Find out more about the grant program through the linked story below. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/668074a0-0d20-478e-943c-f3f2a49f5851">Facade improvement grants coming to an end in Barton County</a>

Find out more about the grant program through the linked story below. <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/668074a0-0d20-478e-943c-f3f2a49f5851">Facade improvement grants coming to an end in Barton County</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663769949962.jpeg" alt="Mi Tierra, 118 E. 1st in Hoisington, received improvements to its exterior with help from the facade improvement grant program through Barton County." />
 <figcaption>Mi Tierra, 118 E. 1st in Hoisington, received improvements to its exterior with help from the facade improvement grant program through Barton County.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Before & After: Hoisington downtown facade improvement

If your loved one was incapacitated today would you be prepared to make decisions for them? A recent K-State news service announcement offered information on talking with your loved ones about end of life decisions. It’s the conversation no one wants to talk about. However, this is so important if you or a loved one would ever become incapacitated, permanently or temporarily, to know what that person would want. It is difficult to make decisions when you are under stress or grieving so having those conversations before hand can help relieve some of that stress.

Erin Yelland, Interim Director of the K-State Center on Aging stated, “Research shows that end-of-life conversations are fairly rare within families. Often, families are left to assume what a person might have wanted, and during a time of grief, those can be especially challenging decisions.” Recently, I was faced with many of these decisions when my mother became seriously ill and eventually incapacitated. We had some conservations in the past about her wishes but our conversations were not nearly extensive enough. The things we had talked about made decisions a lot easier for me. It relieved a lot of stress for me knowing we had talked about what she wanted and I could follow through on those for her. However, some things we had not talked about so I had to guess on what she would want. Thankfully, I was aided by a very supportive family and conversations mom and I had about other people that were no longer able to make decisions for themselves which helped me make those decisions. Those decisions were much harder to make because I felt like I was guessing rather than knowing exactly what she wanted.

If you do not have health care directives in place and become incapacitated then the decisions will automatically fall to your spouse. If you are not married then the decisions will fall to your oldest child. It would be a good idea to discuss your preferences with your health care provider as well as those people you are closest to.

It is never too early to have health care directives in place for yourself. Even an 18-year-old can have documents called health care directives or durable powers of attorney in place because you never know when a tragedy could happen. We always think we have plenty of time until that time arrives. 

Kansas law allows simple forms to be filled out and have one witness signature. The forms can be found at the K-State Research and Extension bookstore in the publication, “Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas” https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf or at your local K-State Extension Office located at 601 Main Street in Hays or 3007 W. 10th Street in Great Bend.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658934620122.png" alt="written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. " />
 <figcaption>written by: Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent for the Cottonwood Extension District. </figcaption>
 </figure>If your loved one was incapacitated today would you be prepared to make decisions for them? A recent K-State news service announcement offered information on talking with your loved ones about end of life decisions. It’s the conversation no one wants to talk about. However, this is so important if you or a loved one would ever become incapacitated, permanently or temporarily, to know what that person would want. It is difficult to make decisions when you are under stress or grieving so having those conversations before hand can help relieve some of that stress.Erin Yelland, Interim Director of the K-State Center on Aging stated, “Research shows that end-of-life conversations are fairly rare within families. Often, families are left to assume what a person might have wanted, and during a time of grief, those can be especially challenging decisions.” Recently, I was faced with many of these decisions when my mother became seriously ill and eventually incapacitated. We had some conservations in the past about her wishes but our conversations were not nearly extensive enough. The things we had talked about made decisions a lot easier for me. It relieved a lot of stress for me knowing we had talked about what she wanted and I could follow through on those for her. However, some things we had not talked about so I had to guess on what she would want. Thankfully, I was aided by a very supportive family and conversations mom and I had about other people that were no longer able to make decisions for themselves which helped me make those decisions. Those decisions were much harder to make because I felt like I was guessing rather than knowing exactly what she wanted.If you do not have health care directives in place and become incapacitated then the decisions will automatically fall to your spouse. If you are not married then the decisions will fall to your oldest child. It would be a good idea to discuss your preferences with your health care provider as well as those people you are closest to.It is never too early to have health care directives in place for yourself. Even an 18-year-old can have documents called health care directives or durable powers of attorney in place because you never know when a tragedy could happen. We always think we have plenty of time until that time arrives. Kansas law allows simple forms to be filled out and have one witness signature. The forms can be found at the K-State Research and Extension bookstore in the publication, “Advance Health Care Planning in Kansas” https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3280.pdf or at your local K-State Extension Office located at 601 Main Street in Hays or 3007 W. 10th Street in Great Bend.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Advance health care planning

KIOWA COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Kiowa County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Freightliner semi driven by Jason E. Hindman, 43, Preston, was eastbound on U.S. 54 six miles east of Greensburg.

The semi rear-ended a 2000 Chevy Blazer driven by Mario Garza, 31, Garden City, who had&nbsp;slowed down and moved left for law enforcement on a traffic stop.&nbsp; Both vehicles traveled into the south ditch.

EMS transported a passenger in the SUV Nayeli A&nbsp;Garza, 32, Garden City, the hospital in Pratt.&nbsp; Mario Garza and Hindman were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

KIOWA COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Kiowa County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Freightliner semi driven by Jason E. Hindman, 43, Preston, was eastbound on U.S. 54 six miles east of Greensburg.The semi rear-ended a 2000 Chevy Blazer driven by Mario Garza, 31, Garden City, who had&nbsp;slowed down and moved left for law enforcement on a traffic stop.&nbsp; Both vehicles traveled into the south ditch.EMS transported a passenger in the SUV Nayeli A&nbsp;Garza, 32, Garden City, the hospital in Pratt.&nbsp; Mario Garza and Hindman were not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after semi rear-ends SUV

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Youth Academy is held twice a year through the City of
Great Bend to give children a chance to tour and learn about all of the city’s
operations. Near the end of the event, City Administrator Kendal Francis asks
the kids what they would like to see in Great Bend. A paintball course was
brought up, and now the city is working to create a course. 
 
The city determined there is room to design a course just north of the Great
Bend Expo Complex buildings. Francis said the city could easily set up the
course at relatively no cost, with the course needing space and objects to hide
behind. 
 
Francis even thought a promotional giveaway could build up the interest in
paintball. 
 
"You can get starter paintball kits at Walmart for $50 to $75," said Francis. "The kits provide a basic gun, safety equipment and few paintballs. If we purchase a few of those, we could give them away in a drawing to school-aged kids to get them interested. I was thinking probably seventh grade and above." 
 
The funding for the paintball course would come from the “quality of life”
sales tax that passed last November. Francis estimated a $5,000 allotment for
the project. The paintball course is listed as a 2022 item on the “quality of
life” 10-year capital improvement plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663775366881.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Youth Academy is held twice a year through the City of
Great Bend to give children a chance to tour and learn about all of the city’s
operations. Near the end of the event, City Administrator Kendal Francis asks
the kids what they would like to see in Great Bend. A paintball course was
brought up, and now the city is working to create a course. 
 
The city determined there is room to design a course just north of the Great
Bend Expo Complex buildings. Francis said the city could easily set up the
course at relatively no cost, with the course needing space and objects to hide
behind. 
 
Francis even thought a promotional giveaway could build up the interest in
paintball. 
 
"You can get starter paintball kits at Walmart for $50 to $75," said Francis. "The kits provide a basic gun, safety equipment and few paintballs. If we purchase a few of those, we could give them away in a drawing to school-aged kids to get them interested. I was thinking probably seventh grade and above." 
 
The funding for the paintball course would come from the “quality of life”
sales tax that passed last November. Francis estimated a $5,000 allotment for
the project. The paintball course is listed as a 2022 item on the “quality of
life” 10-year capital improvement plan.

Great Bend wanting to construct a paintball course

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The first group of interns will soon be out the door at Great Bend High School. Last year, ACT and Career Coordinator Lacy Wolters began working with local businesses, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Great Bend Economic Development, Kansas Workforce One, and Barton Community College to develop the Internship Program. Thirteen GBHS seniors are now participating in round one of the program.

"We wanted input from all of these organizations that are involved in workforce," Wolters said. "We met monthly last fall to look at state guidance for the internship program, then we used that to create our program. We received board approval last February. From there, we started promoting and looking for businesses that wanted to host an intern."

Wolters also began looking for possible student candidates among last year's junior class. Last spring, students were matched to local businesses based on classes, career fit, and future plans. The students had interviews with the businesses, who ultimately decided whether to bring on the interns.

