1/25 BOOKED: Lucas Flagor on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $165 cash only.

BOOKED: Jordan Daniels on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 cash only.

BOOKED: Trey Hurd on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $350 cash only; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstruction, no bond set.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and Battery, no bond set.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Adam Thompson on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set; and on Rooks County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

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

RELEASED: Lucas Flagor on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $165 cash bond.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstruction, to Juvenile Intake.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and Battery, to Juvenile Intake/parent.

RELEASED: Dale Herzberg on Barton County District Court case for Disorderly Conduct, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Janie Strange on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1/25 BOOKED: Lucas Flagor on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $165 cash only.BOOKED: Jordan Daniels on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000 cash only.BOOKED: Trey Hurd on two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bond set at $350 cash only; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstruction, no bond set.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and Battery, no bond set.&nbsp;BOOKED: Adam Thompson on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, no bond set; and on Rooks County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Sheldon Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only.RELEASED: Lucas Flagor on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $165 cash bond.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Battery LEO, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstruction, to Juvenile Intake.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, and Battery, to Juvenile Intake/parent.RELEASED: Dale Herzberg on Barton County District Court case for Disorderly Conduct, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Janie Strange on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Sheldon Amador on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $200 cash bond.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (1/25)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Storm is coming. And many other Special Olympics teams. For the first time, the West Regional basketball and cheerleading tournament is coming to Great Bend's Panther Activity Center on Feb. 25. The event will require approximately 85 volunteers, and Brent Kaiser, development and sports coordinator for Special Olympics Kansas, said that can be a very positive experience.

"Really, what we want our volunteers to do is to come, we want them to have a good time, we want them to cheer, we want them to give a lot of high-fives," he said. "I'm sure they'll get hugs. By the end of it, I think it's a really rewarding opportunity to experience for them."

Some 250 Special Olympics athletes and their coaches will converge on the PAC for the event, which will open with a special ceremony, followed by a cheerleading competition, then various levels of basketball and skills competitions.

"I'm really excited to host this event in Great Bend," Kaiser said. "I used to live there, and I know it's a great community. I know we'll be able to do something big in that community."

The various basketball divisions will allow athletes with different abilities to compete against one another. Divisions are limited to just four or five teams to maximize the potential for winning. For those unable to compete in a complete game, there will be skill competitions for dribbling, shooting, and passing.

"Basically, that's for athletes who are unable to do some of the general basketball stuff and get up and down the floor," said Kaiser. "Those folks are able to do shooting, passing, and dribbling in a competitive skills type of environment instead of a game."

Also for the first time, Fit Feet will be featured at the tournament. Up to 50 percent of Special Olympics athletes experience a treatable foot or ankle condition that can hamper performance. Dr. Joshua Boone will be on hand to provide evaluations for the athletes.

Volunteers are needed for various activities, from first aid, to refereeing, to judging the cheerleading competition. Volunteers are also needed to keep the scorebook, run the scoreboard, and help guide athletes through the skills competitions.

The Opening Ceremony on Feb. 25 is at 9 a.m. This will be the first West Regional tournament since 2020. <a href="https://www.givepulse.com/event/348273?fbclid=IwAR0T2uNTDaOoSUGLQ0TYucKHMo2xEwe-E9ktYoz3WR5mKFmeFtgc3C2mZ7s">CLICK HERE</a> to register as a volunteer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674656333961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Storm is coming. And many other Special Olympics teams. For the first time, the West Regional basketball and cheerleading tournament is coming to Great Bend's Panther Activity Center on Feb. 25. The event will require approximately 85 volunteers, and Brent Kaiser, development and sports coordinator for Special Olympics Kansas, said that can be a very positive experience."Really, what we want our volunteers to do is to come, we want them to have a good time, we want them to cheer, we want them to give a lot of high-fives," he said. "I'm sure they'll get hugs. By the end of it, I think it's a really rewarding opportunity to experience for them."Some 250 Special Olympics athletes and their coaches will converge on the PAC for the event, which will open with a special ceremony, followed by a cheerleading competition, then various levels of basketball and skills competitions."I'm really excited to host this event in Great Bend," Kaiser said. "I used to live there, and I know it's a great community. I know we'll be able to do something big in that community."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674656313694.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The various basketball divisions will allow athletes with different abilities to compete against one another. Divisions are limited to just four or five teams to maximize the potential for winning. For those unable to compete in a complete game, there will be skill competitions for dribbling, shooting, and passing."Basically, that's for athletes who are unable to do some of the general basketball stuff and get up and down the floor," said Kaiser. "Those folks are able to do shooting, passing, and dribbling in a competitive skills type of environment instead of a game."Also for the first time, Fit Feet will be featured at the tournament. Up to 50 percent of Special Olympics athletes experience a treatable foot or ankle condition that can hamper performance. Dr. Joshua Boone will be on hand to provide evaluations for the athletes.Volunteers are needed for various activities, from first aid, to refereeing, to judging the cheerleading competition. Volunteers are also needed to keep the scorebook, run the scoreboard, and help guide athletes through the skills competitions.The Opening Ceremony on Feb. 25 is at 9 a.m. This will be the first West Regional tournament since 2020. <a href="https://www.givepulse.com/event/348273?fbclid=IwAR0T2uNTDaOoSUGLQ0TYucKHMo2xEwe-E9ktYoz3WR5mKFmeFtgc3C2mZ7s">CLICK HERE</a> to register as a volunteer.

Volunteers needed for Special Olympics tournament coming to Great Bend

Today Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 36. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 25. Breezy, with a west-southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 47. West wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. South wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

Saturday Night Cloudy, with a low around 8. Blustery.

Sunday Cloudy, with a high near 20.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3.

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

Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 36. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Tonight Increasing clouds, with a low around 25. Breezy, with a west-southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 47. West wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. South wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.Saturday Night Cloudy, with a low around 8. Blustery.Sunday Cloudy, with a high near 20.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 2.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 20.Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

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

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is conducting a blanket drive as a way to help children in need. Now through March 31, Rosewood Miracle Workers members are accepting new blankets, quilts, and homemade blankets. They are also accepting monetary donations, which will be used to purchase additional blankets.

Once the drive is completed, Rosewood AKTION Club members will deliver donations to two area agencies: Family Crisis Center and Barton County Health Department.

All donated blankets and monetary donations can be delivered during regular business hours to one of two locations in downtown Great Bend:&nbsp;Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main; or&nbsp;Rosewood Bargain Barn,&nbsp;1215 Main.

“Our drive has become so important to the organizations we provide blankets to each year,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Blankets provide comfort to children, especially in their most vulnerable times. Our AKTION Club members recognize the importance of this drive to area children and they are hoping for another successful community campaign.”

