By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Barton County Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said he had three reasons to run for office: his kids. The only way to keep his kids - and the many others in Barton County - home is to make the county a great place to live. That's why he pushed for the Facade Improvement Grant program in 2021. The commission has allocated $630,000 since then to help improve downtowns in Barton County communities. Wednesday morning, the commission voted to renew the program with another $250,000 at large.

"When I asked these new commissioners what their No. 1 objective was as a commissioner, there were only two comments," Hutchinson said. "One was more community involvement, and the other was sustaining or lowering the mil levy. I believe this checks both of those boxes."

Hutchinson said the only way to cut taxes is to cut services or grow the tax base. Not only does the grant program increase property valuations, but most of the $630,000 in the first round was used by local contractors purchasing local supplies.

"The other commissioners couldn't have done this because they didn't come on when we came when there were ARPA funds and other funds," Commissioner Barb Esfeld told Hutchinson. "I believe that, through your inspiration, your idea, we found a way to use that ARPA money to keep giving back to our county. It wasn't a one-time spend it. This just keeps coming back to our communities."

There are a few new rules for the second round of grants. Eligible properties must be on the main business corridor in the community, or visible from those corridors. Only 25 percent of the grant can be used for windows, and another 25 percent can be used for signage. With the grant, the county matches 75 percent of project expenses with a maximum award of $20,000. That means a business can complete approximately $26,000 in renovations for just $6,000 out of pocket. The first round of grants assisted 45 businesses around the county. The county will reopen the application process later this month.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642619756471.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBarton County Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said he had three reasons to run for office: his kids. The only way to keep his kids - and the many others in Barton County - home is to make the county a great place to live. That's why he pushed for the Facade Improvement Grant program in 2021. The commission has allocated $630,000 since then to help improve downtowns in Barton County communities. Wednesday morning, the commission voted to renew the program with another $250,000 at large."When I asked these new commissioners what their No. 1 objective was as a commissioner, there were only two comments," Hutchinson said. "One was more community involvement, and the other was sustaining or lowering the mil levy. I believe this checks both of those boxes."Hutchinson said the only way to cut taxes is to cut services or grow the tax base. Not only does the grant program increase property valuations, but most of the $630,000 in the first round was used by local contractors purchasing local supplies."The other commissioners couldn't have done this because they didn't come on when we came when there were ARPA funds and other funds," Commissioner Barb Esfeld told Hutchinson. "I believe that, through your inspiration, your idea, we found a way to use that ARPA money to keep giving back to our county. It wasn't a one-time spend it. This just keeps coming back to our communities."There are a few new rules for the second round of grants. Eligible properties must be on the main business corridor in the community, or visible from those corridors. Only 25 percent of the grant can be used for windows, and another 25 percent can be used for signage. With the grant, the county matches 75 percent of project expenses with a maximum award of $20,000. That means a business can complete approximately $26,000 in renovations for just $6,000 out of pocket. The first round of grants assisted 45 businesses around the county. The county will reopen the application process later this month.

Barton County renews Facade Improvement Grant program

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/9) 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 8:07 a.m. a trespassing case was reported at 2415 Coronado Avenue. 
 
At 10:34 a.m. a trespassing case was reported at SE 60 Avenue &amp; SE 30 Road
in Ellinwood. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 10:42 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 9th &amp; Morton. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 3:57 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 1408 Kansas Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 5:20 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 633 E. Lakeview Dr. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:17 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 316 Walnut Street in Pawnee
Rock. 
 
Child in Need of Care 
 
At 10:35 p.m. a child in need of care was reported at 250 S. Main Street in
Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log
(2/9) 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 8:07 a.m. a trespassing report was made at 2415 Coronado Avenue. 
 
Battery 
 
At 1:37 p.m. JoAnn Blevins reported a batter at 1212 Garfield Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 2:40 p.m. an animal bite was reported at Holland &amp; Lakin. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 3:39 p.m. an officer reported K-9 deployment at 995 K Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:08 p.m. an accident was reported at Main &amp; 10th. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 6:09 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2531 19th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 8:48 p.m. theft of a wallet was reported at 3503 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/9) 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 8:07 a.m. a trespassing case was reported at 2415 Coronado Avenue. 
 
At 10:34 a.m. a trespassing case was reported at SE 60 Avenue &amp; SE 30 Road
in Ellinwood. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 10:42 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 9th &amp; Morton. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 3:57 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 1408 Kansas Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 5:20 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 633 E. Lakeview Dr. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:17 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 316 Walnut Street in Pawnee
Rock. 
 
Child in Need of Care 
 
At 10:35 p.m. a child in need of care was reported at 250 S. Main Street in
Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log
(2/9) 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 8:07 a.m. a trespassing report was made at 2415 Coronado Avenue. 
 
Battery 
 
At 1:37 p.m. JoAnn Blevins reported a batter at 1212 Garfield Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 2:40 p.m. an animal bite was reported at Holland &amp; Lakin. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 3:39 p.m. an officer reported K-9 deployment at 995 K Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:08 p.m. an accident was reported at Main &amp; 10th. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 6:09 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2531 19th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 8:48 p.m. theft of a wallet was reported at 3503 10th Street.

