Sunflower Electric Power Corporation's teacher supply drive in Great Bend officially kicked off this week. From colorful markers to notebooks, Sunflower is hoping the public will support local teachers by filling their classrooms with the supplies they need to educate the next generation. 

Sunflower and Wheatland Electric employees will be at the Great Bend Wal-Mart store every day this week collecting supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751992515273.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSSunflower Electric Power Corporation's teacher supply drive in Great Bend officially kicked off this week. From colorful markers to notebooks, Sunflower is hoping the public will support local teachers by filling their classrooms with the supplies they need to educate the next generation. Sunflower and Wheatland Electric employees will be at the Great Bend Wal-Mart store every day this week collecting supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751992528239.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Sunflower Electric collecting supplies for teachers in Great Bend

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/Zoom

1. June Financial Statement – Mark Dean

2. FY26 Budget Review – Mark Dean &nbsp; &nbsp;• Preliminary Operational budget &nbsp; &nbsp;• Preliminary Published budget

3. Upward Bound Programs Presentation – Angie Maddy and Kelsey Hall

4. Dr. Garstecki approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; MLT &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Norton County Hospital; Norton, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • LabOne, LLC (Quest Diagnostics) Great Midwest Region; Minneapolis MN – renewal addendum &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Stormont Vail Healthcare, Inc; addendum to extend current agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Sound Family Medicine, Puyallup, WA &nbsp; &nbsp; Grant Application Under $50,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Hunger-Free Kansas; Kansas Health Foundation – Volunteers In Action to help with purchase and delivery of meals on a temporary basis for seniors recovering from illness, surgery, or disability. &nbsp; &nbsp; Weights and Measures Continuing Education &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Department of Agriculture; one year contract extension &nbsp; &nbsp; 2 + 2 Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas State University; Early Childhood Education agreement updated &nbsp; &nbsp; MOU/Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • KBOR; Accuplacer &nbsp; &nbsp; OTIEC and Occupational Safety and Health Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Jacam Catalyst, Sterling, KS; Training Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; EMS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Coffey County Hospital, Burlington, KS – Education agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Coffey County Hospital, Burlington, KS – Field Internship agreement

5. Athletic Complex Tour – President Garstecki/Trevor Rolfs

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/ZoomDiscussion Topics1. June Financial Statement – Mark Dean2. FY26 Budget Review – Mark Dean &nbsp; &nbsp;• Preliminary Operational budget &nbsp; &nbsp;• Preliminary Published budget3. Upward Bound Programs Presentation – Angie Maddy and Kelsey Hall4. Dr. Garstecki approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; MLT &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Norton County Hospital; Norton, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • LabOne, LLC (Quest Diagnostics) Great Midwest Region; Minneapolis MN – renewal addendum &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Stormont Vail Healthcare, Inc; addendum to extend current agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Sound Family Medicine, Puyallup, WA &nbsp; &nbsp; Grant Application Under $50,000 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Hunger-Free Kansas; Kansas Health Foundation – Volunteers In Action to help with purchase and delivery of meals on a temporary basis for seniors recovering from illness, surgery, or disability. &nbsp; &nbsp; Weights and Measures Continuing Education &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas Department of Agriculture; one year contract extension &nbsp; &nbsp; 2 + 2 Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Kansas State University; Early Childhood Education agreement updated &nbsp; &nbsp; MOU/Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • KBOR; Accuplacer &nbsp; &nbsp; OTIEC and Occupational Safety and Health Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Jacam Catalyst, Sterling, KS; Training Agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; EMS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Coffey County Hospital, Burlington, KS – Education agreement &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Coffey County Hospital, Burlington, KS – Field Internship agreement5. Athletic Complex Tour – President Garstecki/Trevor Rolfs

Barton CC Trustees study session agenda (7/8)

This is day 9 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Kansas wheat farmers have been facing a challenging wheat harvest due to persistent rains on mature wheat. While test weights have suffered because of this, the 2025 crop has shown stronger yields than the past three drought-stricken years.

Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is 82 percent complete, behind 90 percent complete last year but ahead of 77 percent average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending July 6, 2025.&nbsp;

Josh Debes, a wheat farmer in northern Barton County, is among those still navigating the final stretch of harvest. Rainfall over the past week has forced Debes to chase dry fields across the county in hopes of finishing before another rain delay sets in. His wheat crop, already stressed by drought and a high incidence of wheat streak mosaic virus, is now facing quality declines due to the rain.

“We started with test weights at 60 pounds per bushel on our better fields,” Debes said. “But test weights have dropped since the wheat has been rained on.” Equally stressful has been a constant stream of equipment breakdowns that have kept one or both combines out of fields when Mother Nature has opened up a window for cutting.

Despite the setbacks, Debes expects to harvest&nbsp;more bushels this year than in either of the past two years, when extreme drought nearly wiped out his wheat entirely. “Morale is low, but at least we’ve got bushels to sell to cover the costs of getting this fall’s sorghum crop in the ground,” he added.

Jeff Boyd, CEO of Garden City Coop, reported that wheat harvest in their trade territory is 90 to 95 percent complete. Rains over the holiday weekend have slowed progress, and it may be another two days before combines can roll again in Finney County. Recent storms have also caused lodging in some fields.&nbsp;

Harvest began June 14 at their Hooker, Oklahoma, location. Boyd noted that test weights are averaging around 59 pounds per bushel, and protein levels are coming in at 11.8 percent. Overall, Boyd expects an average to above-average crop in terms of total bushels, with quality landing around average. Yields have ranged widely from the 30s to the 80s, with some of the strongest wheat coming from Finney and Lane counties. Yields have tended to decrease further north. The wheat streak mosaic virus complex has impacted yields and test weights in certain areas, while unusually high humidity has caused threshing issues with some varieties.

In Atchison County, Jay Armstrong wrapped up his Soft Red Winter wheat harvest on July 2 with a farm-wide average of 119 bushels per acre. Only 4.2% of wheat grown in Kansas is SRW, according to USDA/NASS’s winter wheat variety survey for 2025. While Armstrong reported good — but not exceptional — quality and test weights, the biggest challenge this season was getting the crop out between frequent rain delays. His harvested acres have already been planted to doublecrop soybeans.

