With the forecast for triple digit temperatures, the Downtown Walking Tour hosted by the Barton County Historical Society has been postponed to a cooler, yet undetermined date.&nbsp; 

Instead,&nbsp;Great Bend: Allen’s Drug Store to the Zarah Hotel&nbsp;will be the subject of a program by Justin Engleman at the Barton County Historical Society on Monday evening, June 20.&nbsp; The program will commence at 7 p.m. and is free for society members and $4 for non-members.&nbsp; Memberships to the historical society may be purchased at the door that evening.

Allen's Drug Store to the Zarah Hotelis a history of Great Bend in photographs including G. H. Hulme’s Drover’s Headquarters, the C. M. Brack Automobile Agency, the Kendall Hotel, Citizens National Bank and the Farmers and Merchants National Bank.&nbsp; More familiar locations like the American State Bank, the Municipal Auditorium and First Methodist Church will be included in the program as well.&nbsp; More than 100 slides will be included in the presentation.&nbsp; A variety of businesses, houses of worship, and government buildings make up the presentation.

The Barton County Historical Society Museum &amp; Village is located just south of the Arkansas River bridge at 85 South U.S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655231433151.jpeg" alt="A. S. Allen's Drug Store at Forest and Main is the oldest surviving masonry building in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>A. S. Allen's Drug Store at Forest and Main is the oldest surviving masonry building in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>With the forecast for triple digit temperatures, the Downtown Walking Tour hosted by the Barton County Historical Society has been postponed to a cooler, yet undetermined date.&nbsp; Instead,&nbsp;Great Bend: Allen’s Drug Store to the Zarah Hotel&nbsp;will be the subject of a program by Justin Engleman at the Barton County Historical Society on Monday evening, June 20.&nbsp; The program will commence at 7 p.m. and is free for society members and $4 for non-members.&nbsp; Memberships to the historical society may be purchased at the door that evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655231462382.jpeg" alt="The Zarah Hotel, Lakin and Main." />
 <figcaption>The Zarah Hotel, Lakin and Main.</figcaption>
 </figure>Allen's Drug Store to the Zarah Hotelis a history of Great Bend in photographs including G. H. Hulme’s Drover’s Headquarters, the C. M. Brack Automobile Agency, the Kendall Hotel, Citizens National Bank and the Farmers and Merchants National Bank.&nbsp; More familiar locations like the American State Bank, the Municipal Auditorium and First Methodist Church will be included in the program as well.&nbsp; More than 100 slides will be included in the presentation.&nbsp; A variety of businesses, houses of worship, and government buildings make up the presentation. The Barton County Historical Society Museum &amp; Village is located just south of the Arkansas River bridge at 85 South U.S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend downtown walking tour postponed; museum program instead

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Barton County Commission made quick work of its open meeting Wednesday morning at the courthouse. The commission did approve a pair of expenditures and voted to approve a nomination for the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee.

Matthew Patzner, the county's director of operations, presented an invoice for $62,960 on a maintenance agreement for the two 800 megahertz radio repeater towers operated by Barton County Communications. Over the past two years, the maintenance was covered by Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) funds. With time expiring on those funds, the commission voted to use 911 tax monies to pay the maintenance invoice.

"Any time we can pay for something with fee-based income versus levied-income, that means the taxpayers aren't paying more property taxes to pay for this," said Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson.

County Works Director Darren Williams also presented on buyback options for two Bobcat Track Loaders. The commission opted to exercise the 2-year option, locking in a rate of $11,000 for each loader. The current units, purchased in 2014 and 2017, will be replaced by 2023 units.

"There's a huge advantage of this," said Commissioner Kirby Krier. "If you do the 1-year, next year when you do another rollover, it could be 12,000 or 15,000."

Williams also reported on the status of the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee. With not less than five, nor more than seven uncompensated members, two positions remained open. The commission approved the appointment of Hoisington's Kathleen McGinnis to the committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631208894945.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Barton County Commission made quick work of its open meeting Wednesday morning at the courthouse. The commission did approve a pair of expenditures and voted to approve a nomination for the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee.Matthew Patzner, the county's director of operations, presented an invoice for $62,960 on a maintenance agreement for the two 800 megahertz radio repeater towers operated by Barton County Communications. Over the past two years, the maintenance was covered by Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) funds. With time expiring on those funds, the commission voted to use 911 tax monies to pay the maintenance invoice."Any time we can pay for something with fee-based income versus levied-income, that means the taxpayers aren't paying more property taxes to pay for this," said Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson.County Works Director Darren Williams also presented on buyback options for two Bobcat Track Loaders. The commission opted to exercise the 2-year option, locking in a rate of $11,000 for each loader. The current units, purchased in 2014 and 2017, will be replaced by 2023 units."There's a huge advantage of this," said Commissioner Kirby Krier. "If you do the 1-year, next year when you do another rollover, it could be 12,000 or 15,000."Williams also reported on the status of the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee. With not less than five, nor more than seven uncompensated members, two positions remained open. The commission approved the appointment of Hoisington's Kathleen McGinnis to the committee.

Barton Commission moves foward on two expenditures

Action from the June 15, 2022, Barton County Commission meeting:

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS:  Maintenance, Support and Software Update Agreement:  -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details.  An agreement with Motorola Solutions was approved in September, 2020, for two 800 megahertz radio repeater towers.  That agreement included maintenance, support and SUA (software update agreement) costs through 2021.  Communications has received a $62,960.00 maintenance contract invoice for the continuation of services.  It is suggested that the cost be paid through the 911 Tax Fund.   The Commission approved payment of the Motorola Solutions invoice.  

ROAD AND BRIDGE:  Buyback Options of Fleet Track Loaders:  -Darren Williams, County Works Director, provided details.  Road and Bridge purchased two Bobcat Track Loaders from Bobcat of Salina.  Both have been updated each year since purchase in 2014 and in 2017, respectively.  There are both one- and two-year buy back options.  If approved, the current units will be replaced with a 2023 T76 T4 Bobcat Compact Track Loader.  The Commission approved the two-year buyback option for a total of $22,000.00.  

BOARD APPOINTMENT:  Memorial Parks Advisory Committee:  -Mr. Williams will provide details.  The Memorial Parks Advisory Committee is charged with advising and assisting the Commission regarding the care and maintenance of the Barton County Owned and Operated Memorial Parks and Cemetery.  With not less than five, nor more than seven members, there are two unexpired positions open.  Kathleen McGinnis was appointed to a term ending July 1, 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010086631.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Action from the June 15, 2022, Barton County Commission meeting:MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS: Maintenance, Support and Software Update Agreement: -Matt Patzner, Director of Operations, provided details. An agreement with Motorola Solutions was approved in September, 2020, for two 800 megahertz radio repeater towers. That agreement included maintenance, support and SUA (software update agreement) costs through 2021. Communications has received a $62,960.00 maintenance contract invoice for the continuation of services. It is suggested that the cost be paid through the 911 Tax Fund. The Commission approved payment of the Motorola Solutions invoice. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Buyback Options of Fleet Track Loaders: -Darren Williams, County Works Director, provided details. Road and Bridge purchased two Bobcat Track Loaders from Bobcat of Salina. Both have been updated each year since purchase in 2014 and in 2017, respectively. There are both one- and two-year buy back options. If approved, the current units will be replaced with a 2023 T76 T4 Bobcat Compact Track Loader. The Commission approved the two-year buyback option for a total of $22,000.00. BOARD APPOINTMENT: Memorial Parks Advisory Committee: -Mr. Williams will provide details. The Memorial Parks Advisory Committee is charged with advising and assisting the Commission regarding the care and maintenance of the Barton County Owned and Operated Memorial Parks and Cemetery. With not less than five, nor more than seven members, there are two unexpired positions open. Kathleen McGinnis was appointed to a term ending July 1, 2025.

