Last minute Halloween safety tips from Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman: 

- Stay in neighborhoods that are familiar to you. - Avoid going out alone. - Start early and don’t stay out late. - Walk, don’t run, between houses. - Only cross the street at corners or crosswalks. - Look both ways before crossing the street and walk on sidewalks, avoiding yards and streets where possible. - Plan your route ahead of time to stay on the same side of the street (versus zigzagging back and forth). - Keep your family in sight at all times and stay together as a household. - Plan to have a meeting spot in case you get split up. - Only approach homes that have a porch light on (or are obviously accepting trick or treaters). - Double-check your shoes are tied and wear shoes that are easy to walk in. - If inclement weather is in the forecast, consider staying home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667246343797.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Last minute Halloween safety tips from Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman: - Stay in neighborhoods that are familiar to you. - Avoid going out alone. - Start early and don’t stay out late. - Walk, don’t run, between houses. - Only cross the street at corners or crosswalks. - Look both ways before crossing the street and walk on sidewalks, avoiding yards and streets where possible. - Plan your route ahead of time to stay on the same side of the street (versus zigzagging back and forth). - Keep your family in sight at all times and stay together as a household. - Plan to have a meeting spot in case you get split up. - Only approach homes that have a porch light on (or are obviously accepting trick or treaters). - Double-check your shoes are tied and wear shoes that are easy to walk in. - If inclement weather is in the forecast, consider staying home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Halloween safety tips from Barton Co. Health Director

Candy, games & door prizes at Fall Fest tonight

Like the end of a toilet paper roll, 2022 is wrapping up at warp speed. In no time, Thanksgiving arrives, finding us eating a meal in 30 minutes that took two days to prepare. Christmas soon follows and replays this scenario. From those who’ve unwillingly transitioned into the oldest generation, please think about your gatherings as a time not only to eat but also to save family stories.

Not everyone shares my interest, but I was the kid who loved listening to elders’ conversations. It didn’t matter whether it involved Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, or a funeral, older relatives’ discussions eventually shifted from present concerns to fascinating people, events, places, and memories that created the warp and weft of our family tapestry. I heard those stories so many times and looked at sepia-toned photos enough, details burned themselves into my memory. Wrong!

After Grandma passed, my mother and aunts who’d listened to the same stories could still identify faces in photos and call up details from long ago. Foolishly, I didn’t anticipate their dementia or last breath, and I still didn’t label names on notes to stick to backs of photos or keep a notebook to jot down significant places and events in family history.

Unknowingly, I relied on others’ memories. Once our grandparents died, I realized each story had a different twist, depending on who told it. Both of my parents were youngest children, trailing their next closest siblings by five years and both nearly a decade younger than the oldest offspring. The resulting versions revealed how time, birth order, and gender influenced the tale. When older cousins recollected their early relationships with our grandparents, I wondered if we knew the same people.

Now that our elders have passed, my husband and I find ourselves trying to recall specifics from oft told tales. What we thought we’d never forget has vanished in the mists of time or brains full of present concerns. For those who still have seniors joining holiday gatherings, bring a notebook and sticky notes for labeling backs of photos. Record who’s in the pictures and when and where it was taken. Create a timeline of family events and jot in important details regarding who, what, when, where, and why. Add to it each time you gather. Trust me, a day will come when stories mush together or you and a cousin disagree about facts.

Create a family recipe collection to share. Some relatives don’t cook, but what folks serve at gatherings is important to your story. My students created family books their sophomore year that included five family recipes that told who made the dish and when it was served. I loved reading their responses. Kids with Damar ancestors shared a common sausage stuffing recipe. Volga German descendants listed ways to make bierocks, green bean dumpling soup, galuskies, and hertzen. Over the decades, a few youngsters shared a delicacy involving boiled chicken feet. Imagine my surprise when I learned my husband’s family also looked forward to this holiday treat. Thank goodness my English ancestors struggled to find eels and kidneys to make holiday pies, forcing our clan into traditional dishes like roast turkey followed by pumpkin pie.

That said, I have Great Grandma’s faded English recipes written in her own hand. Hopefully, we never use them, but we know where we came from. Record your stories while you enjoy the holidays.

Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658158605319.jpeg" alt="By KAREN MADORIN" />
 <figcaption>By KAREN MADORIN</figcaption>
 </figure>Like the end of a toilet paper roll, 2022 is wrapping up at warp speed. In no time, Thanksgiving arrives, finding us eating a meal in 30 minutes that took two days to prepare. Christmas soon follows and replays this scenario. From those who’ve unwillingly transitioned into the oldest generation, please think about your gatherings as a time not only to eat but also to save family stories.Not everyone shares my interest, but I was the kid who loved listening to elders’ conversations. It didn’t matter whether it involved Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day, or a funeral, older relatives’ discussions eventually shifted from present concerns to fascinating people, events, places, and memories that created the warp and weft of our family tapestry. I heard those stories so many times and looked at sepia-toned photos enough, details burned themselves into my memory. Wrong!After Grandma passed, my mother and aunts who’d listened to the same stories could still identify faces in photos and call up details from long ago. Foolishly, I didn’t anticipate their dementia or last breath, and I still didn’t label names on notes to stick to backs of photos or keep a notebook to jot down significant places and events in family history.Unknowingly, I relied on others’ memories. Once our grandparents died, I realized each story had a different twist, depending on who told it. Both of my parents were youngest children, trailing their next closest siblings by five years and both nearly a decade younger than the oldest offspring. The resulting versions revealed how time, birth order, and gender influenced the tale. When older cousins recollected their early relationships with our grandparents, I wondered if we knew the same people.Now that our elders have passed, my husband and I find ourselves trying to recall specifics from oft told tales. What we thought we’d never forget has vanished in the mists of time or brains full of present concerns. For those who still have seniors joining holiday gatherings, bring a notebook and sticky notes for labeling backs of photos. Record who’s in the pictures and when and where it was taken. Create a timeline of family events and jot in important details regarding who, what, when, where, and why. Add to it each time you gather. Trust me, a day will come when stories mush together or you and a cousin disagree about facts.Create a family recipe collection to share. Some relatives don’t cook, but what folks serve at gatherings is important to your story. My students created family books their sophomore year that included five family recipes that told who made the dish and when it was served. I loved reading their responses. Kids with Damar ancestors shared a common sausage stuffing recipe. Volga German descendants listed ways to make bierocks, green bean dumpling soup, galuskies, and hertzen. Over the decades, a few youngsters shared a delicacy involving boiled chicken feet. Imagine my surprise when I learned my husband’s family also looked forward to this holiday treat. Thank goodness my English ancestors struggled to find eels and kidneys to make holiday pies, forcing our clan into traditional dishes like roast turkey followed by pumpkin pie.That said, I have Great Grandma’s faded English recipes written in her own hand. Hopefully, we never use them, but we know where we came from. Record your stories while you enjoy the holidays.Karen is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan. After a time away, she’s glad to be home.

MADORIN: Enjoy the holidays and save family stories

Policy, Regulatory and Issue Updates&nbsp;

Congress remains in recess until 2022 midterm elections conclude

New Mexico Sorghum Participates in Lujan Farm Bill Roundtable

New Mexico Sorghum Association Chairman Cedar Rush, Past Chairman Durward Dixon and NSP CEO Tim Lust participated in a farm bill roundtable Wednesday hosted by&nbsp;Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry member Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) at the Curry County Chamber of Commerce in Clovis, New Mexico. Senator Lujan has hosted a number of roundtables with New Mexico agriculture leaders ahead of farm bill negotiations.&nbsp;“Since our agricultural communities have been bearing the brunt of extreme weather conditions, it’s critical the Senate moves with urgency to address these catastrophic events that have impacted New Mexicans’&nbsp;ability to grow sustainable crops and raise livestock for years to come," Lujan said in an August&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=814062dd7a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">release</a>. Sorghum representatives emphasized the need for additional resources and support though the Commodity Title.

Sorghum Checkoff Selects Leadership Sorghum Class VI

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program selected 15 members to Leadership Sorghum Class VI, a program designed to develop the next generation of sorghum leaders and industry advocates.

Leadership Sorghum Class VI will consist of 15 farmers from 8 states. Those selected include:

Participants of the Leadership Sorghum program will begin their experience with Session I in December at the annual Sorghum Checkoff board meeting. For more information about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b71064c68c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">leadsorghum.com</a>.

By October 23, ninety-five percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was mature, 1 percentage point behind last year but 2 points ahead of the 5-year average. Sixty-seven percent of the 2022 sorghum acreage had been harvested by October 23, two percentage points behind last year but 8 points ahead of average. Sorghum harvest advanced 14 percentage points or more during the week in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Texas is close to 100 percent harvested, followed by South Dakota at 68 percent, Nebraska and Oklahoma at 55 percent, Kansas at 53 percent and Colorado at 47 percent.

