On Wednesday, May 25 at approximately 10:56 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 200 block of Chestnut Street in reference to an unknown male with a flashlight. 

Upon officers’ arrival, contact was made with Eduardo Torres, age 42. During the encounter, Torres removed his hands from his pockets dropping items to the floor. Officers located and secured a small bag containing a white powdery substance, a small bag containing a green leafy vegetation and a broken glass pipe. 

Officers field tested both substances in each bag which tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. 

Torres was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Torres was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and held on a $10,000 bond. 

If anyone has any information regarding this or any other investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at (620) 793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at (620) 792-1300.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653575749855.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, May 25 at approximately 10:56 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 200 block of Chestnut Street in reference to an unknown male with a flashlight. Upon officers’ arrival, contact was made with Eduardo Torres, age 42. During the encounter, Torres removed his hands from his pockets dropping items to the floor. Officers located and secured a small bag containing a white powdery substance, a small bag containing a green leafy vegetation and a broken glass pipe. Officers field tested both substances in each bag which tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. Torres was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Torres was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and held on a $10,000 bond. If anyone has any information regarding this or any other investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at (620) 793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at (620) 792-1300.

Great Bend drug arrest on Chestnut St.

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Feeling the pressure. 
Shortly after the Hoisington High School softball team lost to Haven in the 3rd-place
game at the 3A State Tournament last year, coach Tim Boxberger heard from parents and
fans that the Lady Cardinals would be back and they were already booking their
reservations in Manhattan for next year. 
“It was a lot of pressure put on these girls,” said Boxberger. “I said hold on,
now. How about we get through the season and see how it goes first.” 
Last year’s team finished 20-6 and lost to the eventual state champion Cheney 4-2
in the semifinals. Hoisington returned seven starters in 2022, including
all-state pitcher Kassidy Nixon. Nixon completed her junior season last year by
going 13-2 with an earned run average (ERA) of 1.79 with 144 strikeouts. 
“The girls said they felt the pressure throughout the season to return to
state,” added Boxberger. 
The “empty” words of encouragement at the time from parents and fans a year ago held true
as Hoisington was able to earn a spot back at the state tournament by picking
up an 11-0 win over Beloit in the Regional Championship game last week in Hays. 
“Getting back to state was a big relief for both the coaches and the girls,”
said Boxberger. “Every time we would play we’d hear ‘you guys are great and we’ll
see you at the tournament.’ I just wanted to take it one game at a time. Since
we beat Beloit, it seems like everyone is relaxed.” 
Hoisington outscored their three Regional opponents 40-0 last week on their
path to getting back to state. The Cardinals earned the #1 seed at the 3A
tournament and will face Santa Fe Trail High School in the first round at 5
p.m. Thursday, May 26 at Manhattan’s Twin Oaks Sports Complex.

Hoisington won their first 11 games this spring, but Boxberger was not overly
impressed with the team’s defense. For a team with a batting average of .405,
the Cards hit all season long, but were surrendering more runs than coach
desired. 
“Our defense just wasn’t there,” said Boxberger. “I don’t know if it was the weather,
lack of focus or maybe our heads were too big. We won all those games and swept
Pratt and Haven.” 
It may have taken a road loss to Halstead in late April to truly get this
Hoisington team in the right frame of mind. In their first 12 games, the
Cardinals gave up 50 runs. Since losing to Halstead, Hoisington has won 11
straight and outscored their opponents 162-3. 
“Once we got beat, it just seemed everything at practice got a little sharper,”
said Boxberger. “Girls were asking for more groundballs and more fly balls.
From that point forward, we’ve played our best softball.”

Hoisington (22-1), is led by their four seniors Gracie Aylward, Shaylah Kempke,
Kadence Urban and Nixon, all hitting over .368 this year. Those four lead off
the batting lineup for coach Boxberger. 
“I was thinking during the offseason where I was going to bat everyone,” said
Boxberger. “I told myself not to screw it up and just put those four at the top
and let them do their thing. They’re all good hitters so let’s just stack it.” 
Nixon has repeated her success in the circle this year supporting a 13-0 record
and an ERA at 1.42. Nixon, a standout athlete in volleyball and basketball for
Central Plains High School, received some relief this year with sophomore
pitcher Jordyn Boxberger, Tim’s daughter. Jordyn went 9-1 with an ERA of 1.12
and often started the second game of doubleheaders. 
“Kassidy was able to keep that arm fresher for the postseason,” said Boxberger.
“I think last year we had to pitch her more than we wanted to. Jordyn and
Kassidy feed off each other. If one throws a one-hitter, the other one wants to
match it. Kassidy has been great for Jordyn’s development.” 
Out of Hoisington’s 23 games this year, 17 have ended early in shortened
run-rule victories, including all three at Regionals last week. 
“We had goals of winning the whole thing last year,” said Boxberger. “Cheney
knocked us out in the semifinals and they got a big, two-out hit and we didn’t.
That was pretty much the difference in the game. That was a thorn in our
side all summer. We were waiting to get this season started to get rid of some
of that pain. Hopefully, we can get the big hit when we need it this year.” 
The broadcast for the first round matchup with Hoisington and Santa Fe Trail
Thursday will air on 100.7 FM or online <a href="https://khokfm.com/">HERE</a>. Pregame
starts at 4:45 p.m. with the game beginning at 5 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Listen below to the entire interview with Boxberger and Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653511713553.jpeg" alt="The 2022 Hoisington High School softball team will compete at the 3A State Tournament in Manhattan Thursday, May 26 at 5 p.m. against Santa Fe Trail. The broadcast will air on 100.7 FM and online <a href="https://khokfm.com/">HERE</a>." />
 <figcaption>The 2022 Hoisington High School softball team will compete at the 3A State Tournament in Manhattan Thursday, May 26 at 5 p.m. against Santa Fe Trail. The broadcast will air on 100.7 FM and online <a href="https://khokfm.com/">HERE</a>.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostFeeling the pressure. 
Shortly after the Hoisington High School softball team lost to Haven in the 3rd-place
game at the 3A State Tournament last year, coach Tim Boxberger heard from parents and
fans that the Lady Cardinals would be back and they were already booking their
reservations in Manhattan for next year. 
“It was a lot of pressure put on these girls,” said Boxberger. “I said hold on,
now. How about we get through the season and see how it goes first.” 
Last year’s team finished 20-6 and lost to the eventual state champion Cheney 4-2
in the semifinals. Hoisington returned seven starters in 2022, including
all-state pitcher Kassidy Nixon. Nixon completed her junior season last year by
going 13-2 with an earned run average (ERA) of 1.79 with 144 strikeouts. 
“The girls said they felt the pressure throughout the season to return to
state,” added Boxberger. 
The “empty” words of encouragement at the time from parents and fans a year ago held true
as Hoisington was able to earn a spot back at the state tournament by picking
up an 11-0 win over Beloit in the Regional Championship game last week in Hays. 
“Getting back to state was a big relief for both the coaches and the girls,”
said Boxberger. “Every time we would play we’d hear ‘you guys are great and we’ll
see you at the tournament.’ I just wanted to take it one game at a time. Since
we beat Beloit, it seems like everyone is relaxed.” 
Hoisington outscored their three Regional opponents 40-0 last week on their
path to getting back to state. The Cardinals earned the #1 seed at the 3A
tournament and will face Santa Fe Trail High School in the first round at 5
p.m. Thursday, May 26 at Manhattan’s Twin Oaks Sports Complex.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653504960763.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington won their first 11 games this spring, but Boxberger was not overly
impressed with the team’s defense. For a team with a batting average of .405,
the Cards hit all season long, but were surrendering more runs than coach
desired. 
“Our defense just wasn’t there,” said Boxberger. “I don’t know if it was the weather,
lack of focus or maybe our heads were too big. We won all those games and swept
Pratt and Haven.” 
It may have taken a road loss to Halstead in late April to truly get this
Hoisington team in the right frame of mind. In their first 12 games, the
Cardinals gave up 50 runs. Since losing to Halstead, Hoisington has won 11
straight and outscored their opponents 162-3. 
“Once we got beat, it just seemed everything at practice got a little sharper,”
said Boxberger. “Girls were asking for more groundballs and more fly balls.
From that point forward, we’ve played our best softball.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653512579936.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington (22-1), is led by their four seniors Gracie Aylward, Shaylah Kempke,
Kadence Urban and Nixon, all hitting over .368 this year. Those four lead off
the batting lineup for coach Boxberger. 
“I was thinking during the offseason where I was going to bat everyone,” said
Boxberger. “I told myself not to screw it up and just put those four at the top
and let them do their thing. They’re all good hitters so let’s just stack it.” 
Nixon has repeated her success in the circle this year supporting a 13-0 record
and an ERA at 1.42. Nixon, a standout athlete in volleyball and basketball for
Central Plains High School, received some relief this year with sophomore
pitcher Jordyn Boxberger, Tim’s daughter. Jordyn went 9-1 with an ERA of 1.12
and often started the second game of doubleheaders. 
“Kassidy was able to keep that arm fresher for the postseason,” said Boxberger.
“I think last year we had to pitch her more than we wanted to. Jordyn and
Kassidy feed off each other. If one throws a one-hitter, the other one wants to
match it. Kassidy has been great for Jordyn’s development.” 
Out of Hoisington’s 23 games this year, 17 have ended early in shortened
run-rule victories, including all three at Regionals last week. 
“We had goals of winning the whole thing last year,” said Boxberger. “Cheney
knocked us out in the semifinals and they got a big, two-out hit and we didn’t.
That was pretty much the difference in the game. That was a thorn in our
side all summer. We were waiting to get this season started to get rid of some
of that pain. Hopefully, we can get the big hit when we need it this year.” 
The broadcast for the first round matchup with Hoisington and Santa Fe Trail
Thursday will air on 100.7 FM or online <a href="https://khokfm.com/">HERE</a>. Pregame
starts at 4:45 p.m. with the game beginning at 5 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Listen below to the entire interview with Boxberger and Eagle Radio's Cole Reif.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/dav1y3rq/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