Action from the Barton County Commission meeting (6/15)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

It’s hard to argue against the economic numbers that sporting events
bring to communities. There is either a baseball or softball tournament booked
in Great Bend every weekend in June. 

This past weekend’s softball tournament in
Great Bend included 64 teams and 159 games over three days. Great Bend
Recreation Commission Assistant Superintendent Chris Umphres said the
tournament included around 1,000 participants and just under 3,000 spectators. "Sonic ran out of ice cream, Dillons ran out of Gatorades and ice machines were down," said Umphres. "Just our concessions stand alone was completely empty of ice." 
There were 18 umpires used during the event and the umpires alone needed 16
hotel nights in Great Bend. 
Umphres said these tournaments will only get better as the facilities continue
to improve.

"It was a good weekend for Great Bend, all across the board for restaurants and hotels," added Umphres.&nbsp; 
While some games and tournaments are played at Veterans Memorial Park and other
ballfields around town, a $1.37 million project wrapped up this past winter to
place artificial turf on all five fields at the Great Bend Sports Complex.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655222254041.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057440169594">Quicksilver - Great Bend photo</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057440169594">Quicksilver - Great Bend photo</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIt’s hard to argue against the economic numbers that sporting events
bring to communities. There is either a baseball or softball tournament booked
in Great Bend every weekend in June. This past weekend’s softball tournament in
Great Bend included 64 teams and 159 games over three days. Great Bend
Recreation Commission Assistant Superintendent Chris Umphres said the
tournament included around 1,000 participants and just under 3,000 spectators. "Sonic ran out of ice cream, Dillons ran out of Gatorades and ice machines were down," said Umphres. "Just our concessions stand alone was completely empty of ice." 
There were 18 umpires used during the event and the umpires alone needed 16
hotel nights in Great Bend. 
Umphres said these tournaments will only get better as the facilities continue
to improve."It was a good weekend for Great Bend, all across the board for restaurants and hotels," added Umphres.&nbsp; 
While some games and tournaments are played at Veterans Memorial Park and other
ballfields around town, a $1.37 million project wrapped up this past winter to
place artificial turf on all five fields at the Great Bend Sports Complex.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Economic numbers boosted as sports tournaments come to Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (6/14) 
Battery 
At 1:05 p.m. a report of battery was made at 1306 Macarthur Road. 
Injury Accident 
At 3:42 p.m. an accident was reported at 384 N. Washington Avenue. 
Non-Injury Accident 
At 7:57 p.m. an accident was reported at Railroad &amp; Washington. 
Traffic Arrest 
At 10:05 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
At 10:10 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 3503 10th Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (6/14)

At 9:09 a.m. Kathy Rose reported an ongoing noise complaint at 3118 Morton Street.

At 10:43 a.m. a parking complaint was made at Frey &amp; Lakin.

At 2:37 p.m. a burglary of a couple of window AC units and a microwave was reported at 323 Hickory Street.

At 2:48 p.m. possible criminal damage was reported at 10th &amp; Grant. No damage.

At 3:31 p.m. possible threats that occurred in another jurisdiction was reported at 1439 Broadway.

At 7:08 p.m. a report of smoke in the house at 2320 24th Street was made.&nbsp;

At 7:57 p.m. an accident was reported at Railroad &amp; Washington.

At 9:29 p.m. a report of a dog at large was made at 1615 16th Street.

At 9:59 p.m. a possible burglary was reported at 1444 2nd Street.

At 10:05 p.m. officers assisted BTSO on a traffic stop at 3503 10th Street.

At 11:34 p.m. a report of a vehicle driving in the middle of the roadway was made at 41 McKinley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (6/14) 
Battery 
At 1:05 p.m. a report of battery was made at 1306 Macarthur Road. 
Injury Accident 
At 3:42 p.m. an accident was reported at 384 N. Washington Avenue. 
Non-Injury Accident 
At 7:57 p.m. an accident was reported at Railroad &amp; Washington. 
Traffic Arrest 
At 10:05 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 3503 10th Street. 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
At 10:10 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 3503 10th Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (6/14)Noise Complaint&nbsp;At 9:09 a.m. Kathy Rose reported an ongoing noise complaint at 3118 Morton Street.Parking ComplaintAt 10:43 a.m. a parking complaint was made at Frey &amp; Lakin.Burglary / Not in ProgressAt 2:37 p.m. a burglary of a couple of window AC units and a microwave was reported at 323 Hickory Street.Criminal DamageAt 2:48 p.m. possible criminal damage was reported at 10th &amp; Grant. No damage.Threats / Criminal ThreatsAt 3:31 p.m. possible threats that occurred in another jurisdiction was reported at 1439 Broadway.Structure FireAt 7:08 p.m. a report of smoke in the house at 2320 24th Street was made.&nbsp;Non-Injury AccidentAt 7:57 p.m. an accident was reported at Railroad &amp; Washington.Animal ComplaintAt 9:29 p.m. a report of a dog at large was made at 1615 16th Street.Burglary / In ProgressAt 9:59 p.m. a possible burglary was reported at 1444 2nd Street.Traffic ArrestAt 10:05 p.m. officers assisted BTSO on a traffic stop at 3503 10th Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 11:34 p.m. a report of a vehicle driving in the middle of the roadway was made at 41 McKinley.

Cop Shop (6/14)

6/14 BOOKED: Luis Calzada-Santoyo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, No Insurance, No Headlamps, and Open Container, bond set at $2,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Dustin Bosack on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child and Lewd and Lascivious, bond set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: John Roberts on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Gerardo Castillo on Barton County District Court case for Ignition Interlock, No Drivers License, No Insurance, and Expired Registration, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Kyndra Berg on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $2,500 C/S. Also booked on Colorado DOC warrant for Parole Violation. Released to Colorado State of Parole.

RELEASED: Michael Shives on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Contempt of Court, after posting $662.50 cash bond; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Contempt of Court, after posting $165 cash bond.

RELEASED: Luis Calzada-Santoyo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, No Insurance, No Headlamps, and Open Container, after posting cash bond.

RELEASED: Steven Merica on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: John Roberts on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>6/14 BOOKED: Luis Calzada-Santoyo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, No Insurance, No Headlamps, and Open Container, bond set at $2,000 C/S.BOOKED: Dustin Bosack on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a child and Lewd and Lascivious, bond set at $100,000 C/S.BOOKED: John Roberts on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Gerardo Castillo on Barton County District Court case for Ignition Interlock, No Drivers License, No Insurance, and Expired Registration, bond set at $2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Kyndra Berg on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $2,500 C/S. Also booked on Colorado DOC warrant for Parole Violation. Released to Colorado State of Parole.RELEASED: Michael Shives on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Contempt of Court, after posting $662.50 cash bond; and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Contempt of Court, after posting $165 cash bond.RELEASED: Luis Calzada-Santoyo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Driving Under the Influence, Driving without a License, No Insurance, No Headlamps, and Open Container, after posting cash bond.RELEASED: Steven Merica on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: John Roberts on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Garry Smith III to KDOC.RELEASED: Israel Klein to KDOC.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (6-14)

There's always room for another Taylor in the music industry. Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt grew up listening to her father, Ricky, perform live country music. Now she's recorded a song of her own. That first single, "Count on the Whiskey," is available through various streaming services, including Apple Music.

