By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Under a Kansas statute, property owned and primarily operated as an
airport by a municipality is exempt from property taxes. 
Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller was notified roughly four
years ago of two hangars that the city owns at the airport that are being
charged property tax. Miller went before the Great Bend City Council to approve
property tax exempt requests for the two hangars. "I polled a number of airports that have hangars they own and used for airport business," said Miller. "My contacts were in Salina, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Winfield and Manhattan. All of their airport-owned buildings are property tax exempt. This law came out 30 years ago." 
Tony’s Aerial Spraying rents one of the hangars from Great Bend at 9030 4th
Street that is not tax exempt. Max Nichols rents the other tax-paying hangar at 545 D Street. The building and hangar at Tony’s was built in 1998 and Nichols’ was
constructed in 2000.

Barton County appraised the two buildings once they were
constructed and taxed the city, approximately $10,500, a bill the city would
receive payment from the two renters. 
"All we need to show for the appeal is that we own the airport, we use it for airport purposes and show a deed that the United States government gave it to us in 1947," said Miller. 
The city council approved the tax exempt request and now the application will
go before the Barton County Appraiser before the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals
makes a ruling on the tax exemption.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659539880331.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostUnder a Kansas statute, property owned and primarily operated as an
airport by a municipality is exempt from property taxes. 
Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller was notified roughly four
years ago of two hangars that the city owns at the airport that are being
charged property tax. Miller went before the Great Bend City Council to approve
property tax exempt requests for the two hangars. "I polled a number of airports that have hangars they own and used for airport business," said Miller. "My contacts were in Salina, Dodge City, Hutchinson, Winfield and Manhattan. All of their airport-owned buildings are property tax exempt. This law came out 30 years ago." 
Tony’s Aerial Spraying rents one of the hangars from Great Bend at 9030 4th
Street that is not tax exempt. Max Nichols rents the other tax-paying hangar at 545 D Street. The building and hangar at Tony’s was built in 1998 and Nichols’ was
constructed in 2000. Barton County appraised the two buildings once they were
constructed and taxed the city, approximately $10,500, a bill the city would
receive payment from the two renters. 
"All we need to show for the appeal is that we own the airport, we use it for airport purposes and show a deed that the United States government gave it to us in 1947," said Miller. 
The city council approved the tax exempt request and now the application will
go before the Barton County Appraiser before the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals
makes a ruling on the tax exemption.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend moves forward with tax exempt airport hangars

PRATT —An anonymous donor has made a commitment to pay for a new city pool in Pratt just hours after voters approved a sales tax to fund a new pool.

In a statement on the city's web site, the community shared about an act of kindness "that is stunning."

"The Pratt Pool Project began in 2007 when the City was made aware of our failing pool situation. The City was informed then that the pool needed to be replaced in the next few years."

The issue was deferred through the years because of the perceived cost of a new pool and the burden it would put on the citizens. &nbsp;In 2019 the commission was made aware that deferring any longer would be a tremendous cost to the City, as well as a liability. A project began in earnest and a public input survey was conducted and a pool committee was appointed."

"In early 2022, a team of advisers including structural engineers, bond and finance counselors, and City department heads stated in solidarity that now is the critical time to replace the City Pool in accordance with the public input. After much research, discussion, and due diligence, the City Commission committed to proceed; consensus was reached that not making such a decision was a dereliction of duty. "

"It is with hearts full of gratitude that we now announce that a generous and selfless family has committed to paying for the City of Pratt Pool Project in full. Their strong desire to unburden their fellow citizens has led them to make this commitment of an estimated $6 million over four years."

"An agreement between this generous family and the City ensures that no tax dollars will be spent to bring the project to fruition. Please join us and your fellow citizens in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebrate this kind act; may it be remembered in Pratt lore forever."

The primary reason the donor made this incredible decision was so that no new taxes (sales or property) would be used for the Pratt Pool Project. The donation agreement in place ensures this."

"The agreement also ensures that even though the Pratt electorate voted Tuesday to authorize a sales tax to service debt for the Pratt Pool Project only, it will not be utilized. Doing so would be a direct violation of the donor's wishes and the agreement. The City of Pratt is committed to honoring the agreement and donor's wishes, which also includes remaining anonymous until the family wishes to make their identity known."&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659623990822.png" alt="Photo courtesy City of Pratt" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy City of Pratt</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT —An anonymous donor has made a commitment to pay for a new city pool in Pratt just hours after voters approved a sales tax to fund a new pool.In a statement on the city's web site, the community shared about an act of kindness "that is stunning.""The Pratt Pool Project began in 2007 when the City was made aware of our failing pool situation. The City was informed then that the pool needed to be replaced in the next few years."The issue was deferred through the years because of the perceived cost of a new pool and the burden it would put on the citizens. &nbsp;In 2019 the commission was made aware that deferring any longer would be a tremendous cost to the City, as well as a liability. A project began in earnest and a public input survey was conducted and a pool committee was appointed.""In early 2022, a team of advisers including structural engineers, bond and finance counselors, and City department heads stated in solidarity that now is the critical time to replace the City Pool in accordance with the public input. After much research, discussion, and due diligence, the City Commission committed to proceed; consensus was reached that not making such a decision was a dereliction of duty. ""It is with hearts full of gratitude that we now announce that a generous and selfless family has committed to paying for the City of Pratt Pool Project in full. Their strong desire to unburden their fellow citizens has led them to make this commitment of an estimated $6 million over four years.""An agreement between this generous family and the City ensures that no tax dollars will be spent to bring the project to fruition. Please join us and your fellow citizens in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebrate this kind act; may it be remembered in Pratt lore forever."The primary reason the donor made this incredible decision was so that no new taxes (sales or property) would be used for the Pratt Pool Project. The donation agreement in place ensures this.""The agreement also ensures that even though the Pratt electorate voted Tuesday to authorize a sales tax to service debt for the Pratt Pool Project only, it will not be utilized. Doing so would be a direct violation of the donor's wishes and the agreement. The City of Pratt is committed to honoring the agreement and donor's wishes, which also includes remaining anonymous until the family wishes to make their identity known."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Anonymous donor will pay for new city pool in Pratt

Last September, the City of Great Bend approved an application to apply
for a Moderate Income Housing grant on behalf of the Great Bend Economic
Development. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation provides grants to cities
with populations fewer than 60,000. 

If awarded, the grant would offset the cost to renovate the upper floors of the Zarah Mall building
downtown into one- and two-bedroom apartments. 
Great Bend was not awarded a grant, but was encouraged to apply again for the
second disbursement. Economic Development Director Sara Hayden said the first
application applied to the just the second floor, but the latest proposal will
be to renovate multiple floors of the four-story building at 1917 Lakin Avenue
to create 15-17 apartments. 
"The full scope of this project is that they will have some properties that are for lease, some for sale and a few for temporary residences for people working temporarily, recruiting purposes and trying out the area...more of an Air BnB style," said Hayden. "Last year they weren't ready to submit for the whole thing, so they only submitted for those nine residential units." 
Last year, it was reported the apartments would rent for $750 to $850 per
month. The purpose of the grant is to put more funds into the housing project
to allow the owner to then rent the units for a lesser amount.