Under Pressure: How Hoisington 🥎 made their return to state

Sunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Clear, with a low around 50. North wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Mostly clear, with a low around 62. South southeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.SaturdaySunny, with a high near 93. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Breezy.SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 95. Breezy.

Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Breezy.

Sunny, with a high near 92. Breezy.

Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Breezy.

Sunny, with a high near 89. Breezy.

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Breezy.

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

TodaySunny, with a high near 72. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.TonightClear, with a low around 50. North wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.FridaySunny, with a high near 86. South wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 62. South southeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.SaturdaySunny, with a high near 93. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 69. Breezy.SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 95. Breezy.Sunday NightMostly clear, with a low around 72. Breezy.Memorial DaySunny, with a high near 92. Breezy.Monday NightMostly clear, with a low around 70. Breezy.TuesdaySunny, with a high near 89. Breezy.Tuesday NightA 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Breezy.WednesdayA 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79.

Thursday’s Weather

Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Ribbon Cutting

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

VFW – Post 3111 Morrison McFadden 504 Washington St.

The VFW Post and Auxiliary 3111 has been a part of Great Bend since 1953, and presently together has over 500 members. The Post and Auxiliary work together for community projects and scholarships, such as Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy. The combined efforts are also evident the Saturday before Veterans Day when they hand out Buddy Poppies for donations, which are returned 100% directly back to the community. The mission of VFW members is to help others, supporting each other, and giving back to the community.

Join us at 504 Washington Street. where VFW Post 3111 will host a Chamber After Hours event on Thursday, May 26th! All Chamber members are invited to the free event, where you can enjoy delicious food, door prize drawings, and networking opportunities with other members of the community. Comfort Pro is Co-Sponsoring the After Hours at the VFW. The VFW will provide the snack foods and Comfort Pro will provide 2 drink tickets per person. The VFW will provide a brief program at 6:00 pm. Door prize drawings will follow. No RSVP’s are required to attend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592426026608.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday, May 26Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Ribbon CuttingDoors open at 9 a.m. and the program starts at 9:30 a.m. – Join in-person or watch virtually on Facebook LIVE &amp; YouTube.VFW – Post 3111 Morrison McFadden 504 Washington St.The VFW Post and Auxiliary 3111 has been a part of Great Bend since 1953, and presently together has over 500 members. The Post and Auxiliary work together for community projects and scholarships, such as Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy. The combined efforts are also evident the Saturday before Veterans Day when they hand out Buddy Poppies for donations, which are returned 100% directly back to the community. The mission of VFW members is to help others, supporting each other, and giving back to the community.---Thursday, May 26Chamber After Hours!VFW Post 3111 504 Washington St.Join us at 504 Washington Street. where VFW Post 3111 will host a Chamber After Hours event on Thursday, May 26th! All Chamber members are invited to the free event, where you can enjoy delicious food, door prize drawings, and networking opportunities with other members of the community. Comfort Pro is Co-Sponsoring the After Hours at the VFW. The VFW will provide the snack foods and Comfort Pro will provide 2 drink tickets per person. The VFW will provide a brief program at 6:00 pm. Door prize drawings will follow. No RSVP’s are required to attend.

Great Bend Chamber coffee & ribbon cutting (5/26)

Seven years ago, Juvenile Services in Barton County started a pilot
program at Riley Elementary School in Great Bend to help sixth grade students
build bright futures. The All Stars program provides consistent and integrated
tools for preventing substance misuse, fighting, bullying and the initiation of
sexual activity. The program has grown to all the grade schools in Great Bend,
Hoisington and Claflin. 

Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee said All
Stars is carried out at a significant time in the children’s lives. 
"We want to build up young leaders so they hold true to their commitments and reputations so it carries forward with them in middle school and high school," said Woodmansee. "Data tells us those critical times are the next few years for these students. It's new and we have all of our schools converging into the middle school. It's important that they stay committed to those futures." 
Blakelee Cooper facilitated All Stars at Holy Family School in Great Bend and
said students get the chance to talk about behaviors they want to be known for
and those characteristics they want to avoid when they get older. 
"One class period, I handed out notecards and told them this was going to be anonymous," said Cooper. "I just want you to write down some things you're struggling with. I read them out loud to the class and we had tears. I couldn't believe these sixth graders were going through this. I opened the floor for discussion on how we can support each other and no one is alone." 
A pair of Riley Elementary School All Stars graduates spoke before the Barton
County Commission Wednesday and expressed the lessons they learned through the
program. 
Juvenile Services works to receive grant money to fund All Stars and the
training that is needed for instructors.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653498972194.jpeg" alt="A pair of students facilitators of All Stars pose for a picture with the Barton County Commission on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. All Stars is an intervention program to reduce adolescents' engagement in risk behaviors such as substance abuse, violence and sexual activity." />
 <figcaption>A pair of students facilitators of All Stars pose for a picture with the Barton County Commission on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. All Stars is an intervention program to reduce adolescents' engagement in risk behaviors such as substance abuse, violence and sexual activity.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostSeven years ago, Juvenile Services in Barton County started a pilot
program at Riley Elementary School in Great Bend to help sixth grade students
build bright futures. The All Stars program provides consistent and integrated
tools for preventing substance misuse, fighting, bullying and the initiation of
sexual activity. The program has grown to all the grade schools in Great Bend,
Hoisington and Claflin. Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee said All
Stars is carried out at a significant time in the children’s lives. 
"We want to build up young leaders so they hold true to their commitments and reputations so it carries forward with them in middle school and high school," said Woodmansee. "Data tells us those critical times are the next few years for these students. It's new and we have all of our schools converging into the middle school. It's important that they stay committed to those futures." 
Blakelee Cooper facilitated All Stars at Holy Family School in Great Bend and
said students get the chance to talk about behaviors they want to be known for
and those characteristics they want to avoid when they get older. 
"One class period, I handed out notecards and told them this was going to be anonymous," said Cooper. "I just want you to write down some things you're struggling with. I read them out loud to the class and we had tears. I couldn't believe these sixth graders were going through this. I opened the floor for discussion on how we can support each other and no one is alone." 
A pair of Riley Elementary School All Stars graduates spoke before the Barton
County Commission Wednesday and expressed the lessons they learned through the
program. 
Juvenile Services works to receive grant money to fund All Stars and the
training that is needed for instructors.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Program finding success in Barton Co. reducing children’s risk behaviors

As Great Bend Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer evaluates if
overgrown vegetation violations are decreasing, he notes there will always be
the same chronic violators. Many of the issues come from abandoned properties,
owners that live out of town, elderly owners or those that cannot afford the lawn
maintenance. 

Keffer said his department attempts to work with property owners
prior to taking the abatement route. "If we come by your property and it looks like you're making an effort, we going to contact you," said Keffer. "We try to make contact with people. I make sure my guys go up on the porch with a card and knock on the door. Whether we make contact or not, we'll send out a letter." 
Tall grass or other vegetation has a blighting influence on a neighborhood and
can harbor creatures which causes a public safety issue. Because of this, any
grass or weeds taller than nine inches is in violation. Keffer reminds
residents, this applies to your alley or easement too. 
"Some property owners that we come in contact with are unaware that anything outside their fence is their responsibility," said Keffer. "It is. Halfway out into that alley is your property to take care of, even though the city has use of it." 
If the code enforcement department sees a violation, the property owner will
receive a letter in the mail. From receipt of that letter, the owner has 10
days to mow the grass. If not remedied, city staff or contractors will abate
the property for a fee.

On overgrown vegetation, owners get one notification of
a violation per year. The city has the right to abate the property multiple
times throughout the year without sending another notice.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594141191744.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs Great Bend Code Enforcement Supervisor Art Keffer evaluates if
overgrown vegetation violations are decreasing, he notes there will always be
the same chronic violators. Many of the issues come from abandoned properties,
owners that live out of town, elderly owners or those that cannot afford the lawn
maintenance. Keffer said his department attempts to work with property owners
prior to taking the abatement route. "If we come by your property and it looks like you're making an effort, we going to contact you," said Keffer. "We try to make contact with people. I make sure my guys go up on the porch with a card and knock on the door. Whether we make contact or not, we'll send out a letter." 
Tall grass or other vegetation has a blighting influence on a neighborhood and
can harbor creatures which causes a public safety issue. Because of this, any
grass or weeds taller than nine inches is in violation. Keffer reminds
residents, this applies to your alley or easement too. 
"Some property owners that we come in contact with are unaware that anything outside their fence is their responsibility," said Keffer. "It is. Halfway out into that alley is your property to take care of, even though the city has use of it." 
If the code enforcement department sees a violation, the property owner will
receive a letter in the mail. From receipt of that letter, the owner has 10
days to mow the grass. If not remedied, city staff or contractors will abate
the property for a fee. On overgrown vegetation, owners get one notification of
a violation per year. The city has the right to abate the property multiple
times throughout the year without sending another notice.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Keeping the grass below 9 inches in Great Bend

Hear this week's Pages in Time show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton County Historical Society Board of Directors member Justin Engleman and Research and Collection Specialist Linda McCaffery that aired May 23, 2022.&nbsp;

Pages in Time program airs every Monday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. with either new or encore episodes.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's Pages in Time show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton County Historical Society Board of Directors member Justin Engleman and Research and Collection Specialist Linda McCaffery that aired May 23, 2022.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/zzeeua5m/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>Pages in Time program airs every Monday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. with either new or encore episodes.&nbsp;

🎧Pages in Time show with Engleman & McCaffery

In February, the Barton County Commission approved funding for the
restoration of two stone murals at Hillcrest Cemetery, north of Great Bend. 
Local artist Melanie Ryan completed one of the murals with cleaning and paint
restoration. 
Barton County Road &amp; Bridge Director Darren Williams oversees the memorial
parks and said the cemetery board wanted to see improvements to the existing
murals. 
"Commissioners approved the restoration and it turned out to be a really nice project," said Williams. "Those two murals have been out there since the place was built. Over the years, the paint has weathered off. It needed a touchup to get it back to life." 
Ryan was chosen to complete the project for $5,300.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653460379833.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn February, the Barton County Commission approved funding for the
restoration of two stone murals at Hillcrest Cemetery, north of Great Bend. 
Local artist Melanie Ryan completed one of the murals with cleaning and paint
restoration. 
Barton County Road &amp; Bridge Director Darren Williams oversees the memorial
parks and said the cemetery board wanted to see improvements to the existing
murals. 
"Commissioners approved the restoration and it turned out to be a really nice project," said Williams. "Those two murals have been out there since the place was built. Over the years, the paint has weathered off. It needed a touchup to get it back to life." 
Ryan was chosen to complete the project for $5,300.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653460541382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County cemetery mural gets restored

The May 25, 2022, Barton County Commission agenda action includes:

APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:  -An Accounts Payable Register was approved for the period of May 11, 2022, and ending May 25, 2022.  

NEW BUSINESS - JUVENILE SERVICES:  All Stars Graduation – Riley Elementary (USD 428):  -Michelle Daniel, Riley Elementary All Stars Facilitator, was joined by Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, and Blakelee Cooper, Case Manager, to introduce sixth grade students who have just graduated from the All Stars program.  The program is designed to change lives by helping young people build bright futures. Beginning in the upper grades of elementary school and continuing through high school, All Stars provides consistent and integrated tools for preventing substance misuse, fighting, bullying and the initiation of sexual activity.  Information only.  

SOLID WASTE:   Diesel Fuel Quote 2022:  -Jennifer Hamby, Interim Solid Waste Director, provided details.  The Barton County Landfill accepted quotes to purchase 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel.  The quote requested a price per gallon, with the fuel price extending through June 1, 2023, or the 25,000 gallon mark is exceeded.     Great Bend CO-OP provided the only bid at $3.79 per gallon.  That bid was accepted.

