Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting June 9&nbsp; -&nbsp; 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center

1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests

2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: May 12th, 2025 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports

3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments

4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 May Attendance Report

5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 2025-2026 Budget Timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Board Meeting Date Changes &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 Summer/Fall timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 Executive Session: Purchase, Exchange, or Value of Real Property &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Executive Session: Personnel Matters of Non-Elected Personal

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291719070.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting June 9&nbsp; -&nbsp; 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation CenterAgenda1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: May 12th, 2025 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 May Attendance Report5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 2025-2026 Budget Timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Board Meeting Date Changes &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 Summer/Fall timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 Executive Session: Purchase, Exchange, or Value of Real Property &nbsp; &nbsp;5.5 Executive Session: Personnel Matters of Non-Elected Personal6. Other Business7. Adjournment

Great Bend Rec Board meeting agenda (6/9)

BOOKED: Mark A. Caton on Barton County District Court case
for possession of marijuana and driving with expired driver’s license, bond set
at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Marcus A. Bryant on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for driving under the influence, driving in violation of restrictions,
transport an open container and improper driving on laned roadway. Bond set at
$1,000 C/S. GBMC case for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for
aggravated assault and battery.

BOOKED: Nelson Martinez on a Great Bend Municipal Court case
with a bond of $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Robert L. Streiner on Barton County District Court
case for possession of methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S. BCDC case for
theft by deception, bond set at $50,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Tracy R. Hilton on Barton County District Court case
for illegal transportation of liquor, possession of methamphetamine and introduction
of contraband with a bond of $40,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Mark A. Caton on BCDC case for possession of
marijuana and driving with expired driver’s license by posting a $2,500 surety
through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Marcus A. Bryant on GBMC case for driving under
the influence, driving in violation of restrictions, transport an open
container and improper driving on laned roadway, bond of $1,000 cash posted by
Ace Bail Bonding. Released on another GBMC case for domestic battery with bond
of $1,000 cash posted by Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Juvenile on BCDC case for aggravated assault and
battery.

RELEASED: Skyler L. Romine on GBMC case for domestic battery
on a 48-hour OR bond through the Great Bend Police Department.

BOOKED: Adrian Lemuz on Great Bend Municipal Court case for
criminal damage to property, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Jayson Standlee on Barton County District Court case
for DUI and failure to maintain lane, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Blanca Cervantez-Quintero on Barton County District
Court case for interference with LEO, no driver’s license, wide turn and
taillight out, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Manuel Perez-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court
case for driving without an interlock device and no driver’s license with a
bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Jayson Standlee on BCDC case for DUI and failure
to maintain lane by posting a $1,000 surety through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Cindy L. Blake on BCDC case for introduction of
contraband into a correctional facility, possession of methamphetamine, and
illegal transportation of liquor by posting a $40,000 surety bond through Ace
Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Victor M. Vasquez-Rios on BCDC case for serve
sentence, time served in full.

RELEASED: Adrian Lemuz on GBMC case for criminal damage to
property after posting the $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

BOOKED: Heaven Wornkey on BCDC case for possession of
methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000. Great Bend
Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court, bond set at $522.50 cash only.

BOOKED: Jonathan Hiner on Barton County District Court case
for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, bond
set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michelle Nelson on a Barton County District Court case
for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and introduction
of contraband, bond of $40,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Nelson Martinez on a GBMC case for driving while
restricted and no insurance, he was released on the 48-hour OR granted by GBMC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>6/6BOOKED: Mark A. Caton on Barton County District Court case
for possession of marijuana and driving with expired driver’s license, bond set
at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Marcus A. Bryant on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for driving under the influence, driving in violation of restrictions,
transport an open container and improper driving on laned roadway. Bond set at
$1,000 C/S. GBMC case for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for
aggravated assault and battery.BOOKED: Nelson Martinez on a Great Bend Municipal Court case
with a bond of $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Robert L. Streiner on Barton County District Court
case for possession of methamphetamine, bond set at $10,000 C/S. BCDC case for
theft by deception, bond set at $50,000 C/S.BOOKED: Tracy R. Hilton on Barton County District Court case
for illegal transportation of liquor, possession of methamphetamine and introduction
of contraband with a bond of $40,000 C/S.RELEASED: Mark A. Caton on BCDC case for possession of
marijuana and driving with expired driver’s license by posting a $2,500 surety
through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Marcus A. Bryant on GBMC case for driving under
the influence, driving in violation of restrictions, transport an open
container and improper driving on laned roadway, bond of $1,000 cash posted by
Ace Bail Bonding. Released on another GBMC case for domestic battery with bond
of $1,000 cash posted by Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Juvenile on BCDC case for aggravated assault and
battery.RELEASED: Skyler L. Romine on GBMC case for domestic battery
on a 48-hour OR bond through the Great Bend Police Department.6/7BOOKED: Adrian Lemuz on Great Bend Municipal Court case for
criminal damage to property, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Jayson Standlee on Barton County District Court case
for DUI and failure to maintain lane, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Blanca Cervantez-Quintero on Barton County District
Court case for interference with LEO, no driver’s license, wide turn and
taillight out, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Manuel Perez-Hernandez on Great Bend Municipal Court
case for driving without an interlock device and no driver’s license with a
bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Jayson Standlee on BCDC case for DUI and failure
to maintain lane by posting a $1,000 surety through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Cindy L. Blake on BCDC case for introduction of
contraband into a correctional facility, possession of methamphetamine, and
illegal transportation of liquor by posting a $40,000 surety bond through Ace
Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Victor M. Vasquez-Rios on BCDC case for serve
sentence, time served in full.RELEASED: Adrian Lemuz on GBMC case for criminal damage to
property after posting the $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.6/8BOOKED: Heaven Wornkey on BCDC case for possession of
methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000. Great Bend
Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court, bond set at $522.50 cash only.BOOKED: Jonathan Hiner on Barton County District Court case
for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, bond
set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michelle Nelson on a Barton County District Court case
for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and introduction
of contraband, bond of $40,000 C/S.RELEASED: Nelson Martinez on a GBMC case for driving while
restricted and no insurance, he was released on the 48-hour OR granted by GBMC.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (6/6 - 6/8)

