By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, last summer was the first full,
week-long Biking Across Kansas (BAK) tour since 2019. The bicycling adventure has
released its route for 2023, which will include an overnight stop in Stafford. 
Biking Across Kansas Executive Director Stefanie Weaver said when the
organization is considering a route each year, they look for cities they have
not stayed overnight before. Stafford is one of three new stops for the event
which started in 1975. "Last year we were in St. John," said Weaver. "The way our mileage has worked in previous years it has been better for us to stay in St. John. This year it's better for us to stay in Stafford and show off just one more town in Stafford County." 
The eight-day trek, takes bicyclists across Kansas while promoting health and
wellness. Each stop allows the participants to enjoy the hospitality of the
Kansas towns and learn the history and scenery of those locations. "People are pretty surprised about the varying geography of Kansas," said Weaver. "They have this myth that everything is really flat and part of the lowlands. That's not necessarily true. They get to see those beautiful rolling hills and become very surprised." 
The 542-mile route this year will begin in the southwest corner of the state on
June 10. Bicyclists will arrive in Stafford on June 12.
 
Weaver said approximately 600 bikers participated in the tour last year, and
she anticipates between 600 and 800 to sign up this year. You can find more information on BAK and how to register at <a href="https://bak.org/registration.php">bak.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674838540903.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, last summer was the first full,
week-long Biking Across Kansas (BAK) tour since 2019. The bicycling adventure has
released its route for 2023, which will include an overnight stop in Stafford. 
Biking Across Kansas Executive Director Stefanie Weaver said when the
organization is considering a route each year, they look for cities they have
not stayed overnight before. Stafford is one of three new stops for the event
which started in 1975. "Last year we were in St. John," said Weaver. "The way our mileage has worked in previous years it has been better for us to stay in St. John. This year it's better for us to stay in Stafford and show off just one more town in Stafford County." 
The eight-day trek, takes bicyclists across Kansas while promoting health and
wellness. Each stop allows the participants to enjoy the hospitality of the
Kansas towns and learn the history and scenery of those locations. "People are pretty surprised about the varying geography of Kansas," said Weaver. "They have this myth that everything is really flat and part of the lowlands. That's not necessarily true. They get to see those beautiful rolling hills and become very surprised." 
The 542-mile route this year will begin in the southwest corner of the state on
June 10. Bicyclists will arrive in Stafford on June 12.
 
Weaver said approximately 600 bikers participated in the tour last year, and
she anticipates between 600 and 800 to sign up this year. You can find more information on BAK and how to register at <a href="https://bak.org/registration.php">bak.org</a>.

Biking Across Kansas to make an overnight stop in Stafford

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;

The call came while she was sitting with her dad at a pizza place. Essentially, the message was: “Sorry, we’re canceling our entire order from your business.”&nbsp;

Since that was all the product that she had to sell, it seemed like disaster. But this was just a turning point in the development of what has become a remarkable business in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jacquelyne Leffler is the founder of Leffler Prime Performance, a direct-to-consumer beef marketing business that she operates in conjunction with her family’s farm. She lives on the place where she grew up, near the rural community of Americus, population 776 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

“We’re the fourth generation on the farm,” Leffler said. “Our family has been here since 1941.”&nbsp;

The Lefflers produce beef cattle, corn, soybeans and wheat.&nbsp;

“My sister and I grew up in 4-H,” Leffler said. “My grandfather would give us a steer for 4-H each year, but the proceeds from the steer’s sale had to go into a savings account for our college education.”&nbsp;

She noticed that some local people would buy those steers directly after the fair.&nbsp;

Leffler was also involved in sports. She found she especially enjoyed track and field.&nbsp;

“We had a new teacher who had been a collegiate track and field coach, so he really helped develop our talents,” Leffler said. At Northern Heights High School, she became an eight-time state champion in the shotput and discus and was highly recruited nationally.&nbsp;

“I had coaches from Oregon to North Carolina sitting in my living room, but I’m a Kansas kid,” Leffler said. On her birthday in 2008, at her local church, she signed a letter of intent to Kansas State.&nbsp;

She would go on to a successful collegiate career, scoring highly at the Big 12 and NCAA national championships. After graduation, she coached track and field for two years at Emporia State while helping her dad and grandpa on the farm. Then she began coaching track and field athletes on her own. Now she is also working with a nearby sports academy.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, she saw an opportunity to add value to her family’s beef sales by doing direct marketing to consumers. She started with five head of cattle and reached a deal with a retail outlet to buy them. Then she got a call while she happened to be sitting at a pizza restaurant with her dad: The retailer was backing out of the deal.&nbsp;

Leffler had her entire inventory of five head ready to go to market, but suddenly there was no buyer. “I thought it was the end,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;She put a post on Facebook and essentially said, “If anybody needs beef, let us know.”&nbsp;

“The community rallied around me,” Leffler said. Friends and neighbors stepped up to buy the beef.&nbsp;

“I saw the power of social media and community,” she said. She grew her direct beef marketing business. Then the COVID pandemic hit and demand for local beef exploded.&nbsp;&nbsp;She started connecting with consumers and other producers in a big way. She also noticed that customers would purchase a half or quarter of beef, but didn’t know how to prepare beef cuts.&nbsp;

“The Kansas Beef Council had boxes of beef recipe books that they couldn’t take to trade shows that were cancelled due to COVID, so they made those available to me,” Leffler said. “The beef checkoff did a lot for us.”&nbsp;

Today, Leffler Prime Performance is marketing retail and custom beef to states throughout the Midwest. “I enjoy putting high quality protein in local people’s freezers at an affordable price,” Leffler said. “God has really provided me with the best support system,” she said.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lefflerprimeperformance.com/">www.lefflerprimeperformance.com</a>.&nbsp;

The call cancelling her first order came while she was out with her dad, but it was only a curve on her journey to success. We commend Jacquelyne Leffler for making a difference with creatively marketing her family’s products. Her decision to market those products directly was a good call.&nbsp;

