to do that. We pay them to do it anyway, but we look for ones that are already prepared for growth."The company is working with area landowners to lease property for the panels. Stratton said in the study session that, on average, Acciona can pay farmers approximately four times what they would earn farming the land. Nondisclosure agreements have been signed, so Stratton would not discuss the locations or financial matters about the leases. He did say the company is working with 40-year leases."We propose we're preserving it for them," he said. "Whatever they want to do with it after 30 years, it's still in the family. They can do what they want with it or decide to start farming again or not."Stratton said Acciona may have a better idea of final locations after more engineering studies are done within 4-6 weeks of the Jan. 25 meeting. Goreham expects the first conditional land-use permit requests to begin filing in over the next several weeks.Commissioners and other county officials including Goreham and County Engineer Barry McManaman asked many questions in the first meeting. Here are some of the details Stratton was able to share:- The total area of planned solar panels would total approximately three-square miles, though not in one group.- Power generated from the panels is typically purchased by Fortune 500 companies that use the renewable source to offset their carbon footprint.- The company is in planning stages for similar projects in Pawnee and Edwards Counties.- The project in Barton County was initially meant to be two projects, but overlapping properties have likely converted it into a single project. Stratton said the company typically would not approach landowners without at least 80 acres of land.- Acciona has a "comprehensive planting plan" for ground around the panels. Poles are put 7-9 feet into the ground with no concrete. The panels will track the sun from east to west with a maximum height of 15 feet. The plan includes planting native grasses to help keep out noxious weeds.- Landowners on a recent project in Ohio requested corridors for wildlife travel around the panels.- A certain percent of the net profits from the local project would go back into the community.- Acciona will use "thousands" of trucks for the installation of the panels, but none will be over-sized. Each site will have one overweight load. Stratton said the company prefers to have a road-use agreement with the county prior to any construction.

International firm planning large-scale solar project in Barton Co.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Incident Log (2/15) Burglary / In Progress At 11:25 a.m. a burglary was reported at 218 Pine Street. Heart Problems At 3:44 p.m. heart problems were reported at 614 E. Lakeview Dr. Breathing Problems At 5:20 p.m. breathing problems were reported at SW 100 Avenue &amp; W. 56 Highway. Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (2/15) Burglary / In Progress At 11:25 a.m. a possible burglary was reported at 218 Pine Street. Subject had permission to be at the residence. Criminal Damage At 1:42 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 2716 24th Street. Burglary / Not in Progress At 1:42 p.m. an unknown subject entering the building and causing damage inside was reported at 3301 Lakin. Traumatic Injuries At 2:03 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2100 16th Street. Theft At 4:01 p.m. Walmart, 3503 10th Street, reported a subject taking items from the store without paying. Criminal Damage At 7:38 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 804 Maple.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff's Office Incident Log (2/15) Burglary / In Progress At 11:25 a.m. a burglary was reported at 218 Pine Street. Heart Problems At 3:44 p.m. heart problems were reported at 614 E. Lakeview Dr. Breathing Problems At 5:20 p.m. breathing problems were reported at SW 100 Avenue &amp; W. 56 Highway. Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (2/15) Burglary / In Progress At 11:25 a.m. a possible burglary was reported at 218 Pine Street. Subject had permission to be at the residence. Criminal Damage At 1:42 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 2716 24th Street. Burglary / Not in Progress At 1:42 p.m. an unknown subject entering the building and causing damage inside was reported at 3301 Lakin. Traumatic Injuries At 2:03 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2100 16th Street. Theft At 4:01 p.m. Walmart, 3503 10th Street, reported a subject taking items from the store without paying. Criminal Damage At 7:38 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 804 Maple.

Cop Shop (2/15)

2/15 BOOKED: Lorenzo Jimenez on two Barton County District Court warrants, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Mareco Sago on two Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.

RELEASED: Michael Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2/15 BOOKED: Lorenzo Jimenez on two Barton County District Court warrants, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Mareco Sago on two Barton County District Court warrants, after time served.RELEASED: Michael Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/15)

Twenty-plus years have passed since two women were murdered inside the Dolly Madison Bakery at one of the busiest intersections in Great Bend. Last September, just two days after the 20-year anniversary of the homicide, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced new DNA had been found in the case. Beyond that, the case has remained cold. That has long troubled Great Bend High School graduate Aaron Mull, who recently completed his documentary about the case. Mull is ready to share that story at a special question-and-answer screening of his documentary on March 2 at the Crest Theater.

The trailer for The Dolly Madison Murders

"I started this, basically, to just try and shed light on this case I'd always known growing up," Mull said. "I remember seeing the composite sketch all over town. As I've gotten older, I questioned why this story hasn't really reached a larger audience. I thought maybe I could do that and set off to make it on my own."

The standard full-time work week consists of 2,080 hours. Mull estimates he spent some 600 hours on editing the documentary alone. Now living on the east coast, Mull estimates he spent just shy of $13,000 on the project. At one point, he pondered his efforts and how he could have nearly doubled the $17,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

"I knew it was going to cost quite a bit of money," he said. "I don't live in Great Bend anymore, and just flying back five times throughout the year was pretty costly, and the gear rentals, licensing music and footage and things like that. It was definitely something I knew was going to be a cost going into it. I was willing to eat that cost for a project I knew would mean something."

Mull made small videos as a student at GBHS, gaining national attention from one early project. After graduating, he worked for professional soccer team Sporting KC, then worked with the likes of famous chef Gordon Ramsay and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mull has built an audience of 31,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.

Approaching the 20thth anniversary of the Dolly Madison case in September 2021, Mull realized he had time to tackle a much larger, more meaningful project. He met with key players in the case, including friends and family members of the victims, past and present members of law enforcement, and local media members.

"There's only so much to go off of with this story because there's so little out there and that's known to the public," he said. "My biggest goal was to talk to the people closest to the story, friends of the victims, family members of the victims. Giving them a voice was important after all these years of feeling like they weren’t being heard."

Mull wrapped up filming in June 2022, but did make a special trip back to Great Bend for the KBI's press conference regarding the case on Sept. 6, 2022. He wrapped up editing in December and secured a distributor of the documentary, which features the interviews, as well as reenactments from locations pertinent to the case. The case may not have a conclusion, but Mull's documentary does.