"It is so exciting," Taylor said. "It is probably, besides being a mom, easily one of the most rewarding things - something I've dreamed about since I was in sixth grade writing songs on the playground, to now having actually having something I get to hear on the radio. It's just really great to share something that is so special to me and have other people enjoy it as much as I do."

Ricky has been a staple of area live country music performances. Taylor grew up watching him perform and caught the bug herself in high school. 

"When I was little, going to his things and watching him as I grew up, it was a really big deal," she said. "I've just always loved music. As I got older, especially hitting choir in high school, I realized how much I enjoyed the performance aspect of it. I went through a lot after graduation and throughout college, and music just became a really big outlet for me. I just started pouring everything into my songs. Now I'm going to make the best out of it by turning it into some pretty good music."

Taylor graduated from Great Bend High School in 2016, and from Wichita State in 2020, all the while fine-tuning her own catalog of music.

"I did stuff in high school, especially through choir with Mrs. (Susan) Stambaugh and the Madrigals," Taylor said. "When I went to college it was more small things here and there, acoustic-type deals and playing to my living room walls. I have a couple of friends who are in the music business. Here in this past year, now that my kid got a little bit older, I really just started working hard on finishing up some songs for an upcoming EP that will be released soon. I just got in the studio and made it happen."

Living in Wichita, Taylor headed south to Wellington to record her first single at Greenjeans Studios. Carter Green produced the album and added instrumentals to Taylor's acoustic guitar and vocals.

"He was a giant help," she said. "I wrote the music and melody. I went in there and sang the track and played the acoustic guitar, and he did the rest of the instrumentation for the album. He's insanely talented."

"Count on the Whiskey" has been featured on Wichita radio and has also been played on Nebraska's 93.1 The River's Edge. 

Check out the full single below.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655223827421.jpeg" alt="Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThere's always room for another Taylor in the music industry. Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt grew up listening to her father, Ricky, perform live country music. Now she's recorded a song of her own. That first single, "Count on the Whiskey," is available through various streaming services, including Apple Music."It is so exciting," Taylor said. "It is probably, besides being a mom, easily one of the most rewarding things - something I've dreamed about since I was in sixth grade writing songs on the playground, to now having actually having something I get to hear on the radio. It's just really great to share something that is so special to me and have other people enjoy it as much as I do."Ricky has been a staple of area live country music performances. Taylor grew up watching him perform and caught the bug herself in high school. "When I was little, going to his things and watching him as I grew up, it was a really big deal," she said. "I've just always loved music. As I got older, especially hitting choir in high school, I realized how much I enjoyed the performance aspect of it. I went through a lot after graduation and throughout college, and music just became a really big outlet for me. I just started pouring everything into my songs. Now I'm going to make the best out of it by turning it into some pretty good music."Taylor graduated from Great Bend High School in 2016, and from Wichita State in 2020, all the while fine-tuning her own catalog of music."I did stuff in high school, especially through choir with Mrs. (Susan) Stambaugh and the Madrigals," Taylor said. "When I went to college it was more small things here and there, acoustic-type deals and playing to my living room walls. I have a couple of friends who are in the music business. Here in this past year, now that my kid got a little bit older, I really just started working hard on finishing up some songs for an upcoming EP that will be released soon. I just got in the studio and made it happen."Living in Wichita, Taylor headed south to Wellington to record her first single at Greenjeans Studios. Carter Green produced the album and added instrumentals to Taylor's acoustic guitar and vocals."He was a giant help," she said. "I wrote the music and melody. I went in there and sang the track and played the acoustic guitar, and he did the rest of the instrumentation for the album. He's insanely talented.""Count on the Whiskey" has been featured on Wichita radio and has also been played on Nebraska's 93.1 The River's Edge. Check out the full single below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/av5hxse0/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Listen: Great Bend-native Taylor Fugitt releases country single

Today Sunny, with a high near 87. South southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74.

Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Breezy.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Juneteenth Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Breezy.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Breezy.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Breezy.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Breezy.

Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 87. South southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northeast wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.Thursday Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming south 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. South wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 74.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Breezy.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 76.Juneteenth Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Breezy.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Breezy.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Breezy.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Breezy.Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced on Friday, June 10, the award of a $17 million federal grant for the renovation of Fort Hays State University's Forsyth Library.&nbsp;

<a></a>Moran shared his memories of growing up in Plainville, frequently visiting the old Forsyth Library and Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and being the first non-high school graduate to attend summer school at FHSU. Moran also spoke about the importance of the role FHSU plays in Western Kansas. He&nbsp;shared&nbsp;his belief that&nbsp;Western Kansas's prosperity greatly depends upon whoever is the president of FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU President Tisa Mason welcomed and thanked Sen. Moran, noting his critical role over the past year in securing several federal grants. Two grants received in the fall of 2021 and totaling $2.75 mil helped the university expand the reach of the Regional De-escalation Training Center's law enforcement training programs to a multi-state area in the central United States. Moran was on campus in April of this year to announce $1.2 mil in funding for a new teacher licensing program designed to expand the number of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (STEM) teachers working in rural Kansas.

Ginger Williams, dean of library services, shared an overview of the renovation project and details on the initial work of the Library Renovation Committee she chairs. Over the past several months, the committee sought input from students, faculty, and staff to learn more about their needs. The feedback received at these in-person town hall events and an online form sent to the entire campus helped shape the committee's vision for a dynamic hub for student engagement and academic exploration.&nbsp;

The Forsyth Library opened in 1967, and its three floors have been remodeled over the years to accommodate new departments and services. It currently houses the Writing Center, the Learning Commons, the Center for Ethnic Studies, the Honors College, the Tiger Food Exchange, Makerspace, and the various library departments.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655231098689.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsHAYS, Kan. – U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced on Friday, June 10, the award of a $17 million federal grant for the renovation of Fort Hays State University's Forsyth Library.&nbsp;<a></a>Moran shared his memories of growing up in Plainville, frequently visiting the old Forsyth Library and Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and being the first non-high school graduate to attend summer school at FHSU. Moran also spoke about the importance of the role FHSU plays in Western Kansas. He&nbsp;shared&nbsp;his belief that&nbsp;Western Kansas's prosperity greatly depends upon whoever is the president of FHSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU President Tisa Mason welcomed and thanked Sen. Moran, noting his critical role over the past year in securing several federal grants. Two grants received in the fall of 2021 and totaling $2.75 mil helped the university expand the reach of the Regional De-escalation Training Center's law enforcement training programs to a multi-state area in the central United States. Moran was on campus in April of this year to announce $1.2 mil in funding for a new teacher licensing program designed to expand the number of Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology (STEM) teachers working in rural Kansas.Ginger Williams, dean of library services, shared an overview of the renovation project and details on the initial work of the Library Renovation Committee she chairs. Over the past several months, the committee sought input from students, faculty, and staff to learn more about their needs. The feedback received at these in-person town hall events and an online form sent to the entire campus helped shape the committee's vision for a dynamic hub for student engagement and academic exploration.&nbsp;The Forsyth Library opened in 1967, and its three floors have been remodeled over the years to accommodate new departments and services. It currently houses the Writing Center, the Learning Commons, the Center for Ethnic Studies, the Honors College, the Tiger Food Exchange, Makerspace, and the various library departments.&nbsp;

FHSU receives $17 million library renovation grant

This is day 1 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association.

The combines have just started to roll in south central Kansas, and variability is the name of the game for the 2022 wheat crop thus far. Loads started trickling in on Thursday and Friday in Danville, but harvest kicked into steady gear in Harper County over the weekend, according to MKC vice president Jason Brown.