TAX SALE UPDATE:    -Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, provided an update on the 2022 tax sale.  The sale has been filed and summons mailed.  To arrangement for payment, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 620.793.1831.  

It was announced that County Business Offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.  The Health Department, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the County Landfill will also be closed that day.  Emergency services will be in normal operation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630010073223.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The May 25, 2022, Barton County Commission agenda action includes:APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: -An Accounts Payable Register was approved for the period of May 11, 2022, and ending May 25, 2022. NEW BUSINESS - JUVENILE SERVICES: All Stars Graduation – Riley Elementary (USD 428): -Michelle Daniel, Riley Elementary All Stars Facilitator, was joined by Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, and Blakelee Cooper, Case Manager, to introduce sixth grade students who have just graduated from the All Stars program. The program is designed to change lives by helping young people build bright futures. Beginning in the upper grades of elementary school and continuing through high school, All Stars provides consistent and integrated tools for preventing substance misuse, fighting, bullying and the initiation of sexual activity. Information only. SOLID WASTE: Diesel Fuel Quote 2022: -Jennifer Hamby, Interim Solid Waste Director, provided details. The Barton County Landfill accepted quotes to purchase 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The quote requested a price per gallon, with the fuel price extending through June 1, 2023, or the 25,000 gallon mark is exceeded. Great Bend CO-OP provided the only bid at $3.79 per gallon. That bid was accepted.TAX SALE UPDATE: -Patrick Hoffman, County Counselor, provided an update on the 2022 tax sale. The sale has been filed and summons mailed. To arrangement for payment, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 620.793.1831. It was announced that County Business Offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2022, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The Health Department, the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office and the County Landfill will also be closed that day. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

Action from the Barton County Commission meeting (5/25)

Barton County is already preparing for the 2022 tax sale in October. There
were 158 notices sent to owners in the county letting them know they are behind
on property taxes. 

County Counselor Patrick Hoffman said that number will get
down to around 50 by the time the tax sale arrives as more owners pay off what
they owe. Usually, the properties that make it to the sale are houses the owner
is not interested in keeping. 
"The property might be in disrepair," said Hoffman. "Sometimes the owner passed away and there is disputed ownership. It is generally not people that want to keep the property and don't have the money. It's usually properties that have some sort of unusual issue with ownership." 
Commercial properties are listed on the tax sale if they become two years
behind on property taxes. Residential houses become part of the sale if they
are three years behind on taxes.&nbsp; 
"There are always a few properties that sell for more than what is the county's money," said Hoffman. "We get paid in full and then the court holds the excess. Then the court will notify anyone that might have an interest. We don't just give it to a lienholder. A lienholder or owner can come dispute who gets the money." 
The 2022 Barton County tax sale is scheduled for Oct. 11 at the
Great Bend Events Center. Landowners have until Oct. 7 to pay
off their back taxes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642622952592.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton County is already preparing for the 2022 tax sale in October. There
were 158 notices sent to owners in the county letting them know they are behind
on property taxes. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman said that number will get
down to around 50 by the time the tax sale arrives as more owners pay off what
they owe. Usually, the properties that make it to the sale are houses the owner
is not interested in keeping. 
"The property might be in disrepair," said Hoffman. "Sometimes the owner passed away and there is disputed ownership. It is generally not people that want to keep the property and don't have the money. It's usually properties that have some sort of unusual issue with ownership." 
Commercial properties are listed on the tax sale if they become two years
behind on property taxes. Residential houses become part of the sale if they
are three years behind on taxes.&nbsp; 
"There are always a few properties that sell for more than what is the county's money," said Hoffman. "We get paid in full and then the court holds the excess. Then the court will notify anyone that might have an interest. We don't just give it to a lienholder. A lienholder or owner can come dispute who gets the money." 
The 2022 Barton County tax sale is scheduled for Oct. 11 at the
Great Bend Events Center. Landowners have until Oct. 7 to pay
off their back taxes.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

158 properties on Barton County’s tax sale currently

In a strategic planning report presented to the Barton Community College
Board of Trustees Tuesday, the college’s Director of Institutional Research
Todd Mobray explained the population cliff in the United States and the
challenges of decreasing enrollment. 

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported
the country had the lowest annual population growth in U.S. history at .12%, or
roughly three million. Kansas is one of 13 states that has had a population
decline in two of the last three years. 
With fewer and fewer “Kansas kids,” Mobray said the United States is projected
to grow by nearly 14 percent, largely through immigration, by 2050. 
"In a study by the United Nations in 2019, there were 158 million people in Europe that said if they were able to, they would move to the United States," said Mobray. "There's a lower birth rate now in the United States, but we have options. It might be good to look at international students in the future." 
The U.S. birth data for 2020 showed that births have been falling for more than
a decade. The enrollment number at Barton has dropped 29% from 16,049 in 2016 to 11,402 in 2021. 
"If people think growing and growing is the answer, which some people don't," said Mobray. "Some people are happy with zero population growth because there are benefits. If there is growth, it will come from international citizens because it's not going to come from birth rates."

In 2019, the United Nations projected that populations of 55 countries or areas will decrease by one percent or more between 2020 and 2050. However, the population of the United States, currently at 333 million, is expected to grow to 379 million by 2050.&nbsp; 
Barton saw a large drop in their male enrollment over the years. In 2016, there
were 10,028 males enrolled across Barton. That number dropped more than 44% in
2021 with 5,571 males enrolled. During that same timeframe, there was a 3.3% decrease in female enrollees.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633011818756.jpeg" alt="With a declining birth rate in the United States and an increase in immigration, Barton Community College may look to international students as a source for enrollment growth." />
 <figcaption>With a declining birth rate in the United States and an increase in immigration, Barton Community College may look to international students as a source for enrollment growth.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn a strategic planning report presented to the Barton Community College
Board of Trustees Tuesday, the college’s Director of Institutional Research
Todd Mobray explained the population cliff in the United States and the
challenges of decreasing enrollment. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported
the country had the lowest annual population growth in U.S. history at .12%, or
roughly three million. Kansas is one of 13 states that has had a population
decline in two of the last three years. 
With fewer and fewer “Kansas kids,” Mobray said the United States is projected
to grow by nearly 14 percent, largely through immigration, by 2050. 
"In a study by the United Nations in 2019, there were 158 million people in Europe that said if they were able to, they would move to the United States," said Mobray. "There's a lower birth rate now in the United States, but we have options. It might be good to look at international students in the future." 
The U.S. birth data for 2020 showed that births have been falling for more than
a decade. The enrollment number at Barton has dropped 29% from 16,049 in 2016 to 11,402 in 2021. 
"If people think growing and growing is the answer, which some people don't," said Mobray. "Some people are happy with zero population growth because there are benefits. If there is growth, it will come from international citizens because it's not going to come from birth rates."In 2019, the United Nations projected that populations of 55 countries or areas will decrease by one percent or more between 2020 and 2050. However, the population of the United States, currently at 333 million, is expected to grow to 379 million by 2050.&nbsp; 
Barton saw a large drop in their male enrollment over the years. In 2016, there
were 10,028 males enrolled across Barton. That number dropped more than 44% in
2021 with 5,571 males enrolled. During that same timeframe, there was a 3.3% decrease in female enrollees.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Answer to declining KS college enrollments could be overseas 

BOOKED: Colin Herrman on BTDC warrant for failure to appear,
bond set at $978 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Lucky Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for contempt of
court, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Hunter Ward on Barton County District Court case for serve sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Christopher Harper on BTDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at
$10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure
to appear, bond set at $2,000 C/S. GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set
at $1,000 C/S. GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $2,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Juvenile on two counts of battery LEO, interference with LEO, criminal
damage, held with no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District case for driving while suspended,
bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Colin Herrman posted a $8,978 cash only bond on BTDC warrant for
failure to appear. 
 