The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag us at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751936931801.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 9 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Kansas wheat farmers have been facing a challenging wheat harvest due to persistent rains on mature wheat. While test weights have suffered because of this, the 2025 crop has shown stronger yields than the past three drought-stricken years.Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is 82 percent complete, behind 90 percent complete last year but ahead of 77 percent average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending July 6, 2025.&nbsp;Josh Debes, a wheat farmer in northern Barton County, is among those still navigating the final stretch of harvest. Rainfall over the past week has forced Debes to chase dry fields across the county in hopes of finishing before another rain delay sets in. His wheat crop, already stressed by drought and a high incidence of wheat streak mosaic virus, is now facing quality declines due to the rain.“We started with test weights at 60 pounds per bushel on our better fields,” Debes said. “But test weights have dropped since the wheat has been rained on.” Equally stressful has been a constant stream of equipment breakdowns that have kept one or both combines out of fields when Mother Nature has opened up a window for cutting.Despite the setbacks, Debes expects to harvest&nbsp;more bushels this year than in either of the past two years, when extreme drought nearly wiped out his wheat entirely. “Morale is low, but at least we’ve got bushels to sell to cover the costs of getting this fall’s sorghum crop in the ground,” he added.Jeff Boyd, CEO of Garden City Coop, reported that wheat harvest in their trade territory is 90 to 95 percent complete. Rains over the holiday weekend have slowed progress, and it may be another two days before combines can roll again in Finney County. Recent storms have also caused lodging in some fields.&nbsp;Harvest began June 14 at their Hooker, Oklahoma, location. Boyd noted that test weights are averaging around 59 pounds per bushel, and protein levels are coming in at 11.8 percent. Overall, Boyd expects an average to above-average crop in terms of total bushels, with quality landing around average. Yields have ranged widely from the 30s to the 80s, with some of the strongest wheat coming from Finney and Lane counties. Yields have tended to decrease further north. The wheat streak mosaic virus complex has impacted yields and test weights in certain areas, while unusually high humidity has caused threshing issues with some varieties.In Atchison County, Jay Armstrong wrapped up his Soft Red Winter wheat harvest on July 2 with a farm-wide average of 119 bushels per acre. Only 4.2% of wheat grown in Kansas is SRW, according to USDA/NASS’s winter wheat variety survey for 2025. While Armstrong reported good — but not exceptional — quality and test weights, the biggest challenge this season was getting the crop out between frequent rain delays. His harvested acres have already been planted to doublecrop soybeans.The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag us at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 9, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Barton County took a step at Tuesday’s meeting to assist former
employees that retire with the county. The Barton County Commission approved
the adoption of a resolution that extends coverage for healthcare benefits to
retired employees and their dependents. 

County Administrator Matt Patzner said
the extension is offered to retirees after a written application is filed with the
Clerk within 30 days following retirement of the employee.


"We have elected to charge 125% of the cost to the county for this program," said Patzner. "It's similar to COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), but it's a little more specific to retired former employees. It's required by statute."

Patzner said the employee must have been working for the county for at least 10
years prior to retiring to be eligible for the extended healthcare benefits. The
coverage stays in place until the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751986788283.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton County took a step at Tuesday’s meeting to assist former
employees that retire with the county. The Barton County Commission approved
the adoption of a resolution that extends coverage for healthcare benefits to
retired employees and their dependents. County Administrator Matt Patzner said
the extension is offered to retirees after a written application is filed with the
Clerk within 30 days following retirement of the employee.
"We have elected to charge 125% of the cost to the county for this program," said Patzner. "It's similar to COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), but it's a little more specific to retired former employees. It's required by statute."Patzner said the employee must have been working for the county for at least 10
years prior to retiring to be eligible for the extended healthcare benefits. The
coverage stays in place until the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton County extends healthcare benefits for retirees

BOOKED: Aaron M. Holguin on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for driving while suspended and driving without interlock device when required,
bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Timothy C. Chism on Barton County District Court
warrant for probation violation, no bond.

BOOKED: Isaac J. Leyva on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

RELEASED: Aaron M. Holguin on GBMC case for driving while
suspended and driving without interlock device when required by posting a
$1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Joshua A. Smith on BCDC warrant for probation
violation, bond was reinstated, released by the order of the court.

RELEASED: Desiree A. Parks to Stafford County Sheriff’s
Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Aaron M. Holguin on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for driving while suspended and driving without interlock device when required,
bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Timothy C. Chism on Barton County District Court
warrant for probation violation, no bond.BOOKED: Isaac J. Leyva on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.RELEASED: Aaron M. Holguin on GBMC case for driving while
suspended and driving without interlock device when required by posting a
$1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Joshua A. Smith on BCDC warrant for probation
violation, bond was reinstated, released by the order of the court.RELEASED: Desiree A. Parks to Stafford County Sheriff’s
Office.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/7)

Several K-State Research and Extension publications related to insect management in Kansas were recently updated and are available to the public.

These publications were prepared to help producers manage insect populations using the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. They are revised annually and intended for use during the current calendar year. The user should know that pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since the publication date.

Full versions of each fact sheet are available online, with links provided below. 

Alfalfa Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf 

Corn Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF810.pdf Cotton 

Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2674.pdf 

Sorghum Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf 

Soybean Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF743.pdf 

Sunflower Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF814.pdf 

Wheat Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdf

The economics of control should be considered in any pest management decision. Because costs vary significantly over time and are influenced by factors beyond the scope of this publication, product cost is not a consideration for including or omitting specific insecticide products in these recommendations. Growers should compare product price, safety, and availability when making treatment decisions. Growers also need to consider the impacts of insecticides on non-target organisms like pollinators and natural enemies. Rotating insecticide groups can help combat insecticide resistance issues by leveraging different modes of action.

The user bears ultimate responsibility for correct pesticide use. For proper use, always read the label directions carefully before applying pesticides. Remember that illegal contamination of the treated crop or commodity can occur if pesticides are misused. K-State entomologists assume no responsibility for product performance, personal injury, property damage, or other types of loss resulting from the purchase, handling, or use of the pesticides listed.

