By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

In November, the Great Bend Economic Development launched a new
competition for entrepreneurs to open or start a business in Barton County.
Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said those interested in competing
will have the opportunity for exposure of their business, assistance from local
business professionals and three businesses are walking away with prize money. "It's our Shark Tank inspired program," said Arnberger. "This is our way to rejuvenate entrepreneurship in the community. We are so excited to welcome anybody to participate in this program." 
Competitors will submit necessary materials about their business idea. Entrepreneurs
that are selected will engage in a one-on-one meeting with a business planning
professional. Five contestants will be chosen for the finale event in October. 
The IGNITE Rural Business competition is October will have finalists pitching
their business idea to a jury in front of a live audience at the Crest Theater
in Great Bend. 
"We've had a wonderful team putting this program together," said Arnberger. "It's been a long time coming. We are so thankful for Network Kansas' partnership with the funds to help get this off the ground." 
The winner of the grand finale will win $50,000. Second place will be awarded
$30,000, and third place gets $10,000. 
View <a href="https://www.gbedinc.com/ignite">gbedinc.com</a> for more details on the competition.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668539490982.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn November, the Great Bend Economic Development launched a new
competition for entrepreneurs to open or start a business in Barton County.
Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said those interested in competing
will have the opportunity for exposure of their business, assistance from local
business professionals and three businesses are walking away with prize money. "It's our Shark Tank inspired program," said Arnberger. "This is our way to rejuvenate entrepreneurship in the community. We are so excited to welcome anybody to participate in this program." 
Competitors will submit necessary materials about their business idea. Entrepreneurs
that are selected will engage in a one-on-one meeting with a business planning
professional. Five contestants will be chosen for the finale event in October. 
The IGNITE Rural Business competition is October will have finalists pitching
their business idea to a jury in front of a live audience at the Crest Theater
in Great Bend. 
"We've had a wonderful team putting this program together," said Arnberger. "It's been a long time coming. We are so thankful for Network Kansas' partnership with the funds to help get this off the ground." 
The winner of the grand finale will win $50,000. Second place will be awarded
$30,000, and third place gets $10,000. 
View <a href="https://www.gbedinc.com/ignite">gbedinc.com</a> for more details on the competition.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Entrepreneurs in Barton Co. could win $50K to start a business

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (12/13) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 1:13 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1427 Park. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:48 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 40
Avenue. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 9:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 828 NW 80 Avenue in Olmitz. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:59 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 11 p.m. a chase was reported at SW 56 Avenue and 56 Highway.

Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (12/13)

At 12:39 a.m. a vehicle accident was reported at 4600 10th Street.

At 1:12 a.m. a possible burglary was reported at 1212 Macarthur Road.

At 8:48 a.m. a vehicle trying to run her off the road was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 40 Avenue.

At 10:35 a.m. theft of money from the building was reported at 1324 Kansas Avenue.

At 10:46 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1801 Williams Street.

At 11:07 a.m. a parking complaint was reported at 3716 10th Street.

At 1:01 p.m. a smoke of smell in the building was reported at 3929 10th Street.

At 1:47 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2027 Morton Street.

At 1:51 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 1712 3rd Street.

At 3:46 p.m. a vehicle cutting her off was reported at Broadway &amp; Jefferson.

At 8:48 p.m. an accident was reported at 16th &amp; Morton.

At 11 p.m. a chase was reported at SW 56 Avenue &amp; 56 Highway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (12/13) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 1:13 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1427 Park. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:48 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 40
Avenue. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 9:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 828 NW 80 Avenue in Olmitz. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:59 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Chase All Units 
 
At 11 p.m. a chase was reported at SW 56 Avenue and 56 Highway.Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (12/13)Non-Injury AccidentAt 12:39 a.m. a vehicle accident was reported at 4600 10th Street.Burglary / In ProgressAt 1:12 a.m. a possible burglary was reported at 1212 Macarthur Road.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 8:48 a.m. a vehicle trying to run her off the road was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 40 Avenue.TheftAt 10:35 a.m. theft of money from the building was reported at 1324 Kansas Avenue.Convulsions / SeizuresAt 10:46 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1801 Williams Street.Parking ComplaintAt 11:07 a.m. a parking complaint was reported at 3716 10th Street.Structure FireAt 1:01 p.m. a smoke of smell in the building was reported at 3929 10th Street.Unconscious / FaintingAt 1:47 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2027 Morton Street.Animal ComplaintAt 1:51 p.m. a dog at large was reported at 1712 3rd Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 3:46 p.m. a vehicle cutting her off was reported at Broadway &amp; Jefferson.Non-Injury AccidentAt 8:48 p.m. an accident was reported at 16th &amp; Morton.Chase All UnitsAt 11 p.m. a chase was reported at SW 56 Avenue &amp; 56 Highway.

Cop Shop (12/13)

12/13 BOOKED: Jerrad Umphrey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 cash only.

RELEASED: Christopher Mattox on Pratt District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting bond.

RELEASED: Melissa Sanders on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: James Skinner, to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.

RELEASED: Richard Fletcher, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.

RELEASED: Jerrad Umphrey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $250 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>12/13 BOOKED: Jerrad Umphrey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250 cash only.RELEASED: Christopher Mattox on Pratt District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting bond.RELEASED: Melissa Sanders on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: James Skinner, to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.RELEASED: Richard Fletcher, Jr., on Barton County District Court warrant, after time served.RELEASED: Jerrad Umphrey on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $250 cash bond.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (12/13)

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Blustery, with a west-northwest wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a northwest wind 24 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a west-northwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 40.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 28.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind 17 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Blustery, with a west-northwest wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a northwest wind 24 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a west-northwest wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a west-northwest wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 17.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 40.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 28.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 11.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

From time to time over the years, buildings need maintenance. The Great
Bend Recreation Commission recognized the Recreation Center on Stone Street and
the Activity Center on 18th Street need some attention. 

GBRC
Executive Director Chris Umphres said the board approved a new furnace, gutter
replacement and window repair. "The gutters have some leaky spots," said Umphres. "We have the handicapped-sloped sidewalks. When you get icy spots in the wintertime, dripping down on customers...it's time to get that fixed." 
A new furnace was purchased for the Recreation Center. An approved bid will
also replace the gutters and make window repairs at the Stone Street location.
The board also approved a bid for gutter repair at the Activity Center. 
"With the quote going through on Monday, we'll get with the contractors," said Umphres. "Hopefully, we can get on their schedule and get it done. Some of that might be weather dictated with an outside project." 
All three of the bids came from local contractors.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291691646.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From time to time over the years, buildings need maintenance. The Great
Bend Recreation Commission recognized the Recreation Center on Stone Street and
the Activity Center on 18th Street need some attention. GBRC
Executive Director Chris Umphres said the board approved a new furnace, gutter
replacement and window repair. "The gutters have some leaky spots," said Umphres. "We have the handicapped-sloped sidewalks. When you get icy spots in the wintertime, dripping down on customers...it's time to get that fixed." 
A new furnace was purchased for the Recreation Center. An approved bid will
also replace the gutters and make window repairs at the Stone Street location.
The board also approved a bid for gutter repair at the Activity Center. 
"With the quote going through on Monday, we'll get with the contractors," said Umphres. "Hopefully, we can get on their schedule and get it done. Some of that might be weather dictated with an outside project." 
All three of the bids came from local contractors.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Building maintenance approved for Great Bend Rec facilities

WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”

The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).

The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.

The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.

The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.

The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.

“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”

Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.