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674572191089.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood ServicesRosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club is conducting a blanket drive as a way to help children in need. Now through March 31, Rosewood Miracle Workers members are accepting new blankets, quilts, and homemade blankets. They are also accepting monetary donations, which will be used to purchase additional blankets.Once the drive is completed, Rosewood AKTION Club members will deliver donations to two area agencies: Family Crisis Center and Barton County Health Department.All donated blankets and monetary donations can be delivered during regular business hours to one of two locations in downtown Great Bend:&nbsp;Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main; or&nbsp;Rosewood Bargain Barn,&nbsp;1215 Main.“Our drive has become so important to the organizations we provide blankets to each year,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “Blankets provide comfort to children, especially in their most vulnerable times. Our AKTION Club members recognize the importance of this drive to area children and they are hoping for another successful community campaign.”Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood members to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Rosewood conducting blanket drive through March 31

USD 428 Board of Education luncheon Thursday, Jan. 26 - 12 p.m. Great Bend High School, 2027 Morton Street Agenda 1. Call to Order / Roll Call 2. Adoption of Agenda 3. Recognition of Visitors 4. Building Report &nbsp; &nbsp;Principal Tim Friess and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Great Bend High School. 5. Approval of Personnel Report 6. Approval of Grants and Contributions 7. Adjournment

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659408772654.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education luncheon Thursday, Jan. 26 - 12 p.m. Great Bend High School, 2027 Morton Street Agenda 1. Call to Order / Roll Call 2. Adoption of Agenda 3. Recognition of Visitors 4. Building Report &nbsp; &nbsp;Principal Tim Friess and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Great Bend High School. 5. Approval of Personnel Report 6. Approval of Grants and Contributions 7. Adjournment

USD 428 school board luncheon agenda (1/26)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Last June, the Great Bend City Council had a discussion about a
city-wide surveillance camera system and license plate readers for the Great
Bend Police Department. In the end, the council decided the surveillance had
value but wanted to prioritize other city projects. Earlier this month, Great Bend Network Administrator James Cell said he is still having
conversations with police department staff to place the plate readers throughout
town to provide alerts for stolen vehicles or vehicles driven by people
suspected of being involved in criminal activity. "The software should allow us to follow vehicles toward Indiana, Texas or Mexico," said Cell. "Any department or municipality that has the same software solution, we can tag on with them. If something happened and we were trying to catch that vehicle, we can track them out to certain locations." 
Last summer, Police Chief Steve Haulmark said more than 10,000 vehicles travel
across 10th Street each day. The plate readers are capable of
searching for vehicles based on paint color or if they have damage. 
During the work session the city also discussed smart cameras positioned around
town that would include face and vehicle recognition capabilities to help
deter, track and solve crime.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663597952147.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast June, the Great Bend City Council had a discussion about a
city-wide surveillance camera system and license plate readers for the Great
Bend Police Department. In the end, the council decided the surveillance had
value but wanted to prioritize other city projects. Earlier this month, Great Bend Network Administrator James Cell said he is still having
conversations with police department staff to place the plate readers throughout
town to provide alerts for stolen vehicles or vehicles driven by people
suspected of being involved in criminal activity. "The software should allow us to follow vehicles toward Indiana, Texas or Mexico," said Cell. "Any department or municipality that has the same software solution, we can tag on with them. If something happened and we were trying to catch that vehicle, we can track them out to certain locations." 
Last summer, Police Chief Steve Haulmark said more than 10,000 vehicles travel
across 10th Street each day. The plate readers are capable of
searching for vehicles based on paint color or if they have damage. 
During the work session the city also discussed smart cameras positioned around
town that would include face and vehicle recognition capabilities to help
deter, track and solve crime.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend still discussing license plate readers to be installed

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

A formal affiliation between Fort Hays State University, North Central
Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College was unanimously
approved at last week’s Kansas Board of Regents meeting. 
The merger will require the two technical college presidents to report to the
FHSU president, and the governing bodies of the tech colleges will become
primarily advisory. Both tech colleges are expected to include Fort Hays State
in name changes. 
The Barton Community College Board of Trustees supported the affiliation change,
but Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said there are still many questions to be
answered regarding the impact on two-year colleges in the state. "The affiliation itself is fine, but what comes after the affiliation in terms of practices and processes that get developed?" said Heilman at Tuesday's Board of Trustees meeting. It may impact the two-year sector that is not involved." 
Heilman said the unknowns are the service area for the colleges and also the
funding that will be provided to the technical colleges. If the tech schools are
affiliated with Fort Hays State, should they have access to state funding allotted to
the two-year sector? Are the students added to Fort Hays’ headcount or remain with the technical
college’s headcount?

Last September, it was announced that Fort Hays State reported an 8.2% decline in enrollment from the fall of 2021 to the fall of 2022. 
Barton Board of Trustees President Mike Johnson felt like the merger was a good
move for the technical colleges, but wants to make sure the rest of the
two-year institutions won’t be negatively impacted. "It's very early on, and you're getting conflicting comments from the key people involved in the process," said Johnson. "They don't really have a common answer for questions that are asked. It's very early in the process, but it could have a dramatic effect across all the institutions, potentially down to athletics." 
The affiliation with Fort Hays State could impact Northwest Tech’s athletic
eligibility with the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference and whether or
not their student-athletes are considered Fort Hays students or Northwest Tech
students. 
The affiliation plan will now be presented to the Kansas Legislature.&nbsp;

Below is a press release from&nbsp;FHSU Communications last week...

A formal affiliation between&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College was unanimously approved at yesterday’s Kansas Board of Regents meeting.&nbsp;

Rural higher education institutions have long been beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity in Kansas. However, today and in the coming years, our communities in rural Kansas face significant demographic and economic challenges, including:

• A decline in the number of college-bound students in rural Kansas:&nbsp;According to a 2018 report titledDemographics and the Demand for Higher Education,&nbsp;Kansas will see a 15% drop in college-going students by 2029 and a matching drop in two-year college-bound students.

• A shrinking rural population:&nbsp;Experts from the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State forecast a 33%&nbsp;decline in rural populations in Kansas by 2064.

• An aging workforce:&nbsp;According to statistics from the Administration on Aging,&nbsp;more than one-half-million people in Kansas are over 60. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that nearly 25 percent of the state’s population will be 60 or older by 2030.

The economic impact of these demographic changes is, unfortunately, straightforward: a declining workforce means a declining economy.

On behalf of her two colleagues, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears and NCK Tech President Eric Burks, FHSU President Tisa Mason thanked the Kansas Board of Regents and the governing boards of the two technical colleges, stating:

Since we first began discussing this strategic opportunity, our inspiration has always been our shared commitment to what we refer to as our “true north,” serving the students, communities, and businesses of rural Kansas. Today, as we begin to move through the affiliation process, each of us is very appreciative that our three governing boards have entrusted us with the charge of aligning our efforts to delivering solutions that contribute to economic prosperity in rural western Kansas.

