By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Area law enforcement officers were busy over the weekend with a pair of high-speed pursuits that ended in arrests. Friday evening, 30-year-old Nathan Hillegeist was arrested outside Great Bend after an incident in Hoisington, according to Hoisington Chief of Police Kenton Doze.

"Officers responded to the possibility of a domestic," he said. "A car was leaving the area and it took off at a high rate of speed. What I found out was, it went in around Great Bend, and somewhere west of Great Bend they finally got the vehicle stopped and the subject arrested."

Hillegeist was booked into the Barton County jail on charges that include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, fleeing and eluding, criminal damage, and multiple traffic offenses. Bond was set at $40,000.

Just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 39-year-old Kyle Nelson eluded law enforcement after a disturbance at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned. That high-speed pursuit reached speeds well over 100 miles per hour as Nelson led officers along U.S. 56 Highway, down Railroad Avenue to Main Street in Great Bend, then east to K-156 Highway.

Nelson was eventually arrested near Holyrood. He was booked into the Barton County jail on charges that included felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and multiple traffic offenses. He was released after posting a $5,000 surety bond.

<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/jbYKLuAE-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Dsc 0011 (1)" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostArea law enforcement officers were busy over the weekend with a pair of high-speed pursuits that ended in arrests. Friday evening, 30-year-old Nathan Hillegeist was arrested outside Great Bend after an incident in Hoisington, according to Hoisington Chief of Police Kenton Doze."Officers responded to the possibility of a domestic," he said. "A car was leaving the area and it took off at a high rate of speed. What I found out was, it went in around Great Bend, and somewhere west of Great Bend they finally got the vehicle stopped and the subject arrested."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664894210169.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hillegeist was booked into the Barton County jail on charges that include aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, fleeing and eluding, criminal damage, and multiple traffic offenses. Bond was set at $40,000.Just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 39-year-old Kyle Nelson eluded law enforcement after a disturbance at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned. That high-speed pursuit reached speeds well over 100 miles per hour as Nelson led officers along U.S. 56 Highway, down Railroad Avenue to Main Street in Great Bend, then east to K-156 Highway.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664894229467.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nelson was eventually arrested near Holyrood. He was booked into the Barton County jail on charges that included felony flee and elude, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and multiple traffic offenses. He was released after posting a $5,000 surety bond.

🎥 Two arrested in separate high-speed pursuits in Barton County

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (10/4) 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 7:58 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 670 NW 60 Avenue in Olmitz. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 4:03 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1304 NW 10 Avenue. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 4:51 p.m. a trespassing case was reported in the 100 block of NE 10 Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 5:32 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 15 SW 40 Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:13 p.m. a report of cattle out was reported in the 1000 block of N. US 281
Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 7:48 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at N. Court Street &amp; W. 5th
Street in Hoisington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:23 p.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of NE 30 Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (10/4) 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 4:39 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2311 31st Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:55 a.m. an accident was reported in the 2300 block of Jefferson Street. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 9:28 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 8823 4th Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 11:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 3101 Stone Street. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 3:32 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 304 Hubbard Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 4:02 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2422 Lakin Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:28 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 900 block of 10th
Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 5:32 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 15 SW 40 Avenue. No fire. 
 
Stalking 
 
At 5:51 p.m. harassment by phone was reported on 18th Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 6:39 p.m. a burglary was reported at 5926 Eisenhower Avenue. No case. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 6:40 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 224 Fruit Street. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 6:54 p.m. convulsions/seizures were reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:57 p.m. an accident was reported at 4714 17th Street Ter. 
 
At 8:15 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (10/4) 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 7:58 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 670 NW 60 Avenue in Olmitz. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 4:03 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 1304 NW 10 Avenue. 
 
Trespassing / Criminal 
 
At 4:51 p.m. a trespassing case was reported in the 100 block of NE 10 Avenue. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 5:32 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 15 SW 40 Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:13 p.m. a report of cattle out was reported in the 1000 block of N. US 281
Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 7:48 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at N. Court Street &amp; W. 5th
Street in Hoisington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:23 p.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 300 block of NE 30 Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (10/4) 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 4:39 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2311 31st Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:55 a.m. an accident was reported in the 2300 block of Jefferson Street. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 9:28 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 8823 4th Street. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 11:39 a.m. criminal damage was reported at 3101 Stone Street. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 3:32 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 304 Hubbard Street. 
 
Parking Complaint 
 
At 4:02 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2422 Lakin Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:28 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 900 block of 10th
Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 5:32 p.m. a fire alarm was reported at 15 SW 40 Avenue. No fire. 
 
Stalking 
 
At 5:51 p.m. harassment by phone was reported on 18th Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 6:39 p.m. a burglary was reported at 5926 Eisenhower Avenue. No case. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 6:40 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 224 Fruit Street. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 6:54 p.m. convulsions/seizures were reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:57 p.m. an accident was reported at 4714 17th Street Ter. 
 
At 8:15 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street.

Cop Shop (10/4)

The Kansas Geological Survey on Wednesday reported a small earthquake Tuesday afternoon in Russell County.

The 2.1-magnitude quake was recorded in the central part of the county at 4:09 p.m. Tuesday, KGS reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664975008442.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Geological Survey on Wednesday reported a small earthquake Tuesday afternoon in Russell County.The 2.1-magnitude quake was recorded in the central part of the county at 4:09 p.m. Tuesday, KGS reported.

Minor earthquake reported in Russell Co. on Tuesday

10/4 BOOKED: Michael Philbern on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Marcus Miller on four Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $130,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Wesley Barnes on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Illegal Tag, and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Taner Osborn on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of Opiate and No Drug Tax Stamp, transferred to Sherman County Sheriff's Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/4 BOOKED: Michael Philbern on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Marcus Miller on four Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $130,000 C/S.BOOKED: Wesley Barnes on Barton County District Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Illegal Tag, and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Taner Osborn on Barton County District Court warrant for Distribution of Opiate and No Drug Tax Stamp, transferred to Sherman County Sheriff's Department.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (10/4)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The City of Great Bend is throwing $20,000 into a fund to assist
property owners to make repairs to public sidewalks. The cost share program is
available immediately on a first come, first serve basis. 
Great Bend had a sidewalk repair program, but city administration noted it was
poorly written. The revamped plan provides both residential and commercial
property owners a 50% reimbursement of labor and materials up to $800. 
At Monday's meeting, Great Bend City Council recognized that some sidewalks are in poor shape
because tree roots have caused them to buckle. Mayor Cody Schmidt and most of
the council felt the cost share program should only apply to the repair of the
sidewalk and not the removal of trees. "I don't think financially we have that set there for tree removal," said Schmidt. "$20,000 would be eaten up in no time. I think we keep with sidewalk repair and we can always adjust. $20,000 is not going to go very far with the $130 per yard of concrete." 
Corner lots are eligible for up to $1,600. If repairs are self-performed, the
plan will only reimburse for materials. 
The program will be annually funded at $20,000. The fiscal year 2022 funding
will be provided by the “Quality of Life” sales tax. Subsequent years, half of
the plan will be funded by the sales tax and the other half from the Public
Works department budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664922039555.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is throwing $20,000 into a fund to assist
property owners to make repairs to public sidewalks. The cost share program is
available immediately on a first come, first serve basis. 
Great Bend had a sidewalk repair program, but city administration noted it was
poorly written. The revamped plan provides both residential and commercial
property owners a 50% reimbursement of labor and materials up to $800. 
At Monday's meeting, Great Bend City Council recognized that some sidewalks are in poor shape
because tree roots have caused them to buckle. Mayor Cody Schmidt and most of
the council felt the cost share program should only apply to the repair of the
sidewalk and not the removal of trees. "I don't think financially we have that set there for tree removal," said Schmidt. "$20,000 would be eaten up in no time. I think we keep with sidewalk repair and we can always adjust. $20,000 is not going to go very far with the $130 per yard of concrete." 
Corner lots are eligible for up to $1,600. If repairs are self-performed, the
plan will only reimburse for materials. 
The program will be annually funded at $20,000. The fiscal year 2022 funding
will be provided by the “Quality of Life” sales tax. Subsequent years, half of
the plan will be funded by the sales tax and the other half from the Public
Works department budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Financial support available to make sidewalk repairs in Great Bend

Today A 20-percent chance of showers before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 50. North northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light west northwest.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Northeast wind 9 to 11 mph.

