The Hoisington public pool construction is still on pace to be completed for the opening day of July 1.

The City of Hoisington addressed a few questions surrounding the pool this summer.

Residents were asked to complete a pool form in May. The city received forms accounting for almost 2,400 people. Those that filled out the form will be able to enter the pool for no additional cost. All other patrons (aged 3 and older) will be charged a daily admission of $3.

There will be no charge to utilize the splash pad when the pool is closed. During pool hours, the splash pad will only be available to pool patrons.

Proposed pool hours in Hoisington this summer:

Monday - Friday Open Swim: 1 - 5 p.m. Adult Swim/Water Aerobics: 5-6:30 p.m. Evening Swim: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday Open Swim: 1 - 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655480043727.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hoisington public pool construction is still on pace to be completed for the opening day of July 1.The City of Hoisington addressed a few questions surrounding the pool this summer.Residents were asked to complete a pool form in May. The city received forms accounting for almost 2,400 people. Those that filled out the form will be able to enter the pool for no additional cost. All other patrons (aged 3 and older) will be charged a daily admission of $3.There will be no charge to utilize the splash pad when the pool is closed. During pool hours, the splash pad will only be available to pool patrons.Proposed pool hours in Hoisington this summer:Monday - Friday Open Swim: 1 - 5 p.m. Adult Swim/Water Aerobics: 5-6:30 p.m. Evening Swim: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Saturday - Sunday Open Swim: 1 - 7 p.m.

Hoisington swimming pool procedures this summer

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Tuesday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. West southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.

Wednesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.

Thursday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.

Friday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.

Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 74. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Tuesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Tuesday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. West southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.Wednesday A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.Thursday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102.Friday Night A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 96.Saturday Night A 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.Sunday A 20-percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's Weather

Hear this month's Focus on Ellinwood show with host Nancy Baird that aired June 16, 2022.

The Focus on Ellinwood program airs the third Thursday of the month 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 month's Focus on Ellinwood show with host Nancy Baird that aired June 16, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/44v2spg5/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Focus on Ellinwood program airs the third Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧Focus on Ellinwood show

Great Bend City Council meeting June 20&nbsp; --&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers

The council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.

C. Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.

&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports

&nbsp; &nbsp;2. Administrator's Update

&nbsp; &nbsp;3. CVB / Community Coordinator Report

&nbsp; &nbsp;4. Great Bend Alive, Inc. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Great Bend Alive, Inc. would like to address the governing body.

&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Unsafe &amp; Dangerous Structure - 814 Monroe&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Motion to approve a resolution finding that the house at 814 Monroe to be an unsafe and dangerous structure.

&nbsp; &nbsp;7. Great Bend Police Station Right-of-Way Vacation Request &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GLMV Architecture has requested to vacate 25 feet of the western right-of-way of Baker Avenue and vacate 18 feet of the norther right-of-way of 11th Street. The request is being made to provide adequate site area for the proposed Great Bend Police Station after the proposed project did not fit within the legal boundaries of the existing site.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1585774044357.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend City Council meeting June 20&nbsp; --&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council ChambersThe council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.OPENING: Pledge of AllegianceA. Consent AgendaB. Old BusinessC. Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.D. New Business&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember Reports&nbsp; &nbsp;2. Administrator's Update&nbsp; &nbsp;3. CVB / Community Coordinator Report&nbsp; &nbsp;4. Great Bend Alive, Inc. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Great Bend Alive, Inc. would like to address the governing body.&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Unsafe &amp; Dangerous Structure - 814 Monroe&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Motion to approve a resolution finding that the house at 814 Monroe to be an unsafe and dangerous structure.&nbsp; &nbsp;6. Abatements&nbsp; &nbsp;7. Great Bend Police Station Right-of-Way Vacation Request &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; GLMV Architecture has requested to vacate 25 feet of the western right-of-way of Baker Avenue and vacate 18 feet of the norther right-of-way of 11th Street. The request is being made to provide adequate site area for the proposed Great Bend Police Station after the proposed project did not fit within the legal boundaries of the existing site.ADJOURNMENT

Great Bend City Council meeting agenda (6/20)

The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 14 indicated no real change for our
area as we continue in moderate drought.&nbsp;
However, with the forecasted heat and winds, conditions will likely go
downhill rapidly.&nbsp; The six to ten-day
outlook (June 21 to 25) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of above normal temperatures
and normal to slightly above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 23 to
29) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of above normal temperatures and normal precipitation.&nbsp; The heat of this past week certainly sped up
the start of wheat harvest and rapidly ripened later wheat.&nbsp; As long as rain holds off and with the
expected yields, this should be a rapid harvest.

Unless you have been asleep for the
last year, you are aware of the highest inflation rate over the last forty
years.&nbsp; Food and energy prices have
especially spiked.&nbsp; Economic inflation is
defined as “a situation
of rising prices in the economy; a sustained increase in the general price
level in an economy; an increase in the cost of living as the price of goods
and services rise.”&nbsp;
In plain English, the money available to purchase goods and services
purchases less.&nbsp;&nbsp; Let’s focus on food
today and how a free market economy is supposed to work, especially in ag.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Briefly, there are some key
principles to a free market economy.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Numerous
buyers and sellers so the ability to set prices isn’t concentrated in the hands
of a few.&nbsp; In agriculture, producers of
ag commodities are “price takers” in that they can accept or reject a price for
their goods but have no control over the price.&nbsp;
This allows the Laws of Supply and Demand to work.&nbsp; As the price of a good increases, the amount
producers are willing to provide increases while at the same time the amount a
consumer is willing to buy decreases.&nbsp;
The idea is that prices will find the equilibrium price where both
buyers and sellers are doing the best they can.&nbsp;
Things cause the prices to move off the equilibrium value but will
return to it in free markets.&nbsp; Conditions
can also cause a change in the actual equilibrium price.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Freedom
of entry and exit is another key point.&nbsp;
This means there are minimal barriers for producers to enter into or
leave the market for a given good and service.&nbsp;
So, when there is a glut and lower prices, producers move out of the
market.&nbsp; When there is a shortage with
higher prices, more producers enter the market and production.&nbsp; Naturally in agriculture this is all within
the limits of how long it takes to produce a commodity.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And
perfect information (remember this specifically refers to perfect competition
in a free market and ag) which means everyone has all the necessary information
to make decisions.&nbsp; Think producer and
commodity groups along with the research and extension service.&nbsp; This allows for informed decisions and none
has an unfair advantage with insider information.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally,
in a free market and being a price taker, both in what a producer purchases for
their operation and what they can sell it for, producers can only maximize
profits by being efficient and that means minimizing costs.&nbsp; They have no control over prices so their
profit is determined by minimizing costs and optimizing, not maximizing,
output.

