By DONNA KRUG Cottonwood Extension District

I am excited about the future here in the Cottonwood Extension District. As I have announced my retirement date of February 3, 2023, it is time to begin the search for a new District Director.

The Cottonwood Extension District Executive Board&nbsp;is looking for an energetic person with managerial and leadership skills to fill the District Director position. The Director serves as the administrative leader of budget and fiscal operations as well as personnel management of local staff&nbsp;of seven agents and several support staff.&nbsp;This position will also have programming responsibilities for community vitality.

The Director&nbsp;will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of research-based educational programming to&nbsp;help our communities become a better place for people in the Cottonwood District to live, work, and play.&nbsp;Programming may include: First Impressions; Kansas PRIDE; community health promotion; leadership development; entrepreneurship; grant writing and management; and local food systems.

The primary office is negotiable between Great Bend and Hays. Applications will be accepted through November 15th. A position description and online application is available at:&nbsp;ksre.ksu.edu/jobs&nbsp;If&nbsp;you or someone you know is interested in this position encourage them to apply.

The Cottonwood District has an exciting future with opportunities to become engaged in community partnerships. Come and make a difference alongside us!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666964910087.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DONNA KRUG Cottonwood Extension DistrictI am excited about the future here in the Cottonwood Extension District. As I have announced my retirement date of February 3, 2023, it is time to begin the search for a new District Director.The Cottonwood Extension District Executive Board&nbsp;is looking for an energetic person with managerial and leadership skills to fill the District Director position. The Director serves as the administrative leader of budget and fiscal operations as well as personnel management of local staff&nbsp;of seven agents and several support staff.&nbsp;This position will also have programming responsibilities for community vitality.The Director&nbsp;will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of research-based educational programming to&nbsp;help our communities become a better place for people in the Cottonwood District to live, work, and play.&nbsp;Programming may include: First Impressions; Kansas PRIDE; community health promotion; leadership development; entrepreneurship; grant writing and management; and local food systems.The primary office is negotiable between Great Bend and Hays. Applications will be accepted through November 15th. A position description and online application is available at:&nbsp;ksre.ksu.edu/jobs&nbsp;If&nbsp;you or someone you know is interested in this position encourage them to apply.The Cottonwood District has an exciting future with opportunities to become engaged in community partnerships. Come and make a difference alongside us!

District Director sought for Cottonwood Extension

Class 6A Friday Washburn Rural 36, Dodge City 0 Garden City 35, Campus 14

Class 5A Friday Great Bend 31, Goddard-Eisenhower 27 Hays 44, Wichita West 20 Hutchinson 35, Liberal 7

Class 3A Friday Pratt 47, Holcomb 34 Hesston 34, Marysville 14 Scott City 41, Smoky Valley 6

Class 2A Friday Hoisington 42, Phillipsburg 18 Russell 58, Cimarron 7 Ellsworth 21, Garden Plain 7 Beloit 52, Larned 6 Chaparral 35, Halstead 14 Southeast of Saline 53, Haven 12

-- 8-Man DI Thursday Meade 65, Ness City 8 Macksville 54, South Gray 6 Wichita County 66, LaCrosse 0

-- 8-Man DII Thursday Victoria 68, Wheatland-Grinnell 0 Minneola 68, Kinsley 50 Thunder Ridge 62, Wilson 0 Hodgeman County 58, Kiowa County 28 Bucklin 32, Stafford 30 Wallace County 48, Central Plains 0

6-Man Pawnee Heights 49, Altoona-Midway 46 Peabody-Burns 66, Chase 21

Class 2A TMP 55, Southwestern Heights 6

Class 1A Ellinwood 49, Valley Falls 0

8-Man DII Otis-Bison 52, Logan-Palco 6

Class 3A Colby 40, Nickerson 22

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666469780734.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Class 6A Friday Washburn Rural 36, Dodge City 0 Garden City 35, Campus 14Class 5A Friday Great Bend 31, Goddard-Eisenhower 27 Hays 44, Wichita West 20 Hutchinson 35, Liberal 7--Class 3A Friday Pratt 47, Holcomb 34 Hesston 34, Marysville 14 Scott City 41, Smoky Valley 6--Class 2A Friday Hoisington 42, Phillipsburg 18 Russell 58, Cimarron 7 Ellsworth 21, Garden Plain 7 Beloit 52, Larned 6 Chaparral 35, Halstead 14 Southeast of Saline 53, Haven 12-- 8-Man DI Thursday Meade 65, Ness City 8 Macksville 54, South Gray 6 Wichita County 66, LaCrosse 0-- 8-Man DII Thursday Victoria 68, Wheatland-Grinnell 0 Minneola 68, Kinsley 50 Thunder Ridge 62, Wilson 0 Hodgeman County 58, Kiowa County 28 Bucklin 32, Stafford 30 Wallace County 48, Central Plains 0--6-Man Pawnee Heights 49, Altoona-Midway 46 Peabody-Burns 66, Chase 21--Non-Bracket Games ThursdayClass 2A TMP 55, Southwestern Heights 6Class 1A Ellinwood 49, Valley Falls 08-Man DII Otis-Bison 52, Logan-Palco 6--Non-Bracket Games FridayClass 2A Douglass 55, Lyons 0Class 3A Colby 40, Nickerson 22

Area Week 9 Football Scores

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Barton County Health Department and the DEA will be hosting a drug take back day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Representatives will be on the east side of the Barton County Courthouse, on Kansas Street, to accept unused prescription and nonprescription medications.

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency permits local law enforcement to accept prescription and nonprescription medications for destruction once a year. This is a public service offered by the Health Department and the Sheriff’s Office to prevent abuse of prescription drugs and allow for proper disposal. 

Drugs will be accepted from private citizens as well as institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities that may need to dispose of any controlled substance. There is no fee for the service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666810341301.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Barton County Health Department and the DEA will be hosting a drug take back day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Representatives will be on the east side of the Barton County Courthouse, on Kansas Street, to accept unused prescription and nonprescription medications.The United States Drug Enforcement Agency permits local law enforcement to accept prescription and nonprescription medications for destruction once a year. This is a public service offered by the Health Department and the Sheriff’s Office to prevent abuse of prescription drugs and allow for proper disposal. Drugs will be accepted from private citizens as well as institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities that may need to dispose of any controlled substance. There is no fee for the service.