Friday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. East northeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 62.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night A 10-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Columbus Day A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20-percent chance of showers before 7 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 50. North northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light west northwest.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Northeast wind 9 to 11 mph.Friday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. East northeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Friday Night A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 62.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77.Sunday Night A 10-percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.Columbus Day A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 78.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher My fellow Kansas Farm Bureau members this is a call to action, a challenge, we need you to go out and vote Nov. 8. I am not going to sugarcoat it, instead I am going to hit this head on. Every one of our members need to get out and vote and your neighbors need to get out and vote — agriculture depends on it. Historically when those of us from farms and ranches and our rural communities have shown up at the ballot box, we have carried the day. But recently we have gotten lax about going to the polls. In 2020, just under 68 percent of voters in the largely rural 1st&nbsp;Congressional District cast ballots. In the compact, urban 3rd&nbsp;District, turnout topped 75 percent of eligible voters. I get it if it is fatigue from all of the haggling or wrangling. I am tired of it too. I don’t care why you might not have voted in the past, I am telling you to get out and vote in this election because it absolutely will matter. Recently we have seen elections turn on just a few votes, elections right here in our own state. Don’t tell me your single vote doesn’t matter because it does. My parents instilled in me the need to get out and vote in every election, and I can proudly say I have never missed the opportunity to cast a ballot. I believe my mother told me that you do not have the option to complain about the government if you did not vote. Rural voters might be a minority in Kansas, but we have proven time and time again that when we go to the polls, we have an impact and often sway the election our way. Am I going to tell you how to vote? No, but if you want my advice and opinion, I would be happy to share it with you. I would urge you to look at the list of candidates endorsed by KFB’s Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF), our organization’s political action committee. VOTE FBF is a group of Farm Bureau members, elected from all 10 districts who research races, solicit feedback from county Farm Bureaus and endorse candidates friendly to agriculture. You may view endorsements at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=727af882cf&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kfb.org/votefbf</a>. We need to make sure we elect farm-friendly legislators who will make decisions in the best interest of agriculture. My message is urgent because we have to mobilize the rural vote. We each need to make sure our friends, family and neighbors are registered to vote by Oct. 18. Make sure they know how critical it is for each of us to exercise our right to cast a ballot. I cannot say it strongly enough, if we do not get out and vote, important decisions that affect our way of life will be made by voters who do not understand how those decisions impact us. So, do your homework, look at the list of Vote FBF endorsed candidates and make sure you get to the polls on Nov. 8. If you can’t make it in person, you still have the opportunity to cast a mail ballot or go to the courthouse and cast an absentee ballot. There are no excuses for not voting, our businesses and livelihoods depend on it.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576508626397.png" alt="Glenn Brunkow" />
 <figcaption>Glenn Brunkow</figcaption>
 </figure>By GLENN BRUNKOW Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher My fellow Kansas Farm Bureau members this is a call to action, a challenge, we need you to go out and vote Nov. 8. I am not going to sugarcoat it, instead I am going to hit this head on. Every one of our members need to get out and vote and your neighbors need to get out and vote — agriculture depends on it. Historically when those of us from farms and ranches and our rural communities have shown up at the ballot box, we have carried the day. But recently we have gotten lax about going to the polls. In 2020, just under 68 percent of voters in the largely rural 1st&nbsp;Congressional District cast ballots. In the compact, urban 3rd&nbsp;District, turnout topped 75 percent of eligible voters. I get it if it is fatigue from all of the haggling or wrangling. I am tired of it too. I don’t care why you might not have voted in the past, I am telling you to get out and vote in this election because it absolutely will matter. Recently we have seen elections turn on just a few votes, elections right here in our own state. Don’t tell me your single vote doesn’t matter because it does. My parents instilled in me the need to get out and vote in every election, and I can proudly say I have never missed the opportunity to cast a ballot. I believe my mother told me that you do not have the option to complain about the government if you did not vote. Rural voters might be a minority in Kansas, but we have proven time and time again that when we go to the polls, we have an impact and often sway the election our way. Am I going to tell you how to vote? No, but if you want my advice and opinion, I would be happy to share it with you. I would urge you to look at the list of candidates endorsed by KFB’s Voters Organized To Elect Farm Bureau Friends (VOTE FBF), our organization’s political action committee. VOTE FBF is a group of Farm Bureau members, elected from all 10 districts who research races, solicit feedback from county Farm Bureaus and endorse candidates friendly to agriculture. You may view endorsements at&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=727af882cf&amp;e=5bf0f0e5fe">www.kfb.org/votefbf</a>. We need to make sure we elect farm-friendly legislators who will make decisions in the best interest of agriculture. My message is urgent because we have to mobilize the rural vote. We each need to make sure our friends, family and neighbors are registered to vote by Oct. 18. Make sure they know how critical it is for each of us to exercise our right to cast a ballot. I cannot say it strongly enough, if we do not get out and vote, important decisions that affect our way of life will be made by voters who do not understand how those decisions impact us. So, do your homework, look at the list of Vote FBF endorsed candidates and make sure you get to the polls on Nov. 8. If you can’t make it in person, you still have the opportunity to cast a mail ballot or go to the courthouse and cast an absentee ballot. There are no excuses for not voting, our businesses and livelihoods depend on it."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: The rural impact

RUSSELL — Scared Silly will be sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. RCT’s 103rd production is a compilation of short plays dealing with the spooky and supernatural in a most comedic way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Randyll Mauro is making her directorial debut with this production. Seven short plays have been selected from Scared Silly and RCT is sure this will be an audience favorite! The following individuals have been cast for various roles: Kiefer Craig, Nikki Kuntzsch, Debora Kreutzer, Teressa Roe, Todd Chance, Monica Harrison, Nakota Allen, Dalton Mauro, Brandon Fitzgerald, Sheila Lamb, Olivia Schreiner and Liberty Kuntzsch.&nbsp;

It’s You by Ian McWethy-The Brillmore Strangler is on the loose--and as a slasher-movie junkie, Lois couldn't be more excited. Her friends are less thrilled, especially when they hear she's tracked the killer to the very room they're in. As the bodies pile up, accusing the right guy (or girl!) proves harder than it looks in this loving send-up of slasher-movie mayhem.&nbsp;

The True Meaning of Halloween by Don Zolidis-On Halloween night, a couple opens their door to a find true monster: a teenager without a costume who demands candy anyway. While Alicia thinks they should just give Jordan a Butterfinger and call it a night, to Jonas, it's about the integrity of trick-or-treating. It's about effort. It's about America. But if there's more to Jordan than meets the eye, it just might also be a Halloween miracle.&nbsp;

The Midnight Club by Jonathan Dorf-It's hard enough for a group of students from different walks of life to get along in detention under the best of circumstances. Try midnight detention at a supernatural school where one kid spiked the punch with holy water and another is trying to slow down his transformation into a zombie. A reminder that in a way, each of us is a brain and an athlete . . . and a ghost . . . and a werewolf.&nbsp;

The Kev-Burger by Peter Bloedel-Even though Trisha's broken her glasses, she's excited to have a nice meal with her boyfriend Ned at the new burger place in town. But Ned can see clearly that something's suspicious here. Like the guy covered in blood lurking around. Or the gangsters delivering "steaks" in a body bag. Macabre farce is on the menu in this delicious comedy.&nbsp;

The (Completely Inaccurate) Legend of the Mummy Witch House by Hillary DePiano-Three urban explorers venture into a haunted house to find proof of a legend, but when they come face-to-face with the creepy place's real residents, they're not quite what the trio expected. Turns out, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction--and way more fun.&nbsp;

Forever Friends by Becca Schlossberg-Ash is devoted to her stuffed animals, even though she's thirteen and people give her a hard time. Turns out someone else knows exactly how she feels--who happens to be a terrifying ghost who lives in her closet. A whimsical tale of friendship between the human, ghostly, and stuffed.&nbsp;

Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies by Ed Monk-Earth faces a peril unlike anything humanity has ever seen, and it looks like cafeteria corn dogs. When the principal and a school bully start acting strangely, a group of students discover that aliens are testing a mind control device on their school lunch. But the invaders have one weakness . . . and you can collect them all!&nbsp;

Performances will run October 18-22, 2022, at the RCT Playhouse (5th and Kansas, Russell). Show time is 8:00 pm. Admission is $12 or by season ticket. Scared Silly is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.&nbsp; &nbsp; Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 102 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057 or visit the group's Facebook page.

SubmittedRUSSELL — Scared Silly will be sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. RCT’s 103rd production is a compilation of short plays dealing with the spooky and supernatural in a most comedic way.&nbsp;&nbsp;Randyll Mauro is making her directorial debut with this production. Seven short plays have been selected from Scared Silly and RCT is sure this will be an audience favorite! The following individuals have been cast for various roles: Kiefer Craig, Nikki Kuntzsch, Debora Kreutzer, Teressa Roe, Todd Chance, Monica Harrison, Nakota Allen, Dalton Mauro, Brandon Fitzgerald, Sheila Lamb, Olivia Schreiner and Liberty Kuntzsch.&nbsp;It’s You by Ian McWethy-The Brillmore Strangler is on the loose--and as a slasher-movie junkie, Lois couldn't be more excited. Her friends are less thrilled, especially when they hear she's tracked the killer to the very room they're in. As the bodies pile up, accusing the right guy (or girl!) proves harder than it looks in this loving send-up of slasher-movie mayhem.&nbsp;The True Meaning of Halloween by Don Zolidis-On Halloween night, a couple opens their door to a find true monster: a teenager without a costume who demands candy anyway. While Alicia thinks they should just give Jordan a Butterfinger and call it a night, to Jonas, it's about the integrity of trick-or-treating. It's about effort. It's about America. But if there's more to Jordan than meets the eye, it just might also be a Halloween miracle.&nbsp;The Midnight Club by Jonathan Dorf-It's hard enough for a group of students from different walks of life to get along in detention under the best of circumstances. Try midnight detention at a supernatural school where one kid spiked the punch with holy water and another is trying to slow down his transformation into a zombie. A reminder that in a way, each of us is a brain and an athlete . . . and a ghost . . . and a werewolf.&nbsp;The Kev-Burger by Peter Bloedel-Even though Trisha's broken her glasses, she's excited to have a nice meal with her boyfriend Ned at the new burger place in town. But Ned can see clearly that something's suspicious here. Like the guy covered in blood lurking around. Or the gangsters delivering "steaks" in a body bag. Macabre farce is on the menu in this delicious comedy.&nbsp;The (Completely Inaccurate) Legend of the Mummy Witch House by Hillary DePiano-Three urban explorers venture into a haunted house to find proof of a legend, but when they come face-to-face with the creepy place's real residents, they're not quite what the trio expected. Turns out, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction--and way more fun.&nbsp;Forever Friends by Becca Schlossberg-Ash is devoted to her stuffed animals, even though she's thirteen and people give her a hard time. Turns out someone else knows exactly how she feels--who happens to be a terrifying ghost who lives in her closet. A whimsical tale of friendship between the human, ghostly, and stuffed.&nbsp;Attack of the Cafeteria Zombies by Ed Monk-Earth faces a peril unlike anything humanity has ever seen, and it looks like cafeteria corn dogs. When the principal and a school bully start acting strangely, a group of students discover that aliens are testing a mind control device on their school lunch. But the invaders have one weakness . . . and you can collect them all!&nbsp;Performances will run October 18-22, 2022, at the RCT Playhouse (5th and Kansas, Russell). Show time is 8:00 pm. Admission is $12 or by season ticket. Scared Silly is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.&nbsp; &nbsp; Russell Community Theater is a nonprofit theater company in Russell, Kansas. The sole purpose of RCT is to produce theater for the community and the surrounding area. Completely volunteer driven, RCT is supported financially solely through ticket admissions and gifts from those supportive of community theater. Since its inception in 1986, RCT has presented 102 full-scale theatrical productions. For more information, call 785-483-4057 or visit the group's Facebook page.

Russell theater group will present 'Scared Silly'

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3e5y9Ou. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Minutes of the September 28, 2022, Regular Meeting are not available. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.

II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION: A Resolution Concerning the Involvement of Sitting Barton County Commissioners on Area Boards and Committees: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Commissioner Kirby Krier will provide details. This item has been tabled throughout the month of September, 2022. Commissioner Krier proposed Resolution guidelines for Commissioners when dealing with area boards and committees.