Next week we will link
this to inflation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596995818491.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 14 indicated no real change for our
area as we continue in moderate drought.&nbsp;
However, with the forecasted heat and winds, conditions will likely go
downhill rapidly.&nbsp; The six to ten-day
outlook (June 21 to 25) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of above normal temperatures
and normal to slightly above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 23 to
29) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of above normal temperatures and normal precipitation.&nbsp; The heat of this past week certainly sped up
the start of wheat harvest and rapidly ripened later wheat.&nbsp; As long as rain holds off and with the
expected yields, this should be a rapid harvest.Unless you have been asleep for the
last year, you are aware of the highest inflation rate over the last forty
years.&nbsp; Food and energy prices have
especially spiked.&nbsp; Economic inflation is
defined as “a situation
of rising prices in the economy; a sustained increase in the general price
level in an economy; an increase in the cost of living as the price of goods
and services rise.”&nbsp;
In plain English, the money available to purchase goods and services
purchases less.&nbsp;&nbsp; Let’s focus on food
today and how a free market economy is supposed to work, especially in ag.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Briefly, there are some key
principles to a free market economy.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Numerous
buyers and sellers so the ability to set prices isn’t concentrated in the hands
of a few.&nbsp; In agriculture, producers of
ag commodities are “price takers” in that they can accept or reject a price for
their goods but have no control over the price.&nbsp;
This allows the Laws of Supply and Demand to work.&nbsp; As the price of a good increases, the amount
producers are willing to provide increases while at the same time the amount a
consumer is willing to buy decreases.&nbsp;
The idea is that prices will find the equilibrium price where both
buyers and sellers are doing the best they can.&nbsp;
Things cause the prices to move off the equilibrium value but will
return to it in free markets.&nbsp; Conditions
can also cause a change in the actual equilibrium price.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Freedom
of entry and exit is another key point.&nbsp;
This means there are minimal barriers for producers to enter into or
leave the market for a given good and service.&nbsp;
So, when there is a glut and lower prices, producers move out of the
market.&nbsp; When there is a shortage with
higher prices, more producers enter the market and production.&nbsp; Naturally in agriculture this is all within
the limits of how long it takes to produce a commodity.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And
perfect information (remember this specifically refers to perfect competition
in a free market and ag) which means everyone has all the necessary information
to make decisions.&nbsp; Think producer and
commodity groups along with the research and extension service.&nbsp; This allows for informed decisions and none
has an unfair advantage with insider information.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally,
in a free market and being a price taker, both in what a producer purchases for
their operation and what they can sell it for, producers can only maximize
profits by being efficient and that means minimizing costs.&nbsp; They have no control over prices so their
profit is determined by minimizing costs and optimizing, not maximizing,
output.Next week we will link
this to inflation.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Agriculture, the Global Economy, and Inflation - I

Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

Richard Mason, 50, of Great Bend received his Scale Technician Certificate on the same day his daughter Sydney received her associate degree at Barton’s commencement ceremony in May. They’re both ready for the next chapter of their lives and get to embark on their respective journeys almost simultaneously.

While Sydney is heading to Wichita State University to continue her education and participate in their dance program on a scholarship, Richard is primed to make over $10 more an hour than he was making at his last job after earning his certificate in just one semester. He has already been asked to learn additional skills that will further increase his worth to his new employer, Metler-Toledo in Dodge City. Mason secured employment with the company before he even finished Barton’s program.

Instant job offers are typical with Barton’s workforce training programs in large part by design as solid and well-developed industry partnerships drive curriculum as well program offerings to ensure students come out of the gate ready to work and with the knowledge that those out in the field want them to have.

“Vic (Instructor Victor Martin) had a zoom meeting with the scales companies and he invited me and by the time it was all said and done everybody that was in the meeting requested my resume, which I thought was cool,” he said. “We got the resume sent off and companies started calling and immediately started making job offers. I thought ‘this is awesome. This is just really awesome.’”

Richard said he was hesitant to go back to school after decades out of the classroom but his wife and Barton Instructional Specialist at the Adult Education Center at 1025 Main in Great Bend encouraged him to check out the scales program.

“It is an accelerated program but if you’re having problems with anything just raise your hand and they’ll slow down if you need them to and get you caught up,” he said.

Mason said there is a high demand in this field and that everywhere there is a scale whether it’s a small grocery store scale or massive grain elevator scale a technician is needed to officially calibrate it.

“Scale technician is one of those jobs people just don’t think of,” he said.

Mason will move out to Dodge City and get an apartment until his youngest daughter is out of high school and then will buy a home for him and his wife. He’s incredibly thankful for his time at Barton and said he encourages people to never settle for a career situation that is not ideal.

“If I had to talk to someone about doing what I did and being hesitant because they’re older, I’d have to be totally encouraging to them and tell it’s well worth their time,” he said.&nbsp; “If you think you have a dead-end job, there are opportunities at Barton. I wish I would’ve done this a long time ago.”

Those interested in more information about the program can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://scales.bartonccc.edu/">scales.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or email Instructor Vic Martin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:martinv@bartonccc.edu">martinv@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655490741905.jpeg" alt="Richard (left) and his daughter Sydney Mason pose for a photo at the Barton Commencement Ceremony in the Kirkman Activities Center in May." />
 <figcaption>Richard (left) and his daughter Sydney Mason pose for a photo at the Barton Commencement Ceremony in the Kirkman Activities Center in May.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photo by Joe VinduskaRichard Mason, 50, of Great Bend received his Scale Technician Certificate on the same day his daughter Sydney received her associate degree at Barton’s commencement ceremony in May. They’re both ready for the next chapter of their lives and get to embark on their respective journeys almost simultaneously.While Sydney is heading to Wichita State University to continue her education and participate in their dance program on a scholarship, Richard is primed to make over $10 more an hour than he was making at his last job after earning his certificate in just one semester. He has already been asked to learn additional skills that will further increase his worth to his new employer, Metler-Toledo in Dodge City. Mason secured employment with the company before he even finished Barton’s program.Instant job offers are typical with Barton’s workforce training programs in large part by design as solid and well-developed industry partnerships drive curriculum as well program offerings to ensure students come out of the gate ready to work and with the knowledge that those out in the field want them to have.“Vic (Instructor Victor Martin) had a zoom meeting with the scales companies and he invited me and by the time it was all said and done everybody that was in the meeting requested my resume, which I thought was cool,” he said. “We got the resume sent off and companies started calling and immediately started making job offers. I thought ‘this is awesome. This is just really awesome.’”Richard said he was hesitant to go back to school after decades out of the classroom but his wife and Barton Instructional Specialist at the Adult Education Center at 1025 Main in Great Bend encouraged him to check out the scales program.“It is an accelerated program but if you’re having problems with anything just raise your hand and they’ll slow down if you need them to and get you caught up,” he said.Mason said there is a high demand in this field and that everywhere there is a scale whether it’s a small grocery store scale or massive grain elevator scale a technician is needed to officially calibrate it.“Scale technician is one of those jobs people just don’t think of,” he said.Mason will move out to Dodge City and get an apartment until his youngest daughter is out of high school and then will buy a home for him and his wife. He’s incredibly thankful for his time at Barton and said he encourages people to never settle for a career situation that is not ideal.“If I had to talk to someone about doing what I did and being hesitant because they’re older, I’d have to be totally encouraging to them and tell it’s well worth their time,” he said.&nbsp; “If you think you have a dead-end job, there are opportunities at Barton. I wish I would’ve done this a long time ago.”Those interested in more information about the program can visit&nbsp;<a href="https://scales.bartonccc.edu/">scales.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or email Instructor Vic Martin at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:martinv@bartonccc.edu">martinv@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton student reinvents life in one semester with Scale Technician program

The skills competition, presented by the Major League Baseball Network,
will give children in the Great Bend area a chance to show off their baseball and
softball skills. 
The MLB Pitch, Hit &amp; Run competition will be hosted at the Great Bend
Sports Complex July 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for boys and girls
ages 7-14.