You’ve got an emergency plan to keep everyone in your household safe; don’t forget to include your pets in it.

While it is critical to plan on how to keep members of your household out of harm’s way, it’s equally important to plan for your pets, who are totally dependent on you for their safety and well-being.

“Get&nbsp;everyone ready now ─ your loved ones and pets ─ so they’ll know what to do&nbsp;and where to go if a disaster happens,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas.

June is Pet Preparedness Month, the perfect time to update your emergency plan with pets in mind. The Red Cross has steps you can follow to help keep your furry, scaly or feathered family members safe during a disaster.

CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN&nbsp;—&nbsp;Know a safe place to take your pets.&nbsp;Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.

PET EMERGENCY KIT&nbsp;—&nbsp;Place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:

<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw0yzuu3iAUxPHV4A4LOH4cCorbeBtXGMY2Cn4EUJzlR1-UtL-Zf3RqxOBDB6fnwWrSWtvucGBoQwqBCGGkTa16VkSsiSe2SnfJTTxou00qmIDtWzMPnpnYjhCDqiniR_opT58ySpUTr8GOzNHKnOffa_8ZuuyO1p4q6EuYRZjlfd--IIZy19rfZRdm2dHkgfwIsxz3K9stn4LHF8jtLhInyo4rJFRhlgdNxlR9bSj_b_FCrf3RztydiMnLggxfIVN0f-H7Hwj60kqpee6K29cLbxWDgt8zio_p7i-0rrYCnJ-UIq08Ri-DtqMcZjNIVkpJisSKgG0KofvlzJ8AAAD__466b78">Visit here</a>&nbsp;for more information,&nbsp;including preparing for livestock and pet preparedness safety checklists in as&nbsp;many as nine different languages.

Pet&nbsp;owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how&nbsp;to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features&nbsp;step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for storing&nbsp;tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact&nbsp;a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone&nbsp;app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for&nbsp;a link to download the app or going to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy83OnCAYR_GrgR2GL-VhwWI23sYE4a-S4mjB1F5-M827_Z2cHOQIGxNHUM56ZZRSnu9BJ1qziuRy9Nomp1ZIcnGMfjLOS8NLmMgqv04y6YT1rYhsJDLkRzAre8n4VX6LI5aK1sVES_IjUfaiVvd3Gb6B17Df99WZeTE9Mz0_zzM05NTO3oezbUzPG26xo15Mz_v5iPsUV8MVG8R6NoEDbcMnFXSm5-NcSoWI19WH_T4qP5BLFA0VsUOUHP7D-weYeSkppXO8hW354OnMSsStosVczuGDm_e7Acd3NdksNOYokvKjsE5bQVJKYbIhaYB1Son_CfpfAAAA__-_8mqv">redcross.org/apps</a>.

You&nbsp;can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know&nbsp;what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can&nbsp;access the course on their desktop or tablet at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw8y02O4yAQQOHTwK4sfg0sWGTja0QFlB0UEs8AGs_xW2m1evs9vRKFJYOZU5TOBKmllIE_onHJFJ20zWm1RhiHq5RpzVlZGaRVvMbVGxn2VWSVab9L7w16r32wxIwYtdCz_oUX1kZ9wOpTDtb7EqA19z8tn8BbfMz5ZzB9Y2pjaruua-lUcj_HWM5-MLVNfBIg5IZjMLXttY8JWAtTW8YJ5Tzg1_iLSkXo1AgHQS3xG-4_wPRNCiGc4z0e6U3XYEYQHo06lnoub5p8zE70-qy66ORtQcgyWDBOGfBCCNBFe6GJ9jVn_i-qrwAAAP__7c5jhw">redcross.org/catdogfirstaid</a>&nbsp;and go through the&nbsp;content at their own pace.