"We're really hoping this is good for them to see those specific industry skills, like if they're with HVAC or health care, but also those skills that are non-industry specific," Wolters said. "The communication skills and teamwork, and all of those things, we also think will be very beneficial for them as they go through the program."

The students intern at local businesses during school hours, usually for about 75 minutes a day. Some of the afternoon interns may stay on for more hours as paid, part-time workers. For the first year, students applied first and were matched later to businesses. Wolters hopes to reverse that in the future, setting up a list of interested businesses for which students can then apply.

"Really we're hoping this starts that relationship that eventually gets long-term between the student and business," she said. "A lot of these students may go to school somewhere, but we're hoping they come back, whether that's over the summer or long term. Some of them may even stay with a business."

Wolters plans to begin bringing businesses onboard next month, then the intern application process will be held in early 2023. 

"Any business that is interested, be on the lookout," she said. "More information will be coming out to them with the application. I'll be hosting some online webinars to answer some questions, too. Really, we're encouraging any businesses - not just Great Bend, it can be Barton County, too - if they're interested I'd be happy to meet with them virtually or in person, just to help answer any questions they might have."

Business owners wanting to get involved in the Internship Program, or with questions about the program, can email Wolters at lacy.wolters@usd428.net.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663767746365.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe first group of interns will soon be out the door at Great Bend High School. Last year, ACT and Career Coordinator Lacy Wolters began working with local businesses, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, Great Bend Economic Development, Kansas Workforce One, and Barton Community College to develop the Internship Program. Thirteen GBHS seniors are now participating in round one of the program."We wanted input from all of these organizations that are involved in workforce," Wolters said. "We met monthly last fall to look at state guidance for the internship program, then we used that to create our program. We received board approval last February. From there, we started promoting and looking for businesses that wanted to host an intern."Wolters also began looking for possible student candidates among last year's junior class. Last spring, students were matched to local businesses based on classes, career fit, and future plans. The students had interviews with the businesses, who ultimately decided whether to bring on the interns."We're really hoping this is good for them to see those specific industry skills, like if they're with HVAC or health care, but also those skills that are non-industry specific," Wolters said. "The communication skills and teamwork, and all of those things, we also think will be very beneficial for them as they go through the program."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663767777636.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The students intern at local businesses during school hours, usually for about 75 minutes a day. Some of the afternoon interns may stay on for more hours as paid, part-time workers. For the first year, students applied first and were matched later to businesses. Wolters hopes to reverse that in the future, setting up a list of interested businesses for which students can then apply."Really we're hoping this starts that relationship that eventually gets long-term between the student and business," she said. "A lot of these students may go to school somewhere, but we're hoping they come back, whether that's over the summer or long term. Some of them may even stay with a business."Wolters plans to begin bringing businesses onboard next month, then the intern application process will be held in early 2023. "Any business that is interested, be on the lookout," she said. "More information will be coming out to them with the application. I'll be hosting some online webinars to answer some questions, too. Really, we're encouraging any businesses - not just Great Bend, it can be Barton County, too - if they're interested I'd be happy to meet with them virtually or in person, just to help answer any questions they might have."Business owners wanting to get involved in the Internship Program, or with questions about the program, can email Wolters at lacy.wolters@usd428.net.

Great Bend High School starts Internship Program with local businesses

Substance use disorder, or addiction in common parlance, is costly to both individuals and society as a whole. That's why there have been building movements to treat addiction as a medical issue. At Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Amy Boxberger and a few other community members presented a proclamation that September is National Recovery Month. One of the events to celebrate the month is Recovery Out Loud, Every Voice Matters Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Kilby Square.

"Through the growth and the expansion of RiseUp Central Kansas, as well as our community support systems such as AA, NA, High on Life, Oxford Houses, our community has seen the adaptive work that recovery can bring," Boxberger told commissioners. "This change brings hope for those that are suffering and relief to those who care about them."

Charity Muth, a substance abuse counselor, spoke about addiction and how difficult it is to change maladaptive behaviors.

"Addiction is a brain disease," she said. "It is progressive, it is chronic, and without treatment, it is most certainly fatal. Most people, when you talk about addictions, such as use disorder, they can get behind the fact that it's a brain disease. It's been around since the 1950s, we know it's a brain disease. Most people fall a little bit short when it comes to all the abnormal behaviors that one participates in while afflicted with the brain disease."

Muth equated the recovery process to pushing a boulder up a hill. A large boulder up a steep hill. Society at large can choose whether to help the struggling person push the rock up, or make the struggle more difficult.

"We just encourage you to keep an open mind because all humans can do a better job," she said. "All humans can do a better job at the language they use when they approach people that are struggling with substance abuse disorder, and how they approach advocating for people with substance abuse disorder."

Morgan Olliff read to the commission the importance of those programs and National Recovery Month.

"Through Recovery Month initiatives, people become more aware and are better able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders," she said. "Activities are geared towards encouraging people in need of recovery services to seek help. Managing the effects of these conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally."

Barton County Health Department Resource Coordinator Amy Ferguson was named the county's Employee of the Quarter in June. She reminded listeners that addiction can happen to anyone and can be overcome.

"I, also, was somebody that struggled for years with recovery," she said. "I've been in and out of 11 different treatment centers. I am in no way different than anyone else you read about in the paper today, that has been to jail and you keep seeing their names come up. I was one of those people. It took a collaboration of people, it took the whole community to help me become well."

Friday's Recovery Out Loud event is for anyone who wants to share their stories about substance use disorder, or for anyone recovering from mental health issues or trauma.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663857572050.jpeg" alt="Morgan Olliff speaks at Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>Morgan Olliff speaks at Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSubstance use disorder, or addiction in common parlance, is costly to both individuals and society as a whole. That's why there have been building movements to treat addiction as a medical issue. At Wednesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Amy Boxberger and a few other community members presented a proclamation that September is National Recovery Month. One of the events to celebrate the month is Recovery Out Loud, Every Voice Matters Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Kilby Square."Through the growth and the expansion of RiseUp Central Kansas, as well as our community support systems such as AA, NA, High on Life, Oxford Houses, our community has seen the adaptive work that recovery can bring," Boxberger told commissioners. "This change brings hope for those that are suffering and relief to those who care about them."Charity Muth, a substance abuse counselor, spoke about addiction and how difficult it is to change maladaptive behaviors."Addiction is a brain disease," she said. "It is progressive, it is chronic, and without treatment, it is most certainly fatal. Most people, when you talk about addictions, such as use disorder, they can get behind the fact that it's a brain disease. It's been around since the 1950s, we know it's a brain disease. Most people fall a little bit short when it comes to all the abnormal behaviors that one participates in while afflicted with the brain disease."Muth equated the recovery process to pushing a boulder up a hill. A large boulder up a steep hill. Society at large can choose whether to help the struggling person push the rock up, or make the struggle more difficult."We just encourage you to keep an open mind because all humans can do a better job," she said. "All humans can do a better job at the language they use when they approach people that are struggling with substance abuse disorder, and how they approach advocating for people with substance abuse disorder."Morgan Olliff read to the commission the importance of those programs and National Recovery Month."Through Recovery Month initiatives, people become more aware and are better able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders," she said. "Activities are geared towards encouraging people in need of recovery services to seek help. Managing the effects of these conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally."Barton County Health Department Resource Coordinator Amy Ferguson was named the county's Employee of the Quarter in June. She reminded listeners that addiction can happen to anyone and can be overcome."I, also, was somebody that struggled for years with recovery," she said. "I've been in and out of 11 different treatment centers. I am in no way different than anyone else you read about in the paper today, that has been to jail and you keep seeing their names come up. I was one of those people. It took a collaboration of people, it took the whole community to help me become well."Friday's Recovery Out Loud event is for anyone who wants to share their stories about substance use disorder, or for anyone recovering from mental health issues or trauma.

Barton Commission hears about National Recovery Month prior to Friday event

On Tuesday morning a Barton County jury convicted Gavin Allen of driving under the influence of alcohol, a felony, and transporting an open container, a misdemeanor. The DUI conviction is a felony in this case because it is a third or subsequent conviction within the last 10 years.

On Sept. 17, 2020, Great Bend Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle parked with a male subject passed out in the back seat. On scene, officers observed an open alcoholic beverage. 

Officers made contact with Gavin Allen after waking him up and observing that he appeared to have vomited on himself. Allen denied that he was the driver. However, video was obtained on scene that showed the operation of the vehicle and Allen exiting the driver’s seat. 

A search warrant for Allen’s blood was obtained. Kansas Bureau of Investigation testing revealed that Allen’s blood alcohol level was .16, twice the legal limit.

Jury selection and all of the State’s evidence was completed on Monday. The jury deliberated until 6 p.m. Monday and then recessed until Tuesday morning.

Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. 

Felony DUI convictions prior to July 1, 2022, are punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a $2,500 fine. While that sentence is not directly affected by a defendant’s criminal history score, after informal review of Allen’s criminal history, the State of Kansas anticipates that Allen will have a criminal history score of “A” which is the highest possible score under Kansas sentencing laws.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010135919.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday morning a Barton County jury convicted Gavin Allen of driving under the influence of alcohol, a felony, and transporting an open container, a misdemeanor. The DUI conviction is a felony in this case because it is a third or subsequent conviction within the last 10 years.On Sept. 17, 2020, Great Bend Police officers responded to a report of a vehicle parked with a male subject passed out in the back seat. On scene, officers observed an open alcoholic beverage. Officers made contact with Gavin Allen after waking him up and observing that he appeared to have vomited on himself. Allen denied that he was the driver. However, video was obtained on scene that showed the operation of the vehicle and Allen exiting the driver’s seat. A search warrant for Allen’s blood was obtained. Kansas Bureau of Investigation testing revealed that Allen’s blood alcohol level was .16, twice the legal limit.Jury selection and all of the State’s evidence was completed on Monday. The jury deliberated until 6 p.m. Monday and then recessed until Tuesday morning.Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. Felony DUI convictions prior to July 1, 2022, are punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a $2,500 fine. While that sentence is not directly affected by a defendant’s criminal history score, after informal review of Allen’s criminal history, the State of Kansas anticipates that Allen will have a criminal history score of “A” which is the highest possible score under Kansas sentencing laws.

Man convicted of DUI from 2020 Great Bend case

Eagle Media Center, 1200 Baker: .97 Charles Austin-North of Alexander: .84 Steve Schneider-North of Albert: .78 Kevin Soupiset-Quail Creek, Great Bend: .79 Don Mie-North of Susank: 1.05 Gerald Atkins - 20-miles West of Great Bend: .32 Richard Devine - Seward: 1:45 Barb Merry-West of Galatia: 1:10 Marvin Schneider-South of Rush Center: .73 G.B. Coop Test Plot - West 10th Street: .98 Juan Uribe-West Great Bend: .93 BTI South of Great Bend: 1.20 Walnut Bowl - Great Bend: 1.00 Hoisington: .50 Panning Ranch - 2-miles E. of Ellinwood: 1:03

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663851676678.jpeg" alt="Rainfall totals called into the 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM studio Thursday morning" />
 <figcaption>Rainfall totals called into the 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM studio Thursday morning</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Media Center, 1200 Baker: .97 Charles Austin-North of Alexander: .84 Steve Schneider-North of Albert: .78 Kevin Soupiset-Quail Creek, Great Bend: .79 Don Mie-North of Susank: 1.05 Gerald Atkins - 20-miles West of Great Bend: .32 Richard Devine - Seward: 1:45 Barb Merry-West of Galatia: 1:10 Marvin Schneider-South of Rush Center: .73 G.B. Coop Test Plot - West 10th Street: .98 Juan Uribe-West Great Bend: .93 BTI South of Great Bend: 1.20 Walnut Bowl - Great Bend: 1.00 Hoisington: .50 Panning Ranch - 2-miles E. of Ellinwood: 1:03

Thursday area rainfall totals

9/21 BOOKED: Holly Crum on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,541.50 cash only.

BOOKED: Cory Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Dometic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond.

BOOKED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court case for theft, no bond set.

BOOKED: Tara Schlatter on Ellsworth County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Sheldon Fletcher on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, Improper Lane Change and Window Tint, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Brianna Feist on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,227.50 or 85 days in jail; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,105.00 or 41 days in jail.

BOOKED: Victor Delarosa on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and No Tag Lights, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.

RELEASED: Cory Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Dometic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court case for theft, to Juvenile Intake.

RELEASED: Victor Delarosa on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and No Tag Lights, after posting a $500 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>9/21 BOOKED: Holly Crum on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,541.50 cash only.BOOKED: Cory Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Dometic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond.BOOKED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court case for theft, no bond set.BOOKED: Tara Schlatter on Ellsworth County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Sheldon Fletcher on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, Improper Lane Change and Window Tint, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Brianna Feist on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,227.50 or 85 days in jail; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,105.00 or 41 days in jail.BOOKED: Victor Delarosa on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and No Tag Lights, bond set at $500 C/S or 48-hour OR.RELEASED: Cory Akins on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Dometic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Two juveniles on Barton County District Court case for theft, to Juvenile Intake.RELEASED: Victor Delarosa on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License and No Tag Lights, after posting a $500 cash bond.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (9/21)

In June, 125 high school musicians from across the nation will perform near Normandy, France as part of the All-American D-Day Band. Great Bend High School senior August Siefkes is on that short list of musicians that will also play at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.&nbsp;

"I am doing this to thank all of our veterans and our active servicemen and women," said Siefkes. "The best way I can do that is through music."

Siefkes will be part of the first-ever All-American D-Day band. As musical ambassadors to France, the band will perform the ceremonial music for the official wreath-laying ceremonies at the Brittany and Normandy American Cemeteries and Memorials. 

"When I am seated on the platform at the two American Cemeteries looking out at the hundreds of white crosses, and seated next to me are the 100-year-old men who gave their all for our freedom and Liberty, I will be proud to represent Kansas and my home community," Siefkes said in an announcement about the honor.

The trip includes a 2-night stay in Washington, D.C., three nights in Normandy, and three nights in Paris. The band will perform in Paris, and also tour many D-Day-related sites, including Omaha Beach. On June 6, 1944, the largest invasion force in history&nbsp; - consisting of 7,000 ships and 195,000 personnel from eight allied countries - stormed the beaches of Normandy.&nbsp;

Siefkes started band in the fifth grade. She first learned about the D-Day band in 2020. The band was originally slated to perform in the summer of 2022, but COVID-19 pushed the event back to 2023. "My percussion teacher, Mr. Kurtis Koch, he was the one who found out about it, and he reached out to me and said, 'Hey, this looks like something you'd enjoy,'" Siefkes said.

In late 2021, Siefkes was nominated to play in the D-Day Band and sent the organization her musical resume. The nomination was accepted in February, and Siefkes had two weeks in April to submit a video of herself playing along to music provided by the D-Day Band.

Now in the band, Siefkes will play a variety of mallet and accessory percussion instruments, including the xylophone, marimba, bells, chimes, and snare drums. She will play in a full-piece concert band and play the snare in a short marching parade, complete with uniforms.

 The trip to France is not free, however. Siefkes is trying to raise approximately $5,000 that would cover all accommodations to Washington D.C. and France. She's reached out to local VFWs and other civic organizations about sharing the D-Day music and story to raise funds. She's also set up a GoFundMe page for the occasion.

Siefkes thanks all veterans and active servicemen and women for being an inspiration. She also thanks her parents, friends, and teachers that made music education possible. Siefkes plans to attend Kansas State University next year with band auditions coming up next spring.

To contribute to Siefkes' journey, visit her GoFundMe page by <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/august-dday-band">CLICKING HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663696956922.jpeg" alt="Great Bend High School senior August Siefkes is one of 125 students across the country headed to France in June to play in the All-American D-Day band." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend High School senior August Siefkes is one of 125 students across the country headed to France in June to play in the All-American D-Day band.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostIn June, 125 high school musicians from across the nation will perform near Normandy, France as part of the All-American D-Day Band. Great Bend High School senior August Siefkes is on that short list of musicians that will also play at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.&nbsp;"I am doing this to thank all of our veterans and our active servicemen and women," said Siefkes. "The best way I can do that is through music."Siefkes will be part of the first-ever All-American D-Day band. As musical ambassadors to France, the band will perform the ceremonial music for the official wreath-laying ceremonies at the Brittany and Normandy American Cemeteries and Memorials. "When I am seated on the platform at the two American Cemeteries looking out at the hundreds of white crosses, and seated next to me are the 100-year-old men who gave their all for our freedom and Liberty, I will be proud to represent Kansas and my home community," Siefkes said in an announcement about the honor.The trip includes a 2-night stay in Washington, D.C., three nights in Normandy, and three nights in Paris. The band will perform in Paris, and also tour many D-Day-related sites, including Omaha Beach. On June 6, 1944, the largest invasion force in history&nbsp; - consisting of 7,000 ships and 195,000 personnel from eight allied countries - stormed the beaches of Normandy.&nbsp;Siefkes started band in the fifth grade. She first learned about the D-Day band in 2020. The band was originally slated to perform in the summer of 2022, but COVID-19 pushed the event back to 2023. "My percussion teacher, Mr. Kurtis Koch, he was the one who found out about it, and he reached out to me and said, 'Hey, this looks like something you'd enjoy,'" Siefkes said.In late 2021, Siefkes was nominated to play in the D-Day Band and sent the organization her musical resume. The nomination was accepted in February, and Siefkes had two weeks in April to submit a video of herself playing along to music provided by the D-Day Band.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697151728.jpeg" alt="Siefkes will play a variety of percussion instruments in the D-Day Band, including the xylophone and snare drum." />
 <figcaption>Siefkes will play a variety of percussion instruments in the D-Day Band, including the xylophone and snare drum.</figcaption>
 </figure>Now in the band, Siefkes will play a variety of mallet and accessory percussion instruments, including the xylophone, marimba, bells, chimes, and snare drums. She will play in a full-piece concert band and play the snare in a short marching parade, complete with uniforms. The trip to France is not free, however. Siefkes is trying to raise approximately $5,000 that would cover all accommodations to Washington D.C. and France. She's reached out to local VFWs and other civic organizations about sharing the D-Day music and story to raise funds. She's also set up a GoFundMe page for the occasion.Siefkes thanks all veterans and active servicemen and women for being an inspiration. She also thanks her parents, friends, and teachers that made music education possible. Siefkes plans to attend Kansas State University next year with band auditions coming up next spring.To contribute to Siefkes' journey, visit her GoFundMe page by <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/august-dday-band">CLICKING HERE.</a>