III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. PROCLAMATION 2022-16: A Proclamation in Support of Manufacturing (MFG) Day: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Megan Barfield, President / CEO, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, will ask that the Commission adopt a Proclamation in support of Manufacturing (MFG) Day. Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is held on the first Friday in October in order to provide students, parents and the public with information on modern manufacturing. Emphasis continues on engaging digital and virtual events throughout the country as a means to inspire the next generation to start careers in modern manufacturing.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Request for Extended Deadline – Andrew Mingenback, The Landing: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mark Mingenback will provide details. In September, 2021, Andrew Mingenback was awarded a $20,000.00 Façade Improvement Grant allocation for the property located at 2105 Forest, Great Bend. Since its inception, there have been supply line issues and historical considerations affected the project. The Commission will be asked to extend the deadline to June 30, 2023.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Request for Extended Deadline – Chelsea Morris, Chelsea Properties LLC: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, will provide details. In September, 2021, Chelsea Morris, Chelsea Properties LLC, was awarded a $20,000.00 Façade Improvement Grant allocation for the property located at 1401 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. There have been vendor, supply line issues and historical considerations affecting the project. The Commission will be asked to extend the deadline to June 30, 2023.

IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Grant Opportunities, Personnel and Advisory Board Resolution update – Karen Winkelman, Health Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:15 a.m. – Program Update – Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:30 a.m. – Equipment Needs – Dena Popp, 911 Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, Director of&nbsp;Operations.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled for October 6, 2022.

V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619186644580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3e5y9Ou. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. Until CloseI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Minutes of the September 28, 2022, Regular Meeting are not available. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION: A Resolution Concerning the Involvement of Sitting Barton County Commissioners on Area Boards and Committees: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Commissioner Kirby Krier will provide details. This item has been tabled throughout the month of September, 2022. Commissioner Krier proposed Resolution guidelines for Commissioners when dealing with area boards and committees.III. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. PROCLAMATION 2022-16: A Proclamation in Support of Manufacturing (MFG) Day: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Megan Barfield, President / CEO, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, will ask that the Commission adopt a Proclamation in support of Manufacturing (MFG) Day. Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) is held on the first Friday in October in order to provide students, parents and the public with information on modern manufacturing. Emphasis continues on engaging digital and virtual events throughout the country as a means to inspire the next generation to start careers in modern manufacturing.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Request for Extended Deadline – Andrew Mingenback, The Landing: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mark Mingenback will provide details. In September, 2021, Andrew Mingenback was awarded a $20,000.00 Façade Improvement Grant allocation for the property located at 2105 Forest, Great Bend. Since its inception, there have been supply line issues and historical considerations affected the project. The Commission will be asked to extend the deadline to June 30, 2023.&nbsp; &nbsp;C. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: Request for Extended Deadline – Chelsea Morris, Chelsea Properties LLC: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, will provide details. In September, 2021, Chelsea Morris, Chelsea Properties LLC, was awarded a $20,000.00 Façade Improvement Grant allocation for the property located at 1401 Main, Great Bend, Kansas. There have been vendor, supply line issues and historical considerations affecting the project. The Commission will be asked to extend the deadline to June 30, 2023.IV. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:00 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Grant Opportunities, Personnel and Advisory Board Resolution update – Karen Winkelman, Health Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:15 a.m. – Program Update – Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:30 a.m. – Equipment Needs – Dena Popp, 911 Director.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, Director of&nbsp;Operations.THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is scheduled for October 6, 2022.V. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Wednesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Wednesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 12, 2022.VI. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (10/5)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664889685979.jpeg" alt="Staff members Colleen Breiteinbach (3rd grade teacher) and Gwendolyn Caro (2nd grade teacher) pose with the 2022-2023 student council members for Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend. This year's selected representatives are (from left to right): Addison Maxwell, Ivy Peterson, Maggie Breitenbach, Jace Mawhirter, Ethan Harrington, Kera Thomas, Miranda Nolde, Kylie Drake, Emma Hammeke, and Riskin Waters. These young leaders meet biweekly to discuss and plan student body activities. First up on their list for this school year is an anti-bullying awareness project slated for later this month. Learn more about Central Kansas Christian Academy at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ckcacademy.com/" target="_blank">www.ckcacademy.com</a>. Or find the local school on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Staff members Colleen Breiteinbach (3rd grade teacher) and Gwendolyn Caro (2nd grade teacher) pose with the 2022-2023 student council members for Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend. This year's selected representatives are (from left to right): Addison Maxwell, Ivy Peterson, Maggie Breitenbach, Jace Mawhirter, Ethan Harrington, Kera Thomas, Miranda Nolde, Kylie Drake, Emma Hammeke, and Riskin Waters. These young leaders meet biweekly to discuss and plan student body activities. First up on their list for this school year is an anti-bullying awareness project slated for later this month. Learn more about Central Kansas Christian Academy at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ckcacademy.com/" target="_blank">www.ckcacademy.com</a>. Or find the local school on Facebook.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Central Kansas Christian Academy appoints student council

It's November, it's cold outside, and everyone is already thinking about Thanksgiving. It's time to have some fun indoors. That's why the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce is moving its summer bowling event to November. Hoisington Chamber Director Karen Baldyga said the new Turkey Bowl will be an annual event.

"We did a similar one called Roll Into Summer that was this past June," she said. "We decided that going forward we're going to make it an annual event, but in November, which is the normal time where bowling leagues are taking place."

The Turkey Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 at Cardinal Lanes in Hoisington. Registration is $25 per person or $50 per team. There are 24 team slots available for each of three time slots that day. The Turkey Bowl will be a Baker's doubles format with one bowler on a team bowling odd frames, and the other bowling even. Registration money will go towards cash payouts so that one in five teams receive a prize. Gift cards will also be handed out, and Barnard Tire and Automotive is paying the team with the best score $100.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," Baldyga said. "It's going to be warm. Last year when we had it, we had a lot of people that didn't bowl in a league and hadn't really bowled, for some people, in years. It didn't matter. We had winners for everybody. People just had so much fun coming together, and it didn't matter what their skill level was at all."

Pre-registration is recommended but not required. Contact Karen at the Hoisington Chamber to book your slot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664558588385.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIt's November, it's cold outside, and everyone is already thinking about Thanksgiving. It's time to have some fun indoors. That's why the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce is moving its summer bowling event to November. Hoisington Chamber Director Karen Baldyga said the new Turkey Bowl will be an annual event."We did a similar one called Roll Into Summer that was this past June," she said. "We decided that going forward we're going to make it an annual event, but in November, which is the normal time where bowling leagues are taking place."The Turkey Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 at Cardinal Lanes in Hoisington. Registration is $25 per person or $50 per team. There are 24 team slots available for each of three time slots that day. The Turkey Bowl will be a Baker's doubles format with one bowler on a team bowling odd frames, and the other bowling even. Registration money will go towards cash payouts so that one in five teams receive a prize. Gift cards will also be handed out, and Barnard Tire and Automotive is paying the team with the best score $100."It's going to be a lot of fun," Baldyga said. "It's going to be warm. Last year when we had it, we had a lot of people that didn't bowl in a league and hadn't really bowled, for some people, in years. It didn't matter. We had winners for everybody. People just had so much fun coming together, and it didn't matter what their skill level was at all."Pre-registration is recommended but not required. Contact Karen at the Hoisington Chamber to book your slot.

Hoisington Chamber begins new tradition with November Turkey Bowl

The Barton County Historical Society will host an encore presentation byJustin Engleman of his “Broadway Beauties,” at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9 in the Ray Schulz Library at the historical society, 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend.&nbsp; The program features many of the historic homes on Great Bend’s Broadway Avenue.&nbsp; Admission is $5 and members are free.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The program will feature historic as well as contemporary photographs of these residences, as well as their occupants.&nbsp;&nbsp;The earliest featured home was built about 1875, by G. Louis Brinkman for his bride.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest featured home was built in 1926 by the grandson of Amasa C. Moses, one of the first residents of Barton County.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Engleman has discovered several local families who had multiple family members living on Broadway and will discuss these relationships and how these people contributed to the building of early day Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;At least two of the homes are presently occupied by the second owners of the homes, with each of the houses being at least 100 years old.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649878848032.jpeg" alt="Toddlers Jack and Patty Russell play on their rocking horses in front of their grandfather, R. C. “Coe” Russell’s home on Broadway about 1940. The home of Ezekiel and Anna McBride is pictured in the background." />
 <figcaption>Toddlers Jack and Patty Russell play on their rocking horses in front of their grandfather, R. C. “Coe” Russell’s home on Broadway about 1940. The home of Ezekiel and Anna McBride is pictured in the background.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton County Historical Society will host an encore presentation byJustin Engleman of his “Broadway Beauties,” at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9 in the Ray Schulz Library at the historical society, 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend.&nbsp; The program features many of the historic homes on Great Bend’s Broadway Avenue.&nbsp; Admission is $5 and members are free.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The program will feature historic as well as contemporary photographs of these residences, as well as their occupants.&nbsp;&nbsp;The earliest featured home was built about 1875, by G. Louis Brinkman for his bride.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest featured home was built in 1926 by the grandson of Amasa C. Moses, one of the first residents of Barton County.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Engleman has discovered several local families who had multiple family members living on Broadway and will discuss these relationships and how these people contributed to the building of early day Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;At least two of the homes are presently occupied by the second owners of the homes, with each of the houses being at least 100 years old.