There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950063249.png" alt="Photos by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950106330.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950085913.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

Barton, Pawnee, Stafford counties included in statewide bridge repairs

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “All Stars &amp; Youth Crew” on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp; 

The 20th&nbsp;Judicial District Juvenile Services offer several programs and would like you to learn about their All Stars &amp; Youth Crew programs.&nbsp; All Stars:&nbsp; Delays substance use and educates youth about fighting, bullying, and delinquency.&nbsp; It also enhances positive characteristics we all want young people to develop.&nbsp; Youth Crew:&nbsp; Is a prevention program designed to educate youth and help them create healthy habits in their lives in hopes of equipping them to deal with peer pressure &amp; substance abuse-related issues as they get older.&nbsp; These programs serve youth in grades 6th&nbsp;– 12th&nbsp;and are data-driven evidence-based.&nbsp; A fun and safe environment for youth to positively serve their community and amplify their voice on major issues is provided.&nbsp; Casey L Rowland, Community Case Manager, and Tyler Morton, Prevention Specialist, will be the speakers for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The presentation will also be available on the Great Bend Rec Facebook page as a live event.&nbsp; A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602181603891.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “All Stars &amp; Youth Crew” on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp; The 20th&nbsp;Judicial District Juvenile Services offer several programs and would like you to learn about their All Stars &amp; Youth Crew programs.&nbsp; All Stars:&nbsp; Delays substance use and educates youth about fighting, bullying, and delinquency.&nbsp; It also enhances positive characteristics we all want young people to develop.&nbsp; Youth Crew:&nbsp; Is a prevention program designed to educate youth and help them create healthy habits in their lives in hopes of equipping them to deal with peer pressure &amp; substance abuse-related issues as they get older.&nbsp; These programs serve youth in grades 6th&nbsp;– 12th&nbsp;and are data-driven evidence-based.&nbsp; A fun and safe environment for youth to positively serve their community and amplify their voice on major issues is provided.&nbsp; Casey L Rowland, Community Case Manager, and Tyler Morton, Prevention Specialist, will be the speakers for the program.&nbsp;&nbsp;The presentation will also be available on the Great Bend Rec Facebook page as a live event.&nbsp; A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

GBRC: Stop 'N Learn - All Stars & Youth Crew

Not all firewood is created equal. Some species of trees are able to produce much more heat per cord of wood. A cord is the amount of wood in a well-stacked woodpile measuring 4 feet wide by 8 feet long by 4 feet high.

Following are heat values (in million BTUs) per cord for various species of trees. The higher the value, the better the wood.

Elm, American - 19.8 (Difficult to split)

Elm, Siberian - 20.9 (Difficult to split)

Locust, Black - 28.3 (Difficult to split)

Osage Orange (Hedge) - 32.6 (Sparks, do not use in open fireplace)

The Kansas Forest Service has a publication titled "Managing Your Woodland for Firewood" that is quite helpful. See http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/mf773.pdf

Remember to obtain firewood locally. Emerald Ash Borer has spread in Kansas primarily because of transported wood.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574181994278.png" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Not all firewood is created equal. Some species of trees are able to produce much more heat per cord of wood. A cord is the amount of wood in a well-stacked woodpile measuring 4 feet wide by 8 feet long by 4 feet high.Following are heat values (in million BTUs) per cord for various species of trees. The higher the value, the better the wood.Ash, Green - 22.8Cottonwood - 15.9Elm, American - 19.8 (Difficult to split)Elm, Red - 20.6 (Difficult to split)Elm, Siberian - 20.9 (Difficult to split)Hackberry - 21.0Honeylocust - 25.6Locust, Black - 28.3 (Difficult to split)Maple, Sugar - 24.0Maple, Silver - 18.9Mulberry - 25.3Oak, Red - 24.0Oak, Bur - 24.9Oak, Post - 25.6Osage Orange (Hedge) - 32.6 (Sparks, do not use in open fireplace)Sycamore - 19.5 (Difficult to split)Walnut, Black - 21.8The Kansas Forest Service has a publication titled "Managing Your Woodland for Firewood" that is quite helpful. See http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/mf773.pdfRemember to obtain firewood locally. Emerald Ash Borer has spread in Kansas primarily because of transported wood.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Firewood – heat values

Barton Nursing student Katie Alnor loves helping people and as a nurse, she’ll get to do that every day. She has just one semester left and she’ll be a registered nurse and one step closer to landing her dream job as a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse. “I love working with kids and being able to share my energy with their little personalities,” she said. “I'm interested in working in the PICU with the children that are the most severely ill and require the most intensive care. As a PICU nurse, I will be able to provide almost one-on-one care with these sick kiddos and be able to care for their specific needs and be able to be a part of their recovery journey.” Alnor said Barton’s hands-on approach, which includes allowing them to work alongside practicing nurses in clinical settings, really prepares students for the real world.

"Getting to work in different healthcare settings throughout my two years has been very helpful in helping me pick out a specialty that interests me,” she said. “When starting nursing school, I had a specialty that I swore I was going into. After going through clinical rotations, I found out that the specialty that I wanted to work in originally probably wasn't what was best suited for me. Either way, I have learned a lot from each clinical site and different nurses.”

Barton’s program provides opportunities to use state-of-the-art equipment and a team of instructors that is large enough to provide time for one-on-one focus for students when needed. “The instructors made this learning journey very personal,” she said. “I had the opportunity to learn from amazing instructors who taught certain subjects based on their personal experiences and their chosen specialties. It was very helpful to be able to practice using equipment before going to clinical sites. We spent some time learning different procedures that we would be expected to perform at clinical sites. We practiced setting up and programming different IV pumps and used many different kinds of vitals equipment.” While the technical training was key to gaining knowledge, the social aspect of the Barton program has been equally as important and fulfilling to her personally and as a student. “I have made many great friendships throughout the program that are irreplaceable,” she said. “We go through tests, clinicals and struggles together. Barton Nursing has made us into a family.”

Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now open. Priority deadline to apply for the Nursing program is January 31, however, applications can still be received until March 1. For more information or to apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nursing.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">nursing.bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670947718064.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photo by Joe VinduskaBarton Nursing student Katie Alnor loves helping people and as a nurse, she’ll get to do that every day. She has just one semester left and she’ll be a registered nurse and one step closer to landing her dream job as a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse. “I love working with kids and being able to share my energy with their little personalities,” she said. “I'm interested in working in the PICU with the children that are the most severely ill and require the most intensive care. As a PICU nurse, I will be able to provide almost one-on-one care with these sick kiddos and be able to care for their specific needs and be able to be a part of their recovery journey.” Alnor said Barton’s hands-on approach, which includes allowing them to work alongside practicing nurses in clinical settings, really prepares students for the real world."Getting to work in different healthcare settings throughout my two years has been very helpful in helping me pick out a specialty that interests me,” she said. “When starting nursing school, I had a specialty that I swore I was going into. After going through clinical rotations, I found out that the specialty that I wanted to work in originally probably wasn't what was best suited for me. Either way, I have learned a lot from each clinical site and different nurses.”Barton’s program provides opportunities to use state-of-the-art equipment and a team of instructors that is large enough to provide time for one-on-one focus for students when needed. “The instructors made this learning journey very personal,” she said. “I had the opportunity to learn from amazing instructors who taught certain subjects based on their personal experiences and their chosen specialties. It was very helpful to be able to practice using equipment before going to clinical sites. We spent some time learning different procedures that we would be expected to perform at clinical sites. We practiced setting up and programming different IV pumps and used many different kinds of vitals equipment.” While the technical training was key to gaining knowledge, the social aspect of the Barton program has been equally as important and fulfilling to her personally and as a student. “I have made many great friendships throughout the program that are irreplaceable,” she said. “We go through tests, clinicals and struggles together. Barton Nursing has made us into a family.”Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are now open. Priority deadline to apply for the Nursing program is January 31, however, applications can still be received until March 1. For more information or to apply, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://nursing.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">nursing.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton nursing student chasing dream of working in pediatric ICU

Andrea Bauer finished a four-year term on the Great Bend Recreation Commission Board.

