Barton Community College will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16. Barton's Center for Adult Education and the Shafer Art Gallery also will be closed. Offices will reopen and classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643986846525.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community College will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16. Barton's Center for Adult Education and the Shafer Art Gallery also will be closed. Offices will reopen and classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Barton Community College to close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Network Administrator James Cell that aired Jan. 11, 2023.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Network Administrator James Cell that aired Jan. 11, 2023.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/yh5lfzzc/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙City Edition: Network Administrator James Cell

Russell County USD 407 is seeking applicants for treasurer. &nbsp;

Must have Associate of Science in accounting or finance; 5 years of financial management, supervises accounting operations, accounts payable and budget. &nbsp;

For more information or to apply, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd407.org/">www.usd407.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671029274787.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russell County USD 407 is seeking applicants for treasurer. &nbsp;Must have Associate of Science in accounting or finance; 5 years of financial management, supervises accounting operations, accounts payable and budget. &nbsp;For more information or to apply, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd407.org/">www.usd407.org</a>.

🎤 Forward Ever: From the U.S. Mexico border, Sen. Jerry Moran

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Last August, United Way of Central Kansas introduced Laundry Love to the
Great Bend community where the organization provides free laundry services for
low- or no-income families and individuals. Hosting the event at a laundromat
once a month, United Way helped more than 50 families and provided nearly 240
loads of free laundry in the first three months. 
Serving both Barton and Pawnee counties, United Way of Central Kansas is now
expanding the laundry initiative to Larned.

At Thursday's Larned Area Chamber of Commerce coffee hour, United Way Executive Director
Charell Owings said the effort is to help prevent physical and emotional strain
that poor health and hygiene places on the under-resourced in the community. "It's a way for us to come to where the people in need are instead of asking them to come to us," said Owings. "It puts us on their turf where they're comfortable. It's not just about the laundry. It's about making those connections, and telling them about the services that are available in their area." 
Funds for up to five loads of laundry per family as well as all the supplies
needed are provided.

Laundry Love in Larned will take place once a month on the final Wednesday. The first event will be Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry on Broadway Street. "A few of the people that we've seen are duplicates each month," said Owings. "A lot of them though we'll see maybe two of the six months. It's not always the same people. We've had people come in that have four kids at home, their washer and dryer are broken and haven't been able to get anyone to get it fixed. They just need help that one month." 
Owings said United Way is always looking for sponsors each month to cover the laundry
expenses. A sponsorship is $200.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660851426358.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast August, United Way of Central Kansas introduced Laundry Love to the
Great Bend community where the organization provides free laundry services for
low- or no-income families and individuals. Hosting the event at a laundromat
once a month, United Way helped more than 50 families and provided nearly 240
loads of free laundry in the first three months. 
Serving both Barton and Pawnee counties, United Way of Central Kansas is now
expanding the laundry initiative to Larned. At Thursday's Larned Area Chamber of Commerce coffee hour, United Way Executive Director
Charell Owings said the effort is to help prevent physical and emotional strain
that poor health and hygiene places on the under-resourced in the community. "It's a way for us to come to where the people in need are instead of asking them to come to us," said Owings. "It puts us on their turf where they're comfortable. It's not just about the laundry. It's about making those connections, and telling them about the services that are available in their area." 
Funds for up to five loads of laundry per family as well as all the supplies
needed are provided. Laundry Love in Larned will take place once a month on the final Wednesday. The first event will be Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry on Broadway Street. "A few of the people that we've seen are duplicates each month," said Owings. "A lot of them though we'll see maybe two of the six months. It's not always the same people. We've had people come in that have four kids at home, their washer and dryer are broken and haven't been able to get anyone to get it fixed. They just need help that one month." 
Owings said United Way is always looking for sponsors each month to cover the laundry
expenses. A sponsorship is $200.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flarnedchamber%2Fvideos%2F540540224795304%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

United Way’s free laundry initiative expanding to Larned

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Doctors and healthcare workers are calling for more members of the public to learn life-saving CPR. As it turns out, USD 428 already had an event planned long before Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a Monday Night Football game on Jan. 2. Great Bend Middle School Family Engagement Coordinator Saylem Ryff said she and high school Family Engagement Coordinator Chuy Loera teamed up to create a free CPR and First Aid training event for GBMS and GBHS students and their families.

"It was very coincidental, but we're very excited to share knowledge and information, not only with our students but with their families," she said. "Just to share community resources with them, get them familiar with some of the different things we have going on in the community, and just get them really useful life information."

The district is teaming up with several educational community partners and first responders for the event. While students will not receive official CPR certification, they will receive a participation certificate after learning about CPR, first aid, and how to react to blood emergencies, mental health emergencies, and seizures.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Great Bend Middle School. Spots are limited and reserved for GBMS and GBHS students and their families, and pre-registration is preferred. Sign up for the event by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29PHqtJZ_psBlYYXlgHn8VhHxJmsBjEYHEJoFXtPRYOr0yA/viewform">CLICKING HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583441241630.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDoctors and healthcare workers are calling for more members of the public to learn life-saving CPR. As it turns out, USD 428 already had an event planned long before Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed during a Monday Night Football game on Jan. 2. Great Bend Middle School Family Engagement Coordinator Saylem Ryff said she and high school Family Engagement Coordinator Chuy Loera teamed up to create a free CPR and First Aid training event for GBMS and GBHS students and their families."It was very coincidental, but we're very excited to share knowledge and information, not only with our students but with their families," she said. "Just to share community resources with them, get them familiar with some of the different things we have going on in the community, and just get them really useful life information."The district is teaming up with several educational community partners and first responders for the event. While students will not receive official CPR certification, they will receive a participation certificate after learning about CPR, first aid, and how to react to blood emergencies, mental health emergencies, and seizures.The event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Great Bend Middle School. Spots are limited and reserved for GBMS and GBHS students and their families, and pre-registration is preferred. Sign up for the event by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29PHqtJZ_psBlYYXlgHn8VhHxJmsBjEYHEJoFXtPRYOr0yA/viewform">CLICKING HERE.</a>

