Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services

It can just as easily be called the “Bringing Smiles to Children Drive,” instead of the “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive,” because that’s the end result from the effort that Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club gives each year for its annual drive. As fall approaches, Rosewood AKTION Club is embarking on its eighth annual drive to collect coloring books for area children. The drive runs through Nov. 30.

“It’s hard to believe that we’ve been conducting this drive for eight years now,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “To think that we’ve been able to bring hundreds of smiles to kids’ faces during that time, it’s so inspiring. We couldn’t have made such an impressive impact over that time without strong participation by our community. People have been so willing to step up and help us each year.”

Upon completion of the drive, club members will distribute the donated items to Saint Francis Community Services, Great Bend; Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington; and area preschools and day cares. The goal is to deliver the items to the local organizations during the Christmas season.

People can drop off coloring book and crayon donations, along with monetary donations for the purchase of coloring books and crayons to two locations in downtown Great Bend. Those locations are&nbsp;Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street; and&nbsp;Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street.

Last year’s drive netted 1,487 coloring books and 604 boxes of crayons, record amounts of donations for both items. For the fourth straight year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Rosewood Day Services employees have won the competition every year, but some years have been razor thin in margin of victory. Community donated items raised from the drive will go toward the AKTION Club count.

“Our AKTION Club members gear up for this drive every year because they recognize the impact it makes on children when they donate to area organizations each December,” explained Pelster. “We’re hoping to unseat Rosewood Day Services this year, but any way the friendly competition turns out, we’re just hoping for another successful drive for an opportunity to bring even more smiles to children’s faces.”

For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-603-6502;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com" target="_blank">employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com</a>.

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661970672152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood ServicesIt can just as easily be called the “Bringing Smiles to Children Drive,” instead of the “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive,” because that’s the end result from the effort that Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club gives each year for its annual drive. As fall approaches, Rosewood AKTION Club is embarking on its eighth annual drive to collect coloring books for area children. The drive runs through Nov. 30.“It’s hard to believe that we’ve been conducting this drive for eight years now,” said Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor Frankie Pelster. “To think that we’ve been able to bring hundreds of smiles to kids’ faces during that time, it’s so inspiring. We couldn’t have made such an impressive impact over that time without strong participation by our community. People have been so willing to step up and help us each year.”Upon completion of the drive, club members will distribute the donated items to Saint Francis Community Services, Great Bend; Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington; and area preschools and day cares. The goal is to deliver the items to the local organizations during the Christmas season.People can drop off coloring book and crayon donations, along with monetary donations for the purchase of coloring books and crayons to two locations in downtown Great Bend. Those locations are&nbsp;Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street; and&nbsp;Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street.Last year’s drive netted 1,487 coloring books and 604 boxes of crayons, record amounts of donations for both items. For the fourth straight year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Rosewood Day Services employees have won the competition every year, but some years have been razor thin in margin of victory. Community donated items raised from the drive will go toward the AKTION Club count.“Our AKTION Club members gear up for this drive every year because they recognize the impact it makes on children when they donate to area organizations each December,” explained Pelster. “We’re hoping to unseat Rosewood Day Services this year, but any way the friendly competition turns out, we’re just hoping for another successful drive for an opportunity to bring even more smiles to children’s faces.”For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-603-6502;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com" target="_blank">employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com</a>.Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

Rosewood's Coloring Book and Crayon Drive through Nov.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Cheyenne Bottoms and most of western Kansas remain dry. Drought-like conditions have caused Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff to rethink some of its programming this year, but the annual Butterfly Festival cannot be stopped. The event has been limited the past few years but returns to full glory on Saturday, Sept. 17.

"We are having to make some adjustments," said KWEC Director Curtis Wolf. "Until you go through something like this, you don't realize how much it affects our programming. We're booked solid with schools, typically, in the fall and we are this year. A lot of the programs we do are getting the kids out in the water, looking for the aquatic inverts. We're not able to do that."

Approximately 60 treasure hunters attended a recent KWEC event in the now-dry pools at the Bottoms. Saturday, KWEC will host its minnow races at the Labor Day Celebration in Hoisington. But the big event each year is the Butterfly Festival, and Wolf hopes the migrating insects will cooperate.

"There again, with it being as dry as it is, and there's not just a ton of flowers out there," he said. "We kind of question how long the monarchs might stick around. Hopefully, we'll time it right, they'll be coming through right at that time, and we'll have access to a lot of the monarchs."

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. The tagging portion involves catching monarchs with a net and applying a small sticker to the wings. Approximately 500 butterflies were tagged at the event last year, and nearly a dozen were later found in Mexico.

"That's an incredible thing," Wolf said. "It does provide some interesting research for the scientists studying the monarchs. That's why we do it. And it's really fun."

Many events return to this year's festival, including the insect zoo and wildflower seed bomb launch. Kansas City-based StoneLion Puppet Theater returns for two performances of "Backyard Buggin," and Barton Community College's Dance Theater will perform twice and conduct a short dance workshop for children ages 5-10, complete with costumes. All the festival events are free, but pre-registration is required for the dance workshop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654199796324.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostCheyenne Bottoms and most of western Kansas remain dry. Drought-like conditions have caused Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff to rethink some of its programming this year, but the annual Butterfly Festival cannot be stopped. The event has been limited the past few years but returns to full glory on Saturday, Sept. 17."We are having to make some adjustments," said KWEC Director Curtis Wolf. "Until you go through something like this, you don't realize how much it affects our programming. We're booked solid with schools, typically, in the fall and we are this year. A lot of the programs we do are getting the kids out in the water, looking for the aquatic inverts. We're not able to do that."Approximately 60 treasure hunters attended a recent KWEC event in the now-dry pools at the Bottoms. Saturday, KWEC will host its minnow races at the Labor Day Celebration in Hoisington. But the big event each year is the Butterfly Festival, and Wolf hopes the migrating insects will cooperate."There again, with it being as dry as it is, and there's not just a ton of flowers out there," he said. "We kind of question how long the monarchs might stick around. Hopefully, we'll time it right, they'll be coming through right at that time, and we'll have access to a lot of the monarchs."The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 17. The tagging portion involves catching monarchs with a net and applying a small sticker to the wings. Approximately 500 butterflies were tagged at the event last year, and nearly a dozen were later found in Mexico."That's an incredible thing," Wolf said. "It does provide some interesting research for the scientists studying the monarchs. That's why we do it. And it's really fun."Many events return to this year's festival, including the insect zoo and wildflower seed bomb launch. Kansas City-based StoneLion Puppet Theater returns for two performances of "Backyard Buggin," and Barton Community College's Dance Theater will perform twice and conduct a short dance workshop for children ages 5-10, complete with costumes. All the festival events are free, but pre-registration is required for the dance workshop.

KWEC Butterfly Festival returns to Cheyenne Bottoms Sept. 17

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Great Bend Police Department will announce new evidence in the unsolved Sept. 4, 2002 double murder of 79-year-old Mary Drake and 24-year-old Mandi Alexander, that occurred at the Dolly Madison Bakery in Great Bend. The announcement will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 6, following the 20th&nbsp;anniversary of the homicides. What:&nbsp;Media briefing related to the 2002 murders of Mary Drake and Mandi Alexander&nbsp;

Who: KBI and the Great Bend Police Department&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Speaker: Cory Latham, KBI Special Agent in Charge

When: Tuesday, September 6, 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Where: KBI Great Bend Office, 625 Washington

Parking is available in front, or in the lot south of the building

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1571343897624.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Great Bend Police Department will announce new evidence in the unsolved Sept. 4, 2002 double murder of 79-year-old Mary Drake and 24-year-old Mandi Alexander, that occurred at the Dolly Madison Bakery in Great Bend. The announcement will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 6, following the 20th&nbsp;anniversary of the homicides. What:&nbsp;Media briefing related to the 2002 murders of Mary Drake and Mandi Alexander&nbsp;Who: KBI and the Great Bend Police Department&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Speaker: Cory Latham, KBI Special Agent in ChargeWhen: Tuesday, September 6, 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Where: KBI Great Bend Office, 625 WashingtonParking is available in front, or in the lot south of the building

KBI to announce new evidence in unsolved Great Bend murder case

The potential for next year’s wheat harvest kicks off with deciding which varieties to plant, and the annual release of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s data provides critical insights into helping Kansas producers make that decision.

“Using data to help select the right varieties for your growing region, crop rotation and management goals is the first step to having a successful harvest,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “But there’s a lot of choices, especially as public and private breeding programs release new varieties every year. The annual K-State report is one tool for producers to help make these decisions, especially as it is not feasible for growers to individually test every variety on their own.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station compiles field trial results each year, sharing a recap of the past year’s growing season — including weather, insect and disease pressure — and, most importantly, data and insights comparing new and currently grown wheat varieties across the different regions of Kansas.&nbsp;

The report provides unbiased performance test results to help Kansas wheat producers select the optimal varieties for their operations. K-State does not endorse or recommend varieties, but instead, compares the data from scientifically conducted performance tests at several sites. K-State also includes information on other greenhouse and laboratory tests, including pest tolerance, baking quality and other factors.