More information on pests covered in these publications is available at: www.entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/

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/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Several K-State Research and Extension publications related to insect management in Kansas were recently updated and are available to the public.These publications were prepared to help producers manage insect populations using the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. They are revised annually and intended for use during the current calendar year. The user should know that pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since the publication date.Full versions of each fact sheet are available online, with links provided below. Alfalfa Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF809.pdf Corn Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF810.pdf Cotton Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2674.pdf Sorghum Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF742.pdf Soybean Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF743.pdf Sunflower Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF814.pdf Wheat Insect Pest Management - https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF745.pdfThe economics of control should be considered in any pest management decision. Because costs vary significantly over time and are influenced by factors beyond the scope of this publication, product cost is not a consideration for including or omitting specific insecticide products in these recommendations. Growers should compare product price, safety, and availability when making treatment decisions. Growers also need to consider the impacts of insecticides on non-target organisms like pollinators and natural enemies. Rotating insecticide groups can help combat insecticide resistance issues by leveraging different modes of action.The user bears ultimate responsibility for correct pesticide use. For proper use, always read the label directions carefully before applying pesticides. Remember that illegal contamination of the treated crop or commodity can occur if pesticides are misused. K-State entomologists assume no responsibility for product performance, personal injury, property damage, or other types of loss resulting from the purchase, handling, or use of the pesticides listed.More information on pests covered in these publications is available at: www.entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/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: Updated insect pest management guides

On the Kansas Wetlands Education Center show that aired on 1590 KVGB
&amp; 95.5 FM Monday, KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said water levels at Cheyenne
Bottoms are better than they been for over three years. 

The increased water in
the pools is not so much due to rains received in Barton County, but more from
rains received out west. Wolf said this runoff allows the Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) to manage invasive cattail as quite a bit of water came in
June from the Arkansas River diversion and Walnut Creek diversion. 


"Right now KDWP is able to put all of that water into storage pools," said Wolf. "Then we don't have a problem with cattail. The other pools won't grow up with those invasive plants. They can still do their management and planting food plots. They have water, hopefully by August or September...the pools that are dry still are in wonderful condition and then they can flood those."

Wolf said the storage pools 1A, 1B and 1C are where the water is currently
residing, with pool 1A holding about 54 inches. 
The rains have helped, but Wolf is hopeful more precipitation will further
boost the area’s wetlands.


"I was thinking back to 2013 when we had such a bad drought," said Wolf. "This summer in some ways is somewhat similar to 2013. We had some rains but nothing huge to break that drought until August when we had a big rain. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Who knows, maybe that's what will happen again."

While the months of June and July provide low bird activity times at Cheyenne
Bottoms, Wolf said in a couple of weeks the area will start to see the first
southbound bird migrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689345365409.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostOn the Kansas Wetlands Education Center show that aired on 1590 KVGB
&amp; 95.5 FM Monday, KWEC Director Curtis Wolf said water levels at Cheyenne
Bottoms are better than they been for over three years. The increased water in
the pools is not so much due to rains received in Barton County, but more from
rains received out west. Wolf said this runoff allows the Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) to manage invasive cattail as quite a bit of water came in
June from the Arkansas River diversion and Walnut Creek diversion. 
"Right now KDWP is able to put all of that water into storage pools," said Wolf. "Then we don't have a problem with cattail. The other pools won't grow up with those invasive plants. They can still do their management and planting food plots. They have water, hopefully by August or September...the pools that are dry still are in wonderful condition and then they can flood those."Wolf said the storage pools 1A, 1B and 1C are where the water is currently
residing, with pool 1A holding about 54 inches. 
The rains have helped, but Wolf is hopeful more precipitation will further
boost the area’s wetlands.
"I was thinking back to 2013 when we had such a bad drought," said Wolf. "This summer in some ways is somewhat similar to 2013. We had some rains but nothing huge to break that drought until August when we had a big rain. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Who knows, maybe that's what will happen again."While the months of June and July provide low bird activity times at Cheyenne
Bottoms, Wolf said in a couple of weeks the area will start to see the first
southbound bird migrants.

Water report improving at Cheyenne Bottoms

Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired July 7, 2025.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722358431610.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired July 7, 2025.<div><iframe title="Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3yaie-18fc106-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: KS Wetlands Ed. Center Director Curtis Wolf

Tuesday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind around 7 mph becoming northeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming south southeast after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 93. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 70.

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

Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.

Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 88.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind around 7 mph becoming northeast in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming south southeast after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 93. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 70.Thursday Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 97.Thursday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Friday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83.Saturday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 88.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

Fake texts that appear to come from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and demand payment for tolls and tickets are continuing to be sent to the public. These texts sometimes threaten to have driver’s licenses revoked or penalties for not paying promptly.

Please remember – KDOT does not collect money for tickets or tolls, and the agency does not send unsolicited texts.

Do not click or open any links within these scam texts and never provide personal or financial details by clicking unknown links. Clicking on these links could expose your information to scammers

If you’ve received a scam message, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Freportfraud.ftc.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010197d13001eb-40aabf1c-6456-4420-bacd-134ffd6b8b6b-000000/lpkY0HvdlXkls57886hNV4IB30AywXklCzOX5BHL6rw=412">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ic3.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010197d13001eb-40aabf1c-6456-4420-bacd-134ffd6b8b6b-000000/1HwCrEOz5nUqkqN484rlXzvnSugA9RRzNV7EOxSAtQg=412">https://www.ic3.gov/</a>. Delete the text and report it as junk. If you’ve provided payment information at a fraudulent web site, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.