USD 428 hosting emergency training night for GBMS, GBHS families

Coming off the Christmas break, Barton Community College Board of
Trustees members asked administration how the college handles students staying
on campus during the breaks, specifically with the cafeteria closed. 
Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs was quoted earlier this month about the
challenges of feeding student athletes healthy options over the break.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d842e42f-032c-447a-802d-5c8f212ad675"> RELATED STORY: Cafeteria is closed, but mouths to feed on Barton's campus</a> 
Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean told the trustees at Tuesday’s
study session that the college contracts a certain number of “meal days” with
their food service provider. During the 2022-2023 school year, Barton is paying
for 226 “meal days”. Each meal day is based off however many students are in
housing, or the dorms. Barton reported 398 students living on campus this fall
semester. If the college leaves the cafeteria open over the breaks for a couple
dozen students on campus, Barton is still charged for the 398 on-campus number. "We took some of those days away that we were feeding," said Dean. "We took some of those dollars away. We put those dollars in various accounts. For those students required to come back early, for example a team, Trevor (Rolfs) has the funds to provide meals for them for that period of time." 
Dean referred to the athletic department receiving “extra money” to cover the
meals for student athletes required to be on campus during the break.

Rolfs
mentioned churches, civic organizations, businesses and staff members help feed
the students as well. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman echoed that statement saying
somehow it all comes together. 
"The Barton culture just identifies and comes to presence to people, employees and community members that there is a need and they address it," said Heilman. "So it's hard to determine how many people are going to be here and for how many meals during a break at a time. Efforts do come together, such as at a Thanksgiving dinner, where 80 students who remained here locally received a meal. It was all done by donations and good will." 
Of those 398 living on campus, 83% were reported to be involved with athletics.
Dean said it is not just the international students that remain on campus. He
spoke with a student from Wichita in November that needed to remain on campus for
a portion of the break because he had a part-time job.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673557924747.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College cafeteria&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College cafeteria&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostComing off the Christmas break, Barton Community College Board of
Trustees members asked administration how the college handles students staying
on campus during the breaks, specifically with the cafeteria closed. 
Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs was quoted earlier this month about the
challenges of feeding student athletes healthy options over the break.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/d842e42f-032c-447a-802d-5c8f212ad675"> RELATED STORY: Cafeteria is closed, but mouths to feed on Barton's campus</a> 
Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean told the trustees at Tuesday’s
study session that the college contracts a certain number of “meal days” with
their food service provider. During the 2022-2023 school year, Barton is paying
for 226 “meal days”. Each meal day is based off however many students are in
housing, or the dorms. Barton reported 398 students living on campus this fall
semester. If the college leaves the cafeteria open over the breaks for a couple
dozen students on campus, Barton is still charged for the 398 on-campus number. "We took some of those days away that we were feeding," said Dean. "We took some of those dollars away. We put those dollars in various accounts. For those students required to come back early, for example a team, Trevor (Rolfs) has the funds to provide meals for them for that period of time." 
Dean referred to the athletic department receiving “extra money” to cover the
meals for student athletes required to be on campus during the break. Rolfs
mentioned churches, civic organizations, businesses and staff members help feed
the students as well. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman echoed that statement saying
somehow it all comes together. 
"The Barton culture just identifies and comes to presence to people, employees and community members that there is a need and they address it," said Heilman. "So it's hard to determine how many people are going to be here and for how many meals during a break at a time. Efforts do come together, such as at a Thanksgiving dinner, where 80 students who remained here locally received a meal. It was all done by donations and good will." 
Of those 398 living on campus, 83% were reported to be involved with athletics.
Dean said it is not just the international students that remain on campus. He
spoke with a student from Wichita in November that needed to remain on campus for
a portion of the break because he had a part-time job.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton’s college finds ways to feed students on campus during breaks

Barton County Sheriff's Office Incident Log (1/12) Breathing Problems At 5:38 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 4 NW 30 Road. Driving / Driver Complaint At 12:41 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway in Pawnee Rock. Non-Injury Accident At 5:54 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway at MM 134.

At 7:29 p.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of S. Washington Avenue.

Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (1/12)

At 11:48 a.m. an accident was reported at 1029 Grant Street.

At 12:23 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2027 Morton Street.

At 2 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 8701 6th Street.

At 2:20 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2112 McKinley Street.

At 3:05 p.m. animal control requested assistance with two vicious dogs at 1201 9th Street.

At 3:30 p.m. questions about a possible theft of money from a cell phone app was reported at the police department.

At 3:35 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop at 2716 10th Street.

At 6:03 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 924 Jefferson Street.

At 8:34 p.m. Andrew Lankes reported a theft at 3503 10th Street.

At 8:48 p.m. David Hawkins reported criminal damage to a vehicle at 3909 10th Street.

At 9:51 p.m. Katherine Butler was arrested at 16th &amp; Morton for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp, improper turn and no proof of insurance.

At 9:53 p.m. K-9 Menta was utilized on a traffic stop at 16th &amp; Morton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff's Office Incident Log (1/12) Breathing Problems At 5:38 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 4 NW 30 Road. Driving / Driver Complaint At 12:41 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway in Pawnee Rock. Non-Injury Accident At 5:54 p.m. an accident was reported at E. K-4 Highway at MM 134.Cattle OutAt 7:29 p.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of S. Washington Avenue.Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (1/12)Non-Injury AccidentAt 11:48 a.m. an accident was reported at 1029 Grant Street.Unconscious / FaintingAt 12:23 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2027 Morton Street.Structure FireAt 2 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 8701 6th Street.Sick PersonAt 2:20 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2112 McKinley Street.Animal ComplaintAt 3:05 p.m. animal control requested assistance with two vicious dogs at 1201 9th Street.TheftAt 3:30 p.m. questions about a possible theft of money from a cell phone app was reported at the police department.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 3:35 p.m. K-9 Menta was used on a traffic stop at 2716 10th Street.Chest PainAt 6:03 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 924 Jefferson Street.TheftAt 8:34 p.m. Andrew Lankes reported a theft at 3503 10th Street.Criminal DamageAt 8:48 p.m. David Hawkins reported criminal damage to a vehicle at 3909 10th Street.Narcotics ViolationAt 9:51 p.m. Katherine Butler was arrested at 16th &amp; Morton for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp, improper turn and no proof of insurance.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 9:53 p.m. K-9 Menta was utilized on a traffic stop at 16th &amp; Morton.