Another benefit of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s reporting is the ability to track how currently planted varieties have performed over time. Growers can quickly highlight which varieties have consistent performance through replicated trials in their region.&nbsp;

“It takes a considerable effort, careful study and good judgment to make informed decisions on what varieties to plant,” Harries said. “But when combined with a grower’s experience with how varieties have performed on their fields, field trial data helps producers start the growing season off on a good start, Mother Nature permitting.”&nbsp;

Kansas Wheat Rx — a program that disseminates to Kansas wheat farmers the latest research recommendations for producing high-yielding and high-quality wheat — provides additional guidance on how producers can use information like the annual K-State report to select the best varieties. Follow these suggested steps for successful variety selection:

Another resource available to producers is the “Wheat Varieties for Kansas and the Great Plains — Your Best Choices” book, published annually by 34 Star Publishing. This book provides objective ratings and yield results on all the current wheat varieties for Kansas, Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, southern Nebraska and eastern Colorado. The book is included as a benefit for members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and has just recently been sent out. To get your copy, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TBqhCFU9bVgB_25E4xqjMGmXed3LH1FRPd68328tmE0_7GRvFXxvSL7lX-gRtgOwf5BT_s-2s8aZVJML6Z5MguBlH3rCxRl8LRied5aYpSEzIyQD_hm1N5zCeY9kwV2YNm7qXet6ukkko0Eu2j4EVFxwWxQus_Prz5kyLt3ygXSnAgrLF3WXOg==&amp;c=CBazsPxzy1bkRxWNh7wL9wjPY4cZEd0YjRskeDpNjQi74utu3vlOnw==&amp;ch=eHCuz6K7bOOqSZm-o7sbvwNI6SwYCITwMQBQKUtDYlHuu_VsFifDNQ==" target="_blank">https://thewheatfarmer.com/wheat-varieties-book/</a>.

Read the full “2022 Kansas Performance Tests with Winter Wheat Varieties” report at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TBqhCFU9bVgB_25E4xqjMGmXed3LH1FRPd68328tmE0_7GRvFXxvSL7lX-gRtgOwTOAK7aGKGeQ6TP8tq8uCQa39Ebg14oYzkgbEh9YVW7Z7zigF2W3MYHX8Vmd09JwfJ1jtTkeG_WZ6tpqKT38PDg0L_b8q_P5Ex8FLHpYwaKU3d0XqyrzzRg==&amp;c=CBazsPxzy1bkRxWNh7wL9wjPY4cZEd0YjRskeDpNjQi74utu3vlOnw==&amp;ch=eHCuz6K7bOOqSZm-o7sbvwNI6SwYCITwMQBQKUtDYlHuu_VsFifDNQ==" target="_blank">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/SRP1172.pdf</a>. For additional guidance and information on wheat variety selection and best practices, check out Kansas Wheat Rx at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TBqhCFU9bVgB_25E4xqjMGmXed3LH1FRPd68328tmE0_7GRvFXxvSD4or2i9gjy7Pic9YRELtwFWiIRZay58NEAwbWcOa4t9E9tjJ-8fh0g8SQHJooKL1O9XGKASc8ZPIOPs0SHC0F9B7OEiYPOfWpYeyW3CgIbD4EP-Kgluun8=&amp;c=CBazsPxzy1bkRxWNh7wL9wjPY4cZEd0YjRskeDpNjQi74utu3vlOnw==&amp;ch=eHCuz6K7bOOqSZm-o7sbvwNI6SwYCITwMQBQKUtDYlHuu_VsFifDNQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.&nbsp;

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662040282471.jpeg" alt="Farmers listened to K-State's Lucas Haag at the Wheat Rx Seminar in Phillipsburg" />
 <figcaption>Farmers listened to K-State's Lucas Haag at the Wheat Rx Seminar in Phillipsburg</figcaption>
 </figure>The potential for next year’s wheat harvest kicks off with deciding which varieties to plant, and the annual release of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s data provides critical insights into helping Kansas producers make that decision.“Using data to help select the right varieties for your growing region, crop rotation and management goals is the first step to having a successful harvest,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “But there’s a lot of choices, especially as public and private breeding programs release new varieties every year. The annual K-State report is one tool for producers to help make these decisions, especially as it is not feasible for growers to individually test every variety on their own.”&nbsp;The Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station compiles field trial results each year, sharing a recap of the past year’s growing season — including weather, insect and disease pressure — and, most importantly, data and insights comparing new and currently grown wheat varieties across the different regions of Kansas.&nbsp;The report provides unbiased performance test results to help Kansas wheat producers select the optimal varieties for their operations. K-State does not endorse or recommend varieties, but instead, compares the data from scientifically conducted performance tests at several sites. K-State also includes information on other greenhouse and laboratory tests, including pest tolerance, baking quality and other factors.Another benefit of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s reporting is the ability to track how currently planted varieties have performed over time. Growers can quickly highlight which varieties have consistent performance through replicated trials in their region.&nbsp;“It takes a considerable effort, careful study and good judgment to make informed decisions on what varieties to plant,” Harries said. “But when combined with a grower’s experience with how varieties have performed on their fields, field trial data helps producers start the growing season off on a good start, Mother Nature permitting.”&nbsp;Kansas Wheat Rx — a program that disseminates to Kansas wheat farmers the latest research recommendations for producing high-yielding and high-quality wheat — provides additional guidance on how producers can use information like the annual K-State report to select the best varieties. Follow these suggested steps for successful variety selection:<ol>
 <li>Review yield data from regional trials located in the area of interest for several years to find varieties that consistently rise toward at least the top third or quarter in yield performance. Avoid relying on data from one location or only one year of testing, as this information can be misleading.&nbsp;</li><li>Once a list of consistent yielders for a region is developed, think about which systems these varieties are going to be established into each field (e.g., dual purpose, after corn, or late planted after soybeans).&nbsp;</li><li>For each system, think about which production problems have reduced the yield potential of the crop over the past five years. For instance, for wheat after corn, it may be Fusarium head scab, while for wheat after soybeans it may be a lack of fall growth; meanwhile, stripe rust or drought may be a problem in both systems.&nbsp;</li><li>Once these problems are recognized, go back to the list of high-yielding varieties and try to identify varieties that have strong ratings for tolerance or resistance to them.&nbsp;</li><li>Determine if the group of varieties has been tested for milling and baking quality and try to choose the varieties with above-average ratings.&nbsp;</li><li>From this group, pick the top three or four varieties, depending on farm acreage, based on yield in performance and strengths and weaknesses that match the needs in each field.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Another resource available to producers is the “Wheat Varieties for Kansas and the Great Plains — Your Best Choices” book, published annually by 34 Star Publishing. This book provides objective ratings and yield results on all the current wheat varieties for Kansas, Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, southern Nebraska and eastern Colorado. The book is included as a benefit for members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and has just recently been sent out. To get your copy, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TBqhCFU9bVgB_25E4xqjMGmXed3LH1FRPd68328tmE0_7GRvFXxvSL7lX-gRtgOwf5BT_s-2s8aZVJML6Z5MguBlH3rCxRl8LRied5aYpSEzIyQD_hm1N5zCeY9kwV2YNm7qXet6ukkko0Eu2j4EVFxwWxQus_Prz5kyLt3ygXSnAgrLF3WXOg==&amp;c=CBazsPxzy1bkRxWNh7wL9wjPY4cZEd0YjRskeDpNjQi74utu3vlOnw==&amp;ch=eHCuz6K7bOOqSZm-o7sbvwNI6SwYCITwMQBQKUtDYlHuu_VsFifDNQ==" target="_blank">https://thewheatfarmer.com/wheat-varieties-book/</a>.Read the full “2022 Kansas Performance Tests with Winter Wheat Varieties” report at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TBqhCFU9bVgB_25E4xqjMGmXed3LH1FRPd68328tmE0_7GRvFXxvSL7lX-gRtgOwTOAK7aGKGeQ6TP8tq8uCQa39Ebg14oYzkgbEh9YVW7Z7zigF2W3MYHX8Vmd09JwfJ1jtTkeG_WZ6tpqKT38PDg0L_b8q_P5Ex8FLHpYwaKU3d0XqyrzzRg==&amp;c=CBazsPxzy1bkRxWNh7wL9wjPY4cZEd0YjRskeDpNjQi74utu3vlOnw==&amp;ch=eHCuz6K7bOOqSZm-o7sbvwNI6SwYCITwMQBQKUtDYlHuu_VsFifDNQ==" target="_blank">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/SRP1172.pdf</a>. For additional guidance and information on wheat variety selection and best practices, check out Kansas Wheat Rx at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001TBqhCFU9bVgB_25E4xqjMGmXed3LH1FRPd68328tmE0_7GRvFXxvSD4or2i9gjy7Pic9YRELtwFWiIRZay58NEAwbWcOa4t9E9tjJ-8fh0g8SQHJooKL1O9XGKASc8ZPIOPs0SHC0F9B7OEiYPOfWpYeyW3CgIbD4EP-Kgluun8=&amp;c=CBazsPxzy1bkRxWNh7wL9wjPY4cZEd0YjRskeDpNjQi74utu3vlOnw==&amp;ch=eHCuz6K7bOOqSZm-o7sbvwNI6SwYCITwMQBQKUtDYlHuu_VsFifDNQ==" target="_blank">kswheat.com/wheatrx</a>.&nbsp;Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Wheat Scoop: Successfully selecting this year's wheat varieties

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MXgwt3FGYpE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz

Wednesday was a good day for the Barton County Commission, at least by the numbers. After the governing body approved its revenue-neutral 2023 budget, Adams Brown Senior Manager Melissa Ille gave the county a clean report on its 2021 audit. With only a few minor issues, Commissioner Jennifer Schartz commended the county for its accurate work.