The three institutions have&nbsp;identified several academic and administrative pilots they will use as proof-of-concept platforms to test ideas and identify best practices before moving to full implementation. The first three academic pilots will focus on agriculture, construction, and nursing. The first administrative pilots will focus on admissions, marketing, advising, general education, transfer processes, and inter-institutional registrar functions. Additional administrative pilots will look at procurement and the creation of an information technology study group.&nbsp;

The presidents expect several organizational changes to result from this affiliation. The two technical college presidents will report to the FHSU president under the authority of the Kansas Board of Regents. All other employees will remain with their respective institutions. The two governing bodies of the tech colleges will become primarily advisory. One change will likely include a new naming convention for the two technical colleges. NWKTC is expected to become Fort Hays State University-Northwest Tech, and NCKTC is expected to become Fort Hays State University-NCK Tech.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several things are not expected to change. All three presidents will continue to lead their institutions.&nbsp;There will be no effort aimed at&nbsp;closing any campus or reducing funding eligibility. They will also not seek to disrupt the core mission of any one institution, and the three presidents have no intention of moving forward in a manner that disadvantages any of the partners. Finally, each institution will retain its respective Department of Education ID and related funding structure, and individual High Learning Commission accreditations will remain in place for each institution.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Board of Regents Chair Jon Rolph sees this initiative as a bold step forward, stating:

"The affiliation between Fort Hays State, NCK Tech, and Northwest Tech will benefit Kansas students, small businesses, and communities. The Legislature has been a great partner and helped us implement projects that leverage our system’s potential to build the talent pipeline and grow the economy. The Regents look forward to working with these institutions to advance this affiliation."

Presidents Mason, Schears, and Burks also look forward to the next steps in the process. “Our communities need bold solutions that address the genuine challenges we face today. This affiliation will position us well to deliver for our students and communities,” said Schears.

President Burks shared the group’s commitment to working collaboratively as the initiative begins to take shape, stating, “This initiative will soon be in the hands of the professionals at each of our institutions, those most familiar with our most essential operations who will ultimately drive the development and implementation of our final affiliation plan.”

The next step involves presenting the affiliation plan to the Kansas Legislature within the next several weeks. Once in place,&nbsp;this formal affiliation will allow the parties to move beyond current collaborations and into a true strategic partnership, enabling the institutions to proceed with delivering on the affiliation’s vision and goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643215301490.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Board of Trustees (file photo)" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Board of Trustees (file photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA formal affiliation between Fort Hays State University, North Central
Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College was unanimously
approved at last week’s Kansas Board of Regents meeting. 
The merger will require the two technical college presidents to report to the
FHSU president, and the governing bodies of the tech colleges will become
primarily advisory. Both tech colleges are expected to include Fort Hays State
in name changes. 
The Barton Community College Board of Trustees supported the affiliation change,
but Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said there are still many questions to be
answered regarding the impact on two-year colleges in the state. "The affiliation itself is fine, but what comes after the affiliation in terms of practices and processes that get developed?" said Heilman at Tuesday's Board of Trustees meeting. It may impact the two-year sector that is not involved." 
Heilman said the unknowns are the service area for the colleges and also the
funding that will be provided to the technical colleges. If the tech schools are
affiliated with Fort Hays State, should they have access to state funding allotted to
the two-year sector? Are the students added to Fort Hays’ headcount or remain with the technical
college’s headcount? Last September, it was announced that Fort Hays State reported an 8.2% decline in enrollment from the fall of 2021 to the fall of 2022. 
Barton Board of Trustees President Mike Johnson felt like the merger was a good
move for the technical colleges, but wants to make sure the rest of the
two-year institutions won’t be negatively impacted. "It's very early on, and you're getting conflicting comments from the key people involved in the process," said Johnson. "They don't really have a common answer for questions that are asked. It's very early in the process, but it could have a dramatic effect across all the institutions, potentially down to athletics." 
The affiliation with Fort Hays State could impact Northwest Tech’s athletic
eligibility with the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference and whether or
not their student-athletes are considered Fort Hays students or Northwest Tech
students. 
The affiliation plan will now be presented to the Kansas Legislature.&nbsp; --Below is a press release from&nbsp;FHSU Communications last week...A formal affiliation between&nbsp;Fort Hays State University, North Central Kansas Technical College and Northwest Kansas Technical College was unanimously approved at yesterday’s Kansas Board of Regents meeting.&nbsp;Rural higher education institutions have long been beacons of opportunity and drivers of economic prosperity in Kansas. However, today and in the coming years, our communities in rural Kansas face significant demographic and economic challenges, including:• A decline in the number of college-bound students in rural Kansas:&nbsp;According to a 2018 report titledDemographics and the Demand for Higher Education,&nbsp;Kansas will see a 15% drop in college-going students by 2029 and a matching drop in two-year college-bound students.• A shrinking rural population:&nbsp;Experts from the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State forecast a 33%&nbsp;decline in rural populations in Kansas by 2064.• An aging workforce:&nbsp;According to statistics from the Administration on Aging,&nbsp;more than one-half-million people in Kansas are over 60. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that nearly 25 percent of the state’s population will be 60 or older by 2030.The economic impact of these demographic changes is, unfortunately, straightforward: a declining workforce means a declining economy.On behalf of her two colleagues, Northwest Tech President Ben Schears and NCK Tech President Eric Burks, FHSU President Tisa Mason thanked the Kansas Board of Regents and the governing boards of the two technical colleges, stating:Since we first began discussing this strategic opportunity, our inspiration has always been our shared commitment to what we refer to as our “true north,” serving the students, communities, and businesses of rural Kansas. Today, as we begin to move through the affiliation process, each of us is very appreciative that our three governing boards have entrusted us with the charge of aligning our efforts to delivering solutions that contribute to economic prosperity in rural western Kansas.The three institutions have&nbsp;identified several academic and administrative pilots they will use as proof-of-concept platforms to test ideas and identify best practices before moving to full implementation. The first three academic pilots will focus on agriculture, construction, and nursing. The first administrative pilots will focus on admissions, marketing, advising, general education, transfer processes, and inter-institutional registrar functions. Additional administrative pilots will look at procurement and the creation of an information technology study group.&nbsp;The presidents expect several organizational changes to result from this affiliation. The two technical college presidents will report to the FHSU president under the authority of the Kansas Board of Regents. All other employees will remain with their respective institutions. The two governing bodies of the tech colleges will become primarily advisory. One change will likely include a new naming convention for the two technical colleges. NWKTC is expected to become Fort Hays State University-Northwest Tech, and NCKTC is expected to become Fort Hays State University-NCK Tech.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several things are not expected to change. All three presidents will continue to lead their institutions.&nbsp;There will be no effort aimed at&nbsp;closing any campus or reducing funding eligibility. They will also not seek to disrupt the core mission of any one institution, and the three presidents have no intention of moving forward in a manner that disadvantages any of the partners. Finally, each institution will retain its respective Department of Education ID and related funding structure, and individual High Learning Commission accreditations will remain in place for each institution.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Board of Regents Chair Jon Rolph sees this initiative as a bold step forward, stating:"The affiliation between Fort Hays State, NCK Tech, and Northwest Tech will benefit Kansas students, small businesses, and communities. The Legislature has been a great partner and helped us implement projects that leverage our system’s potential to build the talent pipeline and grow the economy. The Regents look forward to working with these institutions to advance this affiliation."Presidents Mason, Schears, and Burks also look forward to the next steps in the process. “Our communities need bold solutions that address the genuine challenges we face today. This affiliation will position us well to deliver for our students and communities,” said Schears.President Burks shared the group’s commitment to working collaboratively as the initiative begins to take shape, stating, “This initiative will soon be in the hands of the professionals at each of our institutions, those most familiar with our most essential operations who will ultimately drive the development and implementation of our final affiliation plan.”The next step involves presenting the affiliation plan to the Kansas Legislature within the next several weeks. Once in place,&nbsp;this formal affiliation will allow the parties to move beyond current collaborations and into a true strategic partnership, enabling the institutions to proceed with delivering on the affiliation’s vision and goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton CC studying impacts of FHSU’s affiliation with tech colleges