Cop Shop (1/12)

By DAVID CONDOS <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2023-01-10/this-is-do-or-die-western-kansas-farmers-push-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-before-its-too-late">Kansas News Service</a>

SUBLETTE&nbsp;— Travis Leonard had seen all the signs.

Plummeting
 water levels. Clogged sprayer nozzles. Then as drought parched 
southwest Kansas this fall, the well next to his farmhouse in Haskell 
County began pumping up a muck of sand instead of clear water.

After more than six decades of irrigating the family's grain field, he shut the well down for the last time.

“I just took a deep breath,” Leonard said, “knowing this is the last crop that I’m going to have here that has water on it.”

Leonard remembers when the underground water supply seemed endless. 
When he took over the farm 16 years ago, it had more than a dozen 
irrigation wells pumping. Today, it’s down to three.

A decade or two from now, he figures, his area won’t have any irrigation wells left.

“We
 didn’t have any idea when it was going to end, but that day is coming,”
 Leonard said. “It will happen to everybody eventually.”

Fly over these dry plains and you won’t see many rushing rivers or 
glimmering lakes. You’ll see circles. Mile after mile of green geometric
 crop fields spun into the near-desert landscape by wells that tap water
 hidden beneath the surface and the center pivot irrigation sprayers 
splayed around them.

But across western Kansas, more and more wells sit abandoned as underground water levels drop and <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-03-31/how-kansas-could-lose-billions-in-land-values-as-its-underground-water-runs-dry" target="_blank">drop some more</a>.
 Vast swaths of the region have seen more than half of their water 
disappear since the dawn of irrigation. Wallace County on the Colorado 
border has lost roughly 80%.

The subterranean reservoirs of the 
sprawling Ogallala aquifer make life possible here — from powering the 
multibillion-dollar agricultural economy to filling up cups at the 
kitchen sink.

But after decades of large-scale crop irrigation, 
that water is running out. And now farmers and state leaders struggle to
 agree on how to save the future of life in western Kansas without 
choking the livelihoods of the people who live here.

The good news? There’s still time. After all, an aquifer that’s half-empty is also half-full.

Even
 with all the depletion, billions and billions of gallons remain stored 
away in the Ogallala’s craggy layers of saturated rock. And a <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas/gmd1-four-county-lema" target="_blank">new effort</a> in west-central Kansas aims to save more of what’s left.

Katie Durham, who leads that <a href="https://www.gmd1.org/lema/" target="_blank">groundwater management district</a>,
 said it’s not too late to preserve the aquifer — and the western Kansas
 farms, businesses and communities that depend on it — for future 
generations.

“This is do or die,” Durham said. “Water is everything out here. … We would not be here without it.”

In a wood-paneled room at
 the Scott County fairgrounds, dozens of farmers gather for the first 
public hearing to discuss this latest effort in west-central Kansas. 
It’s called a <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas" target="_blank">local enhanced management area</a>, or LEMA, and it’s been nearly a decade in the making.

The plan is to get farmers to cut irrigation by an <a href="https://www.gmd1.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GMD1-Four-County-LEMA.pdf" target="_blank">average of 10%</a>
 over the next five years in four western Kansas counties — Wallace, 
Greeley, Scott and Lane. Those counties have been some of the hardest 
hit by aquifer declines, losing nearly two-thirds of their water since 
irrigation began.

And the flow of moisture that’s trickling back 
down to refill the aquifer is a drop in the bucket. Across the four 
counties, the amount of water pumped up is <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/kgs_testimony_gmd1_4cnty_lema.pdf?sfvrsn=356298c1_0" target="_blank">nearly 10 times</a> the amount that seeps back underground from rain and snow.

Any change is hard, Durham said, and discussions about using less 
water in a place with so little precipitation are bound to be prickly. 
But she said the alternative — a depleted aquifer that can’t support any
 irrigation — would essentially end life in western Kansas as we know 
it.

Residents and businesses leaving town. Empty storefronts on Main Street.

“It would be devastating,” Durham said. “You would see the exact thing that we're trying to prevent.”

The
 LEMA plan would customize each farmer’s water limits on a case-by-case 
basis. Those who have been pumping the most would need to cut irrigation
 by up to 25%. Others who have been voluntarily conserving the most 
water already might not need to make any changes.

Data from the Kansas Geological Survey shows that the four counties would need to reduce pumping by <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/kgs_testimony_gmd1_4cnty_lema.pdf?sfvrsn=356298c1_0" target="_blank">one-third</a>
 to stop the aquifer’s depletion over the next decade. In drought 
conditions like we’re seeing now, they would need to cut pumping by 
half.

So trimming irrigation by 10% isn’t going to solve the 
problem permanently. But, Durham said, it’s a start. If this plan can 
double the aquifer’s lifespan, that could mean it’s still around for the
 grandchildren of the people who make those changes today.

“This 
is a huge and significant step,” Durham said, “toward changing what this
 part of western Kansas could look like in 50 years.”

If the state approves the plan after its <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas/gmd1-four-county-lema" target="_blank">second public hearing</a>
 in early February, it would likely go into effect from the beginning of
 this year through 2027. Farmers would be able to use their five-year 
water allotment as they wish, meaning they could pump extra during a dry
 year as long as they irrigate less in a subsequent year to even things 
out.

The key to this LEMA program is putting water conservation decisions 
in the hands of a local board, rather than the state. But that doesn’t 
mean it’s all kumbaya.

Water has long been a point of contention 
in dry western Kansas. That’s because water means money. Even as wells 
run out, pumping the aquifer continues to prop up the regional economy —
 from corn and wheat growers to irrigation equipment dealers to cattle 
feedlots.

The groundwater district proposing the new LEMA is the 
smallest in western Kansas, but it still covers more than one million 
acres and nearly 2,000 wells. With that many voices in the discussion, 
it can be a challenge to get everyone on board.

