Officers with the Great Bend Police Department have made two drug-related arrests over the past week. On Nov. 17 at approximately 3:36 p.m, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Civic for a moving violation. During the traffic stop, police K-9 Menta was deployed to perform a free-air sniff around the vehicle. Following a K-9 indication, officers performed a search of the vehicle. 

Officers located methamphetamine during a thorough search of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 40-year-old James Raab, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, no drug tax stamp, improper turn signal, and no current proof of insurance. Raab was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked in lieu of a $10,000.00 surety bond.

On Nov. 21 just before 5 p.m., a GBPD officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of Adams Street for an equipment violation. During the traffic stop, K-9 Menta was utilized to conduct a free-air sniff, where she alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. 

Methamphetamine was also located in during the course of that search, as was a firearm. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 23-year-old Layton Brown, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, criminal possession of a firearm, no drug tax stamp, driving while suspended, and illegal window tint. Brown was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked in lieu of bond. 

These investigation are still ongoing. Anyone with information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619705706781.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officers with the Great Bend Police Department have made two drug-related arrests over the past week. On Nov. 17 at approximately 3:36 p.m, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Civic for a moving violation. During the traffic stop, police K-9 Menta was deployed to perform a free-air sniff around the vehicle. Following a K-9 indication, officers performed a search of the vehicle. Officers located methamphetamine during a thorough search of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 40-year-old James Raab, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, no drug tax stamp, improper turn signal, and no current proof of insurance. Raab was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked in lieu of a $10,000.00 surety bond.On Nov. 21 just before 5 p.m., a GBPD officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1000 block of Adams Street for an equipment violation. During the traffic stop, K-9 Menta was utilized to conduct a free-air sniff, where she alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. Methamphetamine was also located in during the course of that search, as was a firearm. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 23-year-old Layton Brown, was placed under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, criminal possession of a firearm, no drug tax stamp, driving while suspended, and illegal window tint. Brown was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked in lieu of bond. These investigation are still ongoing. Anyone with information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

Great Bend police officers make two drug-related arrests

Thanksgiving is one of the country’s top days for cooking fires, and the Kansas and Oklahoma region encourages family chefs to follow simple steps to prepare the holiday feast safely.

“Home fires are a real threat over the holidays and represent most of our disaster responses in both Kansas and Oklahoma,” said Linda Medford, Red Cross’s program manager for disaster service. Help keep your family safe by always keeping an eye on what you fry, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your two-minute escape plan with everyone in your household.”

Follow these safety tips and visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR-2BZ4-2Fiwq42Ttnjp-2FND3x4KZuMHU_mPaxMEIWsWWyTTE8eBn9FaG8-2B7NE2uSEUoWGibQ8yMtdDpIQAHL96yR7h5CDV-2B-2FcVerFUocrxO1GhBmaMTn8ngGj1UTMSAzQIBveNI9iME-2FKTl5kh6S0TUOQPPHbrSnNXdMhMPgapuq16BLJprox1TPlqg0imUZtLQ5vVHhPgIzscxyow5S0oc-2BOyBzu3OGMPtvblozSn4liOTKG3-2FpSiFWZ05FUSzixAhamFMS3cYcHLbi88HbCYi7vvPpG4M7SyQoEjeJUJ9AwFNvbOKAEOz-2Bawa1Cns-2Bf2HqAwsJlBGdTpxuplE97mSRJPJbSW7en0u6L29BIc-2FfQrMvvV4muNZZcRMzx2mYGWCMxh0oosHI-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbSEB1yYF5kXzlN-2FZgqLHeLS8IJC-2BB99tiXP4W4kr5K676kcpn73o7zE9XvMKCf0BQ-3D-3DEIJ1_mPaxMEIWsWWyTTE8eBn9FaG8-2B7NE2uSEUoWGibQ8yMtdDpIQAHL96yR7h5CDV-2B-2FcVerFUocrxO1GhBmaMTn8ngGj1UTMSAzQIBveNI9iME-2FKTl5kh6S0TUOQPPHbrSnNXdMhMPgapuq16BLJprox1TPlqg0imUZtLQ5vVHhPgIzscxyow5S0oc-2BOyBzu3OGMPtvblozSn4liOTKG3-2FpSiF4HrB4K9FjvPaIBthxMaaUOxp7PZf0TH75hRJwWjeYJeY7LobiBnB8xQbnZsgh6Td15YrL5J6kYntYe2hFricaDmOuLVdIK54h48aNFwC6Ij2nM6xYZ9dC93kNFrDF-2F3X3huka4MnbxNN-2BmZdGo26Y-3D" target="_blank">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for help.

Since&nbsp;October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign with community partners are educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;2.4 million&nbsp;free smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods across the country.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR8HyH2VtZAqTLwIwPR0AyVj2Itr_mPaxMEIWsWWyTTE8eBn9FaG8-2B7NE2uSEUoWGibQ8yMtdDpIQAHL96yR7h5CDV-2B-2FcVerFUocrxO1GhBmaMTn8ngGj1UTMSAzQIBveNI9iME-2FKTl5kh6S0TUOQPPHbrSnNXdMhMPgapuq16BLJprox1TPlqg0imUZtLQ5vVHhPgIzscxyow5S0oc-2BOyBzu3OGMPtvblozSn4liOTKG3-2FpSiNU4UTiI73yqdDZXiZ2CWBIHMMOHqSPGlzHb1DKeEul3o96958l7CPk41S7ufpgRnD6afFM-2B3wUK0Lgm01FLGr-2F4gGt2EjWjFry0xLWCGpqWEFW6y-2B1zYYNQAfDbqBCfTtZj5jfltPOijU01hQMtEIA-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org/homefires</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669061896026.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thanksgiving is one of the country’s top days for cooking fires, and the Kansas and Oklahoma region encourages family chefs to follow simple steps to prepare the holiday feast safely.“Home fires are a real threat over the holidays and represent most of our disaster responses in both Kansas and Oklahoma,” said Linda Medford, Red Cross’s program manager for disaster service. Help keep your family safe by always keeping an eye on what you fry, testing your smoke alarms monthly, and practicing your two-minute escape plan with everyone in your household.”Follow these safety tips and visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR-2BZ4-2Fiwq42Ttnjp-2FND3x4KZuMHU_mPaxMEIWsWWyTTE8eBn9FaG8-2B7NE2uSEUoWGibQ8yMtdDpIQAHL96yR7h5CDV-2B-2FcVerFUocrxO1GhBmaMTn8ngGj1UTMSAzQIBveNI9iME-2FKTl5kh6S0TUOQPPHbrSnNXdMhMPgapuq16BLJprox1TPlqg0imUZtLQ5vVHhPgIzscxyow5S0oc-2BOyBzu3OGMPtvblozSn4liOTKG3-2FpSiFWZ05FUSzixAhamFMS3cYcHLbi88HbCYi7vvPpG4M7SyQoEjeJUJ9AwFNvbOKAEOz-2Bawa1Cns-2Bf2HqAwsJlBGdTpxuplE97mSRJPJbSW7en0u6L29BIc-2FfQrMvvV4muNZZcRMzx2mYGWCMxh0oosHI-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency and First Aid apps by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.<ul>
 <li>Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.</li><li>Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper, and curtains. Also, keep children and pets at least three feet away.</li><li>Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.</li><li>When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner.</li><li>Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.</li>
 </ul>If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbSEB1yYF5kXzlN-2FZgqLHeLS8IJC-2BB99tiXP4W4kr5K676kcpn73o7zE9XvMKCf0BQ-3D-3DEIJ1_mPaxMEIWsWWyTTE8eBn9FaG8-2B7NE2uSEUoWGibQ8yMtdDpIQAHL96yR7h5CDV-2B-2FcVerFUocrxO1GhBmaMTn8ngGj1UTMSAzQIBveNI9iME-2FKTl5kh6S0TUOQPPHbrSnNXdMhMPgapuq16BLJprox1TPlqg0imUZtLQ5vVHhPgIzscxyow5S0oc-2BOyBzu3OGMPtvblozSn4liOTKG3-2FpSiF4HrB4K9FjvPaIBthxMaaUOxp7PZf0TH75hRJwWjeYJeY7LobiBnB8xQbnZsgh6Td15YrL5J6kYntYe2hFricaDmOuLVdIK54h48aNFwC6Ij2nM6xYZ9dC93kNFrDF-2F3X3huka4MnbxNN-2BmZdGo26Y-3D" target="_blank">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for help.Since&nbsp;October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign with community partners are educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;2.4 million&nbsp;free smoke alarms in high-risk neighborhoods across the country.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR8HyH2VtZAqTLwIwPR0AyVj2Itr_mPaxMEIWsWWyTTE8eBn9FaG8-2B7NE2uSEUoWGibQ8yMtdDpIQAHL96yR7h5CDV-2B-2FcVerFUocrxO1GhBmaMTn8ngGj1UTMSAzQIBveNI9iME-2FKTl5kh6S0TUOQPPHbrSnNXdMhMPgapuq16BLJprox1TPlqg0imUZtLQ5vVHhPgIzscxyow5S0oc-2BOyBzu3OGMPtvblozSn4liOTKG3-2FpSiNU4UTiI73yqdDZXiZ2CWBIHMMOHqSPGlzHb1DKeEul3o96958l7CPk41S7ufpgRnD6afFM-2B3wUK0Lgm01FLGr-2F4gGt2EjWjFry0xLWCGpqWEFW6y-2B1zYYNQAfDbqBCfTtZj5jfltPOijU01hQMtEIA-3D" target="_blank">redcross.org/homefires</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Keep an eye on what you fry this Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Eagle Radio and Great Bend Post. We are thankful for your listenership and viewership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574908446044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Happy Thanksgiving from Eagle Radio and Great Bend Post. We are thankful for your listenership and viewership.