Great Bend's ‘Broadway Beauties’ encore program set for Sunday

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

Director of Grants - Cathie Oshiro, 35 years Chief Accreditation Officer &amp; Director of Financial Aid - Myrna Perkins, 30 years Director of Management Information Systems - Renee Demel, 30 years Instructor of Military Programs - Eric Bundy, 15 Years Head Track and Cross Country Coach - Dave Schenek, 15 Years Human Resources Technician - Sheryl Elliott, 15 Years Director of Hazardous Materials, Emergency Management, and Occupational Safety and Health - Lindsay Holmes, 15 years Director of Institutional Effectiveness - Todd Mobray, 10 Years Community Education Coordinator - Karly Little, 10 years Instructor of Communications and Journalism - Peter Solie, 10 years Student Records Specialist - Barb Beckstrom, 5 Years Collection and Process Coordinator - Brenda Brack, 5 Years Clinical Coordinator of EMS Education - Andrew Hartzell, 5 Years Instructor of Sociology - Kurt Konda, 5 years Academic Advisor - Mary Doyle, 5 years Custodian - Kathy Thacker, 5 years

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664817341864.jpeg" alt="(From left) Barb Beckstrom, Renee Demel, Sheryl Elliot, Brenda Brack, Karly Little, Mary Doyle, Myrna Perkins, Cathie Oshiro and Peter Solie." />
 <figcaption>(From left) Barb Beckstrom, Renee Demel, Sheryl Elliot, Brenda Brack, Karly Little, Mary Doyle, Myrna Perkins, Cathie Oshiro and Peter Solie.</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Community College recognized employees for years of service at an all-campus forum earlier this semester.The following employees were recognized:Director of Grants - Cathie Oshiro, 35 years Chief Accreditation Officer &amp; Director of Financial Aid - Myrna Perkins, 30 years Director of Management Information Systems - Renee Demel, 30 years Instructor of Military Programs - Eric Bundy, 15 Years Head Track and Cross Country Coach - Dave Schenek, 15 Years Human Resources Technician - Sheryl Elliott, 15 Years Director of Hazardous Materials, Emergency Management, and Occupational Safety and Health - Lindsay Holmes, 15 years Director of Institutional Effectiveness - Todd Mobray, 10 Years Community Education Coordinator - Karly Little, 10 years Instructor of Communications and Journalism - Peter Solie, 10 years Student Records Specialist - Barb Beckstrom, 5 Years Collection and Process Coordinator - Brenda Brack, 5 Years Clinical Coordinator of EMS Education - Andrew Hartzell, 5 Years Instructor of Sociology - Kurt Konda, 5 years Academic Advisor - Mary Doyle, 5 years Custodian - Kathy Thacker, 5 years

Barton Community College recognizes employees for years of service

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

As long as Housing Opportunities, Inc. (HOI) annexes their property into
the City of Great Bend, construction can get started on a housing development,
just south of Walmart. 
The Great Bend City Council approved a motion to allow HOI to connect to the
city’s sanitary sewer and potable water system following completion of all
associated permitting, payment of fees and contingent that HOI applies for
annexation into the city. 
Along with receiving more property tax, City Administrator Kendal Francis said there
are several pros to having the property annexed within city limits. "One of the key benefits from annexation would then subject HOI to our building codes and inspections," said Francis. "If they build outside the city limits, there are no building codes that they would have to follow. They would not be subject to building inspections." 
HOI received nearly $6 million from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
for the project, referred to as Cambridge Park. Phase one of three in the
development, includes a 28-unit, low-income project that would give Sunflower
Diversified Services first rights to rent the apartments for their clients.
Sunflower helps adults with developmental disabilities. 
HOI General Contractor Eddie Price said access to the development will come
from 2nd Street and 6th Street, but completing Grant
Street to the project is not being considered at the moment. 
"Part of the first phase and part of the funding we received was to put in Grant Street from 6th Street down to 2nd Street," said Price. "This way we would have two ways in and out, but it would still be using those two streets." 
Once fully developed, HOI would add 64 housing units to the community. The new
development will take upwards of 8-10 years to be fully developed for all three
phases. 
City staff was concerned about the capacity of the utility lift station serving
that area. The city installed monitoring equipment to calculate the station
pumps’ run time and its capacity for additional flows. The reported indicated
that Cambridge Park’s additional flows would not significantly impact the lift
station.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

HOI would take the 24-acre property from paying $2,500 per year in property taxes to an estimated total of $41,600 a year if annexed into the city. Estimates from the Barton County Appraiser show that $12,300 a year of the total taxes would go to the city. HOI receives discounted tax rates for their developments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658333724772.jpeg" alt="24 acres, south of Walmart in Great Bend, is planned to turn into low-income housing developed by Housing Opportunities, Inc." />
 <figcaption>24 acres, south of Walmart in Great Bend, is planned to turn into low-income housing developed by Housing Opportunities, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs long as Housing Opportunities, Inc. (HOI) annexes their property into
the City of Great Bend, construction can get started on a housing development,
just south of Walmart. 
The Great Bend City Council approved a motion to allow HOI to connect to the
city’s sanitary sewer and potable water system following completion of all
associated permitting, payment of fees and contingent that HOI applies for
annexation into the city. 
Along with receiving more property tax, City Administrator Kendal Francis said there
are several pros to having the property annexed within city limits. "One of the key benefits from annexation would then subject HOI to our building codes and inspections," said Francis. "If they build outside the city limits, there are no building codes that they would have to follow. They would not be subject to building inspections." 
HOI received nearly $6 million from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
for the project, referred to as Cambridge Park. Phase one of three in the
development, includes a 28-unit, low-income project that would give Sunflower
Diversified Services first rights to rent the apartments for their clients.
Sunflower helps adults with developmental disabilities. 
HOI General Contractor Eddie Price said access to the development will come
from 2nd Street and 6th Street, but completing Grant
Street to the project is not being considered at the moment. 
"Part of the first phase and part of the funding we received was to put in Grant Street from 6th Street down to 2nd Street," said Price. "This way we would have two ways in and out, but it would still be using those two streets." 
Once fully developed, HOI would add 64 housing units to the community. The new
development will take upwards of 8-10 years to be fully developed for all three
phases. 
City staff was concerned about the capacity of the utility lift station serving
that area. The city installed monitoring equipment to calculate the station
pumps’ run time and its capacity for additional flows. The reported indicated
that Cambridge Park’s additional flows would not significantly impact the lift
station.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;HOI would take the 24-acre property from paying $2,500 per year in property taxes to an estimated total of $41,600 a year if annexed into the city. Estimates from the Barton County Appraiser show that $12,300 a year of the total taxes would go to the city. HOI receives discounted tax rates for their developments.

Must be annexed into Great Bend, but housing development given green light

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

The Great Bend High School Panther Debate Squad would like to thank everyone who helped with our annual debate invitational where about 100 debaters from 15 different schools competed in two divisions on Saturday, October 1. Our tournament was won by Hutchinson followed by Dodge City and Salina Central.

The team is very grateful for those who helped by judging rounds. The visiting coaches were quite pleased with the ballots and feedback their debaters received. Because local community members and third and fourth year debaters do the judging, Panther debaters did not compete. The invitational was managed by the students who served as judges, timekeepers, hospitality managers, judge schedulers, ballot runners, tabulators and award presenters.

GBHS debate coach, Kim Heath commented, “It is a joy to see the students step up and take pride in hosting a great event. Our students learned so much today about handling problems independently and interacting with the public. I am so proud of their efforts.”

Also on Saturday, a small group of students represented Great Bend at the Sterling Invitational. Lea Nokes, Dixie Gallant, Analeah Ochs, and Rebeca Rodriguez competed for the first time this season in the Junior Varsity Division. Jay Creamer and Theo Hopkinson-Smith placed 4th in the Novice Division compiling a record of three wins and one loss.

The next two weekends will find the Panther Debaters in Salina at Sacred Heart High School and then at Hoisington High School.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664889944713.jpeg" alt="Panther debaters at Sterling this weekend were:&nbsp; Back row: Theo Hopkinson-Smith, Analeah Ochs and Lea Nokes. Front row: Rebeca Rodriguez, Jay Creamer and Dixie Gallant." />
 <figcaption>Panther debaters at Sterling this weekend were:&nbsp; Back row: Theo Hopkinson-Smith, Analeah Ochs and Lea Nokes. Front row: Rebeca Rodriguez, Jay Creamer and Dixie Gallant.</figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend High School debate coach Kim Heath...The Great Bend High School Panther Debate Squad would like to thank everyone who helped with our annual debate invitational where about 100 debaters from 15 different schools competed in two divisions on Saturday, October 1. Our tournament was won by Hutchinson followed by Dodge City and Salina Central.The team is very grateful for those who helped by judging rounds. The visiting coaches were quite pleased with the ballots and feedback their debaters received. Because local community members and third and fourth year debaters do the judging, Panther debaters did not compete. The invitational was managed by the students who served as judges, timekeepers, hospitality managers, judge schedulers, ballot runners, tabulators and award presenters.GBHS debate coach, Kim Heath commented, “It is a joy to see the students step up and take pride in hosting a great event. Our students learned so much today about handling problems independently and interacting with the public. I am so proud of their efforts.”Also on Saturday, a small group of students represented Great Bend at the Sterling Invitational. Lea Nokes, Dixie Gallant, Analeah Ochs, and Rebeca Rodriguez competed for the first time this season in the Junior Varsity Division. Jay Creamer and Theo Hopkinson-Smith placed 4th in the Novice Division compiling a record of three wins and one loss.The next two weekends will find the Panther Debaters in Salina at Sacred Heart High School and then at Hoisington High School.

Great Bend High School hosts debate invitational

The big cleanup in Great Bend is over. The top vote getter in the "quality of life" vote ran from Sept. 24 through Oct. 2. Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said Monday that final numbers are not in, and final costs will depend on reports from Stone Sand and Anspaugh regarding the use of the construction-sized dumpsters, as well as reports from Acme Iron and Scrap and the Barton County Landfill regarding tonnage of materials turned in.

"I haven't seen a final report but I know I'm going to be shocked with tires because on about day three or four, I did get a report and we were already at about 14 tons worth of tires," Francis said. "I think the tires number is going to be a pretty large number."

Francis said traffic through the dumpsters at Sunflower Diversified Services was consistent throughout the week. Saturday, Sept. 24 opened the event and was the only day the city planned to provide volunteers to help pick up items. Francis said calls continued to come in after Saturday, and city staff and Francis himself picked up as many items as they could.

"People didn't realize the volunteer portion was only the one day," he said. "That might be something we need to look at, at least next year if we choose to do it again. How can we either better advertise that we were only doing it one day, or how can we maybe provide more than one day of volunteer service."

City staff did remain at the dump site during business hours Monday through Friday to help citizens unload items. "That was a necessity," Francis said. "The dumpsters are pretty tall and some people just aren't physically able to get stuff up that high. There was a cost associated with that but it was absolutely worth it."

The city originally planned to spend between $15,000 and $25,000 on the cleanup. The final reports will help determine a final cost of the project, and also the future of it.

