City of Lyons tatement regarding police department leadership

The City of Lyons holds a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve our community in law enforcement. Their work carries real risk, and the losses experienced across Kansas and within our own community underscore the seriousness of their service and the responsibility we share in supporting them. 

The role of a Chief Administrative Officer carries significant responsibility, particularly in matters that affect officer safety, departmental readiness, and public trust. On February 17, after careful deliberation and in accordance with the authority of the office, the mayor placed the Police Chief on paid administrative leave. This decision was based on the needs of the department and the community. 

It was not made lightly. At the Monday, March 2nd Council meeting, Council requested a two-week extension to that suspension so further administrative review can be done. Because this involves a personnel matter, the City will not comment further while the administrative review is ongoing. 

To provide continuity and stability at this time with the Lyons Police Department’s operations, Sergeant Cory Ryan has been appointed temporary acting Chief. Additionally, in accordance with state statute K.S.A. 12-2909, the City of Lyons has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Rice County Sheriff’s office to ensure adequate coverage continues for our community.

The City of Lyons remains committed to supporting its officers, strengthening public safety, and building the trust placed in us by the community. Additional updates will be provided as review progresses.

City of Lyons tatement regarding police department leadershipThe City of Lyons holds a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve our community in law enforcement. Their work carries real risk, and the losses experienced across Kansas and within our own community underscore the seriousness of their service and the responsibility we share in supporting them. The role of a Chief Administrative Officer carries significant responsibility, particularly in matters that affect officer safety, departmental readiness, and public trust. On February 17, after careful deliberation and in accordance with the authority of the office, the mayor placed the Police Chief on paid administrative leave. This decision was based on the needs of the department and the community. It was not made lightly. At the Monday, March 2nd Council meeting, Council requested a two-week extension to that suspension so further administrative review can be done. Because this involves a personnel matter, the City will not comment further while the administrative review is ongoing. To provide continuity and stability at this time with the Lyons Police Department’s operations, Sergeant Cory Ryan has been appointed temporary acting Chief. Additionally, in accordance with state statute K.S.A. 12-2909, the City of Lyons has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Rice County Sheriff’s office to ensure adequate coverage continues for our community.The City of Lyons remains committed to supporting its officers, strengthening public safety, and building the trust placed in us by the community. Additional updates will be provided as review progresses.

City of Lyons extends police chief's leave; acting chief appointed

Central Kansas Christian Academy has announced that Sophia Strecker and Alejandro Carbajal were selected to represent the school in the Youth Art Month Exhibit at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library. This art exhibit celebrates Youth Art Month and features artwork from students throughout the state of Kansas.

The Youth Art Month exhibit will be on display from Feb. 24 through March 28.

The Library is located at 1515 SW 10th&nbsp;Ave, Topeka, KS and the hours are as follows:&nbsp; Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.&nbsp;

The Kansas Art Education Association would like to invite you to join us in our Celebration/Reception for student artists, their families, and educators Saturday, March 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.&nbsp; The Celebration/Reception will be held in the Shawnee County Topeka Public Library. There will be time for guests to view the artwork, a guest speaker, recognition of students, activities, sale of YAM merchandise and light refreshments.&nbsp; The library will open at 9 a.m. —YAM activities will be set up by 11. The Awards Ceremony will begin around 1 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772561439448.jpeg" alt="Central Kansas Christian Academy students Alejandro Carbajal and Sophia Strecker will have their work on display at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library as part of the statewide Youth Art Month Exhibit. Left: Carbajal with his mixed-media "The Big Optimistic Spider." Right: Strecker with her mixed-media "The Sunrise of a Sunflower." The students are taught by Miraya Starnes." />
 <figcaption>Central Kansas Christian Academy students Alejandro Carbajal and Sophia Strecker will have their work on display at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library as part of the statewide Youth Art Month Exhibit. Left: Carbajal with his mixed-media "The Big Optimistic Spider." Right: Strecker with her mixed-media "The Sunrise of a Sunflower." The students are taught by Miraya Starnes.</figcaption>
 </figure>From CKCACentral Kansas Christian Academy has announced that Sophia Strecker and Alejandro Carbajal were selected to represent the school in the Youth Art Month Exhibit at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library. This art exhibit celebrates Youth Art Month and features artwork from students throughout the state of Kansas.The Youth Art Month exhibit will be on display from Feb. 24 through March 28.The Library is located at 1515 SW 10th&nbsp;Ave, Topeka, KS and the hours are as follows:&nbsp; Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.&nbsp;The Kansas Art Education Association would like to invite you to join us in our Celebration/Reception for student artists, their families, and educators Saturday, March 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.&nbsp; The Celebration/Reception will be held in the Shawnee County Topeka Public Library. There will be time for guests to view the artwork, a guest speaker, recognition of students, activities, sale of YAM merchandise and light refreshments.&nbsp; The library will open at 9 a.m. —YAM activities will be set up by 11. The Awards Ceremony will begin around 1 p.m.

Art from pair of CKCA students selected for statewide exhibit in Topeka

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.

For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a>

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a> <figure>
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KDOT bridge replacement project in Rush Center begins this month

BY DALE HOGG Hogg Strategies &amp; Stories

For many in Great Bend, the face of Sunflower Diversified Services is a man who rarely "turns it off," even when he is off the clock. Whether he is balancing a broom on his face to make people laugh or carrying a pocketful of raffle tickets to a community gathering, Cody Harris has become synonymous with the organization he serves.

Harris, known for his "can-do" attitude and his inability to stay quiet in a library, was named the 2025 NextGen Leader of the Year by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. He joined Business of the Year Stueder Contractors Inc., Citizen of the Year Nancy Sundahl and Legacy Award recipient Mark Calcara as an honoree during the chamber’s 104th annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Great Bend Events Center.