"This has definitely been an underutilized property," said Hayden. "The owners are excited to finally make use of it. Of course, it's a big building with a big project cost. Anything helps to be able to make it happen." 
The Zarah Mall falls under the MyTown initiative, with the majority owned by
Sheryl Cheely. MyTown was created several years ago and given a loan by the
city to foster more downtown businesses with incentives. 
If awarded the Moderate Income Housing funds, the grant will be carried out by
the City of Great Bend. The city would just pass the funds to the owner, with
no financial obligation. The construction development and management would be
carried out by Kustom Floor Designs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632232801800.jpeg" alt="Zarah Mall ownership is again applying for a grant to create 15-17 apartments on the upper levels of the downtown Great Bend building." />
 <figcaption>Zarah Mall ownership is again applying for a grant to create 15-17 apartments on the upper levels of the downtown Great Bend building.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLast September, the City of Great Bend approved an application to apply
for a Moderate Income Housing grant on behalf of the Great Bend Economic
Development. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation provides grants to cities
with populations fewer than 60,000. If awarded, the grant would offset the cost to renovate the upper floors of the Zarah Mall building
downtown into one- and two-bedroom apartments. 
Great Bend was not awarded a grant, but was encouraged to apply again for the
second disbursement. Economic Development Director Sara Hayden said the first
application applied to the just the second floor, but the latest proposal will
be to renovate multiple floors of the four-story building at 1917 Lakin Avenue
to create 15-17 apartments. 
"The full scope of this project is that they will have some properties that are for lease, some for sale and a few for temporary residences for people working temporarily, recruiting purposes and trying out the area...more of an Air BnB style," said Hayden. "Last year they weren't ready to submit for the whole thing, so they only submitted for those nine residential units." 
Last year, it was reported the apartments would rent for $750 to $850 per
month. The purpose of the grant is to put more funds into the housing project
to allow the owner to then rent the units for a lesser amount."This has definitely been an underutilized property," said Hayden. "The owners are excited to finally make use of it. Of course, it's a big building with a big project cost. Anything helps to be able to make it happen." 
The Zarah Mall falls under the MyTown initiative, with the majority owned by
Sheryl Cheely. MyTown was created several years ago and given a loan by the
city to foster more downtown businesses with incentives. 
If awarded the Moderate Income Housing funds, the grant will be carried out by
the City of Great Bend. The city would just pass the funds to the owner, with
no financial obligation. The construction development and management would be
carried out by Kustom Floor Designs.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend downtown building hoping to add 15-17 apartments

Action from the August 3, 2022, Barton County Commission meeting:

APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:    -An Accounts Payable Register was approved for July 20, 2022, to August 3, 2022.  

NEW BUSINESS - RESOLUTION 2022-19:  Designation of Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director, as Barton County’s KPERS Agent:  -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details.  The Kansas Public Employees Retirement (KPERS) Act of 1961 provides in K.S.A. 74-4902(6) for the designation of an agent for each participating employer through whom system transactions and communications are directed.  In addition, this agent acts as a local contact for employees for retirement system information, transactions, forms and publications.  The adopted Resolution names Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director, as the agent with the Director of Operations as an additional signer.   

RESOLUTION 2022-20:  Rescinding Resolution 2004-19, Fees for Issuing Kansas Driver’s Licenses, Adopted June 14, 2004:  -Mr. Patzner provided details.  In 2004, the Commission adopted a Resolution authoring a $3.00 fee, per the issuance of each driver’s license, to be accessed to the Kansas Department of Revenue, to offset housing the Driver’s Licensing Office at the Courthouse.  As that agency is no longer housed in the building, the Resolution was rescinded.  

It was announced that the County Commission will meet as the Board of County Canvassers on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. in the Office of the County Clerk.  At that time, they will canvass the August 2, 2022, Primary Election ballots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603471494276.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Action from the August 3, 2022, Barton County Commission meeting:APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: -An Accounts Payable Register was approved for July 20, 2022, to August 3, 2022. NEW BUSINESS - RESOLUTION 2022-19: Designation of Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director, as Barton County’s KPERS Agent: -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details. The Kansas Public Employees Retirement (KPERS) Act of 1961 provides in K.S.A. 74-4902(6) for the designation of an agent for each participating employer through whom system transactions and communications are directed. In addition, this agent acts as a local contact for employees for retirement system information, transactions, forms and publications. The adopted Resolution names Brenda Kaiser, Human Resource Director, as the agent with the Director of Operations as an additional signer. RESOLUTION 2022-20: Rescinding Resolution 2004-19, Fees for Issuing Kansas Driver’s Licenses, Adopted June 14, 2004: -Mr. Patzner provided details. In 2004, the Commission adopted a Resolution authoring a $3.00 fee, per the issuance of each driver’s license, to be accessed to the Kansas Department of Revenue, to offset housing the Driver’s Licensing Office at the Courthouse. As that agency is no longer housed in the building, the Resolution was rescinded. It was announced that the County Commission will meet as the Board of County Canvassers on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. in the Office of the County Clerk. At that time, they will canvass the August 2, 2022, Primary Election ballots.

Action from the Barton County Commission meeting (8/3)

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (8/3) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:45 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 90 Road &amp; NW 20 Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 11:07 a.m. an accident was reported at 3900 17th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:16 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 90 Road &amp; NW 100
Avenue in Olmitz. 
 
Theft 
 
At 1:05 p.m. a theft was reported at 1177 NW 10 Road. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 70
Avenue. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 6:18 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 79 NE 25 Road. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 8:01 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 5923 Paradise Ln Apt. 8. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 8:01 p.m. utility problems were reported at 762 W. 1st Street in
Hoisington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (8/3) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 8:45 a.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 90 Road &amp; NW 20 Avenue. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 11:07 a.m. an accident was reported at 3900 17th Street. 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 12:16 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 90 Road &amp; NW 100
Avenue in Olmitz. 
 
Theft 
 
At 1:05 p.m. a theft was reported at 1177 NW 10 Road. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 3 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway &amp; SW 70
Avenue. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 6:18 p.m. traumatic injuries were reported at 79 NE 25 Road. 
 
Criminal Damage 
 
At 8:01 p.m. criminal damage was reported at 5923 Paradise Ln Apt. 8. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 8:01 p.m. utility problems were reported at 762 W. 1st Street in
Hoisington.

Cop Shop (8/3)

8/3 BOOKED: Christopher Thompson on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $2,500.

BOOKED: Jaleesa Hood on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200.00 cash only; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $512.50; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $842.50.

RELEASED: Christopher Thompson on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Brandon Emerson on Montgomery County District Court warrant for Probation Violation and Kansas Department of Corrections warrant for Parole Violation, transferred to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8/3 BOOKED: Christopher Thompson on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $2,500.BOOKED: Jaleesa Hood on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200.00 cash only; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $512.50; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $842.50.RELEASED: Christopher Thompson on Barton County District Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Brandon Emerson on Montgomery County District Court warrant for Probation Violation and Kansas Department of Corrections warrant for Parole Violation, transferred to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (8/3)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Changes are coming to the winter sports programs in USD 431. Hoisington High School Activities Director Faron Kraft spoke of the changes at Monday's board of education meeting. The biggest changes will affect the Hoisington High School and Middle School wrestling teams, but basketball teams will also be affected.

The Hoisington High wrestling teams will officially split for the 2022-23 season. While many competitions were already split, including the state tournaments, the teams have practiced together in recent years. Long-time coach Dan Schmidt will now head up the HHS girls' program, and Jace Morgenstern will take over head coaching duties on the boys' side. Ross Coomes will coach both middle school teams.

Kraft spoke with the coaches after the July board meeting and worked through five possible solutions for the programs. Middle school basketball ends before Christmas, and wrestling begins after Christmas. The high school boys' and girls' wrestling teams will split practice time before Christmas in the wrestling room at the Hoisington Activity Center and the high school gym. They will be joined by the middle schoolers after Christmas. 

"That's not ideal for the boys because that's going to be a lot of boys," Kraft said. "We're going to have a lot of middle school boys out, plus our high school boys. That's one of the things we tried to alleviate. That was one area we couldn't find a way around that obstacle for wrestling."

Changes in wrestling schedules will also mean changes for the high school basketball teams, which will practice at the Activity Center, the city building, and Lincoln Elementary. That keeps after-school options available for each team. Some middle school games will now be played at the Activity Center.

"With this, that means middle school basketball is going to play all their games in the Activity Center and the middle school, as opposed to the high school and middle school," Kraft said. "Split opinions on that. I know I have a lot of middle school parents who are happy about that." 

Basketball coaches did voice concern about practicing at the city building, including a slick playing surface, locker room issues, and heating and air concerns. Kraft said he and Superintendent Patrick Crowdis had already worked out those issues with the city. 

"We had already met down at the city building with the city manager and went over all that stuff," said Kraft. "I feel like we've got a really good plan put together that pretty much covers all of those concerns to help us move forward with that."