"This was a trial year for sure," said Francis. "I think once we get final numbers and a cost associated, then that will help us make a determination next year whether or not this is something we want to move forward with."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664824496306.jpeg" alt="Some 14 tons of tires were turned in during the first few days of the citywide cleanup in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>Some 14 tons of tires were turned in during the first few days of the citywide cleanup in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe big cleanup in Great Bend is over. The top vote getter in the "quality of life" vote ran from Sept. 24 through Oct. 2. Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said Monday that final numbers are not in, and final costs will depend on reports from Stone Sand and Anspaugh regarding the use of the construction-sized dumpsters, as well as reports from Acme Iron and Scrap and the Barton County Landfill regarding tonnage of materials turned in."I haven't seen a final report but I know I'm going to be shocked with tires because on about day three or four, I did get a report and we were already at about 14 tons worth of tires," Francis said. "I think the tires number is going to be a pretty large number."Francis said traffic through the dumpsters at Sunflower Diversified Services was consistent throughout the week. Saturday, Sept. 24 opened the event and was the only day the city planned to provide volunteers to help pick up items. Francis said calls continued to come in after Saturday, and city staff and Francis himself picked up as many items as they could."People didn't realize the volunteer portion was only the one day," he said. "That might be something we need to look at, at least next year if we choose to do it again. How can we either better advertise that we were only doing it one day, or how can we maybe provide more than one day of volunteer service."City staff did remain at the dump site during business hours Monday through Friday to help citizens unload items. "That was a necessity," Francis said. "The dumpsters are pretty tall and some people just aren't physically able to get stuff up that high. There was a cost associated with that but it was absolutely worth it."The city originally planned to spend between $15,000 and $25,000 on the cleanup. The final reports will help determine a final cost of the project, and also the future of it."This was a trial year for sure," said Francis. "I think once we get final numbers and a cost associated, then that will help us make a determination next year whether or not this is something we want to move forward with."

City of Great Bend still waiting on final numbers from cleanup

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (10/3) 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 12:38 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 119 NE 60 Road. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 12:40 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 119 NE 60 Road. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:32 a.m. utility problems were reported at A Street and Main Street in Claflin. 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 7:49 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 89 NW 70 Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:20 a.m. an animal complain was reported at Barton Dr. &amp; Evergreen
Street. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:47 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at 710 NE 30 Road. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:34 p.m. a theft was reported in the 2300 block of Railroad Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 200 block of SE 20 Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:55 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at Hoisington Avenue &amp; Forest
Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:42 p.m. an accident was reported at NE 10 Road &amp; NE 120 Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:59 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at S. US 281 Highway at MM 97.

Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (10/3)

At 4:01 a.m. a report of a dog barking was made at 2919 25th Street.

At 7:37 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 5000 block of 12th Street.

At 8:20 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at Barton Dr. &amp; Evergreen Street.

At 12:33 p.m. one person was transported with a minor injury in the 3000 block of 10th Street.

At 1:30 p.m. possible burglary in progress was reported at 2701 24th Street. No burglary.

At 3:13 p.m. unlawful use of a financial card was reported at 804 Pine Pl.

At 4:05 p.m. an accident was reported at Broadway &amp; Williams.

At 4:41 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th &amp; MacArthur Road.

At 7:04 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at Barton &amp; Plum.

At 7:48 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 3012 27th Street.

At 9:36 p.m. a black truck passing unsafely was reported at Broadway &amp; McKinley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (10/3) 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 12:38 a.m. a narcotics violation was reported at 119 NE 60 Road. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 12:40 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 119 NE 60 Road. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:32 a.m. utility problems were reported at A Street and Main Street in Claflin. 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 7:49 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 89 NW 70 Avenue. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 8:20 a.m. an animal complain was reported at Barton Dr. &amp; Evergreen
Street. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:47 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at 710 NE 30 Road. 
 
Theft 
 
At 12:34 p.m. a theft was reported in the 2300 block of Railroad Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:30 p.m. a driving complaint was reported in the 200 block of SE 20 Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 6:55 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at Hoisington Avenue &amp; Forest
Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 7:42 p.m. an accident was reported at NE 10 Road &amp; NE 120 Avenue. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:59 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at S. US 281 Highway at MM 97.Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (10/3)Animal ComplaintAt 4:01 a.m. a report of a dog barking was made at 2919 25th Street.At 7:37 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 5000 block of 12th Street.At 8:20 a.m. an animal complaint was reported at Barton Dr. &amp; Evergreen Street.Injury AccidentAt 12:33 p.m. one person was transported with a minor injury in the 3000 block of 10th Street.Burglary / In ProgressAt 1:30 p.m. possible burglary in progress was reported at 2701 24th Street. No burglary.TheftAt 3:13 p.m. unlawful use of a financial card was reported at 804 Pine Pl.Non-Injury AccidentAt 4:05 p.m. an accident was reported at Broadway &amp; Williams.At 4:41 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th &amp; MacArthur Road.Parking ComplaintAt 7:04 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at Barton &amp; Plum.Structure FireAt 7:48 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 3012 27th Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 9:36 p.m. a black truck passing unsafely was reported at Broadway &amp; McKinley.

Cop Shop (10/3)

10/3 BOOKED: Stacie Strange on Barton County District Court case on Possession of Methamphetamine with intent, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, and Transporting an Open Container, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court case on Possession of Methamphetamine with intent, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Transporting an Open Container, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Maddison Crawford on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Croslin on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Hunter Ward on three Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bonds of $1,826 cash only; and on six Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond of $102,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $190 cash only.

RELEASED: Adriane Millershaski on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, and on Rice and Stafford County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, released to Stafford County.

RELEASED: Johnny Wallace on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Nelson Adams, Sr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Kansas Registered Offender Act, after posting $10,000 surety bond through A-1 Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Trent Rein on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, per county attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>10/3 BOOKED: Stacie Strange on Barton County District Court case on Possession of Methamphetamine with intent, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana, and Transporting an Open Container, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court case on Possession of Methamphetamine with intent, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Transporting an Open Container, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: Maddison Crawford on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Barton County District Court warrant, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Croslin on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Hunter Ward on three Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Contempt of Court, total bonds of $1,826 cash only; and on six Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond of $102,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jeremy Harris on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $190 cash only.RELEASED: Adriane Millershaski on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, and on Rice and Stafford County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, released to Stafford County.RELEASED: Johnny Wallace on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Nelson Adams, Sr., on Barton County District Court warrant for Violation of Kansas Registered Offender Act, after posting $10,000 surety bond through A-1 Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Trent Rein on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, per county attorney.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (10/3)

The Kansas Jayhawks, the Kansas State Wildcats, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Don't forget about the Great Bend Panthers. The fall of 2022 has proven to be an exceptionally exciting one for local football teams of interest. After ending a 19-game skid in week three of the season, the Panthers beat Dodge City 21-14 Friday night for a third-straight win. Coach Erin Beck said he can see the difference in his team heading into Homecoming.

"I think the biggest thing you see is the confidence in the kids," he said. "That's what I love to see as a coach, how much their demeanor has changed. When you go on a stretch like that, it just lets so much self-doubt creep into them. I see with our quarterback so much, with Cayden Scheuerman, how much winning can change that. Just the way he goes about everything, the way he walks the hallway, you can just tell."

Great Bend has remained a football town despite some hiccups over the past four decades.  The Panthers posted just two winning seasons between 1980 and 2000. Bo Black turned that around with eight-straight winning seasons and a state championship berth in 2006. Beck led the Panthers to a 10-2 record in his first season as head coach in 2016, and was 28-13 before the 19-game slide began at the end of the 2019 season.

"Football kind of sets the tone for the school year, if you look at all athletics," Beck said. "It's just such a community event. You only get four home games guaranteed, opportunities to come out and see these kids play. I think that's what makes football special. It is a production."

The losing streak was 17 entering the 2022 season against tough competition. McPherson and Hays are a combined 8-2 out of the gates, and Buhler is perennially tough with a 24-9 record the previous three seasons. The Panthers handed the Crusaders a 31-6 loss, then dominated Wichita Southeast 45-0 in week four.

"Once we got that first one against Buhler, it felt like there was a little bit of relief," said Beck. "These kids were able to play a little more freely. That's been the nice thing to see, not having to put pressure on themselves each week to get that win. Even Friday, we didn't play our best. We were not very good up front and missed a lot of blocking assignments. But the kids had already tasted that success. They knew that as long as they gave themselves a chance, they could make the plays. That's what's fun about coaching high school football."

In Friday's win, Great Bend ran just 18 plays in the first half compared to 30 for Dodge City. A fumble and a touchdown called back on a penalty helped the Red Demons to a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Panthers answered with an 18-play, 80-yard drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown run from junior Cody Miller. After a defensive stop, Great Bend tied the game on an 11-yard pass play from Scheuerman to junior Colton Brack. Just 6:27 remained in regulation.

"It was one of the weirdest games I've ever been in," Beck said. "We only had seven offensive possessions, counting the overtime one. We knew as an offense we let a couple slip away. We told them, 'Guys if you get a chance in the second half, you cannot waste it.' That's what was fun, to see us drive the ball 80 yards, 18 plays, punch that thing in. Once Miller got that one in the endzone, you could just feel that our kids and our coaches, we were going to win that football game. That's pretty fun as a coach to see."

The Panther defense made one final stop to force overtime. Dodge City won the toss and elected to play defense first. Scheuerman again found Brack for a score to keep the pressure on the Red Demons, who fumbled on their second down and missed on two pass attempts to end the game.

Through five weeks, Scheuerman has completed 61 of his 107 pass attempts for 713 yards and seven touchdowns. Miller leads the ground attack with 520 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 carries. Senior Braylon Council leads the receivers with 344 yards and three touchdowns on 25 receptions. Defensively, Dee'Onn Jones, Mathew Moeder, and Skyler McMullen have each recorded more than 40 tackles. Alex Galindo has made 17 of 18 point-after tries this season.