Many irrigators remain wary of any program that might force them to use less water.&nbsp;

Lane County farmer Camron Shay came to the hearing with his own 
concerns about how the limits could be fair for everyone across a region
 that has so much diversity in how much water has been used, how much 
water is needed to nurture a crop and how much water is left.

“It 
can’t just be done by a bunch of activists,” Shay said, “who come in and
 don’t know what they’re talking about and strong arm it and do radical 
things.”

But the locally driven approach of the LEMA may help ease
 those fears. That was the point of the public hearing and the series of
 community meetings that came before. After getting some of his 
questions answered, Shay said, he walked away feeling better about the 
plan.

“We all know that we have a groundwater problem,” he said. 
“I don’t know if there’s a good solution for it, but these guys look 
like they’re at least trying.”

Fortunately, farmers in the 
four counties don’t have to look far to find examples of how these 
irrigation limits work in the real world.

The <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-05-05/farmers-trying-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-face-tension-from-peers-but-their-profits-are-improving" target="_blank">state’s first LEMA</a>
 began in a small portion of northwest Kansas a decade ago. The plan was
 to reduce irrigation by 20%. When the results came in, farmers ended up
 cutting pumping by <a href="http://kda-dwr-updates.org/recent-studies-provide-more-evidence-on-sheridan-6-lema-success/" target="_blank">nearly one-third</a>. And some of those farmers actually saw <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2019/03/sheridan-county-lema-water-conservation.html" target="_blank">profits go </a><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2019/03/sheridan-county-lema-water-conservation.html" target="_blank">up</a> as they spent less to pump water and buy seed and fertilizer.

That
 initial LEMA was deemed so successful that a similar plan to cover 
parts of 10 northwest Kansas counties went into effect five years ago — 
although that expansion <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/dwr-water-appropriation-documents/friesen-memorandum-decision-101519.pdf?sfvrsn=7bfd89c1_0" target="_blank">faced a lawsuit</a> from dozens of irrigators who said it infringed on their water rights — and was <a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/GMD4LEMA" target="_blank">recently renewed</a> for another five years.

And right next to where the new limits are proposed, Wichita County started <a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dwr/managing-kansas-water-resources/local-enhanced-management-areas/wichita-county-lema" target="_blank">its own LEMA</a> two years ago to cut irrigation by 25%.

That’s where Brian Bauck sat in a combine harvesting his last cornfield of the year.

Most of his fields are now non-irrigated, or dryland, and the 
sections that see a center pivot get less water than they did decades 
ago. So the past year of drought has left its mark.

As he makes 
one last pass with his combine, its wide green header has to skim the 
ground to reach the rows of short corn plants out the front window. It 
scoops up its fair share of dry tumbleweeds that have blown in with the 
punishing winds, too. 

But thanks to new drought-tolerant seed 
varieties and farming practices that conserve soil and moisture, he had 
crops to harvest on just about every acre this season.

“It feels great,” Bauck said. “Anytime you can get something, even though it may not be what you wanted, tells you that you’re probably doing a few things right.”

So far, Wichita County’s irrigation restrictions appear to be making a
 dent in depletion. Countywide aquifer declines averaged 0.54 feet per 
year from 2010-2017, according to Kansas Geological Survey data. But 
from 2018-2021, the county only lost an average of 0.09 feet per year. 
As the programs produce more real-world data, it might reassure crop 
growers in neighboring areas that irrigation reductions are worth a 
shot.

Farmers are naturally independent thinkers, Bauck said, so 
it's always a challenge when somebody comes in and tries to tell them 
how to do their jobs. He used to be skeptical about irrigation cuts too.

And
 changing farmers’ mindsets about water use isn’t a simple task because 
their livelihoods are at stake. In a dry year like this, turning the 
sprayer on could make the difference between growing some crops or none 
at all.

But, he said, the golden kernels filling his grain tank 
prove that farming with less irrigation can work in western Kansas, even
 in a historically dry season.

It shows that a future with less 
water may not be painless, but it is possible. And in western Kansas, he
 said, it’s a matter of survival.

“Regardless of whether somebody 
likes it or not,” Bauck said, “we’ve got to do something in order to 
extend the life of this aquifer, or it’s not gonna be there.”

Another reason for urgency? Climate change. As the H2O buffet dwindles down, Kansas <a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/resources/resources_docs/climate-change-ks%202016.pdf" target="_blank">heats up</a>.

With <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2022-08/sharda-usda-plains-grant82522.html" target="_blank">dry western weather shifting eastward</a>, more of the state will likely face a future with worse droughts and less precipitation — a process called aridification.

Vaishali
 Sharda, assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering 
at Kansas State University, studies how a drier, hotter future threatens
 the state’s farms. Aridification paired with a declining aquifer, she 
said, sets up a potential time bomb for western Kansas agriculture.

“There
 is no guessing,” Sharda said. “If we continue irrigating at the pace at
 which we have done in the past, the Ogallala won’t be able to sustain 
it.”

Even if irrigators could save a relatively small percentage of the 
water they’ve been using, the impact could be enormous — simply because 
of how many gallons we’re talking about.

In the four counties with the proposed LEMA, for instance, 94% of all water used goes to irrigate crops.

Statewide, roughly <a href="https://www.kgs.ku.edu/Publications/pic18/" target="_blank">three-fourths</a>
 of all water used in Kansas comes from the High Plains aquifer, and 
nearly all of that goes to irrigation. Over the course of a year, that 
averages out to <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ks/nwis/water_use?format=html_table&amp;rdb_compression=file&amp;wu_area=State+Total&amp;wu_year=2015&amp;wu_category=IT&amp;wu_category_nms=Irrigation%252C%2BTotal" target="_blank">2.5 billion gallons</a> of groundwater used to water crops each day.

But finding consensus on new rules to curb aquifer use is an uphill climb when using that water is the foundation that virtually everything else in western Kansas is built on.

Take
 southwest Kansas. It has — and uses — the biggest chunk of the state’s 
aquifer. And its agriculture relies more on irrigation than anywhere 
else in Kansas. Cattle feedlots, meatpacking plants and dairy farms all 
depend on the corn feed that’s grown here.