The National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Foundation (NSF) and&nbsp;BASF&nbsp;are accepting&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=dcf139549f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">applications</a>&nbsp;for a joint&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;that will be awarded January 2023, providing $2,500 for tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year.&nbsp;Scholarship&nbsp;applicants must be the child or grandchild of a National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Producers&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=457ea070ee&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">member</a>&nbsp;and be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an agriculturally-related curriculum.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=65ab9935cf&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Applications</a>&nbsp;must be postmarked by December 1, 2022. More information about&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;criteria and application forms can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=ea66cc8342&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/foundation-scholarships/</a>.

Sorghum&nbsp;Checkoff Releases Weekly&nbsp; Sorghum&nbsp;Basis Snapshot

The&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;basis snapshot, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a68234fa7b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumCheckoff.com</a>.

To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=42e495b3b4&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.

About Sorghum Notes Sorghum&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;is a publication of the National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Producers. NSP represents U.S.&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;producers and serves as the voice of the&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b5c540e76d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">www.SorghumGrowers.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579197583316.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Policy, Regulatory and Issue Updates&nbsp;</h2>Congress remains in recess until 2022 midterm elections conclude<h2>New Mexico Sorghum Participates in Lujan Farm Bill Roundtable</h2>New Mexico Sorghum Association Chairman Cedar Rush, Past Chairman Durward Dixon and NSP CEO Tim Lust participated in a farm bill roundtable Wednesday hosted by&nbsp;Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry member Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) at the Curry County Chamber of Commerce in Clovis, New Mexico. Senator Lujan has hosted a number of roundtables with New Mexico agriculture leaders ahead of farm bill negotiations.&nbsp;“Since our agricultural communities have been bearing the brunt of extreme weather conditions, it’s critical the Senate moves with urgency to address these catastrophic events that have impacted New Mexicans’&nbsp;ability to grow sustainable crops and raise livestock for years to come," Lujan said in an August&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=814062dd7a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">release</a>. Sorghum representatives emphasized the need for additional resources and support though the Commodity Title.<h2>Sorghum Checkoff Selects Leadership Sorghum Class VI</h2>The United Sorghum Checkoff Program selected 15 members to Leadership Sorghum Class VI, a program designed to develop the next generation of sorghum leaders and industry advocates.Leadership Sorghum Class VI will consist of 15 farmers from 8 states. Those selected include:<ul>
 <li>Jimmy Diamond from Akron, Colorado</li><li>Jeremiah Nicholson from Dodge City, Kansas</li><li>Clint France from Scott City, Kansas</li><li>Brad Haynes from Hays, Kansas</li><li>Henry Martin III from Texico, New Mexico</li><li>Lee Dunn IV from Edenton, North Carolina</li><li>Brad Brainard from Enid, Oklahoma</li><li>Ashley Tucker from Enid, Oklahoma</li><li>David Hunsberger from Mifflintown, Pennsylvania</li><li>Hunter Bevill from Claude, Texas</li><li>Nicole Johnson from Canyon, Texas</li><li>David Barrett from Sinton, Texas</li><li>Trey Beyer III from Portland, Texas</li><li>Jessica Robertson from Robstown, Texas</li><li>Joel Huesby from Touchet, Washington</li>
 </ul>Participants of the Leadership Sorghum program will begin their experience with Session I in December at the annual Sorghum Checkoff board meeting. For more information about the Leadership Sorghum program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b71064c68c&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">leadsorghum.com</a>.<h2>Sorghum Crop Update</h2>By October 23, ninety-five percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was mature, 1 percentage point behind last year but 2 points ahead of the 5-year average. Sixty-seven percent of the 2022 sorghum acreage had been harvested by October 23, two percentage points behind last year but 8 points ahead of average. Sorghum harvest advanced 14 percentage points or more during the week in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Texas is close to 100 percent harvested, followed by South Dakota at 68 percent, Nebraska and Oklahoma at 55 percent, Kansas at 53 percent and Colorado at 47 percent.<h2>BASF Scholarship Application Open</h2>The National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Foundation (NSF) and&nbsp;BASF&nbsp;are accepting&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=dcf139549f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">applications</a>&nbsp;for a joint&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;that will be awarded January 2023, providing $2,500 for tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year.&nbsp;Scholarship&nbsp;applicants must be the child or grandchild of a National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Producers&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=457ea070ee&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">member</a>&nbsp;and be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an agriculturally-related curriculum.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=65ab9935cf&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Applications</a>&nbsp;must be postmarked by December 1, 2022. More information about&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;criteria and application forms can be found online at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=ea66cc8342&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/foundation-scholarships/</a>.<h2>Sorghum&nbsp;Checkoff Releases Weekly&nbsp; Sorghum&nbsp;Basis Snapshot</h2>The&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;basis snapshot, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a68234fa7b&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumCheckoff.com</a>. <h2>Market News</h2>To view this week’s Gulf export grain report, click&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=42e495b3b4&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. <h2>Sorghum in the Spotlight</h2>About Sorghum Notes Sorghum&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;is a publication of the National&nbsp;Sorghum&nbsp;Producers. NSP represents U.S.&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;producers and serves as the voice of the&nbsp;sorghum&nbsp;industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b5c540e76d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">www.SorghumGrowers.com</a>.

National Sorghum Producers - Sorghum Notes

10/28 BOOKED: Dan Kelly on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Dell Poyner on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court cases for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, no bond set.

RELEASED: Brandon Maxwell for Central Kansas Community Corrections, after time served.

RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, on $50,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Eliseo Velasco, Jr. on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Rickey Medina, to Ford County Sheriff's Office.

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

RELEASED: Dan Kelly on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court cases for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, to Juvenile Intake.

10/29 BOOKED: Leona Strecker on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Darlene Gihon on two Barton County District Court warrants for Indirect Contempt of Court, no bond set.

BOOKED: Brandon Rice on Barton&nbsp;County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Samuel Bates on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Phillip Ramey on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Samuel Bates on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Leona Strecker on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

10/30 BOOKED: Lorenzo De Le Fuente Garcia on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Brandon Zimmerman on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended and No Insurance, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Francisco Castro-Gutierrez on Finney County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Justin Smokes on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Steven Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault of Law Enforcement Officer and Assault, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, no bond set.

RELEASED: Lorenzo De Le Fuente Garcia on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond.

RELEASED: Brandon Zimmerman on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended and No Insurance, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Phillip Ramey on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Francisco Castro-Gutierrez on Finney County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $1,500 cash bond.

RELEASED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court case for Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin or Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond.

RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, to Juvenile Intake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/28 BOOKED: Dan Kelly on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Dell Poyner on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court cases for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, no bond set.RELEASED: Brandon Maxwell for Central Kansas Community Corrections, after time served.RELEASED: Joshua Smith on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, on $50,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Eliseo Velasco, Jr. on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Rickey Medina, to Ford County Sheriff's Office.RELEASED: Dell Poyner on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $200 cash bond.RELEASED: Dan Kelly on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court cases for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, to Juvenile Intake.10/29 BOOKED: Leona Strecker on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Darlene Gihon on two Barton County District Court warrants for Indirect Contempt of Court, no bond set.BOOKED: Brandon Rice on Barton&nbsp;County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Samuel Bates on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Phillip Ramey on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.RELEASED: Samuel Bates on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Leona Strecker on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.10/30 BOOKED: Lorenzo De Le Fuente Garcia on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Brandon Zimmerman on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended and No Insurance, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Francisco Castro-Gutierrez on Finney County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,500 C/S.BOOKED: Justin Smokes on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Steven Reed on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault of Law Enforcement Officer and Assault, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, no bond set.RELEASED: Lorenzo De Le Fuente Garcia on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, after posting $1,000 surety bond.RELEASED: Brandon Zimmerman on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving While Suspended and No Insurance, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Phillip Ramey on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Francisco Castro-Gutierrez on Finney County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $1,500 cash bond.RELEASED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court case for Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin or Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, after posting $10,000 surety bond.RELEASED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer, to Juvenile Intake.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (10/28 - 10/30)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Life is good at handing out unexpected, sometimes brutal,
turns. For Nash Lindberg, that moment came on Aug. 7, 2020. Getting ready for a
big seventh-grade year at Great Bend Middle School, Lindberg was at a friend’s
house when he was accidentally shot. 

Facing paralysis from the waist down, Lindberg never
wavered. Working hard since, Lindberg, now 14, is resuming a normal lifestyle.
He plans to play for the Great Bend High School golf team this spring, and he
was recently honored by the prestigious Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in
Lincoln, Neb., where he spent 10 weeks rehabilitating from his injuries.

Madonna is nationally-known for its work with pediatric
spinal cord injuries. During his stay at the facility, Lindberg was inspired by
the photos and stories of previous Goal award winners that lined the walls. He
now joins that rarified air as a Goal Award winner.