Drug take back day is Saturday in Barton County

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Small communities sometimes need some help for the big projects. Ellinwood City Administrator Chris Komarek said a Downtown Pedestrian Access and Streetscape Improvement project would not have been possible without a large grant. That grant was approved on Oct. 6, and Ellinwood will receive just over $1 million from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) as part of a $1.46 million total grant.

Komarek applied for the grant in March and was surprised to receive the money, which was one of 32 pedestrian and bike transportation projects selected around the state, with $28.5 million in grants being allocated. With the grant, the city will replace all sidewalk, curb and gutter, and street lighting in the first two blocks of Main Street.

On Oct. 21, KDOT handed out $11 million as part of a cost-share program with cities and counties. The city of Ellinwood received just shy of $213,000 for improvements to sidewalks around the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels.

"It's all the property owner's responsibility," Komarek said. "It's on city property, but it's the business owner's responsibility to do that. Since it's also on our property, we applied for a grant to assist with this."

A couple of months ago, Wolf Hotel Owner Chris McCord began asking for donations to help cover costs for the construction. The goal, he said, is to make sure the historic underground tunnels remain an attraction for Ellinwood.

"I think they're paramount," he said. "There are a ton of people that come through to visit the tunnels. We're one of Kansas' Eight Wonders. It's just pivotal we preserve this area."

McCord said roughly $66,000 is needed for expenses. CLICK HERE to donate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590785388573.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSmall communities sometimes need some help for the big projects. Ellinwood City Administrator Chris Komarek said a Downtown Pedestrian Access and Streetscape Improvement project would not have been possible without a large grant. That grant was approved on Oct. 6, and Ellinwood will receive just over $1 million from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) as part of a $1.46 million total grant.Komarek applied for the grant in March and was surprised to receive the money, which was one of 32 pedestrian and bike transportation projects selected around the state, with $28.5 million in grants being allocated. With the grant, the city will replace all sidewalk, curb and gutter, and street lighting in the first two blocks of Main Street.On Oct. 21, KDOT handed out $11 million as part of a cost-share program with cities and counties. The city of Ellinwood received just shy of $213,000 for improvements to sidewalks around the Ellinwood Underground Tunnels."It's all the property owner's responsibility," Komarek said. "It's on city property, but it's the business owner's responsibility to do that. Since it's also on our property, we applied for a grant to assist with this."A couple of months ago, Wolf Hotel Owner Chris McCord began asking for donations to help cover costs for the construction. The goal, he said, is to make sure the historic underground tunnels remain an attraction for Ellinwood."I think they're paramount," he said. "There are a ton of people that come through to visit the tunnels. We're one of Kansas' Eight Wonders. It's just pivotal we preserve this area."McCord said roughly $66,000 is needed for expenses. CLICK HERE to donate.

Ellinwood receives two grants for downtown sidewalk work

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Acquisitions come into the Shafer Art Gallery from a number of different
sources. The art gallery, centered in the campus of Barton Community College,
features permanent pieces that further the vision of the gallery. 
Gallery Director Dave Barnes said regional artists are another focus. The
Shafer Gallery recently installed a new sculpture just outside the Fine Arts
buildings. "One of the artists we have in the Great Bend area is a fellow by the name of Bob Mix," said Barnes. "Bob is pretty well known to the people of Great Bend because he creates these wonderful sculptures made out of welded steel. He makes them out of metals he finds out of junkyards. He turns them into animals, birds and dinosaurs." 
Mix has quite a few of his pieces displayed at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. 
Former Barton Community College Board of Trustees member Robert Feldt donated a
Bob Mix sculpture titled “Sabretooth” to the Gallery. 
The Shafer Gallery will celebrate the installation of the new sculpture in
conjunction with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting at
9:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 on the plaza in front of the gallery.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666882564177.jpeg" alt=""Sabretooth" sculpture at the Shafer Art Gallery on the campus of Barton Community College (photo by Maggie Harris)" />
 <figcaption>"Sabretooth" sculpture at the Shafer Art Gallery on the campus of Barton Community College (photo by Maggie Harris)</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAcquisitions come into the Shafer Art Gallery from a number of different
sources. The art gallery, centered in the campus of Barton Community College,
features permanent pieces that further the vision of the gallery. 
Gallery Director Dave Barnes said regional artists are another focus. The
Shafer Gallery recently installed a new sculpture just outside the Fine Arts
buildings. "One of the artists we have in the Great Bend area is a fellow by the name of Bob Mix," said Barnes. "Bob is pretty well known to the people of Great Bend because he creates these wonderful sculptures made out of welded steel. He makes them out of metals he finds out of junkyards. He turns them into animals, birds and dinosaurs." 
Mix has quite a few of his pieces displayed at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. 
Former Barton Community College Board of Trustees member Robert Feldt donated a
Bob Mix sculpture titled “Sabretooth” to the Gallery. 
The Shafer Gallery will celebrate the installation of the new sculpture in
conjunction with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting at
9:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 on the plaza in front of the gallery.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A new sculpture installed at Shafer Gallery

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab about the upcoming November 2022 election.

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab about the upcoming November 2022 election.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4CT12zEhq6M" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

The City of Great Bend and Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau
received a $337,500 grant from Kansas Tourism, in partnership with the
Patterson Family Foundation, to make major additions to the Great Bend Sports
Complex. 
There were eight recipients of the Tourism Attraction Sub-grants for Kansas
(TASK) that were announced Thursday. 
The Sports Complex in Great Bend was constructed in 2012 and has allowed the
city to book baseball and softball tournaments during the spring and summer. Great Bend CVB Director
Christina Hayes said the Sports Complex is a big part in attracting visitors to
stay in hotels, shop and eat in town. 
"The Sports Complex is one of the huge reasons why our transient guest tax is going so well," said Hayes. "We have teams coming in and staying in our hotels. They actually have proved that we need another hotel. Things are going well."