The children are scored on their pitching, hitting and running. 
Participants have the opportunity to advance through three levels of competition,
culminating in the National Finals at the MLB World Series. 
Last year, Great Bend had three children earn a trip to Kauffman Stadium in
Kansas City to compete in the Team Championship.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Registration for the free event can be filled out <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pitch-hit-and-run/on-site-registration?fbclid=IwAR0BUmYjYj0NzM_QXXbhr6QVtXsLj9-R1iKoKLdlbqB79ZFcuUluXI5FXJU">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655476980712.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe skills competition, presented by the Major League Baseball Network,
will give children in the Great Bend area a chance to show off their baseball and
softball skills. 
The MLB Pitch, Hit &amp; Run competition will be hosted at the Great Bend
Sports Complex July 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for boys and girls
ages 7-14.The children are scored on their pitching, hitting and running. 
Participants have the opportunity to advance through three levels of competition,
culminating in the National Finals at the MLB World Series. 
Last year, Great Bend had three children earn a trip to Kauffman Stadium in
Kansas City to compete in the Team Championship.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Registration for the free event can be filled out <a href="https://www.mlb.com/pitch-hit-and-run/on-site-registration?fbclid=IwAR0BUmYjYj0NzM_QXXbhr6QVtXsLj9-R1iKoKLdlbqB79ZFcuUluXI5FXJU">HERE</a>.

Pitch, Hit & Run competition returns to Great Bend this summer

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Due to limited space inside the courthouse and other county departments
needing more room, Barton County terminated a lease with the Kansas Department
of Revenue to operate the driver’s license office at the courthouse. The lease
was set to expire at the end of March but was extended two months for KDOR to
locate a new location in Great Bend. 
The driver’s license office has been temporarily operating at a Barton
Community College facility on Main Street since May 31 until arrangements
are finalized for a new Great Bend office. 
Barton Community College Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said the
college is not charging the state rent while they make use of the facility
at 1025 Main. 
"The state already rents part of the facility from us, as well as grant programs," said Dean. "Realistically, all we had to do was move some of our meetings out of the space. We got great PR (public relations) from them and we figured that was good." According to Dean, KDOR anticipates construction and renovations to the new driver’s license
office to be completed sometime in July. 
The building is partly used as Barton’s Center for Adult Education.&nbsp; KANSASWORKS operates out of the facility as well.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611674978016.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostDue to limited space inside the courthouse and other county departments
needing more room, Barton County terminated a lease with the Kansas Department
of Revenue to operate the driver’s license office at the courthouse. The lease
was set to expire at the end of March but was extended two months for KDOR to
locate a new location in Great Bend. 
The driver’s license office has been temporarily operating at a Barton
Community College facility on Main Street since May 31 until arrangements
are finalized for a new Great Bend office. 
Barton Community College Vice President of Administration Mark Dean said the
college is not charging the state rent while they make use of the facility
at 1025 Main. 
"The state already rents part of the facility from us, as well as grant programs," said Dean. "Realistically, all we had to do was move some of our meetings out of the space. We got great PR (public relations) from them and we figured that was good." According to Dean, KDOR anticipates construction and renovations to the new driver’s license
office to be completed sometime in July. 
The building is partly used as Barton’s Center for Adult Education.&nbsp; KANSASWORKS operates out of the facility as well.&nbsp;

BCC lends helping hand to Great Bend driver’s license office

The City of Great Bend will seek approval from the city council Monday, June 20 to widen the property boundaries at the site for the new police station. 
GLMV Architecture has requested to vacate 25 feet of the western right-of-way
of Baker Avenue and to vacate 18 feet of the northern right-of-way of 11th
Street. 
The request is being made to provide adequate site area for the proposed police
station after the project did not fit within the legal boundaries at the
southwest corner of the 12th &amp; Baker intersection. 
The last estimate had the 20,100-square-foot police station costing more than
$9.1 million. 
The current police station on Williams Street is roughly 7,500 square feet and
was built in 1938.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The city council meets June 20 at City Hall at 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622670294766.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend will seek approval from the city council Monday, June 20 to widen the property boundaries at the site for the new police station. 
GLMV Architecture has requested to vacate 25 feet of the western right-of-way
of Baker Avenue and to vacate 18 feet of the northern right-of-way of 11th
Street. 
The request is being made to provide adequate site area for the proposed police
station after the project did not fit within the legal boundaries at the
southwest corner of the 12th &amp; Baker intersection. 
The last estimate had the 20,100-square-foot police station costing more than
$9.1 million. 
The current police station on Williams Street is roughly 7,500 square feet and
was built in 1938.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The city council meets June 20 at City Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Great Bend asking to expand boundaries for new police station

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Tahoe pulling a U-Haul and driven by&nbsp; Terry D. Ross, 64, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of Kansas 14.

The Tahoe entered the median and the driver overcorrected into the south ditch. The SUV and U-Haul separated and rolled. A motorcycle was thrown from the U-Haul and the driver was ejected from the SUV.

&nbsp;Ross was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Parsons Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Chevy Tahoe pulling a U-Haul and driven by&nbsp; Terry D. Ross, 64, Colorado Springs, was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles west of Kansas 14.The Tahoe entered the median and the driver overcorrected into the south ditch. The SUV and U-Haul separated and rolled. A motorcycle was thrown from the U-Haul and the driver was ejected from the SUV.&nbsp;Ross was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Parsons Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Driver dies after SUV, U-Haul separate, roll in Ellsworth County

Hear this month's Great Bend Rec Show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and staff from the Great Bend Recreation Commission that aired June 16, 2022.

The Great Bend Rec Show airs the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Great Bend Rec Show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and staff from the Great Bend Recreation Commission that aired June 16, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/aoyxzl1w/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Great Bend Rec Show airs the third Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎤Great Bend Rec show

By late summer, if you need a CT scan or X-ray, you’ll find them to be even more beneficial and convenient at The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend. Over the next couple of months, Great Bend Campus will install a new CT scanner, and St. Rose Medical Pavilion will install an X-ray machine.

“The new CT scanner will scan much faster and will let us see much more detail in patient images,” said Shannon Deines, imaging services manager. “It uses computer processing to create 128 cross-section images, called slices, compared to the 16-slice capability of the current machine.”

Because the new CT provides clearer images and shorter scan times, patients get better care closer to home. And, Deines said, healthcare providers will be able to have more confidence in their diagnoses and care plans for their patients.

The addition of X-ray services at St. Rose Medical Pavilion is another benefit to patients. They won’t have to leave their appointments and make an additional trip to the hospital to get an X-ray.

“Patient flow will improve and it will be especially helpful at the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic,” said Deines. “More treatment can be provided on site.”

Patients of the family medicine care team also benefit from their being able to order an X-ray on site and have the results of the test available immediately.