“Every couple of days or so, I would go up there and read
those stories, and I could envision myself to be up there, and I wanted that
award so bad,” he said. “Those stories would also give me motivation to work
and walk again. I knew I wanted to get up there so maybe my story could
motivate others, too.”

The school year and football season were just around the
corner in early-August 2020. Lindberg was at a friend’s house when a gun thought to be unloaded was pointed in his direction. Lindberg was accidentally shot by the .22 caliber rifle

Lindberg never lost consciousness, remembering the sight
of smoke from the barrel and the smell of gunpowder. But he did lose feeling in
his legs. 

“It was just like slow motion as I went to the ground,”
he recalls. “Right away, I knew I couldn’t feel my legs. I was trying to move
them, and they wouldn’t move. I was touching them, and I couldn’t feel it. It
felt like my waist was buried in sand from the waist down, and I just wasn’t
sure if I was going to live.”

Before the high-velocity round lodged in Nash’s spine, it
passed through several other organs that resulted in life-threatening injuries.

“The bullet actually went through Nash’s side,” said
Karen Lindberg, Nash’s mother. “It went through his liver, his diaphragm, his
left lung lobe. That’s when it lodged in his spinal column at T12. So he had
damage to several organs at the time of the accident.”

Dr. P.J. Stiles was scheduled to perform a surgery in Hoisington
around the time of the accident. By sheer chance, Stiles had to attend to an
emergency and never made it into the surgery. That allowed him to drive to
Great Bend and perform a life-saving procedure on Nash. Stiles later said Nash
was likely minutes away from dying.

“Luckily he had not scrubbed into that surgery yet,”
Karen said. “Had he scrubbed into that surgery, it probably would have been
questionable if he would have been able to make it over here to save Nash’s life
that day.”

After he was stabilized, Nash was life-flighted to Wesley
Medical Center in Wichita, where he spent 10 days for the injuries to the
organs. He remembers little about the helicopter flight to Wichita, but
remembers those days, lying in bed in excruciating pain.

“Nash had pain so extreme he couldn’t even put a bed
sheet on his legs because it hurt so bad,” said Karen. “That’s how bad his
nerve pain was. Even the thought of someone touching him was painful to him.”

But even in those first days, Nash had a resolve to walk
again. “He had told us, prior to leaving Wesley, that he intended to walk into
a K-state football game before the end of the football season,” Karen said. “He
set his goals pretty quickly, and was determined to prove he would meet those
goals.”

With his injuries stabilized, Nash was transported to
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln. The hospital has facilities in
Omaha and Lincoln, but the Lincoln facility is known for its pediatric care.
Right away, Nash was greeted with unwanted news.

“I asked the doctor, ‘Do you think I’m going to walk
again?’ and he wouldn’t answer the question,” Nash recalled. “In my mind, I knew exactly
what he was thinking: he’s never going to walk again. He didn’t say it, but that’s
what, in my mind, he was saying. He walked out the door, and my dad shut the
door and said, ‘No doctor will dictate what you can or can’t do.’ It was then I
said I’m going to walk again and prove this guy wrong."

Nash’s father, Nels, was right. Almost immediately,
Madonna staff put Nash through the rigors of physical therapy. The first tasks were
as simple as putting on socks or moving from the hospital bed to a wheelchair.
They quickly became more challenging. Nash was placed on a bicycle with
electrodes attached to his legs to stimulate his muscles.

“With the nerve pain and the electricity going through
your legs, I just cried the whole time because it was so painful,” he said.

Nash was also pushed to use a treadmill featuring a
Lokomat Therapy device to simulate walking. “In essence, it’s kind of a robot
that goes around you, and it creates the pattern of walking for your legs,” Karen
said. “You’re harnessed, so you’re standing on a treadmill, but it’s helping
you to walk to try and teach your muscles to do that again.”

Progress was so slow that Nash never fully appreciated
the improvements in his abilities. But he does remember the first time he was
able to take steps with a walker, and knew in that moment he would walk on his
own again.

After 10 weeks at Madonna, Nash was allowed to return to
Great Bend, where he resumed physical therapy. He continues to work five days a
week with Jayme Mayers at Central Kansas Orthopedic Group, and also does
workouts at home five or six days a week. 

The ultimate goal is walking with no assistance. Nash currently walks
with a leg brace, but has worked up to approximately 250 feet without the
brace during therapy. With the brace, he’s able to play at least 18 holes of golf at a time.

Staff at Madonna has paid close attention. His effort
while at the facility, and his progress back at home is what led to the coveted
Goal award. Nash is just one of five recipients of the award in 2022.

Nash said the experience has taught him to take nothing
for granted in life. For his parents, it showed them a different side of the
community.

“The community has been beyond amazing to us, from the time
the word of Nash’s accident go out, to the day he came home and our streets
were lined with people,” Karen said. “Even today, when I get stopped in the
grocery store by someone I don’t know saying they’re following Nash, how’s he
doing? I think the community has blessed us in ways we would have never
expected, and we pray we’ll pay a portion of that back to somebody someday.”

The Lindberg family is especially grateful to the medical
professionals who have helped Nash back on the road to normalcy.

“If I could go back and thank all the people on our
journey, I think that would be impossible to do because there’s been so many
people who have helped us to the point,” said Karen. “We came into contact with
the most amazing humans we’ll probably have the chance to meet while we were at
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. We passed the PT torch to Jayme Mayers here in
Great Bend, and she’s been a godsend for our family. We’ve been surrounded by
family and friends that have been amazing and lifted us up in ways, over the
last two years, that we would have never expected.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666970137882.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLife is good at handing out unexpected, sometimes brutal,
turns. For Nash Lindberg, that moment came on Aug. 7, 2020. Getting ready for a
big seventh-grade year at Great Bend Middle School, Lindberg was at a friend’s
house when he was accidentally shot. Facing paralysis from the waist down, Lindberg never
wavered. Working hard since, Lindberg, now 14, is resuming a normal lifestyle.
He plans to play for the Great Bend High School golf team this spring, and he
was recently honored by the prestigious Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in
Lincoln, Neb., where he spent 10 weeks rehabilitating from his injuries.Madonna is nationally-known for its work with pediatric
spinal cord injuries. During his stay at the facility, Lindberg was inspired by
the photos and stories of previous Goal award winners that lined the walls. He
now joins that rarified air as a Goal Award winner.“Every couple of days or so, I would go up there and read
those stories, and I could envision myself to be up there, and I wanted that
award so bad,” he said. “Those stories would also give me motivation to work
and walk again. I knew I wanted to get up there so maybe my story could
motivate others, too.”The school year and football season were just around the
corner in early-August 2020. Lindberg was at a friend’s house when a gun thought to be unloaded was pointed in his direction. Lindberg was accidentally shot by the .22 caliber rifle<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666970118287.jpeg" alt="Nash with Physical Therapist Jayme Mayers." />
 <figcaption>Nash with Physical Therapist Jayme Mayers.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lindberg never lost consciousness, remembering the sight
of smoke from the barrel and the smell of gunpowder. But he did lose feeling in
his legs. “It was just like slow motion as I went to the ground,”
he recalls. “Right away, I knew I couldn’t feel my legs. I was trying to move
them, and they wouldn’t move. I was touching them, and I couldn’t feel it. It
felt like my waist was buried in sand from the waist down, and I just wasn’t
sure if I was going to live.”Before the high-velocity round lodged in Nash’s spine, it
passed through several other organs that resulted in life-threatening injuries.“The bullet actually went through Nash’s side,” said
Karen Lindberg, Nash’s mother. “It went through his liver, his diaphragm, his
left lung lobe. That’s when it lodged in his spinal column at T12. So he had
damage to several organs at the time of the accident.”Dr. P.J. Stiles was scheduled to perform a surgery in Hoisington
around the time of the accident. By sheer chance, Stiles had to attend to an
emergency and never made it into the surgery. That allowed him to drive to
Great Bend and perform a life-saving procedure on Nash. Stiles later said Nash
was likely minutes away from dying.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666970188917.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Luckily he had not scrubbed into that surgery yet,”
Karen said. “Had he scrubbed into that surgery, it probably would have been
questionable if he would have been able to make it over here to save Nash’s life
that day.”After he was stabilized, Nash was life-flighted to Wesley
Medical Center in Wichita, where he spent 10 days for the injuries to the
organs. He remembers little about the helicopter flight to Wichita, but
remembers those days, lying in bed in excruciating pain.“Nash had pain so extreme he couldn’t even put a bed
sheet on his legs because it hurt so bad,” said Karen. “That’s how bad his
nerve pain was. Even the thought of someone touching him was painful to him.”But even in those first days, Nash had a resolve to walk
again. “He had told us, prior to leaving Wesley, that he intended to walk into
a K-state football game before the end of the football season,” Karen said. “He
set his goals pretty quickly, and was determined to prove he would meet those
goals.”With his injuries stabilized, Nash was transported to
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln. The hospital has facilities in
Omaha and Lincoln, but the Lincoln facility is known for its pediatric care.
Right away, Nash was greeted with unwanted news.“I asked the doctor, ‘Do you think I’m going to walk
again?’ and he wouldn’t answer the question,” Nash recalled. “In my mind, I knew exactly
what he was thinking: he’s never going to walk again. He didn’t say it, but that’s
what, in my mind, he was saying. He walked out the door, and my dad shut the
door and said, ‘No doctor will dictate what you can or can’t do.’ It was then I
said I’m going to walk again and prove this guy wrong."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666970222540.jpeg" alt="Nash looking at the wall of previous Goal Award winners in Oct. 2020." />
 <figcaption>Nash looking at the wall of previous Goal Award winners in Oct. 2020.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nash’s father, Nels, was right. Almost immediately,
Madonna staff put Nash through the rigors of physical therapy. The first tasks were
as simple as putting on socks or moving from the hospital bed to a wheelchair.
They quickly became more challenging. Nash was placed on a bicycle with
electrodes attached to his legs to stimulate his muscles.“With the nerve pain and the electricity going through
your legs, I just cried the whole time because it was so painful,” he said.Nash was also pushed to use a treadmill featuring a
Lokomat Therapy device to simulate walking. “In essence, it’s kind of a robot
that goes around you, and it creates the pattern of walking for your legs,” Karen
said. “You’re harnessed, so you’re standing on a treadmill, but it’s helping
you to walk to try and teach your muscles to do that again.”Progress was so slow that Nash never fully appreciated
the improvements in his abilities. But he does remember the first time he was
able to take steps with a walker, and knew in that moment he would walk on his
own again.After 10 weeks at Madonna, Nash was allowed to return to
Great Bend, where he resumed physical therapy. He continues to work five days a
week with Jayme Mayers at Central Kansas Orthopedic Group, and also does
workouts at home five or six days a week. The ultimate goal is walking with no assistance. Nash currently walks
with a leg brace, but has worked up to approximately 250 feet without the
brace during therapy. With the brace, he’s able to play at least 18 holes of golf at a time.Staff at Madonna has paid close attention. His effort
while at the facility, and his progress back at home is what led to the coveted
Goal award. Nash is just one of five recipients of the award in 2022.Nash said the experience has taught him to take nothing
for granted in life. For his parents, it showed them a different side of the
community.“The community has been beyond amazing to us, from the time
the word of Nash’s accident go out, to the day he came home and our streets
were lined with people,” Karen said. “Even today, when I get stopped in the
grocery store by someone I don’t know saying they’re following Nash, how’s he
doing? I think the community has blessed us in ways we would have never
expected, and we pray we’ll pay a portion of that back to somebody someday.”The Lindberg family is especially grateful to the medical
professionals who have helped Nash back on the road to normalcy.“If I could go back and thank all the people on our
journey, I think that would be impossible to do because there’s been so many
people who have helped us to the point,” said Karen. “We came into contact with
the most amazing humans we’ll probably have the chance to meet while we were at
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. We passed the PT torch to Jayme Mayers here in
Great Bend, and she’s been a godsend for our family. We’ve been surrounded by
family and friends that have been amazing and lifted us up in ways, over the
last two years, that we would have never expected.”