But when some farmers <a href="https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/local/kansas-agland/2017/09/21/kearny-finney-lema-what-does-it-mean-for-irrigators/17626114007/" target="_blank">proposed a LEMA</a> for parts of Kearny County and Finney County a few years ago, the region’s <a href="https://www.gmd3.org/" target="_blank">groundwater management district</a> shot it down.

District
 director Mark Rude expects conversations about irrigation limits — 
maybe even a new LEMA — to start back up in his district over the next 
few years. And the district recently began sending its irrigators <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5db8d72439974b398219fae07293c01f" target="_blank">detailed reports</a> about their water use and comparing it to their neighbors in an attempt to get farmers to change their mindsets.

But
 even with more information about depletion and conservation than ever, 
he still believes his members aren’t ready for widespread irrigation 
cuts. Strict rules to save the aquifer don’t make sense, he said, if 
they come at the expense of the economy.

“To get growth,” Rude said, “you’ve got to have water.”

He’s exploring a plan to bring in water from the Missouri River — potentially flowing across the state in an <a href="https://www.kansasaqueductcoalition.com/" target="_blank">aqueduct</a> hundreds of miles long — to replace what’s lost in the Ogallala.

While the district hasn’t figured out how to make that plan’s <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article6504177.html" target="_blank">$18 billion</a>
 price tag financially feasible, he said, it might be the only way to 
keep the region’s industries — from corn to cattle to ethanol — booming 
for future decades.

Converting western Kansas to dryland farming 
may be sustainable, he said, but it would mean a smaller economy with 
fewer jobs and fewer people in a region where most counties already 
struggle with <a href="https://ipsr.ku.edu/ksdata/ksah/population/popmax.pdf" target="_blank">population decline</a>.

The real question, he said, is what kind of economic future does western Kansas want to sustain?

“It’s
 important that we not forget that what we’re trying to preserve here is
 not only the community as a whole,” Rude said, “but the business 
strategy, the overall viability of that community.”

But whether or not a groundwater district or state entity decides to 
impose irrigation limits, farmers across western Kansas are already 
adjusting to the realities of a life with less water — because they have
 to.

Many have adopted <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-05-05/farmers-trying-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-face-tension-from-peers-but-their-profits-are-improving" target="_blank">smarter irrigation technology</a>,
 such as soil moisture sensors and systems that customize irrigation 
rates across a field. Some have switched to crops that require less 
water than corn, such as <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2022-02-21/a-hotter-drier-climate-and-dwindling-water-has-more-kansas-farmers-taking-a-chance-on-cotton" target="_blank">cotton</a>.

Others
 have stopped irrigating entirely on a majority of their acres. That’s 
the case for Leonard, the farmer with the dry well whose land lies 
within the southwest Kansas groundwater district.

The thought of leaving irrigation behind, he said, doesn’t have to be scary. In a way, it’s coming full circle.

When
 his great-grandfather started the Leonard farm, there wasn’t an 
irrigation well or center pivot in sight. And by the time he retires, 
Leonard expects his entire farm will return to its dryland roots.

“Life
 will go on,” Leonard said. “We’re still running a farm here. And it 
looks a little bit different than it used to but we’re still doing what 
we love.”

David Condos covers western Kansas for High Plains Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter<a href="http://twitter.com/davidcondos" target="_blank">@davidcondos</a>.

‘Do or die’: Western Kansas farmers push to save Ogallala aquifer

1/12 BOOKED: Christopher Madrid on Barton County District Court warrant for Domestic Battery and Disorderly Conduct, bond set at 2,500 C/S; and on six Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, $2,670 cash only; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Jeremiah Zamarripa on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $2,470 cash only.

BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Katherine Butler on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, Improper Turn, and No Proof of Insurance, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Crystal Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Jon Alger on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

RELEASED: Garrett Mallow on Barton County District Court case for Probation Violation, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>1/12 BOOKED: Christopher Madrid on Barton County District Court warrant for Domestic Battery and Disorderly Conduct, bond set at 2,500 C/S; and on six Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, $2,670 cash only; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Jeremiah Zamarripa on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $2,470 cash only.BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Katherine Butler on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, Improper Turn, and No Proof of Insurance, bond set at $20,000 C/S.RELEASED: Crystal Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Jon Alger on Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.RELEASED: Garrett Mallow on Barton County District Court case for Probation Violation, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (1/12)

The ducks know what they want. This year, it was not the dry conditions in and around Cheyenne Bottoms. That was evidenced during the National Audobon Society's Christmas Bird Count centered around the Bottoms. KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said around 16 people participated in this year's count on Dec. 19.

"It's always a fun event to get people out," he said. "I always say it's not a typical time you think about going out to see birds and spend some time out in nature, but it's a great opportunity to get together with some other bird watchers, go out for a day, and try to observe and count all the birds we see within a certain area."

The local count is one of about 40 in Kansas scheduled between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Wolf and volunteers separated into groups to cover a 15-mile-in-diameter circle with the Bottoms at its center. The count creates a snapshot in time so bird experts can track trends. A dry 2022 made for a peculiar year.

"It's interesting because of years like this," Wolf said. "We typically, during our Christmas bird count, have 75 to maybe even 85 species we document. This year, with the conditions we have, we only had 61 species we documented."

But the count also had its treasures. Wolf's group spotted a black scoter duck at Stone Lake in Great Bend, part of the observation area. Scoters are found more often at sea, so bird watchers converged on the lake to see the bird.

"We had put it out there that there was a black scoter there," said Wolf. "There were several people that traveled in from surrounding areas to go see it the next day, and it was still there the next day."