“Any time we have the chance to upgrade to better diagnostic technology, it’s patient care that drives the decision,” said Josh Gant, director of ancillary and support services. “We want our patients to receive advanced care closer to home and our teams to be able to offer the best care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655473198688.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSBy late summer, if you need a CT scan or X-ray, you’ll find them to be even more beneficial and convenient at The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend. Over the next couple of months, Great Bend Campus will install a new CT scanner, and St. Rose Medical Pavilion will install an X-ray machine.“The new CT scanner will scan much faster and will let us see much more detail in patient images,” said Shannon Deines, imaging services manager. “It uses computer processing to create 128 cross-section images, called slices, compared to the 16-slice capability of the current machine.”Because the new CT provides clearer images and shorter scan times, patients get better care closer to home. And, Deines said, healthcare providers will be able to have more confidence in their diagnoses and care plans for their patients.The addition of X-ray services at St. Rose Medical Pavilion is another benefit to patients. They won’t have to leave their appointments and make an additional trip to the hospital to get an X-ray.“Patient flow will improve and it will be especially helpful at the Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic,” said Deines. “More treatment can be provided on site.”Patients of the family medicine care team also benefit from their being able to order an X-ray on site and have the results of the test available immediately.“Any time we have the chance to upgrade to better diagnostic technology, it’s patient care that drives the decision,” said Josh Gant, director of ancillary and support services. “We want our patients to receive advanced care closer to home and our teams to be able to offer the best care.”

New CT technology coming for patients in Great Bend

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Flowers and vegetables are the standard of any garden tour. Throw in a high tunnel and some microgreens and you get the second annual Gathering of the Gardeners, presented by the K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners. This year's tour, scheduled on June 24th from 5 to 8 p.m., includes five locations around Great Bend.

"Master Gardners is a volunteer group that has been trained by the Extentension Office," explained Sarah Shirer, president of the group. "The purpose of the group is to assist the county horticuluritists in sharing information with people in the community, helping out answering questions, that sort of thing."

Master Gardeners buy their own materials, attend 40-50 hours of training in all aspects of horticulture, then donate an equivalent number of hours back to community projects. To maintain certification after the first year, the gardeners take eight hours of continuing education and donate a minimum of 20 hours to the community.

"There's just a variety," Shirer said. "Everyone just steps in and puts their hours in on the projects that speak to them, that they're most interested in doing."

Local Master Gardeners helped reconstruct a historical garden in front of the stone house at the Barton County Historical Society, assisted with the flower pots and butterfly house at the Brit Spaugh Zoo, and work in the teaching garden on the south side of Washington Elementary School, which is included in this year's tour.

Some hobbyists complete the original training hours but do commit to the volunteer hours for the full certification. 

"You can take the course and learn the material, then not step into the organization or the commitment year after year to spend volunteer time," said Shirer. "A lot of peoples' work schedules and health concerns have kept them from stepping in fully."

A relatively new program in the Cottonwood District, Shirer estimates there are approximately a dozen active members just five years into the program.

"A lot of other counties have been building their group for years," she said. "We're getting a good foothold, figuring it out, and bonding as a group. It's great."

The community garden tour has been organized by various groups but was taken over by the Master Gardeners for the first time last year. That event included stops only at the homes of Master Gardeners. The goal of this year's tour is to show a variety of gardens. A Master Gardener will be available at each stop to help answer questions.

This year's stops include: 2530 12th Street, 1216 Roosevelt, 1221 McKinley, 2207 Canterbury Lane, and 135A NW 50 Ave.

For more information about the Master Gardener program, contact Alicia Boor at the Extension Office at aboor@ksu.edu or by calling (620) 793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655395507206.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostFlowers and vegetables are the standard of any garden tour. Throw in a high tunnel and some microgreens and you get the second annual Gathering of the Gardeners, presented by the K-State Research and Extension Master Gardeners. This year's tour, scheduled on June 24th from 5 to 8 p.m., includes five locations around Great Bend."Master Gardners is a volunteer group that has been trained by the Extentension Office," explained Sarah Shirer, president of the group. "The purpose of the group is to assist the county horticuluritists in sharing information with people in the community, helping out answering questions, that sort of thing."Master Gardeners buy their own materials, attend 40-50 hours of training in all aspects of horticulture, then donate an equivalent number of hours back to community projects. To maintain certification after the first year, the gardeners take eight hours of continuing education and donate a minimum of 20 hours to the community."There's just a variety," Shirer said. "Everyone just steps in and puts their hours in on the projects that speak to them, that they're most interested in doing."Local Master Gardeners helped reconstruct a historical garden in front of the stone house at the Barton County Historical Society, assisted with the flower pots and butterfly house at the Brit Spaugh Zoo, and work in the teaching garden on the south side of Washington Elementary School, which is included in this year's tour.Some hobbyists complete the original training hours but do commit to the volunteer hours for the full certification. "You can take the course and learn the material, then not step into the organization or the commitment year after year to spend volunteer time," said Shirer. "A lot of peoples' work schedules and health concerns have kept them from stepping in fully."A relatively new program in the Cottonwood District, Shirer estimates there are approximately a dozen active members just five years into the program."A lot of other counties have been building their group for years," she said. "We're getting a good foothold, figuring it out, and bonding as a group. It's great."The community garden tour has been organized by various groups but was taken over by the Master Gardeners for the first time last year. That event included stops only at the homes of Master Gardeners. The goal of this year's tour is to show a variety of gardens. A Master Gardener will be available at each stop to help answer questions.This year's stops include: 2530 12th Street, 1216 Roosevelt, 1221 McKinley, 2207 Canterbury Lane, and 135A NW 50 Ave.For more information about the Master Gardener program, contact Alicia Boor at the Extension Office at aboor@ksu.edu or by calling (620) 793-1910.

Green thumbs unite for Gathering of Gardeners next Friday

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about fresh veggies on National Fresh Veggie Day.

<a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

<div><iframe title="Fresh veggies day an opportunity to explore new foods" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mqmcv-12530b7-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Fort Hays State University's Glen McNeil shares information about fresh veggies on National Fresh Veggie Day. <a href="https://postpodcast.podbean.com/">For more about the Post Podcast, including a full list of episodes and episode transcripts click here.</a>