"He has a personality to him," his wife, Maggie, said. "He likes to be, you know, kind of in the spotlight in a serious capacity. He likes to have a good time while he's doing the work that matters, and make sure other people have a good time too."

Sonya Rein, who nominated Harris for the award, said he "puts the 'fun' into fundraising" and is a leader always willing to try new things.

Harris serves as the director of planned giving and community support at Sunflower Diversified Services, where his primary focus is fundraising and public relations, as well as community employment for the clients. It is a role, he says brings him immense excitement, particularly "seeing their faces when they get hired."

Beyond his professional work, Harris is a fixture in the Great Bend community. He is serving his third term as a chamber ambassador, is president of the Noon Lions Club, spends his free time coaching youth sports for the Great Bend Recreation Commission and is currently serving on the board for the Great Bend Zoological Society

The NextGen Leader of the Year Award recognizes young professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and a generous community spirit. Harris, a self-described "man of many obscure talents" including juggling, exemplifies the high standard of social responsibility the award seeks to honor.

Harris’ journey to leadership began in Deerfield, a small town 20 miles west of Garden City, where he was born and raised. While studying at Fort Hays State University, Harris took a job as a primary caretaker for a man with an intellectual disability. The two became close friends, navigating the quiet rhythms of daily life together, from grocery shopping to doctor's appointments.

That experience, coupled with having a sister who also has an intellectual disability, solidified his calling. In 2013, Harris moved to Great Bend and married Maggie. He started at Sunflower as a direct-care provider, working his way through job guidance into his current role as a lead fundraiser.

He has since modernized the organization’s outreach, introducing the annual Turkey Trot and a biennial car raffle alongside staple events like the pancake feed and the annual gala. A significant part of his mission involves advocating for adult clients, a group that often sees less donor interest than children’s programs. Maggie said her husband is driven by a desire to provide these individuals with a life as close to "normal" as possible.

"He’s a very outgoing person and a leader by nature, I think, but he’s really jumped into that in the last several years," she said. "He probably would not say he’s a leader by nature, but I think most people around him would disagree with that. His personality just comes out when he’s speaking to a room, especially if he’s passionate about the topic."

That passion extends beyond the walls of Sunflower. Despite being "implants" in Great Bend - Maggie originally hails from Dodge City - the couple has made a deliberate effort to embed themselves in the community. They attend events and activities and say they do not understand those who claim "there is nothing to do in Great Bend."

Maggie noted that her husband’s visibility is a strategic effort to ensure Sunflower is seen in a positive light and to show that the organization gives back as much as it receives. He is known for his quick support of other local nonprofits, fostering a spirit of community reciprocation.

Even his personal style reflects a mix of serious advocacy and lighthearted showmanship. While he once performed backflips to entertain crowds, his wife recently encouraged him to retire that particular trick. "I said, 'You’re over 30 now, you can stop,'" she joked.

Still, his commitment to the mission remains high-energy. Whether he is in a formal meeting or a casual conversation, Harris is rarely seen without a way for community members to get involved.

"Everyone says, 'he’s Sunflower.' He’s the guy that everybody knows," Maggie said. "He never stops, he never turns it off. He wants to make sure people understand the work that Sunflower does and support it as much as he can."

His life has come full circle recently. His mother, who still lives in Deerfield, decided to move his sister to Great Bend so she can enjoy the services provided by Sunflower.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772560422929.jpeg" alt="2025 Great Bend Chamber NextGen Leader of the Year Cody Harris. (photo by Brandon Steinert)" />
 <figcaption>2025 Great Bend Chamber NextGen Leader of the Year Cody Harris. (photo by Brandon Steinert)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DALE HOGG Hogg Strategies &amp; StoriesFor many in Great Bend, the face of Sunflower Diversified Services is a man who rarely "turns it off," even when he is off the clock. Whether he is balancing a broom on his face to make people laugh or carrying a pocketful of raffle tickets to a community gathering, Cody Harris has become synonymous with the organization he serves.Harris, known for his "can-do" attitude and his inability to stay quiet in a library, was named the 2025 NextGen Leader of the Year by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. He joined Business of the Year Stueder Contractors Inc., Citizen of the Year Nancy Sundahl and Legacy Award recipient Mark Calcara as an honoree during the chamber’s 104th annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Great Bend Events Center."He has a personality to him," his wife, Maggie, said. "He likes to be, you know, kind of in the spotlight in a serious capacity. He likes to have a good time while he's doing the work that matters, and make sure other people have a good time too."Sonya Rein, who nominated Harris for the award, said he "puts the 'fun' into fundraising" and is a leader always willing to try new things.Harris serves as the director of planned giving and community support at Sunflower Diversified Services, where his primary focus is fundraising and public relations, as well as community employment for the clients. It is a role, he says brings him immense excitement, particularly "seeing their faces when they get hired."Beyond his professional work, Harris is a fixture in the Great Bend community. He is serving his third term as a chamber ambassador, is president of the Noon Lions Club, spends his free time coaching youth sports for the Great Bend Recreation Commission and is currently serving on the board for the Great Bend Zoological SocietyThe NextGen Leader of the Year Award recognizes young professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and a generous community spirit. Harris, a self-described "man of many obscure talents" including juggling, exemplifies the high standard of social responsibility the award seeks to honor.Harris’ journey to leadership began in Deerfield, a small town 20 miles west of Garden City, where he was born and raised. While studying at Fort Hays State University, Harris took a job as a primary caretaker for a man with an intellectual disability. The two became close friends, navigating the quiet rhythms of daily life together, from grocery shopping to doctor's appointments.That experience, coupled with having a sister who also has an intellectual disability, solidified his calling. In 2013, Harris moved to Great Bend and married Maggie. He started at Sunflower as a direct-care provider, working his way through job guidance into his current role as a lead fundraiser.He has since modernized the organization’s outreach, introducing the annual Turkey Trot and a biennial car raffle alongside staple events like the pancake feed and the annual gala. A significant part of his mission involves advocating for adult clients, a group that often sees less donor interest than children’s programs. Maggie said her husband is driven by a desire to provide these individuals with a life as close to "normal" as possible."He’s a very outgoing person and a leader by nature, I think, but he’s really jumped into that in the last several years," she said. "He probably would not say he’s a leader by nature, but I think most people around him would disagree with that. His personality just comes out when he’s speaking to a room, especially if he’s passionate about the topic."That passion extends beyond the walls of Sunflower. Despite being "implants" in Great Bend - Maggie originally hails from Dodge City - the couple has made a deliberate effort to embed themselves in the community. They attend events and activities and say they do not understand those who claim "there is nothing to do in Great Bend."Maggie noted that her husband’s visibility is a strategic effort to ensure Sunflower is seen in a positive light and to show that the organization gives back as much as it receives. He is known for his quick support of other local nonprofits, fostering a spirit of community reciprocation.Even his personal style reflects a mix of serious advocacy and lighthearted showmanship. While he once performed backflips to entertain crowds, his wife recently encouraged him to retire that particular trick. "I said, 'You’re over 30 now, you can stop,'" she joked.Still, his commitment to the mission remains high-energy. Whether he is in a formal meeting or a casual conversation, Harris is rarely seen without a way for community members to get involved."Everyone says, 'he’s Sunflower.' He’s the guy that everybody knows," Maggie said. "He never stops, he never turns it off. He wants to make sure people understand the work that Sunflower does and support it as much as he can."His life has come full circle recently. His mother, who still lives in Deerfield, decided to move his sister to Great Bend so she can enjoy the services provided by Sunflower.