The grant will go toward the addition of two turf soccer fields, two turf football fields and an additional softball field.

&nbsp;"With the addition of soccer and football, it actually might extend our season out there and the use of that," said Hayes. "We can get more months at the complex other than softball and baseball months." 
Each field will include bleachers, score and video boards and shade areas for
spectators and players. The project will also include perimeter fencing and gating,
all-season ADA restrooms, concessions, meeting room, first aid and storage and
an asphalt parking lot. 
The city will now organize a budget and timeline for the project. 
"Kendal Francis (city administrator) helped create a budget and look at things we can do," said Hayes. "The Great Bend Recreation Commission was part of this application process as well. Now that we know that we got it, we are going to go to the drawing board and figure out what the first phase is and what we can do." 
Great Bend received $225,000 from the TASK Grant, but the Patterson Family Foundation
contributed additional funds to projects in rural communities.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The TASK recipients and amounts awarded: • City of Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, Barton County, $337,500 • Flint Hills Discovery Center, Riley County, $200,000 • Grassroots Art Center, Russell County, $172,226 • Horse Thief Reservoir Benefit District, Hodgeman County, $299,918 • Johnson County Park &amp; Recreation District, Johnson County, $201,168 • Miners Hall Museum Foundation, Crawford County, $337,500 • Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Reno County, $174,750 • The Nature Conservancy, Logan County, $238,950

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666978975581.jpeg" alt="City of Great Bend staff accepted a $337,500 TASK grant from Kansas Tourism and Patterson Family Foundation Thursday in Hutchinson. (pictured from left to right): Patterson Family Foundation Program Officer Denise Schuele, Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes, Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis and Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland." />
 <figcaption>City of Great Bend staff accepted a $337,500 TASK grant from Kansas Tourism and Patterson Family Foundation Thursday in Hutchinson. (pictured from left to right): Patterson Family Foundation Program Officer Denise Schuele, Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes, Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis and Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend and Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau
received a $337,500 grant from Kansas Tourism, in partnership with the
Patterson Family Foundation, to make major additions to the Great Bend Sports
Complex. 
There were eight recipients of the Tourism Attraction Sub-grants for Kansas
(TASK) that were announced Thursday. 
The Sports Complex in Great Bend was constructed in 2012 and has allowed the
city to book baseball and softball tournaments during the spring and summer. Great Bend CVB Director
Christina Hayes said the Sports Complex is a big part in attracting visitors to
stay in hotels, shop and eat in town. 
"The Sports Complex is one of the huge reasons why our transient guest tax is going so well," said Hayes. "We have teams coming in and staying in our hotels. They actually have proved that we need another hotel. Things are going well."The grant will go toward the addition of two turf soccer fields, two turf football fields and an additional softball field.&nbsp;"With the addition of soccer and football, it actually might extend our season out there and the use of that," said Hayes. "We can get more months at the complex other than softball and baseball months." 
Each field will include bleachers, score and video boards and shade areas for
spectators and players. The project will also include perimeter fencing and gating,
all-season ADA restrooms, concessions, meeting room, first aid and storage and
an asphalt parking lot. 
The city will now organize a budget and timeline for the project. 
"Kendal Francis (city administrator) helped create a budget and look at things we can do," said Hayes. "The Great Bend Recreation Commission was part of this application process as well. Now that we know that we got it, we are going to go to the drawing board and figure out what the first phase is and what we can do." 
Great Bend received $225,000 from the TASK Grant, but the Patterson Family Foundation
contributed additional funds to projects in rural communities.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The TASK recipients and amounts awarded: • City of Great Bend Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, Barton County, $337,500 • Flint Hills Discovery Center, Riley County, $200,000 • Grassroots Art Center, Russell County, $172,226 • Horse Thief Reservoir Benefit District, Hodgeman County, $299,918 • Johnson County Park &amp; Recreation District, Johnson County, $201,168 • Miners Hall Museum Foundation, Crawford County, $337,500 • Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Reno County, $174,750 • The Nature Conservancy, Logan County, $238,950

Great Bend receives $337K grant, plans for Sports Complex expansion

While the discharge of student loan forgiveness is on hold in the court
system, many Americans are still applying for President Joe Biden’s loan
relief. 
Barton Community College Chief Accreditation Officer Myrna Perkins was asked
Tuesday at the Board of Trustees meeting if students have been requesting loan
forgiveness from Barton. Perkins said staff at the college is keeping abreast
of what becomes finalized from the court’s decision. "Interestingly, we have had students come to us that want to borrow now thinking that the loans will be forgiven," said Perkins. "So we're doing a lot of counseling in regards to that. We can't start anything until we have everything." 
A pause has been placed on the discharge of loan relief as GOP-led states are
challenging the program. 
If approved, your annual income must be below $125,000 as an individual or
$250,000 for married couples. If you received a Pell Grant in college, you’re
eligible for up to $20,000 in debt relief. If you did not receive a Pell Grant
and meet the income threshold, you would be eligible for up to $10,000 in debt
relief.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658152806971.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhile the discharge of student loan forgiveness is on hold in the court
system, many Americans are still applying for President Joe Biden’s loan
relief. 
Barton Community College Chief Accreditation Officer Myrna Perkins was asked
Tuesday at the Board of Trustees meeting if students have been requesting loan
forgiveness from Barton. Perkins said staff at the college is keeping abreast
of what becomes finalized from the court’s decision. "Interestingly, we have had students come to us that want to borrow now thinking that the loans will be forgiven," said Perkins. "So we're doing a lot of counseling in regards to that. We can't start anything until we have everything." 
A pause has been placed on the discharge of loan relief as GOP-led states are
challenging the program. 
If approved, your annual income must be below $125,000 as an individual or
$250,000 for married couples. If you received a Pell Grant in college, you’re
eligible for up to $20,000 in debt relief. If you did not receive a Pell Grant
and meet the income threshold, you would be eligible for up to $10,000 in debt
relief.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Colleges awaiting final say in student loan forgiveness plan

The CUNA Mutual property located at 1809 24th Street in Great Bend, just off the 281 Bypass, will soon be changing hands with the purchase by USD 428. But first, some housekeeping was needed at Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting. The body approved a Full Release of Mortgage relating to a loan that was issued in 2004.