Brown noted early loads were from wheat pasture, meaning stands were pretty thin, but growers are now cutting better fields. Yields are expected to average between 30 and 40 bushels per acre, but early fields have ranged from 16 to 60 bushels per acre. Test weights are a little light — averaging 57 to 58 pounds per bushel — but also getting heavier as more fields are cut. Protein is reflective of drought stress with samples averaging between 12 and 14 percent.

Yield variability is also the most striking characteristic of harvest in Barber County, according to David Gaddis, general manager of OK Coop Grain Co. in Kiowa. The first load arrived at the elevator late on Friday, but Monday, June 13, was the first real day of harvest. Moisture is plenty dry at 11 or 12 percent, but yields swing from 18 to 50 bushels per acre. Gaddis noted the wheat crop is good-looking so far, with above-average proteins and test weights at 59 to 60 pounds per bushel. Overall, he said it’s a typical drought-stressed crop with late rains that helped fill smaller berries and keep some fields from being total disasters.

“Like most things in life, it’s highly variable,” Gaddis described the start of the 2022 wheat harvest. “It depends on what rains you caught and when you planted it.”

Late rains gave the boon of filling berries, but have also caused delays in Reno County. Still, Matt Long, MKC senior location manager, said harvest is kicking off four to five days earlier than usual in the area. The first loads arrived at the Castleton location on Saturday, which has taken in about eight loads or 8,000 bushels so far.

Yields from these early fields are coming in as expected at mid-30s to low-40s bushels per acre with protein higher than normal due to drought stress. Despite thinner stands, quality is good, likely due to recent timely rains, with test weights over 60 pounds per bushel. “As you drive around the countryside, it’s hit or miss,” Long said, noting that the fields coming in now were mostly double-cropped and he expects this year’s harvest to stretch out.

With two percent of the Kansas wheat crop harvested as of June 12, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s weekly crop progress and condition report, time will tell where the average yield, test weight and protein will fall as harvest marches onward. The report noted 31 percent of the wheat crop was mature as of June 12, ahead of 16 percent last year and 25 percent average. Statewide, the agency rated the wheat crop’s condition at 26 percent good to excellent, 33 percent fair and 41 percent poor to very poor.

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;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45HS9YGjpHEB-cUFXOLdBa_XbckvMmaJ8EHCe30oDtfdA3VquHgu67WcO_gtBmR3uVxsmKK-WM6H4GyDnWsJoFc1vGIjWyEXmf1lyn75bYRWFKUGGdRdAuA36rYPHEWTSqILqR1iK0Je01AWagiiM8bN1kYkT6Xm63MI4P70xKll9k&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest22</a>. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45Hc56icSkux9p2eVJgH9XnlLnWEuPTvh3H99vKXnIMf1TchJOze8azi8SVYj6c-w70gULOS6zMRn7Hnjw1ZlTmkRskdemtAIqoLbBdprXHu-q&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45HZZ-SMx0MvYZ5HI0T3GKcLthv-sJIpu4voKVagI0Peg6OfFDEjKD-f8XjvcQzkd2gjkCwzemTiLJQa7Xiy_qGk9CUvM59_K_Bg==&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45HR9d-2-uNbXjzH8hS5eU7FTLcER3nVE0ohRemlW879WBVg3lpE87SoPbV1HIumbxOgMB0e21UG0gcdDCkm3auGY4uZkyqcL0zpPjSpSNDV9D&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" 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/2022/6/1655218262161.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 1 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Grain and Feed Association. The combines have just started to roll in south central Kansas, and variability is the name of the game for the 2022 wheat crop thus far. Loads started trickling in on Thursday and Friday in Danville, but harvest kicked into steady gear in Harper County over the weekend, according to MKC vice president Jason Brown. Brown noted early loads were from wheat pasture, meaning stands were pretty thin, but growers are now cutting better fields. Yields are expected to average between 30 and 40 bushels per acre, but early fields have ranged from 16 to 60 bushels per acre. Test weights are a little light — averaging 57 to 58 pounds per bushel — but also getting heavier as more fields are cut. Protein is reflective of drought stress with samples averaging between 12 and 14 percent. Yield variability is also the most striking characteristic of harvest in Barber County, according to David Gaddis, general manager of OK Coop Grain Co. in Kiowa. The first load arrived at the elevator late on Friday, but Monday, June 13, was the first real day of harvest. Moisture is plenty dry at 11 or 12 percent, but yields swing from 18 to 50 bushels per acre. Gaddis noted the wheat crop is good-looking so far, with above-average proteins and test weights at 59 to 60 pounds per bushel. Overall, he said it’s a typical drought-stressed crop with late rains that helped fill smaller berries and keep some fields from being total disasters. “Like most things in life, it’s highly variable,” Gaddis described the start of the 2022 wheat harvest. “It depends on what rains you caught and when you planted it.” Late rains gave the boon of filling berries, but have also caused delays in Reno County. Still, Matt Long, MKC senior location manager, said harvest is kicking off four to five days earlier than usual in the area. The first loads arrived at the Castleton location on Saturday, which has taken in about eight loads or 8,000 bushels so far. Yields from these early fields are coming in as expected at mid-30s to low-40s bushels per acre with protein higher than normal due to drought stress. Despite thinner stands, quality is good, likely due to recent timely rains, with test weights over 60 pounds per bushel. “As you drive around the countryside, it’s hit or miss,” Long said, noting that the fields coming in now were mostly double-cropped and he expects this year’s harvest to stretch out. With two percent of the Kansas wheat crop harvested as of June 12, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s weekly crop progress and condition report, time will tell where the average yield, test weight and protein will fall as harvest marches onward. The report noted 31 percent of the wheat crop was mature as of June 12, ahead of 16 percent last year and 25 percent average. Statewide, the agency rated the wheat crop’s condition at 26 percent good to excellent, 33 percent fair and 41 percent poor to very poor. 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;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45HS9YGjpHEB-cUFXOLdBa_XbckvMmaJ8EHCe30oDtfdA3VquHgu67WcO_gtBmR3uVxsmKK-WM6H4GyDnWsJoFc1vGIjWyEXmf1lyn75bYRWFKUGGdRdAuA36rYPHEWTSqILqR1iK0Je01AWagiiM8bN1kYkT6Xm63MI4P70xKll9k&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest22</a>. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45Hc56icSkux9p2eVJgH9XnlLnWEuPTvh3H99vKXnIMf1TchJOze8azi8SVYj6c-w70gULOS6zMRn7Hnjw1ZlTmkRskdemtAIqoLbBdprXHu-q&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45HZZ-SMx0MvYZ5HI0T3GKcLthv-sJIpu4voKVagI0Peg6OfFDEjKD-f8XjvcQzkd2gjkCwzemTiLJQa7Xiy_qGk9CUvM59_K_Bg==&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012LkyqULk_Ai-6sEXF9qn3w5VHwUvvqXEKZ9WOpd5O7pRsVK3fl45HR9d-2-uNbXjzH8hS5eU7FTLcER3nVE0ohRemlW879WBVg3lpE87SoPbV1HIumbxOgMB0e21UG0gcdDCkm3auGY4uZkyqcL0zpPjSpSNDV9D&amp;c=7fXmj_VItNW4zpMc6hmzzu_V6TDsEnz0HQRWfZ9vc0Wo-31G7QLW3g==&amp;ch=U6HZhE_nbGmMdW2yxs2dQ-teAG75Fs_F3-PLuHTp93gEaQ0k6xfBDw==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>to share your harvest story and photos. Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat&nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 1, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

From the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo...