Action from the January 25, 2023, Barton County Commission agenda meeting:

RESOLUTION 2023-05:  A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2023:  -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details.  The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years.  The Resolution was adopted. 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES:  2023 Membership:  -Mr. Patzner provided details.   The National Association of Counties (NACo) submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership.   Based on population, the dues are $553.00. NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices and nurtures leadership.  Membership was approved.

KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES:  2023 Membership:  -Mr. Patzner provided details.   The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership.   Based on a calculation that includes a base fee, population and valuation, the dues are $6,124.34.  The Association sponsors the annual KAC Conference, various educational meetings throughout the year and lobbies the State and Federal Legislature on behalf of Kansas Counties.  Membership was approved. 

KANSAS LEGISLATIVE POLICY GROUP:  2023 Membership:  -Mr. Patzner provided details.  The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control.  The KLPG serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day.  The Commission approved renewal of the membership, priced at $5,471.34. 

 ANNUAL DEPARTMENT UPDATE:  County Attorney’s Office:  -Levi Morris, County Attorney, was to provide an annual update on his department.  Tabled for two weeks. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  -Not needed at this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597346058812.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Action from the January 25, 2023, Barton County Commission agenda meeting:RESOLUTION 2023-05: A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2023: -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years. The Resolution was adopted. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The National Association of Counties (NACo) submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on population, the dues are $553.00. NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices and nurtures leadership. Membership was approved.KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on a calculation that includes a base fee, population and valuation, the dues are $6,124.34. The Association sponsors the annual KAC Conference, various educational meetings throughout the year and lobbies the State and Federal Legislature on behalf of Kansas Counties. Membership was approved. KANSAS LEGISLATIVE POLICY GROUP: 2023 Membership: -Mr. Patzner provided details. The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. The KLPG serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day. The Commission approved renewal of the membership, priced at $5,471.34. ANNUAL DEPARTMENT UPDATE: County Attorney’s Office: -Levi Morris, County Attorney, was to provide an annual update on his department. Tabled for two weeks. EXECUTIVE SESSION: -Not needed at this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Action from the Barton County Commission meeting (1/25)

Disseminating information can be a useful tool for law enforcement. That's now a little easier for the Barton County Sheriff's Office, thanks to a new electronic sign at the station. Undersheriff Steve Billinger is pleased with the update, even if the sign is not quite brand new.

"It's going to be for information for the community on law enforcement topics," he said. "It actually came from the health department. They upgraded their sign, so we got their old sign. We're going to be able to put messages up there on various topics for public awareness."

Some of those topics may include announcements of classes, like the concealed carry course, weather alerts, or just positive messages from the sheriff's office to the community.

Ownership of the sign was simply transferred from the health department to the sheriff's office, though the sheriff's office did pay for Mark's Custom Signs to mount it, and for customed paneling to feature the sheriff emblem. It will be the first new sign at the sheriff's office in more than 30 years.

"That old sign used to be the mortuary services' sign," Billinger said. "The current sheriff back then, Jim Daily, had new panels made for the sheriff's office back at that time. It's been a long time coming needing to be upgraded. Being an electronic sign, that's even cooler."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674591027307.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDisseminating information can be a useful tool for law enforcement. That's now a little easier for the Barton County Sheriff's Office, thanks to a new electronic sign at the station. Undersheriff Steve Billinger is pleased with the update, even if the sign is not quite brand new."It's going to be for information for the community on law enforcement topics," he said. "It actually came from the health department. They upgraded their sign, so we got their old sign. We're going to be able to put messages up there on various topics for public awareness."Some of those topics may include announcements of classes, like the concealed carry course, weather alerts, or just positive messages from the sheriff's office to the community.Ownership of the sign was simply transferred from the health department to the sheriff's office, though the sheriff's office did pay for Mark's Custom Signs to mount it, and for customed paneling to feature the sheriff emblem. It will be the first new sign at the sheriff's office in more than 30 years."That old sign used to be the mortuary services' sign," Billinger said. "The current sheriff back then, Jim Daily, had new panels made for the sheriff's office back at that time. It's been a long time coming needing to be upgraded. Being an electronic sign, that's even cooler."

Barton Co. Sheriff's Office upgrades communication with electric sign

On Sunday, February 12, 4-H members across Barton County will gather to showcase their Communication Skills at 4-H Club Day!

Communication skills are necessary for everyone in every job. Our littlest 4-H members start out by presenting “Show and Share” with the goal of being able to look the judge in the eye and talk.

As they get a little older, they have the opportunity to develop and present Demonstrations which show how to do something or Illustrated Talks which tells how something is done. These involve preparing materials, an outline, and visual aids. As timed events, it is also important to learn to manage your time well.

Older 4-H members expand their presentation skills by adding public speaking and extemporaneous speaking to the demonstrations and illustrated talk options. Public speaking is excellent practice for a lifetime of presentations whether that is used at work, on a board, or with a civic organization. Extemporaneous speaking is probably one of the toughest categories! Participants have ten minutes to draw from a selection of topics, prepare their thoughts, and record their main points on a single notecard. It challenges youth to quickly organize their thoughts and confidently present their topic.

In addition to speaking opportunities, many clubs will work together to present a club skit. Teamwork, organization, and planning are all important skills as the club coordinates to showcase their members in a fun and inventive way.

One of the most challenging club events is the model meeting. 4-H Clubs learn and practice parliamentary procedure at each meeting and the model meeting event gives them a place to show what they know! They must provide an agenda to the judge prior to the meeting and secretary minutes immediately following. There are requirements as to the number of motions that must be included. This is a great life skill for anyone who will sit on a board or committee!

Also included in 4-H Club Day is the opportunity for 4-H members to present music, dance, and talent numbers.

In all cases, these are performed before a judge who will provide feedback in addition to a ribbon placing. This consultative judging is a regular part of 4-H learning.