What about that local sports academy?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674656374396.png" alt="Jacquelyne Leffler / Courtesy K-State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Jacquelyne Leffler / Courtesy K-State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;The call came while she was sitting with her dad at a pizza place. Essentially, the message was: “Sorry, we’re canceling our entire order from your business.”&nbsp;Since that was all the product that she had to sell, it seemed like disaster. But this was just a turning point in the development of what has become a remarkable business in rural Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacquelyne Leffler is the founder of Leffler Prime Performance, a direct-to-consumer beef marketing business that she operates in conjunction with her family’s farm. She lives on the place where she grew up, near the rural community of Americus, population 776 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;“We’re the fourth generation on the farm,” Leffler said. “Our family has been here since 1941.”&nbsp;The Lefflers produce beef cattle, corn, soybeans and wheat.&nbsp;“My sister and I grew up in 4-H,” Leffler said. “My grandfather would give us a steer for 4-H each year, but the proceeds from the steer’s sale had to go into a savings account for our college education.”&nbsp;She noticed that some local people would buy those steers directly after the fair.&nbsp;Leffler was also involved in sports. She found she especially enjoyed track and field.&nbsp;“We had a new teacher who had been a collegiate track and field coach, so he really helped develop our talents,” Leffler said. At Northern Heights High School, she became an eight-time state champion in the shotput and discus and was highly recruited nationally.&nbsp;“I had coaches from Oregon to North Carolina sitting in my living room, but I’m a Kansas kid,” Leffler said. On her birthday in 2008, at her local church, she signed a letter of intent to Kansas State.&nbsp;She would go on to a successful collegiate career, scoring highly at the Big 12 and NCAA national championships. After graduation, she coached track and field for two years at Emporia State while helping her dad and grandpa on the farm. Then she began coaching track and field athletes on her own. Now she is also working with a nearby sports academy.&nbsp;Meanwhile, she saw an opportunity to add value to her family’s beef sales by doing direct marketing to consumers. She started with five head of cattle and reached a deal with a retail outlet to buy them. Then she got a call while she happened to be sitting at a pizza restaurant with her dad: The retailer was backing out of the deal.&nbsp;Leffler had her entire inventory of five head ready to go to market, but suddenly there was no buyer. “I thought it was the end,” she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;She put a post on Facebook and essentially said, “If anybody needs beef, let us know.”&nbsp;“The community rallied around me,” Leffler said. Friends and neighbors stepped up to buy the beef.&nbsp;“I saw the power of social media and community,” she said. She grew her direct beef marketing business. Then the COVID pandemic hit and demand for local beef exploded.&nbsp;&nbsp;She started connecting with consumers and other producers in a big way. She also noticed that customers would purchase a half or quarter of beef, but didn’t know how to prepare beef cuts.&nbsp;“The Kansas Beef Council had boxes of beef recipe books that they couldn’t take to trade shows that were cancelled due to COVID, so they made those available to me,” Leffler said. “The beef checkoff did a lot for us.”&nbsp;Today, Leffler Prime Performance is marketing retail and custom beef to states throughout the Midwest. “I enjoy putting high quality protein in local people’s freezers at an affordable price,” Leffler said. “God has really provided me with the best support system,” she said.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lefflerprimeperformance.com/">www.lefflerprimeperformance.com</a>.&nbsp;The call cancelling her first order came while she was out with her dad, but it was only a curve on her journey to success. We commend Jacquelyne Leffler for making a difference with creatively marketing her family’s products. Her decision to market those products directly was a good call.&nbsp;What about that local sports academy?&nbsp;&nbsp;We’ll learn about that next week.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Leffler Prime Performance 

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

The Bushton Pride Committee will host a Valentine's dinner on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Bushton Community Center from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. with music for dancing through midnight. The dinner will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, a dinner roll and dessert. Cost of the dinner is $15 per person. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased no later than Saturday, Feb. 11. Payment can be by cash, check or Venmo. Tickets are available through any Bushton Pride Committee member (Amy Hurley, Missy Wimmer, Buddy and Rosemary Bisterfeldt, Jane Habiger, Karla Hurley, Nancy Swain, Ben Benavidez Jr., Linda Siemer, Stacey Jezek, Michaela Heitschmidt and Becky Wasson) and at the Bushton City Office in the Bushton Plaza. In conjunction with the dinner, the Pride Committee will offer a childcare service from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Bushton Plaza. Cost will be $5 per child for a light dinner with a free will donation for their care. The childcare service will be available for children two years of age and up and available only for those purchasing tickets to the Valentine's dinner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674596852567.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Bushton Pride Committee will host a Valentine's dinner on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Bushton Community Center from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. with music for dancing through midnight. The dinner will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, a dinner roll and dessert. Cost of the dinner is $15 per person. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased no later than Saturday, Feb. 11. Payment can be by cash, check or Venmo. Tickets are available through any Bushton Pride Committee member (Amy Hurley, Missy Wimmer, Buddy and Rosemary Bisterfeldt, Jane Habiger, Karla Hurley, Nancy Swain, Ben Benavidez Jr., Linda Siemer, Stacey Jezek, Michaela Heitschmidt and Becky Wasson) and at the Bushton City Office in the Bushton Plaza. In conjunction with the dinner, the Pride Committee will offer a childcare service from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Bushton Plaza. Cost will be $5 per child for a light dinner with a free will donation for their care. The childcare service will be available for children two years of age and up and available only for those purchasing tickets to the Valentine's dinner.

Bushton Pride Committee to host Valentine's dinner

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend City Attorney Allen Glendenning that aired Jan. 25, 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 City Attorney Allen Glendenning that aired Jan. 25, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/jf5mjwui/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: City Attorney Allen Glendenning

Barton Community College and the Barton Foundation have announced their scholarship deadlines for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Barton Foundation offers over 150 scholarships and the priority deadline to apply is March 15 with a final deadline of Aug. 31.

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, there are exciting opportunities available for current and potential students. “Every Barton student - and I mean every student, is eligible for Foundation scholarships,” she said. “We take a lot of care to match students to dollars that can improve their college experience and increase their chances of finishing their education on time and costing less. Prospective students must apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://apply.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">apply.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;and they will then have access to the foundation scholarship application.”

In addition to Foundation scholarships, Institutional scholarships are available through the college’s Barton Bound program with a deadline of Aug. 1. Barton Bound awards are available to first-time students graduating from a Kansas high school the previous academic year. The Barton Bound Program offers three awards: Excellence Scholarship: Full tuition and books scholarship for recent Kansas high school graduates with a GPA of 3.5 and above Honor Scholarship:&nbsp;$1,000 for a GPA of 3.0-3.49 Achievement Scholarship: $700 for a GPA of 2.5-2.99

Director of Admissions Tana Cooper said the Barton Bound scholarships are an excellent way for students to reduce or eliminate student debt by coming to Barton.

“Our goal is to help our students get ready to enter the workforce or move on to the next step of their education without having to worry so much about the financial aspect,” she said. For more information on foundation scholarships, contact Bogner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bognerl@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">bognerl@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-1141 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccfoundation.org/" target="_blank">bartonccfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;For Barton Bound information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://bartonccc.edu/admissions" target="_blank">bartonccc.edu/admissions</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643666268372.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe Vinduska&nbsp;Barton Community College and the Barton Foundation have announced their scholarship deadlines for the 2023-2024 school year.The Barton Foundation offers over 150 scholarships and the priority deadline to apply is March 15 with a final deadline of Aug. 31.Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner said thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, there are exciting opportunities available for current and potential students. “Every Barton student - and I mean every student, is eligible for Foundation scholarships,” she said. “We take a lot of care to match students to dollars that can improve their college experience and increase their chances of finishing their education on time and costing less. Prospective students must apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://apply.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">apply.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;and they will then have access to the foundation scholarship application.”In addition to Foundation scholarships, Institutional scholarships are available through the college’s Barton Bound program with a deadline of Aug. 1. Barton Bound awards are available to first-time students graduating from a Kansas high school the previous academic year. The Barton Bound Program offers three awards: Excellence Scholarship: Full tuition and books scholarship for recent Kansas high school graduates with a GPA of 3.5 and above Honor Scholarship:&nbsp;$1,000 for a GPA of 3.0-3.49 Achievement Scholarship: $700 for a GPA of 2.5-2.99Director of Admissions Tana Cooper said the Barton Bound scholarships are an excellent way for students to reduce or eliminate student debt by coming to Barton.“Our goal is to help our students get ready to enter the workforce or move on to the next step of their education without having to worry so much about the financial aspect,” she said. For more information on foundation scholarships, contact Bogner at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bognerl@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">bognerl@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-1141 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccfoundation.org/" target="_blank">bartonccfoundation.org</a>.&nbsp;For Barton Bound information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://bartonccc.edu/admissions" target="_blank">bartonccc.edu/admissions</a>.