"There's no agenda item noting that this loan was, in fact, repaid in full," Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner told the commission. "However, with review of minutes and review of the 2009 general ledger, those two things definitely corroborate that fact that it has been paid in full."

In 2004, the commission authorized a $1.7 million loan to CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc. Terms included a 5-year deferred principal payment with interest paid annually on a 10-year note at four percent interest. Loan proceeds would help CPI purchase the business from A.G. Edwards. The loan was repaid in 2009 when CUNA Mutual purchased CPI. 

Commissioner Kirby Krier was on the commission back then and said it was, "A Huge win for all of Barton County when the commissioners did that." Commissioner Jon Prescott, a longtime former employee at CPI, agreed.

"It was a chunk of change, but it helped that corporation survive, grow, and kept jobs," Prescott said. "It was a great success story."

In September, USD 428 Great Bend announced it would purchase the property from CUNA Mutual for $1.3 million, with CUNA donating another $2.7 million towards the purchase price. The district plans to take possession of the property in December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663358017385.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe CUNA Mutual property located at 1809 24th Street in Great Bend, just off the 281 Bypass, will soon be changing hands with the purchase by USD 428. But first, some housekeeping was needed at Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting. The body approved a Full Release of Mortgage relating to a loan that was issued in 2004."There's no agenda item noting that this loan was, in fact, repaid in full," Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner told the commission. "However, with review of minutes and review of the 2009 general ledger, those two things definitely corroborate that fact that it has been paid in full."In 2004, the commission authorized a $1.7 million loan to CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc. Terms included a 5-year deferred principal payment with interest paid annually on a 10-year note at four percent interest. Loan proceeds would help CPI purchase the business from A.G. Edwards. The loan was repaid in 2009 when CUNA Mutual purchased CPI. Commissioner Kirby Krier was on the commission back then and said it was, "A Huge win for all of Barton County when the commissioners did that." Commissioner Jon Prescott, a longtime former employee at CPI, agreed."It was a chunk of change, but it helped that corporation survive, grow, and kept jobs," Prescott said. "It was a great success story."In September, USD 428 Great Bend announced it would purchase the property from CUNA Mutual for $1.3 million, with CUNA donating another $2.7 million towards the purchase price. The district plans to take possession of the property in December.

Barton Commission releases CUNA Mutual mortgage in full

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (10/27) 
 
Prowler 
 
At 4:58 a.m. a prowler was reported at 301 Hoisington Street in Susank. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:43 a.m. an accident was reported in the 600 block of E. US 56 Highway. 
 
At 10:02 a.m. an accident was reported at 1164 SE 40 Road in Ellinwood. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 10:40 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 134 on NE K-156 Highway. 
 
At 12:13 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE 30 Road &amp; N.
Washington Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 12:58 p.m. an accident was reported at NE 100 Avenue &amp; NE 20 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:31 p.m. an accident was reported at 3422 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 3:14 p.m. a theft was reported at 2133 Railroad Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:41 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 134 on NE K-156 Highway in
Claflin. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 7:39 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 2064 NE 90 Avenue in Hoisington. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:58 p.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 800 block of Main Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (10/27) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 4:45 a.m. two stray dogs in the area was reported at 926 Main Street. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 9:21 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 5501 9th Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 9:53 a.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 10:40 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 134 on NE K-156 Highway. 
 
Battery 
 
At 10:55 a.m. a juvenile call case of battery was reported at 2027 Morton
Street. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 11:46 a.m. a report of wanting a subject removed was made at 3503 10th
Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 12:13 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE 30 Road &amp; N.
Washington Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:31 p.m. a possible dog hit by a car was reported at 3422 Broadway. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 1:57 p.m. extra patrol was requested at 2400 Williams. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 2:11 p.m. possible animal poisoning was reported at 2109 Jefferson. 
 
At 3 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1300 Hoover Street. 
 
Stroke 
 
At 8:18 p.m. a stroke was reported at Forest &amp; Morphy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574791204982.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (10/27) 
 
Prowler 
 
At 4:58 a.m. a prowler was reported at 301 Hoisington Street in Susank. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:43 a.m. an accident was reported in the 600 block of E. US 56 Highway. 
 
At 10:02 a.m. an accident was reported at 1164 SE 40 Road in Ellinwood. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 10:40 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 134 on NE K-156 Highway. 
 
At 12:13 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE 30 Road &amp; N.
Washington Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 12:58 p.m. an accident was reported at NE 100 Avenue &amp; NE 20 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:31 p.m. an accident was reported at 3422 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Theft 
 
At 3:14 p.m. a theft was reported at 2133 Railroad Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3:41 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 134 on NE K-156 Highway in
Claflin. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 7:39 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 2064 NE 90 Avenue in Hoisington. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:58 p.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 800 block of Main Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (10/27) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 4:45 a.m. two stray dogs in the area was reported at 926 Main Street. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 9:21 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 5501 9th Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 9:53 a.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 10:40 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 134 on NE K-156 Highway. 
 
Battery 
 
At 10:55 a.m. a juvenile call case of battery was reported at 2027 Morton
Street. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 11:46 a.m. a report of wanting a subject removed was made at 3503 10th
Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 12:13 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at NE 30 Road &amp; N.
Washington Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:31 p.m. a possible dog hit by a car was reported at 3422 Broadway. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 1:57 p.m. extra patrol was requested at 2400 Williams. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 2:11 p.m. possible animal poisoning was reported at 2109 Jefferson. 
 
At 3 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 1300 Hoover Street. 
 
Stroke 
 
At 8:18 p.m. a stroke was reported at Forest &amp; Morphy.

Cop Shop (10/27)

10/27 BOOKED: Christopher Maher on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault and Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Ouray Gray on Barton County District Court case on hold for court, no bond set.

RELEASED: Michael Croslin on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery and another warrant for Contempt of Court, after being granted OR bonds of $1,000 and $100,000.