2025 NextGen Leader of the Year: For Harris, having fun is serious business

It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

What history suggests about pump prices By analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of around $5 per gallon.

"Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week," Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Gas prices could climb even higher Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

As the nation's first operational land-grant institution, Kansas State University has served the people of Kansas, the&nbsp;nation&nbsp;and the world since its founding in 1863 — and it continues to set the standard as a next-generation land-grant university. K-State offers an exceptional student experience across three physical campuses and online offerings, meeting students where they are and preparing them to achieve their personal and professional goals. The university is committed to its mission of teaching, research and service through industry-connected programs, impactful research-driven solutions, and a sharp focus on community engagement and economic prosperity.&nbsp; &nbsp;

From K-State CommunicationsIt may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.What history suggests about pump prices By analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel."Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of around $5 per gallon."Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week," Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.Gas prices could climb even higher Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."___As the nation's first operational land-grant institution, Kansas State University has served the people of Kansas, the&nbsp;nation&nbsp;and the world since its founding in 1863 — and it continues to set the standard as a next-generation land-grant university. K-State offers an exceptional student experience across three physical campuses and online offerings, meeting students where they are and preparing them to achieve their personal and professional goals. The university is committed to its mission of teaching, research and service through industry-connected programs, impactful research-driven solutions, and a sharp focus on community engagement and economic prosperity.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down the numbers

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Additional Information: Great Bend Panther fans have a new way to follow their teams this year.&nbsp; The service features a live video stream of every home and away game, complete with the familiar B1043 The Point radio play-by-play patched in. Fans will be able to watch the action live from anywhere or go back and re-watch games at their convenience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cost: Fans may purchase access for $10 per game or buy a $100 season pass for the entire school year. A portion of the proceeds from the video stream will be donated back to USD 428, helping support Panther students and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764703291123.png" alt="Login to Watch the Panther Video Stream OR Listen Live below for Free!" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770747658639.png" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Panther Sports Powered by:&nbsp;Equity Bank. Sponsored in part by:&nbsp; GB Tarp Company, Advance Truck &amp; Diesel, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, The Fieldhouse, Marmie Auto Group, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Chris Ramsey - Shelter Insurance, Mitch Haney &amp; Associates, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Scott's Welding Service, Kern Floor Service, Nex-Tech, Comfort Pro, The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, People's Bank &amp; Trust, Sutherlands, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Damm Pipe Testing, Great Bend Redi Mix, Insurance Planning, Edward Jones, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Mpire Realty, American Plains Coop, Cody Crook - Red Cedar Land Company, GB Tires, Animal Medical Center, Barton Community College, Dr. Chad Ohnmacht DDS, &amp; Watkins Calcara Chartered.Additional Information: Great Bend Panther fans have a new way to follow their teams this year.&nbsp; The service features a live video stream of every home and away game, complete with the familiar B1043 The Point radio play-by-play patched in. Fans will be able to watch the action live from anywhere or go back and re-watch games at their convenience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost: Fans may purchase access for $10 per game or buy a $100 season pass for the entire school year. A portion of the proceeds from the video stream will be donated back to USD 428, helping support Panther students and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH: Panther Boys @ Emporia Tonight

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Buy it, renovate it, and good things will come. Owning a successful business is part of the American Dream for many. In the fall of 2024, Jessica Eagle and Tyson Moyer purchased the Kanapolis Drive In, adding new bathrooms and rebuilding the concession stand. All was going well until one of the busiest months of the season. Then a broken projector threatened to ruin the business.

"It just was not something we were prepared for," Eagle said. "We honestly planned on continuing to use the projector we had. Just because we'd had to do all the renovations and updates we'd done, it just was not in the budget to do something on top of everything we'd already completed."

Renovations included spacious new bathrooms, improved sound, and a concession stand that rivals that of any indoor movie theater. Beyond the physical renovations, the new owners also brought new entertainment ideas. The first ever live-music event at the facility, Kam Jam, was held at the end of September. Another music event was planned around the release of the new Taylor Swift album at the beginning of October. That and the all-night scary movie event on Oct. 11 had to be canceled.