Bauer spent four years with the board from Jan. 2019 - Dec. 2022.&nbsp; She was also board chair in her last year.&nbsp; 

Bauer helped with GBRC strategic planning, partnerships with tennis court updates, sports complex turf, master planning at parks and playgrounds.&nbsp; 

“Andrea has a vision for recreation and has not only been a leader for GBRC but a leader in Great Bend," said Great Bend Rec Executive Director Chris Umphres. "GBRC will truly miss Andrea as a board member but we know that she will continue to support what we do.”

Colleen Newman will be replacing Bauer next month as a USD 428 school board appointment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670943187828.png" alt="Andrea Bauer, pictured with Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris Umphres, attended her final GBRC Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022." />
 <figcaption>Andrea Bauer, pictured with Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Chris Umphres, attended her final GBRC Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>Andrea Bauer finished a four-year term on the Great Bend Recreation Commission Board.Bauer spent four years with the board from Jan. 2019 - Dec. 2022.&nbsp; She was also board chair in her last year.&nbsp; Bauer helped with GBRC strategic planning, partnerships with tennis court updates, sports complex turf, master planning at parks and playgrounds.&nbsp; “Andrea has a vision for recreation and has not only been a leader for GBRC but a leader in Great Bend," said Great Bend Rec Executive Director Chris Umphres. "GBRC will truly miss Andrea as a board member but we know that she will continue to support what we do.”Colleen Newman will be replacing Bauer next month as a USD 428 school board appointment.

Bauer ends a 4-year term on the Great Bend Rec board

12/12 
 
BOOKED: Justin Campbell on Great Bend Municipal Court case for driving while
suspended, bond set at $500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Nicholas Garrison on BTDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at
$20,000 C/S. MPDC warrant for probation violation, no bond. St. Louis County,
MO warrant for hold, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Christopher Mattox on Pratt District Court warrant for failure to
appear, bond set at $500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Justin Campbell on GBMC case for driving while suspended, posted bond
through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Michael Wheeler on BCDC warrant for probation violation, after
posting the $20,000 surety bond. BCDC warrant for probation violation after
posting the $10,000 surety bond, both through Ace Bail Bonding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>12/12 
 
BOOKED: Justin Campbell on Great Bend Municipal Court case for driving while
suspended, bond set at $500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Nicholas Garrison on BTDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at
$20,000 C/S. MPDC warrant for probation violation, no bond. St. Louis County,
MO warrant for hold, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Christopher Mattox on Pratt District Court warrant for failure to
appear, bond set at $500 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Justin Campbell on GBMC case for driving while suspended, posted bond
through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Michael Wheeler on BCDC warrant for probation violation, after
posting the $20,000 surety bond. BCDC warrant for probation violation after
posting the $10,000 surety bond, both through Ace Bail Bonding.

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

EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:

•&nbsp;Foster Care Worker:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.

•&nbsp;Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.

About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670873150216.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EmberHope Youthville is looking for a part-time Foster Care Worker (Licensed or Unlicensed) and full-/part-time Functional Family Therapist. Here are a few highlights of both positions:•&nbsp;Foster Care Worker:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;support to and supervision of Foster Parents to achieve safety, well-being, and permanency for children in their care. Conduct recruitment activities that result in increased foster homes to meet the needs of that community.&nbsp;Growth will be established through the involvement of faith based and civic organizations to increase foster home recruitment.•&nbsp;Functional Family Therapist:&nbsp;This person will be responsible for providing&nbsp;Functional Family Therapy, meeting the varied needs of the client population served (youth at moderate or high risk to offend and youth in the juvenile justice system.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/">HERE</a>&nbsp;for more information.About EmberHope EmberHope Youthville, a leading, faith-based provider of child welfare services is committed to helping you succeed as an employee as you work to make a difference in the life of a child either directly or by offering administrative support. The Company strives for a positive work environment that encourages effective teamwork, trauma-informed practices, and opportunities to utilize leadership skills.&nbsp; Team members from all departments will focus on carrying out the EmberHope Youthville mission, vision, and values!&nbsp;

After 41 years, the ‘Doc’ is out at Barton Community College

Today Sunny, with a temperature falling to around 37 by 5pm. Windy, with a west southwest wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a west northwest wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a temperature falling to around 37 by 5pm. Windy, with a west southwest wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a west northwest wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 36. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20.Friday Sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 16.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 40.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 17.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's Weather