Scholarship deadlines approaching for Barton CC 2023-2024 school year

Barton Community College’s Academic Development Center supports all
students as they develop the skills needed to find success in the classroom. The
Center can provide an academic mentor that helps students learn about the
expectations of a college course, develop study skills and time management
skills. 
Barton Executive Director of Foundational Education Stephanie Joiner said
academic coaching offers one-on-one assistance to a student with study habits,
test preparation or note taking. "It's a one-on-one mentoring relationship that we create with students," said Joiner. "It can also reach students that are not physically on our campus via Zoom." 
Along with other services, the Center provides Cougar Conversations every
Tuesday at 7 p.m. Directed discussions take place on topics that support students
with organizing study materials, online course tips and more. 
"In the first semester, we had more than 40 students participate in Cougar Conversations," said Joiner. "Over half of them came back for a second. Those are good indicators that they're finding what they're looking for and participating in those conversations." 
The Academic Development Center is located inside the Barton library in room
L-136. Find out more at <a href="https://www.bartonccc.edu/academic-dev-center">bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661874141921.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College library" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College library</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton Community College’s Academic Development Center supports all
students as they develop the skills needed to find success in the classroom. The
Center can provide an academic mentor that helps students learn about the
expectations of a college course, develop study skills and time management
skills. 
Barton Executive Director of Foundational Education Stephanie Joiner said
academic coaching offers one-on-one assistance to a student with study habits,
test preparation or note taking. "It's a one-on-one mentoring relationship that we create with students," said Joiner. "It can also reach students that are not physically on our campus via Zoom." 
Along with other services, the Center provides Cougar Conversations every
Tuesday at 7 p.m. Directed discussions take place on topics that support students
with organizing study materials, online course tips and more. 
"In the first semester, we had more than 40 students participate in Cougar Conversations," said Joiner. "Over half of them came back for a second. Those are good indicators that they're finding what they're looking for and participating in those conversations." 
The Academic Development Center is located inside the Barton library in room
L-136. Find out more at <a href="https://www.bartonccc.edu/academic-dev-center">bartonccc.edu</a>.

Academic Development Center guiding students at Barton CC

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Northwest Kansas Technical College president Ben Schears.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_icce1MKAU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Northwest Kansas Technical College president Ben Schears.

🎤 Forward Ever: Northwest Kansas Technical College president Ben Schears

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Nearly one year ago, the USD 428 Board of Education approved a new internship program for eligible Great Bend High School students. On Thursday, ACT and Career Coordinator Lacy Wolters was back in front of the board to provide an update on the program during a luncheon at GBHS. Thirteen students went through the program in its first year, interning at seven local businesses.

Wolters explained the continuum of types of internships, from very hands-on to observational. Four students saw the gamut of hospital activities as observational interns at The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus.

"They see everything, not just those health-related careers maybe they're thinking of," Wolters said. "So, yes, they are spending time in ER, labor, surgery, and delivery. They're also going to maintentance, advertising, compliance, and ordering, supply chain management. They're getting to see how that whole health system works."

Madelynn Gregg was one of the four seniors interning at the local hospital. She knew she wanted to enter the medical field as a profession, but now has narrowed her interest to a few fields. She said she was also able to apply many of the things she's learned in the classroom to the field.

"I was taking a CNA college class while I was taking this internship, so I got to see the crossover between everything," she said. "I was learning about something in that class, then I was watching it happen in the internship, so I understood what was going on. All the classes I'd taken at the high school and was taking at the college helped me understand everything that was going on in there."

Wolters also shared Drew DeWitt's story. Knowing a traditional university was not his path after graduation, he landed an internship with Comfort Pro in Great Bend. He accepted a job right after his interview over the summer, completed his internship through the program, and has now graduated early and works full-time at Comfort Pro.

Students logged about 60 hours each semester in the program, either at their host business or in the classroom. Afternoon students stayed until 3 p.m., but several replaced other part-time jobs and stayed until 5 p.m. About a quarter of the first 13 interns were paid for their work while receiving school credit. The first season came to a close in December, when each student intern presented a digital portfolio about the experience at an event at Great Bend High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674767000693.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School senior Madelynn Gregg was one of 13 student interns this year." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School senior Madelynn Gregg was one of 13 student interns this year.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNearly one year ago, the USD 428 Board of Education approved a new internship program for eligible Great Bend High School students. On Thursday, ACT and Career Coordinator Lacy Wolters was back in front of the board to provide an update on the program during a luncheon at GBHS. Thirteen students went through the program in its first year, interning at seven local businesses.Wolters explained the continuum of types of internships, from very hands-on to observational. Four students saw the gamut of hospital activities as observational interns at The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus."They see everything, not just those health-related careers maybe they're thinking of," Wolters said. "So, yes, they are spending time in ER, labor, surgery, and delivery. They're also going to maintentance, advertising, compliance, and ordering, supply chain management. They're getting to see how that whole health system works."Madelynn Gregg was one of the four seniors interning at the local hospital. She knew she wanted to enter the medical field as a profession, but now has narrowed her interest to a few fields. She said she was also able to apply many of the things she's learned in the classroom to the field."I was taking a CNA college class while I was taking this internship, so I got to see the crossover between everything," she said. "I was learning about something in that class, then I was watching it happen in the internship, so I understood what was going on. All the classes I'd taken at the high school and was taking at the college helped me understand everything that was going on in there."Wolters also shared Drew DeWitt's story. Knowing a traditional university was not his path after graduation, he landed an internship with Comfort Pro in Great Bend. He accepted a job right after his interview over the summer, completed his internship through the program, and has now graduated early and works full-time at Comfort Pro.Students logged about 60 hours each semester in the program, either at their host business or in the classroom. Afternoon students stayed until 3 p.m., but several replaced other part-time jobs and stayed until 5 p.m. About a quarter of the first 13 interns were paid for their work while receiving school credit. The first season came to a close in December, when each student intern presented a digital portfolio about the experience at an event at Great Bend High School.

One year later, USD 428 Board hears impact of internship program

This article provides answers to frequently asked questions associated with dicamba trainings in Kansas for 2023.

Do all dicamba product labels require the additional training? You are required to have additional label-required dicamba training when applying the restricted use dicamba products: Engenia, XtendiMax or Tavium with Vaporgrip.

Where can I get the training for 2023? BASF: (webinars, online training and face to face) engeniaherbicide.com/training.html

Bayer/Monsanto: (online training and face-to-face) https://www.roundupreadyxtend.com/stewardship/Pages/default.aspx Syngenta: https://www.syngenta-us.com/herbicides/tavium-application-stewardship

Do I need to attend training if I already did in 2021 or 2022? The labels of these products state that prior to applying this product in the 2023 growing season, all applicators must complete dicamba or auxin-specific training on an annual basis, so even if you attended in 2021 or 2022 you will need to attend a training in 2023 prior to applying these products.

Do I need to be certified to use these products? The new labels state that these formulations are for retail sale to and use only by certified applicators. In the state of Kansas, this means that everyone purchasing and using these products has to either obtain a private applicator license (application to agricultural lands owned or operated by individual) or a commercial applicator license (applicators applying to other people’s land for compensation). If you have been applying under someone else’s license in the past you will need to get your own license if you are applying these products.

My employees and I both hold private applicators licenses. They will be doing all my spraying. I am taking the dicamba training, but do they also have to take the dicamba training? Yes, anyone who applies one the RUP dicamba products must complete an approved dicamba training and hold either a private or commercial applicator license.

Do other states accept Kansas’s state-approved RUP dicamba training? Oklahoma does not accept online or live webinar dicamba training provided by BASF. Colorado, Missouri and Nebraska will accept training offered by Bayer, BASF and Syngenta.