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes helped Mull secure the Crest Theater for his screening on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. He plans to sell approximately 200 tickets for the first screening, and if interest dictates, opening the screening for a second showing the following evening. Following the documentary, Mull and other parties from the documentary will take questions from the crowd.

Tickets for the screening are $10 in advance and may be purchased by <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dolly-madison-murders-documentary-screening-tickets-533792205857?fbclid=IwAR1x9chWNxqAsKVvsg7c_lPABXdv0yiqM6cUVnH3d3jgOWQ9q2bluqerN2o">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675721029742.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTwenty-plus years have passed since two women were murdered inside the Dolly Madison Bakery at one of the busiest intersections in Great Bend. Last September, just two days after the 20-year anniversary of the homicide, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced new DNA had been found in the case. Beyond that, the case has remained cold. That has long troubled Great Bend High School graduate Aaron Mull, who recently completed his documentary about the case. Mull is ready to share that story at a special question-and-answer screening of his documentary on March 2 at the Crest Theater.The trailer for The Dolly Madison Murders<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2qHtFPJz8w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>"I started this, basically, to just try and shed light on this case I'd always known growing up," Mull said. "I remember seeing the composite sketch all over town. As I've gotten older, I questioned why this story hasn't really reached a larger audience. I thought maybe I could do that and set off to make it on my own."The standard full-time work week consists of 2,080 hours. Mull estimates he spent some 600 hours on editing the documentary alone. Now living on the east coast, Mull estimates he spent just shy of $13,000 on the project. At one point, he pondered his efforts and how he could have nearly doubled the $17,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675779347743.png" alt="Mull spent 600 hours editing the film, which cost approximately $13,000 to complete." />
 <figcaption>Mull spent 600 hours editing the film, which cost approximately $13,000 to complete.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I knew it was going to cost quite a bit of money," he said. "I don't live in Great Bend anymore, and just flying back five times throughout the year was pretty costly, and the gear rentals, licensing music and footage and things like that. It was definitely something I knew was going to be a cost going into it. I was willing to eat that cost for a project I knew would mean something."Mull made small videos as a student at GBHS, gaining national attention from one early project. After graduating, he worked for professional soccer team Sporting KC, then worked with the likes of famous chef Gordon Ramsay and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mull has built an audience of 31,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675779462206.png" alt="Mull used a hotel room in the area of the homicide for one of the reenactments in the film." />
 <figcaption>Mull used a hotel room in the area of the homicide for one of the reenactments in the film.</figcaption>
 </figure>Approaching the 20thth anniversary of the Dolly Madison case in September 2021, Mull realized he had time to tackle a much larger, more meaningful project. He met with key players in the case, including friends and family members of the victims, past and present members of law enforcement, and local media members."There's only so much to go off of with this story because there's so little out there and that's known to the public," he said. "My biggest goal was to talk to the people closest to the story, friends of the victims, family members of the victims. Giving them a voice was important after all these years of feeling like they weren’t being heard."Mull wrapped up filming in June 2022, but did make a special trip back to Great Bend for the KBI's press conference regarding the case on Sept. 6, 2022. He wrapped up editing in December and secured a distributor of the documentary, which features the interviews, as well as reenactments from locations pertinent to the case. The case may not have a conclusion, but Mull's documentary does.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675779570853.jpeg" alt="Mull made a special trip to Great Bend last September to add footage of the KBI's press conference to the documentary." />
 <figcaption>Mull made a special trip to Great Bend last September to add footage of the KBI's press conference to the documentary.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes helped Mull secure the Crest Theater for his screening on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. He plans to sell approximately 200 tickets for the first screening, and if interest dictates, opening the screening for a second showing the following evening. Following the documentary, Mull and other parties from the documentary will take questions from the crowd.Tickets for the screening are $10 in advance and may be purchased by <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dolly-madison-murders-documentary-screening-tickets-533792205857?fbclid=IwAR1x9chWNxqAsKVvsg7c_lPABXdv0yiqM6cUVnH3d3jgOWQ9q2bluqerN2o">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Watch: Trailer, screening date set for Dolly Madison homicide documentary

Today Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Wind chill values as low as -4. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 17 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 12. North-northwest wind 7 to 15 mph becoming west-southwest in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 48. Wind chill values as low as zero early. West-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 56.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 61.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Wind chill values as low as -4. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 17 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 12. North-northwest wind 7 to 15 mph becoming west-southwest in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 48. Wind chill values as low as zero early. West-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 56.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.Monday Sunny, with a high near 61.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

USD 351 Macksville Opening Late Thursday 2 Hours

USD 422 Kiowa County Opening Late Thursday 2 Hours

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613333307593.png" alt="Thursday February 16" />
 <figcaption>Thursday February 16</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 112 Central Plains Closed ThursdayUSD 227 Hodgeman County Closed ThursdayUSD 327 Ellsworth Closed ThursdayUSD 351 Macksville Opening Late Thursday 2 HoursUSD 395 Lacrosse Closed ThursdayUSD 403 Otis-Bison Closed ThursdayUSD 407 Russell Co. Closed ThursdayUSD 422 Kiowa County Opening Late Thursday 2 HoursUSD 432 Victoria Closed ThursdayUSD 489 Hays Closed ThursdayUSD 495 Larned Closed ThursdayUSD 496 Pawnee Heights Closed ThursdayUSD 502 Lewis Delayed Thursday 2 Hours

Closings and Delays

Great Bend Chamber of Commerce coffee hour

Financial Legacy Solutions 2001 Broadway

Doors open at 9 a.m., program starts at 9:30 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Chamber of Commerce coffee hourThursday, Feb. 16Financial Legacy Solutions 2001 Broadway Doors open at 9 a.m., program starts at 9:30 a.m.