Great Bend senior headed to France as part of D-Day Band

Today Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 59. East wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 51. East wind 9 to 13 mph.

Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 54. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 54.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77.

Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 48.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 81.

Monday Night Clear, with a low around 52.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 81.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 59. East wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.Tonight A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 51. East wind 9 to 13 mph.Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 79. Southeast wind 7 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.Friday Night Clear, with a low around 54. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind 5 to 7 mph.Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 54.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 77.Sunday Night Clear, with a low around 48.Monday Sunny, with a high near 81.Monday Night Clear, with a low around 52.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 81.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 52.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 82.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

The Front Door Utilities Building will be closed Friday, Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. for staff training.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663790134421.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Front Door Utilities Building will be closed Friday, Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. for staff training.

GB's Front Door utilities office closed Friday morning

Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Ribbon Cutting

Doors open at 9 a.m. and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. – Join in-person or watch virtually on Facebook LIVE &amp; YouTube.

Chelsea Mitchell Photography 1217 Main St. – Riggs Building

After graduating from the renown Brooks Institute of Photography, Chelsea spent a decade photographing luxury weddings and events in Santa Barbara and up and down the coast of California. She has photographed destination weddings in Georgia, Texas, and most recently, in altitude on top of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colorado.

Over the years Chelsea’s work has been published in numerous wedding blogs, the most notable being Style Me Pretty and Martha Stewart Weddings and printed in international wedding magazines like Modern Wedding.

"I love creating natural, clean, true color images that capture palpable connections and intimate moments. I strive to capture artisan, candid moments between my clients on the biggest day of their lives."

Since coming back to Great Bend, Chelsea has opened her own brick and mortar studio where she offers the full line of traditional services including Family and Senior Portraits, Simple Headshot, and almost anything in between. (She even offers framing)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, Sept. 22Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Ribbon CuttingDoors open at 9 a.m. and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. – Join in-person or watch virtually on Facebook LIVE &amp; YouTube.Chelsea Mitchell Photography 1217 Main St. – Riggs BuildingAfter graduating from the renown Brooks Institute of Photography, Chelsea spent a decade photographing luxury weddings and events in Santa Barbara and up and down the coast of California. She has photographed destination weddings in Georgia, Texas, and most recently, in altitude on top of Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colorado.Over the years Chelsea’s work has been published in numerous wedding blogs, the most notable being Style Me Pretty and Martha Stewart Weddings and printed in international wedding magazines like Modern Wedding."I love creating natural, clean, true color images that capture palpable connections and intimate moments. I strive to capture artisan, candid moments between my clients on the biggest day of their lives."Since coming back to Great Bend, Chelsea has opened her own brick and mortar studio where she offers the full line of traditional services including Family and Senior Portraits, Simple Headshot, and almost anything in between. (She even offers framing)

Great Bend Chamber coffee hour & ribbon cutting (9/22)

The Barton Performing Arts Department invites the community to enjoy its “Autumn Arts” concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The concert will feature the Barton Music Department and Barton Dance Theatre. Admission is free. Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman said all groups are ready to perform in front of a live audience. “Everyone is excited to give a sneak preview into what is happening in all of our Barton ensembles,” she said. “It will be a fun, eclectic mix of choral and instrumental music as well as dance.”

For more information, contact Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eric Foley at (620) 792-9395 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foleye@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">foleye@bartonccc.edu</a>. Photo cutline:&nbsp;Students perform at a concert in the Fine Arts Auditorium last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663698725825.jpeg" alt="Students perform at a concert in the Fine Arts Auditorium last year." />
 <figcaption>Students perform at a concert in the Fine Arts Auditorium last year.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Performing Arts Department invites the community to enjoy its “Autumn Arts” concert from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The concert will feature the Barton Music Department and Barton Dance Theatre. Admission is free. Director of Instrumental Activities Jamie Minneman said all groups are ready to perform in front of a live audience. “Everyone is excited to give a sneak preview into what is happening in all of our Barton ensembles,” she said. “It will be a fun, eclectic mix of choral and instrumental music as well as dance.”For more information, contact Director of Choral Activities Dr. Eric Foley at (620) 792-9395 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:foleye@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">foleye@bartonccc.edu</a>. Photo cutline:&nbsp;Students perform at a concert in the Fine Arts Auditorium last year.

Barton Performing Arts Dept. presents 'Autumn Arts' concert

Fire won't wait, plan your escape. That's the theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week, a national safety campaign to help educate children and adults on how to stay safe in the event of a fire. Great Bend Fire Inspector Mike Smith said it's all about practicing ahead of a real fire.

"Fire's not going to wait for you to get out, so basically, plan your escape before it happens," he said. "Everyone is supposed to do home escape plans is what we teach the kids. They do that with their family and practice it, so if the real deal happens, they already know how to get out and where they're supposed to meet."

Fire Prevention Week runs each October, with this year's week falling between Sunday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 15. That Monday, Great Bend fire personnel will make eight different visits as part of their effort to stop at every preschool and kindergarten in Great Bend. Fire truck rides stopped many years ago, but young students will still get an up-close look at the big red trucks.

This year is special in that the firefighters will also be performing a skit at the Great Bend Rec Center on Stone Street. All Great Bend students grades K-6 will be bussed to one of six performances. The fire firefighters once performed the skit annually, but now perform every few years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632973560582.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFire won't wait, plan your escape. That's the theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week, a national safety campaign to help educate children and adults on how to stay safe in the event of a fire. Great Bend Fire Inspector Mike Smith said it's all about practicing ahead of a real fire."Fire's not going to wait for you to get out, so basically, plan your escape before it happens," he said. "Everyone is supposed to do home escape plans is what we teach the kids. They do that with their family and practice it, so if the real deal happens, they already know how to get out and where they're supposed to meet."Fire Prevention Week runs each October, with this year's week falling between Sunday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 15. That Monday, Great Bend fire personnel will make eight different visits as part of their effort to stop at every preschool and kindergarten in Great Bend. Fire truck rides stopped many years ago, but young students will still get an up-close look at the big red trucks.This year is special in that the firefighters will also be performing a skit at the Great Bend Rec Center on Stone Street. All Great Bend students grades K-6 will be bussed to one of six performances. The fire firefighters once performed the skit annually, but now perform every few years.