"This is just one more level of transparency we're able to offer to the taxpayers," she said. "I'm really glad to have experts there to do it because this is way above my pay grade. I know there's a lot of trust between the commission and Adams Brown, and I really appreciate that working relationship. When you look at a $23 million budget, and this is all they could find, we're doing a really good job."

Ille said the Special Alcohol Fund went over budget by $219, but that was an accounting oversight related to the timing of a transfer. A more serious but still relatively minor error occurred within the health department's Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Program.

"We tested 20 employees for the ELC program," Ille told the commission. Of those 20, we had seven that had some slight, improper adjustments throughout the calculation of the payroll, whether they got paid a little bit extra or a little bit under. It could have been an allocation between the actual programs within the health department. You have many grant programs the employees work for so sometimes the allocation between the programs gets off a little bit."

Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner said the county legally cannot recoup those payments from employees, but with larger mistakes in the past, employees self-reported.

"We've had it in the past where if an employee, for instance, was paid twice or there was an error in the accounting system, where that employee has voluntarily given the money back before," he said. "This issue would have happened probably June, May, somewhere around there, and it wasn't discovered until we'd gone through the audit process, so months and months had gone by. The employee probably didn't even know there was an overpayment of overtime."

One error resulted in $1,053 in overpayment spread among seven employees. Another error was $1,027 spread among various grants. Extrapolated, Adams Browns estimated the errors could have been as large as $8,000. It was not known at Wednesday's meeting how the health department would rectify the mistakes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659978436526.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWednesday was a good day for the Barton County Commission, at least by the numbers. After the governing body approved its revenue-neutral 2023 budget, Adams Brown Senior Manager Melissa Ille gave the county a clean report on its 2021 audit. With only a few minor issues, Commissioner Jennifer Schartz commended the county for its accurate work."This is just one more level of transparency we're able to offer to the taxpayers," she said. "I'm really glad to have experts there to do it because this is way above my pay grade. I know there's a lot of trust between the commission and Adams Brown, and I really appreciate that working relationship. When you look at a $23 million budget, and this is all they could find, we're doing a really good job."Ille said the Special Alcohol Fund went over budget by $219, but that was an accounting oversight related to the timing of a transfer. A more serious but still relatively minor error occurred within the health department's Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Program."We tested 20 employees for the ELC program," Ille told the commission. Of those 20, we had seven that had some slight, improper adjustments throughout the calculation of the payroll, whether they got paid a little bit extra or a little bit under. It could have been an allocation between the actual programs within the health department. You have many grant programs the employees work for so sometimes the allocation between the programs gets off a little bit."Barton County Director of Operations Matt Patzner said the county legally cannot recoup those payments from employees, but with larger mistakes in the past, employees self-reported."We've had it in the past where if an employee, for instance, was paid twice or there was an error in the accounting system, where that employee has voluntarily given the money back before," he said. "This issue would have happened probably June, May, somewhere around there, and it wasn't discovered until we'd gone through the audit process, so months and months had gone by. The employee probably didn't even know there was an overpayment of overtime."One error resulted in $1,053 in overpayment spread among seven employees. Another error was $1,027 spread among various grants. Extrapolated, Adams Browns estimated the errors could have been as large as $8,000. It was not known at Wednesday's meeting how the health department would rectify the mistakes.

Adams Brown finds only small issues in Barton County audit

Forecasts called for a slight chance of storms in Barton County Thursday evening. No one expected the deluge that arrived or the downed power poles that followed. Frey Street on the east side of Great Bend was hit particularly hard with broken power poles in the stretch from 24th Street to the crossing at 281 Bypass.

"We lost the entire city of Great Bend," said Wheatland Electric Director of Member Services and Corporate Communication Alli Conine. "Once we lost that 115 line from Sunflower, which is where we get our power, we lost the entire city."

Brent Cox lives just half a block from Frey Street and was on the phone with his mother when the storm hit. Some 10 poles were downed in a half-mile stretch along Frey Street.

"As I was talking to her on Facetime on the phone, her power went out, and my power went out at the exact same time," he said. "I was in the kitchen looking out my back window, out my back yard, and I heard a big zapping sound. That's when all the power went out. I didn't hear the poles cracking or anything like that. I didn't hear any of that."

The Great Bend High School soccer game was still in the first half against Liberal when lightning caused what was to be a 30-minute delay just before 7 p.m. Within 30 minutes, the city was hit hard by wind, rain, and small hail. Harper Camperland on the east edge of town reported some campers were blown over. Flooding was reported on 10th Street at the McKinley and Washington Street intersections.

Weather Underground reports the temperature in Great Bend fell from 92 degrees at 5:56 p.m., to 68 degrees an hour later. The National Weather Services reports that seven-tenths of an inch of rain fell during the brief storm.

At 7:53 p.m., Wheatland Electric reported on social media that poles were down. Despite the severe damage, Wheatland restored power to most of the city by 9:20. All sub-stations were operational by 10:15, and Wheatland continued to work on isolated outages late into the evening.

"It's our top priority but our keeping our linemen safe is also our top priority," Conine said. "They're out in the conditions as long as it's safe for them to do so. They're restoring power as quickly and safely as possible."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662085569231.jpeg" alt="One of the poles downed on Frey Street on the east side of Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>One of the poles downed on Frey Street on the east side of Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostForecasts called for a slight chance of storms in Barton County Thursday evening. No one expected the deluge that arrived or the downed power poles that followed. Frey Street on the east side of Great Bend was hit particularly hard with broken power poles in the stretch from 24th Street to the crossing at 281 Bypass."We lost the entire city of Great Bend," said Wheatland Electric Director of Member Services and Corporate Communication Alli Conine. "Once we lost that 115 line from Sunflower, which is where we get our power, we lost the entire city."Brent Cox lives just half a block from Frey Street and was on the phone with his mother when the storm hit. Some 10 poles were downed in a half-mile stretch along Frey Street."As I was talking to her on Facetime on the phone, her power went out, and my power went out at the exact same time," he said. "I was in the kitchen looking out my back window, out my back yard, and I heard a big zapping sound. That's when all the power went out. I didn't hear the poles cracking or anything like that. I didn't hear any of that."The Great Bend High School soccer game was still in the first half against Liberal when lightning caused what was to be a 30-minute delay just before 7 p.m. Within 30 minutes, the city was hit hard by wind, rain, and small hail. Harper Camperland on the east edge of town reported some campers were blown over. Flooding was reported on 10th Street at the McKinley and Washington Street intersections.Weather Underground reports the temperature in Great Bend fell from 92 degrees at 5:56 p.m., to 68 degrees an hour later. The National Weather Services reports that seven-tenths of an inch of rain fell during the brief storm.At 7:53 p.m., Wheatland Electric reported on social media that poles were down. Despite the severe damage, Wheatland restored power to most of the city by 9:20. All sub-stations were operational by 10:15, and Wheatland continued to work on isolated outages late into the evening."It's our top priority but our keeping our linemen safe is also our top priority," Conine said. "They're out in the conditions as long as it's safe for them to do so. They're restoring power as quickly and safely as possible."

'Rogue' storm pounds Great Bend with wind, rain

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (9/1) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:36 a.m. an accident was reported at 767 N. US 281 in Hoisington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 7:40 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 40 Avenue &amp; NW 70 Road. 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 8:36 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 97 SW 5 Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 9:41 a.m. a report of cattle out was reported at MM 139 on NE K-156 Highway
in Claflin. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:23 p.m. utility problems were reported at 1447 16th Street. 
 
At 7:24 p.m. utility problems were reported 1400 18th Street. 
 
At 7:53 p.m. utility problems were reported at NE 10 Avenue &amp; NE 10 Road. 
 
At 8:11 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2110 27th Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 8:49 p.m. a fire was reported at 75 E. K-4 Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (9/1) 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 8:36 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 97 SW 5 Avenue. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 9:06 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1913 Cleveland Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 11:26 a.m. an accident was reported at 1814 Willow Ln. 
 
Follow-up 
 
At 12:16 p.m. Bryce Hofmeister was arrested at 1217 Williams Street on multiple
sex offenses. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 12:36 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3600 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 12:53 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th &amp; Grant. 
 