Cop Shop (2/9)

PAWNEE COUNTY—Officials in Pawnee County were notified Thursday that John Freeman Colt was sentenced in the Federal District Court of Utah to a 21-month term with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, according to a statement from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

In June of 2021, Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment program on the campus of Larned State Hospital. Following a nationwide manhunt, he was arrested in Wayne County, Utah on Sept. 27, 2021. 

On Aug. 11, 2022, Colt entered a Guilty plea to a single count of Failing to Register under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

He is currently charged under Kansas Law with Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony. Additionally, he is still subject to his civil commitment to the Kansas Sexual Predator Treatment Program. Once he completes his sentence on the federal conviction, arrangements will be made for Colt’s extradition back to Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632850718422.png" alt="Colt after his arrest in Wayne County Utah" />
 <figcaption>Colt after his arrest in Wayne County Utah</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—Officials in Pawnee County were notified Thursday that John Freeman Colt was sentenced in the Federal District Court of Utah to a 21-month term with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, according to a statement from Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1625086515798.png" alt="-Colt during his escape from the Larned State Hospital-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>-Colt during his escape from the Larned State Hospital-photo Pawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>In June of 2021, Colt escaped from the Sexual Predator Treatment program on the campus of Larned State Hospital. Following a nationwide manhunt, he was arrested in Wayne County, Utah on Sept. 27, 2021. On Aug. 11, 2022, Colt entered a Guilty plea to a single count of Failing to Register under the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.He is currently charged under Kansas Law with Aggravated Escape from Custody, a severity level 8 non-person felony. Additionally, he is still subject to his civil commitment to the Kansas Sexual Predator Treatment Program. Once he completes his sentence on the federal conviction, arrangements will be made for Colt’s extradition back to Kansas.

Escapee from Larned State Hospital sentenced on federal charges

🎥SPONSORED: Explore Mind Sculpt Games, where games build brains

2/9 BOOKED: Bruce Felder on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Habitual Violator, No Proof of Insurance, and Turn Signal, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Matthew Cooley on two Barton County District Court cases for Probation Violation, total bond set at $105,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Tyler Smith on two Barton County District Court cases, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Jason Loss on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $100,000 C/S; and on a warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Corey Wood on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.

BOOKED: Jose Landrau on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jonathon Hertel on Barton County District Court case for Kidnapping, Driving Under the Influence, and Battery, bond set at $50,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Bruce Felder on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Habitual Violator, No Proof of Insurance, and Turn Signal, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Traxler Denning on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jose Landrau on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>2/9 BOOKED: Bruce Felder on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Habitual Violator, No Proof of Insurance, and Turn Signal, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Matthew Cooley on two Barton County District Court cases for Probation Violation, total bond set at $105,000 C/S.BOOKED: Tyler Smith on two Barton County District Court cases, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Jason Loss on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $100,000 C/S; and on a warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Corey Wood on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set.BOOKED: Jose Landrau on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jonathon Hertel on Barton County District Court case for Kidnapping, Driving Under the Influence, and Battery, bond set at $50,000 C/S.RELEASED: Bruce Felder on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Habitual Violator, No Proof of Insurance, and Turn Signal, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Traxler Denning on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jose Landrau on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/9)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Early estimates showed the .15% quality of life sales tax in Great Bend
would collect $567,000 in a year. With the city recently receiving some of their
best tax collections in history, that number could be on the rise. 

A 10-year
master plan has outlined a number of goals the city can take on, and Interim
City Administrator Logan Burns said the city council will conduct a work
session on Feb. 21 to organize the next projects. "We'll go over the plans for each project," said Burns. "Brit Spaugh Park and the splashpad will be the biggest projects, but we'll be going through all the small ones as well." 
The Quality of Life committee and the city anticipate the splashpad to be
installed at Veterans Memorial Park, but a definite location has not been
finalized. The Brit Spaugh Park project includes adding a basketball court,
pickleball courts and a mini soccer pitch on the south side of the park. 
The council will discuss all the projects on the master plan after their
meeting on Feb. 21 at City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658285388941.jpeg" alt="The City of Great Bend will discuss quality of life projects Feb. 21. The list of projects includes major improvements to the south side of Brit Spaugh Park." />
 <figcaption>The City of Great Bend will discuss quality of life projects Feb. 21. The list of projects includes major improvements to the south side of Brit Spaugh Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostEarly estimates showed the .15% quality of life sales tax in Great Bend
would collect $567,000 in a year. With the city recently receiving some of their
best tax collections in history, that number could be on the rise. A 10-year
master plan has outlined a number of goals the city can take on, and Interim
City Administrator Logan Burns said the city council will conduct a work
session on Feb. 21 to organize the next projects. "We'll go over the plans for each project," said Burns. "Brit Spaugh Park and the splashpad will be the biggest projects, but we'll be going through all the small ones as well." 
The Quality of Life committee and the city anticipate the splashpad to be
installed at Veterans Memorial Park, but a definite location has not been
finalized. The Brit Spaugh Park project includes adding a basketball court,
pickleball courts and a mini soccer pitch on the south side of the park. 
The council will discuss all the projects on the master plan after their
meeting on Feb. 21 at City Hall.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend to discuss execution of 'quality of life' projects

Today Sunny, with a high near 43. North wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 20. Light and variable wind becoming south southwest 5 to 10 mph in the evening.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 53. South-southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Saturday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Super Bowl Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. South wind 14 to 17 mph becoming north-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 57.