News from the Oil Patch, Dec. 12, 2022 By John P. Tretbar

Operators of the Keystone Pipeline continue cleanup and recovery efforts after a huge oil spill along Mill Creek in Washington County. TC Energy says they have contained an estimated 14,000 barrels spilled from the pipeline Wednesday. No cause for the spill has been announced, nor has the company announced any plans to restart the pipeline, which was shut down on Wednesday. The company said Sunday the oil remained contained, with 250 people working on recovery and repairs over the weekend with vacuum trucks, booms and berms. The spill is upstream from the Tuttle Creek Reservoir and Kansas River, the drinking water source for over 800,000 Kansans. A Kansas River conservation group called Friends of the Kaw said Friday that no public water systems had then been impacted by the spill. TC Energy announced that continuous air quality monitoring has been deployed and said there's no indication of adverse health or public concerns. Crude oil prices have dropped about ten dollars since the first of the month, but recovered some of that on Monday. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude on Friday settled a few pennies above seventy-one dollars a barrel after nearly dropping below seventy dollars earlier in the day. Lunchtime prices Monday were up more than three percent, topping $73 a barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $61.25 per barrel after dropping half a dollar on Friday. That's down more than ten dollars from the first of the month. Regular gasoline prices dropped another 14 cents last week to a national average of three thirty-two per gallon by Thursday. The auto club Triple-A says average prices were below three dollars in 12 states, including Kansas at $2.96 per gallon. Diesel pump prices average five dollars per gallon coast-to-coast, and four-forty-three per gallon in Kansas. The Energy Information Administration reports US diesel inventories increased by 6.2 million barrels last week, but remain about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Deliveries were off nearly ten percent from a year earlier. Kansas regulators last week okayed 34 new drilling permits, with 16 in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. The 261 active operators in Kansas have, so far this year, spudded 1,506 new wells, up 455 wells from last year. Total footage drilled grew 33% year over year to 4.2 million feet. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 46 newly completed wells for the week through December 8th, with one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, two in Russell county and one in Stafford County. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged last week at 21 rigs east of Wichita and 28 in Western Kansas. Operators were about to spud a new well in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a new well in Stafford County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops to 780 active rigs, down two oil rigs and two seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was up two, Oklahoma was down two and Texas was down one. The Energy Information Administration's tally shows a fourth consecutive weekly drop in US inventories. Stockpiles as of December 2nd were down more than five million barrels from a week earlier to 413.9 million barrels. Crude inventories are currently about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said weekly crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down 24-thousand barrels per day from a week earlier and more than four percent lower than a year ago. The government reported a slight drop in US crude-oil production last week. EIA reported output of 12,150,000 barrels per day, down about six thousand barrels per day from the week before at 12.15 million barrels per day. That's up 610-thousand barrels per day from a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US rebounded last week, after dropping during the Thanksgiving lull the week before. Operators originated 10,595 tanker carloads, a little over one percent higher than the same week last year, and an increase of of nearly two thousand carloads week over week. Canadian traffic increased 288 carloads for the week and 4.1% over a year ago. The OPEC-Plus crude exporters on Sunday decided not to add further cuts to world supplies, despite drooping oil prices. The group announced dramatic output cuts at their last meeting in October. They now say those cuts were vindicated by current prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Dec. 12, 2022 By John P. TretbarOperators of the Keystone Pipeline continue cleanup and recovery efforts after a huge oil spill along Mill Creek in Washington County. TC Energy says they have contained an estimated 14,000 barrels spilled from the pipeline Wednesday. No cause for the spill has been announced, nor has the company announced any plans to restart the pipeline, which was shut down on Wednesday. The company said Sunday the oil remained contained, with 250 people working on recovery and repairs over the weekend with vacuum trucks, booms and berms. The spill is upstream from the Tuttle Creek Reservoir and Kansas River, the drinking water source for over 800,000 Kansans. A Kansas River conservation group called Friends of the Kaw said Friday that no public water systems had then been impacted by the spill. TC Energy announced that continuous air quality monitoring has been deployed and said there's no indication of adverse health or public concerns. Crude oil prices have dropped about ten dollars since the first of the month, but recovered some of that on Monday. The near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude on Friday settled a few pennies above seventy-one dollars a barrel after nearly dropping below seventy dollars earlier in the day. Lunchtime prices Monday were up more than three percent, topping $73 a barrel. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $61.25 per barrel after dropping half a dollar on Friday. That's down more than ten dollars from the first of the month. Regular gasoline prices dropped another 14 cents last week to a national average of three thirty-two per gallon by Thursday. The auto club Triple-A says average prices were below three dollars in 12 states, including Kansas at $2.96 per gallon. Diesel pump prices average five dollars per gallon coast-to-coast, and four-forty-three per gallon in Kansas. The Energy Information Administration reports US diesel inventories increased by 6.2 million barrels last week, but remain about three percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Deliveries were off nearly ten percent from a year earlier. Kansas regulators last week okayed 34 new drilling permits, with 16 in eastern Kansas and 18 west of Wichita including one in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. The 261 active operators in Kansas have, so far this year, spudded 1,506 new wells, up 455 wells from last year. Total footage drilled grew 33% year over year to 4.2 million feet. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 46 newly completed wells for the week through December 8th, with one in Barton County, two in Ellis County, two in Russell county and one in Stafford County. The Rig Count in Kansas was unchanged last week at 21 rigs east of Wichita and 28 in Western Kansas. Operators were about to spud a new well in Ellis County. Drilling was underway on a new well in Stafford County. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops to 780 active rigs, down two oil rigs and two seeking natural gas. The count in New Mexico was up two, Oklahoma was down two and Texas was down one. The Energy Information Administration's tally shows a fourth consecutive weekly drop in US inventories. Stockpiles as of December 2nd were down more than five million barrels from a week earlier to 413.9 million barrels. Crude inventories are currently about nine percent below the five-year average for this time of year. EIA said weekly crude imports averaged six million barrels per day, down 24-thousand barrels per day from a week earlier and more than four percent lower than a year ago. The government reported a slight drop in US crude-oil production last week. EIA reported output of 12,150,000 barrels per day, down about six thousand barrels per day from the week before at 12.15 million barrels per day. That's up 610-thousand barrels per day from a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the US rebounded last week, after dropping during the Thanksgiving lull the week before. Operators originated 10,595 tanker carloads, a little over one percent higher than the same week last year, and an increase of of nearly two thousand carloads week over week. Canadian traffic increased 288 carloads for the week and 4.1% over a year ago. The OPEC-Plus crude exporters on Sunday decided not to add further cuts to world supplies, despite drooping oil prices. The group announced dramatic output cuts at their last meeting in October. They now say those cuts were vindicated by current prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch (12/12)

USD 428 Board of Education - Meeting Dec. 12 - 5 p.m. District Education Center, 201 S. Patton Road, Great Bend

1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp;· Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation.

2. RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· R.O.S.E Award &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board of Education’s continuing efforts to recognize individuals or groups for their services to the school district, the R.O.S.E. (Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education) Award was created. The most current recipient of a R.O.S.E. award will be introduced.

&nbsp; &nbsp;· Special Education Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Christie Gerdes, Director of Special Education services, will present information regarding student numbers, grant funding, and services provided by the special education department.

3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Members’ Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Second Reading of GBHS Program of Studies &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; At the November meeting, GBHS Principal Mr. Tim Friess discussed several recommendations of course description updates and or wording changes to add or delete from the 2023-2024 Program of Studies course options. At this second reading, the administration requests approval of the recommended changes.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Mission and Vision Statements &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In early November, the BOE met at a special meeting to review new district goals. Mr. Thexton has prepared a preliminary rough draft of vision and mission statements to share and review with board members.

5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Theatre Trip Proposal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Theatre and Drama Instructor Holly Johnson will provide a proposal and request permission to allow theatre students to Branson, Mo. every other year to experience educational value and learn about theatre art as a profession. In addition, Early planning will allow students a year to fundraise to cover travel expenses for a 2023-2024 trip. Permission for this trip is requested from the Board.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of Gym Floor Bid Specifications &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Panther Athletic gymnasium floors are due for refinishing. Bid specifications for a flooring company to sand and refinish the 22,000 sq ft area are available for board member review. The administration requests approval to publish a bid notice in the GB Tribune.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. First Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BOE members review the following policy revisions, which are being presented as first readings. The policy revisions will be returned to the BOE at a subsequent meeting for action.

6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT / CURRICULUM REPORT

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. Adoption Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will provide an update regarding secondary Math.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Update of ESSER III Federal funding &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Reiser will provide an overview of how USD 428 has utilized ESSER III funding to support student education and services.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. District State Assessment Data Review &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Reiser and Mr. Popp will review the district’s State Assessment scores by grade level and chronic student absenteeism.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Facility Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will update the board on the reconstruction progress at 625 10th. In addition, the district takes possession of the property at 1809 24th, and Mr. Popp will discuss plans for the facility.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Curriculum Meetings &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: next meeting 1/3/23 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): 12/5/22, next meeting 1/2/23

7. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. USD 428 Education Foundation Mini-grants &nbsp; &nbsp;B. KASB Advocacy in Action January 17-18, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; KASB’s annual Advocacy In Action Conference will kick off the 2023 Kansas legislative session, as education advocates from across the state will spend two days discussing issues affecting public schools during these unprecedented times and meeting with key policymakers. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Projects Update &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Approval of Grants / Contributions

9. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [November 14 and November 30, 2022] &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report (Attachment 9,C)

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will go into executive session; no Board action will be taken after the session ends. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam. President, I move that the board go into executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”

11. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;● Winter Recess: December 19, 2022, through January 2, 2023. (January 2 is a teacher workday) &nbsp; &nbsp;● BOE Luncheon Meeting: There is no luncheon meeting scheduled in December. The next BOE meeting is on January 9, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594824975671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education - Meeting Dec. 12 - 5 p.m. District Education Center, 201 S. Patton Road, Great Bend1. CALL TO ORDER1.1 Roll Call1.2 Adoption of Agenda1.3 Recognition of Visitors1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp;· Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation.1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum2. RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· R.O.S.E Award &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board of Education’s continuing efforts to recognize individuals or groups for their services to the school district, the R.O.S.E. (Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education) Award was created. The most current recipient of a R.O.S.E. award will be introduced.&nbsp; &nbsp;· Special Education Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Christie Gerdes, Director of Special Education services, will present information regarding student numbers, grant funding, and services provided by the special education department.3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;· Board Members’ Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;· USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;· Written Communications / Correspondence4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Second Reading of GBHS Program of Studies &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; At the November meeting, GBHS Principal Mr. Tim Friess discussed several recommendations of course description updates and or wording changes to add or delete from the 2023-2024 Program of Studies course options. At this second reading, the administration requests approval of the recommended changes.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Mission and Vision Statements &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In early November, the BOE met at a special meeting to review new district goals. Mr. Thexton has prepared a preliminary rough draft of vision and mission statements to share and review with board members.5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Theatre Trip Proposal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Theatre and Drama Instructor Holly Johnson will provide a proposal and request permission to allow theatre students to Branson, Mo. every other year to experience educational value and learn about theatre art as a profession. In addition, Early planning will allow students a year to fundraise to cover travel expenses for a 2023-2024 trip. Permission for this trip is requested from the Board.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of Gym Floor Bid Specifications &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Panther Athletic gymnasium floors are due for refinishing. Bid specifications for a flooring company to sand and refinish the 22,000 sq ft area are available for board member review. The administration requests approval to publish a bid notice in the GB Tribune.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. First Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BOE members review the following policy revisions, which are being presented as first readings. The policy revisions will be returned to the BOE at a subsequent meeting for action.6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT / CURRICULUM REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Adoption Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will provide an update regarding secondary Math.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Update of ESSER III Federal funding &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Reiser will provide an overview of how USD 428 has utilized ESSER III funding to support student education and services.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. District State Assessment Data Review &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mrs. Reiser and Mr. Popp will review the district’s State Assessment scores by grade level and chronic student absenteeism.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. Facility Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will update the board on the reconstruction progress at 625 10th. In addition, the district takes possession of the property at 1809 24th, and Mr. Popp will discuss plans for the facility.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Curriculum Meetings &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: next meeting 1/3/23 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): 12/5/22, next meeting 1/2/237. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. USD 428 Education Foundation Mini-grants &nbsp; &nbsp;B. KASB Advocacy in Action January 17-18, 2023 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; KASB’s annual Advocacy In Action Conference will kick off the 2023 Kansas legislative session, as education advocates from across the state will spend two days discussing issues affecting public schools during these unprecedented times and meeting with key policymakers. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Projects Update &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Approval of Grants / Contributions8. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION9. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [November 14 and November 30, 2022] &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report (Attachment 9,C)10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will go into executive session; no Board action will be taken after the session ends. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam. President, I move that the board go into executive session to discuss the superintendent’s evaluation pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”11. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;● Winter Recess: December 19, 2022, through January 2, 2023. (January 2 is a teacher workday) &nbsp; &nbsp;● BOE Luncheon Meeting: There is no luncheon meeting scheduled in December. The next BOE meeting is on January 9, 2023.12. ADJOURNMENT

USD 428 Board of Education meeting agenda (12/12)

In the biblical story of the three wise men, they had a long and difficult journey to meet the baby Jesus. But during rehearsals for a holiday musical happening Dec. 15, students from Central Kansas Christian Academy have enjoyed getting to learn more about the famous Christmas story with a first-hand perspective as “wise guys”, “camel boys”, “cooks”, and other roles. The characters journey from the east, following a star in the night sky to find something unexpected.

CKCA will host a special Christmas program on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Encounter Church, 601 Patton Road in Great Bend. 

“All of our K-7 students will perform during the program, starting with kindergarten, first Grade, and second grade students performing Advent and Hannukah songs and other seasonal songs,” says Glenna Gaunt, CKCA Vocal Music Director. “Then the older third through seventh grade students will then present the musical ‘Wise Guys and Starry Skies’ by Kathie Hill.”

There is no admission fee, and doors will open at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Gaunt or CKCA Principal Dottie Dozier at 620-792-3477.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670855835766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In the biblical story of the three wise men, they had a long and difficult journey to meet the baby Jesus. But during rehearsals for a holiday musical happening Dec. 15, students from Central Kansas Christian Academy have enjoyed getting to learn more about the famous Christmas story with a first-hand perspective as “wise guys”, “camel boys”, “cooks”, and other roles. The characters journey from the east, following a star in the night sky to find something unexpected.CKCA will host a special Christmas program on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Encounter Church, 601 Patton Road in Great Bend. “All of our K-7 students will perform during the program, starting with kindergarten, first Grade, and second grade students performing Advent and Hannukah songs and other seasonal songs,” says Glenna Gaunt, CKCA Vocal Music Director. “Then the older third through seventh grade students will then present the musical ‘Wise Guys and Starry Skies’ by Kathie Hill.”There is no admission fee, and doors will open at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Gaunt or CKCA Principal Dottie Dozier at 620-792-3477.

Central Kansas Christian Academy to present Christmas musical Dec. 15

Story by: Michael Dawes, PR director, Rosewood Services

Forever Young business owner Betty Hazlett knows all about stick-to-itiveness. In February 2020, she took over ownership of her children’s clothing and accessories resale store, located at 1101 Main Street in Great Bend. A month later, she had to navigate a statewide COVID pandemic shutdown that resulted in a 2 1/2 month closure. But she pressed on and despite the early-going challenges, her business is doing well today.

She bakes cookies with the same determination, persevering through challenges. During the annual Great Bend Cookie Contest the previous two years, she finished in the top three, but never won the top prize. That all changed two weeks ago when she prevailed as Great Bend Cookie Contest Champion!

“This is my third cookie contest and I’ve come close to winning the previous two years,” said Hazlett. “I used to be a daycare provider. I’ve made so many cookies that I’ve gotten pretty good at baking them. You have to learn as you go; figure out what you like, before choosing the cookie you want to bake in large batches.”

The day before the contest, Hazlett and her crew of bakers - Rachelle Hapes, Betty Ibarra, and Tara Hazlett – spent six hours baking their eventual winning cookies. Hazlett decided on a mini cheesecake cookie with cream cheese and two options of blueberry or cherry filling. Forever Young won the contest with 42 votes, followed by Great Bend Coffee with 27 votes, and RePerks Coffee Shop took third with 22 votes.

Voting took place during the 14th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest, which was held Nov. 26 in downtown Great Bend. In what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition, 250 cookie judges donated at least $5 for a cookie bracelet, which allowed them to visit 15 Great Bend businesses and taste cookies before voting on their favorite one. For the third consecutive year, cookie bracelets were sold out in an hour with all of the collected proceeds going to the Community Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond. The maximum number of participants with additional donations resulted in a record amount of $1,380 that has been donated to the Food Bank. That’s $50 more than the previous record set two years ago.

Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest, besides Forever Young, were Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters); That Hipster Place; Kustom Floor Designs; Buckle; Great Bend Coffee; Bling; Creative &amp; Unique Craft Fair; Rosewood Bargain Barn; A440 Musical Instruments; Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; RePerks Coffee Shop; The Wright Place; Rosewood Wine Cellar; and Rana Luna Boutique.

As part of activities wrapped into Small Business Saturday and the Home for the Holidays Festival, cookie contest businesses also donated prizes, which were awarded to cookie contest participants that evening during a drawing, following the Home For The Holidays Parade.