Trash Complaint / Dumping 
 
At 1:15 p.m. a report of cat food being dumped at the end of the driveway was
made at 707 Taft Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 3:19 p.m. theft of handicap placard was reported at 5926 Eisenhower Avenue. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 3:37 p.m. EMS assistance was reported at 2422 18th Street. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 4:02 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3923 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:21 p.m. utility problems were reported at 1401 18th Street. 
 
At 7:23 p.m. utility problems were reported at 1447 16th Street. 
 
Storm Damage 
 
At 7:51 p.m. storm damage was reported at 1301 Main Street. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 8:08 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2901 21st Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:18 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Storm Damage 
 
At 9:13 p.m. a cover blown off the roof was reported at 1024 Main Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 9:31 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 2535 Broadway Avenue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (9/1) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:36 a.m. an accident was reported at 767 N. US 281 in Hoisington. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 7:40 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 40 Avenue &amp; NW 70 Road. 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 8:36 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 97 SW 5 Avenue. 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 9:41 a.m. a report of cattle out was reported at MM 139 on NE K-156 Highway
in Claflin. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:23 p.m. utility problems were reported at 1447 16th Street. 
 
At 7:24 p.m. utility problems were reported 1400 18th Street. 
 
At 7:53 p.m. utility problems were reported at NE 10 Avenue &amp; NE 10 Road. 
 
At 8:11 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2110 27th Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 8:49 p.m. a fire was reported at 75 E. K-4 Highway in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (9/1) 
 
Controlled Burn 
 
At 8:36 a.m. a controlled burn was reported at 97 SW 5 Avenue. 
 
Sick Person 
 
At 9:06 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1913 Cleveland Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 11:26 a.m. an accident was reported at 1814 Willow Ln. 
 
Follow-up 
 
At 12:16 p.m. Bryce Hofmeister was arrested at 1217 Williams Street on multiple
sex offenses. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 12:36 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3600 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 12:53 p.m. an accident was reported at 10th &amp; Grant. 
 
Trash Complaint / Dumping 
 
At 1:15 p.m. a report of cat food being dumped at the end of the driveway was
made at 707 Taft Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 3:19 p.m. theft of handicap placard was reported at 5926 Eisenhower Avenue. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 3:37 p.m. EMS assistance was reported at 2422 18th Street. 
 
Chest Pain 
 
At 4:02 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3923 Broadway Avenue. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:21 p.m. utility problems were reported at 1401 18th Street. 
 
At 7:23 p.m. utility problems were reported at 1447 16th Street. 
 
Storm Damage 
 
At 7:51 p.m. storm damage was reported at 1301 Main Street. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 8:08 p.m. utility problems were reported at 2901 21st Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 8:18 p.m. an accident was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
 
Storm Damage 
 
At 9:13 p.m. a cover blown off the roof was reported at 1024 Main Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 9:31 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 2535 Broadway Avenue.

Cop Shop (9/1)

Due to the windstorm and severe weather that hit parts of central Kansas Thursday night, 104.3 FM (KVGB-FM) is still off the air this morning. 

Eagle Radio engineers are working to restore the signal to 100%. The tower is located north of Great Bend, by KSN-TV. 

Listeners can still stream the radio station online, through Great Bend Post and on your mobile app. 

Eagle Communications thanks you for your patience as we work to put things back in place this morning.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604702295823.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to the windstorm and severe weather that hit parts of central Kansas Thursday night, 104.3 FM (KVGB-FM) is still off the air this morning. Eagle Radio engineers are working to restore the signal to 100%. The tower is located north of Great Bend, by KSN-TV. Listeners can still stream the radio station online, through Great Bend Post and on your mobile app. Eagle Communications thanks you for your patience as we work to put things back in place this morning.&nbsp;

B104 off the air from storm, working to restore

9/1 BOOKED: Destin Hardin on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat and Battery, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Bryce Hofmeister on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Electronic Solicitation, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Contributing to a Child's Misconduct or Deprivation, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Kenneth Patterson on KDOC arrest for Parole Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Tammer Osborne on Sherman County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

RELEASED: Marcus Bryant on Barton County District Court case for Misuse of 911 and Battery on LEO, to probation.

RELEASED: Savanna Bradshaw on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, after receiving $10,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Charles Rowe, Jr. on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, after receiving $100,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Jesus Leyva, Jr. on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Battery, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Bonnie Roth on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632144146661.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>9/1 BOOKED: Destin Hardin on Barton County District Court case for Criminal Threat and Battery, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Bryce Hofmeister on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child, Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Electronic Solicitation, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Contributing to a Child's Misconduct or Deprivation, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: Kenneth Patterson on KDOC arrest for Parole Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Tammer Osborne on Sherman County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.RELEASED: Marcus Bryant on Barton County District Court case for Misuse of 911 and Battery on LEO, to probation.RELEASED: Savanna Bradshaw on Barton County District Court warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, after receiving $10,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Charles Rowe, Jr. on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Paraphernalia, after receiving $100,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Jesus Leyva, Jr. on Barton County District Court warrant for Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Battery, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Assault, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Bonnie Roth on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (9/1)

On Sept. 4, 2002, the tragic and inexplicable occurred: an unknown subject murdered two Great Bend residents and walked away from the Dolly Madison bakery - one of the city's busiest intersections at one of the busiest times of day. Yet 20 years later, the case remains unsolved.

Just before 8 p.m. that evening, a delivery driver found the bodies of 24-year-old Mandi Alexander and 79-year-old Mary Drake. Alexander had recently begun working at the bakery outlet store, and Drake was a customer that day. 

Alicia Mong (Drake) graduated from Great Bend High School in 1996. In 2002,&nbsp; she was living in Hutchinson. Sept. 4 should have been an otherwise unremarkable day except it was a long one and Mong remembers being tired. She tried to call her grandmother, Mary, before going to bed.

"She didn’t answer," Mong said. "I was not at all concerned because she was fiercely independent and spent a lot of time at her sisters' houses. We went on with it and went to bed. I really do not know what time it was when we were awoken by loud banging on our front door. We opened it, and there were two police officers telling me that I needed to call my dad because something had happened to my grandma, and she was deceased."

With few details to go on, Mong gathered her family and made the 70-minute drive to Great Bend. She dropped her kids off with family and headed for the bakery.

"When we pulled up there were so many cars, lights and people standing around," said Mong. "I found my dad and just hugged him. He told me what he knew, which was very little. I just remember feeling so very sad for him. His mom was murdered, people were staring at our family, driving up asking questions. Officers were asking questions, and all he could do was stand there and endure it. It sucked, simple as that."

Once the body was removed from the bakery at 10th and Harrison, the family retreated to Mong's parents' home and began notifying other family members of the death. The following day, an agent from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation asked the family for access to Mary's home. Mong and her father accompanied the agent.

"The agent asked a lot of questions, as he should," Mong said, "but the one that stood out to me was directed to my dad. 'Did your mom have any enemies that we should know about? Is there anyone who was angry at her or would have reason to hurt her?' I don’t know why, but it angered me. I could only think, 'Seriously, no! What the heck! Why would you ask that?' No one was so mad at my 79-year-old, four-foot, 11-inch grandma that they would want to kill her. I know now they had to ask those types of questions, but man, did that hit me wrong."

Everything changed for the family after Sept. 4. All families deal with loss, but most, fortunately, never have to endure a murder investigation. "In my experience, everything was so secretive and scary," said Mong. "There was some sort of law enforcement around all the time, at the viewing, the funeral service, and the burial. I thought differently about going places. I looked at people differently."

Mong recalls attending the Kansas State Fair shortly after the double murder. She saw a potential suspect in every passerby. "I watched people walk by; I studied them," she said. "I remember thinking, 'Someone here could know something, or someone here could be the person who killed my grandma.' I remember internally yelling at myself to stop, put the thoughts away, enjoy the time with my family, but it wasn’t going to happen. We ended up leaving the fair pretty early."

The Dolly Madison case is also exceptional because it has yet to be solved. There is no closure in brutal crimes, but a conviction would provide some relief, and perhaps, even answers. The Drake family never received that. Alicia's father and Mary's son, Ron, passed away in October 2020, never seeing a killer brought to justice. The nature of the crime brought about many theories.

"I started to question the truth and believe all the stories I heard from people, hoping they were the one," Mong said. "The one that could give us the golden information. But I realized there were a lot of people that just thought they knew what happened or wanted to be the hero and had all the answers.

"This never heals. It never goes away. In the last 20 years, we have had several phone calls, texts, Facebook messages from strangers telling us they know what happened that night. They tell us names, places, and stories that we relay to law enforcement, but nothing ever comes from it. They also tell us the police know what happened, but they will never be able to convict anyone for the crime. It never slips your mind, and when it does finally get put to the back of your brain, something pops up again, and the pain and anger resurface."

There is one saving grace about Sept. 4, 2002. According to an eyewitness that day, before going to the bakery, Mary had stopped by Alicia's sister's home to pick up her granddaughter for the trip. Fortunately, no one was home. "Her daughter could have easily been with Grandma and things could have been much, much worse," Mong said. "This will always stick with us."