Great Bend hosts Liberal for Homecoming Friday night at 7 p.m. The parade begins downtown at 2:30 p.m., with the Madrigal Chili Supper to follow at GBHS from 5-7 p.m. The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned prior to the game at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664810768657.jpeg" alt="GBHS coach Erin Beck and senior Daniel Nieto celebrate Friday's overtime win in Dodge City." />
 <figcaption>GBHS coach Erin Beck and senior Daniel Nieto celebrate Friday's overtime win in Dodge City.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Kansas Jayhawks, the Kansas State Wildcats, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Don't forget about the Great Bend Panthers. The fall of 2022 has proven to be an exceptionally exciting one for local football teams of interest. After ending a 19-game skid in week three of the season, the Panthers beat Dodge City 21-14 Friday night for a third-straight win. Coach Erin Beck said he can see the difference in his team heading into Homecoming."I think the biggest thing you see is the confidence in the kids," he said. "That's what I love to see as a coach, how much their demeanor has changed. When you go on a stretch like that, it just lets so much self-doubt creep into them. I see with our quarterback so much, with Cayden Scheuerman, how much winning can change that. Just the way he goes about everything, the way he walks the hallway, you can just tell."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664810989490.jpeg" alt="Junior Matthew Johnson shows some emotion after Friday's overtime win." />
 <figcaption>Junior Matthew Johnson shows some emotion after Friday's overtime win.</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend has remained a football town despite some hiccups over the past four decades. The Panthers posted just two winning seasons between 1980 and 2000. Bo Black turned that around with eight-straight winning seasons and a state championship berth in 2006. Beck led the Panthers to a 10-2 record in his first season as head coach in 2016, and was 28-13 before the 19-game slide began at the end of the 2019 season."Football kind of sets the tone for the school year, if you look at all athletics," Beck said. "It's just such a community event. You only get four home games guaranteed, opportunities to come out and see these kids play. I think that's what makes football special. It is a production."The losing streak was 17 entering the 2022 season against tough competition. McPherson and Hays are a combined 8-2 out of the gates, and Buhler is perennially tough with a 24-9 record the previous three seasons. The Panthers handed the Crusaders a 31-6 loss, then dominated Wichita Southeast 45-0 in week four."Once we got that first one against Buhler, it felt like there was a little bit of relief," said Beck. "These kids were able to play a little more freely. That's been the nice thing to see, not having to put pressure on themselves each week to get that win. Even Friday, we didn't play our best. We were not very good up front and missed a lot of blocking assignments. But the kids had already tasted that success. They knew that as long as they gave themselves a chance, they could make the plays. That's what's fun about coaching high school football."In Friday's win, Great Bend ran just 18 plays in the first half compared to 30 for Dodge City. A fumble and a touchdown called back on a penalty helped the Red Demons to a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter. The Panthers answered with an 18-play, 80-yard drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown run from junior Cody Miller. After a defensive stop, Great Bend tied the game on an 11-yard pass play from Scheuerman to junior Colton Brack. Just 6:27 remained in regulation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664810900625.jpeg" alt="Cayden Scheuerman hands off to Cody Miller Friday in Dodge City. Scheuerman threw for two touchdowns and Miller ran for another score in the 21-14 win." />
 <figcaption>Cayden Scheuerman hands off to Cody Miller Friday in Dodge City. Scheuerman threw for two touchdowns and Miller ran for another score in the 21-14 win.</figcaption>
 </figure>"It was one of the weirdest games I've ever been in," Beck said. "We only had seven offensive possessions, counting the overtime one. We knew as an offense we let a couple slip away. We told them, 'Guys if you get a chance in the second half, you cannot waste it.' That's what was fun, to see us drive the ball 80 yards, 18 plays, punch that thing in. Once Miller got that one in the endzone, you could just feel that our kids and our coaches, we were going to win that football game. That's pretty fun as a coach to see."The Panther defense made one final stop to force overtime. Dodge City won the toss and elected to play defense first. Scheuerman again found Brack for a score to keep the pressure on the Red Demons, who fumbled on their second down and missed on two pass attempts to end the game.Through five weeks, Scheuerman has completed 61 of his 107 pass attempts for 713 yards and seven touchdowns. Miller leads the ground attack with 520 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 carries. Senior Braylon Council leads the receivers with 344 yards and three touchdowns on 25 receptions. Defensively, Dee'Onn Jones, Mathew Moeder, and Skyler McMullen have each recorded more than 40 tackles. Alex Galindo has made 17 of 18 point-after tries this season.Great Bend hosts Liberal for Homecoming Friday night at 7 p.m. The parade begins downtown at 2:30 p.m., with the Madrigal Chili Supper to follow at GBHS from 5-7 p.m. The Homecoming king and queen will be crowned prior to the game at 6:30 p.m.

Comeback Cats: Excitement surrounds Great Bend football team

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 76. North northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. West northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 58.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Saturday A 20-percent chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Columbus Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. North northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 76. North northwest wind 6 to 11 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 78. West northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north in the afternoon.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43.Friday Partly sunny, with a high near 58.Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.Saturday A 20-percent chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.Columbus Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's Weather

The City of Great Bend is now among one of the few towns in Kansas to
have a single-track mountain bike and hiking trail within city limits. 
A group of area bicyclists who maintain the Lake Barton trail, north of town,
have created a path around Rotary Lake, formerly known as MacArthur Lake. 
Bicyclist enthusiast Todd VanSkike was able to get several students from Great
Bend High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) group to volunteer to create
the path. "We had a work day this past weekend, and I met a few of them out there to help me mow and clear some trees," said VanSkike. "The FFA sponsor said we can get a bunch more kids out there to have a massive cleanup day because there is a ton of trash around that lake."

The approximately 1.8-mile trail is accessible to people of all ages and makes
use of an area that is underutilized. 

At no cost to the city, the Great Bend
City Council was in favor of the path but they did hear a few concerns from
neighbors that live nearby the trail on MacArthur Road. City Administrator Kendal Francis said the issues expressed by those property
owners related to extra traffic near their property. "The south side of Rotary Lake, we have some undesirable activities that take place there now," said Francis. "I tried to assure the property owners that this project would help deter some of that. They spoke multiple times about property damage and vandalism. I think that is probably at the forefront of their thoughts about trying to protect their property." 
VanSkike said trail maintenance would be minimal with essentially mowing being
the only assistance needed.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664847585921.jpeg" alt="A bike/hike trail was created around Rotary Lake in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A bike/hike trail was created around Rotary Lake in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is now among one of the few towns in Kansas to
have a single-track mountain bike and hiking trail within city limits. 
A group of area bicyclists who maintain the Lake Barton trail, north of town,
have created a path around Rotary Lake, formerly known as MacArthur Lake. 
Bicyclist enthusiast Todd VanSkike was able to get several students from Great
Bend High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) group to volunteer to create
the path. "We had a work day this past weekend, and I met a few of them out there to help me mow and clear some trees," said VanSkike. "The FFA sponsor said we can get a bunch more kids out there to have a massive cleanup day because there is a ton of trash around that lake."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664847568851.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The approximately 1.8-mile trail is accessible to people of all ages and makes
use of an area that is underutilized. At no cost to the city, the Great Bend
City Council was in favor of the path but they did hear a few concerns from
neighbors that live nearby the trail on MacArthur Road. City Administrator Kendal Francis said the issues expressed by those property
owners related to extra traffic near their property. "The south side of Rotary Lake, we have some undesirable activities that take place there now," said Francis. "I tried to assure the property owners that this project would help deter some of that. They spoke multiple times about property damage and vandalism. I think that is probably at the forefront of their thoughts about trying to protect their property." 
VanSkike said trail maintenance would be minimal with essentially mowing being
the only assistance needed.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664847642040.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Bike and hike trail created within Great Bend city limits