Great Bend Chamber coffee hour (2/16)

The tradition continues as Smoky Hills PBS will again be covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament LIVE the weekend of February 24th.&nbsp; For more than 30 years Smoky Hills PBS has aired this tournament and made DVDs of the broadcast available.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Action will begin at 10 AM&nbsp;Friday, February 24th, and continues at 9 AM&nbsp;Saturday, February 25th.&nbsp; A rebroadcast of the Championship Finals will air&nbsp;Sunday, February 26th&nbsp;at 9 AM.

DVDs of the televised rounds will be available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1.800.337.4788.

“Covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament has been a long standing tradition here at Smoky Hills PBS,” said Betsy Schwien General Manager at Smoky Hills PBS. “Being able to cover the 3-2-1A State Wrestling event for our viewers and capturing these memories for the wrestlers is something we take great pride in.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676472210016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The tradition continues as Smoky Hills PBS will again be covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament LIVE the weekend of February 24th.&nbsp; For more than 30 years Smoky Hills PBS has aired this tournament and made DVDs of the broadcast available.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Action will begin at 10 AM&nbsp;Friday, February 24th, and continues at 9 AM&nbsp;Saturday, February 25th.&nbsp; A rebroadcast of the Championship Finals will air&nbsp;Sunday, February 26th&nbsp;at 9 AM.DVDs of the televised rounds will be available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1.800.337.4788.“Covering the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Tournament has been a long standing tradition here at Smoky Hills PBS,” said Betsy Schwien General Manager at Smoky Hills PBS. “Being able to cover the 3-2-1A State Wrestling event for our viewers and capturing these memories for the wrestlers is something we take great pride in.”

Smoky Hills PBS gears up for 3-2-1A State Wrestling

The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Butler on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM, online at <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=kvgbfm2">greatbendpost.com</a> or the B104.3 mobile app.

The women's game in Great Bend begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639328302345.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College basketball teams will host Butler on Wednesday, Feb. 15.You can follow all the action by listening on 104.3 FM, online at <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=kvgbfm2">greatbendpost.com</a> or the B104.3 mobile app.The women's game in Great Bend begins at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 7:30 p.m.

🎧LISTEN Live: Barton 🏀 vs Butler

Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry Department will host Cattlemen’s Day 2023 on Friday, March 3 at Weber Hall in Manhattan. A highlight of this year’s event will be Jason Sawyer, East Foundation chief science officer, who will discuss Navigating the U.S. Carbon Market.&nbsp;

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with K-State ASI Department Head Mike Day giving a department update followed by Sawyer’s presentation. The morning program will wrap up with Glynn Tonsor, K-State ag economics professor, giving a beef industry economic outlook.&nbsp;

“We’re excited to announce our 110th&nbsp;KSU Cattlemen’s Day speaker line-up,” says AJ Tarpoff, K-State associate professor and Cattlemen’s Day co-chairman. “Our annual program strives to address key issues and to provide current information that keeps our industry efficient and relevant.”&nbsp;

The day starts at 8 a.m. with refreshments, educational exhibits and a commercial trade show. Tarpoff adds, “This year we have numerous participants signed up for our allied industry trade show. Hosted on the floor in Weber Arena, the trade show provides a forum for the attendees to observe what’s new in the beef industry and network with key industry leaders.”&nbsp;

Lunch will be smoked brisket sponsored by U.S. Premium Beef and trade show exhibitors. Cajun-spiced catfish will also be available. The afternoon sessions will feature K-State faculty and industry presentations in Weber Hall 123, 146 and 111 discussing an array of topics, including:&nbsp;

<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>Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry Department will host Cattlemen’s Day 2023 on Friday, March 3 at Weber Hall in Manhattan. A highlight of this year’s event will be Jason Sawyer, East Foundation chief science officer, who will discuss Navigating the U.S. Carbon Market.&nbsp;The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with K-State ASI Department Head Mike Day giving a department update followed by Sawyer’s presentation. The morning program will wrap up with Glynn Tonsor, K-State ag economics professor, giving a beef industry economic outlook.&nbsp;“We’re excited to announce our 110th&nbsp;KSU Cattlemen’s Day speaker line-up,” says AJ Tarpoff, K-State associate professor and Cattlemen’s Day co-chairman. “Our annual program strives to address key issues and to provide current information that keeps our industry efficient and relevant.”&nbsp;The day starts at 8 a.m. with refreshments, educational exhibits and a commercial trade show. Tarpoff adds, “This year we have numerous participants signed up for our allied industry trade show. Hosted on the floor in Weber Arena, the trade show provides a forum for the attendees to observe what’s new in the beef industry and network with key industry leaders.”&nbsp;Lunch will be smoked brisket sponsored by U.S. Premium Beef and trade show exhibitors. Cajun-spiced catfish will also be available. The afternoon sessions will feature K-State faculty and industry presentations in Weber Hall 123, 146 and 111 discussing an array of topics, including:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Strategies for Optimizing Cow Herd Reproduction with High Feed Costs —&nbsp;Sandy Johnson, K-State ASI extension beef specialist, Jason Warner, K-State ASI extension cow-calf specialist.&nbsp;</li><li>Practical Solutions to Environmental Concerns —&nbsp;Logan Thompson, K-State ASI sustainable grazing specialist&nbsp;</li><li>NBAF Update —&nbsp;Ken Burton, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility deputy director&nbsp;</li><li>Social Media Strategies/Tools&nbsp;— Scarlett Hagins, Kansas Livestock Association communication vice president&nbsp;</li><li>Beef Sensory Update&nbsp;— Erin Beyer, K-State ASI doctorate student&nbsp;</li><li>Weather Monitoring Tools for Agriculture:&nbsp; The Kansas Mesonet&nbsp;— Chip Redmond, meteorologist and manager of the Kansas Mesonet&nbsp; The cost to attend Cattlemen’s Day 2023 is $25 if paid by February 24 or $35 at the door. There is no charge for students who pre-register. For more information and online registration, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day/index.html" target="_blank">KSUBeef.org</a>.&nbsp; The 46th Annual Legacy Bull &amp; Female Sale will begin at 4 p.m. at the Stanley Stout Center (2200 Denison Ave). Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asi.ksu.edu/legacysale" target="_blank">asi.ksu.edu/legacysale</a>&nbsp;to learn more about this year’s offering and to request a sale catalog.&nbsp; On March 2, the evening before Cattlemen’s Day, the Tom Perrier Family will be honored as the Stockman of the Year at the Annual Stockmen’s Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Stanley Stout Center. A separate registration is required for the dinner.&nbsp; Information can be found online at&nbsp;asi.ksu.edu/stockmensdinner.&nbsp; &nbsp; 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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

BOOR: Cattlemen's Day 2023

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

Dogs are abused, malnourished, or sometimes their owner simply dies or loses a job and can no longer afford a pet. Regardless of the cause, Hands of Hope Rescue is back in the business of helping those canines. The licensed non-profit helps only dogs, and President and Founder RaShann Southard said they do it without an actual facility.