Mong remembers being close to her grandmother growing up. She said Mary was strong, independent, loving, compassionate, and resourceful. Mong wants her to be remembered as more than a murder victim but also as a sister, an aunt, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

"My grandma was my idol," Mong said. "She was my person. I can’t remember a time or a memory that she was not a part of. She meant so much to my family that there are no words to express how grateful I am to have had her in my life."

Mary's mother passed away at a young age during childbirth, so Mary and her siblings were raised by her father and grandmother. Mary had three sons, enduring her own grief when the eldest passed away in his 20s. She later divorced and raised her other two sons on her own, working at Fuller Brush until retirement. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family.

Mong said her fondest childhood memories always include her grandmother. On Saturday nights, Mary set up the hideaway couch for Alicia and her sister, watching "Saturday Night Live" with some old-fashioned popcorn that included spray-on butter unique to Mary's house. Other nights it was the same routine in front of "Hee Haw" or "Barbara Mandrell &amp; the Mandrel Sisters." On especially good nights, Mary treated the girls to slivers of a frozen Snickers bar and ice-cold Pepsi.

"Then every Sunday morning there was no TV, but the radio was on, and the music was playing," Mong recalls. "She would clean and do laundry on Sundays, and I remember watching her dance around. She loved to Polka and sing while she was working. As my sister and I got older and busier, we didn’t spend as much time with Grandma but that changed again when mine and my sister’s oldest were born and Grandma became a great-grandma. Those girls changed her life, and she loved them. She was the center of our world when we were little, and then she became the center of their world as well. She was so much more than a murder victim."

Twenty years later, Mong still feels anger and disappointment. She said she knows about as much today as she did in 2002, but the feelings are compounded by not having any answers - of disappointing Mary and Ron for not being able to find the tip that might lead to the murderer. She's angry that she and her family have been denied the opportunity to properly grieve the loss of a loved one.

"Normally after the service and burial, you start to gradually heal," she said. "Your anger and sadness eventually turn into happy memories. Not with this. This will never end. I knew that no one was being held responsible for the murders. I knew the murderer was out there walking around among us somewhere. I was always on the lookout for someone that might match the sketch. I listened to every conversation I could, watched every person around me, and couldn’t think of anything else. 

"It was not because I was scared. I was angry. I was so very angry that this happened to my grandma. I was mad that it seemed everyone knew what was going on except for us. We knew very little. I was mad because it felt that there was not enough being done. I was angry that I knew how much my grandma suffered during her last minutes, instead of peacefully passing in her old age. I was angry that this affected my parents so severely. The two and their marriage were never the same. I was angry that my sister was so hurt and anxious, and there was absolutely nothing that I or anyone could do about it. I was angry that they took her from her great-grandchildren. 

"I have learned to deal with the anger for the most part, but I must admit that I am still angry after 20 years. "We are without answers and still no closer to justice and closure. I am angry because it doesn’t seem, in any way, that law enforcement is trying to find these monsters. Most of all, I am still angry that someone took my person away from me."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662064851980.jpeg" alt="Mary Drake with her son and granddaughters years before the double homicide in Great Bend 20 years ago on Sept. 4, 2002." />
 <figcaption>Mary Drake with her son and granddaughters years before the double homicide in Great Bend 20 years ago on Sept. 4, 2002.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostOn Sept. 4, 2002, the tragic and inexplicable occurred: an unknown subject murdered two Great Bend residents and walked away from the Dolly Madison bakery - one of the city's busiest intersections at one of the busiest times of day. Yet 20 years later, the case remains unsolved.Just before 8 p.m. that evening, a delivery driver found the bodies of 24-year-old Mandi Alexander and 79-year-old Mary Drake. Alexander had recently begun working at the bakery outlet store, and Drake was a customer that day. Alicia Mong (Drake) graduated from Great Bend High School in 1996. In 2002,&nbsp; she was living in Hutchinson. Sept. 4 should have been an otherwise unremarkable day except it was a long one and Mong remembers being tired. She tried to call her grandmother, Mary, before going to bed."She didn’t answer," Mong said. "I was not at all concerned because she was fiercely independent and spent a lot of time at her sisters' houses. We went on with it and went to bed. I really do not know what time it was when we were awoken by loud banging on our front door. We opened it, and there were two police officers telling me that I needed to call my dad because something had happened to my grandma, and she was deceased."With few details to go on, Mong gathered her family and made the 70-minute drive to Great Bend. She dropped her kids off with family and headed for the bakery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662064939698.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"When we pulled up there were so many cars, lights and people standing around," said Mong. "I found my dad and just hugged him. He told me what he knew, which was very little. I just remember feeling so very sad for him. His mom was murdered, people were staring at our family, driving up asking questions. Officers were asking questions, and all he could do was stand there and endure it. It sucked, simple as that."Once the body was removed from the bakery at 10th and Harrison, the family retreated to Mong's parents' home and began notifying other family members of the death. The following day, an agent from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation asked the family for access to Mary's home. Mong and her father accompanied the agent."The agent asked a lot of questions, as he should," Mong said, "but the one that stood out to me was directed to my dad. 'Did your mom have any enemies that we should know about? Is there anyone who was angry at her or would have reason to hurt her?' I don’t know why, but it angered me. I could only think, 'Seriously, no! What the heck! Why would you ask that?' No one was so mad at my 79-year-old, four-foot, 11-inch grandma that they would want to kill her. I know now they had to ask those types of questions, but man, did that hit me wrong."Everything changed for the family after Sept. 4. All families deal with loss, but most, fortunately, never have to endure a murder investigation. "In my experience, everything was so secretive and scary," said Mong. "There was some sort of law enforcement around all the time, at the viewing, the funeral service, and the burial. I thought differently about going places. I looked at people differently."Mong recalls attending the Kansas State Fair shortly after the double murder. She saw a potential suspect in every passerby. "I watched people walk by; I studied them," she said. "I remember thinking, 'Someone here could know something, or someone here could be the person who killed my grandma.' I remember internally yelling at myself to stop, put the thoughts away, enjoy the time with my family, but it wasn’t going to happen. We ended up leaving the fair pretty early."The Dolly Madison case is also exceptional because it has yet to be solved. There is no closure in brutal crimes, but a conviction would provide some relief, and perhaps, even answers. The Drake family never received that. Alicia's father and Mary's son, Ron, passed away in October 2020, never seeing a killer brought to justice. The nature of the crime brought about many theories."I started to question the truth and believe all the stories I heard from people, hoping they were the one," Mong said. "The one that could give us the golden information. But I realized there were a lot of people that just thought they knew what happened or wanted to be the hero and had all the answers."This never heals. It never goes away. In the last 20 years, we have had several phone calls, texts, Facebook messages from strangers telling us they know what happened that night. They tell us names, places, and stories that we relay to law enforcement, but nothing ever comes from it. They also tell us the police know what happened, but they will never be able to convict anyone for the crime. It never slips your mind, and when it does finally get put to the back of your brain, something pops up again, and the pain and anger resurface."There is one saving grace about Sept. 4, 2002. According to an eyewitness that day, before going to the bakery, Mary had stopped by Alicia's sister's home to pick up her granddaughter for the trip. Fortunately, no one was home. "Her daughter could have easily been with Grandma and things could have been much, much worse," Mong said. "This will always stick with us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662065033840.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mong remembers being close to her grandmother growing up. She said Mary was strong, independent, loving, compassionate, and resourceful. Mong wants her to be remembered as more than a murder victim but also as a sister, an aunt, a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother."My grandma was my idol," Mong said. "She was my person. I can’t remember a time or a memory that she was not a part of. She meant so much to my family that there are no words to express how grateful I am to have had her in my life."Mary's mother passed away at a young age during childbirth, so Mary and her siblings were raised by her father and grandmother. Mary had three sons, enduring her own grief when the eldest passed away in his 20s. She later divorced and raised her other two sons on her own, working at Fuller Brush until retirement. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family.Mong said her fondest childhood memories always include her grandmother. On Saturday nights, Mary set up the hideaway couch for Alicia and her sister, watching "Saturday Night Live" with some old-fashioned popcorn that included spray-on butter unique to Mary's house. Other nights it was the same routine in front of "Hee Haw" or "Barbara Mandrell &amp; the Mandrel Sisters." On especially good nights, Mary treated the girls to slivers of a frozen Snickers bar and ice-cold Pepsi."Then every Sunday morning there was no TV, but the radio was on, and the music was playing," Mong recalls. "She would clean and do laundry on Sundays, and I remember watching her dance around. She loved to Polka and sing while she was working. As my sister and I got older and busier, we didn’t spend as much time with Grandma but that changed again when mine and my sister’s oldest were born and Grandma became a great-grandma. Those girls changed her life, and she loved them. She was the center of our world when we were little, and then she became the center of their world as well. She was so much more than a murder victim."Twenty years later, Mong still feels anger and disappointment. She said she knows about as much today as she did in 2002, but the feelings are compounded by not having any answers - of disappointing Mary and Ron for not being able to find the tip that might lead to the murderer. She's angry that she and her family have been denied the opportunity to properly grieve the loss of a loved one."Normally after the service and burial, you start to gradually heal," she said. "Your anger and sadness eventually turn into happy memories. Not with this. This will never end. I knew that no one was being held responsible for the murders. I knew the murderer was out there walking around among us somewhere. I was always on the lookout for someone that might match the sketch. I listened to every conversation I could, watched every person around me, and couldn’t think of anything else. "It was not because I was scared. I was angry. I was so very angry that this happened to my grandma. I was mad that it seemed everyone knew what was going on except for us. We knew very little. I was mad because it felt that there was not enough being done. I was angry that I knew how much my grandma suffered during her last minutes, instead of peacefully passing in her old age. I was angry that this affected my parents so severely. The two and their marriage were never the same. I was angry that my sister was so hurt and anxious, and there was absolutely nothing that I or anyone could do about it. I was angry that they took her from her great-grandchildren. "I have learned to deal with the anger for the most part, but I must admit that I am still angry after 20 years. "We are without answers and still no closer to justice and closure. I am angry because it doesn’t seem, in any way, that law enforcement is trying to find these monsters. Most of all, I am still angry that someone took my person away from me."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662086985569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