About the American Red Cross:&nbsp;

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQQOHTwA5r-DEMCxbZ5BrRGMYOKo5bsOoev0rV7ff0SoKZHWXJSQcXtdVaR_lMhskbH33MBl2gzBAsstOEBSKFVdbk0em4esgm8_rQiI4QLcaZhYNRC3_UL7VTbdyH8rjkOCOWqFoLP8v0DrKl53l-CnsT5i7M_bquqXPJ_RhjOvomzF3uXCqpzo1psKol_cHjH4S9aQAIQfa0LS--hnDAtDXuVOoxvfiU4-zM-3u1xS44F1JZx1m5YJxCAFC2WATLvPqc5XcyvwEAAP__b7JUEA">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01u6yAUR_HVwAyLT3MZMMgk24iu4e-E9-y4xW5ddfVVqk5_R6dmHeC5SGQTfTLOGJPkI1twsiBnTZkjRw8YNt6VEMbJopBseSRv0jzqYgvmmyHyTOQoBQiv91bxv72rlduCvquRppICUU1qWeLXNLyCXPLjON6Euwh7FfZ6nudQ-sd33_4xr-it8JOHrd-FvcoVtbHqWMA7VKv5F25_INzFaK1jlD3fpyfOXXgNvi_oXNs2PHHI_ejA-lpddROFyqqYFJSP1ivSWitXHWkHzGMp8jPbnwAAAP__LNlYCg">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.&nbsp;