Stay informed about official KDOT information by visiting our official website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010197d13001eb-40aabf1c-6456-4420-bacd-134ffd6b8b6b-000000/FkFx39i_BOXT2XAF56xPL70QoY6JudGOFSyr4m_TV-0=412">ksdot.gov</a>&nbsp;and our verified social media channels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751563202440.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Fake texts that appear to come from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and demand payment for tolls and tickets are continuing to be sent to the public. These texts sometimes threaten to have driver’s licenses revoked or penalties for not paying promptly.Please remember – KDOT does not collect money for tickets or tolls, and the agency does not send unsolicited texts.Do not click or open any links within these scam texts and never provide personal or financial details by clicking unknown links. Clicking on these links could expose your information to scammersIf you’ve received a scam message, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Freportfraud.ftc.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010197d13001eb-40aabf1c-6456-4420-bacd-134ffd6b8b6b-000000/lpkY0HvdlXkls57886hNV4IB30AywXklCzOX5BHL6rw=412">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>&nbsp;and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ic3.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010197d13001eb-40aabf1c-6456-4420-bacd-134ffd6b8b6b-000000/1HwCrEOz5nUqkqN484rlXzvnSugA9RRzNV7EOxSAtQg=412">https://www.ic3.gov/</a>. Delete the text and report it as junk. If you’ve provided payment information at a fraudulent web site, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.Stay informed about official KDOT information by visiting our official website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010197d13001eb-40aabf1c-6456-4420-bacd-134ffd6b8b6b-000000/FkFx39i_BOXT2XAF56xPL70QoY6JudGOFSyr4m_TV-0=412">ksdot.gov</a>&nbsp;and our verified social media channels.

Text scams involving KDOT continue to plague motorists

The Great Bend school district answered part of the question of what to
do with the old Washington school building at Monday’s Great Bend City Council
meeting. The City Council voted 5-3 to approve a lease agreement with USD 428
to move the Parent Teacher Resource Center from Washington to the Front Door
facility on 10th Street owned by the City.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a3968730-958d-4851-b093-558c5a46075b">RELATED STORY: Great Bend school board tours Washington building, weighs options</a>

Sections of Washington
were built in the early 1900s and there are unused areas containing lead-based
paint and asbestos. USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said finding a new
location for the PTRC was a top priority.


"We looked at getting rid of the older part of Washington," said Thexton. "The original thought was to leave the current PTRC and make it a standalone building. The cost was extremely prohibitive to do that. It was going to better off if we found an alternative location for PTRC."

The PTRC is open to the public and teachers to complete crafts, laminate or other
classroom projects. Thexton said around 100 people make use of the facility each day.


The PTRC will take over the room at the Front Door that has been used as a
daycare facility since 2009 by the Great Bend Children’s Learning Center. Over
the past several years, the utilization by the daycare went from year round to
only in the summer months due to staffing issues. 

Councilmember Jolene Biggs
was open to sending out a Request For Proposal (RFP) to see if any other
daycare providers wanted to start or move their business in the Front Door
facility.


"I was involved four or five years ago when daycare was such a huge thing," said Biggs. "I checked with Sara (Sara Arnberger, Great Bend Economic Development Director) today, and it hasn't gone away. Although I wouldn't mind USD 428 using that, it seems if there is still a need for daycare, I think we should at least put out an RFP to see if there is any interest."

The Children’s Center is also looking at opening an additional room at their
facility on 22nd Street.


A lease agreement will be prepared and brought back to the City Council for final
approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741716821313.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend school district answered part of the question of what to
do with the old Washington school building at Monday’s Great Bend City Council
meeting. The City Council voted 5-3 to approve a lease agreement with USD 428
to move the Parent Teacher Resource Center from Washington to the Front Door
facility on 10th Street owned by the City.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a3968730-958d-4851-b093-558c5a46075b">RELATED STORY: Great Bend school board tours Washington building, weighs options</a>Sections of Washington
were built in the early 1900s and there are unused areas containing lead-based
paint and asbestos. USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said finding a new
location for the PTRC was a top priority.
"We looked at getting rid of the older part of Washington," said Thexton. "The original thought was to leave the current PTRC and make it a standalone building. The cost was extremely prohibitive to do that. It was going to better off if we found an alternative location for PTRC."The PTRC is open to the public and teachers to complete crafts, laminate or other
classroom projects. Thexton said around 100 people make use of the facility each day.
The PTRC will take over the room at the Front Door that has been used as a
daycare facility since 2009 by the Great Bend Children’s Learning Center. Over
the past several years, the utilization by the daycare went from year round to
only in the summer months due to staffing issues. Councilmember Jolene Biggs
was open to sending out a Request For Proposal (RFP) to see if any other
daycare providers wanted to start or move their business in the Front Door
facility.
"I was involved four or five years ago when daycare was such a huge thing," said Biggs. "I checked with Sara (Sara Arnberger, Great Bend Economic Development Director) today, and it hasn't gone away. Although I wouldn't mind USD 428 using that, it seems if there is still a need for daycare, I think we should at least put out an RFP to see if there is any interest."The Children’s Center is also looking at opening an additional room at their
facility on 22nd Street.
A lease agreement will be prepared and brought back to the City Council for final
approval.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 428 moving PTRC to Great Bend’s Front Door facility

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/44ql2y2. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting July 8&nbsp; -&nbsp; 9 a.m. Until Close Barton County Courthouse – 1400 Main, Suite 106, Great Bend

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the July 1, 2025, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month – Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Generally this impacts offices utilizing federal grant funding.

IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION 2025-11: A Resolution Concerning the Continuation of Group Health Benefits for Barton County Retirees and their Dependents: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Thought the adoption of this Resolution, and as required by Kansas statute, Barton County will extend coverage for health care benefits to retired former employees and their dependents, upon written application filed with the Clerk within 30 days following retirement of the employee. The Resolution stipulates qualifications, coverage type and payment requirements.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. RESOLUTION 2025-12: A Resolution Establishing a Procurement Policy and Procedures for Purchasing and Sourcing and Rescinding Resolution 2023-09, Same, Adopted March 8, 2023: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The County has operated with purchasing standards for several years. That practice eventually evolved into the current Procurement Policy. First adopted in 2020, the County continues to refine its language. The latest revision will be presented at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT: 10-39 LLC: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. On July 1, 2025, the Commission approved, in cooperation with the City of Ellinwood, a $20,000.00 Façade Improvement Grant for 10-39 LLC, 104 W 1st, Ellinwood, Kansas. The original motion did not correctly identify the payment source. The Commission will be asked to approve payment from the Finance General account of the General Fund rather than Capital Improvement.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. COUNTY ENGINEER: Inspection Services on Project 05 C-5265-01, High Risk Rural Roads Signage: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests approval of the three-party agreement with Kirkham Michael &amp; Associates, KDOT and Barton County for inspection services on Project 05 C-5265-01, High Risk Rural Roads Signing Project. Under the agreement, Kirkham Michael will have an on-site inspector monitoring and documenting the work done by the construction contractor for the installation of no passing pennants. KDOT will pay 100% of the participating costs up to the upper compensation limit of $57,116.93. Barton County will be responsible for any costs incurred above the limit or for any nonparticipating costs.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

V. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Chamber Updates – Great Bend Chamber.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.&nbsp; 

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, is scheduled for July 10, 2025.