For letting the district use the city building, the district agreed to refinish the city court as part of the refinish project at the Activity Center between volleyball and basketball seasons. Kraft said locker room and heating and cooling issues had also been addressed, and said a portable goal may help address the lack of practice goals in the city building.

"I feel like it's a win-win," Kraft said, "especially if the city's going to let us use it when we need to use it."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645803487104.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostChanges are coming to the winter sports programs in USD 431. Hoisington High School Activities Director Faron Kraft spoke of the changes at Monday's board of education meeting. The biggest changes will affect the Hoisington High School and Middle School wrestling teams, but basketball teams will also be affected.The Hoisington High wrestling teams will officially split for the 2022-23 season. While many competitions were already split, including the state tournaments, the teams have practiced together in recent years. Long-time coach Dan Schmidt will now head up the HHS girls' program, and Jace Morgenstern will take over head coaching duties on the boys' side. Ross Coomes will coach both middle school teams.Kraft spoke with the coaches after the July board meeting and worked through five possible solutions for the programs. Middle school basketball ends before Christmas, and wrestling begins after Christmas. The high school boys' and girls' wrestling teams will split practice time before Christmas in the wrestling room at the Hoisington Activity Center and the high school gym. They will be joined by the middle schoolers after Christmas. "That's not ideal for the boys because that's going to be a lot of boys," Kraft said. "We're going to have a lot of middle school boys out, plus our high school boys. That's one of the things we tried to alleviate. That was one area we couldn't find a way around that obstacle for wrestling."Changes in wrestling schedules will also mean changes for the high school basketball teams, which will practice at the Activity Center, the city building, and Lincoln Elementary. That keeps after-school options available for each team. Some middle school games will now be played at the Activity Center."With this, that means middle school basketball is going to play all their games in the Activity Center and the middle school, as opposed to the high school and middle school," Kraft said. "Split opinions on that. I know I have a lot of middle school parents who are happy about that." Basketball coaches did voice concern about practicing at the city building, including a slick playing surface, locker room issues, and heating and air concerns. Kraft said he and Superintendent Patrick Crowdis had already worked out those issues with the city. "We had already met down at the city building with the city manager and went over all that stuff," said Kraft. "I feel like we've got a really good plan put together that pretty much covers all of those concerns to help us move forward with that."For letting the district use the city building, the district agreed to refinish the city court as part of the refinish project at the Activity Center between volleyball and basketball seasons. Kraft said locker room and heating and cooling issues had also been addressed, and said a portable goal may help address the lack of practice goals in the city building."I feel like it's a win-win," Kraft said, "especially if the city's going to let us use it when we need to use it."

Hoisington Athletic Director provides winter sports changes

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. North northeast wind 9 to 14 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South southeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South southeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. South wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.

Sunday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Monday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 90.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 91.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. North northeast wind 9 to 14 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. South southeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75. South southeast wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 103. South wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.Sunday Night A 40-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.Monday A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 90.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 91.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee

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

Azria Health Woodhaven provides excellence at every level, delivering exceptional service to each individual – from their inviting welcome program to their individualized care planes. They are with you every step of the way. Their team considers every detail in making you feel at home, providing a high level of personal attention. The entire Azria Health Woodhaven experience is designed to encourage social activity and maintain regimens that foster health and well-being.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, Aug. 4Great Bend Chamber of Commerce CoffeeDoors open at 9 a.m. and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. – Join in-person or watch virtually on Facebook LIVE &amp; YouTube.Azria Health 1560 K96 HWYAzria Health Woodhaven provides excellence at every level, delivering exceptional service to each individual – from their inviting welcome program to their individualized care planes. They are with you every step of the way. Their team considers every detail in making you feel at home, providing a high level of personal attention. The entire Azria Health Woodhaven experience is designed to encourage social activity and maintain regimens that foster health and well-being.

Great Bend Chamber coffee hour (8/4)

Tap on the brakes and park it at the 10th annual Rolling Sculpture Car Show on the Barton County Historical Society’s grounds on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Admission to the museum grounds is free and concessions will be provided by 32 degrees of Rush Center. 

The car show highlights not only the automotive passions of the community but also how the trends of design evolve over time. Each and every one of these meticulously cared for vehicles of yesteryear reflect the passion and dedication these owners have to their moving pieces of art. 

Those who wish to show their vehicles should arrive by 9 a.m.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659370105035.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tap on the brakes and park it at the 10th annual Rolling Sculpture Car Show on the Barton County Historical Society’s grounds on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission to the museum grounds is free and concessions will be provided by 32 degrees of Rush Center. The car show highlights not only the automotive passions of the community but also how the trends of design evolve over time. Each and every one of these meticulously cared for vehicles of yesteryear reflect the passion and dedication these owners have to their moving pieces of art. Those who wish to show their vehicles should arrive by 9 a.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659370135379.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Rolling Sculpture car show returns to Barton Co. Historical Society

Gardeners never stop learning, growing and giving.&nbsp; This is what it means to be a Master Gardener.&nbsp; If you enjoy learning and giving back as a volunteer, consider becoming a Master Gardener in 2022.&nbsp;

Now is the time to apply and reserve your spot for the 2022 training course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The training will be held as a hybrid model as well as an online option. Both Cottonwood offices will host the trainings onsite (located at 3007 10th&nbsp;St in Great Bend, and 601 Main St in Hays) for people that want to train with others.&nbsp;&nbsp;The training is $80.00 with an optional $45.00 printed book available for purchase but, informational handouts will be provided at the trainings as well. When you register, please comment if you would like in person or online so we can accommodate your preferences. &nbsp;

Master Gardeners are K-State Research &amp; Extension volunteers who enjoy cultivating their own plants and gardens while sharing their skills and knowledge with the community around them to help others grow.&nbsp; Master Gardening is a wonderful way to enrich your life and the lives of others.&nbsp;

The decision to become a Master Gardener can be very rewarding.&nbsp; It is a decision to take your horticulture knowledge to the next level, and it is also a commitment to find creative ways to make a difference in our community while sharing that knowledge with the people and places around you.&nbsp;

Training is just one great benefit.&nbsp; Master Gardeners receive a 40-hour-plus horticulture training course from K-State Extension specialists and county Extension agents.&nbsp; The basic training provides a great starting point for those new to gardening, but is also in depth enough to apply to gardeners of any skill level.&nbsp; Other benefits of being a Master Gardener include the camaraderie of people who share similar passions, receiving ongoing horticulture support through K-State Research and Extension, and occasional visits to horticultural places of interest.&nbsp;

Once training is complete, Master Gardeners take their knowledge out to the community to share it with others in unique and meaningful ways.&nbsp; First year Master Gardeners volunteer 40 hours of time and during succeeding years have a commitment of just 20 hours to remain active.&nbsp;

Master Gardener volunteer time can be selected from current Master Gardener projects and can also be tailored to individual abilities and interests.&nbsp; Master Gardeners are encouraged to find their creativity in looking for ways to impact the community.&nbsp; A few activities many Master Gardeners enjoy volunteering on include: &nbsp;the demonstration garden, gardening with kids, county fairs, educational garden tours and events, and booths at public events.&nbsp;

If you are interested in joining the program or have questions regarding any of this information call the K-State Research &amp; Extension office.&nbsp; Registration or the class is open and can be completed by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3bjAqF2" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3bjAqF2</a>.