RELEASED: Matthew Hapes for time served on Barton County case for probation
violation. 
 
RELEASED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for
failure to appear, bond posted $2,000 surety bond through Around The Clock Bail
Bonding. Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, bond posted
$1,000 through Around The Clock Bail Bonding. Great Bend Municipal Court
warrant for failure to appear, bond posted $2,000 surety bond through Around
the Clock Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Juvenile on two count of battery LEO, interference with LEO, criminal
damage, transferred to JJA. 
 
RELEASED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District case for driving while
suspended, posted $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Colin Herrman on BTDC warrant for failure to appear,
bond set at $978 cash only. 
 
BOOKED: Lucky Baker on Barton County District Court warrant for contempt of
court, no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Hunter Ward on Barton County District Court case for serve sentence. 
 
BOOKED: Christopher Harper on BTDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at
$10,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure
to appear, bond set at $2,000 C/S. GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set
at $1,000 C/S. GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $2,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Juvenile on two counts of battery LEO, interference with LEO, criminal
damage, held with no bond. 
 
BOOKED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District case for driving while suspended,
bond set at $1,000 C/S. 
 
RELEASED: Colin Herrman posted a $8,978 cash only bond on BTDC warrant for
failure to appear. 
 
RELEASED: Matthew Hapes for time served on Barton County case for probation
violation. 
 
RELEASED: Martin Villalobos Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for
failure to appear, bond posted $2,000 surety bond through Around The Clock Bail
Bonding. Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, bond posted
$1,000 through Around The Clock Bail Bonding. Great Bend Municipal Court
warrant for failure to appear, bond posted $2,000 surety bond through Around
the Clock Bail Bonding. 
 
RELEASED: Juvenile on two count of battery LEO, interference with LEO, criminal
damage, transferred to JJA. 
 
RELEASED: Caleb Romo on Barton County District case for driving while
suspended, posted $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (5/24)

The Great Bend Bat Cats are just a few days away from getting another baseball
season underway. The Bat Cats open the 2022 season June 1 at home
against McPherson. 

With the season beginning next week, that means
approximately 30 college athletes will be arriving to Great Bend this weekend. Bat
Cats Manager Roger Ward said one important piece to making summer collegiate
baseball work is finding host families throughout the community to house the
players. 
"The host family situation is probably the most important thing that makes us run," said Ward. "There are a lot of things that go into it, but without host families...we don't exist. There have been a lot of good relationships forged between players and their host families." 
One of Great Bend’s host families had to back out, and Ward is asking any
community member if they would let a player live with them during the two-month
season. 
"The guys are gone quite a bit playing baseball," said Ward. "They need a little companionship and a family that will support them while they're here. They need to provide a space for the guys that is their own, access to a bathroom, laundry and feed them." 
If you’re interested in becoming a host family, contact Ward at 620-282-8159 or Amanda French at 620-282-1700.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618496772775.jpeg" alt="If interested in helping the Great Bend Bat Cats as a host family this summer, contact Roger Ward at 620-282-8159 or Amanda French at 620-282-1700." />
 <figcaption>If interested in helping the Great Bend Bat Cats as a host family this summer, contact Roger Ward at 620-282-8159 or Amanda French at 620-282-1700.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend Bat Cats are just a few days away from getting another baseball
season underway. The Bat Cats open the 2022 season June 1 at home
against McPherson. With the season beginning next week, that means
approximately 30 college athletes will be arriving to Great Bend this weekend. Bat
Cats Manager Roger Ward said one important piece to making summer collegiate
baseball work is finding host families throughout the community to house the
players. 
"The host family situation is probably the most important thing that makes us run," said Ward. "There are a lot of things that go into it, but without host families...we don't exist. There have been a lot of good relationships forged between players and their host families." 
One of Great Bend’s host families had to back out, and Ward is asking any
community member if they would let a player live with them during the two-month
season. 
"The guys are gone quite a bit playing baseball," said Ward. "They need a little companionship and a family that will support them while they're here. They need to provide a space for the guys that is their own, access to a bathroom, laundry and feed them." 
If you’re interested in becoming a host family, contact Ward at 620-282-8159 or Amanda French at 620-282-1700.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend Bat Cats in search of host families this summer

Wednesday Showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 46. North northwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Thursday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 71. North northwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 11 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Memorial Day Sunny, with a high near 91.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

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

Wednesday Showers likely, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Wednesday Night A 50 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 46. North northwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Thursday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 71. North northwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 11 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 82.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 59.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.Memorial Day Sunny, with a high near 91.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 65.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's Weather

Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.

The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.

One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.

Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other organisms make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.

Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it, what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of a

barren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If a seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those soil organisms that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!

In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are many soil organisms that have not been discovered yet, that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.

Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil health in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653404075959.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Through the year’s agriculture, conservation and overall land management has gone through phases with each phase having its’ buzzwords, promoters, detractors, research objectives - well, you get the point. Some promoters will always feel like they’ve just unleashed the silver bullet to cure all the planet’s woes. Spoiler alert, none of them have! For the most part each phase has brought some improvements and certainly more tools for farmers, ranchers and land managers to consider and use. But no one is the cure all panacea that will work for everyone.The newest buzzword is “soil health”. Soil health is a broad category for a lot of different things that are actually quite important. In searching for a good definition of soil health, and there are many out there. I found some that were way out there. Others were restrictive and may work for certain soils in certain ecosystems, some were very vague. Many definitions were tailored for a very specific form of agriculture, i.e. no-till, organic, natural, etc.One of the top choices came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at USDA. Quoting from their web site, “Soil health, also referred to as soil quality, is defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans.” They go on to point out that soil isn’t just some sterile rooting medium but is rather a living functioning ecosystem of its’ own.Many people don’t realize how alive soil is! There is so much life in the soil, much of it invisible to the naked eye. Bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and many other organisms make up a valuable part of the soil mass and we often only see hints of it.Mt. St. Helens volcano that blew in 1980 changed the landscape. Twenty-nine years later when a colleague of mine visited it, what he saw was “just scattered plants starting to grow, much of it looked like the landscape of abarren planet”. When that volcano erupted it flash fried all living things and then buried it under feet, tens of feet, of ash. There was instantly a sterile environment. If a seed fell, that sterile medium was missing all those soil organisms that make plant life possible. We cannot underestimate the impact, the necessity of soil organisms!In the end, defining soil health is fairly easy. Measuring it is another story however. There are many soil organisms that have not been discovered yet, that are important, or we know they are there but we don’t know what they do. We truly have so much we need to learn. Perhaps the best measure of soil health is by how well plants grow, by how productive the soil is, or by how sustainable the practices. Soil health is likely something we measure indirectly.Soil health can, and does, change over time. How we farm, how we garden, how we tend our lawn, can all impact that soil health. We can compact soil with heavy equipment. We can tear it up and turn it over with construction or recreation. The plants we grow on it, the nutrients we add to it, the organic matter we allow to develop in it, even the rainfall or irrigation it receives, are all things that can improve or hurt soil health. If you haven’t yet heard about soil health, you eventually will. I doubt that we’ll come up with a simple way of measuring soil health in my life time. But we need to remember that soil health isn’t an end goal but an ongoing journey.Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Soil health

The member services team at Wheatland Electric recently received national recognition in the 2022 Spotlight on Excellence Awards program, sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators (CREC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Wheatland Electric’s member services team received a Gold Award in the Best Total Communications Program category for our 2021 Cram the Van “Yes, WE Can!” food drive campaign. This year’s promotional efforts — both in person and online — resulted in a total of 44,576 pounds in cash and can donations for a dozen area food banks across southwest and central Kansas.