Monday Night Rain likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday Rain likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Wednesday A 30-percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Breezy.

Wednesday Night A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 43. North wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 20. Light and variable wind becoming south southwest 5 to 10 mph in the evening.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 53. South-southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Saturday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 31. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Super Bowl Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. South wind 14 to 17 mph becoming north-northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 25.Monday Sunny, with a high near 57.Monday Night Rain likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Tuesday Rain likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.Wednesday A 30-percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Breezy.Wednesday Night A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

Rain doesn’t fall often in Sherman County, Kansas, so farmers like David Leonard have learned how to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that does come and supplementing what Mother Nature doesn’t provide through irrigation. That combination of practice and luck is Leonard’s not-so-secret to winning the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest with an entry of nearly 120 bushels per acre.

Leonard’s operation near Goodland is a diversified operation with a mix of dryland and irrigated acres in addition to a small cow-calf operation. Encouraged by his PlainsGold seed rep, he entered the yield contest for the first time in 2022. His entry came from a field planted to certified seed wheat that followed pinto beans, which provided some moisture profile.&nbsp;

“Our soil will hold about 1.8 inches of moisture per foot,” Leonard said. “So, if we have six feet of subsoil, we have some gas in the tank. We had some of that last year, but we don’t have that this year.”&nbsp;

From planting until harvest, the field only received 6.2 inches of moisture, so Leonard pumped another 10 inches of water to help the wheat crop along. He also furtigated nitrogen through the pivot to further boost yields. The widespread drought conditions last growing season meant it was too dry for even the weeds to grow, so he did not apply any fungicide.&nbsp;

“We didn’t use any fungicide because there was no green bridge to get stripe rust up here from Texas,” Leonard said. “When you’re that dry, you don’t have those issues.”&nbsp;

Closer to harvest, he applied a growth regulator. But, two days later the weather turned very hot, negating the application’s effect.&nbsp;

“It got really hot, so the growth regulator probably wouldn’t have been necessary because the wheat progressed really fast,” Leonard said. “Normally when you get these kinds of yields, the wheat is pretty tall and trying to lean over pretty hard.”&nbsp;

In the end, the plot of Langin yielded 119.57 bushels per acre. Leonard said he might have been even higher, but one of the few rain showers that the crop did receive came during harvest, which lowered test weights slightly.&nbsp;

But the result was an award-winning entry in the National Wheat Yield Contest, and, even more importantly, he sold the whole field for certified seed, so last year’s wheat harvest was a success.&nbsp;

What will this year’s National Wheat Yield Contest bring? That’s largely up to Mother Nature but follow Kansas Wheat to learn more about how Leonard and other Kansas winners selected varieties and took advantage of limited rains to maximize yields.&nbsp;

Producers can also check out Wheat Rx, a partnership between Kansas Wheat and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers. Wheat Rx is a series of Extension publications and other educational outreach designed to address key management areas of hard winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat check-off.

Check out the latest recommendations at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010IigZ7XBhP_dAsF4-tcYVrrerAGEoRLdp56-gApyAT4oQcfN7z1M2OKPcF_ksyjaQHn5nOrjRvEnN1A-mM1WjIzr3-4LPlyec8hU0QvPBEFYWO_AiphfCa_QupRFQyMd-MNAwVw911UNS_pR6DvceGvRMs1lelv97-DO-aPqBt0=&amp;c=YX82VPywldKL5w0gTpKA_zwdxP2jZ1zoq-GR0o2_-zHV419Z7oF2GQ==&amp;ch=-_J3Pw-f2sYPkeleIuUoxdj8qmnIaD_IBt3rDUizT3nIRHz9rUScag==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.&nbsp;