20 years later: Memories of life before, after Dolly Madison murders

Today Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 95. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88. North northeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northeast wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Labor Day Sunny, with a high near 90.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 90.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 90.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 95. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.Tonight A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88. North northeast wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northeast wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 86. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.Labor Day Sunny, with a high near 90.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 90.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 63.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 90.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 62.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's Weather

Fort Hays State University will host a panel discussion on the impact of childhood trauma at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the Black and Golf Room in the university’s Memorial Union Building.&nbsp;

According to federal statistics, more than two-thirds of children in the U.S. report experiencing a traumatic event by age 16. Adverse childhood experiences and trauma disproportionately affect rural schoolchildren, putting them at greater risk of academic underachievement throughout their lives.&nbsp;

Miss Kansas 2022, Ayanna Hensley will join a panel of experts in this field. The daughter of parents who struggled with substance abuse and incarceration, Ayanna decided to make promoting awareness of the impact of trauma and connecting those affected to intervention options the focus of her “Social Impact Initiative” as Miss Kansas.&nbsp;

Dr. Sarah Lancaster, an assistant professor in Fort Hays State University’s College of Education and an expert in this field, offers this preview of the September 20 panel discussion:

“Trauma is much more far-reaching than some realize.&nbsp;Chronic stress, poverty, parents in prison, witnessing an act of violence or feeling threatened by one, natural disasters, medical issues, etc., can all be trauma. The basic needs of all students have to be met before learning can occur. A student cannot “check” their personal life at the door and learn math because that’s what they are supposed to be doing at school.”

Two distinguished panelists from USD 305 in Salina will join Ayanna and Dr. Lancaster for the discussion, including Dr. Curtis Stevens, director of secondary education, and Dr. Lindsey Sellers, the counseling department chair.

Also joining the panel will be Rekala Tuxhorn, an instructor in the university’s Department of Social Work and an experienced K-12 therapist, and Amanda Brown from the FHSU Health and Wellness Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The event is offered as a service to education and social services professionals in our region and is open to the public. Attendees are asked to RSVP via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:FHSUNews@fhsu.edu">FHSUNews@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661970505952.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFort Hays State University will host a panel discussion on the impact of childhood trauma at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the Black and Golf Room in the university’s Memorial Union Building.&nbsp;According to federal statistics, more than two-thirds of children in the U.S. report experiencing a traumatic event by age 16. Adverse childhood experiences and trauma disproportionately affect rural schoolchildren, putting them at greater risk of academic underachievement throughout their lives.&nbsp;Miss Kansas 2022, Ayanna Hensley will join a panel of experts in this field. The daughter of parents who struggled with substance abuse and incarceration, Ayanna decided to make promoting awareness of the impact of trauma and connecting those affected to intervention options the focus of her “Social Impact Initiative” as Miss Kansas.&nbsp;Dr. Sarah Lancaster, an assistant professor in Fort Hays State University’s College of Education and an expert in this field, offers this preview of the September 20 panel discussion:“Trauma is much more far-reaching than some realize.&nbsp;Chronic stress, poverty, parents in prison, witnessing an act of violence or feeling threatened by one, natural disasters, medical issues, etc., can all be trauma. The basic needs of all students have to be met before learning can occur. A student cannot “check” their personal life at the door and learn math because that’s what they are supposed to be doing at school.”Two distinguished panelists from USD 305 in Salina will join Ayanna and Dr. Lancaster for the discussion, including Dr. Curtis Stevens, director of secondary education, and Dr. Lindsey Sellers, the counseling department chair.Also joining the panel will be Rekala Tuxhorn, an instructor in the university’s Department of Social Work and an experienced K-12 therapist, and Amanda Brown from the FHSU Health and Wellness Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The event is offered as a service to education and social services professionals in our region and is open to the public. Attendees are asked to RSVP via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:FHSUNews@fhsu.edu">FHSUNews@fhsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Miss Kansas to join panel discussion on students and trauma

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662085604779.jpeg" alt="Update from Wheatland Electric’s social media following the storm in Great Bend.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Update from Wheatland Electric’s social media following the storm in Great Bend.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Wheatland Electric reports several power lines down in Great Bend

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer that aired Aug. 31, 2022.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer that aired Aug. 31, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/nakfpebg/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧City Edition: Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer

The 3-day&nbsp; Labor Day weekend is nearly here. In Hoisington, that means one of the busiest weekends of the year. The 126th Annual Labor Day Celebration kicks off Friday night at 5 p.m. with the community barbecue.

This year's barbecue moves indoors to the air-conditioned city auditorium. Go inside and watch the Hoisington Cardinal football team via livestream as they open the season at Hesston at 7 p.m. The meal will include pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, chips, and homemade cookies for $10. A beer garden will be open from 5 p.m. to closing time around 9 p.m. 

Saturday features a full day of events, including the BBQ Championship, which will run most of the day. Community garage sales begin at 8 a.m., and various activities at the Kid Stop at the Hoisington Activity Center run from 9 a.m. to noon. The poker run begins at noon. Saturday evening, the Cates CarQuest Thunder in the Wetlands Cruise Night begins at 6 p.m., and the Weee Entertainment carnival also begins at 6 p.m. Stick around for the free fireworks after dark. 

Sunday's events begin with helicopter rides at the high school starting at 11 a.m. The demolition derby fires up at 1 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday night's live music includes a pair of returning acts. Jadynce Jean takes the stage at 8 p.m., followed by Homebrew.

"Jadynce is a local girl from Great Bend," said Chamber Director Karen Baldyga. "She has ties to Hoisington - her mom grew up in Hoisington. She has a lot of relatives here, and she has an absolutely stunning voice. She opened up for our act last year on Saturday night and was a huge hit, so we decided to bring her back for this year."

The cost for the street dance is $10 or $5 for those 20 years of age and younger. The beer garden will be open all evening, serving adult beverages, water, and soda. Coolers are not allowed at the street dance, and no beverages can be taken in or out of the event.

"Bring your lawn chairs," Baldyga said. "We will not have picnic tables out there this year, so please bring your lawn chairs to come and sit and enjoy or get up and dance."

Monday's Kids Parade begins at 10:10 a.m. with the big parade to follow at 10:30. The Knights of Columbus will host its meal after the parade, and Hoisington's downtown will be filled with cars for the Barnard Tire and Auto Car Show and the Art Car Show and Tell events happening after the parade.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661958369550.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe 3-day&nbsp; Labor Day weekend is nearly here. In Hoisington, that means one of the busiest weekends of the year. The 126th Annual Labor Day Celebration kicks off Friday night at 5 p.m. with the community barbecue.This year's barbecue moves indoors to the air-conditioned city auditorium. Go inside and watch the Hoisington Cardinal football team via livestream as they open the season at Hesston at 7 p.m. The meal will include pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans, chips, and homemade cookies for $10. A beer garden will be open from 5 p.m. to closing time around 9 p.m. Saturday features a full day of events, including the BBQ Championship, which will run most of the day. Community garage sales begin at 8 a.m., and various activities at the Kid Stop at the Hoisington Activity Center run from 9 a.m. to noon. The poker run begins at noon. Saturday evening, the Cates CarQuest Thunder in the Wetlands Cruise Night begins at 6 p.m., and the Weee Entertainment carnival also begins at 6 p.m. Stick around for the free fireworks after dark. Sunday's events begin with helicopter rides at the high school starting at 11 a.m. The demolition derby fires up at 1 p.m.&nbsp; Sunday night's live music includes a pair of returning acts. Jadynce Jean takes the stage at 8 p.m., followed by Homebrew."Jadynce is a local girl from Great Bend," said Chamber Director Karen Baldyga. "She has ties to Hoisington - her mom grew up in Hoisington. She has a lot of relatives here, and she has an absolutely stunning voice. She opened up for our act last year on Saturday night and was a huge hit, so we decided to bring her back for this year."The cost for the street dance is $10 or $5 for those 20 years of age and younger. The beer garden will be open all evening, serving adult beverages, water, and soda. Coolers are not allowed at the street dance, and no beverages can be taken in or out of the event."Bring your lawn chairs," Baldyga said. "We will not have picnic tables out there this year, so please bring your lawn chairs to come and sit and enjoy or get up and dance."Monday's Kids Parade begins at 10:10 a.m. with the big parade to follow at 10:30. The Knights of Columbus will host its meal after the parade, and Hoisington's downtown will be filled with cars for the Barnard Tire and Auto Car Show and the Art Car Show and Tell events happening after the parade.