Great Bend Fire Dept. gearing up for busy Fire Prevention Week

Forage and cattle management considerations for this fall and into the next year will be the emphasis of a series of meetings planned across the state to help producers make decisions given limited on-farm forage production and high feed costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Many producers have already culled and weaned earlier than normal to decrease forage demand, and going forward additional adjustments may be needed for the fall and winter,” said Sandy Johnson, a K-State Research and Extension beef specialist.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson said forages that have been grown might have issues with high nitrates and prussic acid, which can be deadly if mismanaged. Many producers may need to use unfamiliar feedstuffs with unique management considerations, according to Johnson.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Topics to be covered at the upcoming meetings will include feedstuffs and projecting forage inventory needs; management strategies to avoid nitrate and prussic acid poisoning; considerations for feeding cows and backgrounded calves with limited forages and health concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Presenters will vary depending on each meeting’s location.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The meeting scheduled for October 6th&nbsp;starting at 5:30PM will be at the Agricultural Research Center, located at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave, Hays. To RSVP, call 785-628-9430 or email Theresa Meis at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tam3@ksu.edu" target="_blank">tam3@ksu.edu</a>. Other meetings throughout the region include:&nbsp;

Sept. 26&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Cherryvale Community Center, 123 W Main St., Cherryvale, Kan. RSVP to Wildcat District office at 620-331-2690, or Wendie Powell,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wendiepowell@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wendiepowell@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oct. 4 --&nbsp;6 p.m.,&nbsp;Marlow-Leitz Memorial Building, 902 Grand St., Alma, Kan.&nbsp;RSVP to Wabaunsee County Extension office, 785-765-3821, or Shannon Spencer,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:spspencer@ksu.edu" target="_blank">spspencer@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oct. 5&nbsp;-- 5:30 p.m. (CT), American Legion Hall, Bird City, Kan.. RSVP to Sunflower District, 785-332-3171, or Heather McDonald,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hmcdonald@ksu.edu" target="_blank">hmcdonald@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oct.10&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Inman Community Center, Inman, Kan. RSVP to McPherson County Extension, 620-241-1523, or Shad Marston,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:smarston@ksu.edu" target="_blank">smarston@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oct. 11&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Severy Community Building, Severy, Kan. RSVP to Greenwood County Extension, 620-583-7455, or Benjamin Sims,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:benjam63@ksu.edu" target="_blank">benjam63@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oct. 13&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Grainfield Extension Office, 230 Main St., Grainfield, Kan. RSVP to Golden Prairie Extension District, 785-673-4805, or Kelsi Wertz,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kjwertz@ksu.edu" target="_blank">kjwertz@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Forage and cattle management considerations for this fall and into the next year will be the emphasis of a series of meetings planned across the state to help producers make decisions given limited on-farm forage production and high feed costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Many producers have already culled and weaned earlier than normal to decrease forage demand, and going forward additional adjustments may be needed for the fall and winter,” said Sandy Johnson, a K-State Research and Extension beef specialist.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson said forages that have been grown might have issues with high nitrates and prussic acid, which can be deadly if mismanaged. Many producers may need to use unfamiliar feedstuffs with unique management considerations, according to Johnson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Topics to be covered at the upcoming meetings will include feedstuffs and projecting forage inventory needs; management strategies to avoid nitrate and prussic acid poisoning; considerations for feeding cows and backgrounded calves with limited forages and health concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;Presenters will vary depending on each meeting’s location.&nbsp;&nbsp;The meeting scheduled for October 6th&nbsp;starting at 5:30PM will be at the Agricultural Research Center, located at 1232 240th&nbsp;Ave, Hays. To RSVP, call 785-628-9430 or email Theresa Meis at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tam3@ksu.edu" target="_blank">tam3@ksu.edu</a>. Other meetings throughout the region include:&nbsp;Sept. 26&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Cherryvale Community Center, 123 W Main St., Cherryvale, Kan. RSVP to Wildcat District office at 620-331-2690, or Wendie Powell,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wendiepowell@ksu.edu" target="_blank">wendiepowell@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oct. 4 --&nbsp;6 p.m.,&nbsp;Marlow-Leitz Memorial Building, 902 Grand St., Alma, Kan.&nbsp;RSVP to Wabaunsee County Extension office, 785-765-3821, or Shannon Spencer,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:spspencer@ksu.edu" target="_blank">spspencer@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oct. 5&nbsp;-- 5:30 p.m. (CT), American Legion Hall, Bird City, Kan.. RSVP to Sunflower District, 785-332-3171, or Heather McDonald,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hmcdonald@ksu.edu" target="_blank">hmcdonald@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oct.10&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Inman Community Center, Inman, Kan. RSVP to McPherson County Extension, 620-241-1523, or Shad Marston,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:smarston@ksu.edu" target="_blank">smarston@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oct. 11&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Severy Community Building, Severy, Kan. RSVP to Greenwood County Extension, 620-583-7455, or Benjamin Sims,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:benjam63@ksu.edu" target="_blank">benjam63@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oct. 13&nbsp;-- 6 p.m., Grainfield Extension Office, 230 Main St., Grainfield, Kan. RSVP to Golden Prairie Extension District, 785-673-4805, or Kelsi Wertz,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kjwertz@ksu.edu" target="_blank">kjwertz@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

BOOR: Drought meetings

The weather is cooling just in time for some cleanup. Great Bend citizens will have the opportunity to dump items for free beginning Saturday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 2 as part of the city-wide cleanup. City Administrator Kendal Francis spoke about the event at Monday's council meeting.

"Remember we'll have the construction dumpsters at Sunflower Diversified's lot at 5605 10th Street," he said. "We're looking for volunteers that can meet that morning at 9 a.m. at Sunflower's lot. And also, if you need assistance, please contact me."

The cleanup begins Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The city will have several construction-sized dumpsters at Sunflower Diversified, accepting a variety of trash that includes tires, trash, metal, mattresses, and appliances. Hazardous household materials, colored plastic containers, and plastic food wrap are among the items that will not be accepted. The city will lock the gates for the cleanup at the close of each day to prevent unwanted dumping.

The city is still looking for volunteers that could assist those unable to transport trash on Saturday. As of Tuesday afternoon, 18 pickups had been scheduled. Anyone wishing to volunteer or anyone needing a volunteer can contact Francis at the city office by calling (620) 793-4111, or by emailing kfrancis@greatbendks.net.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662574885703.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe weather is cooling just in time for some cleanup. Great Bend citizens will have the opportunity to dump items for free beginning Saturday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 2 as part of the city-wide cleanup. City Administrator Kendal Francis spoke about the event at Monday's council meeting."Remember we'll have the construction dumpsters at Sunflower Diversified's lot at 5605 10th Street," he said. "We're looking for volunteers that can meet that morning at 9 a.m. at Sunflower's lot. And also, if you need assistance, please contact me."The cleanup begins Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The city will have several construction-sized dumpsters at Sunflower Diversified, accepting a variety of trash that includes tires, trash, metal, mattresses, and appliances. Hazardous household materials, colored plastic containers, and plastic food wrap are among the items that will not be accepted. The city will lock the gates for the cleanup at the close of each day to prevent unwanted dumping.The city is still looking for volunteers that could assist those unable to transport trash on Saturday. As of Tuesday afternoon, 18 pickups had been scheduled. Anyone wishing to volunteer or anyone needing a volunteer can contact Francis at the city office by calling (620) 793-4111, or by emailing kfrancis@greatbendks.net.&nbsp;

Reminder: Great Bend city-wide cleanup begins Saturday

A .15% sales tax increase was approved last November for quality of life
projects in Great Bend and collections on that tax started arriving in June.
Now the Great Bend City Council is ready to move forward with a handful of quality
of life projects around town, hopefully with a few completed by the end of the
year. 
On the list to accomplish in 2022 is improve lighting at the Veterans Memorial
Park walking trail. City Administrator Kendal Francis said $75,000 has been set
aside from the tax collections to light up the path more. "We've already tasked Scott (Scott Keeler, Public Lands Director) to research the best lighting options," said Francis. "We want to be mindful that there are houses nearby that we're trying not to light up, but give some security on the walking path. It does get pretty dark on the west side of the trail." 
Bathroom improvements at Veterans Park and Brit Spaugh Park is also on the list
of projects for this year. Francis said the city has received feedback to have
year-round usage of the restrooms, even in the winter season. 
"We are exploring the option of putting on timed entry locks on the doors," said Francis. "They will lock and unlock on scheduled times so city staff does not have to physically lock them up each night." 
Other listed 2022 projects include a sidewalk repair cost share program, fish
habitat improvement, Christmas lights, paintball course and improvements on the
south side of Brit Spaugh Park. 
At this week’s work session, the city council was in consensus to create an
action item at the next meeting to approve the launch of these projects.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663768495191.jpeg" alt="Great Bend is planning on putting $75,000 from the "quality of life" sales tax revenue toward lighting along the walking path at Veterans Memorial Park." />
 <figcaption>Great Bend is planning on putting $75,000 from the "quality of life" sales tax revenue toward lighting along the walking path at Veterans Memorial Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA .15% sales tax increase was approved last November for quality of life
projects in Great Bend and collections on that tax started arriving in June.
Now the Great Bend City Council is ready to move forward with a handful of quality
of life projects around town, hopefully with a few completed by the end of the
year. 
On the list to accomplish in 2022 is improve lighting at the Veterans Memorial
Park walking trail. City Administrator Kendal Francis said $75,000 has been set
aside from the tax collections to light up the path more. "We've already tasked Scott (Scott Keeler, Public Lands Director) to research the best lighting options," said Francis. "We want to be mindful that there are houses nearby that we're trying not to light up, but give some security on the walking path. It does get pretty dark on the west side of the trail." 
Bathroom improvements at Veterans Park and Brit Spaugh Park is also on the list
of projects for this year. Francis said the city has received feedback to have
year-round usage of the restrooms, even in the winter season. 
"We are exploring the option of putting on timed entry locks on the doors," said Francis. "They will lock and unlock on scheduled times so city staff does not have to physically lock them up each night." 
Other listed 2022 projects include a sidewalk repair cost share program, fish
habitat improvement, Christmas lights, paintball course and improvements on the
south side of Brit Spaugh Park. 
At this week’s work session, the city council was in consensus to create an
action item at the next meeting to approve the launch of these projects.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Better lighting at Vet’s walking trail part of ’22 ‘quality of life’ projects

Action from the September 21, 2022, Barton County Commission agenda meeting:

OLD BUSINESS - ITEM A. RESOLUTION 2022-22:  A Resolution Concerning the Involvement of Sitting Barton County Commissioners on Area Boards and Committees:  -Commissioner Kirby Krier proposed Resolution guidelines for Commissioners when dealing with area boards and committees.  This item was tabled.