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662500196293.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rain doesn’t fall often in Sherman County, Kansas, so farmers like David Leonard have learned how to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that does come and supplementing what Mother Nature doesn’t provide through irrigation. That combination of practice and luck is Leonard’s not-so-secret to winning the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest with an entry of nearly 120 bushels per acre.Leonard’s operation near Goodland is a diversified operation with a mix of dryland and irrigated acres in addition to a small cow-calf operation. Encouraged by his PlainsGold seed rep, he entered the yield contest for the first time in 2022. His entry came from a field planted to certified seed wheat that followed pinto beans, which provided some moisture profile.&nbsp;“Our soil will hold about 1.8 inches of moisture per foot,” Leonard said. “So, if we have six feet of subsoil, we have some gas in the tank. We had some of that last year, but we don’t have that this year.”&nbsp;From planting until harvest, the field only received 6.2 inches of moisture, so Leonard pumped another 10 inches of water to help the wheat crop along. He also furtigated nitrogen through the pivot to further boost yields. The widespread drought conditions last growing season meant it was too dry for even the weeds to grow, so he did not apply any fungicide.&nbsp;“We didn’t use any fungicide because there was no green bridge to get stripe rust up here from Texas,” Leonard said. “When you’re that dry, you don’t have those issues.”&nbsp;Closer to harvest, he applied a growth regulator. But, two days later the weather turned very hot, negating the application’s effect.&nbsp;“It got really hot, so the growth regulator probably wouldn’t have been necessary because the wheat progressed really fast,” Leonard said. “Normally when you get these kinds of yields, the wheat is pretty tall and trying to lean over pretty hard.”&nbsp;In the end, the plot of Langin yielded 119.57 bushels per acre. Leonard said he might have been even higher, but one of the few rain showers that the crop did receive came during harvest, which lowered test weights slightly.&nbsp;But the result was an award-winning entry in the National Wheat Yield Contest, and, even more importantly, he sold the whole field for certified seed, so last year’s wheat harvest was a success.&nbsp;What will this year’s National Wheat Yield Contest bring? That’s largely up to Mother Nature but follow Kansas Wheat to learn more about how Leonard and other Kansas winners selected varieties and took advantage of limited rains to maximize yields.&nbsp;Producers can also check out Wheat Rx, a partnership between Kansas Wheat and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers. Wheat Rx is a series of Extension publications and other educational outreach designed to address key management areas of hard winter wheat. These publications contain recent data based on novel research funded in part by wheat farmers through the Kansas Wheat check-off.Check out the latest recommendations at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010IigZ7XBhP_dAsF4-tcYVrrerAGEoRLdp56-gApyAT4oQcfN7z1M2OKPcF_ksyjaQHn5nOrjRvEnN1A-mM1WjIzr3-4LPlyec8hU0QvPBEFYWO_AiphfCa_QupRFQyMd-MNAwVw911UNS_pR6DvceGvRMs1lelv97-DO-aPqBt0=&amp;c=YX82VPywldKL5w0gTpKA_zwdxP2jZ1zoq-GR0o2_-zHV419Z7oF2GQ==&amp;ch=-_J3Pw-f2sYPkeleIuUoxdj8qmnIaD_IBt3rDUizT3nIRHz9rUScag==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.&nbsp;Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop:  David Leonard wins 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler that aired Feb. 8, 2023.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday 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 week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler that aired Feb. 8, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/dse1ah5p/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙City Edition: Public Lands Director Scott Keeler

It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Semi-determinate plants are more compact, but also are capable of producing fruit throughout the season. Another classification is known as determinate, or those varieties that produce one large crop but then virtually nothing afterwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Upham said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Upham.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even though indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production in both types,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Upham said.&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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are either indeterminate or semi-determinate,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.&nbsp;&nbsp;Semi-determinate plants are more compact, but also are capable of producing fruit throughout the season. Another classification is known as determinate, or those varieties that produce one large crop but then virtually nothing afterwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or semi-determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Upham said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”&nbsp;&nbsp;In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Upham.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though indeterminate and semi-determinate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production in both types,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Upham said.&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;

BOOR: Tomato planting

Find out more about the grant program through the linked story below. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/668074a0-0d20-478e-943c-f3f2a49f5851">Facade improvement grants coming to an end in Barton County</a>

Find out more about the grant program through the linked story below. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/668074a0-0d20-478e-943c-f3f2a49f5851">Facade improvement grants coming to an end in Barton County</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675868748417.jpeg" alt="Miller's of Claflin, 201 Main Street in Claflin, received improvements to its exterior with help from the facade improvement grant program through Barton County." />
 <figcaption>Miller's of Claflin, 201 Main Street in Claflin, received improvements to its exterior with help from the facade improvement grant program through Barton County.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Claflin downtown facade improvement

The "no vacancy" sign will never be lit up on the new electronic sign outside the Barton County Sheriff's Office. But Sheriff Brian Bellendir does plan to update the sign with the number of inmates daily. The sheriff recently shared some of the details about the ins and outs of booking in and releasing offenders, starting with the separation of inmates.

"They're segregated by what the crime is, how dangerous they are, how dangerous they are towards staff," Bellendir said. "You may have somebody in there on a minimal crime but is just a very violent individual, so we will put them in maximum security and handle them differently than the guy that's in there for his third or fourth DUI doing a year sentence."

Just more than 70 inmates were being housed in the jail last week, down from a maximum of nearly 120 in 2022. The booking-in process actually begins outside the jail at the sally port, where staff inside the jail can communicate with whoever is outside. The name is derived from an old military maneuver meant to reduce the strength of an attacking force. In law enforcement, the sally port is simply a way to control traffic in and out of the jail. One door opens only after a second door closes.