"We didn't get to do one of our biggest events of the year, which is the Monsterama," said Eagle. "People look forward to that event every year. They start asking about it in the spring. It's our all-night campout for scary movies. It's a very cool thing. Losing those events hurt our business and disappointed our customers."

The Drive In's previous owners used social media to help put the business on the map. The new owners have gone even further with informative and comical posts that get shared throughout the state. During the great Cracker Barrel logo debate of 2025, the Drive In posted its own version of the logo, garnering more than 6,000 likes and 500 shares on Facebook. That social media presence proved vital in saving the business after the projector breakdown last October.

"The night of the concert, we had worked up until the last minute," said Eagle. "I knew, within the hour, parents were going to be showing up, people were going to be showing up for the concert. I literally could not get it together emotionally to let everybody know. I said, 'I've just got to run with it, because if I don't let people know, they're going to be driving here.' I just ran with it, tears and all. We did not anticipate that video exploding like it did."

That video was viewed more than 130,000 times. Another video piled up more than 340,000 views. The result: donations poured in from not only Kansas, but from around the nation. One day-event in Salina raised more than $7,000 for the purchase of a new projector.

"People even donated from all over the United States because there's only like 275 drive-ins left in the entire United States, so these are very far and few between," Eagle said. "They're important to building community and economy, especially like in our area, our small, rural community."

The bad news has turned into good news. A new 4K laser projector will be a win for all. The newer technology will save the Drive In operational costs, and movie fans will be treated to a projection that is more than twice as bright as the previous projector could produce.

Eagle and Moyer were living in Kansas City, but had made their own trips to the Drive In when visiting Moyer's home town. They fell in love with the atmosphere, watching friends and families make treasured memories. They purchased the Drive In with plans to improve it.

"Last year, we did a lot of updates and renovations to the Drive In to keep the integrity of the building and to keep the structure sound," said Eagle. "We knew it needed bathrooms and other things. It ended up being a domino effect because once you opened up one thing, it was another thing that had to be done."

Eagle said more surprises are in store for customers during the 2026 season. The Kanapolis Drive In will host a soft opening before its official season opening on April 3. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will play that Friday and Saturday, and the Drive In will transition to its normal 3-night schedule in May. 

Several films are typically shown each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the box office opening at 7 p.m., and movies beginning after the sun goes down. Cost is $9 per adults 13 years of age and older, and $6 for children. Sundays are carload nights were customers pay $20 no matter how many people are in a vehicle.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772211228508.jpeg" alt="(photo courtesy of Kanapolis Drive in)" />
 <figcaption>(photo courtesy of Kanapolis Drive in)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBuy it, renovate it, and good things will come. Owning a successful business is part of the American Dream for many. In the fall of 2024, Jessica Eagle and Tyson Moyer purchased the Kanapolis Drive In, adding new bathrooms and rebuilding the concession stand. All was going well until one of the busiest months of the season. Then a broken projector threatened to ruin the business."It just was not something we were prepared for," Eagle said. "We honestly planned on continuing to use the projector we had. Just because we'd had to do all the renovations and updates we'd done, it just was not in the budget to do something on top of everything we'd already completed."Renovations included spacious new bathrooms, improved sound, and a concession stand that rivals that of any indoor movie theater. Beyond the physical renovations, the new owners also brought new entertainment ideas. The first ever live-music event at the facility, Kam Jam, was held at the end of September. Another music event was planned around the release of the new Taylor Swift album at the beginning of October. That and the all-night scary movie event on Oct. 11 had to be canceled.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772211302315.jpeg" alt="When Cracker Barrel threatened to change its logo, the Drive In stepped in to adopt the old one. The result: more than 6,000 likes on Facebook." />
 <figcaption>When Cracker Barrel threatened to change its logo, the Drive In stepped in to adopt the old one. The result: more than 6,000 likes on Facebook.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We didn't get to do one of our biggest events of the year, which is the Monsterama," said Eagle. "People look forward to that event every year. They start asking about it in the spring. It's our all-night campout for scary movies. It's a very cool thing. Losing those events hurt our business and disappointed our customers."The Drive In's previous owners used social media to help put the business on the map. The new owners have gone even further with informative and comical posts that get shared throughout the state. During the great Cracker Barrel logo debate of 2025, the Drive In posted its own version of the logo, garnering more than 6,000 likes and 500 shares on Facebook. That social media presence proved vital in saving the business after the projector breakdown last October."The night of the concert, we had worked up until the last minute," said Eagle. "I knew, within the hour, parents were going to be showing up, people were going to be showing up for the concert. I literally could not get it together emotionally to let everybody know. I said, 'I've just got to run with it, because if I don't let people know, they're going to be driving here.' I just ran with it, tears and all. We did not anticipate that video exploding like it did."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772211397883.jpeg" alt="Fireworks added to the experience during a series of showings on July 3, 2025" />
 <figcaption>Fireworks added to the experience during a series of showings on July 3, 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>That video was viewed more than 130,000 times. Another video piled up more than 340,000 views. The result: donations poured in from not only Kansas, but from around the nation. One day-event in Salina raised more than $7,000 for the purchase of a new projector."People even donated from all over the United States because there's only like 275 drive-ins left in the entire United States, so these are very far and few between," Eagle said. "They're important to building community and economy, especially like in our area, our small, rural community."The bad news has turned into good news. A new 4K laser projector will be a win for all. The newer technology will save the Drive In operational costs, and movie fans will be treated to a projection that is more than twice as bright as the previous projector could produce.Eagle and Moyer were living in Kansas City, but had made their own trips to the Drive In when visiting Moyer's home town. They fell in love with the atmosphere, watching friends and families make treasured memories. They purchased the Drive In with plans to improve it."Last year, we did a lot of updates and renovations to the Drive In to keep the integrity of the building and to keep the structure sound," said Eagle. "We knew it needed bathrooms and other things. It ended up being a domino effect because once you opened up one thing, it was another thing that had to be done."Eagle said more surprises are in store for customers during the 2026 season. The Kanapolis Drive In will host a soft opening before its official season opening on April 3. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will play that Friday and Saturday, and the Drive In will transition to its normal 3-night schedule in May. Several films are typically shown each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the box office opening at 7 p.m., and movies beginning after the sun goes down. Cost is $9 per adults 13 years of age and older, and $6 for children. Sundays are carload nights were customers pay $20 no matter how many people are in a vehicle.