This morning our gibbons had a little picnic before it gets too toasty. Just a reminder when the temps are over 90, the majority of our animals have access to their cooler indoor buildings and get to choose where they spend time.

From the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo...This morning our gibbons had a little picnic before it gets too toasty. Just a reminder when the temps are over 90, the majority of our animals have access to their cooler indoor buildings and get to choose where they spend time.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgreatbendzoo%2Fvideos%2F399013725494879%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

Bringing the Great Bend zoo to you

The Great Bend Recreation Commission announced the retirement of Executive Director Diann Henderson effective Oct. 31, 2022. Henderson has been involved within the park and recreation industry for 40 years. 

She has elevated the level of recreation within Great Bend with innovative recreation programs and services, guidance and leadership in the development of new recreation/park facilities and playgrounds.

At Monday’s Recreation Commission meeting, Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Jon Pike thanked Diann for her 40 years of service to the Recreation Commission and to Great Bend.

She has served as an elected board official for the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, serving Kansas municipal park and recreation departments and Recreation Commissions across the state. She served as KRPA President; served on the Midwest Region Park and Recreation Council; was a past Kansas delegate for the KRPA Legislative Forum in Washington DC; served on the KRPA Recreation Branch Board for 8 years; chaired the formation of KRPA Administrative Branch; and reinstated the KRPA Advocacy Committee.

She has been the recipient of numerous accolades: KRPA Distinguished Professional Award, KRPA Distinguished Fellow Award, KRPA Special Service Award, and KRPA Award for Excellence in Recreation Programming for the Lion’s Mural Project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under her guidance, the Great Bend Recreation Commission received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Chip Award for supporting healthy lifestyles through programs, policies and community wide events. 

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce awarded their Legacy Award to the Great Bend Recreation Commission in 2019. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655237615437.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Recreation Commission Executive Director Diann Henderson announced her plan to retire at the end of October.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Recreation Commission Executive Director Diann Henderson announced her plan to retire at the end of October.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Recreation Commission announced the retirement of Executive Director Diann Henderson effective Oct. 31, 2022. Henderson has been involved within the park and recreation industry for 40 years. She has elevated the level of recreation within Great Bend with innovative recreation programs and services, guidance and leadership in the development of new recreation/park facilities and playgrounds.At Monday’s Recreation Commission meeting, Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Jon Pike thanked Diann for her 40 years of service to the Recreation Commission and to Great Bend.She has served as an elected board official for the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, serving Kansas municipal park and recreation departments and Recreation Commissions across the state. She served as KRPA President; served on the Midwest Region Park and Recreation Council; was a past Kansas delegate for the KRPA Legislative Forum in Washington DC; served on the KRPA Recreation Branch Board for 8 years; chaired the formation of KRPA Administrative Branch; and reinstated the KRPA Advocacy Committee.She has been the recipient of numerous accolades: KRPA Distinguished Professional Award, KRPA Distinguished Fellow Award, KRPA Special Service Award, and KRPA Award for Excellence in Recreation Programming for the Lion’s Mural Project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under her guidance, the Great Bend Recreation Commission received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Chip Award for supporting healthy lifestyles through programs, policies and community wide events. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce awarded their Legacy Award to the Great Bend Recreation Commission in 2019.

Great Bend Rec Director Henderson to retire in October

On Monday, June 13 at approximately 12:18 a.m., a Great Bend Police Department officer checked on a suspicious vehicle behind a business in the 1300 block of Main Street. The officer contacted the driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, Andrea McAllaster, age 36.&nbsp; 

McAllaster advised officers on scene she did not know where she was, or what town she was in. She was subsequently arrested for DUI. 

Officers contacted the Police Department's DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) who responded to do additional evaluations on McAllaster. She was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, prescription medication and drug paraphernalia. 

McAllaster was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked in lieu of $10,000 bond. 

Anyone with information on this case, or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655238309408.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, June 13 at approximately 12:18 a.m., a Great Bend Police Department officer checked on a suspicious vehicle behind a business in the 1300 block of Main Street. The officer contacted the driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, Andrea McAllaster, age 36.&nbsp; McAllaster advised officers on scene she did not know where she was, or what town she was in. She was subsequently arrested for DUI. Officers contacted the Police Department's DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) who responded to do additional evaluations on McAllaster. She was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, prescription medication and drug paraphernalia. McAllaster was transported to the Barton County Jail and booked in lieu of $10,000 bond. Anyone with information on this case, or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.

DUI cited to woman in Great Bend confused of whereabouts 

If you drive by the south end of the Brit Spaugh Park in Great Bend, you’ll
see a small ballfield, old horseshoe “courts” and a gravel parking lot. That
could be changing soon. The City of Great Bend and Great Bend “Quality of Life”
sales tax committee have upgrades to the park high on their priority list. 
A master plan of an outdoor basketball court, pickleball courts and mini soccer
pitch on concrete or synthetic surfacing are all getting serious thought for
the spot just north of Park Elementary School. 
Great Bend Recreation Commission Assistant Superintendent and sales tax
committee member Chris Umphres said it would be wise to consider the whole
master plan before starting. 
"Obviously, this project could get really big, but if there is a cost savings by doing all three that's something to look at" said Umphres. "If you do a basketball court, pickleball court and mini pitch...all concrete projects...there is some cost sharing there." 
The City of Great Bend has $60,000 set aside for the basketball court. Private
donors and the Recreation Commission have considered the project as well. 
Great Bend voters passed a .15% sales tax increase last November to go toward “quality
of life” projects. Estimations calculate the tax will generate $565,000 per
year.

The sales tax committee discussed contributing funds to the Brit Spaugh
Park project this year. Many of the city council members were also in favor of paying for part of the project upfront and to be reimbursed through the sales tax
initiative later.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655147687872.jpeg" alt="Horseshoe "courts" on the south side of Brit Spaugh Park in Great Bend. Officials are wanting to bring a basketball court, pickleball courts and a soccer mini pitch to the area." />
 <figcaption>Horseshoe "courts" on the south side of Brit Spaugh Park in Great Bend. Officials are wanting to bring a basketball court, pickleball courts and a soccer mini pitch to the area.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIf you drive by the south end of the Brit Spaugh Park in Great Bend, you’ll
see a small ballfield, old horseshoe “courts” and a gravel parking lot. That
could be changing soon. The City of Great Bend and Great Bend “Quality of Life”
sales tax committee have upgrades to the park high on their priority list. 
A master plan of an outdoor basketball court, pickleball courts and mini soccer
pitch on concrete or synthetic surfacing are all getting serious thought for
the spot just north of Park Elementary School. 
Great Bend Recreation Commission Assistant Superintendent and sales tax
committee member Chris Umphres said it would be wise to consider the whole
master plan before starting. 
"Obviously, this project could get really big, but if there is a cost savings by doing all three that's something to look at" said Umphres. "If you do a basketball court, pickleball court and mini pitch...all concrete projects...there is some cost sharing there." 
The City of Great Bend has $60,000 set aside for the basketball court. Private
donors and the Recreation Commission have considered the project as well. 
Great Bend voters passed a .15% sales tax increase last November to go toward “quality
of life” projects. Estimations calculate the tax will generate $565,000 per
year. The sales tax committee discussed contributing funds to the Brit Spaugh
Park project this year. Many of the city council members were also in favor of paying for part of the project upfront and to be reimbursed through the sales tax
initiative later.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend wants to move forward with Brit Spaugh Park upgrades

The Great Bend school district wants to keep its employees. At Monday's Board of Education meeting, the district approved another round of retention payments to help make that happen. The board also reached an agreement for base pay for staff, and also finalized several other fees and reimbursements.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency (ESSER) federal funds were issued to districts last year to specifically address pandemic-related situations. Monday night the board voted to use those funds as retention bonuses for the upcoming school year.