🎙Post Podcast: Fresh veggies day an opportunity to explore new foods

Nex-Tech is pleased to announce Emerson Nichols as a national award recipient of the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) scholarship program. Emerson received the $7,000 Everett Kneece scholarship, which is awarded to the highest achieving applicant who demonstrates a strong interest in returning to a rural community. &nbsp; Emerson is the daughter of Matthew and Beverly Nichols of Russell. She is a Russell High School graduate and will attend Kansas State University to major in Nutritional Sciences (Pre-Med). Her plan is to then attend medical school with the hope of becoming a pediatrician or dermatologist. The FRS awarded $120,000 to 40 students from rural communities served by members, like Nex-Tech, of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.&nbsp; The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from across rural America for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school, and one scholarship to a student entering law school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company. FRS had tremendous response to their scholarship program, receiving over 900 applications. &nbsp; “Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like FRS that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Emerson on her accomplishments thus far and wish her great success in the future.” “It is a privilege for FRS to have a small role in supporting the continued education of these students through our scholarship program,” said FRS Executive Director, Pam Becker. “Every applicant was impressive and demonstrated a deep knowledge of and dedication to their rural communities. We thank all our donors for making this scholarship program possible year after year.”&nbsp; A full list of scholarship awardees and the NTCA member companies who are partnering with FRS to make the funding possible is available online.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589914087186.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Nex-Tech is pleased to announce Emerson Nichols as a national award recipient of the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) scholarship program. Emerson received the $7,000 Everett Kneece scholarship, which is awarded to the highest achieving applicant who demonstrates a strong interest in returning to a rural community. &nbsp; Emerson is the daughter of Matthew and Beverly Nichols of Russell. She is a Russell High School graduate and will attend Kansas State University to major in Nutritional Sciences (Pre-Med). Her plan is to then attend medical school with the hope of becoming a pediatrician or dermatologist. The FRS awarded $120,000 to 40 students from rural communities served by members, like Nex-Tech, of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.&nbsp; The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from across rural America for their first year of college, university, or vocational-technical school, and one scholarship to a student entering law school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company. FRS had tremendous response to their scholarship program, receiving over 900 applications. &nbsp; “Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like FRS that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Emerson on her accomplishments thus far and wish her great success in the future.” “It is a privilege for FRS to have a small role in supporting the continued education of these students through our scholarship program,” said FRS Executive Director, Pam Becker. “Every applicant was impressive and demonstrated a deep knowledge of and dedication to their rural communities. We thank all our donors for making this scholarship program possible year after year.”&nbsp; A full list of scholarship awardees and the NTCA member companies who are partnering with FRS to make the funding possible is available online.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Nex-Tech announces Russell graduate as scholarship recipient 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTYuNTk1MTQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi8xMTYzL1JlcG9ydC1hbi1JbGxuZXNzLW9yLUhlYWx0aC1JbmNpZGVudD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.z2k1vTDldLtg2tioruSiNJcNgs_oTrBbjD-AJv1gtxs/s/1305943094/br/133214693241-l" target="_blank">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.&nbsp;

Warning&nbsp; Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County&nbsp; Colwich City Lake, Sedgwick County&nbsp; Ford County Lake, Ford County (Added on June 16) Garnett Lake (north), Anderson County&nbsp; (Elevated on June 16) Gathering Pond, Geary County&nbsp; Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County&nbsp; Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County&nbsp;

Watch Marion Reservoir, Marion County (Lowered on June 16)

Lifted Clinton Lake, Douglas County (Lifted on June 16)

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTYuNTk1MTQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi9IQUI_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.nmPZFQ7wTDrA2b_Li69p7hnfuIPiBMuMzGk8b1XZ-7w/s/1305943094/br/133214693241-l" target="_blank">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTYuNTk1MTQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9pbmRleC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.MnSJsnDodJiJQDzRTYgIM-OnuORs4pIx3QXOrjixoL8/s/1305943094/br/133214693241-l" target="_blank"></a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593727789226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.&nbsp;A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTYuNTk1MTQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi8xMTYzL1JlcG9ydC1hbi1JbGxuZXNzLW9yLUhlYWx0aC1JbmNpZGVudD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.z2k1vTDldLtg2tioruSiNJcNgs_oTrBbjD-AJv1gtxs/s/1305943094/br/133214693241-l" target="_blank">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.&nbsp;Active Advisories&nbsp;Warning&nbsp; Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County&nbsp; Colwich City Lake, Sedgwick County&nbsp; Ford County Lake, Ford County (Added on June 16) Garnett Lake (north), Anderson County&nbsp; (Elevated on June 16) Gathering Pond, Geary County&nbsp; Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County&nbsp; Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County&nbsp;Watch Marion Reservoir, Marion County (Lowered on June 16)Lifted Clinton Lake, Douglas County (Lifted on June 16)A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure.&nbsp; Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.&nbsp;When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Signage will be posted at all public access locations.&nbsp;</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.&nbsp;</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.&nbsp;</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.&nbsp;For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTYuNTk1MTQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rZGhlLmtzLmdvdi9IQUI_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.nmPZFQ7wTDrA2b_Li69p7hnfuIPiBMuMzGk8b1XZ-7w/s/1305943094/br/133214693241-l" target="_blank">https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/HAB</a><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjA2MTYuNTk1MTQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmtkaGVrcy5nb3YvYWxnYWUtaWxsbmVzcy9pbmRleC5odG0_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.MnSJsnDodJiJQDzRTYgIM-OnuORs4pIx3QXOrjixoL8/s/1305943094/br/133214693241-l" target="_blank"></a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/38216526-c777-4d1a-bc83-0aaccddb512e">Great Bend sets teacher pay at $42,200, adds retainment bonus</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9dc5e19a-4973-4c41-ac4a-6a5d7f47c484">Northern Barton Co. with slight edge in wheat quality, yields</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/96cb5580-8710-4190-b1be-5ab3ecb7128a">Great Bend Rec Director Henderson to retire in October</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637357817907.jpeg" alt="The Great Bend school board approved to increase starting pay for teachers to $42,200." />
 <figcaption>The Great Bend school board approved to increase starting pay for teachers to $42,200.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/n2psefja/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/38216526-c777-4d1a-bc83-0aaccddb512e">Great Bend sets teacher pay at $42,200, adds retainment bonus</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9dc5e19a-4973-4c41-ac4a-6a5d7f47c484">Northern Barton Co. with slight edge in wheat quality, yields</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/96cb5580-8710-4190-b1be-5ab3ecb7128a">Great Bend Rec Director Henderson to retire in October</a>

Eagle Radio's News Week in Review

Spring is the time of new life. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner joined Steve Webster on the Cheyenne Bottoms Show earlier this week and discussed some strategies that could be implemented to help save some of that new life.

As farmers move to the fields for cutting, or even as property owners begin to mow ditches and vacant lots, Wagner said thinking ahead can save bird chicks and fawns. Starting at the end of a field and working to the other, instead of making rounds in the field, can prevent a lot of wildlife loss.

"What that does is pushes all the wildlife into the center of the field and really concentrates them down," Wagner said. "They have less chance of escape, and when they do flush out of that last little strip that's left in the exact middle of the field, they have a long ways to go before they get back to cover."

The benefits can be furthered if cutting begins on the side opposite of good cover, like CRP ground. That allows the wildlife time to move toward safety.

With many small birds now active in tall grasses, Wagner also encouraged those mowing ditches or vacant lots to wait until July if possible.

"If that can wait a couple more weeks, that would be a lot better  than right now," he said. "Those little pheasant and quail chicks, they're not that mobile. If you could wait even a couple more weeks, their mobility increases substantially and they can actually fly and get out of there."

Wagner also reported there are many cottonwood saplings free for the take just east of the Cheyenne Bottoms office in the inlet canal. While he does not want heavy equipment used to remove the trees, the public is welcome to remove them with hand tools for transplant elsewhere. 

"Normally that's not allowed on public land," he said. "You're not supposed to remove trees, rocks, anything like that from public land. In this case, I'll make an exception."