"Even if somebody would try to escape and make it out of a cell, and manage to get through the first door, they would still have to get through the second door," said Bellendir. "It's set up on both ends of the jail like that before you get to the outside."

Once inside, the detaining officer is given a body receipt once the prisoner is transferred to the custody of the sheriff's office. At that time, the sheriff's office becomes responsible for the prisoner. The inmate is searched, fingerprinted, and photographed. Bellendir's staff uses two mirrors, each set at a 45-degree angle, so one photo reveals a head-on shot and profiles from each side. 

For mugshots at the Barton County Jail, inmates are either dressed in the typical orange jumpsuit, or a towel is thrown over their civilian clothes to cover offensive shirts, or sometimes to protect employers when an employee is arrested wearing the company uniform.

Once the inmate's identity is confirmed, identifiers like scars and tattoos are entered into and checked against the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database for warrants out of other jurisdictions. That search is conducted again before the inmate is released from custody.

"Occasionally, somebody will be sitting in jail, and another jurisdiction will kick a warrant out on a previous crime we don't know about," Bellendir said. "That makes people really unhappy if you turn them loose and they have a warrant."

Bellendir said the Barton jail is broken into minimum, medium, and maximum security areas. Master control has physical eyes on five pods, or secure areas where non-threatening inmates can be while out of their cells during the day.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584383941297.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe "no vacancy" sign will never be lit up on the new electronic sign outside the Barton County Sheriff's Office. But Sheriff Brian Bellendir does plan to update the sign with the number of inmates daily. The sheriff recently shared some of the details about the ins and outs of booking in and releasing offenders, starting with the separation of inmates."They're segregated by what the crime is, how dangerous they are, how dangerous they are towards staff," Bellendir said. "You may have somebody in there on a minimal crime but is just a very violent individual, so we will put them in maximum security and handle them differently than the guy that's in there for his third or fourth DUI doing a year sentence."Just more than 70 inmates were being housed in the jail last week, down from a maximum of nearly 120 in 2022. The booking-in process actually begins outside the jail at the sally port, where staff inside the jail can communicate with whoever is outside. The name is derived from an old military maneuver meant to reduce the strength of an attacking force. In law enforcement, the sally port is simply a way to control traffic in and out of the jail. One door opens only after a second door closes."Even if somebody would try to escape and make it out of a cell, and manage to get through the first door, they would still have to get through the second door," said Bellendir. "It's set up on both ends of the jail like that before you get to the outside."Once inside, the detaining officer is given a body receipt once the prisoner is transferred to the custody of the sheriff's office. At that time, the sheriff's office becomes responsible for the prisoner. The inmate is searched, fingerprinted, and photographed. Bellendir's staff uses two mirrors, each set at a 45-degree angle, so one photo reveals a head-on shot and profiles from each side. For mugshots at the Barton County Jail, inmates are either dressed in the typical orange jumpsuit, or a towel is thrown over their civilian clothes to cover offensive shirts, or sometimes to protect employers when an employee is arrested wearing the company uniform.Once the inmate's identity is confirmed, identifiers like scars and tattoos are entered into and checked against the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database for warrants out of other jurisdictions. That search is conducted again before the inmate is released from custody."Occasionally, somebody will be sitting in jail, and another jurisdiction will kick a warrant out on a previous crime we don't know about," Bellendir said. "That makes people really unhappy if you turn them loose and they have a warrant."Bellendir said the Barton jail is broken into minimum, medium, and maximum security areas. Master control has physical eyes on five pods, or secure areas where non-threatening inmates can be while out of their cells during the day.

Barton Sheriff: Traffic never stops when running a county jail

Matt Patzner has worn many hats during his eight years as a Barton County employee. And the hats are getting bigger. For the past 14 months, Patzner has served as the county director of operations. Wednesday morning, the Barton County Commission went one step further by promoting him to county administrator. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said Patzner is a team player and deserves the position.

"Having worked under elected officials alongside other administrative employees, he knows the daily, monthly, and annual work that's required to keep the business of the county rolling," Hutchinson said. "He's bright enough and involved enough to spearhead the special events that happen. I enjoy working with Matt, and I'm delighted to watch his career grow with Barton County. With his open-door policy and willingness to help everyone, he will thrive as Barton County's next administrator."

Commissioner Donna Zimmerman, who spent 26 years as the county clerk, helped bring Patzner into his first position with the county. She said she's glad he chose to come back to his hometown to work, and Commissioner Barb Esfeld seconded the sentiment.

"I, too, being the appraiser and working with Matt from the day he came on, I was very impressed with first his age and how mature," Esfeld said. "Now, as I look back, everything you've taken on, I'm just thankful you came back to your hometown and are staying here. I'm happy to have him as well. He's a definite blessing to our county."

Patzner thanked the commission, county employees, and elected officials for making his job a little easier.