By winning this year, Forever Young unseated A440 Musical Instruments, which had been crowned Great Bend Cookie Champion five of the previous six years.

“Forever Young did a great job in winning this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest, but really all participating stores are winners,” said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “Droves of people were in downtown Great Bend during small business Saturday. As retailers, we can’t ask for better opportunity than that. Thank you to all the participating businesses and to all the cookie judges who came out to make this another successful post-Thanksgiving event in our community. By participating, you helped us provide more than $1,300 toward feeding people in need this holiday season.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670855584601.jpeg" alt="Forever Young (Kids Resale) store owner Betty Hazlett stands with her framed Cookie Champion certificate, surrounded by racks of children’s clothing. “On Cookie Contest day, we have a mixture of shoppers and contest participants. But that’s great because some people have never been into our store before, so the contest allows them to become familiar with us.” Forever Young sells gently used children’s clothing up to size 18, maternity clothing, toys, books, shoes, outwear, blankets and other accessories." />
 <figcaption>Forever Young (Kids Resale) store owner Betty Hazlett stands with her framed Cookie Champion certificate, surrounded by racks of children’s clothing. “On Cookie Contest day, we have a mixture of shoppers and contest participants. But that’s great because some people have never been into our store before, so the contest allows them to become familiar with us.” Forever Young sells gently used children’s clothing up to size 18, maternity clothing, toys, books, shoes, outwear, blankets and other accessories.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSStory by: Michael Dawes, PR director, Rosewood ServicesForever Young business owner Betty Hazlett knows all about stick-to-itiveness. In February 2020, she took over ownership of her children’s clothing and accessories resale store, located at 1101 Main Street in Great Bend. A month later, she had to navigate a statewide COVID pandemic shutdown that resulted in a 2 1/2 month closure. But she pressed on and despite the early-going challenges, her business is doing well today.She bakes cookies with the same determination, persevering through challenges. During the annual Great Bend Cookie Contest the previous two years, she finished in the top three, but never won the top prize. That all changed two weeks ago when she prevailed as Great Bend Cookie Contest Champion!“This is my third cookie contest and I’ve come close to winning the previous two years,” said Hazlett. “I used to be a daycare provider. I’ve made so many cookies that I’ve gotten pretty good at baking them. You have to learn as you go; figure out what you like, before choosing the cookie you want to bake in large batches.”The day before the contest, Hazlett and her crew of bakers - Rachelle Hapes, Betty Ibarra, and Tara Hazlett – spent six hours baking their eventual winning cookies. Hazlett decided on a mini cheesecake cookie with cream cheese and two options of blueberry or cherry filling. Forever Young won the contest with 42 votes, followed by Great Bend Coffee with 27 votes, and RePerks Coffee Shop took third with 22 votes.Voting took place during the 14th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest, which was held Nov. 26 in downtown Great Bend. In what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition, 250 cookie judges donated at least $5 for a cookie bracelet, which allowed them to visit 15 Great Bend businesses and taste cookies before voting on their favorite one. For the third consecutive year, cookie bracelets were sold out in an hour with all of the collected proceeds going to the Community Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond. The maximum number of participants with additional donations resulted in a record amount of $1,380 that has been donated to the Food Bank. That’s $50 more than the previous record set two years ago.Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest, besides Forever Young, were Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters); That Hipster Place; Kustom Floor Designs; Buckle; Great Bend Coffee; Bling; Creative &amp; Unique Craft Fair; Rosewood Bargain Barn; A440 Musical Instruments; Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; RePerks Coffee Shop; The Wright Place; Rosewood Wine Cellar; and Rana Luna Boutique.As part of activities wrapped into Small Business Saturday and the Home for the Holidays Festival, cookie contest businesses also donated prizes, which were awarded to cookie contest participants that evening during a drawing, following the Home For The Holidays Parade.By winning this year, Forever Young unseated A440 Musical Instruments, which had been crowned Great Bend Cookie Champion five of the previous six years.“Forever Young did a great job in winning this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest, but really all participating stores are winners,” said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “Droves of people were in downtown Great Bend during small business Saturday. As retailers, we can’t ask for better opportunity than that. Thank you to all the participating businesses and to all the cookie judges who came out to make this another successful post-Thanksgiving event in our community. By participating, you helped us provide more than $1,300 toward feeding people in need this holiday season.”

Forever Young crowned new Great Bend cookie champion

Great Bend Recreation Commission - Board Meeting Dec. 12 - 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center Agenda 1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda: Action Item &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests 2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: Nov. 14, 2022 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports 3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liason Report: USD 428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members' Comments 4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness, Health, Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 November Attendance Report 5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Kansas Basketball Academy Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Spring Timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2023 KRPA State Conference Meeting Dates &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 Employee Handbook Update &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Board By Laws Update &nbsp; &nbsp;5.6 Building Maintenance 6. Other Business &nbsp; &nbsp;6.1 GBRC Foundation Annual Meeting in January &nbsp; &nbsp;6.2 Commissioner Presentation 7. Adjournment&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291691646.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Recreation Commission - Board Meeting Dec. 12 - 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center Agenda 1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda: Action Item &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests 2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: Nov. 14, 2022 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports 3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liason Report: USD 428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members' Comments 4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness, Health, Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 November Attendance Report 5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Kansas Basketball Academy Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Spring Timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2023 KRPA State Conference Meeting Dates &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 Employee Handbook Update &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Board By Laws Update &nbsp; &nbsp;5.6 Building Maintenance 6. Other Business &nbsp; &nbsp;6.1 GBRC Foundation Annual Meeting in January &nbsp; &nbsp;6.2 Commissioner Presentation 7. Adjournment&nbsp;

Great Bend Rec board meeting agenda (12/12)

12/9 
 
BOOKED: Gustavo Mendoza on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to
appear with a bond of $2,500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Michael Wheeler on Barton County District Court warrant for probation
violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation with a
bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Omar Orozco-Rodriguez on Barton County District Court warrant for serve
sentence. No bond set. 
 
BOOKED: Matthew Grandclair on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for serve
sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Omar Dominguez-Campos on Barton County District Court warrant for
failure to appear, no bond. 
 
RELEASED: Gustavo Mendoza on BCDC warrant after processing only. 
 
RELEASED: Michele Greene on BCDC case for time served. 
 
RELEASED: Nathan Manley on BCDC case with credit for time served per order of
the court. 
 
RELEAED: Brett Woods on BCDC warrants for probation violation, credited for
time served. 
 
RELEASED: Christopher Rust on BCDC warrant for time served. BCDC warrant for
DUI, criminal use of a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon. Granted OR bond
of $40,000 through Judge Berans through Barton County District Court. 
 
RELEASED: Marcus Miller was granted a $100,000 OR bond through Judge Berans
through BCDC on cases for probation violations. 
 
RELEASED: Eric Torres on Central Kansas Community Corrections arrest and detain
order for BCDC case for probation violation. Released to self after time served
in full. 
 
RELEASED: Jedidiah Boyd on BCDC case for aggravated violation of Kansas
Offender Registry Act by posting a $100,000 OR bond. 
 
RELEASED: Bryce Moran on BCDC case for a serve sentence for time served. 
 
12/10 
 
BOOKED: Raul Jimenez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure to
appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S. GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set at
$1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Antonio Quiroz Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for domestic
battery and criminal damage to property, bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Devon Keith on all Barton County charges. Being transferred to
Ellsworth County. 
 
RELEASED: Domynick Clone on BCDC case for probation violation for time served. 
 