Great Bend student recognized for effort after devastating injury

Halloween Sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Halloween Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy.

Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Breezy.

Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Friday A 40-percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Friday Night A 40-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Saturday A 40-percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.

Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Halloween Sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Halloween Night Mostly clear, with a low around 45. South southeast wind 7 to 11 mph.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a south-southwest wind 9 to 14 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy.Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Breezy.Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Friday A 40-percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 54.Friday Night A 40-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.Saturday A 40-percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 57.Saturday Night A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's Weather

from Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office

Traffic Safety Resource Office is partnering with local law enforcement officials and other health and safety advocates to help spread the message that&nbsp;Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many so if you plan to drive, refrain from alcohol.

﻿If you do plan to enjoy some witch’s brew, be sure to plan for a sober ride home.

Read these scary stats and commit to&nbsp;sober driving&nbsp;today.&nbsp;

Plan for a Safe Celebration Always remember to plan ahead when you will be celebrating with alcohol. If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a sober driver to take you home. Before you start celebrating this Halloween, look over these safety tips to keep you, your loved ones, and everyone else safe on the road.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan ahead: If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Before you have one drink, designate a sober driver who won’t be drinking.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You have options: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Getting home safely is always worth it.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.

Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666809928911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>from Kansas Traffic Safety Resource OfficeTraffic Safety Resource Office is partnering with local law enforcement officials and other health and safety advocates to help spread the message that&nbsp;Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many so if you plan to drive, refrain from alcohol.﻿If you do plan to enjoy some witch’s brew, be sure to plan for a sober ride home.Read these scary stats and commit to&nbsp;sober driving&nbsp;today.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs at or above .08). In 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.</li><li>In 2020, 56 people were killed on Halloween night in drunk-driving crashes.</li><li>Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (68%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2020.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Although it’s illegal to drive when impaired by alcohol, in 2020 one person was killed every 45 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads.</li>
 </ul>The Cost of Drunk Driving<ul>
 <li>The average DUI costs $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.</li><li>If you’re caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time. That arrest will follow you for many years to come. &nbsp;</li><li>Drinking and driving can cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could prevent you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.</li>
 </ul>Plan for a Safe Celebration Always remember to plan ahead when you will be celebrating with alcohol. If you plan to drink, make arrangements for a sober driver to take you home. Before you start celebrating this Halloween, look over these safety tips to keep you, your loved ones, and everyone else safe on the road.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan ahead: If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Before you have one drink, designate a sober driver who won’t be drinking.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You have options: designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Getting home safely is always worth it.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.

Drive safe and sober on Halloween

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired Oct. 27, 2022.

The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Stafford County Economic Development Director Kathleen Norman that aired Oct. 27, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/azgnjfg2/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎤Focus on Stafford County show

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 25, indicates a continued
intensification of drought conditions for Kansas.&nbsp; The “least” worst conditions occupy parts of
North Central Kansas which is abnormally dry.&nbsp;
Almost all of the rest of the state is in extreme or exceptional
drought.&nbsp; In this area we are in extreme
drought with exceptional drought inching closer.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (November 1 to 5) indicates
a 50 to 70% chance of above normal temperatures and a 50 to 60% chance of above
normal precipitation.&nbsp; Remember that even
twice our normal rainfall isn’t much.&nbsp; It
would at least help the wheat to hang on.&nbsp;
The eight to fourteen-day outlook (November 3 to 9) indicates a 40 to 50%
chance of above normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation.&nbsp; As an aside, this is the time of year when
the coming weather pattern is being established so this might indicate a
lessening or elimination of the La Nina and a better weather pattern in terms
of precipitation.&nbsp; Keep your fingers
crossed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since harvest is wrapping up and
wheat is mostly in the ground, let’s take a moment to consider a plant
macronutrient not many stop to consider – sulfur.&nbsp; We tend to focus on N-P-K, the macronutrients
on every fertilizer label.&nbsp; We even term
those three as primary nutrients.&nbsp; Sulfur,
Calcium, and magnesium as secondary nutrients.&nbsp;
So why be concerned with sulfur and why is the need to provide sulfur
becoming more coming?