VI. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655397973849.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/44ql2y2. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting July 8&nbsp; -&nbsp; 9 a.m. Until Close Barton County Courthouse – 1400 Main, Suite 106, Great BendI. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the July 1, 2025, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month – Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Generally this impacts offices utilizing federal grant funding.IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. RESOLUTION 2025-11: A Resolution Concerning the Continuation of Group Health Benefits for Barton County Retirees and their Dependents: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. Thought the adoption of this Resolution, and as required by Kansas statute, Barton County will extend coverage for health care benefits to retired former employees and their dependents, upon written application filed with the Clerk within 30 days following retirement of the employee. The Resolution stipulates qualifications, coverage type and payment requirements.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. RESOLUTION 2025-12: A Resolution Establishing a Procurement Policy and Procedures for Purchasing and Sourcing and Rescinding Resolution 2023-09, Same, Adopted March 8, 2023: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. The County has operated with purchasing standards for several years. That practice eventually evolved into the current Procurement Policy. First adopted in 2020, the County continues to refine its language. The latest revision will be presented at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT: 10-39 LLC: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. On July 1, 2025, the Commission approved, in cooperation with the City of Ellinwood, a $20,000.00 Façade Improvement Grant for 10-39 LLC, 104 W 1st, Ellinwood, Kansas. The original motion did not correctly identify the payment source. The Commission will be asked to approve payment from the Finance General account of the General Fund rather than Capital Improvement.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. COUNTY ENGINEER: Inspection Services on Project 05 C-5265-01, High Risk Rural Roads Signage: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests approval of the three-party agreement with Kirkham Michael &amp; Associates, KDOT and Barton County for inspection services on Project 05 C-5265-01, High Risk Rural Roads Signing Project. Under the agreement, Kirkham Michael will have an on-site inspector monitoring and documenting the work done by the construction contractor for the installation of no passing pennants. KDOT will pay 100% of the participating costs up to the upper compensation limit of $57,116.93. Barton County will be responsible for any costs incurred above the limit or for any nonparticipating costs.&nbsp; &nbsp;E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Tricia Schlessiger will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.V. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Chamber Updates – Great Bend Chamber.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.&nbsp; THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, is scheduled for July 10, 2025.VI. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025.VII. ADJOURN.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (7/8)

Barton Community College invites the public to take part in a series of free computer and digital literacy classes offered throughout July.

All classes are no-cost, no-registration workshops designed to help community members build essential technology skills for personal use, school, or work.

Getting Started with Free Email ServicesJuly 8, 6 to 8 p.m., Front Door – City of Great BendLearn to set up a free email account (Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail), send and reply to messages, attach files, manage your inbox, and stay safe online.

Basic Digital Skills for Everyday UseJuly 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Front Door – City of Great BendJuly 22, 6 to 8 p.m., Great Bend Public LibraryGet hands-on experience using a Windows-based computer, browsing the internet safely, using basic email features, and working with simple Microsoft Word documents.

Creating and Formatting Documents with ConfidenceJuly 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Great Bend Public LibraryBuild your Microsoft Word skills by learning how to create, format, save, and print documents.

Barton is offering these opportunities in partnership with the Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansas grant, in aiming to improve digital access and confidence for all Kansans.

For more information, contact Kathy Kottas at (620)786-1107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kottask@bartonccc.edu">kottask@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751379170174.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Maggie HarrisBarton Community College invites the public to take part in a series of free computer and digital literacy classes offered throughout July.All classes are no-cost, no-registration workshops designed to help community members build essential technology skills for personal use, school, or work.Upcoming classes include:Getting Started with Free Email ServicesJuly 8, 6 to 8 p.m., Front Door – City of Great BendLearn to set up a free email account (Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail), send and reply to messages, attach files, manage your inbox, and stay safe online.Basic Digital Skills for Everyday UseJuly 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Front Door – City of Great BendJuly 22, 6 to 8 p.m., Great Bend Public LibraryGet hands-on experience using a Windows-based computer, browsing the internet safely, using basic email features, and working with simple Microsoft Word documents.Creating and Formatting Documents with ConfidenceJuly 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Great Bend Public LibraryBuild your Microsoft Word skills by learning how to create, format, save, and print documents.Barton is offering these opportunities in partnership with the Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansas grant, in aiming to improve digital access and confidence for all Kansans.For more information, contact Kathy Kottas at (620)786-1107 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kottask@bartonccc.edu">kottask@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton to offer free computer classes in July

Great Bend City Council meeting July 7&nbsp; -&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers

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

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember reports

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development report

&nbsp; &nbsp;4. Splitting Public Works Department Director roles &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; With the recent resignation of Public Works Director Jason Cauley, the city explored the possibility of restructuring the department by dividing it into two separate entities: Public Works Department and the Utilities Department. Splitting the department could allow for more focused leadership in each area, with directors possession specialized knowledge in their respective fields. A motion will be presented to approve an ordinance establishing a utilities department and the position of Director of Utilities.

&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Accelerated payment of PFAS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The city has been participating in a nationwide class action lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS chemicals. Some of these claims have been settled and Great Bend's share in that settlement totals a little over $1.3 million to be paid out over time. Great Bend has the opportunity to accelerate those payments and receive the total amount left this year, discounted to present value and minus a 3.5% transaction fee. This would be accomplished by selling the income stream to an investment banking firm. A motion will be presented to choose an option on receiving a final proposed number when it is negotiated.