&nbsp;The Great Bend office can be contacted at 620-793-1910 and the Ellis county office is 785-628-9430.&nbsp;Registration is due by Aug. 26. We look forward to hearing from you!&nbsp;

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

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141354634.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gardeners never stop learning, growing and giving.&nbsp; This is what it means to be a Master Gardener.&nbsp; If you enjoy learning and giving back as a volunteer, consider becoming a Master Gardener in 2022.&nbsp;Now is the time to apply and reserve your spot for the 2022 training course.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The training will be held as a hybrid model as well as an online option. Both Cottonwood offices will host the trainings onsite (located at 3007 10th&nbsp;St in Great Bend, and 601 Main St in Hays) for people that want to train with others.&nbsp;&nbsp;The training is $80.00 with an optional $45.00 printed book available for purchase but, informational handouts will be provided at the trainings as well. When you register, please comment if you would like in person or online so we can accommodate your preferences. &nbsp;Master Gardeners are K-State Research &amp; Extension volunteers who enjoy cultivating their own plants and gardens while sharing their skills and knowledge with the community around them to help others grow.&nbsp; Master Gardening is a wonderful way to enrich your life and the lives of others.&nbsp;The decision to become a Master Gardener can be very rewarding.&nbsp; It is a decision to take your horticulture knowledge to the next level, and it is also a commitment to find creative ways to make a difference in our community while sharing that knowledge with the people and places around you.&nbsp;Training is just one great benefit.&nbsp; Master Gardeners receive a 40-hour-plus horticulture training course from K-State Extension specialists and county Extension agents.&nbsp; The basic training provides a great starting point for those new to gardening, but is also in depth enough to apply to gardeners of any skill level.&nbsp; Other benefits of being a Master Gardener include the camaraderie of people who share similar passions, receiving ongoing horticulture support through K-State Research and Extension, and occasional visits to horticultural places of interest.&nbsp;Once training is complete, Master Gardeners take their knowledge out to the community to share it with others in unique and meaningful ways.&nbsp; First year Master Gardeners volunteer 40 hours of time and during succeeding years have a commitment of just 20 hours to remain active.&nbsp;Master Gardener volunteer time can be selected from current Master Gardener projects and can also be tailored to individual abilities and interests.&nbsp; Master Gardeners are encouraged to find their creativity in looking for ways to impact the community.&nbsp; A few activities many Master Gardeners enjoy volunteering on include: &nbsp;the demonstration garden, gardening with kids, county fairs, educational garden tours and events, and booths at public events.&nbsp;If you are interested in joining the program or have questions regarding any of this information call the K-State Research &amp; Extension office.&nbsp; Registration or the class is open and can be completed by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/3bjAqF2" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3bjAqF2</a>.&nbsp;The Great Bend office can be contacted at 620-793-1910 and the Ellis county office is 785-628-9430.&nbsp;Registration is due by Aug. 26. We look forward to hearing from you!&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.&nbsp;

BOOR: Master Gardener training

The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC), an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2T9kB_kEYv3Ynzh9dwwXsXd2w53UlSW407JLsKdGsoSTFYWt8hass3xu7wuz_mhtKwJETLYRF5iXWn2IZ-WCZmE1jGI2eXYXCw==&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>. Presented by FORVIS, this competition was launched by KMC in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas manufacturers and to highlight products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.

“The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future,” said Brandie McPherson, KMC Executive Director.

Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition. There are two categories in this year's competition: People's Choice and Coolest Innovation.

The People’s Choice contest begins with product nominations and the first round of voting. The top 16 vote-getters will move on to a bracket-style tournament where they will compete in head-to-head match-ups. The ones that receive the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the People’s Choice Coolest Thing Made in Kansas.

The&nbsp;Coolest Innovation&nbsp;contest will highlight the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address crucial challenges. A panel of expert judges will review and score questionnaires completed by the companies regarding their nominated products. The top four scoring products will be invited to present in-person to the expert panel on October 12th at the&nbsp;Coolest Celebration Reception. The judges will choose the winning product&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzs5e7HRTY0T82VRnLnjPkfoZ8_ydkOlZmi2LTwQSTtIHkn6mMoK709NGQ-fCjQVYZOi1KCvMs9fjtZTY7AJZAix26PENouHeJk-FeqqH1bv2oF17euzxxeVEG-SSymIOOqoxgxSjYQAf21gKLVcfHqz1axOW9LdArPsTd-i_k4KOY=&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">based on a criteria&nbsp;</a>that includes its impact on the challenge it solves as well as the business, its employees, and customers.

Winners for both categories will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzsuOW89d8vyem5zNxqayStPqng9r2qmpU4zUNp7UBxCIh2pr6L2owappwF_z-bSZNmvIcDUTaBf3d-S_qlOQtnnHGkQtthKy97yyHHZ38fBbBjTjKawQMNBcZPrg3TEYhNBw9WPwZ5xaIvUAlhWFcHm4DU9g4nSVPW&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">Kansas Manuf</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzsuOW89d8vyem5zNxqayStPqng9r2qmpU4zUNp7UBxCIh2pr6L2owappwF_z-bSZNmvIcDUTaBf3d-S_qlOQtnnHGkQtthKy97yyHHZ38fBbBjTjKawQMNBcZPrg3TEYhNBw9WPwZ5xaIvUAlhWFcHm4DU9g4nSVPW&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">acturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at the Kansas Star Casino and Event Center.

"FORVIS is fortunate to have the opportunity to work and engage with manufacturers across Kansas and is able to see first-hand the research, development and ultimate success of innovative products," said Jennifer Wold, FORVIS Commercial Products Industry Partner. "We are excited to sponsor this competition and provide manufacturers a platform to showcase their products and promote the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas manufacturers and the solutions they are bringing to the market."

<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzsyiCaVeXTmSCKtIsgjMqb8heAA2pAvT-VOoBi-7BOCNfJ9wx2NHj5H5dCnTKgttYFvpM03Q4h1lcnF4r3yTESJGlQy-bCP3A1ntZVrtkL7b9xPAgF765aQtRiis-pvm9x&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2022 contest close on Aug. 26 at midnight CT.