The Cheyenne Bottoms Show airs the third Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655476625223.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSpring is the time of new life. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Manager Jason Wagner joined Steve Webster on the Cheyenne Bottoms Show earlier this week and discussed some strategies that could be implemented to help save some of that new life.As farmers move to the fields for cutting, or even as property owners begin to mow ditches and vacant lots, Wagner said thinking ahead can save bird chicks and fawns. Starting at the end of a field and working to the other, instead of making rounds in the field, can prevent a lot of wildlife loss."What that does is pushes all the wildlife into the center of the field and really concentrates them down," Wagner said. "They have less chance of escape, and when they do flush out of that last little strip that's left in the exact middle of the field, they have a long ways to go before they get back to cover."The benefits can be furthered if cutting begins on the side opposite of good cover, like CRP ground. That allows the wildlife time to move toward safety.With many small birds now active in tall grasses, Wagner also encouraged those mowing ditches or vacant lots to wait until July if possible."If that can wait a couple more weeks, that would be a lot better than right now," he said. "Those little pheasant and quail chicks, they're not that mobile. If you could wait even a couple more weeks, their mobility increases substantially and they can actually fly and get out of there."Wagner also reported there are many cottonwood saplings free for the take just east of the Cheyenne Bottoms office in the inlet canal. While he does not want heavy equipment used to remove the trees, the public is welcome to remove them with hand tools for transplant elsewhere. "Normally that's not allowed on public land," he said. "You're not supposed to remove trees, rocks, anything like that from public land. In this case, I'll make an exception."The Cheyenne Bottoms Show airs the third Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB and 95.5 FM.

Cheyenne Bottoms manager: Proactive cutting protects wildlife

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a  seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.3% in May. This was a decrease from 2.4% in April and a decrease from 3.4% in May 2021.

“Both monthly labor market surveys indicate little change over the month for Kansas,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “However, a small increase in employment estimates from the household survey caused the unemployment rate to decrease to 2.3% in May.” 

Jobless rates across most of central Kansas rose slightly, although the highest area rate was 2.5 percent in Ellsworth County. The unemployment rate in Barton County rose from 1.9 percent in April to 2.3 percent in May.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.  Private sector jobs decreased by 1,200 over the month, while government increased by 100.

“Although private sector job estimates showed no significant change over the month, an increase in the number of jobs and hours worked compared to May 2021 shows strength in the Kansas job market,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “At the same time, inflation continues to offset wage growth with real hourly earnings declining over the year.”

Since May 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 19,200 private sector jobs and a decrease of 800 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655476542600.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.3% in May. This was a decrease from 2.4% in April and a decrease from 3.4% in May 2021.“Both monthly labor market surveys indicate little change over the month for Kansas,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “However, a small increase in employment estimates from the household survey caused the unemployment rate to decrease to 2.3% in May.” Jobless rates across most of central Kansas rose slightly, although the highest area rate was 2.5 percent in Ellsworth County. The unemployment rate in Barton County rose from 1.9 percent in April to 2.3 percent in May.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,200 over the month, while government increased by 100.“Although private sector job estimates showed no significant change over the month, an increase in the number of jobs and hours worked compared to May 2021 shows strength in the Kansas job market,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “At the same time, inflation continues to offset wage growth with real hourly earnings declining over the year.”Since May 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 19,200 private sector jobs and a decrease of 800 government jobs.

Barton County jobless rate up slightly

As the early stages of harvest shift from south-central to southwest Kansas, yields and morale are decreasing. Extreme drought in the area throughout the growing season is severely limiting yields, causing more abandonment and calls to the insurance adjuster in the region. Even fields that look somewhat decent from the road and are disappointing in the bin, adding to the stress from difficulties finding help and escalating fuel and input prices.

“It’s hard to get excited about this,” said Tyler Ediger, who farms with his family and raises seed wheat in Meade County.

He reported average yields up to 30 or 40 bushels per acre for the late-planted, later maturing varieties, which caught a break at the end with a few rain showers. Earlier varieties were already done by the time the rain arrived. He noted a neighbor had a field that looked great from the road but only averaged 18 bushels per acre because the heads didn’t fill. Other fields in the area are averaging only 10 to 15 bushels per acre.

Even with higher commodity prices this year, low yields and increased fuel prices are putting pressure on farmers in the area. Fuel costs alone are up $3 per acre from last year.

While the fields are short and thin and the seeds are small, there is some good news. Overall, yields are coming in about five bushels per acre more than expected for the area. The test weights are fantastic, ranging up to 65 pounds per bushel, and they’ve had no rust or disease pressure this year. Proteins are ranging from 11 to 15.5 percent.

This year’s harvest will wrap up in only seven days because they can move through the fields quickly, and no rainfall is in the forecast. They are trying to harvest as high as possible on these short fields to maximize stubble. Weeds are starting to come in, so Ediger emphasized the importance of spraying right away to control weeds and trying to keep the ground shaded to prevent further moisture loss.

Weeds could also be an issue in Ford County if a rain shower does pop up. One of the only upsides to the drought is that there was not a lot of rust in the area, although some farmers did need to spray fungicide, according to Mike Schmidt, grain division manager at Pride Ag Resources in Dodge City. There is also a below-average amount of wheat streak mosaic virus, which he attributed a lack of volunteer emergence last summer due to short moisture availability.

Harvest around Dodge City started on June 12 and will be completed by July 4. Yields are all over the place, ranging from six to 60 bushels per acre, depending on if it was summer fallow or double-cropped. Overall, he expects the area average to be 35 bushels per acre. Proteins are averaging 12.0 to 12.9 percent, and test weights are staying good at 60-61 pounds per bushel. Most area producers looking forward plan to stick with their crop rotations, regardless of input costs or wheat prices.

Schmidt also noted local elevators are running with half the normal staff because they cannot find anyone to hire, one of the biggest challenges right now.

Luke Jaeger, who farms with his brother Matt in Clark, Ford and Meade counties, also noted concerns with finding truck drivers who can legally drive semis and echoed the severity of the drought conditions in the region.

Jaeger has been farming near Minneola for 26 years and said this was the “driest spring we’ve ever had.” More than half of the brothers’ wheat acres won’t be harvested at all, appraised at zero to two bushels per acre. Summer fallow fields are making 25 to 35 bushels per acre, and most continuous wheat won’t be harvested at all. Some fields received rain after the wheat was ripe, meaning weed pressure is now coming in. Because they no-till, the brothers will spray their fields as soon as harvest is over to control the weeds.

In Meade County south of Fowler, it’s even drier than south of Minneola. Even their irrigated wheat is not good, noting hot, dry, wind-scorched wheat. Proteins are higher than normal, ranging from 13 to 15 percent. He said farmers are extremely nervous. Even with no crop, they have some safety net provided by crop insurance. But they’re very worried about the skyrocketing costs of inputs and availability of “what we have to have to grow food.” He noted worsening rail and supply chain issues are creating ripple effects, and their biggest challenge is trying to manage chemical and fertilizer prices and availability.