&nbsp; &nbsp;6. PTRC for USD 428 or RFP for daycare at Front Door facility &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Since 2009, the City of Great Bend has leased the Front Door facility to Great Bend Children's Learning Center for use as a daycare facility. Over the past several years, the utilization went from year round to only in the summer months due to staffing issues. This summer, the building is not being utilized, and the city received rent payments of $300 during the three months the daycare was operating in the prior years. After discussion with the Children's Center, they are looking at opening an additional room in their current facility as the space requirements of the Front Door only allow a small number of children. USD 428 reached out to the City and was interested in a lease agreement to move the Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) from Washington School to the Front Door as they are facing some construction challenges with Washington School and the costs associated with that project. The City Council will be asked for a decision to move forward with either a lease agreement with USD 428 to move the PTRC into the Front Door facility or to move forward with a request for proposals for daycare facilities to continue the use of a daycare. If the City moves forward with USD 428, the city will prepare a lease agreement to bring back to the council for consideration or the City will put out an RFP for a daycare facility and also bring back back for formal consideration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732118263548.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend City Council meeting July 7&nbsp; -&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council ChambersThe council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.AgendaOpening: Pledge of AllegianceA. Consent agendaB. Old businessC. Recognition of visitors and announcements &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.D. New business&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember reports&nbsp; &nbsp;2. Administrator's update&nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development report&nbsp; &nbsp;4. Splitting Public Works Department Director roles &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; With the recent resignation of Public Works Director Jason Cauley, the city explored the possibility of restructuring the department by dividing it into two separate entities: Public Works Department and the Utilities Department. Splitting the department could allow for more focused leadership in each area, with directors possession specialized knowledge in their respective fields. A motion will be presented to approve an ordinance establishing a utilities department and the position of Director of Utilities.&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Accelerated payment of PFAS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The city has been participating in a nationwide class action lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS chemicals. Some of these claims have been settled and Great Bend's share in that settlement totals a little over $1.3 million to be paid out over time. Great Bend has the opportunity to accelerate those payments and receive the total amount left this year, discounted to present value and minus a 3.5% transaction fee. This would be accomplished by selling the income stream to an investment banking firm. A motion will be presented to choose an option on receiving a final proposed number when it is negotiated.&nbsp; &nbsp;6. PTRC for USD 428 or RFP for daycare at Front Door facility &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Since 2009, the City of Great Bend has leased the Front Door facility to Great Bend Children's Learning Center for use as a daycare facility. Over the past several years, the utilization went from year round to only in the summer months due to staffing issues. This summer, the building is not being utilized, and the city received rent payments of $300 during the three months the daycare was operating in the prior years. After discussion with the Children's Center, they are looking at opening an additional room in their current facility as the space requirements of the Front Door only allow a small number of children. USD 428 reached out to the City and was interested in a lease agreement to move the Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) from Washington School to the Front Door as they are facing some construction challenges with Washington School and the costs associated with that project. The City Council will be asked for a decision to move forward with either a lease agreement with USD 428 to move the PTRC into the Front Door facility or to move forward with a request for proposals for daycare facilities to continue the use of a daycare. If the City moves forward with USD 428, the city will prepare a lease agreement to bring back to the council for consideration or the City will put out an RFP for a daycare facility and also bring back back for formal consideration.Adjournment

Great Bend City Council meeting agenda (7/7)

Kansas Tourism announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state —&nbsp; museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more.

The 2025 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 12 to August 3. During this period, eligible students and one accompanying adult are granted free one-time access to each participating attraction, once per season. Passes can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival. Kansas students from pre-K through 12th grade — including those in public, private and homeschool settings — are eligible to participate. The program is exclusively available to Kansas residents.

The Santa Fe Trail Center is included in the Sunflower Summer program

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751483105454.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Tourism announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state —&nbsp; museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more.The 2025 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 12 to August 3. During this period, eligible students and one accompanying adult are granted free one-time access to each participating attraction, once per season. Passes can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival. Kansas students from pre-K through 12th grade — including those in public, private and homeschool settings — are eligible to participate. The program is exclusively available to Kansas residents.The Santa Fe Trail Center is included in the Sunflower Summer program

Santa Fe Trail Center in Larned included in Sunflower Summer program

BOOKED: Rhiannon Mossberg on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michal La Roy Urban on Rice County District Court
warrant for damaging critical infrastructure, felonious interference with law
enforcement and theft &lt;$1,500 with a bond set at $40,000 C/S.

BOOKED: James Waller on Hoisington Municipal Court case for
domestic battery with a $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Brooke Hubbard on Rice County District Court warrant
for failure to appear, no bond at this time.

BOOKED: Crystal R. Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court
case for domestic battery with a bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Robert B. Cornejo on a Barton County District Court
warrant for probation violation with no bond.

BOOKED: Chad R. Teichman on Stafford County District Court
case for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of
drug paraphernalia, defective wiper/obstructed windshield, fail to possess
driver’s license, no insurance with a bond of $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Dena Galliart on BCDC case for trespass, she
posted a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Rhiannon Mossberg on GBMC case for domestic
battery, she posted a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Michael La Roy Urban on Rice County District Court
warrant on criminal damage to critical infrastructure, felonious interference
with LEO, and theft of property or service &lt;$1,500 by posting a $40,000
surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: James Waller on Hoisington Municipal Court case
for domestic battery with a $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Brooke Hubbard on Rice County District Court
warrant for failure to appear for transport to Rice County Sheriff’s Office.

RELEASED: Crystal R. Caruthers on GBMC case for domestic
battery after posting the $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Mitchell Anspaugh on BCDC warrant for unlawful
distribution of methamphetamines. Unlawful distribution of methamphetamines, no
Kansas drug stamp, driving while suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia. Mitchell
was released by $100,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Chad R. Teichman on Stafford County District Court
case for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of
drug paraphernalia, defective wiper/obstructed windshield, fail to possess
driver’s license and no vehicle liability insurance by posting a $10,000 surety
bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

BOOKED: Braleigh L. Holuska on Barton County District Court
case for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond
set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Xavier Carey on Barton County District Court case
for interference with LEO, possession of controlled substance, possession of
drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, no drug tax stamp, and
driving while suspended, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Andre Delvecchio on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for criminal damage, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Thomas G. Drewel on a Great Bend Municipal Court
case for interference with LEO, stop lamps required with bond of $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Martin Balazar-Leyva on Barton County District Court
warrant for serve sentence, no bond.