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
main function of sulfur in plants is building plant protein.&nbsp; All plant proteins need some sulfur
containing amino acids.&nbsp; Crops higher in
protein (alfalfa, soybeans, canola) have fairly large sulfur requirements.&nbsp; And our winter wheat should have a protein
content of at least 12%.&nbsp; Lack of sulfur
hurts oil quality (canola and soybean) and yield/quality in alfalfa.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sulfur
sources include soil minerals, irrigation water in places, organic matter, and
atmospheric deposition (precipitation).&nbsp;
There are also several sulfur fertilizers with calcium sulfate (gypsum)
and K-Mag for example.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sulfur
deficiencies are most common on sandy soils low in organic matter, under drier
climates, very acid soils, and with crops removing large quantities of sulfur
(alfalfa).&nbsp; 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deficiencies
are increasing in our area as land has been cropped for well over a century,
yields are increasing, organic matter levels are decreasing, fertilizers are
now purer and there is less atmospheric deposition of sulfur in
precipitation.&nbsp; We now burn less high
sulfur fuels, including high sulfur diesel and coal, and are removing it from
emissions.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Testing
for sulfate sulfur levels is similar to testing for soil nitrates – 0-12” and
12-24” soil samples close to planting can determine soil sulfate-S levels.&nbsp; A depth of two feet is necessary as sulfur is
mobile in the soil and subject to leaching.&nbsp;
Knowing your organic matter levels helps as during a typical year, the
organic matter will release sulfur to the soil.&nbsp;
If you know your soil is low in sulfur there really is no need to test
every year.&nbsp; Also, if irrigating, it pays
to know the sulfur levels in you water.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sulfur
fertility is easy and fairly inexpensive to correct through inorganic
fertilizer, building up organic matter over time, or even manure applications
(determine the sulfur content first).&nbsp; It
can even be done in season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596995818491.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 25, indicates a continued
intensification of drought conditions for Kansas.&nbsp; The “least” worst conditions occupy parts of
North Central Kansas which is abnormally dry.&nbsp;
Almost all of the rest of the state is in extreme or exceptional
drought.&nbsp; In this area we are in extreme
drought with exceptional drought inching closer.&nbsp; The six to ten-day outlook (November 1 to 5) indicates
a 50 to 70% chance of above normal temperatures and a 50 to 60% chance of above
normal precipitation.&nbsp; Remember that even
twice our normal rainfall isn’t much.&nbsp; It
would at least help the wheat to hang on.&nbsp;
The eight to fourteen-day outlook (November 3 to 9) indicates a 40 to 50%
chance of above normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation.&nbsp; As an aside, this is the time of year when
the coming weather pattern is being established so this might indicate a
lessening or elimination of the La Nina and a better weather pattern in terms
of precipitation.&nbsp; Keep your fingers
crossed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Since harvest is wrapping up and
wheat is mostly in the ground, let’s take a moment to consider a plant
macronutrient not many stop to consider – sulfur.&nbsp; We tend to focus on N-P-K, the macronutrients
on every fertilizer label.&nbsp; We even term
those three as primary nutrients.&nbsp; Sulfur,
Calcium, and magnesium as secondary nutrients.&nbsp;
So why be concerned with sulfur and why is the need to provide sulfur
becoming more coming?·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
main function of sulfur in plants is building plant protein.&nbsp; All plant proteins need some sulfur
containing amino acids.&nbsp; Crops higher in
protein (alfalfa, soybeans, canola) have fairly large sulfur requirements.&nbsp; And our winter wheat should have a protein
content of at least 12%.&nbsp; Lack of sulfur
hurts oil quality (canola and soybean) and yield/quality in alfalfa.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sulfur
sources include soil minerals, irrigation water in places, organic matter, and
atmospheric deposition (precipitation).&nbsp;
There are also several sulfur fertilizers with calcium sulfate (gypsum)
and K-Mag for example.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sulfur
deficiencies are most common on sandy soils low in organic matter, under drier
climates, very acid soils, and with crops removing large quantities of sulfur
(alfalfa).&nbsp; ·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Deficiencies
are increasing in our area as land has been cropped for well over a century,
yields are increasing, organic matter levels are decreasing, fertilizers are
now purer and there is less atmospheric deposition of sulfur in
precipitation.&nbsp; We now burn less high
sulfur fuels, including high sulfur diesel and coal, and are removing it from
emissions.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Testing
for sulfate sulfur levels is similar to testing for soil nitrates – 0-12” and
12-24” soil samples close to planting can determine soil sulfate-S levels.&nbsp; A depth of two feet is necessary as sulfur is
mobile in the soil and subject to leaching.&nbsp;
Knowing your organic matter levels helps as during a typical year, the
organic matter will release sulfur to the soil.&nbsp;
If you know your soil is low in sulfur there really is no need to test
every year.&nbsp; Also, if irrigating, it pays
to know the sulfur levels in you water.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sulfur
fertility is easy and fairly inexpensive to correct through inorganic
fertilizer, building up organic matter over time, or even manure applications
(determine the sulfur content first).&nbsp; It
can even be done in season.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Sulfur, the Forgotten Plant Nutrient

Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services

Rosewood Services was recognized in Topeka on Oct. 20 as the North-Central Regional Award winner in the category of “Non-Traditional Talent Pools.” The awards ceremony and dinner was held at Townsite Tower in downtown Topeka.

Tammy Hammond, Founder and Executive Director of Rosewood Services, accepted the award from Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s “To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards” ceremony. Toland addressed the crowd of approximately 350 people who attended the ceremony, stating that the award recipients “are driving local and statewide success with their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Additionally, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly wrote in a letter that accompanied Rosewood’s award plaque, “Your efforts have helped to create job opportunities, deliver products and services, innovate and diversify the local marketplace, build community identity, and more. … Your business has demonstrated the tenacity, determination and creativity needed to prosper regardless of circumstance. These values are at the heart of what it means to be a Kansan. Despite many challenges of late, our state has remained resilient. Thanks to businesses like yours, we continue to reach to the stars.”

“I can honestly say that winning an award like this never entered my mind when I opened our doors in 1998,” said Hammond. “My only hope was to build a business that oﬀered different and diverse opportunities to individuals with disabilities, so that we could help them achieve more in life. Winning the award is very humbling because we are being recognized for work we do every day, but at the same time, this award represents a proud moment for our Rosewood team. I am thankful that together, we have made the most of our opportunity to serve and help so many others achieve what they maybe thought was impossible before. I am also thankful and happy for results that our folks with disabilities have been able to achieve in their lives during our 24 years in business.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666893266056.jpeg" alt="Tammy Hammond, Executive Director for Rosewood Services stands with Rosewood’s award presented by Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland on Oct. 20 at the “To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards” ceremony and dinner. Joining Hammond and Toland were, left to right Rosewood employees April Hoffman (Director of Case Management), Anna Hammond-Bodine (Business Development Director), Vicki Schmitt (Senior Director), Eric Hammond (Ranch Manager), Frankie Pelster (Employment Specialist) and Amanda Hammond (Director of Services)." />
 <figcaption>Tammy Hammond, Executive Director for Rosewood Services stands with Rosewood’s award presented by Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland on Oct. 20 at the “To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards” ceremony and dinner. Joining Hammond and Toland were, left to right Rosewood employees April Hoffman (Director of Case Management), Anna Hammond-Bodine (Business Development Director), Vicki Schmitt (Senior Director), Eric Hammond (Ranch Manager), Frankie Pelster (Employment Specialist) and Amanda Hammond (Director of Services).</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood ServicesRosewood Services was recognized in Topeka on Oct. 20 as the North-Central Regional Award winner in the category of “Non-Traditional Talent Pools.” The awards ceremony and dinner was held at Townsite Tower in downtown Topeka.Tammy Hammond, Founder and Executive Director of Rosewood Services, accepted the award from Kansas Lt. Gov. David Toland at the Kansas Department of Commerce’s “To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards” ceremony. Toland addressed the crowd of approximately 350 people who attended the ceremony, stating that the award recipients “are driving local and statewide success with their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.”Additionally, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly wrote in a letter that accompanied Rosewood’s award plaque, “Your efforts have helped to create job opportunities, deliver products and services, innovate and diversify the local marketplace, build community identity, and more. … Your business has demonstrated the tenacity, determination and creativity needed to prosper regardless of circumstance. These values are at the heart of what it means to be a Kansan. Despite many challenges of late, our state has remained resilient. Thanks to businesses like yours, we continue to reach to the stars.”“I can honestly say that winning an award like this never entered my mind when I opened our doors in 1998,” said Hammond. “My only hope was to build a business that oﬀered different and diverse opportunities to individuals with disabilities, so that we could help them achieve more in life. Winning the award is very humbling because we are being recognized for work we do every day, but at the same time, this award represents a proud moment for our Rosewood team. I am thankful that together, we have made the most of our opportunity to serve and help so many others achieve what they maybe thought was impossible before. I am also thankful and happy for results that our folks with disabilities have been able to achieve in their lives during our 24 years in business.”

Rosewood Services recognized with 'Non-Traditional Talent Pools' award

Some folks may collect stamps, trading cards or gnomes, but only true Wheaties keep their eye out for a specific collectible published for the past six decades — the annual recipe book from the Kansas Wheat Commission. The 2022 edition is now available — free of charge — and does not disappoint with classic recipes for bread bowls, pizza crust and pretzels in addition to soon-to-be family favorites like campfire biscuits, lemon Bundt cake and fudge nut bars.&nbsp;

“We’re excited to send you the 2022 Kansas Wheat Commission Recipe Book,” said Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat nutrition educator and co-director of the National Festival of Breads. “The annual recipe booklet is a tradition that has represented Kansas as the wheat state and the Breadbasket of America.”&nbsp;

“We love to hear how folks use their recipe books. Whether it’s adding to their collection or using the recipes to earn a purple ribbon at their county, we hope these recipes become family favorites.”&nbsp;

Recipes for each year’s book are hand-selected and tested by Falk at the Syngenta Speak for Wheat Test Kitchen at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan. Linda Beech, K-State Research and Extension agent, emeritus, helped test this year’s recipes and distributed nearly 1,000 recipe books in mid-October at the annual conference for K-State Research and Extension county agents. Free samples of the whole wheat sugar cookies featured on this year’s recipe book cover also helped entice attendees to pick up extra copies of the booklet.