This information is made available by the K-State Pesticide Safety and IPM Program. Contact Cottonwood Extension 785-628-9430 if you need additional information.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>This article provides answers to frequently asked questions associated with dicamba trainings in Kansas for 2023.Do all dicamba product labels require the additional training? You are required to have additional label-required dicamba training when applying the restricted use dicamba products: Engenia, XtendiMax or Tavium with Vaporgrip.Where can I get the training for 2023? BASF: (webinars, online training and face to face) engeniaherbicide.com/training.htmlBayer/Monsanto: (online training and face-to-face) https://www.roundupreadyxtend.com/stewardship/Pages/default.aspx Syngenta: https://www.syngenta-us.com/herbicides/tavium-application-stewardshipDo I need to attend training if I already did in 2021 or 2022? The labels of these products state that prior to applying this product in the 2023 growing season, all applicators must complete dicamba or auxin-specific training on an annual basis, so even if you attended in 2021 or 2022 you will need to attend a training in 2023 prior to applying these products.Do I need to be certified to use these products? The new labels state that these formulations are for retail sale to and use only by certified applicators. In the state of Kansas, this means that everyone purchasing and using these products has to either obtain a private applicator license (application to agricultural lands owned or operated by individual) or a commercial applicator license (applicators applying to other people’s land for compensation). If you have been applying under someone else’s license in the past you will need to get your own license if you are applying these products.My employees and I both hold private applicators licenses. They will be doing all my spraying. I am taking the dicamba training, but do they also have to take the dicamba training? Yes, anyone who applies one the RUP dicamba products must complete an approved dicamba training and hold either a private or commercial applicator license.Do other states accept Kansas’s state-approved RUP dicamba training? Oklahoma does not accept online or live webinar dicamba training provided by BASF. Colorado, Missouri and Nebraska will accept training offered by Bayer, BASF and Syngenta.This information is made available by the K-State Pesticide Safety and IPM Program. Contact Cottonwood Extension 785-628-9430 if you need additional information.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: 2023 Kansas training information for dicamba

There are many ways to measure success in a high school. State assessment scores are one way, but Great Bend High School Principal Tim Friess told the USD 428 Board of Education that graduation rates are an even bigger number during Thursday's luncheon at GBHS. Friess also turned those numbers into actual people based on last year's graduation rate of 92.8 percent.

"One hundred sixty-eight out of 181 graduated," he said. "Now we're talking about 13 kids. Now, instead of a number, we're talking about 13 people we didn't get through."

That number is an improvement. The graduation rate just five years ago was 83.5 percent. Friess also broke graduation rates down by race and socioeconomic status. Five years ago, just 80 percent of Hispanic students graduated. That number was up to 94.3 percent last year. Just 77 percent of students on free and reduced lunches graduated five years ago. That number rebounded to 90 percent last year. Friess said that success comes from a concentrated effort on individuals.

"I think the numbers will justify that it works," he said. "Will it work for every kid? No. Do we have kids here that absolutely- they're not going to finish. I hate to say I will never in my lifetime be able to see 100 percent graduation unless we just say, 'Here, we're done, you can have it.' But we don't do that. We still hold them to a standard."

Friess said the approach has worked for all students. There are 42 seniors at the alternative learning center this year, and 30 have already graduated. GBHS has met or exceeded the state ACT average for each of the past four years, and 17 percent  - 33 of 198 seniors this year - have a grade-point average of at least 4.0.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674768660277.jpeg" alt="The USD 428 Board of Education applauds the efforts of students in Katy Hekele's class for their preparation of the meal for Thursday's board luncheon at GBHS." />
 <figcaption>The USD 428 Board of Education applauds the efforts of students in Katy Hekele's class for their preparation of the meal for Thursday's board luncheon at GBHS.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere are many ways to measure success in a high school. State assessment scores are one way, but Great Bend High School Principal Tim Friess told the USD 428 Board of Education that graduation rates are an even bigger number during Thursday's luncheon at GBHS. Friess also turned those numbers into actual people based on last year's graduation rate of 92.8 percent."One hundred sixty-eight out of 181 graduated," he said. "Now we're talking about 13 kids. Now, instead of a number, we're talking about 13 people we didn't get through."That number is an improvement. The graduation rate just five years ago was 83.5 percent. Friess also broke graduation rates down by race and socioeconomic status. Five years ago, just 80 percent of Hispanic students graduated. That number was up to 94.3 percent last year. Just 77 percent of students on free and reduced lunches graduated five years ago. That number rebounded to 90 percent last year. Friess said that success comes from a concentrated effort on individuals."I think the numbers will justify that it works," he said. "Will it work for every kid? No. Do we have kids here that absolutely- they're not going to finish. I hate to say I will never in my lifetime be able to see 100 percent graduation unless we just say, 'Here, we're done, you can have it.' But we don't do that. We still hold them to a standard."Friess said the approach has worked for all students. There are 42 seniors at the alternative learning center this year, and 30 have already graduated. GBHS has met or exceeded the state ACT average for each of the past four years, and 17 percent - 33 of 198 seniors this year - have a grade-point average of at least 4.0.

Friess: Individual attention leading to strong numbers at GBHS

A City of Great Bend vehicle was involved in an accident near the intersection of 19th Street and Main Street on Friday, Jan. 27 just after 9 a.m.

One person was transported to The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus with unknown injuries.

With a City of Great Bend vehicle involved, the Barton County Sheriff's Office was called to handle the accident report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674834655509.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A City of Great Bend vehicle was involved in an accident near the intersection of 19th Street and Main Street on Friday, Jan. 27 just after 9 a.m.One person was transported to The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus with unknown injuries.With a City of Great Bend vehicle involved, the Barton County Sheriff's Office was called to handle the accident report.

City of Great Bend vehicle involved in Friday accident

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (1/26) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:03 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 2304 Franklin Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 8:47 a.m. a theft was reported at NW 80 Road &amp; NW 50 Avenue. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 9:34 a.m. a trespassing report was made at 173 NW 30 Road. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 11:52 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of W. K-4
Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 4:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 3209 10th Street. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 5:18 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 10 block of NE 60 Road. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:02 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at W. K-4 Highway &amp; NW 100
Avenue. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 8:10 p.m. a burglary was reported at 1387 NE 160 Avenue in Claflin. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 10:52 p.m. a report of chest pain was made at 61 SE 16 Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (1/26) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:03 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 2304 Franklin Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 8:47 a.m. a theft was reported at NW 80 Road &amp; NW 50 Avenue. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 9:34 a.m. a trespassing report was made at 173 NW 30 Road. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 11:52 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of W. K-4
Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 4:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 3209 10th Street. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 5:18 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 10 block of NE 60 Road. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:02 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at W. K-4 Highway &amp; NW 100
Avenue. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 8:10 p.m. a burglary was reported at 1387 NE 160 Avenue in Claflin. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 10:52 p.m. a report of chest pain was made at 61 SE 16 Road.

Cop Shop (1/26)

1/26 BOOKED: Aftan Hogan on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Tyler Barton on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Stimulants, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Daniel Adams on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Sean Flagg on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Zachary Thompson, on hold for court.

BOOKED: Sergio Luna-Rodriguez on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Battery, bond set at $75,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Dylan Koett on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 cash only.

BOOKED: Ashley Kroulik on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Calie Lundquist on Barton County District Court case for Making false information, Theft less than $1,500, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Kenneth Reed on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Raul Jimenez-Jimenez on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Angie Pittman on two Barton County District Court warrants for Contempt of Court, on $50,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Dylan Koett on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $250 cash bond.