Cottonwood-Barton 4-H participates in a regional contest so qualifiers from most areas are eligible to present at the next level with the best of seven other counties. Regional Club Day will occur on March 10 in Great Bend.

Those who receive top placings at County 4-H Club Day also have the opportunity to present their Demonstration or Illustrated Talk at the Kansas State Fair. If you ever walk through the 4-H Centennial Hall building at State Fair, you may have seen youth from across the state presenting on one of two stages.

Practicing the life skills of communication, organization, and planning are really the WHY behind 4-H Day! Poise, confidence, and self-assurance grow every time a presentation is given. Be on the lookout for these young leaders and their growing communication skills!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>On Sunday, February 12, 4-H members across Barton County will gather to showcase their Communication Skills at 4-H Club Day!Communication skills are necessary for everyone in every job. Our littlest 4-H members start out by presenting “Show and Share” with the goal of being able to look the judge in the eye and talk.As they get a little older, they have the opportunity to develop and present Demonstrations which show how to do something or Illustrated Talks which tells how something is done. These involve preparing materials, an outline, and visual aids. As timed events, it is also important to learn to manage your time well.Older 4-H members expand their presentation skills by adding public speaking and extemporaneous speaking to the demonstrations and illustrated talk options. Public speaking is excellent practice for a lifetime of presentations whether that is used at work, on a board, or with a civic organization. Extemporaneous speaking is probably one of the toughest categories! Participants have ten minutes to draw from a selection of topics, prepare their thoughts, and record their main points on a single notecard. It challenges youth to quickly organize their thoughts and confidently present their topic.In addition to speaking opportunities, many clubs will work together to present a club skit. Teamwork, organization, and planning are all important skills as the club coordinates to showcase their members in a fun and inventive way.One of the most challenging club events is the model meeting. 4-H Clubs learn and practice parliamentary procedure at each meeting and the model meeting event gives them a place to show what they know! They must provide an agenda to the judge prior to the meeting and secretary minutes immediately following. There are requirements as to the number of motions that must be included. This is a great life skill for anyone who will sit on a board or committee!Also included in 4-H Club Day is the opportunity for 4-H members to present music, dance, and talent numbers.In all cases, these are performed before a judge who will provide feedback in addition to a ribbon placing. This consultative judging is a regular part of 4-H learning.Cottonwood-Barton 4-H participates in a regional contest so qualifiers from most areas are eligible to present at the next level with the best of seven other counties. Regional Club Day will occur on March 10 in Great Bend.Those who receive top placings at County 4-H Club Day also have the opportunity to present their Demonstration or Illustrated Talk at the Kansas State Fair. If you ever walk through the 4-H Centennial Hall building at State Fair, you may have seen youth from across the state presenting on one of two stages.Practicing the life skills of communication, organization, and planning are really the WHY behind 4-H Day! Poise, confidence, and self-assurance grow every time a presentation is given. Be on the lookout for these young leaders and their growing communication skills!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.

BERAN: 4-H Club Day

No tax season is ever the same. The filing season opened on Jan. 23 and will run through April 18 this year. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning that refunds may not be as large this year. The average refund increased 14 percent from $2,791 in 2021, to $3,176 in 2022. 

All taxpayers may claim the standard deduction. Small adjustments are made to that figure each year, but 2022 saw a larger increase than usual. The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly increased by $1,800 to $27,700, and $900 for single taxpayers or married individuals filing separately.

"Some of those things are tied to inflation, so since inflation is higher, we saw a  bigger increase there, which should help folks," said Barry Bowers, Certified Public Accountant with Spectrum CPA Partners in Great Bend. "The tax brackets are expanded because of that, too, which again should help people. It's not going to be huge differences, but at least it will work in everyone's favor. This might be one thing that's good from all the inflation we've been experiencing."

The child tax credit and child and dependent care tax credit are also reduced for 2022, returning to pre-COVID levels. For 2021, the child tax credit offered $3,600 for children under six years of age, and $3,000 for each child between the ages of 6-17. Those numbers revert back to $2,000. Bowers said that change should not drastically alter refunds from a year ago for those taking payments in advance, then receiving the other half on their tax return.

"The people it will affect the most are the folks that opted out of those advanced payments or didn't get them for some reason, then they got that whole $4,000 on their returns," he said. "They're going to see some differences."

Third-party payments through apps like Venmo or PayPal were expected to be an additional item for 2022. While businesses have had to report transactions for several years, prior to 2022, individual taxpayers only had to report transactions totaling more than $20,000. The IRS reduced that figure to just $600 for 2022. Transactions of more than that may result in a 1099-K form, though Bowers said because of pushback with difficulties reconciling things like simple money transfers, deposits at hotels, and tips at restaurants, many will not receive a 1099-K until next year.

"I think it would be a good idea, if somebody is using those, to look at their setup and see if there a place to mark it personal versus not, so maybe that will help eliminate some issues a year from now if they try to enforce it then," he said.

According to the IRS, the fastest way for taxpayers to collect their refund is to file electronically and choose the direct deposit option for payment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674579570532.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostNo tax season is ever the same. The filing season opened on Jan. 23 and will run through April 18 this year. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a warning that refunds may not be as large this year. The average refund increased 14 percent from $2,791 in 2021, to $3,176 in 2022. All taxpayers may claim the standard deduction. Small adjustments are made to that figure each year, but 2022 saw a larger increase than usual. The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly increased by $1,800 to $27,700, and $900 for single taxpayers or married individuals filing separately."Some of those things are tied to inflation, so since inflation is higher, we saw a bigger increase there, which should help folks," said Barry Bowers, Certified Public Accountant with Spectrum CPA Partners in Great Bend. "The tax brackets are expanded because of that, too, which again should help people. It's not going to be huge differences, but at least it will work in everyone's favor. This might be one thing that's good from all the inflation we've been experiencing."The child tax credit and child and dependent care tax credit are also reduced for 2022, returning to pre-COVID levels. For 2021, the child tax credit offered $3,600 for children under six years of age, and $3,000 for each child between the ages of 6-17. Those numbers revert back to $2,000. Bowers said that change should not drastically alter refunds from a year ago for those taking payments in advance, then receiving the other half on their tax return."The people it will affect the most are the folks that opted out of those advanced payments or didn't get them for some reason, then they got that whole $4,000 on their returns," he said. "They're going to see some differences."Third-party payments through apps like Venmo or PayPal were expected to be an additional item for 2022. While businesses have had to report transactions for several years, prior to 2022, individual taxpayers only had to report transactions totaling more than $20,000. The IRS reduced that figure to just $600 for 2022. Transactions of more than that may result in a 1099-K form, though Bowers said because of pushback with difficulties reconciling things like simple money transfers, deposits at hotels, and tips at restaurants, many will not receive a 1099-K until next year."I think it would be a good idea, if somebody is using those, to look at their setup and see if there a place to mark it personal versus not, so maybe that will help eliminate some issues a year from now if they try to enforce it then," he said.According to the IRS, the fastest way for taxpayers to collect their refund is to file electronically and choose the direct deposit option for payment.