“Kansas Wheat has a long history offering recipe books to extension agents, and extension has played a big role in having those books on hand for people to pick up in their local communities,” Beech said. “These are recipes you can always count on to work and be delicious. This year’s book is a really interesting collection of recipes that is a mini-history lesson of 50 years of home-baked products.”&nbsp;

The 2022 book pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Wheat Foods Council and National Bake and Take Day. Bake and Take Day began on the fourth Saturday in March 1970 in Sumner County as a community service project. The Kansas Wheathearts, an auxiliary organization of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, set out to share baked goods with family members, friends, neighbors and others, generating community goodwill. The concept was so successful that it was expanded to National Bake and Take Month in 1973.

“While the purpose of Bake and Take Day is to encourage participants to bake a product made from wheat and take it to a neighbor, friend or relative, the personal visit to members of the community has become as rewarding and important as the baked goods you deliver,” Falk said. “Now, more than 50 years later, we can still enjoy sharing baked goods with others.”

Also celebrating the five-decade mark, the Wheat Foods Council educates consumers about the nutritional benefits of consuming a variety of wheat foods. Since 1972, the Wheat Foods Council has done this through its industry-wide partnerships dedicated to increasing the consumption of wheat and other grain foods through nutrition information, education, research and other promotional activities.&nbsp;

“The Wheat Foods Council is supported voluntarily by wheat producers, millers, bakers and related industries,” Falk said. “The Kansas Wheat Commission has been instrumental in organizing and leading the Council since its inception.”&nbsp;

Interested in a recipe book for your collection, local library, extension office, classroom or anywhere else? Let us know! Request a free copy of the recipe book or check out this year’s recipes online at&nbsp;kswheat.com/recipebook.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666877840259.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Some folks may collect stamps, trading cards or gnomes, but only true Wheaties keep their eye out for a specific collectible published for the past six decades — the annual recipe book from the Kansas Wheat Commission. The 2022 edition is now available — free of charge — and does not disappoint with classic recipes for bread bowls, pizza crust and pretzels in addition to soon-to-be family favorites like campfire biscuits, lemon Bundt cake and fudge nut bars.&nbsp;“We’re excited to send you the 2022 Kansas Wheat Commission Recipe Book,” said Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat nutrition educator and co-director of the National Festival of Breads. “The annual recipe booklet is a tradition that has represented Kansas as the wheat state and the Breadbasket of America.”&nbsp;“We love to hear how folks use their recipe books. Whether it’s adding to their collection or using the recipes to earn a purple ribbon at their county, we hope these recipes become family favorites.”&nbsp;Recipes for each year’s book are hand-selected and tested by Falk at the Syngenta Speak for Wheat Test Kitchen at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan. Linda Beech, K-State Research and Extension agent, emeritus, helped test this year’s recipes and distributed nearly 1,000 recipe books in mid-October at the annual conference for K-State Research and Extension county agents. Free samples of the whole wheat sugar cookies featured on this year’s recipe book cover also helped entice attendees to pick up extra copies of the booklet.“Kansas Wheat has a long history offering recipe books to extension agents, and extension has played a big role in having those books on hand for people to pick up in their local communities,” Beech said. “These are recipes you can always count on to work and be delicious. This year’s book is a really interesting collection of recipes that is a mini-history lesson of 50 years of home-baked products.”&nbsp;The 2022 book pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Wheat Foods Council and National Bake and Take Day. Bake and Take Day began on the fourth Saturday in March 1970 in Sumner County as a community service project. The Kansas Wheathearts, an auxiliary organization of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, set out to share baked goods with family members, friends, neighbors and others, generating community goodwill. The concept was so successful that it was expanded to National Bake and Take Month in 1973.“While the purpose of Bake and Take Day is to encourage participants to bake a product made from wheat and take it to a neighbor, friend or relative, the personal visit to members of the community has become as rewarding and important as the baked goods you deliver,” Falk said. “Now, more than 50 years later, we can still enjoy sharing baked goods with others.”Also celebrating the five-decade mark, the Wheat Foods Council educates consumers about the nutritional benefits of consuming a variety of wheat foods. Since 1972, the Wheat Foods Council has done this through its industry-wide partnerships dedicated to increasing the consumption of wheat and other grain foods through nutrition information, education, research and other promotional activities.&nbsp;“The Wheat Foods Council is supported voluntarily by wheat producers, millers, bakers and related industries,” Falk said. “The Kansas Wheat Commission has been instrumental in organizing and leading the Council since its inception.”&nbsp;Interested in a recipe book for your collection, local library, extension office, classroom or anywhere else? Let us know! Request a free copy of the recipe book or check out this year’s recipes online at&nbsp;kswheat.com/recipebook.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Request your 2022 Kansas Wheat Recipe Book

The Barton County collaboration, Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) plans to get walking in support of expanding health care in Kansas.

COPE members are joining with Alliance for a Healthy Kansas for the Walk the Gap event at Veterans Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1. All the states bordering Kansas have expanded their Medicaid programs, so the goal is for participants to walk a combined 1,250 miles - the perimeter of Kansas - to bring attention to the thousands of Kansans who are uninsured because KanCare has not been expanded. COPE Lead Callie Miller said the walk is all about bringing awareness to shortcomings in Medicare and KanCare.

 "Our purpose is to bridge the gaps to our underserved community members," she said. "The gap in Medicare is huge, so it's definitely something we can get behind for them expanding who they cover and what they cover."

The goal of the COPE program is to identify and reduce barriers to health and well-being that members of the community face, especially those in high-risk and under-resourced communities. Locally, the COPE action team is currently comprised of 16 members from across Barton County who meet two times a month to discuss and prioritize action strategies based on community need.

Registration for Tuesday's event is free. Those who register by Monday can also receive a free T-shirt. The group will meet Tuesday at noon at Veterans Park for a photo before the lap around the park.

Register for free by <a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/wwtg-great-bend/">CLICKING HERE</a>. Those who wish to participate but cannot attend can log their miles by <a href="https://expandkancare.com/2022/09/07/wwtg-challenge/">CLICKING HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666980320921.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County collaboration, Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) plans to get walking in support of expanding health care in Kansas.COPE members are joining with Alliance for a Healthy Kansas for the Walk the Gap event at Veterans Park on Tuesday, Nov. 1. All the states bordering Kansas have expanded their Medicaid programs, so the goal is for participants to walk a combined 1,250 miles - the perimeter of Kansas - to bring attention to the thousands of Kansans who are uninsured because KanCare has not been expanded. COPE Lead Callie Miller said the walk is all about bringing awareness to shortcomings in Medicare and KanCare. "Our purpose is to bridge the gaps to our underserved community members," she said. "The gap in Medicare is huge, so it's definitely something we can get behind for them expanding who they cover and what they cover."The goal of the COPE program is to identify and reduce barriers to health and well-being that members of the community face, especially those in high-risk and under-resourced communities. Locally, the COPE action team is currently comprised of 16 members from across Barton County who meet two times a month to discuss and prioritize action strategies based on community need.Registration for Tuesday's event is free. Those who register by Monday can also receive a free T-shirt. The group will meet Tuesday at noon at Veterans Park for a photo before the lap around the park.Register for free by <a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/wwtg-great-bend/">CLICKING HERE</a>. Those who wish to participate but cannot attend can log their miles by <a href="https://expandkancare.com/2022/09/07/wwtg-challenge/">CLICKING HERE</a>.

COPE raising awareness about KanCare during Tuesday's Walk the Gap

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Growing up in Great Bend, Diann Henderson remembers participating in
after-school activities while attending Morrison Elementary School. In the
1960s, there were sports where the Great Bend schools competed against each
other. 
“I remember when the Great Bend Recreation Commission and the school district
sponsored a two-week track meet,” said Henderson. “It was awesome. We filled
the football stadium.” 
Growing up around recreation as a child would lead to an entire career.
Henderson will retire Oct. 31 as the executive director at the Great
Bend Recreation Commission. The former track athlete at Barton Community
College spent 40 years in the parks and recreation industry. 
Title IX, the civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any
school that receives federal funding, was coming to the forefront near the end
of Henderson’s stay in high school. Henderson was on the first girls track team
at Great Bend High School her junior year. 
“I met my husband, Ken, my senior year when he was a student trainer at the
high school,” said Henderson. “We would district the guys so the girls could go
in and get the equipment we needed to run track like the batons and starting
blocks.”

The first year of the girls’ track team, Henderson noted they did not have
uniforms and just wore basic sweats. By her senior year, the girls had similar
equipment and uniforms as the boys. 
Finishing her track career at Barton, Henderson’s studied education with
hopes of becoming a physical education and art instructor. 
“I continued my education degree at the University of Kansas,” said Henderson. “Ken
and I got married. He went on to graduate school at Drake University so I
finished up classes there.” 
Ken received a job as an athletic trainer at Barton Community College, so he
and Diann moved back to the Great Bend area. Diann finished her last semester
at Friends University. 
Still with an intent to become a teacher, Henderson stated starting a family
with children took priority. 
“Like any young family, you have to find a job,” said Henderson. “The Rec was
needing a receptionist. I was hired to get our first computer in the office and
to get our accounting system on the computer.”