12/11 
 
BOOKED: Jose Castruita on Barton County District Court case for driving while
under the influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Marcus Miller on Barton County District Court case for driving while
suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Melissa Sanders on Barton County District Court case for serve
sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Jose Castruita on BCDC case for driving while under the influence,
posted $1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Marcus Miller on BCDC case for driving while suspended on a $2,500
surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Antonio Quiroz Jr on GBMC case for domestic battery and criminal
damage to property with a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Omar Orozco-Rodriguez on BCDC warrant for serve sentence in full. 
 
RELEASED: Matthew Grandclair on Hoisington Municipal Court case for serve
sentence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>12/9 
 
BOOKED: Gustavo Mendoza on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to
appear with a bond of $2,500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Michael Wheeler on Barton County District Court warrant for probation
violation, bond set at $20,000 C/S. BCDC warrant for probation violation with a
bond set at $10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Omar Orozco-Rodriguez on Barton County District Court warrant for serve
sentence. No bond set. 
 
BOOKED: Matthew Grandclair on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for serve
sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Omar Dominguez-Campos on Barton County District Court warrant for
failure to appear, no bond. 
 
RELEASED: Gustavo Mendoza on BCDC warrant after processing only. 
 
RELEASED: Michele Greene on BCDC case for time served. 
 
RELEASED: Nathan Manley on BCDC case with credit for time served per order of
the court. 
 
RELEAED: Brett Woods on BCDC warrants for probation violation, credited for
time served. 
 
RELEASED: Christopher Rust on BCDC warrant for time served. BCDC warrant for
DUI, criminal use of a weapon, criminal possession of a weapon. Granted OR bond
of $40,000 through Judge Berans through Barton County District Court. 
 
RELEASED: Marcus Miller was granted a $100,000 OR bond through Judge Berans
through BCDC on cases for probation violations. 
 
RELEASED: Eric Torres on Central Kansas Community Corrections arrest and detain
order for BCDC case for probation violation. Released to self after time served
in full. 
 
RELEASED: Jedidiah Boyd on BCDC case for aggravated violation of Kansas
Offender Registry Act by posting a $100,000 OR bond. 
 
RELEASED: Bryce Moran on BCDC case for a serve sentence for time served. 
 
12/10 
 
BOOKED: Raul Jimenez on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure to
appear, bond set at $1,000 C/S. GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set at
$1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Antonio Quiroz Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for domestic
battery and criminal damage to property, bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Devon Keith on all Barton County charges. Being transferred to
Ellsworth County. 
 
RELEASED: Domynick Clone on BCDC case for probation violation for time served. 
 
12/11 
 
BOOKED: Jose Castruita on Barton County District Court case for driving while
under the influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Marcus Miller on Barton County District Court case for driving while
suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Melissa Sanders on Barton County District Court case for serve
sentence. 
 
RELEASED: Jose Castruita on BCDC case for driving while under the influence,
posted $1,000 bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Marcus Miller on BCDC case for driving while suspended on a $2,500
surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Antonio Quiroz Jr on GBMC case for domestic battery and criminal
damage to property with a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Omar Orozco-Rodriguez on BCDC warrant for serve sentence in full. 
 
RELEASED: Matthew Grandclair on Hoisington Municipal Court case for serve
sentence.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (12/9 - 12/11)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The phrase river rat has many definitions, some good, some bad. It's been a good thing around Great Bend. The River Rats have almost become synonymous with the Central Kansas Offroad Association. While they often use the river and surrounding area for recreational purposes, they also do much of the trash pickup. River Rats Founder Shanna Meeks said the situation is still almost impossible.

"I've been in several meetings with the city and county," she said. "There's nothing they can do other than lock the gate to the entrance at Stone's. If they do that, and there's an accident, it's a lot more time-consuming for EMS or the sheriff's department to get to any of those people that have the accidents. It is frustrating for us that go down there all the time because we're picking up everybody else's trash."

In 2017, approximately 60 members of the Great Bend River Rats volunteered to pick up trash along the river for two days. Nelson Stone donated several industrial dumpsters to use for the cleanup, and the city of Great Bend paid landfill fees. The Army Corps of Engineers showed up to promote the cleanup. 

The results were not encouraging. The group filled two of the large containers with trash from Diversion Dam alone, then filled another with garbage between Diversion Dam and the Radium Bridge. Volunteers pulled trailers behind their own vehicles or walked the river, filling an additional two or three containers. One was filled with nothing but discarded tires.

While several small cleanups have taken place since 2017, and Meeks said it's common to fill two or three 55-gallon backs of trash during weekly visits, the trash continues to be an eyesore for those who want to get out and enjoy nature.

"I don’t go down to the river a ton, but when I do it’s a nice little escape," said Kyle Whitlow. "When it’s full of trash, it can be pretty disheartening. I’d like to see people take more pride in where they live and have common courtesy to their fellow citizens. We are called to be good stewards of the blessings we have, so we need to act like it."

Boundaries and responsibilities surrounding the river can be tricky. Meeks continues to work with Scott Keeler with the city of Great Bend and county officials to organize another big cleanup this spring.

"With it being winter right now and it's really cold, it's hard to get everybody together," she said. "It takes an army to get this done. It's not just a one-person show. I make all the contacts and put it out there, and whoever wants to come help can come help."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670598278072.jpeg" alt="Some 60 members of the Great Bend River Rats were part of a large-scale volunteer cleanup operation at the Arkansas River in 2017." />
 <figcaption>Some 60 members of the Great Bend River Rats were part of a large-scale volunteer cleanup operation at the Arkansas River in 2017.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe phrase river rat has many definitions, some good, some bad. It's been a good thing around Great Bend. The River Rats have almost become synonymous with the Central Kansas Offroad Association. While they often use the river and surrounding area for recreational purposes, they also do much of the trash pickup. River Rats Founder Shanna Meeks said the situation is still almost impossible."I've been in several meetings with the city and county," she said. "There's nothing they can do other than lock the gate to the entrance at Stone's. If they do that, and there's an accident, it's a lot more time-consuming for EMS or the sheriff's department to get to any of those people that have the accidents. It is frustrating for us that go down there all the time because we're picking up everybody else's trash."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670598326722.jpeg" alt="More than five industrial-sized containers were filled with garbage during the 2017 cleanup, including one of just tires." />
 <figcaption>More than five industrial-sized containers were filled with garbage during the 2017 cleanup, including one of just tires.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2017, approximately 60 members of the Great Bend River Rats volunteered to pick up trash along the river for two days. Nelson Stone donated several industrial dumpsters to use for the cleanup, and the city of Great Bend paid landfill fees. The Army Corps of Engineers showed up to promote the cleanup. The results were not encouraging. The group filled two of the large containers with trash from Diversion Dam alone, then filled another with garbage between Diversion Dam and the Radium Bridge. Volunteers pulled trailers behind their own vehicles or walked the river, filling an additional two or three containers. One was filled with nothing but discarded tires.While several small cleanups have taken place since 2017, and Meeks said it's common to fill two or three 55-gallon backs of trash during weekly visits, the trash continues to be an eyesore for those who want to get out and enjoy nature.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670598367400.jpeg" alt="A recent photo shows garbage is still an eyesore and environmental issue around the river." />
 <figcaption>A recent photo shows garbage is still an eyesore and environmental issue around the river.</figcaption>
 </figure>"I don’t go down to the river a ton, but when I do it’s a nice little escape," said Kyle Whitlow. "When it’s full of trash, it can be pretty disheartening. I’d like to see people take more pride in where they live and have common courtesy to their fellow citizens. We are called to be good stewards of the blessings we have, so we need to act like it."Boundaries and responsibilities surrounding the river can be tricky. Meeks continues to work with Scott Keeler with the city of Great Bend and county officials to organize another big cleanup this spring."With it being winter right now and it's really cold, it's hard to get everybody together," she said. "It takes an army to get this done. It's not just a one-person show. I make all the contacts and put it out there, and whoever wants to come help can come help."