RELEASED: Braleigh L. Holuska-Ringo on BCDC case for
possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia by posting a
$2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Xavier Carey on BCDC case for interference with
LEO, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia,
possession of controlled substance, no drug tax stamp, and driving while
suspended, posted a surety bond of $10,000 through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Andre Delvecchio on GBMC case for criminal damage,
he posted a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Thomas G. Drewel on a GBMC case for interference with
LEO, and stop lamp required by posting a $500 surety through Ace Bail Bonding.

BOOKED: Tanya M. Birzer on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for battery (domestic violence), bond is set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Christopher L. Elmore on a Barton County District
Court case for speed over max, no turn signal, not stopping at stop sign,
illegal transportation of liquor, flee and elude and interference with LEO,
bond of $5,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Tanya M. Birzer on GBMC case for battery (domestic
violence), bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Christopher L. Elmore on BCDC case for interference
with LEO, speed over the max, no turn signal, illegal transportation of liquor,
flee and elude, no stopping at stop sign, by posting a $5,000 surety through
Ace Bail Bonding.

BOOKED: Janeth Espino-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal
Court warrant for failure to appear with a bond of $500 C/S.

BOOKED: William N. Bullard on Barton County District Court
case for driving under the influence 1st offense, bond set at $1,000
C/S.

RELEASED: Janeth Espino-Hernandez on GBMC warrant for
failure to appear, posted surety bond of $500 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: William N. Bullard on BCDC case for driving under
the influence 1st offense by posting a $1,000 surety bond through
Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Martin Balanzar-Leyva Jr on BCDC case for serve sentence,
time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623272376285.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>7/3BOOKED: Rhiannon Mossberg on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michal La Roy Urban on Rice County District Court
warrant for damaging critical infrastructure, felonious interference with law
enforcement and theft &lt;$1,500 with a bond set at $40,000 C/S.BOOKED: James Waller on Hoisington Municipal Court case for
domestic battery with a $500 C/S.BOOKED: Brooke Hubbard on Rice County District Court warrant
for failure to appear, no bond at this time.BOOKED: Crystal R. Caruthers on Great Bend Municipal Court
case for domestic battery with a bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Robert B. Cornejo on a Barton County District Court
warrant for probation violation with no bond.BOOKED: Chad R. Teichman on Stafford County District Court
case for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of
drug paraphernalia, defective wiper/obstructed windshield, fail to possess
driver’s license, no insurance with a bond of $10,000 C/S.RELEASED: Dena Galliart on BCDC case for trespass, she
posted a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Rhiannon Mossberg on GBMC case for domestic
battery, she posted a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Michael La Roy Urban on Rice County District Court
warrant on criminal damage to critical infrastructure, felonious interference
with LEO, and theft of property or service &lt;$1,500 by posting a $40,000
surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: James Waller on Hoisington Municipal Court case
for domestic battery with a $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Brooke Hubbard on Rice County District Court
warrant for failure to appear for transport to Rice County Sheriff’s Office.RELEASED: Crystal R. Caruthers on GBMC case for domestic
battery after posting the $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Mitchell Anspaugh on BCDC warrant for unlawful
distribution of methamphetamines. Unlawful distribution of methamphetamines, no
Kansas drug stamp, driving while suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia. Mitchell
was released by $100,000 OR bond.RELEASED: Chad R. Teichman on Stafford County District Court
case for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of
drug paraphernalia, defective wiper/obstructed windshield, fail to possess
driver’s license and no vehicle liability insurance by posting a $10,000 surety
bond through Ace Bail Bonding.7/4BOOKED: Braleigh L. Holuska on Barton County District Court
case for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond
set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Xavier Carey on Barton County District Court case
for interference with LEO, possession of controlled substance, possession of
drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance, no drug tax stamp, and
driving while suspended, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Andre Delvecchio on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for criminal damage, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Thomas G. Drewel on a Great Bend Municipal Court
case for interference with LEO, stop lamps required with bond of $500 C/S.BOOKED: Martin Balazar-Leyva on Barton County District Court
warrant for serve sentence, no bond.RELEASED: Braleigh L. Holuska-Ringo on BCDC case for
possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia by posting a
$2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Xavier Carey on BCDC case for interference with
LEO, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia,
possession of controlled substance, no drug tax stamp, and driving while
suspended, posted a surety bond of $10,000 through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Andre Delvecchio on GBMC case for criminal damage,
he posted a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Thomas G. Drewel on a GBMC case for interference with
LEO, and stop lamp required by posting a $500 surety through Ace Bail Bonding.7/5BOOKED: Tanya M. Birzer on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for battery (domestic violence), bond is set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Christopher L. Elmore on a Barton County District
Court case for speed over max, no turn signal, not stopping at stop sign,
illegal transportation of liquor, flee and elude and interference with LEO,
bond of $5,000 C/S.RELEASED: Tanya M. Birzer on GBMC case for battery (domestic
violence), bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Christopher L. Elmore on BCDC case for interference
with LEO, speed over the max, no turn signal, illegal transportation of liquor,
flee and elude, no stopping at stop sign, by posting a $5,000 surety through
Ace Bail Bonding.7/6BOOKED: Janeth Espino-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal
Court warrant for failure to appear with a bond of $500 C/S.BOOKED: William N. Bullard on Barton County District Court
case for driving under the influence 1st offense, bond set at $1,000
C/S.RELEASED: Janeth Espino-Hernandez on GBMC warrant for
failure to appear, posted surety bond of $500 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: William N. Bullard on BCDC case for driving under
the influence 1st offense by posting a $1,000 surety bond through
Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Martin Balanzar-Leyva Jr on BCDC case for serve sentence,
time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/3 - 7/6)

The buildings are quiet; equipment and shelving stored for another year; and 4-H families, fair board members and Extension staff are trying to catch up on rest from a fun, competitive, and very humid week at the Barnyard Mardi Gras 2025 Barton County Fair!

While we will all take a few days to recuperate, we are also thinking about things to improve for next year as well as preparing for entries for the 2025 Kansas State Fair.

In most 4-H categories, 4-H members who are 9 and older and received a purple ribbon on their exhibit have the opportunity to enter the Kansas State Fair.

If you attended any part of the Barton County Fair – Thank You for engaging in a fun community event. I hope that you made time to walk through Expo III and see the animals that 4-H members work hard with all year. I hope that you also made time to walk through Expo II and look at the Arts and Crafts, the Woodworking, the Foods and Nutrition, and many more projects that help 4-H members develop skills related to those projects as well as skills for communication, organization, and time management.