When Henderson was first hired by the Recreation Commission, there were not
many after-school programs. That trend would change in late 1980s. Henderson
worked with Steve Wolf, Dan Brungardt and the school district to develop
programs in every grade school. 
Over the years, Henderson would get involved with nearly every position at the
Rec and was named Executive Director in 2006. For a woman with intent to
become a teacher, Henderson soon found out the parks and recreation industry
was for her. 
“I remember going home one time and telling my husband ‘I have everything I love,’”
said Henderson. Recreation is about life-long learning. We’re teaching people
what to do in their leisure time. That’s education. It’s the education of being
active and connecting with our neighbors and community. I’ve used all the tools
I learned and loved.” 
Henderson played a major role in the development of the Activity Center on 18th
Street, MyBackyard Playground, fitness trail and toddler playground at Veterans
Memorial Park. 
“I also really appreciate the programs,” added Henderson. “Just the opportunity
to bring a program to an individual or child. You get to see them hit the ball
for the first time. You see them draw a character and find out they have a
talent for drawing. You see a homebound senior become active and make a friend.
That’s what we’re about. We’re about people.”

Henderson’s final day with the Recreation Commission is Oct. 31.
Chris Umphres will become the next director beginning Nov. 1.

“The sky is the limit for recreation in Great Bend,” said Henderson. “The
quality of life sales tax that was passed last year is going to hopefully assist
development. The partnerships we’ve developed, the collaborations we’ve had,
all of this is bringing our community together. We’re bridging the city, the
school and businesses for one common mission…that’s to improve our recreation
system in Great Bend.” 
Her husband, Ken, plans to retire from Barton Community College later this
year, but from there the ‘planning’ stops for a bit. 
“We’re not making any plans for six months,” said Henderson. “We’re going to
spend time enjoying each other. We both have things on our bucket list that we
want to accomplish, but we also have two new grandchildren coming. We’re going
to enjoy recreation because we’re going to have lots of time to be involved in
recreation.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Listen below to the entire interview with Henderson and Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665505745870.jpeg" alt=""Everybody deserves a place to go play. It doesn't stop with children. It stops with adults. All of us deserve a place to go play." &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Diann Henderson (Henderson will retire as Great Bend Recreation Commission Executive Director on Oct. 31, 2022 after 40 years in the parks and recreation industry.)" />
 <figcaption>"Everybody deserves a place to go play. It doesn't stop with children. It stops with adults. All of us deserve a place to go play." &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- Diann Henderson (Henderson will retire as Great Bend Recreation Commission Executive Director on Oct. 31, 2022 after 40 years in the parks and recreation industry.)</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostGrowing up in Great Bend, Diann Henderson remembers participating in
after-school activities while attending Morrison Elementary School. In the
1960s, there were sports where the Great Bend schools competed against each
other. 
“I remember when the Great Bend Recreation Commission and the school district
sponsored a two-week track meet,” said Henderson. “It was awesome. We filled
the football stadium.” 
Growing up around recreation as a child would lead to an entire career.
Henderson will retire Oct. 31 as the executive director at the Great
Bend Recreation Commission. The former track athlete at Barton Community
College spent 40 years in the parks and recreation industry. 
Title IX, the civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any
school that receives federal funding, was coming to the forefront near the end
of Henderson’s stay in high school. Henderson was on the first girls track team
at Great Bend High School her junior year. 
“I met my husband, Ken, my senior year when he was a student trainer at the
high school,” said Henderson. “We would district the guys so the girls could go
in and get the equipment we needed to run track like the batons and starting
blocks.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667031964197.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first year of the girls’ track team, Henderson noted they did not have
uniforms and just wore basic sweats. By her senior year, the girls had similar
equipment and uniforms as the boys. 
Finishing her track career at Barton, Henderson’s studied education with
hopes of becoming a physical education and art instructor. 
“I continued my education degree at the University of Kansas,” said Henderson. “Ken
and I got married. He went on to graduate school at Drake University so I
finished up classes there.” 
Ken received a job as an athletic trainer at Barton Community College, so he
and Diann moved back to the Great Bend area. Diann finished her last semester
at Friends University. 
Still with an intent to become a teacher, Henderson stated starting a family
with children took priority. 
“Like any young family, you have to find a job,” said Henderson. “The Rec was
needing a receptionist. I was hired to get our first computer in the office and
to get our accounting system on the computer.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667031992612.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>When Henderson was first hired by the Recreation Commission, there were not
many after-school programs. That trend would change in late 1980s. Henderson
worked with Steve Wolf, Dan Brungardt and the school district to develop
programs in every grade school. 
Over the years, Henderson would get involved with nearly every position at the
Rec and was named Executive Director in 2006. For a woman with intent to
become a teacher, Henderson soon found out the parks and recreation industry
was for her. 
“I remember going home one time and telling my husband ‘I have everything I love,’”
said Henderson. Recreation is about life-long learning. We’re teaching people
what to do in their leisure time. That’s education. It’s the education of being
active and connecting with our neighbors and community. I’ve used all the tools
I learned and loved.” 
Henderson played a major role in the development of the Activity Center on 18th
Street, MyBackyard Playground, fitness trail and toddler playground at Veterans
Memorial Park. 
“I also really appreciate the programs,” added Henderson. “Just the opportunity
to bring a program to an individual or child. You get to see them hit the ball
for the first time. You see them draw a character and find out they have a
talent for drawing. You see a homebound senior become active and make a friend.
That’s what we’re about. We’re about people.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667032016956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Henderson’s final day with the Recreation Commission is Oct. 31.
Chris Umphres will become the next director beginning Nov. 1.“The sky is the limit for recreation in Great Bend,” said Henderson. “The
quality of life sales tax that was passed last year is going to hopefully assist
development. The partnerships we’ve developed, the collaborations we’ve had,
all of this is bringing our community together. We’re bridging the city, the
school and businesses for one common mission…that’s to improve our recreation
system in Great Bend.” 
Her husband, Ken, plans to retire from Barton Community College later this
year, but from there the ‘planning’ stops for a bit. 
“We’re not making any plans for six months,” said Henderson. “We’re going to
spend time enjoying each other. We both have things on our bucket list that we
want to accomplish, but we also have two new grandchildren coming. We’re going
to enjoy recreation because we’re going to have lots of time to be involved in
recreation.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Listen below to the entire interview with Henderson and Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/qm2jxbgo/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667032052956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎧Henderson reflects on Great Bend recreation as retirement arrives

RUSSELL — Randy Baker has been appointed the City's Water Utility Director effective Oct. 15. &nbsp;Baker has worked for the City of Russell since January 1999 in the Water Distribution Department as a maintenance worker, lead worker for water distribution and the wastewater system, and, most recently, as Water Distribution and Waste Water Superintendent.

Baker and his team produce over 300 million gallons of potable water each year for more than 2,400 customers by managing two water sources, maintaining thirty miles of raw water transmission line, and water at two water plants. &nbsp;The finished water goes to the city's two above-ground water towers, and from the towers, the water gets to customers through 63 miles of water distribution lines. &nbsp;In addition, Baker's department oversees the city's wastewater collection and treatment system. &nbsp;

Russell's wastewater system is one of the largest lagoon systems in Kansas, treating more than 373 million gallons of wastewater annually. &nbsp;The city uses a significant portion of the treated wastewater to irrigate city parks and the municipal golf course. &nbsp;

The Waste Water Lagoon system and Plant A are undergoing major rehabilitation projects that will update equipment and keep the facilities useful for another twenty years. &nbsp;

"Under Randy's leadership and his comprehensive knowledge of the water and wastewater systems, the utility will continue providing high-quality community services with the highest degree of excellence and professionalism," said City Manager Jon Quinday. &nbsp;

Dave Sturgeon has been appointed the city's Electric Utility Director effective Dec. 1, when Duane Banks retires after 32 years of service to the community. &nbsp;

Sturgeon has worked for the City of Russell since 2012 in the Electric Department as a power plant operator, lead mechanic, and, most recently, as Electric Production Superintendent. 

"Dave's knowledge of public power, the challenges facing the electric industry, and his familiarity with the community and the city's electric utility made him stand out from the Kansas, Texas, and California applicants pool,"&nbsp;Quinday said.

Sturgeon and his team of electric linemen, power plant operators, and mechanics provide service to more than 3,400 customers in a 50-square-mile service area with 146 miles of 3-phase primary and 5,875 power poles and manage two power plants capable of generating 26 megawatts of electricity. 