RELEASED: Aftan Hogan on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Duwayne Smart on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Criminal Restraint, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after posting a total surety bond of $25,000 through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Ashley Kroulik on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Trey Hurd on two warrants for Contempt of Court, after posting a total cash bond of $350; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Interference with Law Enforcement, after posting a $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>1/26 BOOKED: Aftan Hogan on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Tyler Barton on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Stimulants, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Daniel Adams on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Sean Flagg on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Zachary Thompson, on hold for court.BOOKED: Sergio Luna-Rodriguez on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Battery, bond set at $75,000 C/S.BOOKED: Dylan Koett on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 cash only.BOOKED: Ashley Kroulik on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Daisy Cordova on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Calie Lundquist on Barton County District Court case for Making false information, Theft less than $1,500, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft, bond set at $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Kenneth Reed on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after time served.RELEASED: Raul Jimenez-Jimenez on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.RELEASED: Angie Pittman on two Barton County District Court warrants for Contempt of Court, on $50,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Dylan Koett on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $250 cash bond.RELEASED: Aftan Hogan on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Duwayne Smart on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Criminal Restraint, by order of the court.RELEASED: Brayden Powell-Rand on three Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after posting a total surety bond of $25,000 through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Ashley Kroulik on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Trey Hurd on two warrants for Contempt of Court, after posting a total cash bond of $350; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Interference with Law Enforcement, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (1/26)

If you are a Hoisington resident and you plan on using the public pool
this summer, be on the lookout for the pool form that needs to be filled out
and returned to city administration. 
Hoisington utility customers pay $3 per month throughout the year that gives
them access to the swimming pool without getting charged each time they go to
the pool. 
Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said residents should be seeing the
pool forms in their next utility bill. "We're sending them out in this month's utility bill," said Mitchell. "That will hit most people's mailboxes in late January or early February. If for some reason you don't get one, you can come by the city office and complete a form there." 
Residents are also allowed four guest passes. Non Hoisington utility customers and those who did not submit the form will be charged $3 per session. The deadline to submit the pool forms is May
1. "Last year there was a lot of frustration with the process so this year we're trying to get the forms out earlier," said Mitchell. "We're trying to get the word out so everyone is aware of it. We're encouraging people not to wait until May 1 to turn them in. Turn them in as soon as you get the form so you don't forget it." 
Hoisington invested $3 million last summer to replace their pool at
Bicentennial Park.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657032187691.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIf you are a Hoisington resident and you plan on using the public pool
this summer, be on the lookout for the pool form that needs to be filled out
and returned to city administration. 
Hoisington utility customers pay $3 per month throughout the year that gives
them access to the swimming pool without getting charged each time they go to
the pool. 
Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said residents should be seeing the
pool forms in their next utility bill. "We're sending them out in this month's utility bill," said Mitchell. "That will hit most people's mailboxes in late January or early February. If for some reason you don't get one, you can come by the city office and complete a form there." 
Residents are also allowed four guest passes. Non Hoisington utility customers and those who did not submit the form will be charged $3 per session. The deadline to submit the pool forms is May
1. "Last year there was a lot of frustration with the process so this year we're trying to get the forms out earlier," said Mitchell. "We're trying to get the word out so everyone is aware of it. We're encouraging people not to wait until May 1 to turn them in. Turn them in as soon as you get the form so you don't forget it." 
Hoisington invested $3 million last summer to replace their pool at
Bicentennial Park.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674769644642.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Hoisington residents need to be looking for pool forms 

Today Sunny, with a high near 47. West-northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. South-southeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. West-southwest wind 9 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Saturday Night Cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -7. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18. North wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of snow before 1 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 26.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 47. West-northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. South-southeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. West-southwest wind 9 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Saturday Night Cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -7. Blustery, with a north wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 18. North wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of snow before 1 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 26.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 10.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 36.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

Another LIVE production from Smoky Hills PBS,&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, will kick off&nbsp;Friday, February 3 at 7 PM.&nbsp; Streaming will also be available on our YouTube channel:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

The show airs during the legislative session, which gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; For each show, legislators from the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area are invited to participate in the live call-in program, and viewers are encouraged to call in with their legislative questions.

“The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is one of the longest running series on Smoky Hills PBS and we are excited to continue this tradition for our viewers,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great opportunity for our viewers to connect with our KS legislators and ask questions that are important to Kansans, questions that could impact their jobs or everyday life.”

Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2023 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.

FEB 3 – Sen. Rick Billinger (Goodland), Rep. Adam Smith (Weskan)

Feb 10 – Rep. Troy Waymaster (Bunker Hill)

FEB 17 – Sen. John Doll (Garden City), Rep. Steven Howe (Concordia)

To find a list of legislatures that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2023 season schedule.&nbsp;

The 2023 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-great-plains" target="_blank">ITC Great Plains</a>&nbsp;and through a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674573166872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Another LIVE production from Smoky Hills PBS,&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature, will kick off&nbsp;Friday, February 3 at 7 PM.&nbsp; Streaming will also be available on our YouTube channel:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>The show airs during the legislative session, which gives the legislators and viewers the opportunity to discuss up-to-date issues.&nbsp; For each show, legislators from the Smoky Hills PBS viewing area are invited to participate in the live call-in program, and viewers are encouraged to call in with their legislative questions.“The Kansas Legislature&nbsp;is one of the longest running series on Smoky Hills PBS and we are excited to continue this tradition for our viewers,” said Les Kinderknecht, Senior Producer/Director of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This is a great opportunity for our viewers to connect with our KS legislators and ask questions that are important to Kansans, questions that could impact their jobs or everyday life.”Becky Kiser, News Reporter for Hays Post/Eagle Radio, has been named the moderator for the 2023 season of&nbsp;The Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; She will be joined by two or three legislators during each show.Coming up in February:FEB 3 – Sen. Rick Billinger (Goodland), Rep. Adam Smith (Weskan)Feb 10 – Rep. Troy Waymaster (Bunker Hill)FEB 17 – Sen. John Doll (Garden City), Rep. Steven Howe (Concordia)To find a list of legislatures that might be on the show each week, go to our website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;where you will find the 2023 season schedule.&nbsp;The 2023 Kansas Legislature is made possible by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-great-plains" target="_blank">ITC Great Plains</a>&nbsp;and through a partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/" target="_blank">Docking Institute of Public Affairs</a>, Fort Hays State University.

New season of The Kansas Legislature on PBS TV

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be sponsoring a Winter Middle School Dance.&nbsp; The dance will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center located at 2715 18th&nbsp;Street from 7 – 9 pm for all Great Bend Middle School students. &nbsp;Admission is $5 per student at the door.&nbsp; 

Students need to show their GBMS student ID’s when entering the dance.&nbsp; No hats or caps will be allowed.&nbsp; Students will be allowed to leave at any time during the dance.&nbsp; But once they leave, they will not be allowed back into the dance and will need to leave the property. &nbsp; Pizza and candy bars will be available for $1 per bar and slice.&nbsp; Water will be provided.&nbsp; The dance will be supervised by staff from the 20th&nbsp;Judicial District Juvenile Services and Great Bend Recreation Commission.&nbsp;

For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please go to our web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext. 110.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634231850149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be sponsoring a Winter Middle School Dance.&nbsp; The dance will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center located at 2715 18th&nbsp;Street from 7 – 9 pm for all Great Bend Middle School students. &nbsp;Admission is $5 per student at the door.&nbsp; Students need to show their GBMS student ID’s when entering the dance.&nbsp; No hats or caps will be allowed.&nbsp; Students will be allowed to leave at any time during the dance.&nbsp; But once they leave, they will not be allowed back into the dance and will need to leave the property. &nbsp; Pizza and candy bars will be available for $1 per bar and slice.&nbsp; Water will be provided.&nbsp; The dance will be supervised by staff from the 20th&nbsp;Judicial District Juvenile Services and Great Bend Recreation Commission.&nbsp;For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please go to our web site at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext. 110.