NEW BUSINESS - EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD:   Pam Christendon, Custodian, Facilities Management, Operations Department:    -The Employee Relations Committee (ERC) recommends outstanding individuals for the “Employees Recognition Award”.   At this time, the Commission recognized Pam Christendon, Custodian, Facilities Management, Operations Department.   Ms. Christendon was nominated, in part, for her friendly demeanor, attitude and work ethic. 

 PROCLAMATION 2022-14:   National Recovery Month, September, 2022:  -Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director and Rise Up Central Kansas community member, presented Proclamation 2022-14, National Recovery Month, September, 2022, which details the impact of recovery through better management of health, home, purpose and community.  The Proclamation calls for community members to observe this month with compelling programs and events, to include Recovery Out Loud, Every Voice Matters, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Jack Kilby Square. 

 KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES:  Voting Delegates:  -Matt Patzner, Operations Director, provided details.  The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) will hold its Annual Conference from October 17 – 19, 2022, in Overland Park.  Each year, the Commission designates a voting delegate and first and second voting alternates for the meeting.  Selected were Commissioners Barb Esfeld, Chairman Shawn Hutchinson and Commission Krier.Under Other Business, Sheriff Brian Bellendir gave an update on an auction he held for forfeited and surplus property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619186644580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Action from the September 21, 2022, Barton County Commission agenda meeting:OLD BUSINESS - ITEM A. RESOLUTION 2022-22: A Resolution Concerning the Involvement of Sitting Barton County Commissioners on Area Boards and Committees: -Commissioner Kirby Krier proposed Resolution guidelines for Commissioners when dealing with area boards and committees. This item was tabled.NEW BUSINESS - EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD: Pam Christendon, Custodian, Facilities Management, Operations Department: -The Employee Relations Committee (ERC) recommends outstanding individuals for the “Employees Recognition Award”. At this time, the Commission recognized Pam Christendon, Custodian, Facilities Management, Operations Department. Ms. Christendon was nominated, in part, for her friendly demeanor, attitude and work ethic. PROCLAMATION 2022-14: National Recovery Month, September, 2022: -Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director and Rise Up Central Kansas community member, presented Proclamation 2022-14, National Recovery Month, September, 2022, which details the impact of recovery through better management of health, home, purpose and community. The Proclamation calls for community members to observe this month with compelling programs and events, to include Recovery Out Loud, Every Voice Matters, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Jack Kilby Square. KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: Voting Delegates: -Matt Patzner, Operations Director, provided details. The Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) will hold its Annual Conference from October 17 – 19, 2022, in Overland Park. Each year, the Commission designates a voting delegate and first and second voting alternates for the meeting. Selected were Commissioners Barb Esfeld, Chairman Shawn Hutchinson and Commission Krier.Under Other Business, Sheriff Brian Bellendir gave an update on an auction he held for forfeited and surplus property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Action from the Barton County Commission meeting (9/21)

Barton Arts Movement is proud to announce a new digital mosaic art installation is available for public viewing at five locations in Barton County. The digital mosaic piece was created by Great Bend artist, Yuchen Wang Boswell, who compiled approximately 350 crowd-sourced images to design the artwork. All images used in the digital mosaic were captured in Barton County and submitted to Barton Arts Movement by area residents. You can find the artwork at the following locations through the end of 2022:

These locations may change after the new year, to give even more residents and storefronts the opportunity to host one of the digital art pieces.

Barton Arts Movement used this unique medium to showcase the beautiful people and places that comprise Barton County. “This project aligns with BAM’s mission of ‘creating pride through community art,’ because this piece was inspired directly by community members,” says Regan Reif, Barton Arts Movement Action Team member. “When viewing the installation, be sure to look closely as you might spot a neighbor or favorite local spot to visit!”

More Barton Arts Movement projects are slated for fall 2022, including the <a href="https://www.bartonartsmovement.com/post/50-volunteers-paint-new-street-mural-called-art-alley-in-downtown-great-bend">Art Alley Street Mural</a> project that just wrapped up in mid September. Barton Arts Movement is a grass roots initiative led by volunteers under the auspices of the <a href="http://www.goldenbeltcf.org/" target="_blank">Golden Belt Community Foundation</a>. Follow Barton Arts Movement on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bartonartsmovement/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to keep up-to-date with the group’s projects and events.﻿﻿﻿﻿

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663769581309.jpeg" alt="One of five mosaic art pieces from Barton Arts Movement is at Gather in Ellinwood.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>One of five mosaic art pieces from Barton Arts Movement is at Gather in Ellinwood.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Arts Movement is proud to announce a new digital mosaic art installation is available for public viewing at five locations in Barton County. The digital mosaic piece was created by Great Bend artist, Yuchen Wang Boswell, who compiled approximately 350 crowd-sourced images to design the artwork. All images used in the digital mosaic were captured in Barton County and submitted to Barton Arts Movement by area residents. You can find the artwork at the following locations through the end of 2022:<ul>
 <li>Gather, 19 N Main Street, Ellinwood, KS 67526</li><li>Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams Street, Great Bend, KS 67530</li><li>Millers of Claflin, 200 Main Street, Claflin, KS 67525</li><li>RePerks Coffee Shop, 1216 Main Street, Great Bend, KS 67530</li><li>102 Main Street, Hoisington, KS 67544</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663769663659.png" alt="Millers of Claflin" />
 <figcaption>Millers of Claflin</figcaption>
 </figure>These locations may change after the new year, to give even more residents and storefronts the opportunity to host one of the digital art pieces.Barton Arts Movement used this unique medium to showcase the beautiful people and places that comprise Barton County. “This project aligns with BAM’s mission of ‘creating pride through community art,’ because this piece was inspired directly by community members,” says Regan Reif, Barton Arts Movement Action Team member. “When viewing the installation, be sure to look closely as you might spot a neighbor or favorite local spot to visit!”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663769700859.png" alt="102 Main Street in Hoisington" />
 <figcaption>102 Main Street in Hoisington</figcaption>
 </figure>More Barton Arts Movement projects are slated for fall 2022, including the <a href="https://www.bartonartsmovement.com/post/50-volunteers-paint-new-street-mural-called-art-alley-in-downtown-great-bend">Art Alley Street Mural</a> project that just wrapped up in mid September. Barton Arts Movement is a grass roots initiative led by volunteers under the auspices of the <a href="http://www.goldenbeltcf.org/" target="_blank">Golden Belt Community Foundation</a>. Follow Barton Arts Movement on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bartonartsmovement/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to keep up-to-date with the group’s projects and events.﻿﻿﻿﻿<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663769742459.png" alt="Great Bend Public Library" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663769763162.png" alt="RePerks in Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>RePerks in Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>

Mosaic art on display in five locations across Barton County

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Courson

Barton County Commissioner Jon Prescott summed things up well at Wednesday's commission meeting: the courthouse is a first impression for many of the county. And someone has to keep that big building clean. Custodian Pam Christendon with facilities management was recognized by commissioners with the Employee Recognition Award. Administrative Assistant Diana Watson read the nomination and added her own thoughts.

"Pam is a hard worker with a friendly demeanor," Watson read. "Facilities is such a crucial part of the working system that is Barton County. Pam is a critical part of the system, and she does a fantastic job. Pam's attitude and work ethic benefit every office in the entire courthouse. And although I did not nominate her, I concur. She is all of those things."