RELEASED: Michael Foster on Newton Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, per Newton Municipal; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, after receiving a $10,000 OR bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/27 BOOKED: Christopher Maher on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Assault and Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Ouray Gray on Barton County District Court case on hold for court, no bond set.RELEASED: Michael Croslin on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Domestic Battery and another warrant for Contempt of Court, after being granted OR bonds of $1,000 and $100,000.RELEASED: Michael Foster on Newton Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, per Newton Municipal; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, after receiving a $10,000 OR bond.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (10/27)

The win streak is up to six games. The Great Bend High School football team will likely play its final home football game of the season tonight to open the Class 5A playoffs against Goddard-Eisenhower. Booster Club Vice President Jennifer Gregg encourages all to come out and support the Panthers on a big night.

"I think the team definitely feels the support of the community when they attend in person," she said. "It's a fun atmosphere with the tailgate meal, a nice community event before the game. I think athletes are excited to play in front of a packed set of stands, for sure. The football team has had a lot of momentum, so it would be nice to see the support from the community."

Because it is a playoff game, the Kansas State High School Activities Association will not allow passes at the gate. The Booster Club will pay admission for the first 100 Great Bend High School students.

"They do need to have their student ID that shows they attend Great Bend High School, and they do need to enter through the south gates closest to the PAC," Gregg said. "That is where they will be tracking that first 100 guests."

The Booster Club Tailgate will run from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the northwest corner of Memorial Stadium. For $5, supporters get a choice of chili or chicken noodle soup, a cookie, and a bottle of water. Funds go back into the athletic programs at GBHS, and the Booster Club just donated $31,000 to be distributed to the teams.

Also for Friday's game is a raffle for a signed GBHS football helmet. Tickets will be sold at the tailgate and are $5 for one or five for $20. The winner will be announced after halftime, and proceeds go toward the Panther Pantry.

"The Panther Pantry is a service the high school provides to kids who don't have food at home," Gregg said. "They send them home with backpacks of things to eat over the weekend so kids don't go hungry when school is not in session. With the holidays coming up - Thanksgiving break, Christmas break - those are times that are in great need for some of these kiddos to make sure they have enough. We wanted to do a fundraiser to sponsor that and make sure they're well-stocked for the holidays."

Kickoff for the big game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. With a win against Eisenhower, the Panthers would either travel to Salina Central or host Andover in week two of the playoffs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666802996419.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe win streak is up to six games. The Great Bend High School football team will likely play its final home football game of the season tonight to open the Class 5A playoffs against Goddard-Eisenhower. Booster Club Vice President Jennifer Gregg encourages all to come out and support the Panthers on a big night."I think the team definitely feels the support of the community when they attend in person," she said. "It's a fun atmosphere with the tailgate meal, a nice community event before the game. I think athletes are excited to play in front of a packed set of stands, for sure. The football team has had a lot of momentum, so it would be nice to see the support from the community."Because it is a playoff game, the Kansas State High School Activities Association will not allow passes at the gate. The Booster Club will pay admission for the first 100 Great Bend High School students."They do need to have their student ID that shows they attend Great Bend High School, and they do need to enter through the south gates closest to the PAC," Gregg said. "That is where they will be tracking that first 100 guests."The Booster Club Tailgate will run from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in the northwest corner of Memorial Stadium. For $5, supporters get a choice of chili or chicken noodle soup, a cookie, and a bottle of water. Funds go back into the athletic programs at GBHS, and the Booster Club just donated $31,000 to be distributed to the teams.Also for Friday's game is a raffle for a signed GBHS football helmet. Tickets will be sold at the tailgate and are $5 for one or five for $20. The winner will be announced after halftime, and proceeds go toward the Panther Pantry."The Panther Pantry is a service the high school provides to kids who don't have food at home," Gregg said. "They send them home with backpacks of things to eat over the weekend so kids don't go hungry when school is not in session. With the holidays coming up - Thanksgiving break, Christmas break - those are times that are in great need for some of these kiddos to make sure they have enough. We wanted to do a fundraiser to sponsor that and make sure they're well-stocked for the holidays."Kickoff for the big game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. With a win against Eisenhower, the Panthers would either travel to Salina Central or host Andover in week two of the playoffs.

GBHS Booster Club encouraging support for tonight's playoff game

Today Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 63. North northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Tonight Clear, with a low around 36. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east northeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning.

Saturday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 39. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 70.

Monday Night Clear, with a low around 43.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 74.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 63. North northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.Tonight Clear, with a low around 36. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east northeast 5 to 7 mph in the morning.Saturday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 39. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.Monday Sunny, with a high near 70.Monday Night Clear, with a low around 43.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 74.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

There is plenty of time for working off those Thanksgiving calories after Turkey Day on Nov. 24. Sunflower Diversified Services is giving you the opportunity to burn some energy beforehand with the second annual Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, Nov. 12. 

"We are having our second annual Turkey Trot 5K, which is just a fun race, basically, through town," said Sunflower's Director of Planned Giving and Community Support Cody Harris. "We also added a 1-mile Fun Run for people who don't necessarily want to do the 5K because 3.11 miles is a lot of miles."

Registration is $25 for the 5K race and $20 for the Fun Run. Registered runners who bring two non-perishable food items to be donated to the Barton County Food Bank will also be entered into a drawing for a Garmin watch donated by Catalyst Therapy and Sports Rehab. The 5K race will be divided into age groups for men and women, and the top male and female runners win an additional prize.

"The overall male and the overall female of the Turkey Trot will actually win a turkey a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving," said Harris. "If they come out and run, they can end up providing the main course for Thanksgiving."

Harris said fundraisers like the runs help Sunflower cover shortfalls in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Approximately 50 people signed up to run for the first event last November, and Harris was pleased by the generosity.

"Last year I brought a pretty good-sized bucket, and I underestimated," he said. "People came through, and they brought more than two cans, a lot of them. They brought whole skids of green beans and stuff. Right before the holidays, that's a big deal."