The Christmas Bird Count is nearing its 50th anniversary for the area, and the 123rd count overall. See current and historical data compiled from the counts by <a href="https://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/?_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.&amp;_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.">CLICKING HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649775141982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe ducks know what they want. This year, it was not the dry conditions in and around Cheyenne Bottoms. That was evidenced during the National Audobon Society's Christmas Bird Count centered around the Bottoms. KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said around 16 people participated in this year's count on Dec. 19."It's always a fun event to get people out," he said. "I always say it's not a typical time you think about going out to see birds and spend some time out in nature, but it's a great opportunity to get together with some other bird watchers, go out for a day, and try to observe and count all the birds we see within a certain area."The local count is one of about 40 in Kansas scheduled between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Wolf and volunteers separated into groups to cover a 15-mile-in-diameter circle with the Bottoms at its center. The count creates a snapshot in time so bird experts can track trends. A dry 2022 made for a peculiar year."It's interesting because of years like this," Wolf said. "We typically, during our Christmas bird count, have 75 to maybe even 85 species we document. This year, with the conditions we have, we only had 61 species we documented."But the count also had its treasures. Wolf's group spotted a black scoter duck at Stone Lake in Great Bend, part of the observation area. Scoters are found more often at sea, so bird watchers converged on the lake to see the bird."We had put it out there that there was a black scoter there," said Wolf. "There were several people that traveled in from surrounding areas to go see it the next day, and it was still there the next day."The Christmas Bird Count is nearing its 50th anniversary for the area, and the 123rd count overall. See current and historical data compiled from the counts by <a href="https://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/?_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.&amp;_gl=1*176bk54*_ga*MTY3Nzc4OTUwOS4xNjcwMjcwNjc4*_ga_X2XNL2MWTT*MTY3MzU0NjI5Mi4yLjAuMTY3MzU0NjI5NC41OC4wLjA.">CLICKING HERE.</a>

Bird species down during 2022 Christmas Bird Count around Bottoms

Today Areas of fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Light and variable wind becoming south-southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

M.L.King Day Sunny, with a high near 55.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 48.

Tuesday Night A 40-percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Wednesday A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

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

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Areas of fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Light and variable wind becoming south-southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. South wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.M.L.King Day Sunny, with a high near 55.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 48.Tuesday Night A 40-percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.Wednesday A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

The Great Bend Housing Authority (GBHA) recently completed a $16 million renovation of the High Rise Apartments, a 12-story apartment building at 12th &amp; Kansas in downtown Great Bend. 

Hutton Construction of Wichita started in April of 2021 and brought the 50-year-old building up-to-date mechanically and aesthetically. The renovation included all areas of the building from the apartments and hallways to the shared spaces, elevators and office spaces.

“The building originally included several studio apartments that were small and more difficult to rent, so we combined several studio apartments into 1-bedroom apartments during renovations,” says Lynn Fleming, Executive Director for GBHA. “All of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems behind the walls were replaced including the ductwork, and then all the finishes were upgraded as well as the cabinets, flooring, appliances, light fixtures, doors, trim, etc.”

Along with the renovation, the High Rise is now designated a senior low-income property, meaning that most of the tenants need to be low-income, 55+ seniors to qualify. 

“We are excited to have our renovations completed so we can welcome new tenants,” says Fleming. “We are filling up quickly and it’s a great feeling to have so many call the High Rise home.”

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will partner with the Great Bend Housing Authority to host a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, Jan. 19, starting at 9 a.m. GBHA will provide donuts and coffee for attendees, as well as a number of door prizes. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to win gift cards to local businesses. After the event, attendees are welcome to tour the newly renovated building. 

Anyone looking for more information or wanting to apply can visit the Great Bend Housing Authority website at www.gbhaks.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673552899737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Housing Authority (GBHA) recently completed a $16 million renovation of the High Rise Apartments, a 12-story apartment building at 12th &amp; Kansas in downtown Great Bend. Hutton Construction of Wichita started in April of 2021 and brought the 50-year-old building up-to-date mechanically and aesthetically. The renovation included all areas of the building from the apartments and hallways to the shared spaces, elevators and office spaces.“The building originally included several studio apartments that were small and more difficult to rent, so we combined several studio apartments into 1-bedroom apartments during renovations,” says Lynn Fleming, Executive Director for GBHA. “All of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems behind the walls were replaced including the ductwork, and then all the finishes were upgraded as well as the cabinets, flooring, appliances, light fixtures, doors, trim, etc.”Along with the renovation, the High Rise is now designated a senior low-income property, meaning that most of the tenants need to be low-income, 55+ seniors to qualify. “We are excited to have our renovations completed so we can welcome new tenants,” says Fleming. “We are filling up quickly and it’s a great feeling to have so many call the High Rise home.”The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will partner with the Great Bend Housing Authority to host a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, Jan. 19, starting at 9 a.m. GBHA will provide donuts and coffee for attendees, as well as a number of door prizes. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to win gift cards to local businesses. After the event, attendees are welcome to tour the newly renovated building. Anyone looking for more information or wanting to apply can visit the Great Bend Housing Authority website at www.gbhaks.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673552943559.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

$16-million renovation completed at Great Bend's High Rise

The Barton Community College Library will team up with the English department and Barton’s literary annual “Prairie Ink” staff to host a “Getting Started Writer’s Workshop” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Cavanaugh Ballroom, in the Barton Library.

The editors of “Prairie Ink” will be on hand to help. The workshop will have tips on storytelling and concise writing and will feature a quick story-writing exercise called “flash fiction.” For more information, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:prairieink@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">prairieink@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1669906447906.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College Library will team up with the English department and Barton’s literary annual “Prairie Ink” staff to host a “Getting Started Writer’s Workshop” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Cavanaugh Ballroom, in the Barton Library.The editors of “Prairie Ink” will be on hand to help. The workshop will have tips on storytelling and concise writing and will feature a quick story-writing exercise called “flash fiction.” For more information, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:prairieink@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">prairieink@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Community College to host writing workshop