Happy Thanksgiving from Eagle Radio!

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A trio of new Barton County Commissioners will be seated in early January. Tricia Schlessiger will replace current Commissioner Jon Prescott, who has been active in the revitalization of Pawnee Rock in his final months on the governing body. He may be leaving one role, but said he hopes to continue working to improve the small community.

"That town has incredible history with the Sante Fe Trail going through," Prescott said. "The Pawnee Rock was a critical spot of protection for settlers as they were moving west. That town, they've  had some tough times, but there is still great property over there, structurally in good shape, some great old architecture that can be restored."

Prescott has been working with a local committee of eight members and the state historical preservation out of Topeka to work on restoring old homes. Prescott said many grants are available with different levels of matching funds from the state, but more planning is needed to obtain those funds. Restoring the community park is a high priority.

"Then families will say, 'This is kind of cool. I can move my family here. I can get a house that's pretty reasonably priced, might get some state funding to help restore that house,'" Prescott said. "And I have a place for my kids to play, too. A lot of people love small communities."

Another property of interest is the old opera house located just off US-56 Highway. The building was one of the first erected in Pawnee Rock after the railroad went through in 1872. It has served several purposes, most recently as an antique store.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642615295975.jpeg" alt="Barton County Commissioner Jon Prescott" />
 <figcaption>Barton County Commissioner Jon Prescott</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA trio of new Barton County Commissioners will be seated in early January. Tricia Schlessiger will replace current Commissioner Jon Prescott, who has been active in the revitalization of Pawnee Rock in his final months on the governing body. He may be leaving one role, but said he hopes to continue working to improve the small community."That town has incredible history with the Sante Fe Trail going through," Prescott said. "The Pawnee Rock was a critical spot of protection for settlers as they were moving west. That town, they've had some tough times, but there is still great property over there, structurally in good shape, some great old architecture that can be restored."Prescott has been working with a local committee of eight members and the state historical preservation out of Topeka to work on restoring old homes. Prescott said many grants are available with different levels of matching funds from the state, but more planning is needed to obtain those funds. Restoring the community park is a high priority."Then families will say, 'This is kind of cool. I can move my family here. I can get a house that's pretty reasonably priced, might get some state funding to help restore that house,'" Prescott said. "And I have a place for my kids to play, too. A lot of people love small communities."Another property of interest is the old opera house located just off US-56 Highway. The building was one of the first erected in Pawnee Rock after the railroad went through in 1872. It has served several purposes, most recently as an antique store.

Prescott: Pawnee Rock improvements still on the horizon

The weather outside might not be so frightful for the start of Christmas in Hoisington this year. Last Friday's temperatures dipped into the teens, but the sun will be back this Friday, Nov. 25, for the annual Christmas lighting. The city will light up the many lights and stars down and along Main Street, and Chamber Director Karen Baldyga said some special guests are coming to town.

"At 5 p.m., we will be welcoming Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus," she said. "They will be coming in on a tractor hay ride. Once they're delivered - Santa will be in his house listening to the wishes of the kids, and Mrs. Claus will be inside the chamber reading stories - we'll also have hot chocolate that has been donated by Perkins, and cookies that have been donated by the Community Women's Club."

Along with free tractor hay rides for all, Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics is sponsoring horse wagon rides for a third-straight year. "We're so excited to have them back," Baldyga said. "Everyone loves the tractor hay rides, and everyone also loves the horse and wagon rides."

Hoisington High School's Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Club will again be volunteering around Santa's house and helping people on and off the rides.

"They've been a tremendous help, so if you see those kids, wave to them and thank them for coming out on the holiday weekend to do this volunteering," said Baldyga.

Friday's holiday event runs from 5-7 p.m. at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce located at 123 N. Main Street in downtown Hoisington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669144215938.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe weather outside might not be so frightful for the start of Christmas in Hoisington this year. Last Friday's temperatures dipped into the teens, but the sun will be back this Friday, Nov. 25, for the annual Christmas lighting. The city will light up the many lights and stars down and along Main Street, and Chamber Director Karen Baldyga said some special guests are coming to town."At 5 p.m., we will be welcoming Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus," she said. "They will be coming in on a tractor hay ride. Once they're delivered - Santa will be in his house listening to the wishes of the kids, and Mrs. Claus will be inside the chamber reading stories - we'll also have hot chocolate that has been donated by Perkins, and cookies that have been donated by the Community Women's Club."Along with free tractor hay rides for all, Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics is sponsoring horse wagon rides for a third-straight year. "We're so excited to have them back," Baldyga said. "Everyone loves the tractor hay rides, and everyone also loves the horse and wagon rides."Hoisington High School's Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Club will again be volunteering around Santa's house and helping people on and off the rides."They've been a tremendous help, so if you see those kids, wave to them and thank them for coming out on the holiday weekend to do this volunteering," said Baldyga.Friday's holiday event runs from 5-7 p.m. at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce located at 123 N. Main Street in downtown Hoisington.

Hoisington gets festive with annual Christmas lighting on Friday

Over the last few years, I have heard a lot about self-care. Taking care of ourselves is extremely important as we cannot care for others if we are tapped out.

One of the areas of self-care that I have worked on for several years is mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to experiences in the present moment without judgement. The definition includes that it is a skill that develops through practice. In other words, it doesn’t just happen by accident.

Making time for being present – being in the moment – takes work and is a skill that I, as a people-focused, service-oriented individual, don’t do very well. I am getting better at it, however.

I am making time to sit with my cup of coffee and listen to the wind chimes several mornings each week with my dog snuggled in my lap and just be quiet. I am making time to connect with family and be completely engaged in the conversation. This may mean turning off or putting away my phone.

When our daughter was small, we started a tradition of Saturday “Ladies Lunch”. Now, this wasn’t anything fancy and we were usually just picking up groceries. My only rule was that the restaurant had to be somewhere with waitstaff. Not only were we practicing table manners but our daughter knew that for that time, she had my undivided attention. We were building a wonderful (but certainly not perfect!) relationship. When she was in college, she would occasionally call to ask if I could meet her halfway for “Ladies Lunch” so that we could catch up and have some priceless, focused time together. This was one way to model mindfulness at its best!

Some of my favorite moments can happen in the next few weeks. I love to sit with just the Christmas tree lights on and soak up the flickering colors and shiny ornaments as I reflect on family and friends.

Have you ever watched a small child when they see something fascinating? The sheer delight on their face and contagious giggle is hard to beat – and it happens because they are completely in the moment!

It is hard as adults to put away our stresses, concerns, and fears to be completely in the moment. It is a good skill to model for young people. It does not mean ignoring our responsibilities but gives us the ability to better address the hard things in our days.

Over the next few weeks, make time to stop for a few minutes…..just listen to your heart, to nature, to your favorite music, to a child’s laughter. Pick up a book of inspirational quotes or devotions. If you are with family or friends, put your phone away and turn off the tv to be fully engaged in the conversation.