Great Bend Rec: Winter Middle School Dance

“Ask the Expert Show” hosted by Scott Donovan. Guests include Dr. Patrick Stang from the Center for Counseling and Consultation in Great Bend. Dr. Stang will be joined by Children's Case Managers Tyler and Teresa Faber, who will discuss the effects of media/social media/video game content on children. The show aired Jan. 23 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Ask the Expert Show” hosted by Scott Donovan. Guests include Dr. Patrick Stang from the Center for Counseling and Consultation in Great Bend. Dr. Stang will be joined by Children's Case Managers Tyler and Teresa Faber, who will discuss the effects of media/social media/video game content on children. The show aired Jan. 23 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/frw0uy14/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

🎤Mental Health Awareness show

Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services

Approximately 1,600 people attended the inaugural Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, held last year at Great Bend Zoo. Such a successful event begs the question, what can be done for an encore? Earth Day Celebration organizers are ready to embark on that challenge!

Three Great Bend businesses, located on north Main Street, are joining efforts once again to host Great Bend Earth Day Celebration this spring at Great Bend Zoo. The Zoo, Rosewood ECycle, and Great Bend Dairy Queen have scheduled the event for April 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Last year was so incredible that it will be hard to match those numbers again,” said Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick. “But I’m confident we will have another successful event, and even have the opportunity to offer more this year, compared to last year.”

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration benefited last year by Smoky Hills PBS incorporating its ‘Family Fun Day’ into the event that included an appearance by Curious George who met and mingled with children. He was a popular draw to go along with booths and activities by Rosewood ECycle, Heartland Farm, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women for Kansas, and the ‘Read With Me’ program in Great Bend.

Many of those same vendors have expressed interest in returning for this year’s Earth Day event, which is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate. Great Bend Dairy Queen will once again issue a coupon for a free kid’s cone to all youth participants that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We’re excited that many of last year’s vendors have committed to returning this spring,” said Burdick. “We encourage other businesses and organizations to sign up and celebrate this day with us. We anticipate a lot of children and families will attend again this year.”

Burdick said Great Bend Zoo can supply tables for vendor booths. In case of inclement weather, the staff will also offer indoor vendor space.

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, which occurs on the official 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, is a come-and-go event that is free to the public. Businesses and organizations that want to participate in the celebration can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:zoocurator@greatbendks.net" target="_blank">zoocurator@greatbendks.net</a>. The deadline for booth sign-up is April 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674658065104.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood ServicesApproximately 1,600 people attended the inaugural Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, held last year at Great Bend Zoo. Such a successful event begs the question, what can be done for an encore? Earth Day Celebration organizers are ready to embark on that challenge!Three Great Bend businesses, located on north Main Street, are joining efforts once again to host Great Bend Earth Day Celebration this spring at Great Bend Zoo. The Zoo, Rosewood ECycle, and Great Bend Dairy Queen have scheduled the event for April 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.“Last year was so incredible that it will be hard to match those numbers again,” said Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick. “But I’m confident we will have another successful event, and even have the opportunity to offer more this year, compared to last year.”Great Bend Earth Day Celebration benefited last year by Smoky Hills PBS incorporating its ‘Family Fun Day’ into the event that included an appearance by Curious George who met and mingled with children. He was a popular draw to go along with booths and activities by Rosewood ECycle, Heartland Farm, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women for Kansas, and the ‘Read With Me’ program in Great Bend.Many of those same vendors have expressed interest in returning for this year’s Earth Day event, which is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate. Great Bend Dairy Queen will once again issue a coupon for a free kid’s cone to all youth participants that day.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re excited that many of last year’s vendors have committed to returning this spring,” said Burdick. “We encourage other businesses and organizations to sign up and celebrate this day with us. We anticipate a lot of children and families will attend again this year.”Burdick said Great Bend Zoo can supply tables for vendor booths. In case of inclement weather, the staff will also offer indoor vendor space.Great Bend Earth Day Celebration, which occurs on the official 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, is a come-and-go event that is free to the public. Businesses and organizations that want to participate in the celebration can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:zoocurator@greatbendks.net" target="_blank">zoocurator@greatbendks.net</a>. The deadline for booth sign-up is April 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earth Day Celebration back at Great Bend zoo April 22

The new program director at Incredible Years Preschool has several goals in mind, but a priority is to spread the word about the facility’s services for children of all abilities.

Alli Adams, who has eight years’ experience in early childhood development, explained that “many people don’t realize we serve all children; they believe we serve only children with delays and disabilities.

“That is certainly not the case. Our preschoolers represent the whole range of abilities.”

Even though Adams’ new title is program director, she continues in her roles as preschool teacher and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Registered Behavior Technician.

ABA is a specialized program designed for children up to age 5 with a medical diagnosis of autism.

“My overall responsibilities include creating lesson plans and teaching with the assistance of my great colleagues who make my job possible,” Adams commented. “I also ensure that Incredible Years meets all licensing requirements and perform other administrative work.”

The preschool, 1312 Patton, offers two classes – one for ages 2-and-a-half to 3, the other for ages 3-5 or until they enter kindergarten. Twenty-one students are currently enrolled.

It is owned and operated by Sunflower Diversified Services.

Prior to her three years at Incredible Years, Adams worked for USD 428 at Helping Hands Preschool for five years. She earned her associate’s degree at Barton Community College.

“I have been in the early childhood realm for a while now,” Adams said. “In this new position, I want to enhance our program and really make it shine.”

Adams is originally from Coldwater; she and her husband have two sons.

McKinley Phillips, director of Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC), noted that when Adams arrived in 2019, she was the lead classroom teacher under the guidance of Shari Schneider, former preschool director who has retired.

“Throughout her career here, Alli has continued to thrive in all of her various roles,” Phillips said. “She demonstrates a great willingness to take on any task head-on and always puts 100 percent of her energy into the children at Incredible Years.

“She continues to build on our vision at Sunflower Early Education Center. Her passion for our children makes her a great fit for the director position. I can’t wait to see where Alli leads our preschool.”

As part of the Sunflower family, EEC offers three programs. They are early intervention and ABA services, along with Incredible Years Preschool. Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves infants, toddlers and adults with delays and disabilities in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674657092496.jpeg" alt="Alli Adams poses with some of her students at Incredible Years Preschool, where she was recently named program director." />
 <figcaption>Alli Adams poses with some of her students at Incredible Years Preschool, where she was recently named program director.</figcaption>
 </figure>The new program director at Incredible Years Preschool has several goals in mind, but a priority is to spread the word about the facility’s services for children of all abilities.Alli Adams, who has eight years’ experience in early childhood development, explained that “many people don’t realize we serve all children; they believe we serve only children with delays and disabilities.“That is certainly not the case. Our preschoolers represent the whole range of abilities.”Even though Adams’ new title is program director, she continues in her roles as preschool teacher and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Registered Behavior Technician.ABA is a specialized program designed for children up to age 5 with a medical diagnosis of autism.“My overall responsibilities include creating lesson plans and teaching with the assistance of my great colleagues who make my job possible,” Adams commented. “I also ensure that Incredible Years meets all licensing requirements and perform other administrative work.”The preschool, 1312 Patton, offers two classes – one for ages 2-and-a-half to 3, the other for ages 3-5 or until they enter kindergarten. Twenty-one students are currently enrolled.It is owned and operated by Sunflower Diversified Services.Prior to her three years at Incredible Years, Adams worked for USD 428 at Helping Hands Preschool for five years. She earned her associate’s degree at Barton Community College.“I have been in the early childhood realm for a while now,” Adams said. “In this new position, I want to enhance our program and really make it shine.”Adams is originally from Coldwater; she and her husband have two sons.McKinley Phillips, director of Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC), noted that when Adams arrived in 2019, she was the lead classroom teacher under the guidance of Shari Schneider, former preschool director who has retired.“Throughout her career here, Alli has continued to thrive in all of her various roles,” Phillips said. “She demonstrates a great willingness to take on any task head-on and always puts 100 percent of her energy into the children at Incredible Years.“She continues to build on our vision at Sunflower Early Education Center. Her passion for our children makes her a great fit for the director position. I can’t wait to see where Alli leads our preschool.”As part of the Sunflower family, EEC offers three programs. They are early intervention and ABA services, along with Incredible Years Preschool. Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves infants, toddlers and adults with delays and disabilities in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

Alli Adams named Incredible Years Preschool program director

There came a moment in Wednesday's Barton County Commission study session where all five commissioners were optimistic about cutting into the cost of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) project at the courthouse that was recently bid at $4.2 million. Then they examined two sections of pipe on the first floor, and it was back to the drawing board. County Director of Operations Matt Patzner summed up the problem.