From the American Red Cross...You’ve got an emergency plan to keep everyone in your household safe; don’t forget to include your pets in it.While it is critical to plan on how to keep members of your household out of harm’s way, it’s equally important to plan for your pets, who are totally dependent on you for their safety and well-being.“Get&nbsp;everyone ready now ─ your loved ones and pets ─ so they’ll know what to do&nbsp;and where to go if a disaster happens,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas.June is Pet Preparedness Month, the perfect time to update your emergency plan with pets in mind. The Red Cross has steps you can follow to help keep your furry, scaly or feathered family members safe during a disaster.CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN&nbsp;—&nbsp;Know a safe place to take your pets.&nbsp;Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.<ul>
 <li>Most&nbsp;American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns&nbsp;and other considerations.&nbsp;Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters. When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do all they can to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably. However, depending on the situation, domesticated pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.</li><li>Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency.&nbsp;Prepare a list with phone numbers.</li><li>Although your animals may be more comfortable together,&nbsp;be prepared to house your pets separately.&nbsp;</li><li>Include your pets in evacuation drills&nbsp;so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.</li><li>Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current&nbsp;and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.</li><li>Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.</li>
 </ul>PET EMERGENCY KIT&nbsp;—&nbsp;Place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:<ul>
 <li>Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that&nbsp;they can’t escape.</li><li>Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.</li><li>Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container. A first aid kit.</li><li>Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.</li><li>Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.</li><li>Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.</li>
 </ul><a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw0yzuu3iAUxPHV4A4LOH4cCorbeBtXGMY2Cn4EUJzlR1-UtL-Zf3RqxOBDB6fnwWrSWtvucGBoQwqBCGGkTa16VkSsiSe2SnfJTTxou00qmIDtWzMPnpnYjhCDqiniR_opT58ySpUTr8GOzNHKnOffa_8ZuuyO1p4q6EuYRZjlfd--IIZy19rfZRdm2dHkgfwIsxz3K9stn4LHF8jtLhInyo4rJFRhlgdNxlR9bSj_b_FCrf3RztydiMnLggxfIVN0f-H7Hwj60kqpee6K29cLbxWDgt8zio_p7i-0rrYCnJ-UIq08Ri-DtqMcZjNIVkpJisSKgG0KofvlzJ8AAAD__466b78">Visit here</a>&nbsp;for more information,&nbsp;including preparing for livestock and pet preparedness safety checklists in as&nbsp;many as nine different languages.Pet&nbsp;owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how&nbsp;to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features&nbsp;step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for storing&nbsp;tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact&nbsp;a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone&nbsp;app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for&nbsp;a link to download the app or going to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy83OnCAYR_GrgR2GL-VhwWI23sYE4a-S4mjB1F5-M827_Z2cHOQIGxNHUM56ZZRSnu9BJ1qziuRy9Nomp1ZIcnGMfjLOS8NLmMgqv04y6YT1rYhsJDLkRzAre8n4VX6LI5aK1sVES_IjUfaiVvd3Gb6B17Df99WZeTE9Mz0_zzM05NTO3oezbUzPG26xo15Mz_v5iPsUV8MVG8R6NoEDbcMnFXSm5-NcSoWI19WH_T4qP5BLFA0VsUOUHP7D-weYeSkppXO8hW354OnMSsStosVczuGDm_e7Acd3NdksNOYokvKjsE5bQVJKYbIhaYB1Son_CfpfAAAA__-_8mqv">redcross.org/apps</a>.You&nbsp;can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know&nbsp;what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can&nbsp;access the course on their desktop or tablet at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJw8y02O4yAQQOHTwK4sfg0sWGTja0QFlB0UEs8AGs_xW2m1evs9vRKFJYOZU5TOBKmllIE_onHJFJ20zWm1RhiHq5RpzVlZGaRVvMbVGxn2VWSVab9L7w16r32wxIwYtdCz_oUX1kZ9wOpTDtb7EqA19z8tn8BbfMz5ZzB9Y2pjaruua-lUcj_HWM5-MLVNfBIg5IZjMLXttY8JWAtTW8YJ5Tzg1_iLSkXo1AgHQS3xG-4_wPRNCiGc4z0e6U3XYEYQHo06lnoub5p8zE70-qy66ORtQcgyWDBOGfBCCNBFe6GJ9jVn_i-qrwAAAP__7c5jhw">redcross.org/catdogfirstaid</a>&nbsp;and go through the&nbsp;content at their own pace.About the American Red Cross:&nbsp;The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01uwyAQQOHTwA5r-DEMCxbZ5BrRGMYOKo5bsOoev0rV7ff0SoKZHWXJSQcXtdVaR_lMhskbH33MBl2gzBAsstOEBSKFVdbk0em4esgm8_rQiI4QLcaZhYNRC3_UL7VTbdyH8rjkOCOWqFoLP8v0DrKl53l-CnsT5i7M_bquqXPJ_RhjOvomzF3uXCqpzo1psKol_cHjH4S9aQAIQfa0LS--hnDAtDXuVOoxvfiU4-zM-3u1xS44F1JZx1m5YJxCAFC2WATLvPqc5XcyvwEAAP__b7JUEA">redcross.org</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cisionone-email.us.redcross.org/c/eJwsy01u6yAUR_HVwAyLT3MZMMgk24iu4e-E9-y4xW5ddfVVqk5_R6dmHeC5SGQTfTLOGJPkI1twsiBnTZkjRw8YNt6VEMbJopBseSRv0jzqYgvmmyHyTOQoBQiv91bxv72rlduCvquRppICUU1qWeLXNLyCXPLjON6Euwh7FfZ6nudQ-sd33_4xr-it8JOHrd-FvcoVtbHqWMA7VKv5F25_INzFaK1jlD3fpyfOXXgNvi_oXNs2PHHI_ejA-lpddROFyqqYFJSP1ivSWitXHWkHzGMp8jPbnwAAAP__LNlYCg">CruzRojaAmericana.org</a>, or follow us on social media.&nbsp;

Make pets part of your emergency plans

Three students from Larned High School represented USD 495 at Kansas Lions Band Camp last week.

LHS students David Colglazier, Leah Pinkston and Keirstin Pinkston spent four days on the campus at Friends University, rehearsing with students from 72 schools across Kansas. On Saturday, they took the stage for a concert showcasing their work.

All three earned first chair in their sections, and David was also selected as Lead Trumpet in the Lions State Jazz Band.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749225551027.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Three students from Larned High School represented USD 495 at Kansas Lions Band Camp last week.LHS students David Colglazier, Leah Pinkston and Keirstin Pinkston spent four days on the campus at Friends University, rehearsing with students from 72 schools across Kansas. On Saturday, they took the stage for a concert showcasing their work.All three earned first chair in their sections, and David was also selected as Lead Trumpet in the Lions State Jazz Band.

Larned students participate in statewide band camp

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

As the Hoisington school district prepares itself for the upcoming
school year, the USD 431 Board of Education approved several policies at last
week’s meeting, including the student handbook. Board member Julia Debes said
multiple handbooks addressed smart watches specifically and wondered if there should be a district-wide policy referencing smart watches.


"I know a while back there were some concerns that the new smart watches could take pictures," said Debes. "Nothing to hold up the provisions, just something to consider if we need to do a district-wide policy."

Shellby Walker, Roosevelt Elementary School Principal in Hoisington, said some
students will bring “gaming watches” that can be a distraction, but staff
instruct the children to place them in their bookbags. 

While the smart watches
are allowed at Hoisington High School, Principal Joel Mason said no significant
issues have come from the use. 