"We're using that as a way to keep our staff with us," said Superintendent Khris Thexton. "I know there have been a lot of changes over the past year, especially with classified staff and other job opportunities out there. We wanted to use the ESSER-II dollars to keep that staff with us, instead of going after another job and bringing someone else in and trying to train them."

Certified employees will receive a one-time check of $1,500 in August. Classified employees will receive an extra 72 cents for every hour of work, paid out each paycheck. After an executive session, the board announced the starting pay for teachers in the district would be increased to $42,200. 

The board also approved the mileage reimbursement rate to qualified parents living outside of Great Bend city limits. Last year, 104 families participated in the program, transporting 176 students a total of more than 176,600 miles. The reimbursement rate, which saves the district from a district bus route, was set at 50 cents per mile.

The district will see higher meal prices for the 2022-23 year. There were no enrollment changes for the upcoming school year, but lunch prices for students K-12 in the district will increase 15 cents per meal. Milk prices also increased from 40 cents to 50 cents. Breakfast prices around the district increased from a dollar to $1.25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618411492425.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Great Bend school district wants to keep its employees. At Monday's Board of Education meeting, the district approved another round of retention payments to help make that happen. The board also reached an agreement for base pay for staff, and also finalized several other fees and reimbursements.Elementary and Secondary School Emergency (ESSER) federal funds were issued to districts last year to specifically address pandemic-related situations. Monday night the board voted to use those funds as retention bonuses for the upcoming school year."We're using that as a way to keep our staff with us," said Superintendent Khris Thexton. "I know there have been a lot of changes over the past year, especially with classified staff and other job opportunities out there. We wanted to use the ESSER-II dollars to keep that staff with us, instead of going after another job and bringing someone else in and trying to train them."Certified employees will receive a one-time check of $1,500 in August. Classified employees will receive an extra 72 cents for every hour of work, paid out each paycheck. After an executive session, the board announced the starting pay for teachers in the district would be increased to $42,200. The board also approved the mileage reimbursement rate to qualified parents living outside of Great Bend city limits. Last year, 104 families participated in the program, transporting 176 students a total of more than 176,600 miles. The reimbursement rate, which saves the district from a district bus route, was set at 50 cents per mile.The district will see higher meal prices for the 2022-23 year. There were no enrollment changes for the upcoming school year, but lunch prices for students K-12 in the district will increase 15 cents per meal. Milk prices also increased from 40 cents to 50 cents. Breakfast prices around the district increased from a dollar to $1.25.

Great Bend sets teacher pay at $42,200, adds retainment bonus

News from the Oil Patch, June 13 John P. Tretbar

Crude prices retreated from three-month highs after China warned of an "explosive" outbreak of COVID-19. By midday Monday, the benchmark futures contract in New York had dropped to $119.83 per barrel. London Brent was down to $121.19 per barrel.&nbsp;

Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped 75 cents on Friday and starts the week at $111 per barrel. The auto club AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was over $5.01 on Monday. A spokesperson said we may soon see people start to change their daily driving habits, or lifestyle, but it hasn't happened yet. Prices are 15 cents higher than a week ago, and nearly two dollars higher than last year at this time. There are 21 states with average prices over $5. The average in Kansas Monday was over $4.66 per gallon. The government reported a slight dip in domestic crude-oil production last week. The Energy Information Administration says US operators pumped 11.945 million barrels per day in the week through June 3rd. That's down 5,000 barrels per day from the week before. Imports were down as well. EIA reports average imports of 6.2 million barrels per day, down by 64-thousand barrels from the week before. Baker Hughes reports 733 active drilling rigs across the US on Friday, an increase of six oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was up five rigs. Texas was down one. Drilling was underway Friday on one lease in Russell County and another in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Kansas Regulators approved 21 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, ten in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, including one new permit in Stafford County. year-to-date, there are 649 new drilling permits in Kansas. Operators completed 19 new wells last week, nine of them east of Wichita and ten in Western Kansas including one in Barton County. That's 687 new well-completions so far this year. Oil-by-rail across the US was down nearly three hundred tanker carloads from the week before. The Association of American Railroads says that marks a 7.6% drop from a year ago. Traffic in Canada was down week-over-week, but up 4.4% over last year.

Russia's export revenues are &nbsp;actually rising since its invasion of Ukraine, thanks in part to a dramatic increase in crude purchases by India and other Asian nations. Analysts say Russia earned more than $97 BILLION dollars from fossil fuel exports in the first 100 days of the invasion. So far this year India has imported nearly 60-million barrels from Russia, nearly five times their total of 12 million barrels for all of &nbsp;last year. The Governor of Colorado last week signed into law a ban on certain chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The law banning so-called PFAs takes effect in 2024. It also bans a wide range of consumer items ranging from cosmetics to car seats. The government reports a continuing rise in oil-patch employment. The oilfield services and equipment sector saw employment rising by nearly five thousand jobs in May, with increases in five out of seven categories they tracked. The biggest spikes were in support activities, and engineering construction. There were slight losses in product and machine manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports says these are the best job totals in the patch since September 2021. The chief executive at Chevron tells Bloomberg TV there may never be a new refinery built in the US. The last new refinery was built in the 1970s. CEO Mike Wirth says you have to commit capital ten years ahead, and then wait decades for a return on investment, which he says is not easy in the current fiscal and political environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577789001883.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, June 13 John P. TretbarCrude prices retreated from three-month highs after China warned of an "explosive" outbreak of COVID-19. By midday Monday, the benchmark futures contract in New York had dropped to $119.83 per barrel. London Brent was down to $121.19 per barrel.&nbsp; Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson dropped 75 cents on Friday and starts the week at $111 per barrel. The auto club AAA reports the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was over $5.01 on Monday. A spokesperson said we may soon see people start to change their daily driving habits, or lifestyle, but it hasn't happened yet. Prices are 15 cents higher than a week ago, and nearly two dollars higher than last year at this time. There are 21 states with average prices over $5. The average in Kansas Monday was over $4.66 per gallon. The government reported a slight dip in domestic crude-oil production last week. The Energy Information Administration says US operators pumped 11.945 million barrels per day in the week through June 3rd. That's down 5,000 barrels per day from the week before. Imports were down as well. EIA reports average imports of 6.2 million barrels per day, down by 64-thousand barrels from the week before. Baker Hughes reports 733 active drilling rigs across the US on Friday, an increase of six oil rigs. The count in New Mexico was up five rigs. Texas was down one. Drilling was underway Friday on one lease in Russell County and another in Stafford County. Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports operators were about to spud a new well in Barton County. Kansas Regulators approved 21 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, ten in eastern Kansas and eleven west of Wichita, including one new permit in Stafford County. year-to-date, there are 649 new drilling permits in Kansas. Operators completed 19 new wells last week, nine of them east of Wichita and ten in Western Kansas including one in Barton County. That's 687 new well-completions so far this year. Oil-by-rail across the US was down nearly three hundred tanker carloads from the week before. The Association of American Railroads says that marks a 7.6% drop from a year ago. Traffic in Canada was down week-over-week, but up 4.4% over last year. Russia's export revenues are &nbsp;actually rising since its invasion of Ukraine, thanks in part to a dramatic increase in crude purchases by India and other Asian nations. Analysts say Russia earned more than $97 BILLION dollars from fossil fuel exports in the first 100 days of the invasion. So far this year India has imported nearly 60-million barrels from Russia, nearly five times their total of 12 million barrels for all of &nbsp;last year. The Governor of Colorado last week signed into law a ban on certain chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The law banning so-called PFAs takes effect in 2024. It also bans a wide range of consumer items ranging from cosmetics to car seats. The government reports a continuing rise in oil-patch employment. The oilfield services and equipment sector saw employment rising by nearly five thousand jobs in May, with increases in five out of seven categories they tracked. The biggest spikes were in support activities, and engineering construction. There were slight losses in product and machine manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports says these are the best job totals in the patch since September 2021. The chief executive at Chevron tells Bloomberg TV there may never be a new refinery built in the US. The last new refinery was built in the 1970s. CEO Mike Wirth says you have to commit capital ten years ahead, and then wait decades for a return on investment, which he says is not easy in the current fiscal and political environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: New COVID warning drops prices