"I just want to say this is a great group of commissioners to work with," he said. "I really appreciate how involved all of you are. That makes it fun to come into work knowing you're making a difference. I can't say enough about our department heads, our staff. This is just a great place to be. I'm really happy, and I really appreciate your vote of confidence in me."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675886503121.jpeg" alt="Matt Patzner" />
 <figcaption>Matt Patzner</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMatt Patzner has worn many hats during his eight years as a Barton County employee. And the hats are getting bigger. For the past 14 months, Patzner has served as the county director of operations. Wednesday morning, the Barton County Commission went one step further by promoting him to county administrator. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson said Patzner is a team player and deserves the position."Having worked under elected officials alongside other administrative employees, he knows the daily, monthly, and annual work that's required to keep the business of the county rolling," Hutchinson said. "He's bright enough and involved enough to spearhead the special events that happen. I enjoy working with Matt, and I'm delighted to watch his career grow with Barton County. With his open-door policy and willingness to help everyone, he will thrive as Barton County's next administrator."Commissioner Donna Zimmerman, who spent 26 years as the county clerk, helped bring Patzner into his first position with the county. She said she's glad he chose to come back to his hometown to work, and Commissioner Barb Esfeld seconded the sentiment."I, too, being the appraiser and working with Matt from the day he came on, I was very impressed with first his age and how mature," Esfeld said. "Now, as I look back, everything you've taken on, I'm just thankful you came back to your hometown and are staying here. I'm happy to have him as well. He's a definite blessing to our county."Patzner thanked the commission, county employees, and elected officials for making his job a little easier."I just want to say this is a great group of commissioners to work with," he said. "I really appreciate how involved all of you are. That makes it fun to come into work knowing you're making a difference. I can't say enough about our department heads, our staff. This is just a great place to be. I'm really happy, and I really appreciate your vote of confidence in me."

Patzner named new Barton County Administrator

The Great Bend Recreation Commission welcomes Joe Henry to the Rec team as the Business Director. Joe is married to his wife, Lindsey, for 17 years and together they have two girls, Lily (13) and Elise (10). Their transition from Colorado to Kansas began in 2021 and are pleased to establish themselves in central Kansas.

Joe’s strong conviction in pursuing a “dream job” is discovering an organization that allows passion and personal values to merge. He considers himself fortunate in joining GBRC, an organization that aims for this sentiment while striving for excellence in improving the lives of the community members through recreation.

Joe was born in McPherson and moved to Loveland, Colorado when he was six. His entire life was built surrounded by recreation and outdoors where he became involved in hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, camping and organized team sports. Joe loves people, values togetherness, and believes we are healthier in connection with one another.

Joe has over 20 years of business experience and received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Family Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, as well as a master’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675884820692.jpeg" alt="Joe Henry" />
 <figcaption>Joe Henry</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThe Great Bend Recreation Commission welcomes Joe Henry to the Rec team as the Business Director. Joe is married to his wife, Lindsey, for 17 years and together they have two girls, Lily (13) and Elise (10). Their transition from Colorado to Kansas began in 2021 and are pleased to establish themselves in central Kansas.Joe’s strong conviction in pursuing a “dream job” is discovering an organization that allows passion and personal values to merge. He considers himself fortunate in joining GBRC, an organization that aims for this sentiment while striving for excellence in improving the lives of the community members through recreation.Joe was born in McPherson and moved to Loveland, Colorado when he was six. His entire life was built surrounded by recreation and outdoors where he became involved in hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, camping and organized team sports. Joe loves people, values togetherness, and believes we are healthier in connection with one another.Joe has over 20 years of business experience and received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Family Studies from the University of Northern Colorado, as well as a master’s degree in Psychology from Colorado Christian University.

Great Bend Rec welcomes Henry as new Business Director

The City of Great Bend put out bids for construction of the street
resurfacing project for 2023. Expected to begin this summer, the project will consist
of approximately 13 blocks, including a heavily-trafficked section of McKinley
Street and several streets in the southeast section of town. 
Great Bend Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said these streets fit right
into the budget for the resurfacing project that will be funded from the
quarter-cent sales tax. "McKinley has needed a full-depth for a long time," said Kadiyala. "We have a huge amount of traffic on it. These streets in the southeast part of town are in a shape that are not suitable for chip or crack seals. By doing a two-inch overlay on it, we can certify the base and do chip and crack seals on it in the future." 
A full-depth repair will be performed on McKinley Street from 10th
to 8th Street. Other roads to be resurfaced will include Firethorne, Buckeye and Dogwood from 3rd Street to Barton Drive. Also included in the project will be Cedar, Evergreen and Almond from 4th Street to Barton Drive. 
The Great Bend City Council approved the only bid received from Venture
Corporation for $925,900.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657828301647.jpeg" alt="McKinley Street, between 10th and 8th, will be resurfaced sometime this summer in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>McKinley Street, between 10th and 8th, will be resurfaced sometime this summer in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend put out bids for construction of the street
resurfacing project for 2023. Expected to begin this summer, the project will consist
of approximately 13 blocks, including a heavily-trafficked section of McKinley
Street and several streets in the southeast section of town. 
Great Bend Assistant City Engineer Hitha Kadiyala said these streets fit right
into the budget for the resurfacing project that will be funded from the
quarter-cent sales tax. "McKinley has needed a full-depth for a long time," said Kadiyala. "We have a huge amount of traffic on it. These streets in the southeast part of town are in a shape that are not suitable for chip or crack seals. By doing a two-inch overlay on it, we can certify the base and do chip and crack seals on it in the future." 
A full-depth repair will be performed on McKinley Street from 10th
to 8th Street. Other roads to be resurfaced will include Firethorne, Buckeye and Dogwood from 3rd Street to Barton Drive. Also included in the project will be Cedar, Evergreen and Almond from 4th Street to Barton Drive. 
The Great Bend City Council approved the only bid received from Venture
Corporation for $925,900.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Busy section of McKinley to be resurfaced in Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/8) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:40 a.m. an accident was reported at SW 50 Road &amp; SW 110 Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 2:25 p.m. a theft was reported at 184 NE 10 Road. 
 