Mindfulness takes practice and now is a perfect time to get started!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Over the last few years, I have heard a lot about self-care. Taking care of ourselves is extremely important as we cannot care for others if we are tapped out.One of the areas of self-care that I have worked on for several years is mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as the practice of purposely bringing one’s attention to experiences in the present moment without judgement. The definition includes that it is a skill that develops through practice. In other words, it doesn’t just happen by accident.Making time for being present – being in the moment – takes work and is a skill that I, as a people-focused, service-oriented individual, don’t do very well. I am getting better at it, however.I am making time to sit with my cup of coffee and listen to the wind chimes several mornings each week with my dog snuggled in my lap and just be quiet. I am making time to connect with family and be completely engaged in the conversation. This may mean turning off or putting away my phone.When our daughter was small, we started a tradition of Saturday “Ladies Lunch”. Now, this wasn’t anything fancy and we were usually just picking up groceries. My only rule was that the restaurant had to be somewhere with waitstaff. Not only were we practicing table manners but our daughter knew that for that time, she had my undivided attention. We were building a wonderful (but certainly not perfect!) relationship. When she was in college, she would occasionally call to ask if I could meet her halfway for “Ladies Lunch” so that we could catch up and have some priceless, focused time together. This was one way to model mindfulness at its best!Some of my favorite moments can happen in the next few weeks. I love to sit with just the Christmas tree lights on and soak up the flickering colors and shiny ornaments as I reflect on family and friends.Have you ever watched a small child when they see something fascinating? The sheer delight on their face and contagious giggle is hard to beat – and it happens because they are completely in the moment!It is hard as adults to put away our stresses, concerns, and fears to be completely in the moment. It is a good skill to model for young people. It does not mean ignoring our responsibilities but gives us the ability to better address the hard things in our days.Over the next few weeks, make time to stop for a few minutes…..just listen to your heart, to nature, to your favorite music, to a child’s laughter. Pick up a book of inspirational quotes or devotions. If you are with family or friends, put your phone away and turn off the tv to be fully engaged in the conversation.Mindfulness takes practice and now is a perfect time to get started!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Practicing mindfulness

Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton Community College Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner that aired Nov. 21, 2022.

The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton Community College Foundation Director Lindsey Bogner that aired Nov. 21, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/nknnz4lg/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Cougar Pause: Barton Foundation Director Bogner

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Great Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark introduced the newest hire to the
Police Department at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting. Officer Logan
Wooters began working with the department in November. Earlier this month,
Haulmark mentioned his staff is completely full and they’re looking to keep it
that way. "The city council and community voted to help us out with the retirement, that's a big part of that," said Haulmark. "Also, we're keeping people happy and satisfied while they're here. We're sending people to different trainings that invest in them and let them know we care about their development. That's a tool for retention." 
Haulmark credited the good team morale to the recently passed .20% sales tax
increase that will bolster first responders’ retirement plans and a new police
station that will be constructed by next August. 
"I like to think the environment is at a good place," said Haulmark. "They guys and gals like coming to work." 
Wooters worked at the prison in Larned prior to accepting the job in Great
Bend. The 24-year-old is a Navy veteran. Wooters will attend the Kansas Law
Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) training near Hutchinson in January.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669132283491.jpeg" alt="Officer Logan Wooters was introduced to the Great Bend City Council on Nov. 21, 2022 as the latest hire at the police department." />
 <figcaption>Officer Logan Wooters was introduced to the Great Bend City Council on Nov. 21, 2022 as the latest hire at the police department.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGreat Bend Police Chief Steve Haulmark introduced the newest hire to the
Police Department at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting. Officer Logan
Wooters began working with the department in November. Earlier this month,
Haulmark mentioned his staff is completely full and they’re looking to keep it
that way. "The city council and community voted to help us out with the retirement, that's a big part of that," said Haulmark. "Also, we're keeping people happy and satisfied while they're here. We're sending people to different trainings that invest in them and let them know we care about their development. That's a tool for retention." 
Haulmark credited the good team morale to the recently passed .20% sales tax
increase that will bolster first responders’ retirement plans and a new police
station that will be constructed by next August. 
"I like to think the environment is at a good place," said Haulmark. "They guys and gals like coming to work." 
Wooters worked at the prison in Larned prior to accepting the job in Great
Bend. The 24-year-old is a Navy veteran. Wooters will attend the Kansas Law
Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) training near Hutchinson in January.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend says hello to newest police officer

11/22 BOOKED: Martin Gutierrez on Sedgwick County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Randall Drees on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving on a Laned Roadway, Illegal Transportation of Liquor, Violation of Driving Restrictions, Improper Turn, and Using Turn Signal Unlawfully, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

RELEASED: Isiah Hillgren on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>11/22 BOOKED: Martin Gutierrez on Sedgwick County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Randall Drees on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving on a Laned Roadway, Illegal Transportation of Liquor, Violation of Driving Restrictions, Improper Turn, and Using Turn Signal Unlawfully, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.RELEASED: Isiah Hillgren on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (11/22)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post Did you ever wonder what certain homes in Great Bend look like on the
inside? Or maybe how others decorate their houses for the holidays? The annual
Barton County Holiday Home Tour is back this year to allow folks to take a peek
inside five decorated homes. 
The Home Tour is Dec. 4 from 1-5 p.m. and ticket sales will
benefit the Barton County Fair. Fair Board President Charles Atkinson said the fundraiser
gives a few community members a chance to show off their homes before
Christmas. 
"There are some homes out there that decorate beautifully for Christmas," said Atkinson. "There are also some nice homes that we've all wondered what they look like on the inside or how they changed them or decorated them. It's a fun time to get together and visit with the home owners. They've been gracious enough to open their homes and let us look around." 
Tickets are $10 and will be available at the homes the day of the tour. Tour homes: 3407 Meadowlark - Mike &amp; Susan Carlson 2323 Broadway - Jessica Corcoran 2535 Broadway - Benjamin Moses &amp; Stacy Farris 3220 Broadway - Mike &amp; Tana Newkirk 3201 16th - Kenny &amp; Rhonda Penka

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063510409.jpeg" alt="2323 Broadway Avenue will be included in this year's Barton County Holiday Home Tour." />
 <figcaption>2323 Broadway Avenue will be included in this year's Barton County Holiday Home Tour.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend Post Did you ever wonder what certain homes in Great Bend look like on the
inside? Or maybe how others decorate their houses for the holidays? The annual
Barton County Holiday Home Tour is back this year to allow folks to take a peek
inside five decorated homes. 
The Home Tour is Dec. 4 from 1-5 p.m. and ticket sales will
benefit the Barton County Fair. Fair Board President Charles Atkinson said the fundraiser
gives a few community members a chance to show off their homes before
Christmas. 
"There are some homes out there that decorate beautifully for Christmas," said Atkinson. "There are also some nice homes that we've all wondered what they look like on the inside or how they changed them or decorated them. It's a fun time to get together and visit with the home owners. They've been gracious enough to open their homes and let us look around." 
Tickets are $10 and will be available at the homes the day of the tour. Tour homes: 3407 Meadowlark - Mike &amp; Susan Carlson 2323 Broadway - Jessica Corcoran 2535 Broadway - Benjamin Moses &amp; Stacy Farris 3220 Broadway - Mike &amp; Tana Newkirk 3201 16th - Kenny &amp; Rhonda Penka<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669058999923.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Holiday Home Tour returns in Great Bend

Today Patchy dense fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming south 11 to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Tonight A 30-percent chance of rain or drizzle, mainly after 3 a.m. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South southeast wind 7 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight.

Thanksgiving Day A slight chance of rain or drizzle before noon, then a slight chance of rain after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 47. North wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night A 20-percent chance of snow after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Saturday A chance of rain and snow before noon, then a chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 49.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 53.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy dense fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 56. Light and variable wind becoming south 11 to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.Tonight A 30-percent chance of rain or drizzle, mainly after 3 a.m. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South southeast wind 7 to 13 mph becoming north-northwest after midnight.Thanksgiving Day A slight chance of rain or drizzle before noon, then a slight chance of rain after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 47. North wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Friday Night A 20-percent chance of snow after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.Saturday A chance of rain and snow before noon, then a chance of rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 49.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Monday Sunny, with a high near 53.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

From Great Bend High School debate coach Kim Heath...

November has been a busy month for members of the GBHS Debate Team. Squad members traveled to four tournaments this month and continued to rack up wins and medals while gaining valuable experience in debate.

Sedgwick and Nickerson hosted separate tournaments on Nov. 5. GBHS sent teams to each tournament and placed 4th out of 17 schools at Sedgwick and 2nd out of 8 schools at Nickerson. Individual medalists included Darcy Feist and Chrisangel Adame-1st Place in JV; Reese King and Lea Nokes-2nd Place in JV; Maddix Pokorski and Ellie Damm-7th place in Varsity; Xanna Smith and Adeline Dougherty-8th Place in Varsity; Rebeca Rodriguez and Analeah Ochs-8th Place in JV. Also competing for the Panthers were Rhys Froetschner and Quinton Heath; Theo Hopkinson-Smith and Jenna Higgins; and Logan Urban and Keaton Kruckenberg.

Due to the GBHS Fall Play, most of the debate team took a weekend off from competition. However, a small contingent of novice debaters traveled to Manhattan for the Roger Brannon Invitational on Nov. 12. Coach Brannon is a legend in the Kansas debate world and was Coach Kim Heath’s cooperating teacher during her student teaching in the early ’90s.