"We bring them in, put them in foster homes, then find them new homes - adopt them out," she said. "We get them medical care if they need medical care. A lot of our dogs end up needing medical care because they've been neglected or just haven't received any."

Hands of Hope operated for nine years before shutting down a year ago. In January, the group of volunteers returned to help dogs into new homes. The group takes in owner surrenders, or is sometimes contacted by shelters or other non-profits when a dog is in need. Southard estimates the group has helped some 2,000 dogs over the past decade. Without a facility, however, there is one steadfast rule.

"I don't bring them in unless I have a place for them, so if somebody contacts me about a dog they need to find a place for, the first thing I do is start looking for a foster," Southard said. "Without that foster, I have nowhere to put the dog. Fosters are key."

Hands of Hope has approximately 15 fosters around Kansas, including in Barton County. More volunteers serve as transport for the animals, sometimes driving the dogs across the state for placement. Some of the volunteers and fosters have been with the group for a decade. "We're all over the place," said Southard. "Wherever I can find a foster in Kansas, we try to make it work."

Southard said, for practical purposes, Hands of Hope focuses mostly on dogs in need of medical care. "Behavioral issues, we don't really take because they go into a foster home. These people have their own pets and their own kids, and their safety is No. 1. We don't take aggressive dogs. It's just too dangerous for the foster and the foster home."

Hands of Hope runs entirely on donations. Those proceeds not only help with medical care, but also buy dog food for some of the volunteers who may want to help but lack the financial ability to take on another animal.

"A lot of them need dental," said Southard of the dogs. "We've taken some with broken bones. We took one that actually, at one point, had a wire in his neck that had to be removed. It was basically decapitating him, so we had to have that removed."

There are several ways to donate to Hands of Hope. <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Zq4R_f3ThAVv_a2jyYBXwgionCC9otTorfc5BGzI1mui6_m2KoZnFb-Ot0RYSyCtoFtu7pxN61QiGuOJ">CLICK HERE</a> to donate via PayPal. Checks can be mailed to Hands of Hope, 4827 Camelot West Drive, Great Bend, KS 67530. Owner surrender, adoption, and foster applications can be found by <a href="https://www.handsofhoperescue.com/">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676392226525.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDogs are abused, malnourished, or sometimes their owner simply dies or loses a job and can no longer afford a pet. Regardless of the cause, Hands of Hope Rescue is back in the business of helping those canines. The licensed non-profit helps only dogs, and President and Founder RaShann Southard said they do it without an actual facility."We bring them in, put them in foster homes, then find them new homes - adopt them out," she said. "We get them medical care if they need medical care. A lot of our dogs end up needing medical care because they've been neglected or just haven't received any."Hands of Hope operated for nine years before shutting down a year ago. In January, the group of volunteers returned to help dogs into new homes. The group takes in owner surrenders, or is sometimes contacted by shelters or other non-profits when a dog is in need. Southard estimates the group has helped some 2,000 dogs over the past decade. Without a facility, however, there is one steadfast rule."I don't bring them in unless I have a place for them, so if somebody contacts me about a dog they need to find a place for, the first thing I do is start looking for a foster," Southard said. "Without that foster, I have nowhere to put the dog. Fosters are key."Hands of Hope has approximately 15 fosters around Kansas, including in Barton County. More volunteers serve as transport for the animals, sometimes driving the dogs across the state for placement. Some of the volunteers and fosters have been with the group for a decade. "We're all over the place," said Southard. "Wherever I can find a foster in Kansas, we try to make it work."Southard said, for practical purposes, Hands of Hope focuses mostly on dogs in need of medical care. "Behavioral issues, we don't really take because they go into a foster home. These people have their own pets and their own kids, and their safety is No. 1. We don't take aggressive dogs. It's just too dangerous for the foster and the foster home."Hands of Hope runs entirely on donations. Those proceeds not only help with medical care, but also buy dog food for some of the volunteers who may want to help but lack the financial ability to take on another animal."A lot of them need dental," said Southard of the dogs. "We've taken some with broken bones. We took one that actually, at one point, had a wire in his neck that had to be removed. It was basically decapitating him, so we had to have that removed."There are several ways to donate to Hands of Hope. <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Zq4R_f3ThAVv_a2jyYBXwgionCC9otTorfc5BGzI1mui6_m2KoZnFb-Ot0RYSyCtoFtu7pxN61QiGuOJ">CLICK HERE</a> to donate via PayPal. Checks can be mailed to Hands of Hope, 4827 Camelot West Drive, Great Bend, KS 67530. Owner surrender, adoption, and foster applications can be found by <a href="https://www.handsofhoperescue.com/">CLICKING HERE</a>.

Hands of Hope Rescue back in service to help dogs

Even though the time of year and the location are changing, the Sunflower Diversified Services Charity Gala promises to offer the 18th annual opportunity to support people with special needs, said Cody Harris, director of planned giving and community support.

The Gala is set for Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Columbus Club, 723 Main, Great Bend. It begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and the evening will wrap up at 10 p.m.

“We decided to change the date from late February because last year we hosted the fourth local charity event during that month,” Harris said. “We recognized that people were maybe being overwhelmed by the time they attended our Gala.

“So, we looked for a date that would not have as many conflicting events. We encourage people to mark the date on their calendars now.”

The Gala is still several months away but Harris said he would accept items for the silent and live auctions anytime. “I am always looking for donations to our auctions and am grateful for them whenever they come in.”