"It's one thing if we got up there and the pipes were fine," he said. "I think there are things we could do: replace the units, update some things, replace the boiler when we need to, things like that. But if it's a piping problem and it's throughout every square foot of this building. That's the big bulk of the project. We wouldn't be doing much if we just pieced it together. We would still have the problems we have now, and the big one's just around the corner. One of those pipes bursting in there and 170-degree water coming down on everything is just a matter of time."

Last week, the county announced it had received two bids for the project. The low bid from Wichita-based Kruse Construction was $4.2 million, or approximately $1 million higher than projections. Orazem &amp; Scalora Engineering Principal Gerit Garman said the estimates were first presented in October 2022, and the price of material goods has continued to rise.

"Talking with Kruse, of course these material prices, affected by the pandemic, are far higher than what everyone would consider reasonable prices during normal times," he said.

The commission discussed ways of decreasing the project's scope to cut costs, from not replacing ceilings or light fixtures, to leaving the existing carpet in place. Garman reminded the body why the original discussion included a complete overhaul.

"This is a once-in-a probably generation, if not longer, project in which the county is going to move out of the facility for an extended period of time," he said. "That's an opportunity to take care of those items, and it will never be easier."

Commissioners also asked about putting the complete project out for more bids, or breaking up the bids. Garman said there is no guarantee more bids would come in, or that bids would come in any lower. And keeping the bids through prime contractors is much easier in the long run with scheduling and accountability.

"Post-construction, one contractor in this scenario holds the warranty, and that's Kruse," he said. "If you have an issue, you have one phone call to make. There's no finger-pointing where things cross over. It doesn't matter what the issue is, you just call Kruse and say we're having this issue."

Garman said the building's chiller is 12 years old with a life expectancy of 20 years. The boiler is likely at the end of its life with an estimated 35 years of service, and the pumps are probably in good shape. But with the current system, the only ventilation in the building comes from opening a window, which became a major factor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the $1 million difference, nearly 80 percent involves the purchase of new pipes. That prompted the commissioners to examine the possibility of keeping existing pipes. Garman said a pipe study could take weeks and would cost approximately $5-6,000. That plan was quickly shot down as commissioners examined two sections of pipe on the first floor, and heard from maintenance staff that hundreds of patches are already in place on pipes throughout the building.

Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger still voiced concern about the cost of the project. "I also think this is probably the worst time to bid something ever," she said. "Given the fact it's over a million dollars over what the estimates indicate, we're in one of the biggest price-increase environments ever."

Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson agreed but said it still doesn't solve the problem. Previous commissions had similar issues but did not have access to the $2.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the county currently has. The commission has other concerns, including an obligation on upkeep for the 104-year-old courthouse, and time constraints on contracts and building rentals when the courthouse is closed.

"I feel like we could bid this down the road and, at some point in time, I think things might rebound, and we might be in a better position," said Commissioner Donna Zimmerman. "But I don't know if we'll see that in six months. I think you might be pushing this project a couple of years. Do you gamble on the pipes to wait long enough until everything rebounds?"

Finally came the number crunching. The county stands to receive a 30-percent tax rebate on the project. With the ARPA money and other general-use funds, the county has approximately $8.5 million at its disposal. Using the ARPA money, the county will ultimately have to pay approximately $1 million out of pocket for the entire project, including the move to and from the building, property rentals, and a new roof.

"I feel like there's probably never been a worse time to be bidding this project," Zimmerman said, "but from a finance standpoint, and the money that's available, I feel there's not a better time in terms of we have ARPA money, we have tax credits."

Wednesday's conversation was merely a study session on the topic. The commission will vote on how to proceed at a later date.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674746188383.jpeg" alt="Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner shows commissioners dilapidated pipes during Wednesday afternoon's study session." />
 <figcaption>Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner shows commissioners dilapidated pipes during Wednesday afternoon's study session.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere came a moment in Wednesday's Barton County Commission study session where all five commissioners were optimistic about cutting into the cost of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) project at the courthouse that was recently bid at $4.2 million. Then they examined two sections of pipe on the first floor, and it was back to the drawing board. County Director of Operations Matt Patzner summed up the problem."It's one thing if we got up there and the pipes were fine," he said. "I think there are things we could do: replace the units, update some things, replace the boiler when we need to, things like that. But if it's a piping problem and it's throughout every square foot of this building. That's the big bulk of the project. We wouldn't be doing much if we just pieced it together. We would still have the problems we have now, and the big one's just around the corner. One of those pipes bursting in there and 170-degree water coming down on everything is just a matter of time."Last week, the county announced it had received two bids for the project. The low bid from Wichita-based Kruse Construction was $4.2 million, or approximately $1 million higher than projections. Orazem &amp; Scalora Engineering Principal Gerit Garman said the estimates were first presented in October 2022, and the price of material goods has continued to rise."Talking with Kruse, of course these material prices, affected by the pandemic, are far higher than what everyone would consider reasonable prices during normal times," he said.The commission discussed ways of decreasing the project's scope to cut costs, from not replacing ceilings or light fixtures, to leaving the existing carpet in place. Garman reminded the body why the original discussion included a complete overhaul."This is a once-in-a probably generation, if not longer, project in which the county is going to move out of the facility for an extended period of time," he said. "That's an opportunity to take care of those items, and it will never be easier."Commissioners also asked about putting the complete project out for more bids, or breaking up the bids. Garman said there is no guarantee more bids would come in, or that bids would come in any lower. And keeping the bids through prime contractors is much easier in the long run with scheduling and accountability."Post-construction, one contractor in this scenario holds the warranty, and that's Kruse," he said. "If you have an issue, you have one phone call to make. There's no finger-pointing where things cross over. It doesn't matter what the issue is, you just call Kruse and say we're having this issue."Garman said the building's chiller is 12 years old with a life expectancy of 20 years. The boiler is likely at the end of its life with an estimated 35 years of service, and the pumps are probably in good shape. But with the current system, the only ventilation in the building comes from opening a window, which became a major factor during the COVID-19 pandemic.Of the $1 million difference, nearly 80 percent involves the purchase of new pipes. That prompted the commissioners to examine the possibility of keeping existing pipes. Garman said a pipe study could take weeks and would cost approximately $5-6,000. That plan was quickly shot down as commissioners examined two sections of pipe on the first floor, and heard from maintenance staff that hundreds of patches are already in place on pipes throughout the building.Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger still voiced concern about the cost of the project. "I also think this is probably the worst time to bid something ever," she said. "Given the fact it's over a million dollars over what the estimates indicate, we're in one of the biggest price-increase environments ever."Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson agreed but said it still doesn't solve the problem. Previous commissions had similar issues but did not have access to the $2.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the county currently has. The commission has other concerns, including an obligation on upkeep for the 104-year-old courthouse, and time constraints on contracts and building rentals when the courthouse is closed."I feel like we could bid this down the road and, at some point in time, I think things might rebound, and we might be in a better position," said Commissioner Donna Zimmerman. "But I don't know if we'll see that in six months. I think you might be pushing this project a couple of years. Do you gamble on the pipes to wait long enough until everything rebounds?"Finally came the number crunching. The county stands to receive a 30-percent tax rebate on the project. With the ARPA money and other general-use funds, the county has approximately $8.5 million at its disposal. Using the ARPA money, the county will ultimately have to pay approximately $1 million out of pocket for the entire project, including the move to and from the building, property rentals, and a new roof."I feel like there's probably never been a worse time to be bidding this project," Zimmerman said, "but from a finance standpoint, and the money that's available, I feel there's not a better time in terms of we have ARPA money, we have tax credits."Wednesday's conversation was merely a study session on the topic. The commission will vote on how to proceed at a later date.