If you participated in the Open Class entries – Thank You for sharing your talents with our communities. I love walking through the quilts, fiber arts, and art area, in particular. Wow, we have an abundance of talented citizens!

If you attended the Premium Auction – Thank You for supporting 4-H Livestock projects. For many 4-H members, the premium you provide helps to fund next year’s project and their educational path after high school. Several of our top Foods &amp; Nutrition 4-H members had the opportunity to provide a baked good at the auction and a portion of those funds help with maintenance of the 4-H Educational Buildings on Highway 281 which are used for club and 4-H Council meetings, archery practice, and other 4-H activities.

In addition to all of these things, Sunday afternoon also closed a chapter as I move into a new role in the Cottonwood Extension District to focus on Family Resource Management. Yes, I’ll still be involved in the fair but will let a new 4-H agent take the lead.

And so, as they say in the movies, That’s A Wrap!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910. All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="written by: Michelle Beran - Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District." />
 <figcaption>written by: Michelle Beran - Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District.</figcaption>
 </figure>The buildings are quiet; equipment and shelving stored for another year; and 4-H families, fair board members and Extension staff are trying to catch up on rest from a fun, competitive, and very humid week at the Barnyard Mardi Gras 2025 Barton County Fair!While we will all take a few days to recuperate, we are also thinking about things to improve for next year as well as preparing for entries for the 2025 Kansas State Fair.In most 4-H categories, 4-H members who are 9 and older and received a purple ribbon on their exhibit have the opportunity to enter the Kansas State Fair.If you attended any part of the Barton County Fair – Thank You for engaging in a fun community event. I hope that you made time to walk through Expo III and see the animals that 4-H members work hard with all year. I hope that you also made time to walk through Expo II and look at the Arts and Crafts, the Woodworking, the Foods and Nutrition, and many more projects that help 4-H members develop skills related to those projects as well as skills for communication, organization, and time management.If you participated in the Open Class entries – Thank You for sharing your talents with our communities. I love walking through the quilts, fiber arts, and art area, in particular. Wow, we have an abundance of talented citizens!If you attended the Premium Auction – Thank You for supporting 4-H Livestock projects. For many 4-H members, the premium you provide helps to fund next year’s project and their educational path after high school. Several of our top Foods &amp; Nutrition 4-H members had the opportunity to provide a baked good at the auction and a portion of those funds help with maintenance of the 4-H Educational Buildings on Highway 281 which are used for club and 4-H Council meetings, archery practice, and other 4-H activities.In addition to all of these things, Sunday afternoon also closed a chapter as I move into a new role in the Cottonwood Extension District to focus on Family Resource Management. Yes, I’ll still be involved in the fair but will let a new 4-H agent take the lead.And so, as they say in the movies, That’s A Wrap!Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910. All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: And that’s a wrap on the Barton County Fair

Sometimes you have to try something new. After 14 years of June Jaunt in
Great Bend, a revamp of the outdoor festival took place this year with the Big
Bend Bash. The next big outdoor shindig in town will be Party in the Park,
taking place at Veterans Memorial Park on Aug. 9. 

Great Bend Convention and Visitors
Bureau Director Amanda Gaddis said Party in the Park will proceed as usual but is
open to changes.


"I think there is always room for changes and growth," said Gaddis. "I'm interested to see how that festival moves forward after this year. I just want to see it keep growing."

Along with the return of the mud volleyball tournament location to Vets Park, Party in the Park&nbsp;

Gaddis has been covering both the CVB Director position and Community
Coordinator position since the resignation of Christina Hayes in late February.
Gaddis will gradually step away from the Community Coordinator role, now
renamed the Public Relations Director, with the hiring of Addison Crites.
During the transition, Gaddis will continue to help sort out which promotions work,
including retail promotions.


"We know the Art &amp; Wine Walk is a huge success," said Gaddis. "That one works. I think the other ones, we're just trying to figure out and navigate which promotions are better and just trying to change those up every year."

The next retail promotion will be the Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 12
beginning at 8 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691608247556.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostSometimes you have to try something new. After 14 years of June Jaunt in
Great Bend, a revamp of the outdoor festival took place this year with the Big
Bend Bash. The next big outdoor shindig in town will be Party in the Park,
taking place at Veterans Memorial Park on Aug. 9. Great Bend Convention and Visitors
Bureau Director Amanda Gaddis said Party in the Park will proceed as usual but is
open to changes.
"I think there is always room for changes and growth," said Gaddis. "I'm interested to see how that festival moves forward after this year. I just want to see it keep growing."Along with the return of the mud volleyball tournament location to Vets Park, Party in the Park&nbsp;Gaddis has been covering both the CVB Director position and Community
Coordinator position since the resignation of Christina Hayes in late February.
Gaddis will gradually step away from the Community Coordinator role, now
renamed the Public Relations Director, with the hiring of Addison Crites.
During the transition, Gaddis will continue to help sort out which promotions work,
including retail promotions.
"We know the Art &amp; Wine Walk is a huge success," said Gaddis. "That one works. I think the other ones, we're just trying to figure out and navigate which promotions are better and just trying to change those up every year."The next retail promotion will be the Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, July 12
beginning at 8 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Finding out which festivals work for Great Bend

Barton County 911 Director Dena Popp went before the Barton County
Commission last week to discuss maintenance to the 800 megahertz radio repeater
towers. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744385066337.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostBarton County 911 Director Dena Popp went before the Barton County
Commission last week to discuss maintenance to the 800 megahertz radio repeater
towers. A tower was installed in September 2020 using Strengthening People
and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maintenance was included in the first year of the contract, but Barton County
has footed the bill since. Popp asked for approval of year five of maintenance,
support and software updates for the towers.
"The maintenance contract is very important to the 911 Center and emergency services personnel," said Popp. "It assists me by notification of alarms, high heat, intrusion, power outage and regular updates to the system. This contract saves me a lot of drive time to go to these locations to physically check them myself."The Commission approved the bid from Motorola Solutions for $65,628. Popp said
she still physically checks on the tower location in Susank at least quarterly.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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