"Even with cell phones...you can't have them it all in elementary schools, middle school has to keep them in their locker and at the high school we allow students to keep it on their person but hang it on the wall in the classroom," said Mason. "The technology policies change as they get older because they have a little bit more responsibility."

USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis said the Kansas State Department of Education
has recommendations concerning smart devices and asked administrative staff to
consider similar policies for next year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the Hoisington school district prepares itself for the upcoming
school year, the USD 431 Board of Education approved several policies at last
week’s meeting, including the student handbook. Board member Julia Debes said
multiple handbooks addressed smart watches specifically and wondered if there should be a district-wide policy referencing smart watches.
"I know a while back there were some concerns that the new smart watches could take pictures," said Debes. "Nothing to hold up the provisions, just something to consider if we need to do a district-wide policy."Shellby Walker, Roosevelt Elementary School Principal in Hoisington, said some
students will bring “gaming watches” that can be a distraction, but staff
instruct the children to place them in their bookbags. While the smart watches
are allowed at Hoisington High School, Principal Joel Mason said no significant
issues have come from the use. 
"Even with cell phones...you can't have them it all in elementary schools, middle school has to keep them in their locker and at the high school we allow students to keep it on their person but hang it on the wall in the classroom," said Mason. "The technology policies change as they get older because they have a little bit more responsibility."USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis said the Kansas State Department of Education
has recommendations concerning smart devices and asked administrative staff to
consider similar policies for next year.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoisington district discusses use of smart watches in school

TodaySunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

TonightClear, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the evening.

TuesdaySunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 9 mph.

Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 88. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 64.

ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Thursday NightA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.

FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 87.

Friday NightA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 65.

SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 90.&nbsp;&nbsp;

TodaySunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.TonightClear, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the evening.TuesdaySunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 9 mph.Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 65. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 88. South southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Wednesday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 64.ThursdayMostly sunny, with a high near 85.Thursday NightA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66.FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 87.Friday NightA 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 88.Saturday NightPartly cloudy, with a low around 65.SundayMostly sunny, with a high near 90.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

A PLANNING HORIZON OF 10 YEARS —OR MORE —&nbsp;CAN HELP REACH GOALS

Preparing to transition a&nbsp;<a href="https://familybusinessmagazine.com/" target="_blank">family business</a>&nbsp;to the next owner — whether it be a family member or third-party buyer — is a process that requires taking the long view. The business owner who decides to retire one year from now without having made any preparations is about 10 years too late. The owner will be able to sell, but may have to make concessions on price, deal structure and tax consequences that would not have been necessary if the proper long-range planning had been done.&nbsp;

While every business is different, it is also true that every business is the same. That is, every business owner needs to look at the distant horizon, questioning basic assumptions about the business, assessing the talents and wishes of family members who may someday become owners, and innovating in ways that keep the company at the top of its game in order to maximize value. All of this takes time and careful planning, preferably with the help of trusted advisors along the way.&nbsp;

Business owners and family farm owners who follow certain steps in planning for exit are more likely to reach the goals they set for a successful transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When it comes to setting goals for a business transition, your first thought may be,&nbsp;“Well, my goal is to sell the business.”&nbsp;But there’s so much more to think about.&nbsp;

Are there family members who may want to own the business, or whom you have been grooming to take over? Or are there key employees whom you have trained and entrusted with the company’s growth and operations over the years?&nbsp;You may think of them as family, too, and they may be candidates for ownership.&nbsp;

Additionally, you should consider what you are going to do in retirement. You may want to step away from the business altogether, or keep a hand in it as a consultant for a few years. Either way, you probably expect some type of retirement cash flow stream.&nbsp;

If you haven’t thought about your post-transition role, now is the time to think about it. And if you are not going to continue being active in the business, what will you do with your time? It’s important to envision your retirement life before you get there. Retirement isn’t just about selling your business and handing over the keys. It’s about having a life afterward, and if you are confident in what that life will look like, it will make it easier for you to do the planning and preparation that your business deserves.&nbsp;

Step 2 — Identifying your Successor&nbsp;

For owners of family businesses and farms, this can be the most emotional factor in transition planning. Perhaps the farm has been in your family for three generations, it is a thriving entity and your son or daughter is eager to take it over. Congratulations — you’re golden. But for many owners, the succession picture is more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maybe you are now 60 years old and you have decided you’ll work till age 70, which gives you 10 years for planning and preparation to transition your company or farm. But when you reach age 70, your children will likely be at least in their mid-40s. If they aren’t already working with you in the business or farm, they may have established careers elsewhere and will be in their prime earning years when you’re ready for them to take over.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This reality adds another wrinkle to the planning picture for family business and farm owners. If your long-range goal is for the next generation of your family to take over the business, planning must start while they are fairly young — high school is not too early — so they can gain a college education and work experience that will benefit them and prepare them for ownership.&nbsp;