Jadynce Jean & Homebrew return for Hoisington celebration

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Great Bend Police Department received a Crime Stoppers tip regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and the sale of tobacco products involving a Great Bend sports coach and local teen students. 

Detectives began investigating the tips and compiling more details of the report. After conducting interviews, executing search warrants and collecting digital evidence related to this report, investigators learned that multiple sex offenses occurred in addition to the sale of tobacco products to minors. 

Further investigation lead to the arrest of Bryce Hofmeister, age 27. Hofmeister was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Great Bend Police Department and transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, electronic solicitation and contributing to a child's misconduct.

The arrest did not happen on school grounds.

Hofmeister served as a substitute teacher at Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School. He also was an assistant coach for multiple sports.

In a statement released to USD 428 families, the school district said they will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials. The district also stated Hofmeister will not return to work in the district.

This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662070173589.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the Great Bend Police Department received a Crime Stoppers tip regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and the sale of tobacco products involving a Great Bend sports coach and local teen students. Detectives began investigating the tips and compiling more details of the report. After conducting interviews, executing search warrants and collecting digital evidence related to this report, investigators learned that multiple sex offenses occurred in addition to the sale of tobacco products to minors. Further investigation lead to the arrest of Bryce Hofmeister, age 27. Hofmeister was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Great Bend Police Department and transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, electronic solicitation and contributing to a child's misconduct.The arrest did not happen on school grounds.Hofmeister served as a substitute teacher at Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School. He also was an assistant coach for multiple sports.In a statement released to USD 428 families, the school district said they will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials. The district also stated Hofmeister will not return to work in the district.This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Great Bend coach/sub arrested for sexual misconduct with a child

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Barton County Conservation District announced a community learning
garden will be created at the Barton County Historical Museum. The Victory
Garden will provide county residents hands-on experience with starting a home
vegetable garden and gaining the skills needed to ensure a bountiful harvest. "The Conservation District is ultimately heading up the organizing of volunteers," said Barton County Conservation District Manager Veronica Coons. "That includes people teaching classes, mostly master gardeners. We'll also get groups that want to volunteer. We have interest from a couple of youth organizations." 
Together, the Conservation District and volunteers from the Master Gardener
program will provide instruction about soil and water conservation, seed
starting, garden layout, growing and care of food plants. 
"The garden's primary purpose is for us to teach classes," said Coons. "The secondary purpose is going to be as an educational place associated with the museum. There will be interpretive exhibits out there for people to connect to the Victory Garden concept." 
The public is invited to attend the kick-off event Sept. 21 at
4:30 p.m. as volunteers will begin work on preparing the initial garden space
so it will be ready for planting in the spring. The garden is located on the
north end of the museum on south U.S. 281 Highway.

“Across the country, there’s growing interest in local food production,” said Coons. “Rising food and fuel prices also have families looking for ways to stretch their food budget. Growing a home vegetable garden is one way people from all walks of life can take some control over their own situation.” 
Produce from the Victory Garden will benefit the community through donations to
county food banks.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Beginning in the spring of 2023, three seasonal multi-week classes will focus on spring, summer and fall gardening.&nbsp; Classes will be free, but limited in size so all participants will have hands-on experience in the garden.&nbsp; In addition, one-off classes will offer the public opportunities to learn about timely garden practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618580416063.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Barton County Conservation District announced a community learning
garden will be created at the Barton County Historical Museum. The Victory
Garden will provide county residents hands-on experience with starting a home
vegetable garden and gaining the skills needed to ensure a bountiful harvest. "The Conservation District is ultimately heading up the organizing of volunteers," said Barton County Conservation District Manager Veronica Coons. "That includes people teaching classes, mostly master gardeners. We'll also get groups that want to volunteer. We have interest from a couple of youth organizations." 
Together, the Conservation District and volunteers from the Master Gardener
program will provide instruction about soil and water conservation, seed
starting, garden layout, growing and care of food plants. 
"The garden's primary purpose is for us to teach classes," said Coons. "The secondary purpose is going to be as an educational place associated with the museum. There will be interpretive exhibits out there for people to connect to the Victory Garden concept." 
The public is invited to attend the kick-off event Sept. 21 at
4:30 p.m. as volunteers will begin work on preparing the initial garden space
so it will be ready for planting in the spring. The garden is located on the
north end of the museum on south U.S. 281 Highway.“Across the country, there’s growing interest in local food production,” said Coons. “Rising food and fuel prices also have families looking for ways to stretch their food budget. Growing a home vegetable garden is one way people from all walks of life can take some control over their own situation.” 
Produce from the Victory Garden will benefit the community through donations to
county food banks.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning in the spring of 2023, three seasonal multi-week classes will focus on spring, summer and fall gardening.&nbsp; Classes will be free, but limited in size so all participants will have hands-on experience in the garden.&nbsp; In addition, one-off classes will offer the public opportunities to learn about timely garden practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Community learning garden coming to Barton County

During their Grand Opening on Saturday, Aug. 20, surrounded by friends, family, and Chamber Ambassadors, the Hatchet Axtion owners cut the symbolic red ribbon, officially welcoming them into the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and to the business community. 

Co-owners Johan Sanchez and Sage Cauley were excited to have so many come through the doors while serving up free hot dogs and axing their throwing fee by 25% the entire day.

“It’s so exciting when a new business opens their doors and we can be a part of that special moment,"&nbsp;commented Megan Barfied, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President. "These young entrepreneurs are bringing their dreams to life and the business community is better for it.”&nbsp;

Located at 1210 Main Street, Hatchet Axtion is Great Bend’s first axe throwing venue offering private lanes with reservations or walk-ins. Each lane holds up to four people with a five-person maximum for big parties and events. There’s also plenty of seating for spectators.

To keep throwers and spectators engaged, scores are kept using an app that includes different game modes providing variety and games.

The owners say their overall goal is to have a fun place where people can come in have fun and strengthen relationships. For those who have kids below the required age of 12, Sanchez says not to worry, “We have a kid’s area away from the lanes where they will be able to sit down on big bean bag chairs and watch kids’ movies, play some mini foosball or air hockey free of charge.”

Opening June 29, Hatchet Axtion employs one part-time employee, and two owners that work full time, all of whom are ready to help your group have a great time. Co-owner Sage Cauley comments, “Axe throwing is a great fit for events such as team building exercises, bachelor/bachelorette parties, retirement and more.”

Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Reservations are available at hatchetaxtion.com, but walk-ins are welcome. Special prices are available for large groups and parties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662040690428.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSDuring their Grand Opening on Saturday, Aug. 20, surrounded by friends, family, and Chamber Ambassadors, the Hatchet Axtion owners cut the symbolic red ribbon, officially welcoming them into the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and to the business community. Co-owners Johan Sanchez and Sage Cauley were excited to have so many come through the doors while serving up free hot dogs and axing their throwing fee by 25% the entire day.“It’s so exciting when a new business opens their doors and we can be a part of that special moment,"&nbsp;commented Megan Barfied, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President. "These young entrepreneurs are bringing their dreams to life and the business community is better for it.”&nbsp;Located at 1210 Main Street, Hatchet Axtion is Great Bend’s first axe throwing venue offering private lanes with reservations or walk-ins. Each lane holds up to four people with a five-person maximum for big parties and events. There’s also plenty of seating for spectators.To keep throwers and spectators engaged, scores are kept using an app that includes different game modes providing variety and games.The owners say their overall goal is to have a fun place where people can come in have fun and strengthen relationships. For those who have kids below the required age of 12, Sanchez says not to worry, “We have a kid’s area away from the lanes where they will be able to sit down on big bean bag chairs and watch kids’ movies, play some mini foosball or air hockey free of charge.”Opening June 29, Hatchet Axtion employs one part-time employee, and two owners that work full time, all of whom are ready to help your group have a great time. Co-owner Sage Cauley comments, “Axe throwing is a great fit for events such as team building exercises, bachelor/bachelorette parties, retirement and more.”Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday 5-10 p.m., Friday 5 p.m.-midnight, Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Reservations are available at hatchetaxtion.com, but walk-ins are welcome. Special prices are available for large groups and parties.

Chamber welcomes first axe throwing venue in Great Bend

Using state and federal programs, KMW Loaders in Great Bend officially
launched an apprenticeship program Thursday morning that will help equip the business
with workers needed to help the company grow. 