Great Bend CPA: Expect changes on 2022 tax returns

College is not getting any cheaper. In an effort to help college graduates who choose to return home and serve Kansas communities, the Kansas Department of Commerce created the Kansas Rural Opportunity Zones Student Loan Repayment Program to assist with outstanding loans. Wednesday morning, the Barton County Commission opted into the program. County Director of Operations Matt Patzner explained the program to the commissioners. 

"The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to $15,000 in benefits as a workplace recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County," he said. "The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years."

Ninety-five of the 105 counties in Kansas have been designated as Rural Opportunity Zones eligible for the benefit. Thirty-four of those counties are already involved in the program. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson learned that two years ago at a Kansas Association of Counties meeting. 

"When I went to KAC, not this year but the year before, I think this is one of those where they put the map of Kansas up," he said. "It was like almost all the counties were participating. Barton was the glaring white spot in the middle of the map. I just couldn't figure out why we weren't doing it, especially when there's no financial commitment on our part just to opt-in, basically. I'm all in favor of opting in."

The program provides up to $15,000 in assistance over five years with the Department of Commerce matching benefits up to 50 percent. Eligible candidates must have a newly established address in a participating county after the county began participating in the program. They also need to have an active student-loan balance in their name, and must have a degree. Only those who attended college in another county are eligible at this time, though that requirement is currently under review.

<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/rural-opportunity-zones-roz/#h-student-loan-eligibility-requirements">CLICK HERE</a> to apply for more information on, or to apply for the benefit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674661602320.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostCollege is not getting any cheaper. In an effort to help college graduates who choose to return home and serve Kansas communities, the Kansas Department of Commerce created the Kansas Rural Opportunity Zones Student Loan Repayment Program to assist with outstanding loans. Wednesday morning, the Barton County Commission opted into the program. County Director of Operations Matt Patzner explained the program to the commissioners. "The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to $15,000 in benefits as a workplace recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County," he said. "The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years."Ninety-five of the 105 counties in Kansas have been designated as Rural Opportunity Zones eligible for the benefit. Thirty-four of those counties are already involved in the program. Commission Chair Shawn Hutchinson learned that two years ago at a Kansas Association of Counties meeting. "When I went to KAC, not this year but the year before, I think this is one of those where they put the map of Kansas up," he said. "It was like almost all the counties were participating. Barton was the glaring white spot in the middle of the map. I just couldn't figure out why we weren't doing it, especially when there's no financial commitment on our part just to opt-in, basically. I'm all in favor of opting in."The program provides up to $15,000 in assistance over five years with the Department of Commerce matching benefits up to 50 percent. Eligible candidates must have a newly established address in a participating county after the county began participating in the program. They also need to have an active student-loan balance in their name, and must have a degree. Only those who attended college in another county are eligible at this time, though that requirement is currently under review.<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/rural-opportunity-zones-roz/#h-student-loan-eligibility-requirements">CLICK HERE</a> to apply for more information on, or to apply for the benefit.

Barton County opts into student loan repayment program

Barton County Sheriff's Office Incident Log (1/24) Driving / Driver Complaint At 7:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 24th &amp; Main. Controlled Burn At 8:02 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 624 NE 100 Avenue in Claflin. At 8:15 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at NW 200 Road &amp; NW 20 Avenue in Susank. At 8:18 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 1443 NE 10 Road in Ellinwood. At 8:23 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 1043 NE 80 Road in Claflin. At 8:28 a.m. a controlled burn was reported in the 800 block of W. Barton County Road. At 9:18 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at NW 120 Avenue &amp; NW 30 Road in Albert. At 9:43 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 66 SW 30 Avenue. At 10:34 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 150 NW 60 Avenue. Structure Fire At 2:04 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 341 NE 140 Road in Hoisington. At 4:26 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1560 K-96 Highway. Fire At 5:30 p.m. a fire was reported at SE 20 Road &amp; SE 105 Avenue in Ellinwood.

Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (1/24) Driving / Driver Complaint At 7:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 24th &amp; Main. Elderly Abuse / Neglect At 10:18 a.m. possible elderly abuse was reported at 3910 Cedar Park Pl. K-9 Use / Call Out At 2:31 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 4200 10th Street. Cattle Out At 4:15 p.m. a cow outside the fence was reported at 24th &amp; Harrison. Non-Injury Accident At 5:04 p.m. an accident was reported at 9th &amp; Main. Convulsions / Seizures At 11:07 p.m. ambulance assistance was reported at 1024 Main Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff's Office Incident Log (1/24) Driving / Driver Complaint At 7:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 24th &amp; Main. Controlled Burn At 8:02 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 624 NE 100 Avenue in Claflin. At 8:15 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at NW 200 Road &amp; NW 20 Avenue in Susank. At 8:18 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 1443 NE 10 Road in Ellinwood. At 8:23 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 1043 NE 80 Road in Claflin. At 8:28 a.m. a controlled burn was reported in the 800 block of W. Barton County Road. At 9:18 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at NW 120 Avenue &amp; NW 30 Road in Albert. At 9:43 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 66 SW 30 Avenue. At 10:34 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 150 NW 60 Avenue. Structure Fire At 2:04 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 341 NE 140 Road in Hoisington. At 4:26 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1560 K-96 Highway. Fire At 5:30 p.m. a fire was reported at SE 20 Road &amp; SE 105 Avenue in Ellinwood.Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (1/24) Driving / Driver Complaint At 7:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 24th &amp; Main. Elderly Abuse / Neglect At 10:18 a.m. possible elderly abuse was reported at 3910 Cedar Park Pl. K-9 Use / Call Out At 2:31 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 4200 10th Street. Cattle Out At 4:15 p.m. a cow outside the fence was reported at 24th &amp; Harrison. Non-Injury Accident At 5:04 p.m. an accident was reported at 9th &amp; Main. Convulsions / Seizures At 11:07 p.m. ambulance assistance was reported at 1024 Main Street.

Cop Shop (1/24)

1/24 BOOKED: Juvenile on Dickinson County District Court warrant for Probation Violation.

BOOKED: Nancy Nunez-Sanchez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Ana Dominguez on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

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

BOOKED: Blake Stegman on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

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

BOOKED: James Drury on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Cecilia Saindon on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Jorge Enriquez on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Lonnie Straub on Stafford County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Nancy Nunez-Sanchez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brady Morgan on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, on 48-hour OR bond.