A $6.43 million resurfacing project will start soon on K-4 and part of U.S. 281 in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves a mill and hot-mix-asphalt overlay on K-4 from the Rush/Barton county line on the west to the Rice County line on the east. The project will also involve a section of U.S. 281 that connects with K-4 in the middle of the county around Hoisington. The project is expected to begin around June 27 and be completed around mid-August. During the work, traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car, so motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop for the work zone. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $6,430,184 project. The map below shows the project location, marked in red.

A $6.43 million resurfacing project will start soon on K-4 and part of U.S. 281 in Barton County. The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves a mill and hot-mix-asphalt overlay on K-4 from the Rush/Barton county line on the west to the Rice County line on the east. The project will also involve a section of U.S. 281 that connects with K-4 in the middle of the county around Hoisington. The project is expected to begin around June 27 and be completed around mid-August. During the work, traffic will be reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car, so motorists should be prepared to slow down and stop for the work zone. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Venture Corp., of Great Bend, is the primary contractor for the $6,430,184 project. The map below shows the project location, marked in red.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655148556450.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

K-4, part of U.S. 281 to be resurfaced in Barton County

Following an online survey from the City of Great Bend asking citizens
to prioritize “quality of life” projects, the number one vote getter was a
city-wide cleanup. 

A 13-member committee, charged with determining how to use
the new .15% sales tax collections for quality of life projects, has discussed
ways of executing a cleanup. 

Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis has
talked with City of Ellinwood officials on how their city handles a city-wide
cleanup. To have multiple dumpsters for citizens to drop waste at for 10 days,
Ellinwood paid $4,700. "Ellinwood told me they were required to have separate dumpsters for mattresses, metals, tires, etc.," said Francis. "Some of the tires had rims on them, so they had to pay to have the rims taken off." 
With the size of Great Bend being larger than Ellinwood, Francis estimated it would
cost Great Bend $30,000 to do a similar city-wide cleanup with 6-10 dumpsters for
10 days.

Although the quality of life sales tax committee has been in favor of
the idea, there were Great Bend City Council members that questioned if a cleanup
qualifies as a “quality of life” project and if money could be found elsewhere for the project. 
"When Great Bend used to do it, the city went around to pick items up," said Francis. "People might expect that service. I did think there might be an opportunity to partner with volunteers to help the elderly pick up and deliver it." 
Sunflower Diversified Services has offered to allow the city to make use of
their west 10th Street property to put the dumpsters if the plan is
carried out. The suggested timeframe for the cleanup would be in October.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The sales tax committee plans to present a project recommendation to the Great Bend City Council Aug. 15 for approval.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651542404087.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFollowing an online survey from the City of Great Bend asking citizens
to prioritize “quality of life” projects, the number one vote getter was a
city-wide cleanup. A 13-member committee, charged with determining how to use
the new .15% sales tax collections for quality of life projects, has discussed
ways of executing a cleanup. Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis has
talked with City of Ellinwood officials on how their city handles a city-wide
cleanup. To have multiple dumpsters for citizens to drop waste at for 10 days,
Ellinwood paid $4,700. "Ellinwood told me they were required to have separate dumpsters for mattresses, metals, tires, etc.," said Francis. "Some of the tires had rims on them, so they had to pay to have the rims taken off." 
With the size of Great Bend being larger than Ellinwood, Francis estimated it would
cost Great Bend $30,000 to do a similar city-wide cleanup with 6-10 dumpsters for
10 days. Although the quality of life sales tax committee has been in favor of
the idea, there were Great Bend City Council members that questioned if a cleanup
qualifies as a “quality of life” project and if money could be found elsewhere for the project. 
"When Great Bend used to do it, the city went around to pick items up," said Francis. "People might expect that service. I did think there might be an opportunity to partner with volunteers to help the elderly pick up and deliver it." 
Sunflower Diversified Services has offered to allow the city to make use of
their west 10th Street property to put the dumpsters if the plan is
carried out. The suggested timeframe for the cleanup would be in October.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The sales tax committee plans to present a project recommendation to the Great Bend City Council Aug. 15 for approval.&nbsp;

Great Bend figuring out logistics of creating a city-wide cleanup

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (6/13) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 5:43 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 700 block of NW K-96
Highway. 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
At 2:27 p.m. hemorrhage/lacerations were reported at 513 E. 1st
Street in Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:45 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. Barton County Road &amp; SW
30. 
 
Prowler 
 
At 11:03 p.m. a prowler was reported at 624 Pawnee Avenue in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (6/13)

At 12:18 a.m. an officer arrested Andrea McAllaster for DUI, possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotics, possession of paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

At 1:45 a.m. a report of Kevin Keener intoxicated and yelling in the street was made at 1415 18th Street.

At 10:19 a.m. Anna Sakriska reported a dog left unattended in a vehicle at 3503 10th Street.

At 10:20 a.m. Kristi Stegman reported a possible theft at 1309 Warner Road.

At 2:36 p.m. Tianna Johnson reported an electrical fire at 4200 10th Street 157. Minor damage to light fixture.

At 12:17 p.m. Jim Jamieson reported a parking complaint on a flat bed trailer at 1217 Bradley Road.

At 12:17 p.m. an accident was reported at 3307 10th Street.

At 12:18 p.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported at 10th &amp; Harrison.

At 1:33 p.m. Debra Wright reported a possible theft at 3821 10th Street. Rings were located.

At 8:49 p.m. an accident was reported at 4209 10th Street.

At 8:56 p.m. a report of unknown subject in a green Pontiac pointing a gun at him was made at 10th Street &amp; the 281 Bypass.

At 9:48 p.m. Luis Calzada Santoya was arrested for DUI, no DL and ITOL at 32nd &amp; Main.

At 10:23 p.m. Luis Calzada Santoya was southbound in the 3200 block of Main Street and went into the ditch and struck a culvert.

At 11:48 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 10th &amp; Macarthur Road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (6/13) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 5:43 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in the 700 block of NW K-96
Highway. 
 
Hemorrhage / Lacerations 
 
At 2:27 p.m. hemorrhage/lacerations were reported at 513 E. 1st
Street in Hoisington. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 8:45 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at W. Barton County Road &amp; SW
30. 
 