“It was really fun visiting with Mr. Brannon,” said Coach Heath. “It was also nice to see that the tournament had been named after him. He was a great coach and mentor for so many of us during his long tenure at Manhattan High.”

Competing at the Manhattan tournament were Jay Creamer and Theo Hopkinson-Smith 2 wins and 3 losses; Kaylee Haag and Jennifer Palacio 2 wins and 3 losses; and Hannah Hopkins and Danica Cline 3 wins and 2 losses.

Finally, at the Buhler debate tournament on Nov. 19 the squad came back together and successfully secured the 1st place Sweepstakes trophy from Buhler High School. They beat out ten other teams including squads from Newton, Salina, McPherson and Hutchinson.

In the novice division, the GBHS Debate Team swept the first three places. Damm and Hopkins brought home the gold medals. This pair of freshmen were undefeated and secured perfect speaker points. Froetschner and Heath also won all of their rounds and placed 2nd. Third place was won by Ailey Williams and Cline with a record of three wins and one loss. Kruckenberg and Urban placed 6th, and Higgins and Palacio finished 8th.

In the open division, two teams came away with only one loss. Smith and King placed 5th; while Henrikson and Pokorski were 7th. The teams of Dougherty and Fryberger—as well as the team of Adame, Alvarez and Carbajal—finished with a record of two wins and two losses.

The Panthers will take Thanksgiving weekend off and will return to the road for a tournament at Chaparral High School on Saturday, Dec. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669128931203.jpeg" alt="Back Row: Keaton Kruckenberg, Logan Urban, Elle Damm, Rhys Froetschner, Quinton Heath, Maddix Pokorski, Chrisangel Adame, Thomas Henrikson Middle Row: Coach Kim Heath, Jennifer Palacio, Ailey Williams, Danica Cline, Reese King, Alondra Alvarez, Adeline Dougherty, Aliyah Fryberger, Milena Carbajal Front Row: Raegan Boaldin, Dixie Gallant, Jenna Higgins, Hannah Hopkins, Xanna Smith" />
 <figcaption>Back Row: Keaton Kruckenberg, Logan Urban, Elle Damm, Rhys Froetschner, Quinton Heath, Maddix Pokorski, Chrisangel Adame, Thomas Henrikson Middle Row: Coach Kim Heath, Jennifer Palacio, Ailey Williams, Danica Cline, Reese King, Alondra Alvarez, Adeline Dougherty, Aliyah Fryberger, Milena Carbajal Front Row: Raegan Boaldin, Dixie Gallant, Jenna Higgins, Hannah Hopkins, Xanna Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend High School debate coach Kim Heath...November has been a busy month for members of the GBHS Debate Team. Squad members traveled to four tournaments this month and continued to rack up wins and medals while gaining valuable experience in debate.Sedgwick and Nickerson hosted separate tournaments on Nov. 5. GBHS sent teams to each tournament and placed 4th out of 17 schools at Sedgwick and 2nd out of 8 schools at Nickerson. Individual medalists included Darcy Feist and Chrisangel Adame-1st Place in JV; Reese King and Lea Nokes-2nd Place in JV; Maddix Pokorski and Ellie Damm-7th place in Varsity; Xanna Smith and Adeline Dougherty-8th Place in Varsity; Rebeca Rodriguez and Analeah Ochs-8th Place in JV. Also competing for the Panthers were Rhys Froetschner and Quinton Heath; Theo Hopkinson-Smith and Jenna Higgins; and Logan Urban and Keaton Kruckenberg.Due to the GBHS Fall Play, most of the debate team took a weekend off from competition. However, a small contingent of novice debaters traveled to Manhattan for the Roger Brannon Invitational on Nov. 12. Coach Brannon is a legend in the Kansas debate world and was Coach Kim Heath’s cooperating teacher during her student teaching in the early ’90s.“It was really fun visiting with Mr. Brannon,” said Coach Heath. “It was also nice to see that the tournament had been named after him. He was a great coach and mentor for so many of us during his long tenure at Manhattan High.”Competing at the Manhattan tournament were Jay Creamer and Theo Hopkinson-Smith 2 wins and 3 losses; Kaylee Haag and Jennifer Palacio 2 wins and 3 losses; and Hannah Hopkins and Danica Cline 3 wins and 2 losses.Finally, at the Buhler debate tournament on Nov. 19 the squad came back together and successfully secured the 1st place Sweepstakes trophy from Buhler High School. They beat out ten other teams including squads from Newton, Salina, McPherson and Hutchinson.In the novice division, the GBHS Debate Team swept the first three places. Damm and Hopkins brought home the gold medals. This pair of freshmen were undefeated and secured perfect speaker points. Froetschner and Heath also won all of their rounds and placed 2nd. Third place was won by Ailey Williams and Cline with a record of three wins and one loss. Kruckenberg and Urban placed 6th, and Higgins and Palacio finished 8th.In the open division, two teams came away with only one loss. Smith and King placed 5th; while Henrikson and Pokorski were 7th. The teams of Dougherty and Fryberger—as well as the team of Adame, Alvarez and Carbajal—finished with a record of two wins and two losses.The Panthers will take Thanksgiving weekend off and will return to the road for a tournament at Chaparral High School on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Great Bend Panther debaters sweep Buhler tournament

When the pilgrims first came to America from England, they had a very difficult first year, and without the help of the Native Americans, would not have survived. After finally having a successful harvest the following year, they had a harvest feast to celebrate with their new neighbors. We continue this tradition today on the 4th&nbsp;Thursday of November with family and friends. Our feast today has much in common with the first Thanksgiving celebration with some major and minor differences. In the end though, the Thanksgiving feast is a chance to gather with family and friends and remember how much you have to be thankful for!&nbsp;

Turkeys are one of the few domesticated animals today that originated in North America, so they most likely were on the menu, but other fowl were probably prepared as well for the feast. Wild ducks, geese, and swans would have also been consumed that day. The turkey would have been wild rather than the domesticated one that you purchase at the local store. Its taste would be similar to the heritage turkeys that can still be ordered from specialty shops or the wild ones still roaming the fields today. Shellfish and varieties of fish would have also been offered since that was a convenient source of protein for a colony that was close to the sea. Historical records also show that the Wampanoag tribe brought an offering of 5 deer for the celebration, so the meal had a wide variety of what today we would consider the main course to choose from!&nbsp;

Vegetables were also very much present at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. After all, this was a celebration of the first successful harvest in the new world, but some may have looked different than how we eat them today. Of course there would be no green bean casserole on the table for another 300- plus years, and even though they grew and harvested maize (or corn), they would have made cornmeal out of it and created a mush or porridge to eat. Onions, beans carrots, and, lettuce would have graced the table similar to today. &nbsp;

The first version of pumpkin pie was probably consumed as well in 1621. Once again, it was there, but just different. The fledgling colony lacked the butter and flour to be able to make a pie crust, as well as the oven to bake the pie in. What they did instead was make custard by hollowing out the pumpkins and adding milk, honey and spices, and then placing the gourds in the hot ashes of the fire to roast creating the precursor to what we know as pumpkin pie today.&nbsp;

So whatever you are planning for your Thanksgiving meal, whether it is the “traditional” feast of today, or your favorite variation of it, I hope you have a blessed holiday spent with those you care about most. Happy Thanksgiving!&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>When the pilgrims first came to America from England, they had a very difficult first year, and without the help of the Native Americans, would not have survived. After finally having a successful harvest the following year, they had a harvest feast to celebrate with their new neighbors. We continue this tradition today on the 4th&nbsp;Thursday of November with family and friends. Our feast today has much in common with the first Thanksgiving celebration with some major and minor differences. In the end though, the Thanksgiving feast is a chance to gather with family and friends and remember how much you have to be thankful for!&nbsp;Turkeys are one of the few domesticated animals today that originated in North America, so they most likely were on the menu, but other fowl were probably prepared as well for the feast. Wild ducks, geese, and swans would have also been consumed that day. The turkey would have been wild rather than the domesticated one that you purchase at the local store. Its taste would be similar to the heritage turkeys that can still be ordered from specialty shops or the wild ones still roaming the fields today. Shellfish and varieties of fish would have also been offered since that was a convenient source of protein for a colony that was close to the sea. Historical records also show that the Wampanoag tribe brought an offering of 5 deer for the celebration, so the meal had a wide variety of what today we would consider the main course to choose from!&nbsp;Vegetables were also very much present at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. After all, this was a celebration of the first successful harvest in the new world, but some may have looked different than how we eat them today. Of course there would be no green bean casserole on the table for another 300- plus years, and even though they grew and harvested maize (or corn), they would have made cornmeal out of it and created a mush or porridge to eat. Onions, beans carrots, and, lettuce would have graced the table similar to today. &nbsp;The first version of pumpkin pie was probably consumed as well in 1621. Once again, it was there, but just different. The fledgling colony lacked the butter and flour to be able to make a pie crust, as well as the oven to bake the pie in. What they did instead was make custard by hollowing out the pumpkins and adding milk, honey and spices, and then placing the gourds in the hot ashes of the fire to roast creating the precursor to what we know as pumpkin pie today.&nbsp;So whatever you are planning for your Thanksgiving meal, whether it is the “traditional” feast of today, or your favorite variation of it, I hope you have a blessed holiday spent with those you care about most. Happy Thanksgiving!&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Taking a further look at that Thanksgiving dinner

It's become an annual holiday tradition around Great Bend, and the Christmas Craft Mall is open for another season. The mall returns to the basement of the Central Baptist Church on Lakin Avenue in Great Bend, and Shari Miller with the mall says this year, there are crafts from approximately 40 vendors.