The member services team is led by Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications and also includes the following team members: Sara McClure and Mary Hoisington, both member services and key accounts managers; Shajia Donecker, social media specialist; and Heather Rufenacht, member services coordinator.

Winners were recognized during the CONNECT conference in Seattle, Washington, a national conference for communications and marketing professionals.

The annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes the best communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and related organizations. Entrants competed with

electric cooperatives of similar size in 18 categories with over 600 submissions made across the nation.

Faculty members from the University of Missouri–Columbia and University of South Carolina, as well as noted professionals in the fields of marketing, web design and digital communications, and newspapers judged the event, which uses a finite scoring system to determine the winners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653342176074.jpeg" alt="The Member Services team at Wheatland Electric has won a 2022 Gold Award for Best Total Communications Program for their 2021 Cram the Van “Yes, WE Can!” annual food drive campaign. The award is sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association." />
 <figcaption>The Member Services team at Wheatland Electric has won a 2022 Gold Award for Best Total Communications Program for their 2021 Cram the Van “Yes, WE Can!” annual food drive campaign. The award is sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThe member services team at Wheatland Electric recently received national recognition in the 2022 Spotlight on Excellence Awards program, sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators (CREC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).Wheatland Electric’s member services team received a Gold Award in the Best Total Communications Program category for our 2021 Cram the Van “Yes, WE Can!” food drive campaign. This year’s promotional efforts — both in person and online — resulted in a total of 44,576 pounds in cash and can donations for a dozen area food banks across southwest and central Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653342216384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The member services team is led by Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications and also includes the following team members: Sara McClure and Mary Hoisington, both member services and key accounts managers; Shajia Donecker, social media specialist; and Heather Rufenacht, member services coordinator.Winners were recognized during the CONNECT conference in Seattle, Washington, a national conference for communications and marketing professionals.The annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes the best communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and related organizations. Entrants competed withelectric cooperatives of similar size in 18 categories with over 600 submissions made across the nation.Faculty members from the University of Missouri–Columbia and University of South Carolina, as well as noted professionals in the fields of marketing, web design and digital communications, and newspapers judged the event, which uses a finite scoring system to determine the winners.

Wheatland Electric wins award for 'Cram the Van' food drive

As the City of Great Bend is enjoying some of their best sales tax
collections ever, it’s a welcomed sign to see communities from around the state
come to town this week for the Class 2-1A State Baseball Tournament. 

Great Bend
Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said the city tries
to put their best foot forward for the two-day tournament. "Not only do we have the teams staying in hotels, which brings in sales and transient guest tax, but they also eat, shop and play here too," said Hayes. "It's a really great combination. Of course, we love that it's the small towns. Those small communities bring the whole town to cheer on their team." 
Fans from St. Mary’s - Colgan, Elkhart, Little River, Valley Falls, Mission
Valley, Whitewater-Remington, Colony-Crest and West Elk will travel to Great
Bend beginning Thursday, May 26. The first game is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
Thursday at the Great Bend Sports Complex and concludes Friday evening with the
championship game. 
Along with the City of Great Bend, the Great Bend Recreation Commission and USD
428 host the tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp;

View the bracket with game times <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Baseball/2-1AState.cfm?WeekID=5083&amp;Level=9&amp;Class=2-1A&amp;Activity=3">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653337361131.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the City of Great Bend is enjoying some of their best sales tax
collections ever, it’s a welcomed sign to see communities from around the state
come to town this week for the Class 2-1A State Baseball Tournament. Great Bend
Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said the city tries
to put their best foot forward for the two-day tournament. "Not only do we have the teams staying in hotels, which brings in sales and transient guest tax, but they also eat, shop and play here too," said Hayes. "It's a really great combination. Of course, we love that it's the small towns. Those small communities bring the whole town to cheer on their team." 
Fans from St. Mary’s - Colgan, Elkhart, Little River, Valley Falls, Mission
Valley, Whitewater-Remington, Colony-Crest and West Elk will travel to Great
Bend beginning Thursday, May 26. The first game is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
Thursday at the Great Bend Sports Complex and concludes Friday evening with the
championship game. 
Along with the City of Great Bend, the Great Bend Recreation Commission and USD
428 host the tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp;View the bracket with game times <a href="https://kshsaa.org/Public/ScoreCenter/Brackets/Baseball/2-1AState.cfm?WeekID=5083&amp;Level=9&amp;Class=2-1A&amp;Activity=3">HERE</a>.

State tournament a welcomed sight for Great Bend’s economy

Clara Barton Medical Center is pleased to welcome Dana Jackson, PA-C as their newest provider, specializing in Emergency Medicine and inpatient rounding.

Jackson is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. She obtained an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, and went on to attend Doane College in Crete, NE, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health. Additionally furthering her education, Jackson received her Masters in Physicians Assistant Studies from Union College in Lincoln, NE.

“I am so excited to be part of an organization that invests so much into the community,” said Jackson. “Clara Barton is progressive and positioned to meet the needs of our patients now and in the future. The services and facilities offered by Clara Barton are truly unique for a hospital and community of this size and I have been so impressed by how all the staff focuses on keeping the patient at the center of our care model.”

In her spare time, Jackson enjoys spending time with her husband of 14 years and two boys, helping with school and booster activities as well as being involved in youth sports. In addition, she and her husband enjoy cooking and teaching their children how to cook.

She ultimately chose the Hoisington/central Kansas area as a central location for both her and her husband’s families. Their family enjoys boating, fishing, tubing, 4-wheeling, and hunting, and looks forward to exploring the central Kansas area.

Outside of work, most of Jackson’s free time is spent on the sidelines, watching her kids play sports which includes football, baseball, basketball, track, wrestling, and soccer. She also likes to work on projects around the house and looks forward to putting some personal touches on their new home.