Trash continues to be an eyesore along Arkansas River

Today Patchy drizzle. Patchy dense fog before noon. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Tonight Showers and thunderstorms before 3am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3am. Steady temperature around 49. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a south wind 18 to 23 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a west northwest wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Blustery.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 13.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 33.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 12.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy drizzle. Patchy dense fog before noon. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Tonight Showers and thunderstorms before 3am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3am. Steady temperature around 49. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a south wind 18 to 23 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Breezy, with a west northwest wind 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Breezy.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Blustery.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. Breezy.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 13.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 33.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 12.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's Weather

NSP Announces 2022 Sorghum Yield Contest Winners

National Sorghum Producers announced yesterday the winners of the 2022 Sorghum Yield Contest, including Bin Buster winner Winsome Farms, Brant &amp; Amy Peterson from Stanton County, Kansas, with the top yield in the contest at 245.8 bushels per acre.&nbsp;Top yields are highlighted in three different categories ranging from the eastern to western U.S. regions, plus an overall food grade winner.&nbsp;The national winners will be recognized further in March 2023 during Commodity Classic in Orlando. To see a<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=480822983f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">complete list</a>&nbsp;of the NSP Sorghum Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=90f00c7dde&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest</a>. Read DTN/The Progressive Farmer's story on this year's Bin Buster winner&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=941a5d2496&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.

Policy, Regulatory and Issue Updates&nbsp;

NSP Leadership Visits Capitol Hill This Week

National Sorghum Producers Chairman Craig Meeker, Vice Chair Amy France, Past Chairman Kody Carson and CEO Tim Lust made visits to legislators on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this week. Discussion centered around the need for disaster assistance for the 2022 growing season and questions and concerns related to Phase 2 of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for 2020 and 2021. They also discussed the potential role disaster assistance may play in the next farm bill.

Rep. G.T. Thompson Tapped as New House Agriculture Committee Chairman, Provides Glimpse of Priorities&nbsp;

Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) was officially tapped this week by the Republican Steering Committee to be the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Thompson has served as Ranking Republican Member on the Committee for the past two years but will take the helm on January 3 when the 118th Congress commences.&nbsp;

In a&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=07a61af71c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">statement</a>, Rep. Thompson said, “The political landscape may be fractured, but as Chairman, I will prioritize the needs of our producers and rural communities – the backbone of this country.” The current Chairman of the Committee, Representative David Scott (D-GA), released a&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=da1500d8d7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;Thursday congratulating Rep. Thompson, stating he is “encouraged by the bipartisan work [he and Thompson] have accomplished together” and expressed his hope for a continuation of the “collegial spirit” shared by the two Committee leaders. Rep. Thompson said he plans to “put the foot on the pedal” in the crafting and enactment of the 2023 Farm Bill, stating the Committee will be operating at an accelerated clip, beginning with a listening session on January 7 in his home state of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=79d98ced3e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.

E15 Petition Heads to White House Office of Management and Budget for Review&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579197583316.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>NSP Announces 2022 Sorghum Yield Contest Winners</h2>National Sorghum Producers announced yesterday the winners of the 2022 Sorghum Yield Contest, including Bin Buster winner Winsome Farms, Brant &amp; Amy Peterson from Stanton County, Kansas, with the top yield in the contest at 245.8 bushels per acre.&nbsp;Top yields are highlighted in three different categories ranging from the eastern to western U.S. regions, plus an overall food grade winner.&nbsp;The national winners will be recognized further in March 2023 during Commodity Classic in Orlando. To see a<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=480822983f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">complete list</a>&nbsp;of the NSP Sorghum Yield Contest national, state and county results, or to learn more about the contest, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=90f00c7dde&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest</a>. Read DTN/The Progressive Farmer's story on this year's Bin Buster winner&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=941a5d2496&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.<h2>Policy, Regulatory and Issue Updates&nbsp;</h2>NSP Leadership Visits Capitol Hill This WeekNational Sorghum Producers Chairman Craig Meeker, Vice Chair Amy France, Past Chairman Kody Carson and CEO Tim Lust made visits to legislators on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this week. Discussion centered around the need for disaster assistance for the 2022 growing season and questions and concerns related to Phase 2 of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for 2020 and 2021. They also discussed the potential role disaster assistance may play in the next farm bill.<h2>Rep. G.T. Thompson Tapped as New House Agriculture Committee Chairman, Provides Glimpse of Priorities&nbsp;</h2>Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) was officially tapped this week by the Republican Steering Committee to be the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Thompson has served as Ranking Republican Member on the Committee for the past two years but will take the helm on January 3 when the 118th Congress commences.&nbsp;In a&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=07a61af71c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">statement</a>, Rep. Thompson said, “The political landscape may be fractured, but as Chairman, I will prioritize the needs of our producers and rural communities – the backbone of this country.” The current Chairman of the Committee, Representative David Scott (D-GA), released a&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=da1500d8d7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;Thursday congratulating Rep. Thompson, stating he is “encouraged by the bipartisan work [he and Thompson] have accomplished together” and expressed his hope for a continuation of the “collegial spirit” shared by the two Committee leaders. Rep. Thompson said he plans to “put the foot on the pedal” in the crafting and enactment of the 2023 Farm Bill, stating the Committee will be operating at an accelerated clip, beginning with a listening session on January 7 in his home state of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=79d98ced3e&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.<h2>E15 Petition Heads to White House Office of Management and Budget for Review&nbsp;</h2>A formal request from Midwest governors to sell E15 year-round in their home states is before the White House Office of Management and Budget. This latest action comes as 24 House members introduced a bill to mirror Senate legislation to make E15 available year-round on a national basis. Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced the&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=16bb80e0c8&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday. The legislation is a companion to the Senate measure introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shared the governors’ petition with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget for interagency&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=9276bc849c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">review</a>&nbsp;on Monday. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=1901c47875&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.<h2>EPA Releases Renewable Fuel Standards Through 2025</h2>On December 1, EPA&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=74ddd3f7ad&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;its anticipated&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=2e3212d938&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">rule</a>&nbsp;on proposed renewable fuel volumes. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on January 10, 2023, and the public comment will be open through February 10, 2023. As noted last week, the response to EPA’s action on this front has been favorable.&nbsp;<h2>Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Farm Bill Hearing on Research</h2>On Tuesday, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a Farm Bill&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=0f45759c87&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">hearing</a>&nbsp;on the research title. The hearing featured&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=3c816d1f1c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">testimony</a>&nbsp;from REE Undersecretary Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young who called for enhanced investments into innovation that will support American farmers and ranchers. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=800997bba7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Sorghum&nbsp;Checkoff Releases Weekly&nbsp; Sorghum&nbsp;Basis Snapshot</h2>The&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;basis snapshot, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=91e1594466&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumCheckoff.com</a>. <h2>Market News</h2>To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=0b4ce6f3fd&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. About Sorghum Notes Sorghum&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;is a publication of the National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Producers. NSP represents U.S.&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;producers and serves as the voice of the&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f503943b78&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">www.SorghumGrowers.com</a>.