Voting Rules for People's Choice contest

2022 People’s Choice Contest Calendar

2022 Coolest Innovation Contest Calendar

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628696610927.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Manufacturing Council (KMC), an affiliated program of the Kansas Chamber, is looking for the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2T9kB_kEYv3Ynzh9dwwXsXd2w53UlSW407JLsKdGsoSTFYWt8hass3xu7wuz_mhtKwJETLYRF5iXWn2IZ-WCZmE1jGI2eXYXCw==&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">Coolest Thing Made In Kansas</a>. Presented by FORVIS, this competition was launched by KMC in 2020 to promote and elevate Kansas manufacturers and to highlight products developed and produced in Kansas and distributed across the U.S. and internationally. “The Kansas Manufacturing Council’s annual contest showcases Kansas’s wide variety of manufacturers that keep our state’s economy strong and our communities growing. It’s with great pride that KMC supports manufacturing technology and integration to embrace the future,” said Brandie McPherson, KMC Executive Director. Any product that is made in Kansas qualifies for the competition. There are two categories in this year's competition: People's Choice and Coolest Innovation.The People’s Choice contest begins with product nominations and the first round of voting. The top 16 vote-getters will move on to a bracket-style tournament where they will compete in head-to-head match-ups. The ones that receive the most votes in each match-up will advance to the next round, moving one step closer to winning the ultimate prize – being named the People’s Choice Coolest Thing Made in Kansas. The&nbsp;Coolest Innovation&nbsp;contest will highlight the many ways Kansas manufacturers research and develop new products and work to improve products to address crucial challenges. A panel of expert judges will review and score questionnaires completed by the companies regarding their nominated products. The top four scoring products will be invited to present in-person to the expert panel on October 12th at the&nbsp;Coolest Celebration Reception. The judges will choose the winning product&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzs5e7HRTY0T82VRnLnjPkfoZ8_ydkOlZmi2LTwQSTtIHkn6mMoK709NGQ-fCjQVYZOi1KCvMs9fjtZTY7AJZAix26PENouHeJk-FeqqH1bv2oF17euzxxeVEG-SSymIOOqoxgxSjYQAf21gKLVcfHqz1axOW9LdArPsTd-i_k4KOY=&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">based on a criteria&nbsp;</a>that includes its impact on the challenge it solves as well as the business, its employees, and customers. Winners for both categories will be announced during the&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzsuOW89d8vyem5zNxqayStPqng9r2qmpU4zUNp7UBxCIh2pr6L2owappwF_z-bSZNmvIcDUTaBf3d-S_qlOQtnnHGkQtthKy97yyHHZ38fBbBjTjKawQMNBcZPrg3TEYhNBw9WPwZ5xaIvUAlhWFcHm4DU9g4nSVPW&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">Kansas Manuf</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzsuOW89d8vyem5zNxqayStPqng9r2qmpU4zUNp7UBxCIh2pr6L2owappwF_z-bSZNmvIcDUTaBf3d-S_qlOQtnnHGkQtthKy97yyHHZ38fBbBjTjKawQMNBcZPrg3TEYhNBw9WPwZ5xaIvUAlhWFcHm4DU9g4nSVPW&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">acturing Summit</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at the Kansas Star Casino and Event Center. "FORVIS is fortunate to have the opportunity to work and engage with manufacturers across Kansas and is able to see first-hand the research, development and ultimate success of innovative products," said Jennifer Wold, FORVIS Commercial Products Industry Partner. "We are excited to sponsor this competition and provide manufacturers a platform to showcase their products and promote the entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas manufacturers and the solutions they are bringing to the market."<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001vPZ5qGglYntPQRsQTdOyVzrTorOmLaWuXF6CaQj7rtlYgEGQDqKh2dr5C3u4NFzsyiCaVeXTmSCKtIsgjMqb8heAA2pAvT-VOoBi-7BOCNfJ9wx2NHj5H5dCnTKgttYFvpM03Q4h1lcnF4r3yTESJGlQy-bCP3A1ntZVrtkL7b9xPAgF765aQtRiis-pvm9x&amp;c=DeTIvrVR9JeuAAVHVfrIgjTe3aQfNWJtX4mkc8zYwsU0ShOyFAfSGQ==&amp;ch=Ekz5BC-B_2W2LFYG3T0tJEgfXnstS6PouGB08DrX93Bydd6a9eKWGw==" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to nominate your favorite Kansas-made product. Nominations for the 2022 contest close on Aug. 26 at midnight CT. 2022 Competition DetailsNomination Rules <ul>
 <li>Everyone is encouraged to nominate their favorite products. There is no limit to the number of product nominations per person.</li><li>Products nominated can be from any sector of the state’s manufacturing industry.</li><li>The company does not have to be headquartered in Kansas but the product must be manufactured in a Kansas-based facility.</li><li>The product must be made using a manufacturing process.</li><li>The Kansas Manufacturing Council will review each nomination to ensure these requirements are met. If for any reason the nomination does not meet these requirements, the nominator will be notified.</li><li>Companies may only have one product featured in the top four, so only one product nomination per company is encouraged.</li><li>Winning companies are prohibited from participating in the contest for one year, while each winning product is indefinitely prohibited from being nominated again.</li><li>Companies with products nominated will be notified by the Kansas Manufacturing Council.</li><li>Products can be nominated for both categories but may only be in one of the category's finals.</li>
 </ul>Voting Rules for People's Choice contest <ul>
 <li>Voting is open to the public. A voter may vote once per day.</li><li>The number of votes received will be reset at the beginning of each round.</li><li>The 16 nominated products who receive the most votes will advance to the bracket-style tournament.</li><li>The products receiving the highest number of votes in their head-to-head match-ups during each voting period will advance to the next round.</li><li>&nbsp;The final round of final four (4) will be decided by popular vote.</li>
 </ul>2022 People’s Choice Contest Calendar <ul>
 <li>Aug. 1st – Aug. 26th: Submit Nominations</li><li>Aug. 30th – Sept. 16th: Vote for favorite nominated products</li><li>Sept. 19th – Sept. 25th: Announce Tournament Bracket of 16, open voting</li><li>Sept. 26th – Oct. 2nd: Announce Bracket of 8, open voting</li><li>Oct. 3rd – Oct. 11th: Announce Final Round, open voting</li><li>Oct. 12th: Coolest Celebration Reception – all 16 products/companies invited</li><li>Oct. 13th: Announce&nbsp;People’s Choice 2022 Coolest Thing</li>
 </ul>2022 Coolest Innovation Contest Calendar <ul>
 <li>Aug. 1st – Aug. 26th: Submit Nominations</li><li>Aug. 28th – Sept. 2nd: Nominated products submit Innovation questionnaires</li><li>Sept. 20th: Announce Innovation award finalists</li><li>Oct. 12th: Innovation ward finalists present to judges</li><li>Oct. 13th: Announce Innovation award winner</li>
 </ul>

2022 Coolest Thing Made In Kansas competition kicks off

Dinner, drinks, and dueling pianos. The United Way of Central Kansas fundraiser kickoff this weekend, featuring the Colorado Keys, is officially sold out. After missing the fundraising goal of $275,000 last year, UWCK Executive Director Charell Owings hopes Saturday's event is a harbinger of good things to come.

"We're really hoping to kind of get back on track," she said. "Hopefully after the pandemic, we can get people back to our events and functions and get our fundraising numbers up a little bit, and just re-engage with the community."

UWCK helps fund 22 community partners in Barton and Pawnee counties. Those organizations each do their part to better area communities. Owings said UWCK can never meet the full funding needs of those community partners, but every penny counts when building better services. 

"It's just not a financially feasible option for us to be able to fund them to the full extent that they're needing funds, which means they have to spend time and energy and money to do fundraising," Owings said. "The more we can raise and help our community partners and fund our community impact programs, the better off all of our community is."

The 2023 kick off is Saturday, Aug. 6 in Great Bend. This year's campaign co-chairs are Chantelle Brown of Great Bend, John and Nicole Henderson of Hoisington, and Lori Sherman of Larned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654614401532.jpeg" alt="2023 United Way of Central Kansas campaign co-chairs" />
 <figcaption>2023 United Way of Central Kansas campaign co-chairs</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostDinner, drinks, and dueling pianos. The United Way of Central Kansas fundraiser kickoff this weekend, featuring the Colorado Keys, is officially sold out. After missing the fundraising goal of $275,000 last year, UWCK Executive Director Charell Owings hopes Saturday's event is a harbinger of good things to come."We're really hoping to kind of get back on track," she said. "Hopefully after the pandemic, we can get people back to our events and functions and get our fundraising numbers up a little bit, and just re-engage with the community."UWCK helps fund 22 community partners in Barton and Pawnee counties. Those organizations each do their part to better area communities. Owings said UWCK can never meet the full funding needs of those community partners, but every penny counts when building better services. "It's just not a financially feasible option for us to be able to fund them to the full extent that they're needing funds, which means they have to spend time and energy and money to do fundraising," Owings said. "The more we can raise and help our community partners and fund our community impact programs, the better off all of our community is."The 2023 kick off is Saturday, Aug. 6 in Great Bend. This year's campaign co-chairs are Chantelle Brown of Great Bend, John and Nicole Henderson of Hoisington, and Lori Sherman of Larned.

🎹 It's 5:30 on a Saturday: UWCK fundraiser kickoff sold out for Saturday

It was just three years ago that Dennis Crouse and Rick Riggs began operating RePerks and now they are setting the table for a new venture.

Their new restaurant will be a separate entity, located next door to RePerks in the Zarah Building at Lakin &amp; Main where construction is ongoing. Its name is Tellers 1872. RePerks is a coffee house/café.

“A new downtown restaurant has been near the top of the MyTown wish list for years,” said Riggs, general manager. “The fire early this year resulted in closing RePerks for a short while to deal with the smoke damage. However, it gave us the opportunity to review our plans and move forward.

“It is the only good thing that came from that fire. Thanks to the excellent response by the Great Bend Fire Department we still have a building for RePerks and Tellers 1872.”

The Jan. 19 fire caused approximately $150,000 in damage to several businesses. Magna-Dry quickly took care of the smoke damage at RePerks.

The new restaurant will open this fall, featuring a weekday buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dinner schedule is 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The menu at lunch will be comfort foods, with fried chicken every day, one or two other entrees, and side dishes. Comfort food also will be served for dinner, along with a variety of steaks. Prime rib and steaks are on the menu every night.

Beer and wine will be available at Tellers 1872 when licensure requirements are met. In the interim, customers may bring their own.