Register online by <a href="https://www.sunflowerdiv.com/events/2022-turkey-trot-5k-1-mile-fun-run?fbclid=IwAR2-hPBPI8isvC704A0IlEOdKoa_wgHP-oXr-jgjsXg5g7tpgWM-84s_5wo">CLICKING HERE</a>, or on race day from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 10:30, and the Fun Run begins five minutes after that at Brit Spaugh Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666811468595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere is plenty of time for working off those Thanksgiving calories after Turkey Day on Nov. 24. Sunflower Diversified Services is giving you the opportunity to burn some energy beforehand with the second annual Turkey Trot 5K on Saturday, Nov. 12. "We are having our second annual Turkey Trot 5K, which is just a fun race, basically, through town," said Sunflower's Director of Planned Giving and Community Support Cody Harris. "We also added a 1-mile Fun Run for people who don't necessarily want to do the 5K because 3.11 miles is a lot of miles."Registration is $25 for the 5K race and $20 for the Fun Run. Registered runners who bring two non-perishable food items to be donated to the Barton County Food Bank will also be entered into a drawing for a Garmin watch donated by Catalyst Therapy and Sports Rehab. The 5K race will be divided into age groups for men and women, and the top male and female runners win an additional prize."The overall male and the overall female of the Turkey Trot will actually win a turkey a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving," said Harris. "If they come out and run, they can end up providing the main course for Thanksgiving."Harris said fundraisers like the runs help Sunflower cover shortfalls in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Approximately 50 people signed up to run for the first event last November, and Harris was pleased by the generosity."Last year I brought a pretty good-sized bucket, and I underestimated," he said. "People came through, and they brought more than two cans, a lot of them. They brought whole skids of green beans and stuff. Right before the holidays, that's a big deal."Register online by <a href="https://www.sunflowerdiv.com/events/2022-turkey-trot-5k-1-mile-fun-run?fbclid=IwAR2-hPBPI8isvC704A0IlEOdKoa_wgHP-oXr-jgjsXg5g7tpgWM-84s_5wo">CLICKING HERE</a>, or on race day from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The 5K race begins at 10:30, and the Fun Run begins five minutes after that at Brit Spaugh Park.

Sunflower Diversified's Turkey Trot 5K run returns Nov. 12

A better water habitat could improve fishing for local patrons and
prevent the City of Great Bend from restocking in-town lakes with fish as much. 
A battle with blue-green algae years ago and past flooding at Veterans Lake has
caused an aquatic desert for the fish population. Over the winter, the city
will work with Great Bend High School’s FFA chapter to build artificial structures
out of PVC pipe. 
Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said cages will be installed at
both Vets Lake and Stone Lake to protect underwater vegetation that will be
planted next spring. "The purpose of the cages is to keep a lot of the turtles and grass carp out of there," said Keeler. "We have a good population of carp out there. You really can't get rid of them without killing the whole place." 
Ideally, the habitat will provide the fish a place to hide, feed and grow. As the
fish breed and grow, fishing will be significantly better.

"The idea is to get these areas, probably a dozen at both lakes, started and then you expand it," said Keeler. "Once the plant gets healthy enough and big enough, they're resilient enough that they'll keep growing." 
Funding to build up the fish habitats will come from the .15% sales tax revenue
designated for quality of life projects. There is $5,500 assigned to the
project this year, and $5,000 planned for each of the next two years.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663786562783.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA better water habitat could improve fishing for local patrons and
prevent the City of Great Bend from restocking in-town lakes with fish as much. 
A battle with blue-green algae years ago and past flooding at Veterans Lake has
caused an aquatic desert for the fish population. Over the winter, the city
will work with Great Bend High School’s FFA chapter to build artificial structures
out of PVC pipe. 
Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said cages will be installed at
both Vets Lake and Stone Lake to protect underwater vegetation that will be
planted next spring. "The purpose of the cages is to keep a lot of the turtles and grass carp out of there," said Keeler. "We have a good population of carp out there. You really can't get rid of them without killing the whole place." 
Ideally, the habitat will provide the fish a place to hide, feed and grow. As the
fish breed and grow, fishing will be significantly better."The idea is to get these areas, probably a dozen at both lakes, started and then you expand it," said Keeler. "Once the plant gets healthy enough and big enough, they're resilient enough that they'll keep growing." 
Funding to build up the fish habitats will come from the .15% sales tax revenue
designated for quality of life projects. There is $5,500 assigned to the
project this year, and $5,000 planned for each of the next two years.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend hoping more habitat means better fishing

Hear this month's Kansas Strong show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Executive Director of the Kansas Oil and Gas Producers Association Warren Martin that aired Oct. 26, 2022.

The Kansas Strong program airs the fourth Wednesday every month at 8:30 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 Kansas Strong show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Executive Director of the Kansas Oil and Gas Producers Association Warren Martin that aired Oct. 26, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/nrbauzbn/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Kansas Strong program airs the fourth Wednesday every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧Kansas Strong show - Oil & gas education

Barton Community College recognized employees for years of service at an all-campus forum earlier this semester.

Assistant Director of Financial Aid Whitney Asher,&nbsp;15 years

Mechanical Systems Technician Brian Yager, 10 years

Executive Director of Workforce Training &amp; Economic Development Mary Foley,&nbsp;10 years

Executive Director of Healthcare and Public Service Education Chris Baker,&nbsp;&nbsp;5 Years

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666713592997.jpeg" alt="(From left to right) Chris Baker, Mary Foley, Whitney Asher and Brian Yager." />
 <figcaption>(From left to right) Chris Baker, Mary Foley, Whitney Asher and Brian Yager.</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community College recognized employees for years of service at an all-campus forum earlier this semester.The following employees were recognized:Assistant Director of Financial Aid Whitney Asher,&nbsp;15 yearsMechanical Systems Technician Brian Yager, 10 yearsExecutive Director of Workforce Training &amp; Economic Development Mary Foley,&nbsp;10 yearsExecutive Director of Healthcare and Public Service Education Chris Baker,&nbsp;&nbsp;5 Years

Barton Community College recognizes employees for years of service

Halloween was always a fun time of the year for my family because one of my children was born early on a Halloween morning. I just barely got the October baby I wanted! Below are some helpful tips for keeping children of all ages healthy and safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following tips:

Costumes · Plan costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame resistant. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

· Make sure that shoes and hats fit well, and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame and hats don’t cover the eyes, blocking vision. · Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks.

· Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as a costume accessory. Your child can easily be hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips. · Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional.

Pumpkins · Never allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting, using small knives to prevent injury.

· Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.

· Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by and do not leave them unattended.

On the trick-or-treat trail · Reduce pedestrian injury―the most common injury to children on Halloween.

o Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.

o Use well-lit streets and the sidewalk as well as marked crosswalks.

o If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.

o Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.

o Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!

Healthy Halloween · Give your child a balanced meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating; this will discourage filling up on Halloween treats.

· Consider offering non-edible goodies. Some suggestions are items such as glow sticks, spider rings, vampire fangs, pencils, bubbles, bouncy balls, finger puppets, whistles, bookmarks, stickers and stencils.

· Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth at all times. As all parents know, babies and toddlers will put just about anything into their mouths!

· Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween. Plan together so everyone knows what to expect. It's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about moderation and balance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>Halloween was always a fun time of the year for my family because one of my children was born early on a Halloween morning. I just barely got the October baby I wanted! Below are some helpful tips for keeping children of all ages healthy and safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following tips:Costumes · Plan costumes that are bright, reflective, and flame resistant. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.· Make sure that shoes and hats fit well, and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame and hats don’t cover the eyes, blocking vision. · Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks.· Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as a costume accessory. Your child can easily be hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips. · Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional.Pumpkins · Never allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting, using small knives to prevent injury.· Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.· Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by and do not leave them unattended.On the trick-or-treat trail · Reduce pedestrian injury―the most common injury to children on Halloween.o Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.o Use well-lit streets and the sidewalk as well as marked crosswalks.o If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.o Never cut across yards or use alleys.o Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.o Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!Healthy Halloween · Give your child a balanced meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating; this will discourage filling up on Halloween treats.· Consider offering non-edible goodies. Some suggestions are items such as glow sticks, spider rings, vampire fangs, pencils, bubbles, bouncy balls, finger puppets, whistles, bookmarks, stickers and stencils.· Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth at all times. As all parents know, babies and toddlers will put just about anything into their mouths!· Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween. Plan together so everyone knows what to expect. It's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about moderation and balance.

KOERNER: Halloween health & safety tips

Stueder Contractors welcomed five new technicians to their team in the past 18 months. These technicians bring a combined 49 years of experience to the Stueder’s crew. And from what Stueder's knows, Shayna is the only female plumber in town.&nbsp;

Family-owned and operated for nearly 40 years, Stueder Contractors has 20 full-time employees serving Great Bend and Central Kansas with HVAC, plumbing, electrical services and more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666808901693.jpeg" alt="New hires at Stueder Contractors pose before a busy workday. (left to right) Front Row: Frank, Shayna &amp; Kurt. Back Row: Aaron &amp; Matt" />
 <figcaption>New hires at Stueder Contractors pose before a busy workday. (left to right) Front Row: Frank, Shayna &amp; Kurt. Back Row: Aaron &amp; Matt</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSStueder Contractors welcomed five new technicians to their team in the past 18 months. These technicians bring a combined 49 years of experience to the Stueder’s crew. And from what Stueder's knows, Shayna is the only female plumber in town.&nbsp;Family-owned and operated for nearly 40 years, Stueder Contractors has 20 full-time employees serving Great Bend and Central Kansas with HVAC, plumbing, electrical services and more.

The Stueder Contractors crew is growing

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and members from the Great Bend Fire Department that aired Oct. 26, 2022.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and members from the Great Bend Fire Department that aired Oct. 26, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/myehdh3z/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎤City Edition: Great Bend Fire Dept. staff

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees approved the personnel report at
Tuesday’s meeting that included the hiring of Kiah Rainbolt as a campus safety
officer. 
Barton’s President Dr. Carl Heilman said the college seems to be always
searching to fill a safety officer position and was pleased to fill the open
spot. 
Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said there are seven security
officers employed for the Great Bend campus. Those seven officers have to cover
the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week with three shifts. "On different days, we'll have two on campus, typically in the evening when classes are out," said Dean. "The rest of the time we typically have one." 
The most recent officer that resigned from Barton went to work at Larned State
Hospital. In July, the Board of Trustees voted to give all regular staff an 8%
pay increase and make sure all open positions offer market value income. In
June there were 65 job openings, but that number is down to 11 as of Tuesday. 
With violent tragedies happening around the country at educational institutions,
Board Chair Mike Johnson recommended a report be presented to the board on the
college’s security processes and procedures.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643666268372.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Barton Community College Board of Trustees approved the personnel report at
Tuesday’s meeting that included the hiring of Kiah Rainbolt as a campus safety
officer. 
Barton’s President Dr. Carl Heilman said the college seems to be always
searching to fill a safety officer position and was pleased to fill the open
spot. 
Barton Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said there are seven security
officers employed for the Great Bend campus. Those seven officers have to cover
the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week with three shifts. "On different days, we'll have two on campus, typically in the evening when classes are out," said Dean. "The rest of the time we typically have one." 
The most recent officer that resigned from Barton went to work at Larned State
Hospital. In July, the Board of Trustees voted to give all regular staff an 8%
pay increase and make sure all open positions offer market value income. In
June there were 65 job openings, but that number is down to 11 as of Tuesday. 
With violent tragedies happening around the country at educational institutions,
Board Chair Mike Johnson recommended a report be presented to the board on the
college’s security processes and procedures.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pay increases lowering Barton Community College’s vacant positions

Gun-control legislation continues to be a hot-button issue around the nation. In April 2021, the Barton County Commission signed Proclamation 2021-09 stating Barton County is a Second Amendment Sanctuary for the preservation of defense of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Andrew Cook took that to heart. Earlier this month, Cook exercised his Constitutional rights by carrying a rifle around and inside the Barton County Courthouse. 

"The county had a one-hour heads up that I was coming," he said. "The sheriff's department had been contacted, letting them know that, because of this proclamation, I'm coming down there. Here's the rifle I'm bringing down, here's the time I'm going to be down there, and here's the activities I'm going to be doing. Give heads up to whoever needs to be notified."

Cook reports he actually received a warm welcome from several residents. Three people applauded his efforts on the way to the building, and two more women gave him a thumbs-up inside the courthouse. He said openly carrying a firearm is not about terrifying people who work or do business in the building.