Communication is one of the most critical factors in preparing for transition of a family entity. If you want and expect your children to take over the family business, it must be discussed at a time when the children can decide whether they want to succeed you and, if so, plan how to prepare themselves. Among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/industries/agribusiness/">family farms,</a>&nbsp;the majority of transitions involve succession to family members, and it is more common for the younger generation to be involved in the business and to have gotten the education and training needed to run the farm.&nbsp;

In some families, the parents are reluctant to share much information with their children even when the children reach adulthood. But you can’t expect an adult to plan his or her life around taking over a family business if they aren’t privy to critical information that can help them decide, particularly if it could involve taking on a substantial debt. Business transactions can unravel over poor communication, even among family members. When that happens, the owner should have a Plan B, such as selling to a key employee or finding an outside buyer.&nbsp;

Another key point of communication is educating the successor as to the roles you have filled in the operation. Have you, like many owners, acted as the CEO, COO, CMO and HR director? When you transition the business, the next owner — whether it’s a family member or outside buyer — needs to understand all the roles involved and have job descriptions that will guide the hiring of new managers to help run the operation.&nbsp;

Step 3 — Determine your Company’s Value

Often, business owners have an idea of what they think their business is worth, but it’s based more on emotion than hard data. Once planning for a transition starts, obtaining an independent business valuation is an essential step to set a benchmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Typically, the initial valuation is not used to determine an asking price, since the actual transaction is still years in the future. But the report from an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/advisory-consulting/business-valuations/">independent valuation professional</a>&nbsp;will reveal the value drivers in your business and help formulate a multi-year improvement plan that will increase the value. This is particularly important if the entity will be sold to an outside buyer or private equity group.&nbsp;

The value of a business helps determine the path toward transition. A $50 million business requires different transition strategies and tax planning than a $5 million business does. If partial gifting of an entity to a family member is part of the plan, the value of the business helps determine the size of the gifted portion, as well as financing and tax planning strategies for the rest.&nbsp;

Buy-sell agreements are essential for any business that has more than one owner. This includes unrelated owners as well as extended family members who own a family business together. A buy-sell agreement stipulates how an owner’s share of a business may be transferred upon their death or departure. Often, these agreements are structured to prevent outsiders from gaining control of part of the business and provide a way to determine the value of each owner’s interest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-business/">Once transition planning has begun in a company, it’s important to review the buy-sell agreement if there is one in place.</a>&nbsp;If there is no buy-sell agreement, now is the time to put one in place. If there is a buy-sell agreement but it is outdated, it should be updated at this time. (Generally, buy-sell agreements should be reviewed every two to three years to ensure they are current.)&nbsp;

If there is more than one owner, the transition plans — even if exit is years away — will be coordinated according to the buy-sell agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But agreements on paper are only part of the process. It’s important early in the transition planning to get all owners together for a group meeting to discuss the health of the business and the transition plans. After that, individual meetings with each owner can flesh out additional information that wouldn’t be brought up in a group setting, but which provides important insights into any concerns. Trusted advisors are key facilitators for these meetings, often bridging the communication gaps and helping participants work through hard messages.&nbsp;

Taking into account the value of the business, the proportion held by the seller and other factors, the deal structure is generally designed to be as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/tax-tips-when-buying-the-assets-of-a-business/">tax efficient as possible</a>. Some of the factors considered are:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once the tax strategy is worked out and the deal structure is clear, everyone is on the same page and it’s time to start drafting the legal documents. At that point, the business transition starts to feel real.&nbsp;

One of the most important steps in planning for a business exit may also be one of the most difficult for many owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ask yourself,&nbsp;“Will my business still be relevant five or ten years from now?”&nbsp;

Businesses need to adjust to changing times to stay relevant and to grow their value. Just because you envision retiring in five or ten years does not mean you can stop innovating in your company. Indeed, this is the time to step up innovations and improvements that will increase the value and marketability of the entity.&nbsp;

Is there a new technology that is driving innovation in your industry?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowntech.com/blog/5-steps-every-business-should-take-before-investing-in-ai/">Have you invested in artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help keep your business ahead of the curve?</a>&nbsp;

Most importantly, what is the long-term outlook for your industry? Markets change, technologies change and customer needs change, and failure to adapt and capitalize on changing conditions will render your business irrelevant and lower its value.&nbsp;

This is a lot to think about, but fortunately you have time — IF you are starting the transition process early enough. Moreover, you have a roadmap with clear steps to take.&nbsp;