RELEASED: Ana Dominguez on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Cecilia Saindon on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jorge Enriquez on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: James Drury on Barton County District Court warrant, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Lonnie Straub on Stafford County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through B&amp;K Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Adriane Millershaski on Stafford County District Court case for Probation Violation, by order of the court with time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1/24 BOOKED: Juvenile on Dickinson County District Court warrant for Probation Violation.BOOKED: Nancy Nunez-Sanchez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Ana Dominguez on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Savanna Bradshaw on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Blake Stegman on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Brandon Dannebohm on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: James Drury on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Cecilia Saindon on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Jorge Enriquez on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Lonnie Straub on Stafford County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Juvenile, to transport.RELEASED: Nancy Nunez-Sanchez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brady Morgan on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, on 48-hour OR bond.RELEASED: Ana Dominguez on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after posting bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Cecilia Saindon on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jorge Enriquez on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: James Drury on Barton County District Court warrant, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Lonnie Straub on Stafford County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond through B&amp;K Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Adriane Millershaski on Stafford County District Court case for Probation Violation, by order of the court with time served.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking Activity (1/24)

As the interior walls continue to go up, it
seems like every day there is a large amount of progress with the construction
of new Great Bend Justice Center, which will house the police station and
municipal court. McCownGordon Construction anticipates putting the trusses up
this week to eventually begin on the roof of the 20,100 square-foot facility,
according to Interim City Administrator Logan Burns. "They're working on getting the building shell completed, getting the walls sheeted and the roof on," said Burns. "We started this project right in the middle of winter. That's the most challenging time to start, but we're not finishing drywall right now, so that helps. We've made some pretty good headway. We have the storm shelter completed."&nbsp; 
The $8.8 million project, at 12th Street and Baker Avenue, is mostly being paid for from the .10% sales tax
increase approved in November 2021 by a vote. The new police station and
municipal courtroom will replace the station on Williams Street that was built
in 1938.

Once the construction is complete, the city will look to equip the
facility with new furniture. 
"We're trying to figure out what to take over there," said Burns. "We're putting together some bid packages for the furniture. It'll be an entirely new look inside as well." 
Burns said the project is still on schedule to be completed sometime in August.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674583201596.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the interior walls continue to go up, it
seems like every day there is a large amount of progress with the construction
of new Great Bend Justice Center, which will house the police station and
municipal court. McCownGordon Construction anticipates putting the trusses up
this week to eventually begin on the roof of the 20,100 square-foot facility,
according to Interim City Administrator Logan Burns. "They're working on getting the building shell completed, getting the walls sheeted and the roof on," said Burns. "We started this project right in the middle of winter. That's the most challenging time to start, but we're not finishing drywall right now, so that helps. We've made some pretty good headway. We have the storm shelter completed."&nbsp; 
The $8.8 million project, at 12th Street and Baker Avenue, is mostly being paid for from the .10% sales tax
increase approved in November 2021 by a vote. The new police station and
municipal courtroom will replace the station on Williams Street that was built
in 1938. Once the construction is complete, the city will look to equip the
facility with new furniture. 
"We're trying to figure out what to take over there," said Burns. "We're putting together some bid packages for the furniture. It'll be an entirely new look inside as well." 
Burns said the project is still on schedule to be completed sometime in August.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Progress on Great Bend's new Justice Center; roof coming soon

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 34. North-northwest wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. West-northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Breezy, with a west-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 7 to 14 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.

Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.

Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 34. North-northwest wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. West-northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Breezy, with a west-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 7 to 14 mph becoming south-southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.Monday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6.Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

By LAURA HAFFNER Ellis County farmer Farmers and ranchers are some of the most resilient people I know. They weather incredible odds, pun intended, from droughts, to floods, fire, hail, blizzards and more. This doesn’t even touch the volatile input costs, family dynamics, inflation and increased regulations we are seeing. Despite these adversities, we pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and continue to provide for our families while often being the first to give the shirts off our own backs for a neighbor in need. But what happens when that proverbial bootstrap snaps? Do we fix it right away and make it whole again, or do we slap a little duct tape and bailing wire on it and call it good? While that solution may work for a short time, the tape will eventually lose its sticky and the wire will start poking one in the calf. That’s when a whole new set of challenges surface. In my own life, agriculture has provided me with some of life’s greatest highs, but it has also contributed to some of my darkest lows. It is curious how something we love so much can cause so much stress, and we often ignore or fail to address the signs.&nbsp; Several years ago, I invited a counselor with an agriculture background to my classroom. He walked students through an exercise where they wrote down all the agriculture-related stressors they could think of. Within a few short minutes, one group had listed more than 40. Upon evaluation, class members determined the only thing in all those items we could control was ourselves. That left more than 40 other major items that we had little to no control over. Talk about the perfect storm for some real stress in our industry! Using the results from the exercise, our guest speaker guided us through an eye-opening experience to help us learn how we view and handle our stress. Those in the room realized they weren’t alone, and there are others who have experienced similar stressors. That may have been just as powerful as any coping skill we could have learned — we are not alone in the battles we face in agriculture.&nbsp; Some battles we face are short and quick. They may annoyingly take our time and make us uncomfortable, but we can quickly adjust to take on another day. Some battles rage on for months and even years. Even the toughest, most resilient warriors can get worn down. In some cases, the burden is so great it feels like the battle may never end or we may be left behind on the field. But it doesn’t have to be that way.&nbsp; Our fellow members within the Farm Bureau family are standing up and recognizing that something needs to change. Farmers and ranchers are passionate about this topic because we’ve lived it or have seen our families and friends struggle with it. We are sounding the alarm, rallying the troops and fighting alongside each other to ensure no one is left on the field alone.&nbsp; Maybe you know something needs to change mentally but taking that first step to attack the topic of mental health is scary. Maybe the first step is opening up to a trusted friend, family member, doctor, pastor or exploring some resources to learn more. Perhaps you’re not experiencing any of your own mental health battles at the moment but would like to learn how to be an ally.&nbsp; While these don’t substitute for the opinion of a health care professional, Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) has been building an arsenal of resources that may serve as good place to start. You can find them by searching for Rural Minds Matter at&nbsp;<a href="http://kfb.org/">kfb.org</a>. “Kansas Living,” KFB’s quarterly lifestyle magazine, featured three members who have experienced challenges, and are working to help themselves and others. Read more at<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=8ebc3f402e&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kansaslivingmagazine.com</a>&nbsp;or visit KFB’s YouTube channel to hear their stories firsthand.&nbsp;KFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) teamed up with KFB’s Young Farmers &amp; Ranchers Committee at the organization’s annual meeting in December for a three-part farm family resilience workshop series. The WLC also plans to host a women’s wellness retreat in November. These are just a few examples of how farmers and ranchers are mobilizing and working together to offer a hand to friends and family when a bootstrap wears thin. It will take all of us doing our part to end the stigma, but together we can help ourselves, friends, families and communities continue to be healthy and resilient.&nbsp; If you or someone you know are experiencing an immediate emergency, call or text the national suicide hotline at 998.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674486447566.jpeg" alt="Laura Haffner" />
 <figcaption>Laura Haffner</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA HAFFNER Ellis County farmer Farmers and ranchers are some of the most resilient people I know. They weather incredible odds, pun intended, from droughts, to floods, fire, hail, blizzards and more. This doesn’t even touch the volatile input costs, family dynamics, inflation and increased regulations we are seeing. Despite these adversities, we pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and continue to provide for our families while often being the first to give the shirts off our own backs for a neighbor in need. But what happens when that proverbial bootstrap snaps? Do we fix it right away and make it whole again, or do we slap a little duct tape and bailing wire on it and call it good? While that solution may work for a short time, the tape will eventually lose its sticky and the wire will start poking one in the calf. That’s when a whole new set of challenges surface. In my own life, agriculture has provided me with some of life’s greatest highs, but it has also contributed to some of my darkest lows. It is curious how something we love so much can cause so much stress, and we often ignore or fail to address the signs.&nbsp; Several years ago, I invited a counselor with an agriculture background to my classroom. He walked students through an exercise where they wrote down all the agriculture-related stressors they could think of. Within a few short minutes, one group had listed more than 40. Upon evaluation, class members determined the only thing in all those items we could control was ourselves. That left more than 40 other major items that we had little to no control over. Talk about the perfect storm for some real stress in our industry! Using the results from the exercise, our guest speaker guided us through an eye-opening experience to help us learn how we view and handle our stress. Those in the room realized they weren’t alone, and there are others who have experienced similar stressors. That may have been just as powerful as any coping skill we could have learned — we are not alone in the battles we face in agriculture.&nbsp; Some battles we face are short and quick. They may annoyingly take our time and make us uncomfortable, but we can quickly adjust to take on another day. Some battles rage on for months and even years. Even the toughest, most resilient warriors can get worn down. In some cases, the burden is so great it feels like the battle may never end or we may be left behind on the field. But it doesn’t have to be that way.&nbsp; Our fellow members within the Farm Bureau family are standing up and recognizing that something needs to change. Farmers and ranchers are passionate about this topic because we’ve lived it or have seen our families and friends struggle with it. We are sounding the alarm, rallying the troops and fighting alongside each other to ensure no one is left on the field alone.&nbsp; Maybe you know something needs to change mentally but taking that first step to attack the topic of mental health is scary. Maybe the first step is opening up to a trusted friend, family member, doctor, pastor or exploring some resources to learn more. Perhaps you’re not experiencing any of your own mental health battles at the moment but would like to learn how to be an ally.&nbsp; While these don’t substitute for the opinion of a health care professional, Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) has been building an arsenal of resources that may serve as good place to start. You can find them by searching for Rural Minds Matter at&nbsp;<a href="http://kfb.org/">kfb.org</a>. “Kansas Living,” KFB’s quarterly lifestyle magazine, featured three members who have experienced challenges, and are working to help themselves and others. Read more at<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=8ebc3f402e&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kansaslivingmagazine.com</a>&nbsp;or visit KFB’s YouTube channel to hear their stories firsthand.&nbsp;KFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) teamed up with KFB’s Young Farmers &amp; Ranchers Committee at the organization’s annual meeting in December for a three-part farm family resilience workshop series. The WLC also plans to host a women’s wellness retreat in November. These are just a few examples of how farmers and ranchers are mobilizing and working together to offer a hand to friends and family when a bootstrap wears thin. It will take all of us doing our part to end the stigma, but together we can help ourselves, friends, families and communities continue to be healthy and resilient.&nbsp; If you or someone you know are experiencing an immediate emergency, call or text the national suicide hotline at 998."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Rural minds matter