Barb Esfeld, former county appraiser and current commissioner, seconded the nomination with firsthand experience of Christendon's work.

"That is an important job and people take it for granted," Esfeld said. "But if somebody walks in the courthouse and it's dirty, I'm sure Diana hears about it. I always knew when she'd come through our office because it was spotless."

Former County Clerk Donna Zimmerman, who will be on the general election ballot in November for a commission spot, also worked with Christendon at the courthouse and shared praise.

"I'd like to echo their thoughts," said Zimmerman. "Pam has helped us tremendously with the elections. She's done everything and anything we ever needed, and she always did it with a smile. We really appreciated knowing she was there and you could just pick up the phone and call her and she would help. I also think about the pandemic and how she kept this courthouse clean, and kept sterilizing, and wiping down everything. That was quite a feat."

Christendon has worked at the courthouse for nearly five years. With her recognition as employee of the quarter she will receive an extra day of paid time off.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663773994359.jpeg" alt="Pam Christendon was honored as the county's employee of the quarter at Wednesday's commission meeting." />
 <figcaption>Pam Christendon was honored as the county's employee of the quarter at Wednesday's commission meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend CoursonBarton County Commissioner Jon Prescott summed things up well at Wednesday's commission meeting: the courthouse is a first impression for many of the county. And someone has to keep that big building clean. Custodian Pam Christendon with facilities management was recognized by commissioners with the Employee Recognition Award. Administrative Assistant Diana Watson read the nomination and added her own thoughts."Pam is a hard worker with a friendly demeanor," Watson read. "Facilities is such a crucial part of the working system that is Barton County. Pam is a critical part of the system, and she does a fantastic job. Pam's attitude and work ethic benefit every office in the entire courthouse. And although I did not nominate her, I concur. She is all of those things."Barb Esfeld, former county appraiser and current commissioner, seconded the nomination with firsthand experience of Christendon's work."That is an important job and people take it for granted," Esfeld said. "But if somebody walks in the courthouse and it's dirty, I'm sure Diana hears about it. I always knew when she'd come through our office because it was spotless."Former County Clerk Donna Zimmerman, who will be on the general election ballot in November for a commission spot, also worked with Christendon at the courthouse and shared praise."I'd like to echo their thoughts," said Zimmerman. "Pam has helped us tremendously with the elections. She's done everything and anything we ever needed, and she always did it with a smile. We really appreciated knowing she was there and you could just pick up the phone and call her and she would help. I also think about the pandemic and how she kept this courthouse clean, and kept sterilizing, and wiping down everything. That was quite a feat."Christendon has worked at the courthouse for nearly five years. With her recognition as employee of the quarter she will receive an extra day of paid time off.

Christendon recognized by Barton Co. Commission for hard work

This November, Kansas voters will decide if the constitution
should be amended to ensure sheriffs are elected to their positions. 

If passed, little would change for residents of 104 out of
105 Kansas counties, but two western Kansas sheriffs believe the move will
ensure citizens retain an important say in their area law enforcement.

“It's just a matter of just preserving people's rights to
vote,” said Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley. “It doesn't give us any more
authority, it doesn't give us any more power, the statutes are still statutes,
and what laws we enforce are still subject to the legislature. So, we don't gain
anything other than knowing we always have an office. “

“One of the unique things about the Sheriff, we are elected
by the people,” said Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun. “We answer to the people,
to the public. Where if you're an appointed position … they answer to either a
board or to maybe a city manager or something like that.”

He said that public accountability allows voters to decide
if county law enforcement is serving the public interest.

“Every four years are people within Ellis County, and in
Graham County, if they don't like you as the Sheriff, they have an opportunity
to vote you out of there. And this constitutional bill will ensure that there's
always an elected position of Sheriff within your county,” Braun said.

“We believe that the sheriff, the head elected law
enforcement officials, should remain elected and should remain chosen by the
people within the county,” Presley said. “By moving this from statute to the
Constitution, it keeps the people's right to vote.”

Only Riley County does not currently elect a sheriff after consolidating
the city and government law enforcement into one unit in 1974. The proposed
amendment would not force the county to change the current system in place, but
if it is decided in the future that a sheriff is again to be elected, the
county would then be required to maintain that office.

Along with ensuring the office of sheriff remains and who
holds that office remains the decision of the electorate, it would change how a
Sheriff is removed from office.

“One of the changes that is within this is going to be the ouster
process,” Braun said.

Currently, a County Attorney or the Kansas Attorney General can bring action to remove a sheriff. The amendment would allow
the process to be undertaken by only the Attorney General or the voters.

“There have been some county attorneys that have sought that
to remove a sheriff, maybe not for the right reasons. Maybe for the
right reasons, but we believe that it may be better handled by the Attorney
General's office who has a non-biased party that reviews all the facts of the
case, so on that particular Sheriff, and then they could pursue the ouster
process,” Braun said.

Presley said he believes keeping an ouster process in place
is another important right of the people.

“It falls right in line with the whole concept of what we're
doing and preserving the people's right to choose and empower their own leaders,”
Presley said. “Recall is a big a big part of that and a sacred part of that, as
far as we're concerned, it just needs to be done at the appropriate levels. And
whether that be through recall or ouster, that's above peer-to-peer. That's our
position on that.”

The measure was brought forward by the Kansas Sheriff’s
Association and saw widespread support from the Republican-led Kansas legislature,
brought to the ballot by a House vote in favor of putting the amendment on the
ballot via a 91-31 vote and the Senate in a 39-1 vote.

“The Kansas Sheriff’s Association has put this forward, and
we had a lot of conversation was legislators who were able to get it put onto
the bill, and it was voted on,” Braun said. “And they agreed with us to move
forward and let it up to the people to vote on that.”

Across the U.S., the various law enforcement structures and
procedures vary, but most have the sheriff's office codified within their constitutions.

“That varies from terms of office to what their authorities
are to what their primary roles are,” Presley said. “As an example ... I believe it's the state of Maryland, the sheriff doesn't
have powers of arrest, he only operates the jail, and as an officer of the
court, it falls to police departments and state police to carry out those
functions. And in other states, the sheriff is the end all be all, and there
isn't any other authority that exists there. So, it's different from one state
to the next.”

“But the one thing that's consistent in most of those states
is the local voting populace has always had a say in who that leader is,” he
continued. “That’s the biggest connecting piece to all of them.”

“Out of all of the states, there are only 15 that are not
within the constitution,” Braun said. “So, it's not like we're going out and in
trying to create something new. It has been that way.”

As the effort to amend the constitution continues, the
measure has seen some opposition that believes the way law enforcement is structured
within a county should be a local decision.

Rep. Sydney Carlin, D-Manhattan, told the Kansas Reflector in
April she was uneasy with placing ouster authority in the hands of the Attorney
General rather than local prosecutors.

“This is a really big change to our governing system,” she
said.

Rep. Stephanie Clayton, D-Overland Park, also told the Reflector
“local control” better reflected the will of the voters.

But many opinions for or against are seen as stemming from
conversations in Johnson County as often-controversial Sheriff Calvin Hayden has
promoted election fraud claims. His actions have been a part of local conversations
to eliminate the position.

“I don’t generally support the entire state imposing their
will on Johnson County,” Clayton said.

Financial savings has also historically been a part of the
effort to consolidate law enforcement and eliminate the position.

“The interesting thing about Johnson County was they
actually did remove three elected positions there,” Braun said. ”That was the County
Clerk, the County Treasurer and Register of Deeds. They opted to keep the
sheriff.”

But Braun and Presley believe it would only be a matter of
time before the sheriff’s office was removed as well. 

“We just see that as weakening the sheriff's office,” Presley
said. “County government is not built to operate like a municipality, we're
just not. And your elected leaders need that ability to make decisions and act
decisively on a regular basis at any point in time without having to run
something up the flagpole. It's just the way county government structure.”

“At least the western part of the state of Kansas, they want
to voice,” Braun said. “Johnson County's got a lot of voices, I'm pretty sure
there's a lot of people there. But I think everyone in Ellis County and Graham
and Rooks and Rush, they want a voice in (who) they want to elect their sheriff.” 

“We believe seeing this momentum moving on the eastern side
of the state to try to change how government is structured is an indicator to
us that slowly that trickles west as much as we might all not like what happens
in Johnson County, eventually, it touches all of us out here in western Kansas,”
Presley said. And so at some point, without this amendment, that's going to
change in eastern Kansas, and that will slowly trickle this way into if we can
put that put a barrier in place now. That keeps people's right to elect their
sheriff in place. And then this is one less thing we have to worry about.”