Arson 
 
At 2:47 p.m. arson was reported at 3907 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 7:59 p.m. a chase was reported at NW K-96 Highway &amp; Sheridan Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 9:19 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 151 S. US 281 Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (2/8) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:40 a.m. an accident was reported at SW 50 Road &amp; SW 110 Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 2:25 p.m. a theft was reported at 184 NE 10 Road. 
 
Arson 
 
At 2:47 p.m. arson was reported at 3907 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 7:59 p.m. a chase was reported at NW K-96 Highway &amp; Sheridan Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 9:19 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 151 S. US 281 Highway.

Cop Shop (2/8)

2/8 BOOKED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

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

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

BOOKED: Sammy Jahay three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $30,000 C/S.

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

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

RELEASED: Jason Battaglear on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, to treatment.

RELEASED: Brett Woods on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, and an Ellis County District Court warrant, to another facility.

RELEASED: Philip Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, 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>2/8 BOOKED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Traxler Denning on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Erin Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Sammy Jahay three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $30,000 C/S.BOOKED: Philip Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Christopher Buckley on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jason Battaglear on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, to treatment.RELEASED: Brett Woods on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, and an Ellis County District Court warrant, to another facility.RELEASED: Philip Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (2/8)

Two weeks between the National Football League's conference championship games and the big game leave plenty of time for fun. Several Great Bend schools and daycares have turned to theme weeks to keep interest high in Sunday's game. Jefferson Elementary Principal Adam Niedens said there's plenty of fun for students and teachers alike.

"We have a few more fun days coming up," he said. "It's fun seeing all the kids getting to participate. I honestly think some of the teachers are more excited about getting to dress up than the kids."

Family Support Worker Krystal Woodral got the week rolling at Jefferson. Monday was all about Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Tuesday was a chance to show some Travis Kelce swagger. The rest of the week included pajamas on Wednesday, retro wear on Thursday, and going red for Fired-up Friday.

"We've had really good participation," Niedens said. "Staff has been all over it. I'd say so far, these two days, the kids have really been going at it. I think the parents are helping them get dressed up. It's kind of cute to see."

Some daycares around the area are having similar weeks, with one going retro in honor of Kelce's number 87. Staff at Great Bend Middle School is planning on a "Soup-er Bowl" party on Friday. Kickoff between the Chiefs and Eagles is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The game will be televised on Fox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675888704271.jpeg" alt="Students at Lincoln Elementary are also preparing for the Super Bowl with a week full of football themes." />
 <figcaption>Students at Lincoln Elementary are also preparing for the Super Bowl with a week full of football themes.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTwo weeks between the National Football League's conference championship games and the big game leave plenty of time for fun. Several Great Bend schools and daycares have turned to theme weeks to keep interest high in Sunday's game. Jefferson Elementary Principal Adam Niedens said there's plenty of fun for students and teachers alike."We have a few more fun days coming up," he said. "It's fun seeing all the kids getting to participate. I honestly think some of the teachers are more excited about getting to dress up than the kids."Family Support Worker Krystal Woodral got the week rolling at Jefferson. Monday was all about Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Tuesday was a chance to show some Travis Kelce swagger. The rest of the week included pajamas on Wednesday, retro wear on Thursday, and going red for Fired-up Friday."We've had really good participation," Niedens said. "Staff has been all over it. I'd say so far, these two days, the kids have really been going at it. I think the parents are helping them get dressed up. It's kind of cute to see."Some daycares around the area are having similar weeks, with one going retro in honor of Kelce's number 87. Staff at Great Bend Middle School is planning on a "Soup-er Bowl" party on Friday. Kickoff between the Chiefs and Eagles is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The game will be televised on Fox.