Harris also noted that he and his colleagues are brainstorming ideas now and hope to line up some type of entertainment for the evening.

Pancakes/raffle The 20th annual Sunflower Pancake Feed is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at Prince of Peace Parish Center, 4100 Broadway, Great Bend.

Ticket price for the all-you-can-eat meal is $8; pancakes, sausage and a drink are included. Participants have the choice of dine-in or carry-out. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Sunflower, 620-792-1321, or at the door. DJ Cain will entertain.

The drawing for a new Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV will be held at the pancake feed. The winner does not have to be present at the event.

Tickets are still available; the cost is $25 per ticket or five for $100. They are available at Westside Market, 5523 10th, or www.sunflowerdiv.com.

“Central Kansans have always been generous to their neighbors with developmental disabilities and delays,” Harris commented. “We trust they will come through for them again this year.

“Every penny we raise stays in the local and area communities that Sunflower serves. Tax dollars do not come close to satisfying all the needs and donors can be assured that the money raised will help with medical and dental care, adaptive equipment and more.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. The non-profit agency is in its 58th year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674694415068.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSEven though the time of year and the location are changing, the Sunflower Diversified Services Charity Gala promises to offer the 18th annual opportunity to support people with special needs, said Cody Harris, director of planned giving and community support.The Gala is set for Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Columbus Club, 723 Main, Great Bend. It begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and the evening will wrap up at 10 p.m.“We decided to change the date from late February because last year we hosted the fourth local charity event during that month,” Harris said. “We recognized that people were maybe being overwhelmed by the time they attended our Gala.“So, we looked for a date that would not have as many conflicting events. We encourage people to mark the date on their calendars now.”The Gala is still several months away but Harris said he would accept items for the silent and live auctions anytime. “I am always looking for donations to our auctions and am grateful for them whenever they come in.”Harris also noted that he and his colleagues are brainstorming ideas now and hope to line up some type of entertainment for the evening.Pancakes/raffle The 20th annual Sunflower Pancake Feed is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30 at Prince of Peace Parish Center, 4100 Broadway, Great Bend.Ticket price for the all-you-can-eat meal is $8; pancakes, sausage and a drink are included. Participants have the choice of dine-in or carry-out. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Sunflower, 620-792-1321, or at the door. DJ Cain will entertain.The drawing for a new Chevy Trailblazer ACTIV will be held at the pancake feed. The winner does not have to be present at the event.Tickets are still available; the cost is $25 per ticket or five for $100. They are available at Westside Market, 5523 10th, or www.sunflowerdiv.com.Only 5,000 tickets are available.“Central Kansans have always been generous to their neighbors with developmental disabilities and delays,” Harris commented. “We trust they will come through for them again this year.“Every penny we raise stays in the local and area communities that Sunflower serves. Tax dollars do not come close to satisfying all the needs and donors can be assured that the money raised will help with medical and dental care, adaptive equipment and more.”Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. The non-profit agency is in its 58th year.

Sunflower Gala set for Sept. 30; pancakes/raffle March 30

Barton Community College received two bids to complete the construction
for their new Ag Technology Center. Harbin Construction, based in Salina,
submitted the low bid of $3,214,150 and was approved by the college’s Board
of Trustees on Tuesday. Hutton Construction provided the other bid for $3,374,000. 
The 14,000-square-foot facility will house a 50-credit-hour Top Tech Program
in the fall of 2023 that will provide training to become technicians for Case
New Holland. 
Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said the process to begin
construction is just around the corner. "We'll get the contract signed with Harbin," said Dean. "They'll get with all the subcontractors and get started. We're talking about a groundbreaking but we're not sure when that will actually be. We're just waiting on paperwork to come from Harbin so they can actually get going."

Subcontractors for the project will include Hammeke Electric, Comfort Pro, Devine Masonry, Alliance, Esfeld Construction, Jimlo Glass, C&amp;E Doors and Joiner Construction.

Barton was awarded an ARPA grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the
development of the complex. The federal award is a matching grant of $1.8
million. The Barton Community College Foundation has been working to raise the
matching funds and currently has $561,200 from private donations. Fundraising will
continue throughout the project. Since the project started a few years ago with the concept, architectural and engineering fees are not included with the Harbin bid. 
The facility will house the Top Tech program along with the CDL program, crop
protection, and animal science program.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The new facility will be located on the east side of campus, just behind Community Christian Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676477393589.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton Community College received two bids to complete the construction
for their new Ag Technology Center. Harbin Construction, based in Salina,
submitted the low bid of $3,214,150 and was approved by the college’s Board
of Trustees on Tuesday. Hutton Construction provided the other bid for $3,374,000. 
The 14,000-square-foot facility will house a 50-credit-hour Top Tech Program
in the fall of 2023 that will provide training to become technicians for Case
New Holland. 
Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said the process to begin
construction is just around the corner. "We'll get the contract signed with Harbin," said Dean. "They'll get with all the subcontractors and get started. We're talking about a groundbreaking but we're not sure when that will actually be. We're just waiting on paperwork to come from Harbin so they can actually get going."Subcontractors for the project will include Hammeke Electric, Comfort Pro, Devine Masonry, Alliance, Esfeld Construction, Jimlo Glass, C&amp;E Doors and Joiner Construction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660147873943.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton was awarded an ARPA grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the
development of the complex. The federal award is a matching grant of $1.8
million. The Barton Community College Foundation has been working to raise the
matching funds and currently has $561,200 from private donations. Fundraising will
continue throughout the project. Since the project started a few years ago with the concept, architectural and engineering fees are not included with the Harbin bid. 
The facility will house the Top Tech program along with the CDL program, crop
protection, and animal science program.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The new facility will be located on the east side of campus, just behind Community Christian Church.

Local subcontractors to help construct Barton's $3.2 million Ag Center

The USD 428 Board of Education had to complete step one to get to step two at Monday's meeting. The first step came with no fees attached as the board joined the PCA Purchasing Cooperative. That will allow the district to move forward on the replacement of a boiler at Lincoln Elementary School. That step comes with a price tag of $215,805.