News from the Oil Patch, Oct.3 John P. Tretbar

Crude prices were higher Monday on expectations of a big output cut from the OPEC+ producers later this week. The group planned to meet by conference call, but will now meet in person for the first time since the pandemic. Prices jumped five percent Monday morning, with the near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude trading four dollars higher at $83.56 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $88, up four percent on the day.&nbsp; It was a different story in New York Friday, where the benchmark contract settled nearly two dollars lower to end the month of September at $79.49 per barrel. That's ten dollars a barrel lower than at the end of August. It marked the first quarterly loss in futures prices in two years.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at sixty-nine seventy-five per barrel at CHS in McPherson, after dropping $1.75 on Friday. The average price for September was $74.28 per barrel, down more than two dollars from the first of the month. U.S. crude production for July topped 11.8 million barrels per day, an increase of a tenth of a percent from the month before. The government reports Kansas output rose to 2.5 million barrels or 81,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says that's more than four percent higher than Kansas production in July of last year. Output in Texas increased nine tenths of a percent over the month before to top five million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico at 1.5 million barrels per day, North Dakota at just over one-million, Alaska at 432-thousand, and Colorado at just over 420-thousand barrels per day. The final report on Hurricane Ian from the U.S. offshore energy regulator shows the storm forced the evacuation of 11 production platforms and five drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, while another three rigs were moved out of the storm's path. New analysis from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows the storm shut-in just over nine percent of the oil production and nearly six percent of the natural gas output in the Gulf. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up two oil rigs and down one rig exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down two rigs while New Mexico was up two. Oklahoma was down one for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig over last week, with 28 active rigs in eastern Kansas, and 32 west of Wichita. Operators on Friday reported drilling ahead on two leases in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 494 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators have spudded 1,237 wells so far this year, up more than 56% over last year. Some 227 operators have spudded new wells in Kansas since the first of the year, up nearly 16% from last year at this time. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations across the state last week. That's 1,237 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 784 by the end of September last year. There are 27 new permits east of Wichita, and 16 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators completed 23 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, with 15 in eastern Kansas and eight in the western half of the state. That's 1,209 new completions so far this year, compared to 648 by this time last year. The government says U.S. crude inventories dropped 200-thousand barrels to 430.6 million barrels as of September 23rd. That's about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 2.4 million barrels and are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude production dropped by 96-thousand barrels per day last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for the ninth week in a row. Output is nearly a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Imports dropped by half a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 5.6% higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. dropped to 9,404 tanker carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 848 carloads from the week before and a ten percent decline from the same week last year. Traffic in Canada was up for the week but remains nearly two percent behind the tally last year at this time. A North Dakota law tying tax rates to oil prices is once again causing headaches for budget forecasters there. The state's oil extraction tax rate rose from five to six percent earlier this year when prices topped the trigger price of $94.69 per barrel for three consecutive months. Current prices are below that trigger and have been through August and September. If the average price in October is also below the trigger price, the tax rate drops back to five percent starting in November. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the state collected revenue increases of more than $59 million from June and July production due to the oil tax trigger being in effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Oct.3 John P. TretbarCrude prices were higher Monday on expectations of a big output cut from the OPEC+ producers later this week. The group planned to meet by conference call, but will now meet in person for the first time since the pandemic. Prices jumped five percent Monday morning, with the near-month Nymex contract for light sweet crude trading four dollars higher at $83.56 per barrel. London Brent was trading over $88, up four percent on the day.&nbsp; It was a different story in New York Friday, where the benchmark contract settled nearly two dollars lower to end the month of September at $79.49 per barrel. That's ten dollars a barrel lower than at the end of August. It marked the first quarterly loss in futures prices in two years.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude starts the week at sixty-nine seventy-five per barrel at CHS in McPherson, after dropping $1.75 on Friday. The average price for September was $74.28 per barrel, down more than two dollars from the first of the month. U.S. crude production for July topped 11.8 million barrels per day, an increase of a tenth of a percent from the month before. The government reports Kansas output rose to 2.5 million barrels or 81,000 barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration says that's more than four percent higher than Kansas production in July of last year. Output in Texas increased nine tenths of a percent over the month before to top five million barrels per day. Rounding out the top five are New Mexico at 1.5 million barrels per day, North Dakota at just over one-million, Alaska at 432-thousand, and Colorado at just over 420-thousand barrels per day. The final report on Hurricane Ian from the U.S. offshore energy regulator shows the storm forced the evacuation of 11 production platforms and five drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, while another three rigs were moved out of the storm's path. New analysis from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement shows the storm shut-in just over nine percent of the oil production and nearly six percent of the natural gas output in the Gulf. The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes was up two oil rigs and down one rig exploring for natural gas. The count in Texas was down two rigs while New Mexico was up two. Oklahoma was down one for the week. The Rig Count in Kansas is up one rig over last week, with 28 active rigs in eastern Kansas, and 32 west of Wichita. Operators on Friday reported drilling ahead on two leases in Ellis County and one in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is scouting 494 wells in various stages of drilling and completion. Operators have spudded 1,237 wells so far this year, up more than 56% over last year. Some 227 operators have spudded new wells in Kansas since the first of the year, up nearly 16% from last year at this time. Kansas regulators okayed 43 new drilling locations across the state last week. That's 1,237 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 784 by the end of September last year. There are 27 new permits east of Wichita, and 16 in Western Kansas, including one each in Barton, Ellis, Russell and Stafford counties. Operators completed 23 new wells across Kansas last week, according to Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service, with 15 in eastern Kansas and eight in the western half of the state. That's 1,209 new completions so far this year, compared to 648 by this time last year. The government says U.S. crude inventories dropped 200-thousand barrels to 430.6 million barrels as of September 23rd. That's about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline stockpiles dropped 2.4 million barrels and are about six percent below the five-year seasonal average. EIA said U.S. crude production dropped by 96-thousand barrels per day last week, but remained above 12 million barrels per day for the ninth week in a row. Output is nearly a million barrels per day higher than a year ago. Imports dropped by half a million barrels to 6.4 million barrels per day. The four-week average is 5.6% higher than imports during the same four weeks a year ago. Oil-by-rail traffic in the U.S. dropped to 9,404 tanker carloads last week. The Association of American Railroads says that's down 848 carloads from the week before and a ten percent decline from the same week last year. Traffic in Canada was up for the week but remains nearly two percent behind the tally last year at this time. A North Dakota law tying tax rates to oil prices is once again causing headaches for budget forecasters there. The state's oil extraction tax rate rose from five to six percent earlier this year when prices topped the trigger price of $94.69 per barrel for three consecutive months. Current prices are below that trigger and have been through August and September. If the average price in October is also below the trigger price, the tax rate drops back to five percent starting in November. According to the Bismarck Tribune, the state collected revenue increases of more than $59 million from June and July production due to the oil tax trigger being in effect.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: OPEC+ meeting shuffle sparks crude rally

Nex-Tech announced today that it is undergoing a rebrand featuring a new logo.

Rural Telephone was founded as a cooperative in February 1951. The cooperative was formed by a group of farmers and businessmen with an elected Board of Trustees who wanted better telephone service for the rural areas of Northwest Kansas. By 1999, Rural Telephone had enlarged its service area and added multiple technology services. This prompted the rebranding of the cooperative under the “Nex-Tech” identity.

The next two decades brought a tremendous amount of progress and diversification for the company. Nex-Tech has remained actively involved within its local communities, while also developing services and offerings that are utilized by corporations around the world. Nex-Tech strives to innovate, grow, and connect communities as both a broadband service provider and a leader in business solutions. The new image of Nex-Tech reflects the organization’s desire for industry leadership, supported by a passion for the local community.

The new logo is a stylized “N” with one of the legs created with a “T.” The result is an easily identifiable visual that not only features the company’s initials, but also makes clear Nex-Tech’s vital foundation of technology. The traditional black and red that harken back to Rural Telephone days remain the primary logo colors. In order to denote Nex-Tech’s various technology services and business segments, the new logo implements additional colors to represent each business segment.

Nex-Tech has already begun the process of updating signs and apparel. January 1, 2023 marks the projected date for a new website launch. At that time, the TV Now, Nex-Tech Directory, and Nex-Tech Classifieds apps will also be updated. Implementation of the new logo will continue through 2023, with all major components to be completed by March 31, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664811066415.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSNex-Tech announced today that it is undergoing a rebrand featuring a new logo.Rural Telephone was founded as a cooperative in February 1951. The cooperative was formed by a group of farmers and businessmen with an elected Board of Trustees who wanted better telephone service for the rural areas of Northwest Kansas. By 1999, Rural Telephone had enlarged its service area and added multiple technology services. This prompted the rebranding of the cooperative under the “Nex-Tech” identity.The next two decades brought a tremendous amount of progress and diversification for the company. Nex-Tech has remained actively involved within its local communities, while also developing services and offerings that are utilized by corporations around the world. Nex-Tech strives to innovate, grow, and connect communities as both a broadband service provider and a leader in business solutions. The new image of Nex-Tech reflects the organization’s desire for industry leadership, supported by a passion for the local community.The new logo is a stylized “N” with one of the legs created with a “T.” The result is an easily identifiable visual that not only features the company’s initials, but also makes clear Nex-Tech’s vital foundation of technology. The traditional black and red that harken back to Rural Telephone days remain the primary logo colors. In order to denote Nex-Tech’s various technology services and business segments, the new logo implements additional colors to represent each business segment.Nex-Tech has already begun the process of updating signs and apparel. January 1, 2023 marks the projected date for a new website launch. At that time, the TV Now, Nex-Tech Directory, and Nex-Tech Classifieds apps will also be updated. Implementation of the new logo will continue through 2023, with all major components to be completed by March 31, 2023.

Nex-Tech featuring a new logo

     Excitement continues to build at Holy Family School as we near the date for "A Night Under the Stars" to be held at the Columbus Club on Oct. 8.  Doors to the event will open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner to be served at 7 p.m.

     The event will feature a silent auction and a live auction with over 50 live auction items, nearly 75 silent auction items, along with the ever-popular Heads and Tails, Classroom Calendar and Cards for Scholarships. Items will be featured on the Holy Family School Facebook page at Holy Family School - Great Bend beginning this week.

     Tickets for the school's major fundraiser can be purchased at the school or at the door.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664488015490.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Holy Family School... Excitement continues to build at Holy Family School as we near the date for "A Night Under the Stars" to be held at the Columbus Club on Oct. 8. Doors to the event will open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner to be served at 7 p.m. The event will feature a silent auction and a live auction with over 50 live auction items, nearly 75 silent auction items, along with the ever-popular Heads and Tails, Classroom Calendar and Cards for Scholarships. Items will be featured on the Holy Family School Facebook page at Holy Family School - Great Bend beginning this week. Tickets for the school's major fundraiser can be purchased at the school or at the door.&nbsp;

Holy Family School's 'A Night Under the Stars' Oct. 8

FINAL COUNTDOWN! Comment Today to Protect Your Access to Atrazine&nbsp; The use of atrazine is at stake, a product included in more than 90 herbicide products across the U.S.&nbsp;and one that is utilized on 75 percent of U.S. sorghum acres.&nbsp;You don't have time to wait.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=ff3628a411&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Please take two minutes to fill out the comment form online and join us in stopping EPA</a>&nbsp;from limiting your access to atrazine.&nbsp;The deadline to comment is Oct. 7. Don't Count Yourself Out! Enter the Sorghum Yield Contest Today You may not believe your sorghum crop will be competitive&nbsp;in the National Sorghum Producers Yield Contest, but&nbsp;in a drought year, you might be a national winner contestant!&nbsp;It's anybody's contest, and, don't forget, winners have the opportunity to be recognized at the 2023 Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida.&nbsp;Don't count yourself out!&nbsp;Enter today&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6f07e3a79d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">at SorghumGrowers.com/yieldcontest</a>. ICYMI:&nbsp;Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition - New Episode!&nbsp;Tackling Weeds in Sorghum In this&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=06f17dcd92&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">episode</a>, John Duff hosts Scott Staggenborg, product marketing manager for&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=f96b76e3d2&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sorghum Partners</a>, to discuss weed control in sorghum and Sorghum Partners’ product&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=609a73f125&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Double Team</a>. Learn more about this herbicide tolerant sorghum technology and the path our industry is taking to provide farmers more weed control options in sorghum. POLICY, REGULATORY AND ISSUE UPDATES