Great Bend schools, daycares ramping up for Sunday's big game

Today A 20-percent chance of rain after 4 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Tonight A slight chance of rain and snow before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of snow between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Blustery, with a north wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 44. North-northwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 22. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of rain after 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Wednesday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20-percent chance of rain after 4 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Tonight A slight chance of rain and snow before 10 p.m., then a slight chance of snow between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 19. Blustery, with a north wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Friday Sunny, with a high near 44. North-northwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Friday Night Clear, with a low around 22. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 55.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of rain after 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.Tuesday Night A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.Wednesday A 20-percent chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

Thursday, Feb. 9 - Chamber Coffee: Ambassador Club at 1321 Main St. (Equity Bank). 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 CommerceCoffee HourThursday, Feb. 9 - Chamber Coffee: Ambassador Club at 1321 Main St. (Equity Bank). Doors open at 9 a.m., program starts at 9:30 a.m.

Great Bend Chamber coffee hour (2/9)

Due to the popularity of the first installments of Barton Community College’s Barton Dance Theatre’s fundraiser, Dancing with the Cougars,” an additional evening has been added from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the majestic Shafer Gallery. 

Tickets are $10 per person and classes are capped at 30. Tickets can be purchased at shows.bartonccc.edu. All sessions can be attended with or without a dance partner, and all proceeds go to support the Barton Dance Theatre's trip to the American College Dance Festival in March. 

For more information, contact Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek at (620) 792- 9253 or bielekd@bartonccc.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675867116182.jpeg" alt="Community members dance at a previous “Dancing with the Cougars” event." />
 <figcaption>Community members dance at a previous “Dancing with the Cougars” event.</figcaption>
 </figure>Due to the popularity of the first installments of Barton Community College’s Barton Dance Theatre’s fundraiser, Dancing with the Cougars,” an additional evening has been added from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in the majestic Shafer Gallery. Tickets are $10 per person and classes are capped at 30. Tickets can be purchased at shows.bartonccc.edu. All sessions can be attended with or without a dance partner, and all proceeds go to support the Barton Dance Theatre's trip to the American College Dance Festival in March. For more information, contact Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek at (620) 792- 9253 or bielekd@bartonccc.edu.

Barton Dance Theatre to host 'Tango in the Gallery' fundraiser

The search for a childcare director for the yet-to-be-built daycare center in
Great Bend is now posted, and Great Bend Economic Development is accepting
applications. 
The $1.6 million group daycare will serve up to 59 children and will be located
on Farmers Plaza Lane, just south of 10th Street near the K-96
Highway intersection. 
Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said the childcare director
position will be posted on multiple job search websites and sent to community
colleges and universities in the state with a childcare field of study. "If there are other places to post it, we would welcome that," said Arnberger. "We are anxious to see the results we will get. We've had a lot of interest so far. We're ready to see the applications on that." 
The 4,500 square-foot daycare center is anticipated to be the first of multiple
daycares built around Barton County. 
A study showed approximately 700 spots are needed for childcare in Barton
County beyond what is currently available.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647281893666.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe search for a childcare director for the yet-to-be-built daycare center in
Great Bend is now posted, and Great Bend Economic Development is accepting
applications. 
The $1.6 million group daycare will serve up to 59 children and will be located
on Farmers Plaza Lane, just south of 10th Street near the K-96
Highway intersection. 
Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said the childcare director
position will be posted on multiple job search websites and sent to community
colleges and universities in the state with a childcare field of study. "If there are other places to post it, we would welcome that," said Arnberger. "We are anxious to see the results we will get. We've had a lot of interest so far. We're ready to see the applications on that." 
The 4,500 square-foot daycare center is anticipated to be the first of multiple
daycares built around Barton County. 
A study showed approximately 700 spots are needed for childcare in Barton
County beyond what is currently available.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Accepting applications for Great Bend’s new childcare director

Hear February's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Feb. 6, 2023.&nbsp;

The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear February's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Feb. 6, 2023.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/hiem31x3/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎤KS Wetlands Education Center Show: Director Curtis Wolf

On Tuesday, February 7, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary at Beaver Grain in the City of Beaver. 

Thieves gained access to the building and stole power tools, batteries and fuel as well as other items. They also damaged several vehicles. The loss is in excess of $5,500.

If you have information about this crime or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603199948433.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, February 7, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary at Beaver Grain in the City of Beaver. Thieves gained access to the building and stole power tools, batteries and fuel as well as other items. They also damaged several vehicles. The loss is in excess of $5,500.If you have information about this crime or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

Barton Co. Sheriff reports burglary at Beaver Grain

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of stolen hay from a field near Olmitz.&nbsp; 

Approximately 150 large bales were stolen from the location sometime between late November and Feb. 7. Estimated loss is in excess of $25,000. A white truck tractor and semi trailer as well as a John Deere tractor were seen in the area prior to the theft.

If you have information about this incident or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675883126866.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of stolen hay from a field near Olmitz.&nbsp; Approximately 150 large bales were stolen from the location sometime between late November and Feb. 7. Estimated loss is in excess of $25,000. A white truck tractor and semi trailer as well as a John Deere tractor were seen in the area prior to the theft.If you have information about this incident or any other crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300.

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