The goal is to have 12 new employees for the kitchen and wait staffs; applications are available at RePerks, 1216 Main. The restaurant’s capacity is 50 people.

“Great Bend residents have been asking for an American-food buffet and restaurant forever,” Riggs said. “Dennis and I will bring the same good service, good food and good prices that our RePerks’ customers enjoy every day.”

Riggs has almost 50 years of experience in hospitality and food service after working in hotels and stand-alone restaurants in many positions, including management.

“I never really envisioned all of this,” Riggs commented. “We were just a little coffee shop but quickly learned we also had to offer food to make a go of it. And now we are opening a full-service restaurant.”

Dennis Crouse, owner of RePerks and Tellers 1872, is a Barton County native. “I love this community and want to take this next step in dishing up good food with good service. Rick and I will do all we can to make the new venture as appealing and popular as ReParks continues to be.”

Sheryl Cheely, MyTown board member, is excited and a bit relieved that the new dining spot will open in a few months.

“This has been a dream for all of us at MyTown,” Cheely commented. “People have been asking for this for a long, long time. Dennis and Rick should be commended for listening to and accommodating the community. We encourage everyone to support both their ventures.”

MyTown is an organization that has purchased buildings with private money and encourages entrepreneurs to open businesses. It offers advice and guidance to new business owners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659534723892.jpeg" alt="Dennis Crouse, left, Sheryl Cheely and Rick Riggs review design plans during construction of the new downtown restaurant, Tellers 1872. Crouse is the restaurant owner and Riggs is general manager. Cheely represents MyTown." />
 <figcaption>Dennis Crouse, left, Sheryl Cheely and Rick Riggs review design plans during construction of the new downtown restaurant, Tellers 1872. Crouse is the restaurant owner and Riggs is general manager. Cheely represents MyTown.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSIt was just three years ago that Dennis Crouse and Rick Riggs began operating RePerks and now they are setting the table for a new venture.Their new restaurant will be a separate entity, located next door to RePerks in the Zarah Building at Lakin &amp; Main where construction is ongoing. Its name is Tellers 1872. RePerks is a coffee house/café.“A new downtown restaurant has been near the top of the MyTown wish list for years,” said Riggs, general manager. “The fire early this year resulted in closing RePerks for a short while to deal with the smoke damage. However, it gave us the opportunity to review our plans and move forward.“It is the only good thing that came from that fire. Thanks to the excellent response by the Great Bend Fire Department we still have a building for RePerks and Tellers 1872.”The Jan. 19 fire caused approximately $150,000 in damage to several businesses. Magna-Dry quickly took care of the smoke damage at RePerks.The new restaurant will open this fall, featuring a weekday buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dinner schedule is 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.The menu at lunch will be comfort foods, with fried chicken every day, one or two other entrees, and side dishes. Comfort food also will be served for dinner, along with a variety of steaks. Prime rib and steaks are on the menu every night.Beer and wine will be available at Tellers 1872 when licensure requirements are met. In the interim, customers may bring their own.The goal is to have 12 new employees for the kitchen and wait staffs; applications are available at RePerks, 1216 Main. The restaurant’s capacity is 50 people.“Great Bend residents have been asking for an American-food buffet and restaurant forever,” Riggs said. “Dennis and I will bring the same good service, good food and good prices that our RePerks’ customers enjoy every day.”Riggs has almost 50 years of experience in hospitality and food service after working in hotels and stand-alone restaurants in many positions, including management.“I never really envisioned all of this,” Riggs commented. “We were just a little coffee shop but quickly learned we also had to offer food to make a go of it. And now we are opening a full-service restaurant.”Dennis Crouse, owner of RePerks and Tellers 1872, is a Barton County native. “I love this community and want to take this next step in dishing up good food with good service. Rick and I will do all we can to make the new venture as appealing and popular as ReParks continues to be.”Sheryl Cheely, MyTown board member, is excited and a bit relieved that the new dining spot will open in a few months.“This has been a dream for all of us at MyTown,” Cheely commented. “People have been asking for this for a long, long time. Dennis and Rick should be commended for listening to and accommodating the community. We encourage everyone to support both their ventures.”MyTown is an organization that has purchased buildings with private money and encourages entrepreneurs to open businesses. It offers advice and guidance to new business owners.

'American-food' buffet restaurant in Great Bend to open this fall

A construction project and dry conditions continue to conspire to keep Cheyenne Bottoms dry. Storms that were predicted to drop several of inches of moisture in the area late last week instead yielded rain totals of an inch or less around most of Barton County. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said current drought are similar to those experienced 10 years ago.

"That was just a terrible string of drought we went through then," he said. "It was towards the beginning of August we had a large rain. I think it was a six or seven-inch rain, and broke that drought. It pretty well filled everything up. We actually had a really good fall migration after that. It only takes one rain to fill things up again, but the forecast doesn't look real good for that."

Wolf said some species of birds have already started the fall, south-bound migration. With no pools at the Bottoms, those birds are likely to bypass the area this year.

"Those birds aren't going to be stopping here," he said. "They're going to find other wet areas or just skip through the area and try to make it to the next place, wherever that is."

Unfortunately, that means the Bottoms and KWEC will also see a decrease in traffic this year unless conditions improve. "We would start seeing some of the bird watchers coming in, especially on weekends," Wolf said. "When we don't have the habitat here, they're not going to be coming, either."

Except for spotty showers Wednesday, conditions are to remain hot and dry for much of the state over the next week. According to drought.gov, June 2022 was the 50th driest on record in Kansas in the last 128 years, and 2022 has been the 52nd driest year in that span. Much of the southwest corner of the state remains in extreme and exceptional drought conditions though the northeast corner of Barton County has been upgraded to "abnormally dry."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651686780799.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA construction project and dry conditions continue to conspire to keep Cheyenne Bottoms dry. Storms that were predicted to drop several of inches of moisture in the area late last week instead yielded rain totals of an inch or less around most of Barton County. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said current drought are similar to those experienced 10 years ago."That was just a terrible string of drought we went through then," he said. "It was towards the beginning of August we had a large rain. I think it was a six or seven-inch rain, and broke that drought. It pretty well filled everything up. We actually had a really good fall migration after that. It only takes one rain to fill things up again, but the forecast doesn't look real good for that."Wolf said some species of birds have already started the fall, south-bound migration. With no pools at the Bottoms, those birds are likely to bypass the area this year."Those birds aren't going to be stopping here," he said. "They're going to find other wet areas or just skip through the area and try to make it to the next place, wherever that is."Unfortunately, that means the Bottoms and KWEC will also see a decrease in traffic this year unless conditions improve. "We would start seeing some of the bird watchers coming in, especially on weekends," Wolf said. "When we don't have the habitat here, they're not going to be coming, either."Except for spotty showers Wednesday, conditions are to remain hot and dry for much of the state over the next week. According to drought.gov, June 2022 was the 50th driest on record in Kansas in the last 128 years, and 2022 has been the 52nd driest year in that span. Much of the southwest corner of the state remains in extreme and exceptional drought conditions though the northeast corner of Barton County has been upgraded to "abnormally dry."

Migrating birds not making annual stop at Bottoms due to drought

The morning after the primary election in which three new Barton County commissioners were elected, action was light at the weekly commission meeting. Barb Esfeld filled in as chair in the absence of Shawn Hutchinson. She thanked the 45 percent of Barton County voters who cast ballots for Tuesday's primary.

"It doesnt' matter what you're for, it's that you came out and voted," she said. "That's what's important. I thought particularly the races here in Barton County were very clean, people were very polite. That was nice. I don't know if you realize this, but all five commissioners have run opposed now. The neat thing about that is it puts it in the voters' hands."

Commissioners did remind the public to please remove political signage in yards now that the primary election is over.

County Director of Operations Matt Patzner spoke on a pair of resolutions that needed commission approval. Human Resources Director Brenda Kaiser was approved as an additional signer for KPERS, the state employee retirement system. The commission also voted to rescind a $3 driver's license fee that had previously been assessed to the Kansas Department of Revenue. That fee is no longer applicable since the DMV moved out of the courthouse.