"This has been a longstanding thing we need to get done," said Assistant Superintendent John Popp. "It's just been on the backburner because replacing the boiler is going to be a big issue, and we'd like to replace it with rooftop units, or something that's much more easily servicable by our staff rather than the current boiler system."

The district will pay Wichita-based Innovative Groups, LLC the brunt of that money for the installation of the new unit. The proposal includes work to shore up the roof structure around the 800-pound units. The district will pay $28,000 for four Carrier WeatherMaker rooftop units. 

Maintenance Director Dirk Davis said the old system was dated, which made it difficult to control the temperatures in the two classrooms and library that will be impacted by the new unit. It will save his staff from the trouble of keeping the 24-year-old unit going.

"Basically, everyday I send the guys over there to have to reset it," he said. "Sometimes it's two or three times a day. We've had it serviced and looked at."

Popp said the lead time on rooftop units can be up to 60 months. Under the agreement approved Monday, the district will be able to procure the units right away. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676402120518.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe USD 428 Board of Education had to complete step one to get to step two at Monday's meeting. The first step came with no fees attached as the board joined the PCA Purchasing Cooperative. That will allow the district to move forward on the replacement of a boiler at Lincoln Elementary School. That step comes with a price tag of $215,805."This has been a longstanding thing we need to get done," said Assistant Superintendent John Popp. "It's just been on the backburner because replacing the boiler is going to be a big issue, and we'd like to replace it with rooftop units, or something that's much more easily servicable by our staff rather than the current boiler system."The district will pay Wichita-based Innovative Groups, LLC the brunt of that money for the installation of the new unit. The proposal includes work to shore up the roof structure around the 800-pound units. The district will pay $28,000 for four Carrier WeatherMaker rooftop units. Maintenance Director Dirk Davis said the old system was dated, which made it difficult to control the temperatures in the two classrooms and library that will be impacted by the new unit. It will save his staff from the trouble of keeping the 24-year-old unit going."Basically, everyday I send the guys over there to have to reset it," he said. "Sometimes it's two or three times a day. We've had it serviced and looked at."Popp said the lead time on rooftop units can be up to 60 months. Under the agreement approved Monday, the district will be able to procure the units right away.

Board approves purchase of new heating system for Great Bend school

Action was light at Wednesday morning's Barton County Commission meeting, but the body did approve a pair of hefty contracts. County Works Director Darren Williams presented a bid for the county's cold mix asphalt contract, and County Engineer Barry McManaman presented a bid for road striping. McManaman said the Road and Bridge Department will be doing maintenance work on roads north of K-4 Highway and east of Susank Road.

"The Road and Bridge Department is going to be overlaying and chip sealing in the northeast quadrant of the county this year," he told the commission. "Following the chip seal work, we always have to stripe the center line and edge lines."

McManaman did reach out to two companies in the Wichita area for the striping work, but received just one bid from Straight-Line Striping, Inc., based out of Grand Island, Neb. The lone bid for the 98 miles of road involved came in at $131,854.20. McManaman and Williams have been pleased with Straight-Line's work on past projects.

"On that 98 miles, the white edge lines add to up to just a hair over 1,000,000 lineal feet of striping, and the yellow center line and dash lines is just shy of half a million, so we've got about a million and a half total feet of striping we have to put out there," McManaman said. "It's a big job."

The county received one bid for the cold mix asphalt contract for 2023. The bid specified mixing approximately 25,000 tons of the material. That contract was given to Venture Corporation at a rate of $8.90 per ton. The rate increased from $8.15 per ton last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658332979721.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAction was light at Wednesday morning's Barton County Commission meeting, but the body did approve a pair of hefty contracts. County Works Director Darren Williams presented a bid for the county's cold mix asphalt contract, and County Engineer Barry McManaman presented a bid for road striping. McManaman said the Road and Bridge Department will be doing maintenance work on roads north of K-4 Highway and east of Susank Road."The Road and Bridge Department is going to be overlaying and chip sealing in the northeast quadrant of the county this year," he told the commission. "Following the chip seal work, we always have to stripe the center line and edge lines."McManaman did reach out to two companies in the Wichita area for the striping work, but received just one bid from Straight-Line Striping, Inc., based out of Grand Island, Neb. The lone bid for the 98 miles of road involved came in at $131,854.20. McManaman and Williams have been pleased with Straight-Line's work on past projects."On that 98 miles, the white edge lines add to up to just a hair over 1,000,000 lineal feet of striping, and the yellow center line and dash lines is just shy of half a million, so we've got about a million and a half total feet of striping we have to put out there," McManaman said. "It's a big job."The county received one bid for the cold mix asphalt contract for 2023. The bid specified mixing approximately 25,000 tons of the material. That contract was given to Venture Corporation at a rate of $8.90 per ton. The rate increased from $8.15 per ton last year.

Barton Commission approves bids for asphalt mixing, road striping

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/14) 
 
Missing Person / Runaway 
 
At 9:57 a.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 1224 Jackson Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 10:03 a.m. a theft was reported at 1416 Kansas Avenue. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 10:07 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 12th &amp;
Jefferson. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 10:17 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 12th &amp; Jefferson. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:31 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. 56 Highway &amp; SW 20
Road. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 4:03 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at NW 10 Avenue in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (2/14) 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 2;04 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3214 Forest. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 6:52 a.m. burglary of items over the weekend was reported at 1209 8th. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:04 a.m. two dogs at large was reported at Broadway &amp; Morphy. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 4:02 p.m. an accident was reported at 821 Morphy Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 4:07 p.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported in the 2300 block of 10th
Street. 
 
Missing Person / Runaway 
 
At 5:20 p.m. a report of a daughter missing was made at 2522 Broadway. Daughter
was located. 
 