KMW Director Wayne Buchberger said the
program will help recruit additional “employees” the business needs to keep up
with demand. 
"We've spent millions of dollars in equipment over the last few years to support our growth," said Buchberger. "Along with that, comes the need for people. No business operates without good people to support it." 
A press conference was held at KMW’s plant on U.S. 281 Highway Thursday, where
the public was introduced to the many partnerships to make the program
possible.

&nbsp;The State of Kansas received a grant, awarding just under $6 million
in funding to assist in attracting and retaining employees. KMW will be the
first business to take advantage of the opportunity in Barton County. 
KMW Loaders was founded in 1965 in Sterling as Ark Manufacturing, initially as
a manufacturer of soil packers and trailers. The company eventually added
agriculture front-end loaders. In 2004, KMW expanded to Great Bend by purchasing
a 44,500 square foot facility. The business now employees approximately 250
workers. 
"As everybody knows, the past year and a half has been tough on finding additional people to bring onboard," said Buchberger. "The apprenticeship program is a unique opportunity to work with others to help build the business. We've worked with the state on other projects and staffing programs to continue the growth." 
Apprenticeships are paid positions and frequently include a track to being
hired full-time as participants gain the knowledge and experience they need.
KMW has three apprentices signed up with more candidates on a waiting list.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662052657682.jpeg" alt="Two candidates sign letters to join KMW Loaders' apprenticeship program at a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022." />
 <figcaption>Two candidates sign letters to join KMW Loaders' apprenticeship program at a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostUsing state and federal programs, KMW Loaders in Great Bend officially
launched an apprenticeship program Thursday morning that will help equip the business
with workers needed to help the company grow. KMW Director Wayne Buchberger said the
program will help recruit additional “employees” the business needs to keep up
with demand. 
"We've spent millions of dollars in equipment over the last few years to support our growth," said Buchberger. "Along with that, comes the need for people. No business operates without good people to support it." 
A press conference was held at KMW’s plant on U.S. 281 Highway Thursday, where
the public was introduced to the many partnerships to make the program
possible. &nbsp;The State of Kansas received a grant, awarding just under $6 million
in funding to assist in attracting and retaining employees. KMW will be the
first business to take advantage of the opportunity in Barton County. 
KMW Loaders was founded in 1965 in Sterling as Ark Manufacturing, initially as
a manufacturer of soil packers and trailers. The company eventually added
agriculture front-end loaders. In 2004, KMW expanded to Great Bend by purchasing
a 44,500 square foot facility. The business now employees approximately 250
workers. 
"As everybody knows, the past year and a half has been tough on finding additional people to bring onboard," said Buchberger. "The apprenticeship program is a unique opportunity to work with others to help build the business. We've worked with the state on other projects and staffing programs to continue the growth." 
Apprenticeships are paid positions and frequently include a track to being
hired full-time as participants gain the knowledge and experience they need.
KMW has three apprentices signed up with more candidates on a waiting list.

Great Bend business using grant-funded apprenticeship to find workers

Jim Meitner was recognized as the grand marshal for the 126th Annual Hoisington Labor Day Parade.

Meitner has served the Hoisington Chamber as a board member, ambassador and Labor Day volunteer.

Meitner will lead the parade down Main Street in Hoisington on Monday, Sept. 5. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m.

The four-day celebration starts Friday, Sept. 2. A full schedule of events can be found at <a href="https://www.hoisingtonkansas.com/schedule-of-events">hoisingtonkansas.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662053413338.jpeg" alt="Jim Meitner (right) receives recognition as the grand marshal for the upcoming Hoisington Labor Day Parade. Hoisington Chamber Board Treasurer Eric Schoendaler presented Meitner the certificate." />
 <figcaption>Jim Meitner (right) receives recognition as the grand marshal for the upcoming Hoisington Labor Day Parade. Hoisington Chamber Board Treasurer Eric Schoendaler presented Meitner the certificate.</figcaption>
 </figure>Jim Meitner was recognized as the grand marshal for the 126th Annual Hoisington Labor Day Parade.Meitner has served the Hoisington Chamber as a board member, ambassador and Labor Day volunteer.Meitner will lead the parade down Main Street in Hoisington on Monday, Sept. 5. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m.The four-day celebration starts Friday, Sept. 2. A full schedule of events can be found at <a href="https://www.hoisingtonkansas.com/schedule-of-events">hoisingtonkansas.com</a>.

Meitner recognized as grand marshal for Hoisington Labor Day Parade

Putting together the best cars in the area is always a good time. Joe Trimmer, front desk manager, and Chris Berger, general manager at Club 1 Fitness in Great Bend, want to take it a step further. On Oct. 1, Club 1 will host a benefit car show with all proceeds going to Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation.

"We had kind of tossed around the idea right when I very first started here about having a car show," Trimmer said. "Of course, COVID hit and we've been bouncing back from that stuff. Now that things are kind of back to normal and our numbers are up, I feel like now would be a good time to do that."

The car show will feature a silent auction inside Club 1 Fitness, tours of the facility, and a live remote from Dakota Tucker and 104.3 The Point. Yo Dog will be serving up food in the parking lot. Robert Bean, owner of Finishing Touching Flooring, will assist with the show.

Awards will be handed out in six classes at the show: Best Ford, Chevy, Mopar, Truck, Motorcycle, and Best in Show. Ricky Fugitt at Rustic Custom Creations made, and Kansas Sidewinders MC sponsored, custom solid-oak plaques for the winners in each class. Fugitt also donated three custom-cut signs for the silent auction.

The entry fee for the benefit car show is $25. All entry fee money will be donated to Kans for Kids, and Trimmer said holding the show on private property means less overhead and a  bigger donation.

"That just means we don't have the extra venue expenses and extra insurance," he said. "That means everything we get donated, we can donate every dollar of that back to Kans for Kids. We're really excited about it."

Lineup for the event is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661882135354.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostPutting together the best cars in the area is always a good time. Joe Trimmer, front desk manager, and Chris Berger, general manager at Club 1 Fitness in Great Bend, want to take it a step further. On Oct. 1, Club 1 will host a benefit car show with all proceeds going to Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation."We had kind of tossed around the idea right when I very first started here about having a car show," Trimmer said. "Of course, COVID hit and we've been bouncing back from that stuff. Now that things are kind of back to normal and our numbers are up, I feel like now would be a good time to do that."The car show will feature a silent auction inside Club 1 Fitness, tours of the facility, and a live remote from Dakota Tucker and 104.3 The Point. Yo Dog will be serving up food in the parking lot. Robert Bean, owner of Finishing Touching Flooring, will assist with the show.Awards will be handed out in six classes at the show: Best Ford, Chevy, Mopar, Truck, Motorcycle, and Best in Show. Ricky Fugitt at Rustic Custom Creations made, and Kansas Sidewinders MC sponsored, custom solid-oak plaques for the winners in each class. Fugitt also donated three custom-cut signs for the silent auction.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661882163816.jpeg" alt="Custom award plaque created by Rustic Custom Creations" />
 <figcaption>Custom award plaque created by Rustic Custom Creations</figcaption>
 </figure>The entry fee for the benefit car show is $25. All entry fee money will be donated to Kans for Kids, and Trimmer said holding the show on private property means less overhead and a bigger donation."That just means we don't have the extra venue expenses and extra insurance," he said. "That means everything we get donated, we can donate every dollar of that back to Kans for Kids. We're really excited about it."Lineup for the event is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Club 1 Fitness hosting car show to benefit Kans for Kids

Hear September's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Aug. 30, 2022. Typically airing the first Monday every month, the show was recorded early because of Labor Day.

The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Hear September's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Aug. 30, 2022. Typically airing the first Monday every month, the show was recorded early because of Labor Day.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/mwqltblc/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎤KWEC Show: Director Curtis Wolf

from the United Way of Central Kansas...

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 </figure>from the United Way of Central Kansas...United Way of Central Kansas is hosting their annual Community Tailgate in Ellinwood this year on Sept. 2. They will be serving hamburgers from Ellinwood Packing Plant along with chips and a water for a free will donation. You can grab your dinner at the Ellinwood High Football field before the Eagles first home game, with food being served from 6:30-7:30. Proceeds raised at this event will support Community Impact Programs in Ellinwood, including Reality U, Box of Love, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Funds also support UWCK Community Partners who support the Ellinwood area.New this year, UWCK will have a raffle to win a one-of-a-kind Ellinwood Eagles t-shirt quilt. Tickets can be purchased at the Tailgate for $1.00. The quilt will be making the rounds in town at participating businesses where tickets can be purchased leading up to the drawing which will take place prior to the Homecoming game on September 9th. Follow UWCK on Facebook to find out where the quilt is and to purchase tickets.This event would not be possible without our sponsors-Ellinwood Packing Plant, Ellinwood Family Foods, Eagle Backerz, Extreme Ice, H&amp;B Communications and TriAg. “These local businesses have supported this event for multiple years and we are proud that they continue to work with us to make it a fun and successful night," said UWCK Director Charell Owings. "We hope the community comes out to support the Eagles and let us handle dinner for the night while taking the opportunity to learn what UWCK does.”&nbsp;<figure>
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