If you would like to start the long-range process of family business planning succession,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749048941698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A PLANNING HORIZON OF 10 YEARS —OR MORE —&nbsp;CAN HELP REACH GOALS</h2><h2>Key Takeaways:</h2><ul>
 <li>A successful business transition takes at least 10 years of planning — not just one.</li><li>Open communication, clear successor plans and a solid valuation are key to preserving your business’s legacy.</li><li>Failing to plan for taxes, relevance and family dynamics can cost you more than just money — it can cost your company’s future.</li>
 </ul>Preparing to transition a&nbsp;<a href="https://familybusinessmagazine.com/" target="_blank">family business</a>&nbsp;to the next owner — whether it be a family member or third-party buyer — is a process that requires taking the long view. The business owner who decides to retire one year from now without having made any preparations is about 10 years too late. The owner will be able to sell, but may have to make concessions on price, deal structure and tax consequences that would not have been necessary if the proper long-range planning had been done.&nbsp;While every business is different, it is also true that every business is the same. That is, every business owner needs to look at the distant horizon, questioning basic assumptions about the business, assessing the talents and wishes of family members who may someday become owners, and innovating in ways that keep the company at the top of its game in order to maximize value. All of this takes time and careful planning, preferably with the help of trusted advisors along the way.&nbsp;Business owners and family farm owners who follow certain steps in planning for exit are more likely to reach the goals they set for a successful transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Step 1 — Clarify your Goals</h2>When it comes to setting goals for a business transition, your first thought may be,&nbsp;“Well, my goal is to sell the business.”&nbsp;But there’s so much more to think about.&nbsp;Are there family members who may want to own the business, or whom you have been grooming to take over? Or are there key employees whom you have trained and entrusted with the company’s growth and operations over the years?&nbsp;You may think of them as family, too, and they may be candidates for ownership.&nbsp;Additionally, you should consider what you are going to do in retirement. You may want to step away from the business altogether, or keep a hand in it as a consultant for a few years. Either way, you probably expect some type of retirement cash flow stream.&nbsp;If you haven’t thought about your post-transition role, now is the time to think about it. And if you are not going to continue being active in the business, what will you do with your time? It’s important to envision your retirement life before you get there. Retirement isn’t just about selling your business and handing over the keys. It’s about having a life afterward, and if you are confident in what that life will look like, it will make it easier for you to do the planning and preparation that your business deserves.&nbsp;<h2>Step 2 — Identifying your Successor&nbsp;</h2>For owners of family businesses and farms, this can be the most emotional factor in transition planning. Perhaps the farm has been in your family for three generations, it is a thriving entity and your son or daughter is eager to take it over. Congratulations — you’re golden. But for many owners, the succession picture is more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe you are now 60 years old and you have decided you’ll work till age 70, which gives you 10 years for planning and preparation to transition your company or farm. But when you reach age 70, your children will likely be at least in their mid-40s. If they aren’t already working with you in the business or farm, they may have established careers elsewhere and will be in their prime earning years when you’re ready for them to take over.&nbsp;&nbsp;This reality adds another wrinkle to the planning picture for family business and farm owners. If your long-range goal is for the next generation of your family to take over the business, planning must start while they are fairly young — high school is not too early — so they can gain a college education and work experience that will benefit them and prepare them for ownership.&nbsp;Communication is one of the most critical factors in preparing for transition of a family entity. If you want and expect your children to take over the family business, it must be discussed at a time when the children can decide whether they want to succeed you and, if so, plan how to prepare themselves. Among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/industries/agribusiness/">family farms,</a>&nbsp;the majority of transitions involve succession to family members, and it is more common for the younger generation to be involved in the business and to have gotten the education and training needed to run the farm.&nbsp;In some families, the parents are reluctant to share much information with their children even when the children reach adulthood. But you can’t expect an adult to plan his or her life around taking over a family business if they aren’t privy to critical information that can help them decide, particularly if it could involve taking on a substantial debt. Business transactions can unravel over poor communication, even among family members. When that happens, the owner should have a Plan B, such as selling to a key employee or finding an outside buyer.&nbsp;Another key point of communication is educating the successor as to the roles you have filled in the operation. Have you, like many owners, acted as the CEO, COO, CMO and HR director? When you transition the business, the next owner — whether it’s a family member or outside buyer — needs to understand all the roles involved and have job descriptions that will guide the hiring of new managers to help run the operation.&nbsp;<h2>Step 3 — Determine your Company’s Value</h2>Often, business owners have an idea of what they think their business is worth, but it’s based more on emotion than hard data. Once planning for a transition starts, obtaining an independent business valuation is an essential step to set a benchmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;Typically, the initial valuation is not used to determine an asking price, since the actual transaction is still years in the future. But the report from an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/advisory-consulting/business-valuations/">independent valuation professional</a>&nbsp;will reveal the value drivers in your business and help formulate a multi-year improvement plan that will increase the value. This is particularly important if the entity will be sold to an outside buyer or private equity group.&nbsp;The value of a business helps determine the path toward transition. A $50 million business requires different transition strategies and tax planning than a $5 million business does. If partial gifting of an entity to a family member is part of the plan, the value of the business helps determine the size of the gifted portion, as well as financing and tax planning strategies for the rest.&nbsp;<h2>Step 4 — Consider Buy-Sell Agreements</h2>Buy-sell agreements are essential for any business that has more than one owner. This includes unrelated owners as well as extended family members who own a family business together. A buy-sell agreement stipulates how an owner’s share of a business may be transferred upon their death or departure. Often, these agreements are structured to prevent outsiders from gaining control of part of the business and provide a way to determine the value of each owner’s interest.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-business/">Once transition planning has begun in a company, it’s important to review the buy-sell agreement if there is one in place.</a>&nbsp;If there is no buy-sell agreement, now is the time to put one in place. If there is a buy-sell agreement but it is outdated, it should be updated at this time. (Generally, buy-sell agreements should be reviewed every two to three years to ensure they are current.)&nbsp;If there is more than one owner, the transition plans — even if exit is years away — will be coordinated according to the buy-sell agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;But agreements on paper are only part of the process. It’s important early in the transition planning to get all owners together for a group meeting to discuss the health of the business and the transition plans. After that, individual meetings with each owner can flesh out additional information that wouldn’t be brought up in a group setting, but which provides important insights into any concerns. Trusted advisors are key facilitators for these meetings, often bridging the communication gaps and helping participants work through hard messages.&nbsp;<h2>Step 5 — Focus on Tax Strategy</h2>Taking into account the value of the business, the proportion held by the seller and other factors, the deal structure is generally designed to be as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/tax-tips-when-buying-the-assets-of-a-business/">tax efficient as possible</a>. Some of the factors considered are:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Which entity type will be the most advantageous, a C corporation, S corporation, partnership, LLC or other structure.&nbsp;</li><li>Whether an asset sale or a stock sale is most beneficial.&nbsp;</li><li>If the deal will include partial gifting, a leveraged gift structure that works for the owner may be considered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Moving assets into some type of trust so when the assets are liquidated, such as land and machinery in the case of a farm, it is done on a tax-free basis.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Once the tax strategy is worked out and the deal structure is clear, everyone is on the same page and it’s time to start drafting the legal documents. At that point, the business transition starts to feel real.&nbsp;<h2>Relevance</h2>One of the most important steps in planning for a business exit may also be one of the most difficult for many owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ask yourself,&nbsp;“Will my business still be relevant five or ten years from now?”&nbsp;Businesses need to adjust to changing times to stay relevant and to grow their value. Just because you envision retiring in five or ten years does not mean you can stop innovating in your company. Indeed, this is the time to step up innovations and improvements that will increase the value and marketability of the entity.&nbsp;Is there a new technology that is driving innovation in your industry?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowntech.com/blog/5-steps-every-business-should-take-before-investing-in-ai/">Have you invested in artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help keep your business ahead of the curve?</a>&nbsp;Most importantly, what is the long-term outlook for your industry? Markets change, technologies change and customer needs change, and failure to adapt and capitalize on changing conditions will render your business irrelevant and lower its value.&nbsp;<h2>Questions?</h2>This is a lot to think about, but fortunately you have time — IF you are starting the transition process early enough. Moreover, you have a roadmap with clear steps to take.&nbsp;If you would like to start the long-range process of family business planning succession,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor.</a>&nbsp;