Along with the arguments for how county’s structure law
enforcement, financial concerns have been often cited as a reason to consolidate,
but Braun said it might do more harm than good in the long run.

“The problem with that is you kind of lose that hierarchy,”
he said. “So, if the, I'm just going to use the city of Hays, for example, the
police department here, if they have an issue, a conflict within investigating
a particular case, which does happen at times, then they can contact the
sheriff's office, and the sheriff's office can investigate that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646335925302.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JAMES BELL Hays PostThis November, Kansas voters will decide if the constitution
should be amended to ensure sheriffs are elected to their positions. If passed, little would change for residents of 104 out of
105 Kansas counties, but two western Kansas sheriffs believe the move will
ensure citizens retain an important say in their area law enforcement.“It's just a matter of just preserving people's rights to
vote,” said Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley. “It doesn't give us any more
authority, it doesn't give us any more power, the statutes are still statutes,
and what laws we enforce are still subject to the legislature. So, we don't gain
anything other than knowing we always have an office. ““One of the unique things about the Sheriff, we are elected
by the people,” said Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun. “We answer to the people,
to the public. Where if you're an appointed position … they answer to either a
board or to maybe a city manager or something like that.”He said that public accountability allows voters to decide
if county law enforcement is serving the public interest.“Every four years are people within Ellis County, and in
Graham County, if they don't like you as the Sheriff, they have an opportunity
to vote you out of there. And this constitutional bill will ensure that there's
always an elected position of Sheriff within your county,” Braun said.<div><iframe title="NW Kan. Sheriff’s explain constitutional amendment that would ensure the continued election of Sheriff’s" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fzzte-12cab28-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>“We believe that the sheriff, the head elected law
enforcement officials, should remain elected and should remain chosen by the
people within the county,” Presley said. “By moving this from statute to the
Constitution, it keeps the people's right to vote.”Only Riley County does not currently elect a sheriff after consolidating
the city and government law enforcement into one unit in 1974. The proposed
amendment would not force the county to change the current system in place, but
if it is decided in the future that a sheriff is again to be elected, the
county would then be required to maintain that office.Along with ensuring the office of sheriff remains and who
holds that office remains the decision of the electorate, it would change how a
Sheriff is removed from office.“One of the changes that is within this is going to be the ouster
process,” Braun said.Currently, a County Attorney or the Kansas Attorney General can bring action to remove a sheriff. The amendment would allow
the process to be undertaken by only the Attorney General or the voters.“There have been some county attorneys that have sought that
to remove a sheriff, maybe not for the right reasons. Maybe for the
right reasons, but we believe that it may be better handled by the Attorney
General's office who has a non-biased party that reviews all the facts of the
case, so on that particular Sheriff, and then they could pursue the ouster
process,” Braun said.Presley said he believes keeping an ouster process in place
is another important right of the people.“It falls right in line with the whole concept of what we're
doing and preserving the people's right to choose and empower their own leaders,”
Presley said. “Recall is a big a big part of that and a sacred part of that, as
far as we're concerned, it just needs to be done at the appropriate levels. And
whether that be through recall or ouster, that's above peer-to-peer. That's our
position on that.”The measure was brought forward by the Kansas Sheriff’s
Association and saw widespread support from the Republican-led Kansas legislature,
brought to the ballot by a House vote in favor of putting the amendment on the
ballot via a 91-31 vote and the Senate in a 39-1 vote.“The Kansas Sheriff’s Association has put this forward, and
we had a lot of conversation was legislators who were able to get it put onto
the bill, and it was voted on,” Braun said. “And they agreed with us to move
forward and let it up to the people to vote on that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642037189770.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The standard</h2>Across the U.S., the various law enforcement structures and
procedures vary, but most have the sheriff's office codified within their constitutions.“That varies from terms of office to what their authorities
are to what their primary roles are,” Presley said. “As an example ... I believe it's the state of Maryland, the sheriff doesn't
have powers of arrest, he only operates the jail, and as an officer of the
court, it falls to police departments and state police to carry out those
functions. And in other states, the sheriff is the end all be all, and there
isn't any other authority that exists there. So, it's different from one state
to the next.”“But the one thing that's consistent in most of those states
is the local voting populace has always had a say in who that leader is,” he
continued. “That’s the biggest connecting piece to all of them.”“Out of all of the states, there are only 15 that are not
within the constitution,” Braun said. “So, it's not like we're going out and in
trying to create something new. It has been that way.”<h2>For or against</h2>As the effort to amend the constitution continues, the
measure has seen some opposition that believes the way law enforcement is structured
within a county should be a local decision.Rep. Sydney Carlin, D-Manhattan, told the Kansas Reflector in
April she was uneasy with placing ouster authority in the hands of the Attorney
General rather than local prosecutors.“This is a really big change to our governing system,” she
said.Rep. Stephanie Clayton, D-Overland Park, also told the Reflector
“local control” better reflected the will of the voters.But many opinions for or against are seen as stemming from
conversations in Johnson County as often-controversial Sheriff Calvin Hayden has
promoted election fraud claims. His actions have been a part of local conversations
to eliminate the position.“I don’t generally support the entire state imposing their
will on Johnson County,” Clayton said.Financial savings has also historically been a part of the
effort to consolidate law enforcement and eliminate the position.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663697239045.png" alt="Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley. Photo courtesy Graham County." />
 <figcaption>Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley. Photo courtesy Graham County.</figcaption>
 </figure>“The interesting thing about Johnson County was they
actually did remove three elected positions there,” Braun said. ”That was the County
Clerk, the County Treasurer and Register of Deeds. They opted to keep the
sheriff.”But Braun and Presley believe it would only be a matter of
time before the sheriff’s office was removed as well. “We just see that as weakening the sheriff's office,” Presley
said. “County government is not built to operate like a municipality, we're
just not. And your elected leaders need that ability to make decisions and act
decisively on a regular basis at any point in time without having to run
something up the flagpole. It's just the way county government structure.”“At least the western part of the state of Kansas, they want
to voice,” Braun said. “Johnson County's got a lot of voices, I'm pretty sure
there's a lot of people there. But I think everyone in Ellis County and Graham
and Rooks and Rush, they want a voice in (who) they want to elect their sheriff.” “We believe seeing this momentum moving on the eastern side
of the state to try to change how government is structured is an indicator to
us that slowly that trickles west as much as we might all not like what happens
in Johnson County, eventually, it touches all of us out here in western Kansas,”
Presley said. And so at some point, without this amendment, that's going to
change in eastern Kansas, and that will slowly trickle this way into if we can
put that put a barrier in place now. That keeps people's right to elect their
sheriff in place. And then this is one less thing we have to worry about.”Along with the arguments for how county’s structure law
enforcement, financial concerns have been often cited as a reason to consolidate,
but Braun said it might do more harm than good in the long run.“The problem with that is you kind of lose that hierarchy,”
he said. “So, if the, I'm just going to use the city of Hays, for example, the
police department here, if they have an issue, a conflict within investigating
a particular case, which does happen at times, then they can contact the
sheriff's office, and the sheriff's office can investigate that.”“And then if the sheriff has one, they go to the KBI. If the
KBI has one, they may bring in the FBI, depending upon the case," he continued. "And so, these structures have been done in order to ensure that justice and the
cases are being worked properly.”And the top law enforcement officer in Kansas, Attorney
General Derek Schmidt, a Republican, has offered support for the amendment.“The office of sheriff has deep historical roots, and the
longstanding practice of election rather than appointment makes sheriffs
uniquely accountable to the people,” Schmidt said following the legislative approval
that moved the issue to November’s ballot. “I commend the large bipartisan
majorities in the Legislature for giving Kansas voters the opportunity to
enshrine the elected office of&nbsp;sheriff in our state constitution, and I
look forward to supporting and campaigning for this amendment this fall.”As political wrangling continues prior to the November 8
election, both area Sheriff’s hope the will of the people is reflected.“If the right to choose your elected leadership is something
that's important to you whether your daily life is impacted or not, this is an
amendment that needs to be supported.” Presley said. &nbsp;“If most of us most days don't get up and
worry about what it is our local governments are doing, and I would argue the
reason for that is we've taken the time to choose who we want there, and put someone in place that we trust to conduct that business in a manner
that says we don't have to worry about it, I pay my taxes, you do your job,
leave me alone. That works great, especially out here in a rural area. But when
that doesn't happen, when that trust is gone, and that trust is eroded, if you
no longer have the ability to make that change, just simply because the state
legislature wanted to do something different. You're kind of screwed.”“We encourage everyone to vote and to vote any way you want,”
Braun said.” But we're asking for your support to secure your voice for your Sheriff.”

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