"We still have a large amount of vendors and selections," she said. "Our hours are still the same, seven days a week. We're open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 1-6 p.m., and we are closed Thanksgiving. We've got great crafters with wonderful items that are the perfect gift for Christmas."

The mall offers a variety of unique edible and decorative items, crafted by local artists. Fudges and jellies are always popular gifts, as are sweatshirts and candles. The mall also features metalwork, trees, ornaments, jewelry, bierocks, nuts, and hot cocoa bombs, among other items.

The Christmas Craft Mall opened Nov. 19 and will remain open through Dec. 23. Central Baptist Church is located at 3301 Lakin Avenue in Great Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669046449151.jpeg" alt="The Christmas Craft Mall returns to 3301 Lakin Ave. in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>The Christmas Craft Mall returns to 3301 Lakin Ave. in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIt's become an annual holiday tradition around Great Bend, and the Christmas Craft Mall is open for another season. The mall returns to the basement of the Central Baptist Church on Lakin Avenue in Great Bend, and Shari Miller with the mall says this year, there are crafts from approximately 40 vendors."We still have a large amount of vendors and selections," she said. "Our hours are still the same, seven days a week. We're open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 1-6 p.m., and we are closed Thanksgiving. We've got great crafters with wonderful items that are the perfect gift for Christmas."The mall offers a variety of unique edible and decorative items, crafted by local artists. Fudges and jellies are always popular gifts, as are sweatshirts and candles. The mall also features metalwork, trees, ornaments, jewelry, bierocks, nuts, and hot cocoa bombs, among other items.The Christmas Craft Mall opened Nov. 19 and will remain open through Dec. 23. Central Baptist Church is located at 3301 Lakin Avenue in Great Bend.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669046495324.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Christmas Craft Mall returns to Great Bend for another season

Over 300 high school students visited Barton Community College Monday, Nov. 21, to participate in the 18th annual Jack Kilby STEM Day, which featured over two dozen presentations and hands-on workshops covering a variety of topics from crime scene investigation to animal behavior science.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For more information on JKSD visit –&nbsp;<a href="https://jksd.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">jksd.bartonccc.edu</a>.

For more photos, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAgdVy" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAgdVy</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063920934.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Over 300 high school students visited Barton Community College Monday, Nov. 21, to participate in the 18th annual Jack Kilby STEM Day, which featured over two dozen presentations and hands-on workshops covering a variety of topics from crime scene investigation to animal behavior science.&nbsp; &nbsp;For more information on JKSD visit –&nbsp;<a href="https://jksd.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">jksd.bartonccc.edu</a>.For more photos, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAgdVy" target="_blank">https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAgdVy</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063940365.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063948325.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063956862.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063965805.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669063982365.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

300+ high school students visit Barton for Jack Kilby Day

The topic of finding an incentive or compensating Great Bend City
Council members resurfaced at Monday’s meeting. Councilmember Natalie Towns
sent a letter to Mayor Cody Schmidt and City Administrator Kendal Francis about
figuring out a way to get more citizens interested in filing for election. 

Four
incumbents in each city ward ran unopposed in the November election. "If someone else has a better idea of trying to get other people to run for council," said Towns. "Nobody is wanting to run, and I think that is a serious thing. The priority seems to be, it's a sad thing to say, but it seems like nobody wants to do anything for nothing." 
This past summer, councilmembers Towns and Lindsey Krom-Craven suggested $50
per meeting for councilmembers and $100 for the mayor. Without enough support,
the suggestion was dropped.

Councilmember Jolene Biggs and the majority of the
governing body were still against the stipend idea. "I would argue the point that people don't want to do something for nothing," said Biggs. "There are hundreds and thousands of people that donate time and energy in lots of different causes and don't get paid for that. I don't know what people you're talking with, but the people I talk to are okay with doing that because that's helping the community." 
Mayor Schmidt said he was making no plans to discuss the matter until the majority
of the council was in favor of being compensated. 
Ellinwood, Hoisington, Larned and Hays all compensate their elected officials
at different levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669087312212.jpeg" alt="Great Bend City Council members Davis Jimenez, Lindsey Krom-Craven and Natalie Towns are in favor of finding incentives, possibly compensation, for elected officials." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend City Council members Davis Jimenez, Lindsey Krom-Craven and Natalie Towns are in favor of finding incentives, possibly compensation, for elected officials.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe topic of finding an incentive or compensating Great Bend City
Council members resurfaced at Monday’s meeting. Councilmember Natalie Towns
sent a letter to Mayor Cody Schmidt and City Administrator Kendal Francis about
figuring out a way to get more citizens interested in filing for election. Four
incumbents in each city ward ran unopposed in the November election. "If someone else has a better idea of trying to get other people to run for council," said Towns. "Nobody is wanting to run, and I think that is a serious thing. The priority seems to be, it's a sad thing to say, but it seems like nobody wants to do anything for nothing." 
This past summer, councilmembers Towns and Lindsey Krom-Craven suggested $50
per meeting for councilmembers and $100 for the mayor. Without enough support,
the suggestion was dropped. Councilmember Jolene Biggs and the majority of the
governing body were still against the stipend idea. "I would argue the point that people don't want to do something for nothing," said Biggs. "There are hundreds and thousands of people that donate time and energy in lots of different causes and don't get paid for that. I don't know what people you're talking with, but the people I talk to are okay with doing that because that's helping the community." 
Mayor Schmidt said he was making no plans to discuss the matter until the majority
of the council was in favor of being compensated. 
Ellinwood, Hoisington, Larned and Hays all compensate their elected officials
at different levels.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend council revisits compensation for elected officials 

As the name suggests, the Great Bend Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade is so much more than a parade. From 8 a.m. until well after dark, there will be a variety of ways to feel a little jolly in downtown Great Bend. 

"We are super excited for the Great Bend Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade," said Community Coordinator Christina Hayes. "A lot of people don't realize that the entire day is packed full of fun."

Visit participating businesses in Great Bend from 8 a.m. to noon for the last chance to participate in the $1,000 to Explore in Great Bend contest. River of Life Church on Main Street will host the Creative and Unique Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A pair of activities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Dilly &amp; Doc Pop-Up Market in their building at 1119 Main and the adjoining bingo hall. Stop in at Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street, to get your cookie box for the cookie decorating contest. Vote for your favorite as you pick up the treats at various Great Bend businesses.

Finally, just as the sun is setting, the Home for the Holidays Parade will march its way down Main Street toward Jack Kilby Square. The winners of the cookie contest, window-decorating contest, and Explore Great Bend will be announced after the parade.

"Even after the holiday parade, we have so much stuff happening in the square afterward," Hayes said. "At 6:15, we will light the annual mayor's tree, so Santa and Mayor Cody Schmidt will do that. Afterward, at 6:30, we have the ice sculpting performance by Reverend butter. We then have some announcements of the cookie contest winners, but then the fire bending performance will happen by Phlox Fire."

Also after the parade, be sure to check out the 24 life-sized Santas as part of the Santa's Around the World display at 1223 Main Street. Santa will also be on hand to take Christmas wishes.