Kanapolis Drive In overcomes adversity, ready for 2026 season with new 4K laser projector

Booked Woods, Kurt A on Great Bend Municipal Court Case 26-304 for Driving while Suspended. Bond set at $500.00 cash or surety.

Released Woods, Kurt A on Great Bend Municipal Court Case 26-304 for Driving while Suspended by posting a $500.00 surety through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Espinosa, Nicholas J. on Barton County District Court case #BT2024CR0087 for Serve Sentence with time served.

Released Caruthers, Crystal R. on Barton County District Court case 26-295 for Criminal Damage to property per County Attorney and Criminal Littering on 48 hour O.R.

Booked in Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000.00 cash only.

Booked in Sherman, Augustus on Texas Department of Criminal Justice warrant #02042025-50477639 for Parole Violation, bond set at NO BOND.

Released Sherman, Augustus JR on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0237 for Failure to appear, Surety of $10,000.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds. Sherman is still in custody on Texas Department of Criminal Justice warrant #02042025-50477 639 for Parole Violation.

Released Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Failure to Appear, Cash bond of $1,000.00 paid.

Booked in Harbison, James P. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-32 for Driving While Suspended and Speeding with bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Harbison, James P. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-32 for Driving While Suspended and Speeding after posting the $1,000.00 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>3/2</h2>Booked Woods, Kurt A on Great Bend Municipal Court Case 26-304 for Driving while Suspended. Bond set at $500.00 cash or surety.Released Woods, Kurt A on Great Bend Municipal Court Case 26-304 for Driving while Suspended by posting a $500.00 surety through Ace Bail Bonds.Released Espinosa, Nicholas J. on Barton County District Court case #BT2024CR0087 for Serve Sentence with time served.Released Caruthers, Crystal R. on Barton County District Court case 26-295 for Criminal Damage to property per County Attorney and Criminal Littering on 48 hour O.R.Booked in Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000.00 cash only.Booked in Sherman, Augustus on Texas Department of Criminal Justice warrant #02042025-50477639 for Parole Violation, bond set at NO BOND.Released Sherman, Augustus JR on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0237 for Failure to appear, Surety of $10,000.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds. Sherman is still in custody on Texas Department of Criminal Justice warrant #02042025-50477 639 for Parole Violation.Released Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Failure to Appear, Cash bond of $1,000.00 paid.Booked in Harbison, James P. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-32 for Driving While Suspended and Speeding with bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.Released Harbison, James P. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-32 for Driving While Suspended and Speeding after posting the $1,000.00 cash bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770904269445.png" alt="Your Ad Here! Call 620-792-3647" />
 <figcaption>Your Ad Here! Call 620-792-3647</figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (3/2)

Tuesday A slight chance of drizzle before noon. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 52. East southeast wind 7 to 14 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Tuesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. East wind around 6 mph becoming south after midnight.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy. Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday A slight chance of drizzle before noon. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 52. East southeast wind 7 to 14 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Tuesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. East wind around 6 mph becoming south after midnight.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy. Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Friday A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.

Tuesday's weather

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>

GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.

Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.

Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.

“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.

Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.

In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.

“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.

Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.

Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.

“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.

“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.

In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.

Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.

“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”

In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.

Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.

“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”

Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;

“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.

Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.

“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”

Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.

At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.

“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.

“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;

In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.

Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.

“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”

Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.

Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.

“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”

This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.

In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.

To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.

Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.

Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.

She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.

Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.

This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.

“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.

Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;

“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.

That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.

“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”

However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”

Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”

Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.

“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”

This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.

Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.

“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772216134151.jpeg" alt="Kansas lawmakers are grappling with how to equalize property taxes paid by residential property owners and those paid by their commercial counterparts. Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers are grappling with how to equalize property taxes paid by residential property owners and those paid by their commercial counterparts. Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.<h2>How did we get here?</h2>Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772215924958.jpeg" alt="From left, Barb Esfeld, Barton County commissioner and former county appraiser, discusses her concerns about the proposed state property valuation caps with fellow commissioner Tricia Schlessiger, center, and Duane Reif during a Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. Dale Hogg/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>From left, Barb Esfeld, Barton County commissioner and former county appraiser, discusses her concerns about the proposed state property valuation caps with fellow commissioner Tricia Schlessiger, center, and Duane Reif during a Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. Dale Hogg/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What caused the flip?</h2>Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.<h2>What about the future?</h2>“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”<h2>Narrowing the gap</h2>Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.<h2>What about lower property taxes for all?</h2>Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.But she agreed with Smith overall.“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

Kansas homeowners carry bigger tax burden than commercial property owners

If you build it, they will come. It’s a famous movie line
that often applies to civic organizations. Rebuilding also counts. Last week, the National Hot Rod
Association (NHRA) announced the Summit Racing Equipment E.T. Series will be
coming to Great Bend in September. City Administrator Logan Burns addressed
other good news during Monday’s city council meeting.

“We will have a street closure on Lakin between Main and Williams
for Rocky Mountain Race Week on June 5,” he said. “We will have those racers
lining their cars up on each side of Lakin, and we’ll hold an event at Dry
Lake. We’ll have the community come out and check out those cars.”