“It’s been a lot of fun getting to know Dana! I was excited for her to join our organization and know her unique background will benefit our emergent care services,” said Jim Blackwell, President/CEO of Clara Barton Medical Center. “In addition to strong trauma experience gained in Nebraska through the reputable Bryan Physician Network as a Physician Assistant, Dana has vast experience as a Respiratory Therapist - which is a skill set that is incredibly hard to recruit to the hospital setting. I look forward to seeing her develop within our medical community and watching those collaborations grow internally.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653335038734.jpeg" alt="Dana Jackson, PA-C&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dana Jackson, PA-C&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSClara Barton Medical Center is pleased to welcome Dana Jackson, PA-C as their newest provider, specializing in Emergency Medicine and inpatient rounding.Jackson is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. She obtained an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, and went on to attend Doane College in Crete, NE, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health. Additionally furthering her education, Jackson received her Masters in Physicians Assistant Studies from Union College in Lincoln, NE.“I am so excited to be part of an organization that invests so much into the community,” said Jackson. “Clara Barton is progressive and positioned to meet the needs of our patients now and in the future. The services and facilities offered by Clara Barton are truly unique for a hospital and community of this size and I have been so impressed by how all the staff focuses on keeping the patient at the center of our care model.”In her spare time, Jackson enjoys spending time with her husband of 14 years and two boys, helping with school and booster activities as well as being involved in youth sports. In addition, she and her husband enjoy cooking and teaching their children how to cook.She ultimately chose the Hoisington/central Kansas area as a central location for both her and her husband’s families. Their family enjoys boating, fishing, tubing, 4-wheeling, and hunting, and looks forward to exploring the central Kansas area.Outside of work, most of Jackson’s free time is spent on the sidelines, watching her kids play sports which includes football, baseball, basketball, track, wrestling, and soccer. She also likes to work on projects around the house and looks forward to putting some personal touches on their new home.“It’s been a lot of fun getting to know Dana! I was excited for her to join our organization and know her unique background will benefit our emergent care services,” said Jim Blackwell, President/CEO of Clara Barton Medical Center. “In addition to strong trauma experience gained in Nebraska through the reputable Bryan Physician Network as a Physician Assistant, Dana has vast experience as a Respiratory Therapist - which is a skill set that is incredibly hard to recruit to the hospital setting. I look forward to seeing her develop within our medical community and watching those collaborations grow internally.”

Clara Barton welcomes Jackson to healthcare team

The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board has awarded financial assistance to 221 victims of violent crime at its May meeting, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.&nbsp;

Awards were made in 76 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 145 previously submitted cases. The awards totaled $166,717.52.

The Division of Crime Victims Compensation in Schmidt’s office administers the Crime Victims Compensation program, which was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.

The state’s Crime Victims Compensation Board determines claims that are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000 with limitations of $5,000 for funeral expense, $5,000 for outpatient mental health counseling, $10,000 for inpatient mental health treatment and $1,500 for grief counseling for family survivors of homicide victims.

A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.

For more information about the Crime Victims Compensation program call (785) 296-2359 or visit the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584137797290.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board has awarded financial assistance to 221 victims of violent crime at its May meeting, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.&nbsp;Awards were made in 76 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 145 previously submitted cases. The awards totaled $166,717.52.The Division of Crime Victims Compensation in Schmidt’s office administers the Crime Victims Compensation program, which was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral expenses.The state’s Crime Victims Compensation Board determines claims that are eligible for payment and how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum total amount of $25,000 with limitations of $5,000 for funeral expense, $5,000 for outpatient mental health counseling, $10,000 for inpatient mental health treatment and $1,500 for grief counseling for family survivors of homicide victims.A portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders provides funding to the program.For more information about the Crime Victims Compensation program call (785) 296-2359 or visit the attorney general’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ag.ks.gov/" target="_blank">www.ag.ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;

221 Kansas crime victims to receive support 

Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and staff from Barton Community College's Shafer Gallery Dave Barnes and Alyssa Bliven that aired May 23, 2022.

The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and staff from Barton Community College's Shafer Gallery Dave Barnes and Alyssa Bliven that aired May 23, 2022.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/wundiygc/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎤Cougar Pause: Shafer Gallery staff

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, May 24 at 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.

4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.

5. LEADERHIP INSTITUTE &nbsp; &nbsp;Karly Little, Barton Leadership Institute Coordinator will introduce the Leadership graduates.

6. MONITORING REPORT – END 6: BARTON SERVICES AND REGIONAL LOCATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;Elaine Simmons, Vice President of Instruction and Kurtis Teal, Dean of Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs will facilitate this report.

7. STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Research will facilitate this report.

8. CONTRACTS &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will present the following lists for Board consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Head Coach &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Management Staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Administrative

9. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp;b. BOT Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2022

10. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACCT/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

12. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627047186061.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, May 24 at 4 p.m. Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.2. OFFICIAL BOARD MEETINGS3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will provide introductions and recognition of personnel.5. LEADERHIP INSTITUTE &nbsp; &nbsp;Karly Little, Barton Leadership Institute Coordinator will introduce the Leadership graduates.6. MONITORING REPORT – END 6: BARTON SERVICES AND REGIONAL LOCATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;Elaine Simmons, Vice President of Instruction and Kurtis Teal, Dean of Military Academics, Technical Education and Outreach Programs will facilitate this report.7. STRATEGIC PLANNING REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;Todd Mobray, Director of Institutional Research will facilitate this report.8. CONTRACTS &nbsp; &nbsp;Carl Heilman, President will present the following lists for Board consideration. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Head Coach &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Management Staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Administrative9. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp;a. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp;b. BOT Meeting Minutes of April 26, 202210. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACCT/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Carl Heilman, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous11. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.12. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.13. ADJOURNMENT

BCC Board of Trustees meeting agenda (5/24)

The City of Great Bend is still taking responses until the end of the
month for their online survey for future quality of life projects. The survey
allows citizens to pick from a list of projects, varying from new basketball
courts to free wireless internet around town. 

A 13-member committee, charged
with determining how to use the new .15% sales tax collections for quality of
life projects, has reviewed the responses thus far and are preparing to move
forward with a project later this year. 

Great Bend City Administrator Kendal
Francis said the committee will also sort out a 10-year plan for projects. 
"I know everyone has high hopes of doing great things," said Francis. "When you start looking at how much things cost versus the amount of revenue coming in, it tempers your expectations on how fast we'll be able to achieve some things." 
Francis expected one of the “low-hanging fruit” projects to be announced soon.

The committee also wants to work with the Great Bend Recreation Commission to
develop more of the master plan for the south side of Brit Spaugh Park. 
"We're looking into how that master plan could fit into some of the things we're trying to achieve with the quality of life projects," said Francis. "That might be basketball courts, pickleball courts or more playgrounds." 
The online survey can be filled out <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X5ZFZM3">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641828935983.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe City of Great Bend is still taking responses until the end of the
month for their online survey for future quality of life projects. The survey
allows citizens to pick from a list of projects, varying from new basketball
courts to free wireless internet around town. A 13-member committee, charged
with determining how to use the new .15% sales tax collections for quality of
life projects, has reviewed the responses thus far and are preparing to move
forward with a project later this year. Great Bend City Administrator Kendal
Francis said the committee will also sort out a 10-year plan for projects. 
"I know everyone has high hopes of doing great things," said Francis. "When you start looking at how much things cost versus the amount of revenue coming in, it tempers your expectations on how fast we'll be able to achieve some things." 
Francis expected one of the “low-hanging fruit” projects to be announced soon.
The committee also wants to work with the Great Bend Recreation Commission to
develop more of the master plan for the south side of Brit Spaugh Park. 
"We're looking into how that master plan could fit into some of the things we're trying to achieve with the quality of life projects," said Francis. "That might be basketball courts, pickleball courts or more playgrounds." 
The online survey can be filled out <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X5ZFZM3">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Responses still coming for Great Bend’s ‘quality of life’ survey

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (5/23) 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 8:31 a.m. an accident was reported at 652 E. Barton County Rd. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:26 p.m. an accident was reported at 8th &amp; Vine in
Hoisington. 
 