Rosewood Services will provide free horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides until 8 p.m., and the city of Great Bend will provide free train rides. The city will also treat festive goes to free hot dogs, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, cookies, cider, and more at Jack Kilby Square. Top off the big day by visiting Brit Spaugh Zoo for the official opening of the Trail of Lights and collect your Rosewood Golden Ticket.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669057103107.jpeg" alt="A unicorn ice sculpture from last year's festivities in downtown Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A unicorn ice sculpture from last year's festivities in downtown Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAs the name suggests, the Great Bend Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade is so much more than a parade. From 8 a.m. until well after dark, there will be a variety of ways to feel a little jolly in downtown Great Bend. "We are super excited for the Great Bend Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade," said Community Coordinator Christina Hayes. "A lot of people don't realize that the entire day is packed full of fun."Visit participating businesses in Great Bend from 8 a.m. to noon for the last chance to participate in the $1,000 to Explore in Great Bend contest. River of Life Church on Main Street will host the Creative and Unique Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.A pair of activities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Dilly &amp; Doc Pop-Up Market in their building at 1119 Main and the adjoining bingo hall. Stop in at Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street, to get your cookie box for the cookie decorating contest. Vote for your favorite as you pick up the treats at various Great Bend businesses.Finally, just as the sun is setting, the Home for the Holidays Parade will march its way down Main Street toward Jack Kilby Square. The winners of the cookie contest, window-decorating contest, and Explore Great Bend will be announced after the parade.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669057440341.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Even after the holiday parade, we have so much stuff happening in the square afterward," Hayes said. "At 6:15, we will light the annual mayor's tree, so Santa and Mayor Cody Schmidt will do that. Afterward, at 6:30, we have the ice sculpting performance by Reverend butter. We then have some announcements of the cookie contest winners, but then the fire bending performance will happen by Phlox Fire."Also after the parade, be sure to check out the 24 life-sized Santas as part of the Santa's Around the World display at 1223 Main Street. Santa will also be on hand to take Christmas wishes.Rosewood Services will provide free horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides until 8 p.m., and the city of Great Bend will provide free train rides. The city will also treat festive goes to free hot dogs, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, cookies, cider, and more at Jack Kilby Square. Top off the big day by visiting Brit Spaugh Zoo for the official opening of the Trail of Lights and collect your Rosewood Golden Ticket.

Great Bend getting into Christmas spirit with Saturday full of activities

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (11/21) 
 
Juvenile Complaint 
 
At 7:26 a.m. a juvenile complaint was reported at 1154 E. Barton County Road in
Ellinwood. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:34 a.m. utility problems were reported at 24th &amp; Heizer. 
 
Fire 
 
At 8:36 a.m. a fire was reported in the 300 block of SW 10 Road. 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:05 a.m. a theft was reported at 59 Karen Street. 
 
Cardiac / Respiratory 
 
At 12 p.m. a cardiac/respiratory case was reported at 211 Washington Avenue in
Olmitz. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 12:20 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 172 N. US 281 Highway. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:24 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 120 NW 120 Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:21 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 202. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 3:27 p.m. a sick person was reported at 325 N. Washington Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:59 p.m. a driving/driver complaint was reported at N. US 281 Highway and
NE 50 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:40 p.m. an accident was reported in the 1000 block of NW 10 Avenue in
Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:59 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 79 SE 115 Avenue in Ellinwood. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (11/21) 
 
Theft 
 
At 4:29 a.m. a report of a roommate taking his property and it being damaged
was made at 2540 16th Street. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 7:19 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2312 McCormick Street. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 3:13 p.m. a vehicle versus pedestrian accident was reported at 2027 Morton
Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 4:06 p.m. Art Keffer reported a parking complaint at 2422 Lakin Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:42 p.m. Laura Mason reported a driving complaint at 10th &amp;
Harrison. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 4:57 p.m. during a traffic stop at 1000 Adams Street, Layton Brown was
arrested for possession of methamphetamine, criminal use of a firearm, DWS and
no drug tax stamp. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 4:59 p.m. K-9 Menta was utilized during a traffic stop at 1000 Adams Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:09 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 29th &amp;
Jefferson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (11/21) 
 
Juvenile Complaint 
 
At 7:26 a.m. a juvenile complaint was reported at 1154 E. Barton County Road in
Ellinwood. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:34 a.m. utility problems were reported at 24th &amp; Heizer. 
 
Fire 
 
At 8:36 a.m. a fire was reported in the 300 block of SW 10 Road. 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:05 a.m. a theft was reported at 59 Karen Street. 
 
Cardiac / Respiratory 
 
At 12 p.m. a cardiac/respiratory case was reported at 211 Washington Avenue in
Olmitz. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 12:20 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 172 N. US 281 Highway. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:24 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 120 NW 120 Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 1:21 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 202. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 3:27 p.m. a sick person was reported at 325 N. Washington Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:59 p.m. a driving/driver complaint was reported at N. US 281 Highway and
NE 50 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:40 p.m. an accident was reported in the 1000 block of NW 10 Avenue in
Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 5:59 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 79 SE 115 Avenue in Ellinwood. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (11/21) 
 
Theft 
 
At 4:29 a.m. a report of a roommate taking his property and it being damaged
was made at 2540 16th Street. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 7:19 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2312 McCormick Street. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 3:13 p.m. a vehicle versus pedestrian accident was reported at 2027 Morton
Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 4:06 p.m. Art Keffer reported a parking complaint at 2422 Lakin Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:42 p.m. Laura Mason reported a driving complaint at 10th &amp;
Harrison. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 4:57 p.m. during a traffic stop at 1000 Adams Street, Layton Brown was
arrested for possession of methamphetamine, criminal use of a firearm, DWS and
no drug tax stamp. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 4:59 p.m. K-9 Menta was utilized during a traffic stop at 1000 Adams Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:09 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at 29th &amp;
Jefferson.

Cop Shop (11/21)

11/21 BOOKED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.

BOOKED: Brett Woods on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $22,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Mark Vasquez on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, Illegal Tags, and Operating a Vehicle with no Insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Layton Brown on Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Use of a Weapon, Driving While Suspended, and One-way Glass Screening Device, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Isiah Hillgren on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.

RELEASED: Isaak Fischer, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Daniel Bartonek on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Layton Brown on Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Use of a Weapon, Driving While Suspended, and One-way Glass Screening Device, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Mark Vasquez on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, Illegal Tags, and Operating a Vehicle with no Insurance, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jill Alexander, after serving sentence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>11/21 BOOKED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Brett Woods on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $22,500 C/S.BOOKED: Mark Vasquez on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, Illegal Tags, and Operating a Vehicle with no Insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Layton Brown on Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Use of a Weapon, Driving While Suspended, and One-way Glass Screening Device, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Isiah Hillgren on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.RELEASED: Isaak Fischer, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Daniel Bartonek on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Layton Brown on Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Use of a Weapon, Driving While Suspended, and One-way Glass Screening Device, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Mark Vasquez on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, Illegal Tags, and Operating a Vehicle with no Insurance, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Jill Alexander, after serving sentence.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (11/21)

The process to get funding for a $32 million new hospital project in
Ellinwood has been in the works for nearly two years. With help from local
legislators, the Ellinwood Hospital was approved to receive a $25 million loan
from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help construct the
new hospital that will be located west of town on U.S. 56 Highway, across from
Ellinwood Packing Plant. 
Ellinwood Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kristy Rupe said it was
important to lock in the interest rates as quickly as possible before the rates
increased.

"Just about every rural hospital in Kansas fits this program funded by USDA," said Rupe. "It's a low-interest loan. They do require there to be a community support side on our end." 
Along with the USDA loan, a capital campaign is charged with fundraising $1.25
million and the hospital is responsible with covering the remaining expense.

The final architectural plans are finished and now Ellinwood Hospital staff is
waiting to hear bid proposals from contractors. 

With groundbreaking expected to
occur late this year or early 2023, construction on the new hospital will take
18 - 24 months. 

Future plans for the current hospital are up in the air. 
"The existing hospital is still our home for at least a couple of years," said Rupe. "There currently are no plans as to what will happen to it; however, the board said they are committed to making the best choice possible so that it's not an eyesore or blight to the community." 
Ellinwood Hospital purchased 15 acres along U.S. 56 Highway, and the new
facility is expected to consume 10 of those acres.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642796023188.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe process to get funding for a $32 million new hospital project in
Ellinwood has been in the works for nearly two years. With help from local
legislators, the Ellinwood Hospital was approved to receive a $25 million loan
from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help construct the
new hospital that will be located west of town on U.S. 56 Highway, across from
Ellinwood Packing Plant. 
Ellinwood Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kristy Rupe said it was
important to lock in the interest rates as quickly as possible before the rates
increased."Just about every rural hospital in Kansas fits this program funded by USDA," said Rupe. "It's a low-interest loan. They do require there to be a community support side on our end." 
Along with the USDA loan, a capital campaign is charged with fundraising $1.25
million and the hospital is responsible with covering the remaining expense.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667441674280.jpeg" alt="Architectural rendering of new Ellinwood Hospital." />
 <figcaption>Architectural rendering of new Ellinwood Hospital.</figcaption>
 </figure>The final architectural plans are finished and now Ellinwood Hospital staff is
waiting to hear bid proposals from contractors. With groundbreaking expected to
occur late this year or early 2023, construction on the new hospital will take
18 - 24 months. Future plans for the current hospital are up in the air. 
"The existing hospital is still our home for at least a couple of years," said Rupe. "There currently are no plans as to what will happen to it; however, the board said they are committed to making the best choice possible so that it's not an eyesore or blight to the community." 
Ellinwood Hospital purchased 15 acres along U.S. 56 Highway, and the new
facility is expected to consume 10 of those acres.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellinwood Hospital eyes new construction, future of old campus uncertain

Today Sunny, with a high near 61. South southwest wind 5 to 11 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night A 30-percent chance of rain or drizzle after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Thanksgiving Day A slight chance of rain or drizzle before noon, then a slight chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday Night A slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 9 p.m., then gradually ending. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 48.