Three concrete pours are planned at the SRCA Dragstrip west
of Great Bend this week, and three more are planned next week. Burns said everything
is on schedule, and the busy pour schedule should wrap up next week. Exterior
walls on the new tower have been framed, and the roof should be installed by
Wednesday. Everything is setting the stage for a big return of drag racing to
the city.

“NHRA has announced that Great Bend and the SRCA Dragstrip will
hosting the E.T. finals on Sept. 24-26,” Burns said. “That’s great news to be
able to share as we’ll be having an exciting lineup of races this season.”

The E.T. Finals will give racers one more chance to advance
to the NHRA Summit Racing Series, presented by Hoosier World Championships,
which are set from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 in Las Vegas. A $30,000 Hoosier prize
will also be shared among finals winners and national champions who use Hoosier
tires. Twelve sites will host races, culminating with division finals on Sept.
24-26. The East Division will race in Iowa, and the West Finals will be held at
the SRCA Dragstrip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615992994030.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIf you build it, they will come. It’s a famous movie line
that often applies to civic organizations. Rebuilding also counts. Last week, the National Hot Rod
Association (NHRA) announced the Summit Racing Equipment E.T. Series will be
coming to Great Bend in September. City Administrator Logan Burns addressed
other good news during Monday’s city council meeting.“We will have a street closure on Lakin between Main and Williams
for Rocky Mountain Race Week on June 5,” he said. “We will have those racers
lining their cars up on each side of Lakin, and we’ll hold an event at Dry
Lake. We’ll have the community come out and check out those cars.”Three concrete pours are planned at the SRCA Dragstrip west
of Great Bend this week, and three more are planned next week. Burns said everything
is on schedule, and the busy pour schedule should wrap up next week. Exterior
walls on the new tower have been framed, and the roof should be installed by
Wednesday. Everything is setting the stage for a big return of drag racing to
the city.“NHRA has announced that Great Bend and the SRCA Dragstrip will
hosting the E.T. finals on Sept. 24-26,” Burns said. “That’s great news to be
able to share as we’ll be having an exciting lineup of races this season.”The E.T. Finals will give racers one more chance to advance
to the NHRA Summit Racing Series, presented by Hoosier World Championships,
which are set from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 in Las Vegas. A $30,000 Hoosier prize
will also be shared among finals winners and national champions who use Hoosier
tires. Twelve sites will host races, culminating with division finals on Sept.
24-26. The East Division will race in Iowa, and the West Finals will be held at
the SRCA Dragstrip.

Big things already planned for Great Bend with new SRCA Dragstrip 

Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI), the statewide leader in trail development, coordination, and advocacy, invites Kansans from across the state to celebrate Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Trail Appreciation Day is a day-long celebration of the people, places, and partnerships that make trails a vital part of Kansas communities. Trail advocates, enthusiasts, local organizations, and policymakers will come together to highlight how trails support health, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across the state.&nbsp;

The event will feature interactive exhibits from trail systems and trail organizations&nbsp;representing&nbsp;communities throughout Kansas, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about trail projects, success stories, and&nbsp;future plans. The program will also include a keynote presentation by Kansas State Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, along with visits from Kansas State Senators and Representatives who support outdoor recreation and community infrastructure.&nbsp;

“Trails connect more than places- they connect people, communities, and opportunities,” said Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc. “Trail Appreciation Day is a chance to showcase the incredible work happening across Kansas and to elevate the importance of continued investment in trails for generations to come.”&nbsp;

Trail Appreciation Day is open to the public, but registration is&nbsp;required. Community members, trail users, nonprofit organizations, planners, elected officials, and anyone passionate about&nbsp;trails&nbsp;are encouraged to attend.&nbsp;

Trail Appreciation Day is hosted by Kansas Trails Inc. with support from The Sunflower Foundation.&nbsp;

About Kansas&nbsp;Trails Inc.&nbsp; Kansas Trails Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trail development, education, coordination, and advocacy across Kansas. Through technical&nbsp;assistance, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, KTI works to strengthen communities by expanding access to safe, sustainable, and connected trail systems.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772475129971.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI), the statewide leader in trail development, coordination, and advocacy, invites Kansans from across the state to celebrate Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;Trail Appreciation Day is a day-long celebration of the people, places, and partnerships that make trails a vital part of Kansas communities. Trail advocates, enthusiasts, local organizations, and policymakers will come together to highlight how trails support health, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across the state.&nbsp;The event will feature interactive exhibits from trail systems and trail organizations&nbsp;representing&nbsp;communities throughout Kansas, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about trail projects, success stories, and&nbsp;future plans. The program will also include a keynote presentation by Kansas State Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, along with visits from Kansas State Senators and Representatives who support outdoor recreation and community infrastructure.&nbsp;“Trails connect more than places- they connect people, communities, and opportunities,” said Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc. “Trail Appreciation Day is a chance to showcase the incredible work happening across Kansas and to elevate the importance of continued investment in trails for generations to come.”&nbsp;Trail Appreciation Day is open to the public, but registration is&nbsp;required. Community members, trail users, nonprofit organizations, planners, elected officials, and anyone passionate about&nbsp;trails&nbsp;are encouraged to attend.&nbsp;Trail Appreciation Day is hosted by Kansas Trails Inc. with support from The Sunflower Foundation.&nbsp;About Kansas&nbsp;Trails Inc.&nbsp; Kansas Trails Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trail development, education, coordination, and advocacy across Kansas. Through technical&nbsp;assistance, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, KTI works to strengthen communities by expanding access to safe, sustainable, and connected trail systems.&nbsp;

Kansas Trails Inc. hosts Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol

&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman.