The commission will meet with the Board of County Canvassers and County Clerk Bev Schmeidler on Monday, Aug. 8 to finalize primary vote tallies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659539327860.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe morning after the primary election in which three new Barton County commissioners were elected, action was light at the weekly commission meeting. Barb Esfeld filled in as chair in the absence of Shawn Hutchinson. She thanked the 45 percent of Barton County voters who cast ballots for Tuesday's primary."It doesnt' matter what you're for, it's that you came out and voted," she said. "That's what's important. I thought particularly the races here in Barton County were very clean, people were very polite. That was nice. I don't know if you realize this, but all five commissioners have run opposed now. The neat thing about that is it puts it in the voters' hands."Commissioners did remind the public to please remove political signage in yards now that the primary election is over.County Director of Operations Matt Patzner spoke on a pair of resolutions that needed commission approval. Human Resources Director Brenda Kaiser was approved as an additional signer for KPERS, the state employee retirement system. The commission also voted to rescind a $3 driver's license fee that had previously been assessed to the Kansas Department of Revenue. That fee is no longer applicable since the DMV moved out of the courthouse.The commission will meet with the Board of County Canvassers and County Clerk Bev Schmeidler on Monday, Aug. 8 to finalize primary vote tallies.

Barton Co. Commission thanks voters after big primary turnout

While there are a few walkthroughs to be done yet, the resurfacing
project on Broadway Avenue in Great Bend is essentially complete. The
reconstruction of the 19th Street and Harrison Street intersection still has work
to be done but should be complete before students come back to school. 
The two projects were paired together for a Community Development Block Grant
program from the state that provides a 50% reimbursement. 
The reconstructed intersection at 19th and Harrison will give Great
Bend Middle School students extra safety this fall. The project will shorten
the distance the children have to walk across the street. The street will be
narrowed with bump-out sidewalks near the crosswalk. 
City Administrator Kendal Francis said Venture Corporation is planning to
reconfigure the sidewalks and street this week. 
"I believe school starts August 18th," said Francis. "We'll need about a week or so of cure time. We should be finished before it's open for school." 
The $1.1 million project started on June 20.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Francis said a separate project, to repair curbs and gutters along 10th Street, should begin mid-August. The $147,000 project will repair more than 2,000 linear feet of curb and gutters on 10th, from Kiowa Road to Harrison Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659537879244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWhile there are a few walkthroughs to be done yet, the resurfacing
project on Broadway Avenue in Great Bend is essentially complete. The
reconstruction of the 19th Street and Harrison Street intersection still has work
to be done but should be complete before students come back to school. 
The two projects were paired together for a Community Development Block Grant
program from the state that provides a 50% reimbursement. 
The reconstructed intersection at 19th and Harrison will give Great
Bend Middle School students extra safety this fall. The project will shorten
the distance the children have to walk across the street. The street will be
narrowed with bump-out sidewalks near the crosswalk. 
City Administrator Kendal Francis said Venture Corporation is planning to
reconfigure the sidewalks and street this week. 
"I believe school starts August 18th," said Francis. "We'll need about a week or so of cure time. We should be finished before it's open for school." 
The $1.1 million project started on June 20.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Francis said a separate project, to repair curbs and gutters along 10th Street, should begin mid-August. The $147,000 project will repair more than 2,000 linear feet of curb and gutters on 10th, from Kiowa Road to Harrison Street.

Great Bend intersection construction should be done before school

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (8/2) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 3:31 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 500 block of NW 190 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 10:16 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 619 Cheyenne View Dr. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 3:54 p.m. an unconscious/fainting report was made at 673 N. US 281 Highway. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:18 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 197. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 5:10 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported in the 1200 block of Susank
Road in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (8/2) 
 
Gas Leak / Spill 
 
At 11:22 a.m. a report of smelling gas in the residence was made at 3707 23rd
Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 11:36 a.m. a truck pulling a camper struck a pole in the parking lot at 2312
10th Street. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 11:54 a.m. possible drug activity in the area was reported at 3108 23rd
Street. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 12:57 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2300 10th Street. 
 
Falls 
 
At 4:51 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2206 Heizer Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:24 p.m. an accident was reported at 2810 Jefferson Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:03 p.m. a vehicle driving recklessly in the area was reported at 9th
&amp; Frey. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:41 p.m. Robert Pohl was turning westbound onto 17th Street Ter.
from McKinley and struck a limestone pillar. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 9:47 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1033 Adams Street 1. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 10:16 p.m. a narcotic violation was reported during a traffic stop at 3727
10th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (8/2) 
 
Cattle Out 
 
At 3:31 a.m. a report of cattle out was made in the 500 block of NW 190 Road in
Hoisington. 
 
Breathing Problems 
 
At 10:16 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 619 Cheyenne View Dr. 
 
Unconscious / Fainting 
 
At 3:54 p.m. an unconscious/fainting report was made at 673 N. US 281 Highway. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 4:18 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. US 56 Highway at MM 197. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 5:10 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported in the 1200 block of Susank
Road in Hoisington. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (8/2) 
 
Gas Leak / Spill 
 
At 11:22 a.m. a report of smelling gas in the residence was made at 3707 23rd
Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 11:36 a.m. a truck pulling a camper struck a pole in the parking lot at 2312
10th Street. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 11:54 a.m. possible drug activity in the area was reported at 3108 23rd
Street. 
 
Traumatic Injuries 
 
At 12:57 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2300 10th Street. 
 
Falls 
 
At 4:51 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 2206 Heizer Street. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 5:24 p.m. an accident was reported at 2810 Jefferson Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:03 p.m. a vehicle driving recklessly in the area was reported at 9th
&amp; Frey. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 6:41 p.m. Robert Pohl was turning westbound onto 17th Street Ter.
from McKinley and struck a limestone pillar. 
 
Convulsions / Seizures 
 
At 9:47 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1033 Adams Street 1. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 10:16 p.m. a narcotic violation was reported during a traffic stop at 3727
10th Street.

Cop Shop (8/2)

8/2 BOOKED: Michael Lott, Jr., on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Interference with LEO, Disorderly Conduct, Assault on LEO, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, and Improper Use of Horn, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Alexandro Serna on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250.00 C/S.

RELEASED: Michael Lott, Jr., on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Interference with LEO, Disorderly Conduct, Assault on LEO, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, and Improper Use of Horn, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonding.

BOOKED: Melissa Slack on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Katharine McKivergan on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $753.00 cash only.

RELEASED: Alexandro Serna on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $250 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Chad Arnold on KDOC Hold with a warrant withdrawal.

RELEASED: Teresa Schmidt on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.

RELEASED: Melissa Slack on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While Suspended, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Louis Cerna-Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation with time served, must adhere to bond conditions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>8/2 BOOKED: Michael Lott, Jr., on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Interference with LEO, Disorderly Conduct, Assault on LEO, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, and Improper Use of Horn, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Alexandro Serna on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250.00 C/S.RELEASED: Michael Lott, Jr., on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Interference with LEO, Disorderly Conduct, Assault on LEO, Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle, and Improper Use of Horn, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonding.BOOKED: Alexandro Serna on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $250.00 C/S.BOOKED: Melissa Slack on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While Suspended, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Katharine McKivergan on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $753.00 cash only.RELEASED: Alexandro Serna on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $250 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Chad Arnold on KDOC Hold with a warrant withdrawal.RELEASED: Teresa Schmidt on Barton County District Court case, after serving sentence.RELEASED: Melissa Slack on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While Suspended, after posting $10,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Louis Cerna-Gonzalez on Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation with time served, must adhere to bond conditions.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (8/2)

In Ellinwood, the elected mayor gets paid $100 per meeting and city
council members receive $30 each meeting. In Hoisington, the mayor gets $200
plus $10 per meeting. 
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis surveyed other cities in Kansas on
whether their local governments compensate their elected city council members
and mayor. Out of the 42 cities that responded back to Francis, 39 of them pay
their elected officials. Compensation varied from $1 a year in Mission
Hills to $23,488 per year in Lenexa. 
A couple of Great Bend City Council members asked about compensating the eight
board members and mayor, which are currently unpaid. 
During a work session Monday night, Mayor Cody Schmidt said paying elected officials
in Great Bend might attract the wrong candidates. "I was in a local business of somebody that I think would make a great councilmember," said Schmidt. "He always has ideas. He'd say 'nope, can't do it.' As soon as this (payment) was brought to the air, he said if we offered insurance he'd sign up to run for council. You want it for the insurance or the pay, not for what we do this for free of charge. I think you'll have a lot of people put their name in the hat for the wrong reason." 
Councilmembers Lindsey Krom-Craven and Natalie Towns suggested $50 per meeting
for councilmembers and $100 for the mayor. With a lack of interest from the
public to run for the elected seats most years, Towns believed a stipend might
attract more citizens to file for office. 
"My point is it wouldn't hurt to see if we did it," said Towns. "Other cities do. I just don't see the harm in it. I don't think that just because you get paid, you can't do it (serve) selflessly." 
Councilmembers Alan Moeder and Jolene Biggs vocally mentioned they were against
the idea of paying board members.