Trash Complaint / Dumping 
 
At 5:14 p.m. a trash complaint was reported at 178 N. US 281 Highway. 
 
Animal Complain 
 
At 8:35 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 90 Avenue &amp; NW 90 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 9:33 p.m. an accident was reported at NW 80 Avenue &amp; NW 60 Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (5/23) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:03 a.m. dogs in the roadway was reported at 24th &amp;
Harrison. 
 
At 7:39 a.m. two dogs at large was reported at 3400 21st Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 10:21 a.m. a report of a vehicle swerving on the bypass was made at 10th
&amp; the 281 Bypass. 
 
Theft 
 
At 10:23 a.m. several calls of stolen property was made at 1318 Frey Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 10:31 a.m. a burglary was reported at 2123 Forest Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 1:54 p.m. an accident was reported at 2424 19th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:53 p.m. a reckless driver nearly running them off the road was reported at
10th &amp; Kiowa Road. 
 
Noise Complaint 
 
At 9:22 p.m. loud music in the area was reported at 12th &amp;
Hubbard. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 9:47 p.m. a possible burglary at Morris Electric was reported at 2423 5th
Street. Building was secure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (5/23) 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 8:31 a.m. an accident was reported at 652 E. Barton County Rd. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 1:26 p.m. an accident was reported at 8th &amp; Vine in
Hoisington. 
 
Trash Complaint / Dumping 
 
At 5:14 p.m. a trash complaint was reported at 178 N. US 281 Highway. 
 
Animal Complain 
 
At 8:35 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at NW 90 Avenue &amp; NW 90 Road. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 9:33 p.m. an accident was reported at NW 80 Avenue &amp; NW 60 Road. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (5/23) 
 
Animal Complaint 
 
At 7:03 a.m. dogs in the roadway was reported at 24th &amp;
Harrison. 
 
At 7:39 a.m. two dogs at large was reported at 3400 21st Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 10:21 a.m. a report of a vehicle swerving on the bypass was made at 10th
&amp; the 281 Bypass. 
 
Theft 
 
At 10:23 a.m. several calls of stolen property was made at 1318 Frey Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 10:31 a.m. a burglary was reported at 2123 Forest Avenue. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 1:54 p.m. an accident was reported at 2424 19th Street. 
 
Driving / Driver Complaint 
 
At 6:53 p.m. a reckless driver nearly running them off the road was reported at
10th &amp; Kiowa Road. 
 
Noise Complaint 
 
At 9:22 p.m. loud music in the area was reported at 12th &amp;
Hubbard. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 9:47 p.m. a possible burglary at Morris Electric was reported at 2423 5th
Street. Building was secure.

Cop Shop (5/23)

BOOKED: Edward Terryn on Barton County District Court case
for theft and trespassing with bond at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Dax Knorr on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to
appear, no bond. 
 
RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger on BCDC case for serve sentence, time served. 
 
RELEASED: Erin Baker on BCDC case for serve sentence, time served. 
 
RELEASED: Crystal Bate received a $75,000 OR bond on combined BTDC case for
aggravated burglary, burglary, theft x2, non-residential burglary x2. 
 
RELEASED: David Hester with a $40,000 OR bond on RCDC case for possession with
intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, conspiracy
traffic contraband into correction facility, possession of controlled substance
and use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia. 
 
RELEASED: Edward Terryn on BCDC case for theft and trespassing with bond posted
at $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Edward Terryn on Barton County District Court case
for theft and trespassing with bond at $1,000 C/S. 
 
BOOKED: Dax Knorr on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to
appear, no bond. 
 
RELEASED: Dalton Staudinger on BCDC case for serve sentence, time served. 
 
RELEASED: Erin Baker on BCDC case for serve sentence, time served. 
 
RELEASED: Crystal Bate received a $75,000 OR bond on combined BTDC case for
aggravated burglary, burglary, theft x2, non-residential burglary x2. 
 
RELEASED: David Hester with a $40,000 OR bond on RCDC case for possession with
intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, conspiracy
traffic contraband into correction facility, possession of controlled substance
and use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia. 
 
RELEASED: Edward Terryn on BCDC case for theft and trespassing with bond posted
at $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (5/23)

Leave the animals be. 
That is the top piece of advice from Cheyenne Bottoms Area Wildlife Manager
Jason Wagner references when it comes to citizens asking what they should do
when they encounter “stranded” or injured animals. Wagner noted wildlife staff have received a lot of questions this year of people dealing with baby rabbits and
birds. 
In the case of injured animals, Wagner said there are not many resources for
rehabbing the creatures. 
"As a wildlife agency, we're worried about population management, not individuals," said Wagner. "We're looking at the big picture. We don't have rehabbers on site. The zoo in Great Bend does take some of the animals, specializing in birds of prey. It's hard for us to find rehabbers and it takes away a lot of our time throughout the day if we're having to move some of these animals around." 
Wagner understands that it is natural for some citizens to want to help, but
oftentimes touching or moving an injured baby animal can be a death sentence
for that animal. After the baby or nest is disturbed, the mother will often
move on and not care for the animal.

In the example of birds, sometimes a heavy
windstorm will blow them out of the nest or nature is running its course. 
"Say four little birds hatch in a nest," said Wagner. "Usually, only one or two will survive. There is one bird in there that is stronger and more fit than the others. In order for that bird to survive, it will push the weaker birds out of the nest. It's part of nature that some of them will not make it." 
For people finding baby rabbits burrowed into the ground, they are typically
not abandoned. Wagner said the baby rabbits don’t have much of a scent and they’re
well camouflaged so it is hard for predators to find them. The mother usually
only visits the nest a couple times each day to keep attention away from the
babies.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1653342764091.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostLeave the animals be. 
That is the top piece of advice from Cheyenne Bottoms Area Wildlife Manager
Jason Wagner references when it comes to citizens asking what they should do
when they encounter “stranded” or injured animals. Wagner noted wildlife staff have received a lot of questions this year of people dealing with baby rabbits and
birds. 
In the case of injured animals, Wagner said there are not many resources for
rehabbing the creatures. 
"As a wildlife agency, we're worried about population management, not individuals," said Wagner. "We're looking at the big picture. We don't have rehabbers on site. The zoo in Great Bend does take some of the animals, specializing in birds of prey. It's hard for us to find rehabbers and it takes away a lot of our time throughout the day if we're having to move some of these animals around." 
Wagner understands that it is natural for some citizens to want to help, but
oftentimes touching or moving an injured baby animal can be a death sentence
for that animal. After the baby or nest is disturbed, the mother will often
move on and not care for the animal. In the example of birds, sometimes a heavy
windstorm will blow them out of the nest or nature is running its course. 
"Say four little birds hatch in a nest," said Wagner. "Usually, only one or two will survive. There is one bird in there that is stronger and more fit than the others. In order for that bird to survive, it will push the weaker birds out of the nest. It's part of nature that some of them will not make it." 
For people finding baby rabbits burrowed into the ground, they are typically
not abandoned. Wagner said the baby rabbits don’t have much of a scent and they’re
well camouflaged so it is hard for predators to find them. The mother usually
only visits the nest a couple times each day to keep attention away from the
babies.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;