Senate Passes Short-Term Funding Bill, House Action Today&nbsp; The Senate on Thursday approved a short-term government funding bill,&nbsp;less than two days ahead of a looming shutdown deadline tonight. Senators voted 72-25 to advance the bill, sending the must-pass legislation to the House where it also passed this afternoon and will head&nbsp;to President Biden’s desk for signature. The bill will temporarily allow the government to remain funded at the current spending levels through mid-December. Farm state lawmakers are expected to push extension of the Emergency Relief Program to cover 2022 losses in a December omnibus appropriations bill. Although Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) had wanted the Senate to return to session after the Columbus Day holiday, campaign pressures precluded this with the Senate now expected to return on November 14. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=62966a3109&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=c25481a484&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. White House Hosts Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health Amidst Controversy&nbsp; The Biden Administration this week hailed the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, attended by National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust, as a key moment to elevate the conversation about solutions to hunger, health, and nutrition issues. The Administration states that its goal is to eliminate hunger in the U.S. by 2030 while also reducing diet-related illnesses. Key proposals include&nbsp;expanding free school meals to 9 million more children by 2032; expanding food stamps; broadening the Summer Expanded Benefit Transfer program to more kids; and increasing funding for nutrition programs for senior citizens. The White House and Agriculture Department Secretary Tom Vilsack touted the $8 billion in public and private sector commitments in reaching Administration objectives, of which at least $2.5 billion will be invested in "start-up companies that are focused on solutions to hunger and food insecurity" and more than $4 billion will be dedicated toward "philanthropic efforts to improve access to nutritious food, promote healthy choices and increase physical activity”. Despite the&nbsp;exuberance, the conference was not without controversy. Republican lawmakers expressed concern that the conference was put together in a partisan fashion and did not generally include agriculture groups, producers, or food makers in the program. The controversy is problematic for the&nbsp;Administration because many of its proposals would require the approval of Congress in order to be implemented. Read&nbsp;more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=fa3811b562&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. FSA to Consider Recommendation to Dismantle County Committees&nbsp; Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux told lawmakers Thursday he would give “due consideration” to the USDA Equity Commission's recommendation to study replacing FSA's county committee system, but he also said the local panels are “integral” to the agency’s delivery of programs. At a&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=b63fdc75ea&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">House Agriculture subcommittee hearing</a>, Mr. Ducheneaux said he sees the county committee system as an opportunity for producers to be a meaningful part of the process, though he noted that it is important for the committees to be “truly representative of those who are producing.” Media reports indicate that the FSA office in Washington has sent to state and local offices instructions on how to achieve equity in the delivery of farm programs with the instructions reportedly distinguishing “equity” from “equality”, explaining that the latter only achieves equal opportunity while the former achieves the same outcomes for everyone participating. FSA in Washington also reportedly hired a full time “equity officer”. View the hearing&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=26be6e69a5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. EPA Declines to Regulate Treated Seeds but Plans New Scrutiny&nbsp; The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided against regulating the use of pesticide-treated seeds under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), but the agency is looking into whether the seeds are being sold and used in ways that violate existing restrictions. EPA said it already assesses “the use of the treating pesticide and the treated seed and impacts to human health and the environment.” But the agency said it was evaluating label requirements for pesticides “to ensure there are complete and appropriate instructions for the distribution, sale, and use of both the treating pesticide and the treated seed.” Read more from EPA&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=80ec469faa&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Rep. Hartzler Publishes Letter from USDA Secretary Supporting Chlorpyrifos&nbsp; Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) this week published a letter she received from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack responding to her July 2022 letter questioning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban chlorpyrifos use. “USDA-Pest Management Policy (OPMP) scientists believe EPA could retain certain chlorpyrifos uses that meet EPA’s safety standard, based on the EPA’s proposed interim decision (PID),” Secretary Vilsack wrote. “We will work to make the case to follow the science and maintain safe use of chlorpyrifos for those 11 crops, and any others that might still be adjusted or refined to meet EPA’s safety standard.” Chlorpyrifos is a vital tool used in rotation to control damaging pests such as sorghum midge, various aphid species, and sorghum webworm and headworm. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=9db520fb9a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Agencies Release Roadmap for SAF Development&nbsp; The Biden Administration laid out its plans for scaling up Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, including increasing production of “energy crops” and collecting more agricultural residuals. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=d8e2a31ca7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">a new report</a>, several agencies wrote that research and development are needed on how to produce and collect more biomass resources. The report specifically calls for “coordination of U.S. government support” for oilseed cover crops and other near-term lipid crops. Federal Reserve Officer: “High Level” Farm Economy Strong, But Risks also High “At a high level, economic conditions in agriculture are remarkably strong,” said Mr. Nathan Kauffman, Omaha Branch Executive and Kansas City Fed Vice President. But there are also troubling macroeconomic trends that could impact agriculture, Mr. Kauffman noted. In recent years, the general expectation was interest rates would remain at about zero, he said, but now it is more than 4%. Inflation is also a significant concern, Mr. Kauffman stressed. Whereas inflation has been below 2% for much of the past decade, it's now at about 8%. “I think the risks are growing … but I still would suggest that ag is in a pretty good position,” Mr. Kauffman said, adding that agriculture is “in a solid financial position for the most part … but there are things to pay attention to.” Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=0153c79d93&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp; USDA Makes $500 Million Available to Increase Domestic Fertilizer Production&nbsp; USDA has launched the Fertilizer Product Expansion Program (FPEP) which provides a total of $500 million in grants to help eligible applicants increase or expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives and their availability in the United States. The FPEP application window will open “in the coming days” and will include two opportunities for submission: a 45-day window for projects to increase fertilizer availability for the 2023 or 2024 crop years and a 90-day window for applications for “applicants who need more time to make additional capacity available.” More information on FPEP can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=450dafd38a&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Senators Grassley, Brown Propose Banning Foreign Individuals from Obtaining U.S. Farm Credit&nbsp; Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a member of the Agriculture Committee, and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a member of the Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Banking Committee, introduced legislation that would prevent foreign individuals from obtaining credit and financial services through the Farm Credit System. Since 1997, Farm Credit Administration (FCA) regulations have allowed FCS associations to extend credit to certain foreign nationals who are not permanent residents of the United States and to foreign-owned entities. Read more about the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e318627e52&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and read about other efforts to curb foreign involvement in U.S. agriculture&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=00be4730d9&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. Rep. Lucas, Senator Braun Introduce Legislation to Exempt Agriculture from SEC Rules on GHG Emission Reporting This week, Representative Frank D. Lucas (R-OK), the former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and now Ranking Member of the Science Committee and senior Member on Financial Services, introduced legislation to clarify that new Securities and Exchange Commission regulations cannot require farmers and ranchers to report greenhouse gas emissions on the farm or ranch. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) has introduced companion legislation. To date, only Republican lawmakers have signed onto the legislation even though SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has stated that the regulation is not intended to cover farms or ranches. Republicans believe the clarification is necessary to provide producers with legal certainty. Meanwhile, some Democrats contend the legislation is not needed in view of Gensler’s statements while others believe the regulation should cover agriculture. Read more&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=08eecca518&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>.

UPL Joins NSP Industry Partner Program UPL NA Inc.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=8b36edb725&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">recently joined</a>&nbsp;the NSP Industry Partner program as a Contributor level sponsor.&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=72e8a844c3&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">UPL</a>&nbsp;believes it will generate a deeper impact on society where agriculture is properly valued, food is sustainable and farmers grow and prosper. The company provides the companion herbicide IMIFLEX™ to Alta Seeds igrowth® herbicide-tolerant sorghum and strives to be a leader in technology growth and innovation through the production of more sustainable food products. For more information about the NSP Industry Partner program, contact Jamaca Battin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jamaca@sorghumgrowers.com" target="_blank">jamaca@sorghumgrowers.com</a>, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=9006875a35&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumGrowers.com/industry-partners</a>. Sorghum Crop Update Ninety-one percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was at or beyond the coloring stage by September 25, four percentage points behind last year and 3 points behind the 5-year average. By September 25, fifty-six percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was mature, 7 percentage points behind last year but 1 point ahead of average. Ninety-six percent of Texas’ sorghum acreage was mature by September 25, seven percentage points ahead of last year and 10 points ahead of the average. Twenty-seven percent of the 2022 sorghum acreage had been harvested by September 25, three percentage points behind both last year and the 5-year average. Twenty-two percent of the nation’s sorghum acreage was rated in good to excellent condition on September 25, two percentage points above the previous week but 34 points below the same time last year. Fall Sorghum Grower Magazine: Photo Submissions Get your camera (or even phone camera) ready, we want to see your sorghum field! Submit your field photos&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=ac186626bc&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>, or tag us in your #FromTheField photos on social media for a chance to be featured in the upcoming Fall&nbsp;edition of the sorghum grower magazine! Sorghum Checkoff Releases Weekly Sorghum Basis Snapshot The Sorghum Checkoff, with Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, released its weekly sorghum basis snapshot, available at&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=c5a9b3eb66&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">SorghumCheckoff.com</a>. Sorghum in the Spotlight: <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6330563704&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">How Can Sorghum Mitigate Climate Change Impact?</a>&nbsp;- Feed &amp; Grain <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=e83e097345&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">2022 crop year: ‘Worse than 2011’</a>&nbsp;- Southwest Farm Press <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=3f737f26f7&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Husker research hones in on sorghum’s genetic makeup to improve nitrogen efficiency</a>&nbsp;- The Fence Post <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=fbafa2ae96&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">FFAR Grant Promotes Sorghum Health&nbsp;Benefits</a>&nbsp;- Seed Today <a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a76dacf7dd&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sorghum Researchers Land $2 Million to Modernize Nitrogen Guidelines</a>&nbsp;- Missouri Ag Connection

Upcoming Events October 8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=c228b891ac&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Food &amp; Nutrition Conference &amp; Expo (FNCE)</a> October 12 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=2683bda422&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Export Exchange</a>, Minneapolis, MN October 18 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=6ca69e19be&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo</a>, Moultrie, GA October 19 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=9d0c68ce2f&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">KibbleCon</a>, Manhattan, KS November 16 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://sorghumgrowers.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c7d6bd689602a83f8b92ea37d&amp;id=a8f9cde21d&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">Sustainable Agriculture Summit</a>&nbsp;Glendale, AZ November 16-18&nbsp; &nbsp;NAFB Trade Talk -&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri November 24-25&nbsp; &nbsp;NSP Office Closed December 6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Texas Crop Protection Conference -&nbsp;College Station, Texas December 12-13&nbsp; &nbsp;NSP Board Meeting - Lubbock, Texas December 14-15&nbsp; &nbsp;USCP Board Meeting - Lubbock, Texas Market News&nbsp;-&nbsp;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=08688dddf5&amp;e=d30ea29a91" target="_blank">here</a>. About Sorghum Notes Sorghum Notes is a publication of the National Sorghum Producers. NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry from coast to coast through education and legislative and regulatory representation.

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