Prowler 
 
At 11:03 p.m. a prowler was reported at 624 Pawnee Avenue in Pawnee Rock. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (6/13)Traffic ArrestAt 12:18 a.m. an officer arrested Andrea McAllaster for DUI, possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotics, possession of paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.DisturbanceAt 1:45 a.m. a report of Kevin Keener intoxicated and yelling in the street was made at 1415 18th Street.Animal ComplaintAt 10:19 a.m. Anna Sakriska reported a dog left unattended in a vehicle at 3503 10th Street.TheftAt 10:20 a.m. Kristi Stegman reported a possible theft at 1309 Warner Road.Structure FireAt 2:36 p.m. Tianna Johnson reported an electrical fire at 4200 10th Street 157. Minor damage to light fixture.Parking ComplaintAt 12:17 p.m. Jim Jamieson reported a parking complaint on a flat bed trailer at 1217 Bradley Road.Injury AccidentAt 12:17 p.m. an accident was reported at 3307 10th Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 12:18 p.m. a two-vehicle accident was reported at 10th &amp; Harrison.TheftAt 1:33 p.m. Debra Wright reported a possible theft at 3821 10th Street. Rings were located.Non-Injury AccidentAt 8:49 p.m. an accident was reported at 4209 10th Street.Armed SubjectAt 8:56 p.m. a report of unknown subject in a green Pontiac pointing a gun at him was made at 10th Street &amp; the 281 Bypass.Traffic ArrestAt 9:48 p.m. Luis Calzada Santoya was arrested for DUI, no DL and ITOL at 32nd &amp; Main.Non-Injury AccidentAt 10:23 p.m. Luis Calzada Santoya was southbound in the 3200 block of Main Street and went into the ditch and struck a culvert.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 11:48 p.m. the K-9 was called out at 10th &amp; Macarthur Road.

Cop Shop (6/13)

6/13 BOOKED: Andrea Mcallaster on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Meth, Possession of Narcotic, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Charles Rowe, Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Savannah Bradshaw on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond. Also booked on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Stimulants and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Norma Ramirez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Jonathan Panning on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Nathan Warner on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Battery, Criminal Threat, and Criminal Damage, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Shives on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $662.50 cash only. Booked on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $165 cash only.

RELEASED: Horacio Carrasco on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Rebecca Muckenthaler on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation.

RELEASED: Jonathan Panning on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Norma Ramirez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $200 cash bond.

RELEASED: Nathan Warner on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Battery, Criminal Threat, and Criminal Damage, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Charles Rowe, Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>6/13 BOOKED: Andrea Mcallaster on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Meth, Possession of Narcotic, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Driving Under the Influence, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Charles Rowe, Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Savannah Bradshaw on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR bond. Also booked on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Stimulants and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Norma Ramirez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Jonathan Panning on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Nathan Warner on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Battery, Criminal Threat, and Criminal Damage, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Shives on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $662.50 cash only. Booked on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $165 cash only.RELEASED: Horacio Carrasco on Barton County District Court case for Driving Without a License, after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Rebecca Muckenthaler on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation.RELEASED: Jonathan Panning on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Norma Ramirez on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $200 cash bond.RELEASED: Nathan Warner on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Battery, Criminal Threat, and Criminal Damage, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Charles Rowe, Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Battery, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (6-13)

With gas prices now exceeding five dollars a gallon for the first time in U.S. history, no one remains untouched. For local law enforcement, which uses vehicles as a primary tool, the problem is exponential. Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is trying to deal with the new budget crisis.

"It's wrecking my budget," he said. "We buy from four or five local suppliers here in town. The main one where most of the guys go, it went from about $6,200 a month to over $10,000. It's going to wreck my budget this year."

With 901 square miles of coverage across Barton County, Bellendir estimates his deputies drive between 50 to 125 miles per vehicle, per shift. With the cost of fuel, each of those miles is now a burden.

"At this point, the only solution I would have is to cut services or quit patrolling, and we can't do that," he said. "We're just going to have to proceed and try to cut in other areas of my budget. I've left my budget flat for the last three years and I don't have much fat to be cutting off. I'm going to try and stay under budget, but at the current rate it's not looking good."

Bellendir has already submitted his 2023 budget, asking for a 42-percent increase in fuel costs. And his problems do not end there. The cost of running a jail is also soaring due to inflation.

"Everybody at home is faced with food prices, just general inflation of about eight percent," he said. "I'm running a jail down here with an average capacity of about 85 people a day. I'm having to buy groceries, laundry detergent, and the same things you're buying at home. I'm dealing with the same inflation, only for almost 100 people down here. This is going to be a real issue for sheriffs and government where we're running jails. It's going to be hard to stay under budget and it's going to call for some pretty serious budget increases this year."

At this time, Bellendir has no intention of cutting services. But the struggle grows in finding ways to finance the services the Barton County Sheriff's Office provides.

"We cannot sit back and be reactive," he said. "We must be proactive if we're going to reduce crime in our county. The only way to do that is to patrol. The other difference I have with a police department, other than the huge expanse of mileage I have, is I'm running a jail. These people need to be fed, clothed, housed. They need medical attention. Utilities are going up, medical costs are going up. All of this is going to affect my jail operations." 

As of Monday, the AAA reported the national average of a gallon of gas at $5.01. Some states are recording prices as high as $6.43 a gallon, and the Kansas average is at $4.66.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579882402702.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWith gas prices now exceeding five dollars a gallon for the first time in U.S. history, no one remains untouched. For local law enforcement, which uses vehicles as a primary tool, the problem is exponential. Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir is trying to deal with the new budget crisis."It's wrecking my budget," he said. "We buy from four or five local suppliers here in town. The main one where most of the guys go, it went from about $6,200 a month to over $10,000. It's going to wreck my budget this year."With 901 square miles of coverage across Barton County, Bellendir estimates his deputies drive between 50 to 125 miles per vehicle, per shift. With the cost of fuel, each of those miles is now a burden."At this point, the only solution I would have is to cut services or quit patrolling, and we can't do that," he said. "We're just going to have to proceed and try to cut in other areas of my budget. I've left my budget flat for the last three years and I don't have much fat to be cutting off. I'm going to try and stay under budget, but at the current rate it's not looking good."Bellendir has already submitted his 2023 budget, asking for a 42-percent increase in fuel costs. And his problems do not end there. The cost of running a jail is also soaring due to inflation."Everybody at home is faced with food prices, just general inflation of about eight percent," he said. "I'm running a jail down here with an average capacity of about 85 people a day. I'm having to buy groceries, laundry detergent, and the same things you're buying at home. I'm dealing with the same inflation, only for almost 100 people down here. This is going to be a real issue for sheriffs and government where we're running jails. It's going to be hard to stay under budget and it's going to call for some pretty serious budget increases this year."At this time, Bellendir has no intention of cutting services. But the struggle grows in finding ways to finance the services the Barton County Sheriff's Office provides."We cannot sit back and be reactive," he said. "We must be proactive if we're going to reduce crime in our county. The only way to do that is to patrol. The other difference I have with a police department, other than the huge expanse of mileage I have, is I'm running a jail. These people need to be fed, clothed, housed. They need medical attention. Utilities are going up, medical costs are going up. All of this is going to affect my jail operations." As of Monday, the AAA reported the national average of a gallon of gas at $5.01. Some states are recording prices as high as $6.43 a gallon, and the Kansas average is at $4.66.

Barton Co. Sheriff: Fuel prices, inflation wrecking budget

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 22 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 91. South southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North northeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming east after midnight.

Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. South southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72.

Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73.

Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy.

Today Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 22 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 91. South southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Wednesday Night A 20-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 67. North northeast wind 7 to 9 mph becoming east after midnight.Thursday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. South southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72.Friday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 72.Saturday Sunny and hot, with a high near 98.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 73.Sunday Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Breezy.Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Breezy.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Breezy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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