“We work really hard to grow a quality product and raise the best quality product we can,” Jaeger said. This is done by “really listening to what your customer wants.”&nbsp;

The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001MrcDl8vRl73nM2Pubh8i2LNM0ENYkZgcDLpJyso9J48CLDIpSqOU1zILjfXgqCF6Y1LkYqOW9S0J8Y_-gHsK1GPPjg656XI_1vbtgcq2dfdU_vjOyAiAPi3oDiDgNaBjiJdWKrUadNiby45J8niqDlFYZxtqZLIk&amp;c=fHfRsQ8X6CbhPWbEMIU1lLQHcSXpLRzbSomao1hz8yFCkUMVU_NApQ==&amp;ch=0vNyibwZlC8OFc5RjaP7xkqfNdH_u4JoQXks7ELpCzSbUwT5W17QmA==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001MrcDl8vRl73nM2Pubh8i2LNM0ENYkZgcDLpJyso9J48CLDIpSqOU12nwRxbCODXrQggWY8jZFed7C9-yjSGzSJUrLuRLZglMWAAj2FgUWBmKVVujvDaihhAZEbTyCupeindaK-SotPi4GRj90Bb8i3WEbyppYUYL&amp;c=fHfRsQ8X6CbhPWbEMIU1lLQHcSXpLRzbSomao1hz8yFCkUMVU_NApQ==&amp;ch=0vNyibwZlC8OFc5RjaP7xkqfNdH_u4JoQXks7ELpCzSbUwT5W17QmA==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001MrcDl8vRl73nM2Pubh8i2LNM0ENYkZgcDLpJyso9J48CLDIpSqOU1_pG2avsei_Xr5fHqMVJLxXjqKFmjp7txsDRmhZzOh0QzK-kEMP8gCzNv8aOo9GpX2--jWL_QKuiDzJWfMp_wsuZIUWlzfCWNi07PcYkSprq&amp;c=fHfRsQ8X6CbhPWbEMIU1lLQHcSXpLRzbSomao1hz8yFCkUMVU_NApQ==&amp;ch=0vNyibwZlC8OFc5RjaP7xkqfNdH_u4JoQXks7ELpCzSbUwT5W17QmA==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>to share your harvest story and photos. Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655342478193.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As the early stages of harvest shift from south-central to southwest Kansas, yields and morale are decreasing. Extreme drought in the area throughout the growing season is severely limiting yields, causing more abandonment and calls to the insurance adjuster in the region. Even fields that look somewhat decent from the road and are disappointing in the bin, adding to the stress from difficulties finding help and escalating fuel and input prices. “It’s hard to get excited about this,” said Tyler Ediger, who farms with his family and raises seed wheat in Meade County. He reported average yields up to 30 or 40 bushels per acre for the late-planted, later maturing varieties, which caught a break at the end with a few rain showers. Earlier varieties were already done by the time the rain arrived. He noted a neighbor had a field that looked great from the road but only averaged 18 bushels per acre because the heads didn’t fill. Other fields in the area are averaging only 10 to 15 bushels per acre. Even with higher commodity prices this year, low yields and increased fuel prices are putting pressure on farmers in the area. Fuel costs alone are up $3 per acre from last year. While the fields are short and thin and the seeds are small, there is some good news. Overall, yields are coming in about five bushels per acre more than expected for the area. The test weights are fantastic, ranging up to 65 pounds per bushel, and they’ve had no rust or disease pressure this year. Proteins are ranging from 11 to 15.5 percent. This year’s harvest will wrap up in only seven days because they can move through the fields quickly, and no rainfall is in the forecast. They are trying to harvest as high as possible on these short fields to maximize stubble. Weeds are starting to come in, so Ediger emphasized the importance of spraying right away to control weeds and trying to keep the ground shaded to prevent further moisture loss. Weeds could also be an issue in Ford County if a rain shower does pop up. One of the only upsides to the drought is that there was not a lot of rust in the area, although some farmers did need to spray fungicide, according to Mike Schmidt, grain division manager at Pride Ag Resources in Dodge City. There is also a below-average amount of wheat streak mosaic virus, which he attributed a lack of volunteer emergence last summer due to short moisture availability. Harvest around Dodge City started on June 12 and will be completed by July 4. Yields are all over the place, ranging from six to 60 bushels per acre, depending on if it was summer fallow or double-cropped. Overall, he expects the area average to be 35 bushels per acre. Proteins are averaging 12.0 to 12.9 percent, and test weights are staying good at 60-61 pounds per bushel. Most area producers looking forward plan to stick with their crop rotations, regardless of input costs or wheat prices. Schmidt also noted local elevators are running with half the normal staff because they cannot find anyone to hire, one of the biggest challenges right now. Luke Jaeger, who farms with his brother Matt in Clark, Ford and Meade counties, also noted concerns with finding truck drivers who can legally drive semis and echoed the severity of the drought conditions in the region. Jaeger has been farming near Minneola for 26 years and said this was the “driest spring we’ve ever had.” More than half of the brothers’ wheat acres won’t be harvested at all, appraised at zero to two bushels per acre. Summer fallow fields are making 25 to 35 bushels per acre, and most continuous wheat won’t be harvested at all. Some fields received rain after the wheat was ripe, meaning weed pressure is now coming in. Because they no-till, the brothers will spray their fields as soon as harvest is over to control the weeds. In Meade County south of Fowler, it’s even drier than south of Minneola. Even their irrigated wheat is not good, noting hot, dry, wind-scorched wheat. Proteins are higher than normal, ranging from 13 to 15 percent. He said farmers are extremely nervous. Even with no crop, they have some safety net provided by crop insurance. But they’re very worried about the skyrocketing costs of inputs and availability of “what we have to have to grow food.” He noted worsening rail and supply chain issues are creating ripple effects, and their biggest challenge is trying to manage chemical and fertilizer prices and availability. “We work really hard to grow a quality product and raise the best quality product we can,” Jaeger said. This is done by “really listening to what your customer wants.”&nbsp; The 2022 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use&nbsp;#wheatharvest22. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001MrcDl8vRl73nM2Pubh8i2LNM0ENYkZgcDLpJyso9J48CLDIpSqOU1zILjfXgqCF6Y1LkYqOW9S0J8Y_-gHsK1GPPjg656XI_1vbtgcq2dfdU_vjOyAiAPi3oDiDgNaBjiJdWKrUadNiby45J8niqDlFYZxtqZLIk&amp;c=fHfRsQ8X6CbhPWbEMIU1lLQHcSXpLRzbSomao1hz8yFCkUMVU_NApQ==&amp;ch=0vNyibwZlC8OFc5RjaP7xkqfNdH_u4JoQXks7ELpCzSbUwT5W17QmA==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001MrcDl8vRl73nM2Pubh8i2LNM0ENYkZgcDLpJyso9J48CLDIpSqOU12nwRxbCODXrQggWY8jZFed7C9-yjSGzSJUrLuRLZglMWAAj2FgUWBmKVVujvDaihhAZEbTyCupeindaK-SotPi4GRj90Bb8i3WEbyppYUYL&amp;c=fHfRsQ8X6CbhPWbEMIU1lLQHcSXpLRzbSomao1hz8yFCkUMVU_NApQ==&amp;ch=0vNyibwZlC8OFc5RjaP7xkqfNdH_u4JoQXks7ELpCzSbUwT5W17QmA==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001MrcDl8vRl73nM2Pubh8i2LNM0ENYkZgcDLpJyso9J48CLDIpSqOU1_pG2avsei_Xr5fHqMVJLxXjqKFmjp7txsDRmhZzOh0QzK-kEMP8gCzNv8aOo9GpX2--jWL_QKuiDzJWfMp_wsuZIUWlzfCWNi07PcYkSprq&amp;c=fHfRsQ8X6CbhPWbEMIU1lLQHcSXpLRzbSomao1hz8yFCkUMVU_NApQ==&amp;ch=0vNyibwZlC8OFc5RjaP7xkqfNdH_u4JoQXks7ELpCzSbUwT5W17QmA==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>to share your harvest story and photos. Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 4, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Karen Winkelman and Deb Higgins from the Barton County Health Department that aired June 16, 2022.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 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 County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Karen Winkelman and Deb Higgins from the Barton County Health Department that aired June 16, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/cdxzcwk4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙County Edition: Health Department