The Great Bend Recreation Commission offers year-round fitness classes, with
the current winter session running through Jan. 26. In an
effort to accommodate people’s New Year’s resolutions, the Rec had an option
for citizens to join the classes the first week of January. 
The Recreation Commission recently purchased seven stationary bikes for spin
classes this spring, and will also be offering a suspension training class. 
Great Bend Rec Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick said the Rec Center is
excited to add more classes for all ages. 
“Hopefully, we can generate some interest from new participants in our fitness
classes,” said Fitzpatrick. “These are maybe geared a little bit towards to
younger participants. It might draw some interest from a younger crowd for
those.” 
Suspension training uses straps tied to bars along the wall. Participants use
their bodyweight to help develop strength, balance, flexibility and core
strength.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Register for classes at <a href="https://greatbendrec.com/">greatbendrec.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634231850149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Recreation Commission offers year-round fitness classes, with
the current winter session running through Jan. 26. In an
effort to accommodate people’s New Year’s resolutions, the Rec had an option
for citizens to join the classes the first week of January. 
The Recreation Commission recently purchased seven stationary bikes for spin
classes this spring, and will also be offering a suspension training class. 
Great Bend Rec Enrichment Director Garet Fitzpatrick said the Rec Center is
excited to add more classes for all ages. 
“Hopefully, we can generate some interest from new participants in our fitness
classes,” said Fitzpatrick. “These are maybe geared a little bit towards to
younger participants. It might draw some interest from a younger crowd for
those.” 
Suspension training uses straps tied to bars along the wall. Participants use
their bodyweight to help develop strength, balance, flexibility and core
strength.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Register for classes at <a href="https://greatbendrec.com/">greatbendrec.com</a>.

Great Bend Rec to provide suspension training classes

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce invite the business community to come together for the 101st Annual Awards on&nbsp;Feb. 25 at the Great Bend Events Center. This annual event is the premier event of the year celebrating the people and the businesses who've paved the way for a bright future.&nbsp;

Deadline to reserve seats is&nbsp;Monday, Feb. 13.&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7836933&amp;msgid=780882&amp;act=MVHG&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1815958&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fmembers.greatbend.org%2Fevents%2Fdetails%2F101st-annual-chamber-awards-night-11610%3FcalendarMonth%3D2023-02-01&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=3fa4179bb4f14caa411a2018a6b30c906f7405b15c7da688eb30b97a248c1508" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to reserve.&nbsp;

Businesses Reserve your corporate tables today to show your support of this year's award winners. View table options<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7836933&amp;msgid=780882&amp;act=MVHG&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1815958&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticapp.icpsc.com%2Ficp%2Fresources%2Fmogile%2F116427%2Fb75c4b05c156f781f100f91752650c26.pdf%3Ff_type%3Dfile%26f_name%3D101st-Annual-Awards-Night-Sponsorship-Opps.pdf&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=0f7e4baea92db76ab752b117cffd3d521e1fb7b518d54b39960fc378ac2d6554" target="_blank">&nbsp;here.</a>

Interested in sponsoring?&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7836933&amp;msgid=780882&amp;act=MVHG&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1815958&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticapp.icpsc.com%2Ficp%2Fresources%2Fmogile%2F116427%2Fb75c4b05c156f781f100f91752650c26.pdf%3Ff_type%3Dfile%26f_name%3D101st-Annual-Awards-Night-Sponsorship-Opps.pdf&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=0f7e4baea92db76ab752b117cffd3d521e1fb7b518d54b39960fc378ac2d6554" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for further information.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673362414729.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce invite the business community to come together for the 101st Annual Awards on&nbsp;Feb. 25 at the Great Bend Events Center. This annual event is the premier event of the year celebrating the people and the businesses who've paved the way for a bright future.&nbsp;<h2>Reserve Your Seats Today!&nbsp;</h2>Deadline to reserve seats is&nbsp;Monday, Feb. 13.&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7836933&amp;msgid=780882&amp;act=MVHG&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1815958&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fmembers.greatbend.org%2Fevents%2Fdetails%2F101st-annual-chamber-awards-night-11610%3FcalendarMonth%3D2023-02-01&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=3fa4179bb4f14caa411a2018a6b30c906f7405b15c7da688eb30b97a248c1508" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to reserve.&nbsp;Businesses Reserve your corporate tables today to show your support of this year's award winners. View table options<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7836933&amp;msgid=780882&amp;act=MVHG&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1815958&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticapp.icpsc.com%2Ficp%2Fresources%2Fmogile%2F116427%2Fb75c4b05c156f781f100f91752650c26.pdf%3Ff_type%3Dfile%26f_name%3D101st-Annual-Awards-Night-Sponsorship-Opps.pdf&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=0f7e4baea92db76ab752b117cffd3d521e1fb7b518d54b39960fc378ac2d6554" target="_blank">&nbsp;here.</a>Interested in sponsoring?&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=7836933&amp;msgid=780882&amp;act=MVHG&amp;c=116427&amp;pid=1815958&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticapp.icpsc.com%2Ficp%2Fresources%2Fmogile%2F116427%2Fb75c4b05c156f781f100f91752650c26.pdf%3Ff_type%3Dfile%26f_name%3D101st-Annual-Awards-Night-Sponsorship-Opps.pdf&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=0f7e4baea92db76ab752b117cffd3d521e1fb7b518d54b39960fc378ac2d6554" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;for further information.&nbsp;

Reserve seats for the Great Bend Chamber annual awards

The Cottonwood Extension District and Rice County Extension will be hosting a Winter Cow – Calf Nutrition Program on Jan. 31 in Lyons, KS. The program will focus on developing and maintaining proper beef cow nutrition programs coming out of a drought and going into the calving season.

Lunch will be served at promptly at noon, graciously sponsored by KSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. The program will kick off at 12:30 PM with Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, as he discusses ‘Vitamin A considerations for Beef Cows: Important Even Under Drought Conditions’. Next, you’ll hear from Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension office, on ‘Vaccine Storage and Handling’. Lastly, you’ll hear from K-State Research and Extension’s new Cow- Calf Specialist, Dr. Jason Warner. Warner’s presentation will be focusing on ‘Rethinking Beef Cow Nutrition in Today’s Environment’. Speakers will stick around for a short time for any addition questions from attendees.

The program will take place at the Rice County Extension office, located at 701 E. Main street in Lyons.