Barton Co. Commission nearing decision on fate of HVAC project

As I clean out my office in preparation for the next Cottonwood Team member, I have found some treasures. Lists of program participants remind me of the many wonderful people in our communities that I have enjoyed meeting. While no two days as an Extension Educator are exactly alike, I hope that you know how important building relationships within the Cottonwood District has been to me. Today I’m going to share a couple of memories from my career that tested my quick thinking and positive attitude.

I found the attendance sheet for an “Interiors Update” program I organized several years ago. I had lined up several vendors and a main speaker and reserved the meeting room at the Great Bend Recreation Center. Excitement was in the air when the 70 participants arrived to learn about trends in home decorating. A few minutes before the program was set to begin, the main speaker had not arrived. A phone call confirmed that the speaker had the wrong date on their calendar and was not coming. Yikes! What was I going to do?

I had a quick huddle with the three ladies who had brought samples of their work to show and asked if each of them could share 10-15 minutes about their businesses related to interior decorating. Debbie Deutsch, Debbie Stevens, and Lisa Libeer, stepped up and did a wonderful job in the spur of the moment. In fact, as everyone was leaving, they commented that it was one of the best presentations they had ever been to. Whew! Everything worked out.

Another memory from 1999 that had a happy ending was related to the 4-H Chicken Barbecue at the Barton County Fair. The barbecue committee had really stepped up that year because we had a brand new 4-H Agent who was learning the ropes. The day of the barbecue, I was assisting with preparations, and I asked which refrigerator the coleslaw was in? We found out that the detail of ordering the coleslaw had not happened.

The next hour or so, I made phone calls to all the places in Great Bend that had coleslaw on their menu to see how much of it we could purchase for our barbecue. The next step was to bring the Extension van to town to pick up the 2500 servings of coleslaw I had tracked down. I don’t think anyone who enjoyed the traditional chicken barbecue later that day had any idea of the stress we had experienced related to the coleslaw. In fact, the next morning the first phone call at the office was from a lady wanting to know where we had gotten the coleslaw, because it was soooo good. I had to be honest and tell her I wasn’t sure which coleslaw she had gotten, because we had gotten it from four places! Again, everything worked out.

Now, as I begin the next chapter of my life, called retirement, I am excited to see what the future holds for K-State Research and Extension and the Cottonwood Extension District. I am happy to announce that Jay Harris has been named as the new Cottonwood District Director/Community Vitality Agent. Jay brings some knowledge about Extension to the table and is excited to begin his duties in early March. His primary office will be in Hays but he looks forward to building relationships within the Barton County communities as well. By mid-February a position announcement will open for a Family and Community Wellness agent in the Great Bend office. I trust that you will show Jay and the rest of the Cottonwood team the same support and active participation that you have shown me during my career. Thanks for the memories!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>As I clean out my office in preparation for the next Cottonwood Team member, I have found some treasures. Lists of program participants remind me of the many wonderful people in our communities that I have enjoyed meeting. While no two days as an Extension Educator are exactly alike, I hope that you know how important building relationships within the Cottonwood District has been to me. Today I’m going to share a couple of memories from my career that tested my quick thinking and positive attitude.I found the attendance sheet for an “Interiors Update” program I organized several years ago. I had lined up several vendors and a main speaker and reserved the meeting room at the Great Bend Recreation Center. Excitement was in the air when the 70 participants arrived to learn about trends in home decorating. A few minutes before the program was set to begin, the main speaker had not arrived. A phone call confirmed that the speaker had the wrong date on their calendar and was not coming. Yikes! What was I going to do?I had a quick huddle with the three ladies who had brought samples of their work to show and asked if each of them could share 10-15 minutes about their businesses related to interior decorating. Debbie Deutsch, Debbie Stevens, and Lisa Libeer, stepped up and did a wonderful job in the spur of the moment. In fact, as everyone was leaving, they commented that it was one of the best presentations they had ever been to. Whew! Everything worked out.Another memory from 1999 that had a happy ending was related to the 4-H Chicken Barbecue at the Barton County Fair. The barbecue committee had really stepped up that year because we had a brand new 4-H Agent who was learning the ropes. The day of the barbecue, I was assisting with preparations, and I asked which refrigerator the coleslaw was in? We found out that the detail of ordering the coleslaw had not happened.The next hour or so, I made phone calls to all the places in Great Bend that had coleslaw on their menu to see how much of it we could purchase for our barbecue. The next step was to bring the Extension van to town to pick up the 2500 servings of coleslaw I had tracked down. I don’t think anyone who enjoyed the traditional chicken barbecue later that day had any idea of the stress we had experienced related to the coleslaw. In fact, the next morning the first phone call at the office was from a lady wanting to know where we had gotten the coleslaw, because it was soooo good. I had to be honest and tell her I wasn’t sure which coleslaw she had gotten, because we had gotten it from four places! Again, everything worked out.Now, as I begin the next chapter of my life, called retirement, I am excited to see what the future holds for K-State Research and Extension and the Cottonwood Extension District. I am happy to announce that Jay Harris has been named as the new Cottonwood District Director/Community Vitality Agent. Jay brings some knowledge about Extension to the table and is excited to begin his duties in early March. His primary office will be in Hays but he looks forward to building relationships within the Barton County communities as well. By mid-February a position announcement will open for a Family and Community Wellness agent in the Great Bend office. I trust that you will show Jay and the rest of the Cottonwood team the same support and active participation that you have shown me during my career. Thanks for the memories!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Thanks for the memories

A new Barton County Commission and a relatively New Year. The governing body continues to conduct regular housekeeping duties. Wednesday morning, that meant renewing contracts with three state and local county associations at a total cost of $12,128.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674675176483.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA new Barton County Commission and a relatively New Year. The governing body continues to conduct regular housekeeping duties. Wednesday morning, that meant renewing contracts with three state and local county associations at a total cost of $12,128.The county will pay $553 for its renewal into the National Association of Counties. Four Barton County commissioners recently attended the Kansas Association of Counties' annual conference. The KAC lobbies state and federal legislatures on behalf of Kansas counties. Commissioner Barb Esfeld agreed the $6,124 to renew that contract is well worth the price."With them adding the lobbyist, Mike Taylor, and they've always had an attorney, but Jay Hall is very good in the education they put on," she said. "I really think it's very valuable for our county."The county also renewed its contract with the Kansas Legislative Policy Group, a bi-partisan coalition of 34 counties. That group helps counties with the preservation of tax bases and retention of local control. Esfeld attended KLPG's winter meeting Tuesday."They brought in several senators and representatives, members of the Supreme Court, members of the tax committee, and went over past legislation and upcoming legislation that will very much affect Kansas counties," she said. "I can tell you they're very, very active and proactive in helping the counties that belong."That renewal cost $5,471. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman called it another value purchase, with KLPG helping Barton County secure more than $2 million in oil and gas depletion trust fund money in recent years.

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