The history of celebrating Father’s Day dates back 50 years ago, when President Nixon made it an official holiday. Much earlier (around 1910) a young lady named Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, is given credit for originating the holiday. Her father was a Civil War veteran, who raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. I know how much work it was to raise three kids in a two-parent family, so it is hard to imagine how it would be in a single parent home.

A gradual cultural shift of permissiveness toward single parenting can sometimes give the impression that fathers don’t really matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fathers play an important role in the development of their children and families. Studies show that children with involved fathers are more successful in school, more ambitious, more self-confident with their identity, self-protective and self-reliant, less likely to drop out of school and less susceptible to peer pressure.

It is so refreshing to see fathers who have become more involved with their families beyond the role of breadwinner. I saw it in my husband, John, and now in our son and son-in-law, Adam and Art. Taking the time to develop and nurture relationships with children pays off big in the end. Children with active fathers develop skills they can carry into adulthood. Self-esteem soars when dads are active participants in their children’s lives. Children come with their own unique personalities, temperaments and developmental timetables and dadas are an essential link to a child’s well-being.

Here's hoping that all of you reading this will take time to acknowledge the father or father figure who has had an impact on your life. A simple phone call or spending an afternoon working on a project together can be the most meaningful gift of all!

Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may contact her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573141404420.png" alt="written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>The history of celebrating Father’s Day dates back 50 years ago, when President Nixon made it an official holiday. Much earlier (around 1910) a young lady named Sonora Smart Dodd, of Spokane, Washington, is given credit for originating the holiday. Her father was a Civil War veteran, who raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. I know how much work it was to raise three kids in a two-parent family, so it is hard to imagine how it would be in a single parent home.A gradual cultural shift of permissiveness toward single parenting can sometimes give the impression that fathers don’t really matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Fathers play an important role in the development of their children and families. Studies show that children with involved fathers are more successful in school, more ambitious, more self-confident with their identity, self-protective and self-reliant, less likely to drop out of school and less susceptible to peer pressure.It is so refreshing to see fathers who have become more involved with their families beyond the role of breadwinner. I saw it in my husband, John, and now in our son and son-in-law, Adam and Art. Taking the time to develop and nurture relationships with children pays off big in the end. Children with active fathers develop skills they can carry into adulthood. Self-esteem soars when dads are active participants in their children’s lives. Children come with their own unique personalities, temperaments and developmental timetables and dadas are an essential link to a child’s well-being.Here's hoping that all of you reading this will take time to acknowledge the father or father figure who has had an impact on your life. A simple phone call or spending an afternoon working on a project together can be the most meaningful gift of all!Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may contact her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

KRUG: Celebrating Dad’s Day

As Barton County prepares their budget for the next fiscal year,
citizens remain hopeful for drops in the mill levy, or property tax. 

Barton
County dropped their tax rate by nearly two mills last year to just over 44
mills. 

&nbsp;Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld said she’ll hear from constituents
wondering why their taxes went up despite the county lowering or keeping their
mill levy the same. There are many other taxing entities where citizens reside
that have an impact on the total mill levy. &nbsp; 
"When we're setting the budget, we don't necessarily control all the other things," said Esfeld. "Those entities will do their own work. We only have say over the Barton County mill levy." 
Fire districts, libraries, recreation commissions, Cottonwood Extension
District, cities, the college and other entities have their own mill levy
assessed to citizens. 
Esfeld has been delighted to see sales tax revenue recently increase in the area.
Esfeld refers to the three-legged stool of government including property tax, sales
tax and income tax. The commissioner would like to see less emphasis on
property tax. 
"We've known for years that the three-legged stool has been off balance with property tax being heavier," said Esfeld. "If we could lean toward income tax, along with the state funding more, that is where I would like to see that go. I feel like it would balance that stool out." 
Last year’s overall mill levy for a Great Bend resident was more than 184
mills.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645555636297.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs Barton County prepares their budget for the next fiscal year,
citizens remain hopeful for drops in the mill levy, or property tax. Barton
County dropped their tax rate by nearly two mills last year to just over 44
mills. &nbsp;Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld said she’ll hear from constituents
wondering why their taxes went up despite the county lowering or keeping their
mill levy the same. There are many other taxing entities where citizens reside
that have an impact on the total mill levy. &nbsp; 
"When we're setting the budget, we don't necessarily control all the other things," said Esfeld. "Those entities will do their own work. We only have say over the Barton County mill levy." 
Fire districts, libraries, recreation commissions, Cottonwood Extension
District, cities, the college and other entities have their own mill levy
assessed to citizens. 
Esfeld has been delighted to see sales tax revenue recently increase in the area.
Esfeld refers to the three-legged stool of government including property tax, sales
tax and income tax. The commissioner would like to see less emphasis on
property tax. 
"We've known for years that the three-legged stool has been off balance with property tax being heavier," said Esfeld. "If we could lean toward income tax, along with the state funding more, that is where I would like to see that go. I feel like it would balance that stool out." 
Last year’s overall mill levy for a Great Bend resident was more than 184
mills.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Co. Commissioner: Trying to balance 3-legged tax stool

PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 4:30 a.m. Friday in Pawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Nissan passenger car driven by Courtney Dawn Towery, 28, Larned, was eastbound on Kansas 156, just east of Kansas 265.

The vehicle left the roadway and traveled into the south ditch. The driver over corrected and the car returned to the roadway and traveled left of center. A 2008 Kenworth semi driven by Asael&nbsp;Hernandez-Salas, 45, Syracuse, Kansas, struck the Nissan.

Towery was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Beckwith Mortuary. Hernandez-Salas was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

PAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 4:30 a.m. Friday in Pawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Nissan passenger car driven by Courtney Dawn Towery, 28, Larned, was eastbound on Kansas 156, just east of Kansas 265.The vehicle left the roadway and traveled into the south ditch. The driver over corrected and the car returned to the roadway and traveled left of center. A 2008 Kenworth semi driven by Asael&nbsp;Hernandez-Salas, 45, Syracuse, Kansas, struck the Nissan.Towery was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Beckwith Mortuary. Hernandez-Salas was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman from Larned dies after crash with a semi

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Miss Kansas pageant executive director Stephanie Harris.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Miss Kansas director Stephenie Harris" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k6afi-1252504-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Miss Kansas pageant executive director Stephanie Harris.