"I was going there for a purpose, to show them that I can and they're not going to shut me down," he said. "At the same time, I'm not going with the intent to terrify anybody. I really don't want to get shot, so I want to give as much heads up and advanced notice to everybody as possible that, hey, I'm going to be there, but I'm not a threat to anybody."

Cook said, at the end of the day, government officials have sworn to protect the Constitution, including the Second Amendment. Expressing that right is bigger than himself.

"They're the ones swearing an oath to protect it," Cook said. "The Second Amendment shall not be infringed upon. It should begin and end right at that point. The Second Amendment doesn't talk about peoples' personal feelings on the matter. It's not protecting feelings when it comes to it, it's protecting rights. 

"At the end of the day, it's not Andrew Cook that has the right to go in there and do it. It's all the citizens have the right to do that. That's what we have to protect. There's truth in the saying that, 'An armed society is a polite society.'"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666799488624.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGun-control legislation continues to be a hot-button issue around the nation. In April 2021, the Barton County Commission signed Proclamation 2021-09 stating Barton County is a Second Amendment Sanctuary for the preservation of defense of the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Andrew Cook took that to heart. Earlier this month, Cook exercised his Constitutional rights by carrying a rifle around and inside the Barton County Courthouse. "The county had a one-hour heads up that I was coming," he said. "The sheriff's department had been contacted, letting them know that, because of this proclamation, I'm coming down there. Here's the rifle I'm bringing down, here's the time I'm going to be down there, and here's the activities I'm going to be doing. Give heads up to whoever needs to be notified."Cook reports he actually received a warm welcome from several residents. Three people applauded his efforts on the way to the building, and two more women gave him a thumbs-up inside the courthouse. He said openly carrying a firearm is not about terrifying people who work or do business in the building."I was going there for a purpose, to show them that I can and they're not going to shut me down," he said. "At the same time, I'm not going with the intent to terrify anybody. I really don't want to get shot, so I want to give as much heads up and advanced notice to everybody as possible that, hey, I'm going to be there, but I'm not a threat to anybody."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666799630374.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cook said, at the end of the day, government officials have sworn to protect the Constitution, including the Second Amendment. Expressing that right is bigger than himself."They're the ones swearing an oath to protect it," Cook said. "The Second Amendment shall not be infringed upon. It should begin and end right at that point. The Second Amendment doesn't talk about peoples' personal feelings on the matter. It's not protecting feelings when it comes to it, it's protecting rights. "At the end of the day, it's not Andrew Cook that has the right to go in there and do it. It's all the citizens have the right to do that. That's what we have to protect. There's truth in the saying that, 'An armed society is a polite society.'"

Follow up: Citizen asserting right to bear arms in Barton Co.

Today A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. South southeast wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tonight A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. East wind 5 to 13 mph.

Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 73.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. South southeast wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Tonight A 30-percent chance of showers, mainly between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. East wind 5 to 13 mph.Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36. East wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.Monday Sunny, with a high near 70.Monday Night Clear, with a low around 43.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 73.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...

Thursday, Oct. 27 Chamber Coffee: Xpress Wellness

Please join us for our weekly Chamber Coffee, this week is hosted by Xpress Wellness, location 3800 10th St. in Great Bend. Doors open at 9 am. The program begins at 9:30 am. If you can't make it in person, join us for the live broadcast&nbsp;on the Chamber's Facebook and YouTube pages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce...Thursday, Oct. 27 Chamber Coffee: Xpress Wellness Please join us for our weekly Chamber Coffee, this week is hosted by Xpress Wellness, location 3800 10th St. in Great Bend. Doors open at 9 am. The program begins at 9:30 am. If you can't make it in person, join us for the live broadcast&nbsp;on the Chamber's Facebook and YouTube pages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Chamber coffee hour (10/27)

Just like everyone else, college athletic departments are trying to
adjust to the inflation wave over the past couple of years. Barton Community
College Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said the jump in price at the gas
tank is not the only part of his budget that is seeing a rise. Equipment,
balls and the price to feed the student athletes have all gone up. 
"You're traveling those teams all over the place, that's a significant amount that has to be accounted and budgeted for," said Rolfs. "Meals...you used to be able to take a team and feed a player pretty easily for seven dollars. Now, you can hardly touch a good meal for a kid for 10 dollars." 
Rolfs, a Tuesday guest on Sports Day on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM, referenced a
softball bat that retailed for $250 a year and a half ago, is now selling for
$500. 
"The shoot-away machines that are popular for the sport of basketball, you could buy those all day long between four and 5,000 bucks," said Rolfs. "Now, they're between $6,500 and $8,000." 
When calculating gas expenses for one of Barton’s basketball teams this
year, the team will travel nearly 3,900 miles in the regular season.

There are
22 sports teams at Barton Community College, each with their own budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666732422992.jpeg" alt="One basketball team at Barton Community College will travel just under 3,900 miles during the upcoming regular season." />
 <figcaption>One basketball team at Barton Community College will travel just under 3,900 miles during the upcoming regular season.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostJust like everyone else, college athletic departments are trying to
adjust to the inflation wave over the past couple of years. Barton Community
College Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said the jump in price at the gas
tank is not the only part of his budget that is seeing a rise. Equipment,
balls and the price to feed the student athletes have all gone up. 
"You're traveling those teams all over the place, that's a significant amount that has to be accounted and budgeted for," said Rolfs. "Meals...you used to be able to take a team and feed a player pretty easily for seven dollars. Now, you can hardly touch a good meal for a kid for 10 dollars." 
Rolfs, a Tuesday guest on Sports Day on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM, referenced a
softball bat that retailed for $250 a year and a half ago, is now selling for
$500. 
"The shoot-away machines that are popular for the sport of basketball, you could buy those all day long between four and 5,000 bucks," said Rolfs. "Now, they're between $6,500 and $8,000." 
When calculating gas expenses for one of Barton’s basketball teams this
year, the team will travel nearly 3,900 miles in the regular season. There are
22 sports teams at Barton Community College, each with their own budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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