With two councilmembers not in attendance,
and a couple staying quiet on the topic, there was not enough support to carry
on the stipend suggestion.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ellinwood Mayor: $100/meeting Council: $30/meeting

Hays Mayor: $150/month Council: $150/month

Hoisington Mayor: $200 + $10/meeting Council: $100 + $5/meeting

Larned Mayor: $300/month Council: $175/month

McPherson Mayor: $991.37/month + health insurance Council: $991.37/month + health insurance

Hutchinson Mayor: $0 Council: $0

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659450235774.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend City Council discussed stipends for serving on the board at a work session Monday, Aug. 1, 2022." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend City Council discussed stipends for serving on the board at a work session Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn Ellinwood, the elected mayor gets paid $100 per meeting and city
council members receive $30 each meeting. In Hoisington, the mayor gets $200
plus $10 per meeting. 
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis surveyed other cities in Kansas on
whether their local governments compensate their elected city council members
and mayor. Out of the 42 cities that responded back to Francis, 39 of them pay
their elected officials. Compensation varied from $1 a year in Mission
Hills to $23,488 per year in Lenexa. 
A couple of Great Bend City Council members asked about compensating the eight
board members and mayor, which are currently unpaid. 
During a work session Monday night, Mayor Cody Schmidt said paying elected officials
in Great Bend might attract the wrong candidates. "I was in a local business of somebody that I think would make a great councilmember," said Schmidt. "He always has ideas. He'd say 'nope, can't do it.' As soon as this (payment) was brought to the air, he said if we offered insurance he'd sign up to run for council. You want it for the insurance or the pay, not for what we do this for free of charge. I think you'll have a lot of people put their name in the hat for the wrong reason." 
Councilmembers Lindsey Krom-Craven and Natalie Towns suggested $50 per meeting
for councilmembers and $100 for the mayor. With a lack of interest from the
public to run for the elected seats most years, Towns believed a stipend might
attract more citizens to file for office. 
"My point is it wouldn't hurt to see if we did it," said Towns. "Other cities do. I just don't see the harm in it. I don't think that just because you get paid, you can't do it (serve) selflessly." 
Councilmembers Alan Moeder and Jolene Biggs vocally mentioned they were against
the idea of paying board members. With two councilmembers not in attendance,
and a couple staying quiet on the topic, there was not enough support to carry
on the stipend suggestion.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Elected Officials PaymentsEllinwood Mayor: $100/meeting Council: $30/meetingHays Mayor: $150/month Council: $150/monthHoisington Mayor: $200 + $10/meeting Council: $100 + $5/meetingLarned Mayor: $300/month Council: $175/monthMcPherson Mayor: $991.37/month + health insurance Council: $991.37/month + health insuranceHutchinson Mayor: $0 Council: $0

Great Bend councilmembers to remain unpaid

Today A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon.

Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph.

Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 70. East southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.

Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74.

Sunday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.

Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 94.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon.Tonight A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Northeast wind 8 to 13 mph.Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Northeast wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 70. East southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74.Sunday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.Sunday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.Monday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 94.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

Barton County votes are in. Duane Reif, Tricia Schlessiger, and Donna Zimmerman won the three contested races for Barton County Commission. State-wide, voters said "no" on the Kansas constitutional amendment regarding abortion. Incumbent Laura Kelly will face off against Derek Schmidt in November's general election for governor. Barton County results are below, and partial state-wide votes are also included. All vote totals are unofficial.

Barton County Statistics Registered Voters: 16,202 Ballots Cast: 7,361 Voter Turnout: 45.43%

Kansas Constitution Amendment (state) Yes - 374,611 (41%) No - 534,134 (59%)

R - Barton County Commission, District 1 Jeffery Donecker - 263 Matthew Gerritzen - 131 Linda Moeder - 381 Duane Reif&nbsp; - 420

R - Barton County Commission, District 4 Jon Prescott - 570 Tricia Schlessiger&nbsp; - 636&nbsp;

R - Barton County Commission, District 5 Rick Davis - 507 Donna Zimmerman - 834&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Constitution Amendment (Barton only) Yes - 4,022 (55%) No - 3,275&nbsp; (45%)

R - U.S. Senate Jerry Moran - 373,395 (81%) Joan Farr - 90,197 (19%)

D - U.S. Senate Paul Buskirk - 51,529 (20%) Mark Holland - 96,832 (38%) Patrick Wiesner - 45,117 (18%) Mike Andra - 31,953 (13%) 2 other candidates - (12%)

R - Kansas Governor Arlyn Briggs/Lance Berland - 87,431 (19%) Derek Schmidt/Katie Sawyer - 363,546 (81%)

D - Kansas Governor Richard Karnowski/Barry Franco - 17,077 (6%) Laura Kelly/David Toland - 259,306 (94%)

R - Secretary of State Mike Brown - 194,061 (45%) Scott Schwab - 239,306 (55%)

R - Attorney General Kris Kobach - 195,701 (42%) Tony Mattivi - 91,400 (20%) Kellie Warren - 175,555 (38%)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659484514031.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County votes are in. Duane Reif, Tricia Schlessiger, and Donna Zimmerman won the three contested races for Barton County Commission. State-wide, voters said "no" on the Kansas constitutional amendment regarding abortion. Incumbent Laura Kelly will face off against Derek Schmidt in November's general election for governor. Barton County results are below, and partial state-wide votes are also included. All vote totals are unofficial.Barton County Statistics Registered Voters: 16,202 Ballots Cast: 7,361 Voter Turnout: 45.43%Kansas Constitution Amendment (state) Yes - 374,611 (41%) No - 534,134 (59%)R - Barton County Commission, District 1 Jeffery Donecker - 263 Matthew Gerritzen - 131 Linda Moeder - 381 Duane Reif&nbsp; - 420R - Barton County Commission, District 4 Jon Prescott - 570 Tricia Schlessiger&nbsp; - 636&nbsp;R - Barton County Commission, District 5 Rick Davis - 507 Donna Zimmerman - 834&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas Constitution Amendment (Barton only) Yes - 4,022 (55%) No - 3,275&nbsp; (45%)R - U.S. Senate Jerry Moran - 373,395 (81%) Joan Farr - 90,197 (19%)D - U.S. Senate Paul Buskirk - 51,529 (20%) Mark Holland - 96,832 (38%) Patrick Wiesner - 45,117 (18%) Mike Andra - 31,953 (13%) 2 other candidates - (12%)R - Kansas Governor Arlyn Briggs/Lance Berland - 87,431 (19%) Derek Schmidt/Katie Sawyer - 363,546 (81%)D - Kansas Governor Richard Karnowski/Barry Franco - 17,077 (6%) Laura Kelly/David Toland - 259,306 (94%)R - Secretary of State Mike Brown - 194,061 (45%) Scott Schwab - 239,306 (55%)R - Attorney General Kris Kobach - 195,701 (42%) Tony Mattivi - 91,400 (20%) Kellie Warren - 175,555 (38%)

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