Friday Night A slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 48.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 61. South southwest wind 5 to 11 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 27. South wind around 8 mph.Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Wednesday Night A 30-percent chance of rain or drizzle after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.Thanksgiving Day A slight chance of rain or drizzle before noon, then a slight chance of rain after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Breezy, with a north wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Thursday Night A slight chance of rain, mixing with snow after 9 p.m., then gradually ending. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Friday Sunny, with a high near 48.Friday Night A slight chance of rain and snow after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 48.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.Monday Sunny, with a high near 50.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's Weather

The position of assistant city administrator has been vacant for several
years within the City of Great Bend. Job duties will be shuffled around after
the Great Bend City Council voted 5-2 Monday to approve Logan Burns as
assistant city administrator. 
Burns has served as the city’s building official for the past three and a half
years. Burns will still oversee building inspections, but will also supervise
code enforcement and public lands. "It has helped being the secretary of the planning and zoning side," said Burns. "Being part of the zoning board also helps the roles of the assistant city administrator will do." 
The assistant administrator position has been left open for years, but has
continued to be accounted for in the city’s budget each year in case the
municipality found a candidate. 
Councilmember Davis Jimenez, one of the two opposing votes, asked City
Administrator Kendal Francis if he felt the city needed the assistant position. 
"I guess in all honesty I'd say no," said Francis. "I do think that the reorganization, as it's structured, is needed. I don't know that we necessarily need that position to be headed by an assistant city administrator." 
Burns stated the process to find his replacement as building official will get
underway soon, but no start date for his new position was announced.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669082613314.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Building Official Logan Burns was voted to become the new Great Bend Assistant City Administrator on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Building Official Logan Burns was voted to become the new Great Bend Assistant City Administrator on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe position of assistant city administrator has been vacant for several
years within the City of Great Bend. Job duties will be shuffled around after
the Great Bend City Council voted 5-2 Monday to approve Logan Burns as
assistant city administrator. 
Burns has served as the city’s building official for the past three and a half
years. Burns will still oversee building inspections, but will also supervise
code enforcement and public lands. "It has helped being the secretary of the planning and zoning side," said Burns. "Being part of the zoning board also helps the roles of the assistant city administrator will do." 
The assistant administrator position has been left open for years, but has
continued to be accounted for in the city’s budget each year in case the
municipality found a candidate. 
Councilmember Davis Jimenez, one of the two opposing votes, asked City
Administrator Kendal Francis if he felt the city needed the assistant position. 
"I guess in all honesty I'd say no," said Francis. "I do think that the reorganization, as it's structured, is needed. I don't know that we necessarily need that position to be headed by an assistant city administrator." 
Burns stated the process to find his replacement as building official will get
underway soon, but no start date for his new position was announced.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Burns fills long-time vacant Great Bend Assist. City Administrator’s role

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.

4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.

5. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will facilitate this update.

6. AG COMPLEX &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Administration will provide this update.

7. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS) AND (PETE)&nbsp;NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION&nbsp;PARTNERSHIP &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsay Holmes, Director of Hazardous Materials, Emergency Management, and Occupational Safety and Health and Kurt Teal, Dean of Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs will facilitate this presentation.

8. END STATEMENTS REVIEW &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will present for review and board consideration.

9. BOARD SELF-EVALUATION &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will facilitate this discussion.

10. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. BOT Meeting Minutes of October 25, 2022

11. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACCT/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous

12. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session, if needed, in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

13. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.2. OFFICIAL BOARD MEETINGS3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.5. STRATEGIC PLANNING &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Effectiveness will facilitate this update.6. AG COMPLEX &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Administration will provide this update.7. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES (NIEHS) AND (PETE)&nbsp;NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION&nbsp;PARTNERSHIP &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsay Holmes, Director of Hazardous Materials, Emergency Management, and Occupational Safety and Health and Kurt Teal, Dean of Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs will facilitate this presentation.8. END STATEMENTS REVIEW &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will present for review and board consideration.9. BOARD SELF-EVALUATION &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will facilitate this discussion.10. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. BOT Meeting Minutes of October 25, 202211. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACCT/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous12. EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed) &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session, if needed, in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.13. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.14. ADJOURNMENT

BCC Board of Trustees meeting agenda (11/22)

News From the Oil Patch, Nov. 21 John P. Tretbar

What a difference a denial makes. Near-month WTI in New York settled Friday just over $80 per barrel. On Monday morning, news accounts of a purported production increase by the OPEC-Plus exporters ahead of the EU's Russia-embargo sent prices to the sub-basement. Crude was down more than five percent by mid-morning Monday to just under $76 per barrel on the NYMEX and just under $83 on London's ICE Exchange. But the Saudis denied the report, and traders quickly bought into what then became bargain futures contracts. By lunchtime prices were over $79 a barrel in New York and over $86 in London. The earlier news report pushed Brent crude into contango, an industry term for when current prices are cheaper than contracts for later delivery. Kansas prices dropped $2 last Wednesday, another $3.75 last Thursday, and $1.75 on Friday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $70.25 per barrel. You're forgiven if you say "here we go again." The government will once again list the lesser prairie chicken as threatened in Kansas, and endangered in parts of Texas and New Mexico.&nbsp; The listings trigger land-management regulations and other protections under the Endangered Species Act which have in the past proven odious in the oil patch and on farmland throughout the region. The last time the grouse was listed was back in 2014. The oil and gas industry spearheaded a widespread fight, which they won in court. Regulators are investigating one of the strongest Texas temblors on record, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in the oil country of the West Texas desert. In San Antonio, hundreds of miles away, quake damage shut down an old hospital building. Inspectors are looking at SWD permits and could place stricter limits on disposal wells in the area around Pecos, Texas, according to a news release from the Railroad Commission of Texas, the state's energy regulator. Kansas operators have spudded 1,404 wells so far this year, up 46% from last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 537 wells in various stages of drilling and completion, up more than 40% from a year ago. The Rig Count in Kansas is up three in the eastern half of the state at 22 rigs, while the count in Western Kansas was unchanged at 30 active rotary drilling rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Barton County and another in Ellis County. Operators completed 22 new wells last week, including one well in Barton County out of ten completions in Western Kansas. Kansas regulators approved 28 permits for drilling at new locations last week, including two in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. U.S. crude-oil production last week increased by 20-thousand barrels per day over the week before. At 12.148 million barrels per day, U.S. output is more than 700-thousand barrels per day ahead of last year at this time.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says domestic crude inventories were down more than half a million barrels. The tally as of November 11th was 435.4 million barrels, or about four percent below the five-year average for this time of year. U.S. crude imports last were down 895-thousand barrels per day compared to the week before. Over the last four weeks, we've imported 6.1 million barrels per day, or about 1.3% less than a year ago. National gasoline prices Thursday (11/17) were 16 cents a gallon cheaper than a month earlier. The government reported gasoline inventories were up 2.2 million barrels, but remain about 5% below the five year seasonal average. Diesel prices remain six cents higher than last month and about $1.70 higher than a year ago. Diesel fuel stockpiles are more than a million barrels higher than last week, but are about 15% below the five-year average. The average Kansas pump price for regular gasoline was $3.36, while diesel was fetching $4.87 a gallon. Domestic oil-by-rail shipments increased by 267 carloads last week but are slightly behind last year at this time. Canadian traffic was also up slightly for the week, but was down 8.6% from the tally a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads. A natural gas export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast told buyers it would likely cancel shipments to Europe scheduled in November and December. According to a report from Bloomberg, repairs and regulatory approvals continue as Freeport-LNG prepares to restart operations after an explosion and fire in June. The facility once accounted for about 15% of U.S. export shipments of Liquefied Natural Gas. Meanwhile, the company is fighting back against apparent campaign of bogus news releases on company letterhead suggesting a much more drastic shutdown. Moscow may have found an important new outlet in the United Arab Emirates for some of its crude shunned by traditional buyers in Europe following the invasion of Ukraine. Bloomberg tracking data show a delivery of 700,000 barrels of Russian crude to a refinery in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News From the Oil Patch, Nov. 21 John P. TretbarWhat a difference a denial makes. Near-month WTI in New York settled Friday just over $80 per barrel. On Monday morning, news accounts of a purported production increase by the OPEC-Plus exporters ahead of the EU's Russia-embargo sent prices to the sub-basement. Crude was down more than five percent by mid-morning Monday to just under $76 per barrel on the NYMEX and just under $83 on London's ICE Exchange. But the Saudis denied the report, and traders quickly bought into what then became bargain futures contracts. By lunchtime prices were over $79 a barrel in New York and over $86 in London. The earlier news report pushed Brent crude into contango, an industry term for when current prices are cheaper than contracts for later delivery. Kansas prices dropped $2 last Wednesday, another $3.75 last Thursday, and $1.75 on Friday. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts this week at $70.25 per barrel. You're forgiven if you say "here we go again." The government will once again list the lesser prairie chicken as threatened in Kansas, and endangered in parts of Texas and New Mexico.&nbsp; The listings trigger land-management regulations and other protections under the Endangered Species Act which have in the past proven odious in the oil patch and on farmland throughout the region. The last time the grouse was listed was back in 2014. The oil and gas industry spearheaded a widespread fight, which they won in court. Regulators are investigating one of the strongest Texas temblors on record, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in the oil country of the West Texas desert. In San Antonio, hundreds of miles away, quake damage shut down an old hospital building. Inspectors are looking at SWD permits and could place stricter limits on disposal wells in the area around Pecos, Texas, according to a news release from the Railroad Commission of Texas, the state's energy regulator. Kansas operators have spudded 1,404 wells so far this year, up 46% from last year at this time. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 537 wells in various stages of drilling and completion, up more than 40% from a year ago. The Rig Count in Kansas is up three in the eastern half of the state at 22 rigs, while the count in Western Kansas was unchanged at 30 active rotary drilling rigs. Drilling was underway Friday on a lease in Barton County and another in Ellis County. Operators completed 22 new wells last week, including one well in Barton County out of ten completions in Western Kansas. Kansas regulators approved 28 permits for drilling at new locations last week, including two in Ellis County, one in Russell County and two in Stafford County. U.S. crude-oil production last week increased by 20-thousand barrels per day over the week before. At 12.148 million barrels per day, U.S. output is more than 700-thousand barrels per day ahead of last year at this time.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration says domestic crude inventories were down more than half a million barrels. The tally as of November 11th was 435.4 million barrels, or about four percent below the five-year average for this time of year. U.S. crude imports last were down 895-thousand barrels per day compared to the week before. Over the last four weeks, we've imported 6.1 million barrels per day, or about 1.3% less than a year ago. National gasoline prices Thursday (11/17) were 16 cents a gallon cheaper than a month earlier. The government reported gasoline inventories were up 2.2 million barrels, but remain about 5% below the five year seasonal average. Diesel prices remain six cents higher than last month and about $1.70 higher than a year ago. Diesel fuel stockpiles are more than a million barrels higher than last week, but are about 15% below the five-year average. The average Kansas pump price for regular gasoline was $3.36, while diesel was fetching $4.87 a gallon. Domestic oil-by-rail shipments increased by 267 carloads last week but are slightly behind last year at this time. Canadian traffic was also up slightly for the week, but was down 8.6% from the tally a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads. A natural gas export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast told buyers it would likely cancel shipments to Europe scheduled in November and December. According to a report from Bloomberg, repairs and regulatory approvals continue as Freeport-LNG prepares to restart operations after an explosion and fire in June. The facility once accounted for about 15% of U.S. export shipments of Liquefied Natural Gas. Meanwhile, the company is fighting back against apparent campaign of bogus news releases on company letterhead suggesting a much more drastic shutdown. Moscow may have found an important new outlet in the United Arab Emirates for some of its crude shunned by traditional buyers in Europe following the invasion of Ukraine. Bloomberg tracking data show a delivery of 700,000 barrels of Russian crude to a refinery in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News From the Oil Patch: Prairie chicken 'threatened' in KS