 He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;

“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623900641496.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman. He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772471506167.png" alt="Rep. John Resman (R) - District 121 (Photo courtesy State of Kansas)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Resman (R) - District 121 (Photo courtesy State of Kansas)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff

Twelve student artists from USD 428 have been selected to showcase their work at the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) Youth Art Month exhibition in Topeka. Running from Feb. 24 through March 28 at the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library, the display features top-tier student work from across the state.

This is the third year USD 428 has participated in the program. Students were selected by their instructors based on both artistic excellence and exemplary classroom citizenship.

Award Recognition The district is proud to announce that student Marlowe Beugelsdijk, 6th-grade Lincoln Elementary, has already been named a winner of the "Anne &amp; Bill Bracker 3-D Youth Art Month Award." While her achievement is confirmed, the specific award level (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) will be officially revealed during the artist's reception on March 28.

As judging for various categories occurs at different intervals throughout the month, additional honors for USD 428 students may be announced at a later date.

The 12 participating students represent the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The initiative is led by elementary art teacher Shannon Wedel, with support from fellow art faculty members, Caleb Bartlett (Elementary Art), Pamela Williams (Great Bend Middle School), Sergio Ramirez, and Anna Popp (Great Bend High School).

Event Details · KAEA Youth Art Month Exhibition Dates: February 24 – March 28 · Location: Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library · Artist’s Reception: March 28

"We are incredibly proud of these students for not only their creativity but for the character they show in our classrooms every day," said Shannon Wedel. "Seeing Great Bend represented at the state level is a testament to the talent in our community."

For more information, please contact the USD 428 District Education Center at 620-793-1500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772474071411.jpeg" alt="USD 428 student artwork is proudly displayed alongside pieces from students across Kansas as part of the statewide Youth Art Month exhibition at the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and positive citizenship from young artists throughout the state." />
 <figcaption>USD 428 student artwork is proudly displayed alongside pieces from students across Kansas as part of the statewide Youth Art Month exhibition at the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library, celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and positive citizenship from young artists throughout the state.</figcaption>
 </figure>From USD 428Twelve student artists from USD 428 have been selected to showcase their work at the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) Youth Art Month exhibition in Topeka. Running from Feb. 24 through March 28 at the Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library, the display features top-tier student work from across the state.This is the third year USD 428 has participated in the program. Students were selected by their instructors based on both artistic excellence and exemplary classroom citizenship.Award Recognition The district is proud to announce that student Marlowe Beugelsdijk, 6th-grade Lincoln Elementary, has already been named a winner of the "Anne &amp; Bill Bracker 3-D Youth Art Month Award." While her achievement is confirmed, the specific award level (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) will be officially revealed during the artist's reception on March 28.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772474205663.jpeg" alt="Marlow Beugelsdijk's Thinking Cap" />
 <figcaption>Marlow Beugelsdijk's Thinking Cap</figcaption>
 </figure>As judging for various categories occurs at different intervals throughout the month, additional honors for USD 428 students may be announced at a later date.The 12 participating students represent the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The initiative is led by elementary art teacher Shannon Wedel, with support from fellow art faculty members, Caleb Bartlett (Elementary Art), Pamela Williams (Great Bend Middle School), Sergio Ramirez, and Anna Popp (Great Bend High School).Event Details · KAEA Youth Art Month Exhibition Dates: February 24 – March 28 · Location: Topeka &amp; Shawnee County Public Library · Artist’s Reception: March 28<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772474274531.jpeg" alt="Camilla McQuade's chalk pastel "Aqueduct"" />
 <figcaption>Camilla McQuade's chalk pastel "Aqueduct"</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are incredibly proud of these students for not only their creativity but for the character they show in our classrooms every day," said Shannon Wedel. "Seeing Great Bend represented at the state level is a testament to the talent in our community."For more information, please contact the USD 428 District Education Center at 620-793-1500.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772474536503.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772474553317.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 428 student artists represent Great Bend in statewide Youth Art Month display

The Great Bend City Council will consider several items
during tonight’s meeting at City Hall. The consent agenda will include fire
department township contracts with Liberty, Buffalo, Great Bend, and South Bend,
and also a street closure on Lakin Avenue from Main Street to Williams Street
on June 5 from 4-8 p.m. as part of Rocky Mountain Race Week.

The council will also consider updates to the city’s golf
cart ordinance. Recommendations include limiting golf car access on
higher-traffic corridors to enhance public safety. The revised proposal would
prohibit golf carts on any state or federal highways, connecting link, and specified
arterial streets within the city, including Broadway east of Patton, 24th
Street McKinley, Harrison Street south of 24th Street, Washington
Avenue, and Patton Road north of 10th Street. Operation would be permitted
only on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. The ordinance
will also include various registration requirements, including a $30
registration fee.

The council will also consider approving a pavement
management plan, a contract with JEO consulting for the Airport Lift Station
Rehabilitation project, and a $32,000 city employee compensation study with Evergreen
Solutions LLC.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Great Bend PostThe Great Bend City Council will consider several items
during tonight’s meeting at City Hall. The consent agenda will include fire
department township contracts with Liberty, Buffalo, Great Bend, and South Bend,
and also a street closure on Lakin Avenue from Main Street to Williams Street
on June 5 from 4-8 p.m. as part of Rocky Mountain Race Week.The council will also consider updates to the city’s golf
cart ordinance. Recommendations include limiting golf car access on
higher-traffic corridors to enhance public safety. The revised proposal would
prohibit golf carts on any state or federal highways, connecting link, and specified
arterial streets within the city, including Broadway east of Patton, 24th
Street McKinley, Harrison Street south of 24th Street, Washington
Avenue, and Patton Road north of 10th Street. Operation would be permitted
only on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less. The ordinance
will also include various registration requirements, including a $30
registration fee.The council will also consider approving a pavement
management plan, a contract with JEO consulting for the Airport Lift Station
Rehabilitation project, and a $32,000 city employee compensation study with Evergreen
Solutions LLC.Tonight’s meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Great Bend City Council to revisit golf cart ordinance during March 2 meeting

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/27-3/1)

Nancy Sundahl’s dedication to local organizations is so well known that Kevin, her husband of 52 years, joked, "A bumper sticker for her would be: ‘This car stops at all meetings.’"