Battery 
 
At 7:47 p.m. a report of battery was made at 3101 Washington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 11:10 p.m. a report of three cattle in the roadway was made at 10th
&amp; Morphy. Cattle were corralled back to the sale barn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/14) 
 
Missing Person / Runaway 
 
At 9:57 a.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 1224 Jackson Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 10:03 a.m. a theft was reported at 1416 Kansas Avenue. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 10:07 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 12th &amp;
Jefferson. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 10:17 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 12th &amp; Jefferson. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:31 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. 56 Highway &amp; SW 20
Road. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 4:03 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at NW 10 Avenue in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (2/14) 
 
Medical Alarm 
 
At 2;04 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3214 Forest. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 6:52 a.m. burglary of items over the weekend was reported at 1209 8th. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:04 a.m. two dogs at large was reported at Broadway &amp; Morphy. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 4:02 p.m. an accident was reported at 821 Morphy Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 4:07 p.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported in the 2300 block of 10th
Street. 
 
Missing Person / Runaway 
 
At 5:20 p.m. a report of a daughter missing was made at 2522 Broadway. Daughter
was located. 
 
Battery 
 
At 7:47 p.m. a report of battery was made at 3101 Washington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 11:10 p.m. a report of three cattle in the roadway was made at 10th
&amp; Morphy. Cattle were corralled back to the sale barn.

Cop Shop (2/14)

The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo announced the zoo will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 15

"We are experiencing some issues with our cash register system and are unable to make any transactions, and with the forecasted weather, we are going to close the zoo today, Wednesday February 15th. Stay safe and warm out there!!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647012224855.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo announced the zoo will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 15"We are experiencing some issues with our cash register system and are unable to make any transactions, and with the forecasted weather, we are going to close the zoo today, Wednesday February 15th. Stay safe and warm out there!!"

Great Bend zoo closed today due to technology & weather

2/14 BOOKED: Ryan Wong on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Possession of Hallucinogenic and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $25,000 C/S; and on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $480.49 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Interference with LEO, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Wheeler on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $30,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Lori Fiscus on Saline County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine.

BOOKED: Kurt Woods on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,642.50 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Making False Reports, Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Making False Info, Conspiracy to Commit Theft, and Criminal Solicitation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

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

BOOKED: Ethan Johnson of Great Bend District Court case for Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

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

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

RELEASED: Ryan Wong on two Pawnee County District Court warrants Possession of Hallucinogenic and Possession of Paraphernalia and Contempt of Court; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Interference with LEO, after posting a cash bond of 480.49 and surety bonds totaling $27,500 through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Randy Baker on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery, Domestic Violence, 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>2/14 BOOKED: Ryan Wong on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Possession of Hallucinogenic and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $25,000 C/S; and on Pawnee County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $480.49 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Interference with LEO, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Wheeler on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $30,000 C/S.BOOKED: Lori Fiscus on Saline County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine.BOOKED: Kurt Woods on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,642.50 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Making False Reports, Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Making False Info, Conspiracy to Commit Theft, and Criminal Solicitation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: James Johnson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Ethan Johnson of Great Bend District Court case for Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Eric Ramos on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Randy Baker on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery, Domestic Violence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Ryan Wong on two Pawnee County District Court warrants Possession of Hallucinogenic and Possession of Paraphernalia and Contempt of Court; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana and Interference with LEO, after posting a cash bond of 480.49 and surety bonds totaling $27,500 through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Randy Baker on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Battery, Domestic Violence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/14)

The gaming world of eSports has been around for some time, but the
explosion in popularity over the last few years has caused many markets to get
involved. The Great Bend Recreation Commission is now in the process of
bringing eSports, video games turned into a spectator sport, to the community
to enjoy. 
Getting advice from Barton Community College eSports coach Curtis Rose, Great
Bend Rec Business Director Joe Henry said the Rec wants to create tournaments
and leagues for gamers to compete, but also for those interested in watching. "There's almost an equal component of interest in actually playing and watching someone else play," said Henry. "That's why there are such huge revenue streams in on-demand streaming and live streaming. Half of the demographic out there, when they're not playing they want to watch." 
The Recreation Commission plans to purchase seven PlayStation 5 consoles and
several television monitors. Tournaments and leagues would be set up to play
Madden NFL, NBA 2K, Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart. The
competitions, lasting roughly three hours, would most likely take place at the Rec
Center on Stone Street. "I've come across some research that socially and cognitively there are massive benefits for children who aren't very well socialized," said Henry. "They get in these communities where they're in headsets and talking with each other. They're going to things with like-minded individuals. It's showing a lot of social and cognitive benefits." 
While the Rec Commission wants their own leagues and tournaments ready to go by
this summer, Henry announced the Rec will partner with Barton Community College
to hold a Rocket League tournament on March 25 on the college's campus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676392327576.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe gaming world of eSports has been around for some time, but the
explosion in popularity over the last few years has caused many markets to get
involved. The Great Bend Recreation Commission is now in the process of
bringing eSports, video games turned into a spectator sport, to the community
to enjoy. 
Getting advice from Barton Community College eSports coach Curtis Rose, Great
Bend Rec Business Director Joe Henry said the Rec wants to create tournaments
and leagues for gamers to compete, but also for those interested in watching. "There's almost an equal component of interest in actually playing and watching someone else play," said Henry. "That's why there are such huge revenue streams in on-demand streaming and live streaming. Half of the demographic out there, when they're not playing they want to watch." 
The Recreation Commission plans to purchase seven PlayStation 5 consoles and
several television monitors. Tournaments and leagues would be set up to play
Madden NFL, NBA 2K, Rocket League, Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart. The
competitions, lasting roughly three hours, would most likely take place at the Rec
Center on Stone Street. "I've come across some research that socially and cognitively there are massive benefits for children who aren't very well socialized," said Henry. "They get in these communities where they're in headsets and talking with each other. They're going to things with like-minded individuals. It's showing a lot of social and cognitive benefits." 
While the Rec Commission wants their own leagues and tournaments ready to go by
this summer, Henry announced the Rec will partner with Barton Community College
to hold a Rocket League tournament on March 25 on the college's campus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Popularity growing, Great Bend Rec getting involved with eSports

Today Snow, mainly after 3 p.m. High near 35. Breezy, with a northeast wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tonight Snow, mainly before midnight. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly between 7 p.m. and midnight. Low around 15. Wind chill values as low as -4. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 22 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Thursday Patchy blowing snow before noon. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 32. Wind chill values as low as -4. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 21 to 26 mph decreasing to 14 to 19 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 38 mph.

Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 12. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west southwest in the evening.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 46. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Breezy.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 26.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Tuesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Snow, mainly after 3 p.m. High near 35. Breezy, with a northeast wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.Tonight Snow, mainly before midnight. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow, mainly between 7 p.m. and midnight. Low around 15. Wind chill values as low as -4. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 22 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.Thursday Patchy blowing snow before noon. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 32. Wind chill values as low as -4. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 21 to 26 mph decreasing to 14 to 19 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 38 mph.Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 12. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west southwest in the evening.Friday Sunny, with a high near 46. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Breezy.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 26.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.Tuesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.&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/3vYP4rP. 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 February 15, 2023 9 a.m. until close

&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 8, 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 – Third 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 1, 2023, and ending February 15, 2023.

IV. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. INVENTORY OF COUNTY PROPERTY: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk; Chris Saenz, Equipment Technician; and Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will provide details. Per KSA 19-2687, each County officer and head of a department shall make an inventory of the personal property owned by the County and located in such office or department. The inventory, which shall be taken during the month of December of each year, shall be filed with the County Clerk on or before December 31 of each year. The inventory shall not include books, records, files, stationery, writing materials and blank legal papers. The information will be presented to the Commission during February of each year. Per Resolution 2005-22, the mandated duties have been assigned to the Information Technology Department.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. ROAD AND BRIDGE: 2023 Cold Mix Asphalt Contract: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Darren Williams, County Works Director, will provide details. The Road and Bridge Department accepted bids until 2:00 p.m., February 7, 2023, for the 2023 Cold Mix Asphalt Contract. The bid specified mixing approximately 25,000 tons of cold mix asphalt material, with the County furnishing all aggregate and asphalt oil. Using the County specifications, the contractor will be required to mix asphalt at the county pit on South Washington, Great Bend. Venture Corporation provided the only bid at $8.90 per ton. Funding was included in the 2023 Budget for this anticipated expense.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: 2023 Highway Striping Project: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. Barton County accepted proposals for the 2023 Highway Striping Project until 2:00 p.m., February 7, 2023. Work includes centerline and edge line striping on approximately 98 miles of County roadway. Straight-Line Striping, Inc. submitted unit prices for the estimated quantity of both white and yellow paint, as well as the glass beads that provide reflectivity to the striping. The actual quantities of each material used by the contractor will be paid for at the unit prices submitted. There were no other bidders.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KANSAS NATURAL RESOURCE COALITION: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) serves as a conduit between local, state and federal governments to promote balanced, necessary and effective administrative policymaking initiatives that materially affect the natural or human systems governed by individual member counties. The Commission has been asked to approve membership for 2023.&nbsp;

&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&nbsp;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; &nbsp; -Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Monday, February 20, 2023, in observance of Presidents Day. The Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will also be closed. The Landfill will close at 11:00 a.m. that day. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Personnel – Levi Morris, County Attorney.

&nbsp; &nbsp;10:00 a.m. – Discussion – Upgrade locking system for the Barton County Annex – Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, and Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology&nbsp;Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. – Acciona Energy Update and Conditional Land Use Permit Application – Tillman Infrastructure, LLC by Skyward Land Services, Inc. – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.

&nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Wire Guard System Addition to Caterpillar Compactor Rebuild – Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, Director of Operations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010073223.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/3vYP4rP. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERSAgenda Meeting February 15, 2023 9 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 8, 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 – Third 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 1, 2023, and ending February 15, 2023.IV. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.V. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. INVENTORY OF COUNTY PROPERTY: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk; Chris Saenz, Equipment Technician; and Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will provide details. Per KSA 19-2687, each County officer and head of a department shall make an inventory of the personal property owned by the County and located in such office or department. The inventory, which shall be taken during the month of December of each year, shall be filed with the County Clerk on or before December 31 of each year. The inventory shall not include books, records, files, stationery, writing materials and blank legal papers. The information will be presented to the Commission during February of each year. Per Resolution 2005-22, the mandated duties have been assigned to the Information Technology Department.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. ROAD AND BRIDGE: 2023 Cold Mix Asphalt Contract: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Darren Williams, County Works Director, will provide details. The Road and Bridge Department accepted bids until 2:00 p.m., February 7, 2023, for the 2023 Cold Mix Asphalt Contract. The bid specified mixing approximately 25,000 tons of cold mix asphalt material, with the County furnishing all aggregate and asphalt oil. Using the County specifications, the contractor will be required to mix asphalt at the county pit on South Washington, Great Bend. Venture Corporation provided the only bid at $8.90 per ton. Funding was included in the 2023 Budget for this anticipated expense.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: 2023 Highway Striping Project: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. Barton County accepted proposals for the 2023 Highway Striping Project until 2:00 p.m., February 7, 2023. Work includes centerline and edge line striping on approximately 98 miles of County roadway. Straight-Line Striping, Inc. submitted unit prices for the estimated quantity of both white and yellow paint, as well as the glass beads that provide reflectivity to the striping. The actual quantities of each material used by the contractor will be paid for at the unit prices submitted. There were no other bidders.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KANSAS NATURAL RESOURCE COALITION: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will present details. The Kansas Natural Resource Coalition (KNRC) serves as a conduit between local, state and federal governments to promote balanced, necessary and effective administrative policymaking initiatives that materially affect the natural or human systems governed by individual member counties. The Commission has been asked to approve membership for 2023.&nbsp; &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&nbsp;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; &nbsp; -Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Monday, February 20, 2023, in observance of Presidents Day. The Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will also be closed. The Landfill will close at 11:00 a.m. that day. Emergency services will be in normal operation.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Personnel – Levi Morris, County Attorney.&nbsp; &nbsp;10:00 a.m. – Discussion – Upgrade locking system for the Barton County Annex – Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, and Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology&nbsp;Director.&nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. – Acciona Energy Update and Conditional Land Use Permit Application – Tillman Infrastructure, LLC by Skyward Land Services, Inc. – Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.&nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – Wire Guard System Addition to Caterpillar Compactor Rebuild – Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director.&nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, Director of Operations.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Pam Wornkey, Register of Deeds, is scheduled for February 16, 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 22, 2023.VIII. ADJOURN.