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Bd81Kx. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting Jan. 25, 2023 9 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the January 18, 2023, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devises. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

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

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION 2023-05: A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2023: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, will provide details. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The National Association of Counties (NACo) has submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on population, the dues are $553.00. NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices and nurtures leadership.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner provide details. The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) has submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on a calculation that includes a base fee, population and valuation, the dues are $6,124.34. The Association sponsors the annual KAC Conference, various educational meetings throughout the year and lobbies the State and Federal Legislature on behalf of Kansas Counties.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KANSAS LEGISLATIVE POLICY GROUP: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. The KLPG serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day. At this time, the Commission will consider renewal of the membership, priced at $5,471.34.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. ANNUAL DEPARTMENT UPDATE: County Attorney’s Office: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Levi Morris, County Attorney, will provide an annual update on his department.

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

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

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting –&nbsp;Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Director of Operations.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:15 a.m. – Equipment Update – Dena Popp, 911 Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:30 a.m. – Asphalt Mixture Discussion – Darren Williams, County Works Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County&nbsp;Engineer.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11:00 a.m. – The Commission will open County Counselor Bids in their Chambers.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:30 p.m. – Solar Farm Project – Acciona Energy and Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2:00 p.m. – Continuing Discussion of the HVAC Bids.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3:00 p.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, Director of&nbsp;Operations.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for January 26, 2023.

V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619714703743.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Bd81Kx. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting Jan. 25, 2023 9 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the January 18, 2023, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devises. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION 2023-05: A Resolution of the Board of Barton County Commissioners Authorizing Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program Calendar Year 2023: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, will provide details. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Student Loan Repayment Program provides up to a $15,000 benefit as a workforce recruitment tool for eligible persons establishing domicile in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Commerce requires counties to pass a resolution obligating them to participate in this ROZ program for at least five years.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The National Association of Counties (NACo) has submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on population, the dues are $553.00. NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices and nurtures leadership.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner provide details. The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) has submitted a renewal notice for the 2023 membership. Based on a calculation that includes a base fee, population and valuation, the dues are $6,124.34. The Association sponsors the annual KAC Conference, various educational meetings throughout the year and lobbies the State and Federal Legislature on behalf of Kansas Counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. KANSAS LEGISLATIVE POLICY GROUP: 2023 Membership: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The Kansas Legislative Policy Group (KLPG) is a bi-partisan coalition of western Kansas counties with the common interest in the preservation of the counties tax base and retention of local control. The KLPG serves as a policy and decision-making body establishing legislative priorities at its annual meeting and providing speakers to address KLPG members about the important topics of the day. At this time, the Commission will consider renewal of the membership, priced at $5,471.34.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. ANNUAL DEPARTMENT UPDATE: County Attorney’s Office: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Levi Morris, County Attorney, will provide an annual update on his department.&nbsp; &nbsp;F. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Shawn Hutchinson will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which regular session shall resume.IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting –&nbsp;Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Director of Operations.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:15 a.m. – Equipment Update – Dena Popp, 911 Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:30 a.m. – Asphalt Mixture Discussion – Darren Williams, County Works Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Barry McManaman, County&nbsp;Engineer.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11:00 a.m. – The Commission will open County Counselor Bids in their Chambers.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1:30 p.m. – Solar Farm Project – Acciona Energy and Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2:00 p.m. – Continuing Discussion of the HVAC Bids.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3:00 p.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, Director of&nbsp;Operations.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for January 26, 2023.V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2023.VI. ADJOURN.

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