It is for this dedication that the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce has announced Sundahl as the 2025 Citizen of the Year, honoring her career-long commitment to the community.

She was recognized alongside Business of the Year Stueder Contractors Inc., Legacy Award recipient Mark Calcara and NextGen Leader of the Year Cody Harris during the chamber’s 104th annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Great Bend Events Center.

The award is the chamber’s highest individual honor, recognizing those who give their time and talent to enrich the local culture. Sundahl was selected based on her leadership and her role as a professional and social role model.

The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who lead by example. According to the chamber, nominees are evaluated on their commitment to community impact and their ability to inspire others through service.

A native of Great Bend, Sundahl graduated from Great Bend High School, Barton Community College and Kansas State University. She married Kevin in 1973 after the pair met as members

of the inaugural student classes at BCC. At the college, she was a cheerleader and he played basketball.

Nancy earned her degree in education and began her career as a history teacher and cheerleader sponsor at Claflin High School.

"She took some bus trips with the cheerleaders to wherever they went," Kevin said. "She was the sponsor for three years."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772392105085.jpeg" alt="Nancy Sundahl was named Citizen of the Year at Saturday's Great Bend Chamber Banquet. (photo by Brandon Steinert)" />
 <figcaption>Nancy Sundahl was named Citizen of the Year at Saturday's Great Bend Chamber Banquet. (photo by Brandon Steinert)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY DALE HOGG Hogg Strategies &amp; StoriesNancy Sundahl’s dedication to local organizations is so well known that Kevin, her husband of 52 years, joked, "A bumper sticker for her would be: ‘This car stops at all meetings.’"It is for this dedication that the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce has announced Sundahl as the 2025 Citizen of the Year, honoring her career-long commitment to the community.She was recognized alongside Business of the Year Stueder Contractors Inc., Legacy Award recipient Mark Calcara and NextGen Leader of the Year Cody Harris during the chamber’s 104th annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Great Bend Events Center.The award is the chamber’s highest individual honor, recognizing those who give their time and talent to enrich the local culture. Sundahl was selected based on her leadership and her role as a professional and social role model.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772392207989.jpeg" alt="photo by Brandon Steinert" />
 <figcaption>photo by Brandon Steinert</figcaption>
 </figure>The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who lead by example. According to the chamber, nominees are evaluated on their commitment to community impact and their ability to inspire others through service.A native of Great Bend, Sundahl graduated from Great Bend High School, Barton Community College and Kansas State University. She married Kevin in 1973 after the pair met as membersof the inaugural student classes at BCC. At the college, she was a cheerleader and he played basketball.Nancy earned her degree in education and began her career as a history teacher and cheerleader sponsor at Claflin High School."She took some bus trips with the cheerleaders to wherever they went," Kevin said. "She was the sponsor for three years."After marrying following their senior year of college, the couple moved to Great Bend. While Nancy taught in Claflin, Kevin worked in home construction for her father."I worked for one year and one day. That’s the last time I do construction," Kevin recalled. He later transitioned into coaching at Barton Community College and then property appraising.Sundahl began her professional career teaching social sciences and cheerleading sponsor at Claflin High School. In 1985, she transitioned to a career in the beauty industry with Mary Kay Inc., which she said provided the flexibility to increase her involvement in family and community activities. She has also assisted her husband in his private appraisal business.Her civic record includes more than 40 years with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and 50-year memberships in both PEO and Beta Sigma Phi-Xi Delta Upsilon. Sundahl’s leadership roles include the Great Bend High School Booster Club, the USD 428 Board of Education, president of Emergency Aid, and secretary-treasurer of the Barton County Association of Churches. She has served as a chamber ambassador and spent a stint working in the chamber office.She currently serves on the BCC Foundation Board and is a member of the Barton County 100 Who Care committee. An active member of Prince of Peace Parish, Sundahl serves as a lector, eucharistic minister and volunteer at Holy Family School.She and Kevin have three sons - Shane, Kris and Lukas - and seven grandchildren.Her son, Kris, remembers his mother balancing community roles with the responsibilities of raising three active sons. Despite her schedule, she rarely missed a football, basketball or baseball game."She set an example for us of how to be involved in the community, but then still be there for your family," Kris said. "I don't think she ever missed any of our activities ... even with grandkids now, she’s very supportive."Kris recalled his mother taking him along to deliver Meals on Wheels as a child, an experience that shaped his view on community service."We remember her taking us out with her when we did that," Kris said. "It just kind of showed us how important it was ... how it lit up a lot of those individuals' days."Kris noted that his mother’s hectic schedule might be her way of staying focused."Staying involved and busy cuts down on [worrying] for her," Kris said. "She doesn’t have time to think about things ... she’s so involved and busy."While Kris observed that younger generations sometimes struggle to find time for community involvement, he sees his mother’s lifelong commitment as a blueprint."I’m in awe of what she does a lot of times," Kris said. "All the stuff that she does, I can’t imagine being that busy."Sundahl remains active, often splitting duties with Kevin to follow their grandchildren to events in different towns. Kevin describes her as a "very protective" and "family-oriented" person who stays busy by design."She’s done a lot of things," Kevin said, "and she will continue to do things till she expires."Two years ago, Kris was named the chamber’s Next-Gen Award recipient, but wasn’t going to make it to the banquet. Since the honor was a secret and he didn’t know he was the winner, he was told his mom was getting the award to encourage him to be there.It worked.“Now, it is her turn,” Kris said. “I think this is a very fitting award for her.”

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