The city was able to generate its own electricity during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, while other communities faced rolling blackouts.&nbsp;

"Dave will lead a dedicated team of skilled electric linemen, power plant operators, and mechanics that will continue the utility’s work to improve system reliability and customer communication," Quinday said. &nbsp;

The city council authorized the electric utility to rebuild the electric distribution system to improve resilience and reliability. The project will begin with the East Residential circuits when materials arrive. Due to supply issues, some critical items are 52 weeks out. Engineering, design, materials acquisition, and construction to complete the distribution system's rebuild is an eight to 10-year project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666734512295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Russell RUSSELL — Randy Baker has been appointed the City's Water Utility Director effective Oct. 15. &nbsp;Baker has worked for the City of Russell since January 1999 in the Water Distribution Department as a maintenance worker, lead worker for water distribution and the wastewater system, and, most recently, as Water Distribution and Waste Water Superintendent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666734252950.jpeg" alt="Randy Baker (Photo courtesy City of Russell)" />
 <figcaption>Randy Baker (Photo courtesy City of Russell)</figcaption>
 </figure>Baker and his team produce over 300 million gallons of potable water each year for more than 2,400 customers by managing two water sources, maintaining thirty miles of raw water transmission line, and water at two water plants. &nbsp;The finished water goes to the city's two above-ground water towers, and from the towers, the water gets to customers through 63 miles of water distribution lines. &nbsp;In addition, Baker's department oversees the city's wastewater collection and treatment system. &nbsp;Russell's wastewater system is one of the largest lagoon systems in Kansas, treating more than 373 million gallons of wastewater annually. &nbsp;The city uses a significant portion of the treated wastewater to irrigate city parks and the municipal golf course. &nbsp;The Waste Water Lagoon system and Plant A are undergoing major rehabilitation projects that will update equipment and keep the facilities useful for another twenty years. &nbsp;"Under Randy's leadership and his comprehensive knowledge of the water and wastewater systems, the utility will continue providing high-quality community services with the highest degree of excellence and professionalism," said City Manager Jon Quinday. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666735141724.jpeg" alt="Dave Sturgeon&nbsp;(Photo courtesy City of Russell)" />
 <figcaption>Dave Sturgeon&nbsp;(Photo courtesy City of Russell)</figcaption>
 </figure>Dave Sturgeon has been appointed the city's Electric Utility Director effective Dec. 1, when Duane Banks retires after 32 years of service to the community. &nbsp;Sturgeon has worked for the City of Russell since 2012 in the Electric Department as a power plant operator, lead mechanic, and, most recently, as Electric Production Superintendent. "Dave's knowledge of public power, the challenges facing the electric industry, and his familiarity with the community and the city's electric utility made him stand out from the Kansas, Texas, and California applicants pool,"&nbsp;Quinday said.Sturgeon and his team of electric linemen, power plant operators, and mechanics provide service to more than 3,400 customers in a 50-square-mile service area with 146 miles of 3-phase primary and 5,875 power poles and manage two power plants capable of generating 26 megawatts of electricity. The city was able to generate its own electricity during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, while other communities faced rolling blackouts.&nbsp;"Dave will lead a dedicated team of skilled electric linemen, power plant operators, and mechanics that will continue the utility’s work to improve system reliability and customer communication," Quinday said. &nbsp;The city council authorized the electric utility to rebuild the electric distribution system to improve resilience and reliability. The project will begin with the East Residential circuits when materials arrive. Due to supply issues, some critical items are 52 weeks out. Engineering, design, materials acquisition, and construction to complete the distribution system's rebuild is an eight to 10-year project.

Russell appoints new city water and electric utility directors

On Halloween, ghosts and ghouls may make your blood run cold but real dangers, like pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are a scary reality. Safe Kids Kansas, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Highway Patrol remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.

Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.

“While it’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings,” said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas. “Don’t be distracted from hazards because you are texting or talking on the phone.”

Parents and kids should also be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery powered candles or lights.

“Halloween monsters may give you a fright, but fire is something truly scary. Make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room,” said Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal. “Along with a home fire escape plan, they are both essential in saving lives.”

With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure your trick-or-treaters have a fun and safe holiday.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjYuNjU3MTUwNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNhZmVraWRzLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.iS-9lv6U_5KDrz0-LVfQvHSVWQguEQQEAIzX_9sij0o/s/1305943094/br/146781475445-l" target="_blank">safekids.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635721318053.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Halloween, ghosts and ghouls may make your blood run cold but real dangers, like pedestrian accidents, falls, burns and poisonings are a scary reality. Safe Kids Kansas, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Highway Patrol remind families to make safety part of your fall festivity planning.On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Drivers need to slow down and be extra alert, especially in neighborhoods, as there will be more children on the streets and sidewalks – and those kids may be focused on gathering candy and the excitement of the holiday rather than being careful while crossing streets.Review safety rules with your kids before they leave the house. Trick-or-treaters are often out when it’s dark and more difficult for drivers to see them. Children younger than age 12 should not be crossing streets alone on Halloween without an adult or responsible teenager.“While it’s a good idea for children to have a cell phone with them in case of an emergency, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings,” said Cherie Sage with Safe Kids Kansas. “Don’t be distracted from hazards because you are texting or talking on the phone.”Parents and kids should also be careful with candy. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive right into treats, but it is best to check sweets before children are allowed to eat them. Only eat treats in original and unopened wrappers.According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home structure fires happened because decorations were too close to a heat source. Most of these incidents were started by candles. Play it safe and use battery powered candles or lights.“Halloween monsters may give you a fright, but fire is something truly scary. Make sure your family has working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside every sleeping room,” said Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal. “Along with a home fire escape plan, they are both essential in saving lives.”With Halloween just a week away, follow these tips to ensure your trick-or-treaters have a fun and safe holiday.<h2>Costume Safety</h2><ul>
 <li>Choose costumes and decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.</li><li>Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.</li><li>Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.</li><li>Have kids carry glow sticks and flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.</li><li>When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.</li>
 </ul><h2>Decorate Safely</h2><ul>
 <li>Keep flammable materials such as hay bales, corn stalks and paper decorations away from heat and flame sources, like candles, light bulbs and heaters.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Keep exits clear of decorations and props so nothing blocks escape routes and have working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns and when decorating pathways and yards.</li><li>Set a reminder to blow out any candles and unplug lights at the end of the evening.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Talk to your teens who may be attending parties and haunted houses to look for the exits and have a way out in case of an emergency.</li>
 </ul><h2>Walk Safely</h2><ul>
 <li>Remind kids to walk; don’t run.</li><li>Always walk on sidewalks or paths. Don’t walk through neighbors’ yards, as there may be a hazard you can’t see.</li><li>If there are no sidewalks along your street, walk on the road facing traffic as far to left as possible.</li><li>Always stop and look before you cross the street, and cross at corners using signals and crosswalks whenever possible.</li><li>Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.</li><li>Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.</li><li>Make eye contact and wave to drivers before crossing in front of them.</li>
 </ul><h2>Trick or Treat Safely</h2><ul>
 <li>Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit, stick to a pre-planned route and trick-or-treat in groups.</li>
 </ul><h2>Drive Safely</h2><ul>
 <li>Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.</li><li>Watch out for pedestrians when turning at intersections. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.</li><li>Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.</li>
 </ul>For more tips on how to keep kids safe on Halloween and throughout the year, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEwMjYuNjU3MTUwNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnNhZmVraWRzLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.iS-9lv6U_5KDrz0-LVfQvHSVWQguEQQEAIzX_9sij0o/s/1305943094/br/146781475445-l" target="_blank">safekids.org</a>.

Keep your trick-or-treaters safe from scary injuries

Great Bend Police: Behind the Badge

While we often think of 4-H in terms of events such as the county fair or club days, the formula for youth development as 4-H is so much more!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579114162620.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>While we often think of 4-H in terms of events such as the county fair or club days, the formula for youth development as 4-H is so much more!Like all other Research and Extension information, positive youth development is based on considerable documentation including the research of Lerner and Lerner in the “Comprehensive Findings of 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development (Tufts University 2013)” and Brendtro, Brokenleg, and Van Bockern in “Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future”, among others.Based on this research, the WHY for 4-H includes developing a sense of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. Each of our activities and events include facets of these. Working on a project helps youth to find and develop skills, work independently as they progress, and learn to share their skills and knowledge with others. A fair entry is the result of project learning and provides feedback for appropriate level of mastery, working independently, and working together for learning and sharing.Kansas 4-H offers 40 different project areas grouped into STEM and Agriculture, Communication and the Arts, Healthy Living, and Community Vitality which offers leadership and civic engagement. Each of these project areas have research-based curriculum to provide opportunities for learning and growth. Each project area also includes opportunities for youth to practice communication, leadership, and civic engagement skills.One focus of the 4-H Formula is to have an impact on youth by developing life-long learners with an empathetic and curious view of the world. Another is to develop youth with good communication skills which are crucial no matter your job or career. Providing opportunities to understand how to collaborate with peers and adults in a positive manner is another goal.One of my favorite goals of the 4-H Formula brings all of these pieces together by developing youth who have the skills and knowledge to contribute to their communities. I often say that 4-H is important to develop the next generation of leaders so that our rural communities don’t just survive but thrive!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.