For more information, or to register, contact Wendy Hughes, Rice County agent at (620) 257-5131 or wshughes@k-state.edu. You can also contact Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension District agent at 620-793-1910 or aboor@ksu.edu.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592579538317.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Cottonwood Extension District and Rice County Extension will be hosting a Winter Cow – Calf Nutrition Program on Jan. 31 in Lyons, KS. The program will focus on developing and maintaining proper beef cow nutrition programs coming out of a drought and going into the calving season.Lunch will be served at promptly at noon, graciously sponsored by KSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. The program will kick off at 12:30 PM with Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, as he discusses ‘Vitamin A considerations for Beef Cows: Important Even Under Drought Conditions’. Next, you’ll hear from Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension office, on ‘Vaccine Storage and Handling’. Lastly, you’ll hear from K-State Research and Extension’s new Cow- Calf Specialist, Dr. Jason Warner. Warner’s presentation will be focusing on ‘Rethinking Beef Cow Nutrition in Today’s Environment’. Speakers will stick around for a short time for any addition questions from attendees.The program will take place at the Rice County Extension office, located at 701 E. Main street in Lyons.For more information, or to register, contact Wendy Hughes, Rice County agent at (620) 257-5131 or wshughes@k-state.edu. You can also contact Alicia Boor, Cottonwood Extension District agent at 620-793-1910 or aboor@ksu.edu.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Cow nutrition program

Being a play-by-play man kept Patrick Burnett in the game. For 14 years, Burnett served as the Voice of the Panthers on Eagle Radio. Burnett stepped away from the role at the end of the football season, but Tuesday night, he was recognized by GBHS coaches and players for his work. The Panther crowd responded with a standing ovation.

"It was very, very touching for the crowd to welcome me the way they did, and to recognize the years and the work that I put in as the Voice of the Panthers," Burnett said. "When you start off to do something, you don't go in with the idea of getting recognized, but to see the appreciation in the moment, it really warmed my heart."

Burnett graduated from Otis-Bison High School in 1999, then attended Fort Hays State University, where he earned a degree in business management in 2003. He always wanted to be a radio voice but had the degree as a fallback. He got his foot in the door under former Voice of the Panthers Randy Goering.

"Randy Goering was still the play-by-play voice for Great Bend High, and he needed a color man for two years," said Burnett. "That's how I got started was as a color analyst, then I was a color analyst for Hoisington sports for a year."

Burnett went on to be the play-by-play voice for the Hoisington Cardinals for a year, then transitioned to work for Great Bend High School. Some of his calls, including the "Miracle on Morton," were played throughout the gymnasium during Tuesday's recognition.

"I really enjoyed it because it was a way I could still be part of the game," Burnett said. "I knew I wasn't able to physically play the game, or wasn't talented enough, but I thought I could use my talent to describe that for radio listeners. That's how I was able to still be relevant and still be part of a team by being the play-by-play voice of."

Burnett said a highlight of doing play-by-play work was the relationship he built with coaches and players. 

"As a play-by-play voice, coaches let you into their programs, and they accept you in as one of their own," he said. "Oftentimes, you develop a huge relationship with coaches because you confide in them and they confide in you. It's a journey. When you work with coaches for years and years, and you build a relationship, you feel for them, and you feel for their kids, and you feel for their teams. You're really in those battles together." 

Burnett was joined on the floor by various GBHS coaches, each of which presented him with signed memorabilia. The Panther Booster Club gifted him a plaque for his work.

"It blew me away," said Burnett. "Those are treasures that are going to be with me the rest of my life. The amount of gratitude I have for those coaches, for the administration at Great Bend High School, and for the Panther Booster Club for putting it all together, I never could have dreamt it or imagined it."

Alongside coverage of GBHS, Burnett also did play-by-play work for several area teams as they competed in various state tournaments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673467456409.jpeg" alt="Former Voice of the Panthers Patrick Burnett with Julie Spray and GBHS Football Coach Erin Beck." />
 <figcaption>Former Voice of the Panthers Patrick Burnett with Julie Spray and GBHS Football Coach Erin Beck.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBeing a play-by-play man kept Patrick Burnett in the game. For 14 years, Burnett served as the Voice of the Panthers on Eagle Radio. Burnett stepped away from the role at the end of the football season, but Tuesday night, he was recognized by GBHS coaches and players for his work. The Panther crowd responded with a standing ovation."It was very, very touching for the crowd to welcome me the way they did, and to recognize the years and the work that I put in as the Voice of the Panthers," Burnett said. "When you start off to do something, you don't go in with the idea of getting recognized, but to see the appreciation in the moment, it really warmed my heart."Burnett graduated from Otis-Bison High School in 1999, then attended Fort Hays State University, where he earned a degree in business management in 2003. He always wanted to be a radio voice but had the degree as a fallback. He got his foot in the door under former Voice of the Panthers Randy Goering.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673467512890.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Randy Goering was still the play-by-play voice for Great Bend High, and he needed a color man for two years," said Burnett. "That's how I got started was as a color analyst, then I was a color analyst for Hoisington sports for a year."Burnett went on to be the play-by-play voice for the Hoisington Cardinals for a year, then transitioned to work for Great Bend High School. Some of his calls, including the "Miracle on Morton," were played throughout the gymnasium during Tuesday's recognition."I really enjoyed it because it was a way I could still be part of the game," Burnett said. "I knew I wasn't able to physically play the game, or wasn't talented enough, but I thought I could use my talent to describe that for radio listeners. That's how I was able to still be relevant and still be part of a team by being the play-by-play voice of."Burnett said a highlight of doing play-by-play work was the relationship he built with coaches and players. "As a play-by-play voice, coaches let you into their programs, and they accept you in as one of their own," he said. "Oftentimes, you develop a huge relationship with coaches because you confide in them and they confide in you. It's a journey. When you work with coaches for years and years, and you build a relationship, you feel for them, and you feel for their kids, and you feel for their teams. You're really in those battles together." Burnett was joined on the floor by various GBHS coaches, each of which presented him with signed memorabilia. The Panther Booster Club gifted him a plaque for his work."It blew me away," said Burnett. "Those are treasures that are going to be with me the rest of my life. The amount of gratitude I have for those coaches, for the administration at Great Bend High School, and for the Panther Booster Club for putting it all together, I never could have dreamt it or imagined it."Alongside coverage of GBHS, Burnett also did play-by-play work for several area teams as they competed in various state tournaments.

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