From the United Way of Central Kansas...

United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) has released the results of their recent Community Needs Assessment study conducted to identify the most pressing needs for residents of Barton &amp; Pawnee Counties. This survey was possible thanks to generous support from The University of Kansas Health System and the Walmart Community Foundation.

Key findings from those who participated in the survey in the basic needs and self-sufficiency areas noted that about 48% reported some need or level or concern in meeting vehicle costs, mortgage, rent, or utilities payments. In addition to that, 46% had some level of need or concern regarding food, clothing, and/or shelter for themselves or family members. For those respondents with a child under the age of 18, 34% indicate some level of need concern in the ability to pay for and access childcare or after school care.

In the community health findings, over 50% of respondents indicate some level of need or concern over: access to fitness venues (57%), health insurance (56%), obesity (53%), physical activity program (53%), and access to healthy food (50%). Respondents in the lowest income categories expressed a high need or concern for health insurance, basic medical care and transportation, healthy food, and counseling/mental health. Health was the highest level of importance to 42% of respondents and the second most important to 40% of respondents.

The education portion of the survey touched on youth education and adult education. Key findings for youth education indicate about 54% of respondents with children under 18 have some level of need or concern for youth development and character-building programs. About 46% indicate some level of need or concern for mentoring programs for youth. Among all respondents, 52% perceive at least some concern or need for preparing young people for the workforce and almost 40% see a need for opportunities to gain knowledge/skills with the aid of tuition reimbursement, conferences, and/or skills training classes.

The data from this survey is helping to inform the Barton County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan which is being developed by The University of Kansas Health System in conjunction with several community stakeholders, including United Way of Central Kansas. To further dive into the issues facing our community, focus groups and town halls are scheduled for the community to provide input. The public is invited to a town hall on November 28, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Kansas Room (north entrance) at Perkins Restaurant &amp; Bakery, 2920 10th Street, Great Bend, Kansas. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.

“We hope that the data garnered from this assessment will point us and our non-profit partners on a path to help more, do more, and find solutions to the problems that our communities are facing. By partnering with additional key stakeholders and other non-profits we can set a course for real change,” said Charell Owings, UWCK Executive Director.

United Way of Central Kansas focuses much of our efforts and resources in the fields of health, education, &amp; financial stability, as we believe they are three core building blocks for a successful community. That is done through the funding of 22 Community Partners and numerous Impact Program which includes Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Box of Love and Reality U. To learn more about UWCK, you can visit www.uwck.org.

The full report can be found here: <a href="https://www.uwck.org/2022-community-needs-assessment-0">https://www.uwck.org/2022-community-needs-assessment-0</a>

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 </figure>From the United Way of Central Kansas...United Way of Central Kansas (UWCK) has released the results of their recent Community Needs Assessment study conducted to identify the most pressing needs for residents of Barton &amp; Pawnee Counties. This survey was possible thanks to generous support from The University of Kansas Health System and the Walmart Community Foundation.Key findings from those who participated in the survey in the basic needs and self-sufficiency areas noted that about 48% reported some need or level or concern in meeting vehicle costs, mortgage, rent, or utilities payments. In addition to that, 46% had some level of need or concern regarding food, clothing, and/or shelter for themselves or family members. For those respondents with a child under the age of 18, 34% indicate some level of need concern in the ability to pay for and access childcare or after school care.In the community health findings, over 50% of respondents indicate some level of need or concern over: access to fitness venues (57%), health insurance (56%), obesity (53%), physical activity program (53%), and access to healthy food (50%). Respondents in the lowest income categories expressed a high need or concern for health insurance, basic medical care and transportation, healthy food, and counseling/mental health. Health was the highest level of importance to 42% of respondents and the second most important to 40% of respondents.The education portion of the survey touched on youth education and adult education. Key findings for youth education indicate about 54% of respondents with children under 18 have some level of need or concern for youth development and character-building programs. About 46% indicate some level of need or concern for mentoring programs for youth. Among all respondents, 52% perceive at least some concern or need for preparing young people for the workforce and almost 40% see a need for opportunities to gain knowledge/skills with the aid of tuition reimbursement, conferences, and/or skills training classes.The data from this survey is helping to inform the Barton County Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan which is being developed by The University of Kansas Health System in conjunction with several community stakeholders, including United Way of Central Kansas. To further dive into the issues facing our community, focus groups and town halls are scheduled for the community to provide input. The public is invited to a town hall on November 28, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Kansas Room (north entrance) at Perkins Restaurant &amp; Bakery, 2920 10th Street, Great Bend, Kansas. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.“We hope that the data garnered from this assessment will point us and our non-profit partners on a path to help more, do more, and find solutions to the problems that our communities are facing. By partnering with additional key stakeholders and other non-profits we can set a course for real change,” said Charell Owings, UWCK Executive Director.United Way of Central Kansas focuses much of our efforts and resources in the fields of health, education, &amp; financial stability, as we believe they are three core building blocks for a successful community. That is done through the funding of 22 Community Partners and numerous Impact Program which includes Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Box of Love and Reality U. To learn more about UWCK, you can visit www.uwck.org.The full report can be found here: <a href="https://www.uwck.org/2022-community-needs-assessment-0">https://www.uwck.org/2022-community-needs-assessment-0</a>

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