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

PRATT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Sunday in Pratt County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota 4Runner driven by Lauren Nicole Marshall, 33, Minneola, was westbound on&nbsp;U.S. 54 just west of southwest 19th Avenue. The driver attempted to make a U-turn in a no passing zone.

An eastbound NV3500 Bus driven by David Wayne Barker, 45, Burlison, Tennessee, struck the passenger side of the Toyota.

EMS transported one passenger on the bus identified as Courtney Layne Barker, 43, Burlison, Tennessee, to Pratt Regional Medial Center. The drivers, a 4-year-old in the Toyota and three small children on the bus were not injured. All seven were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

PRATT COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Sunday in Pratt County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota 4Runner driven by Lauren Nicole Marshall, 33, Minneola, was westbound on&nbsp;U.S. 54 just west of southwest 19th Avenue. The driver attempted to make a U-turn in a no passing zone.An eastbound NV3500 Bus driven by David Wayne Barker, 45, Burlison, Tennessee, struck the passenger side of the Toyota.EMS transported one passenger on the bus identified as Courtney Layne Barker, 43, Burlison, Tennessee, to Pratt Regional Medial Center. The drivers, a 4-year-old in the Toyota and three small children on the bus were not injured. All seven were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Woman hospitalized after bus, SUV crash during u-turn

USD 428 Board of Education meeting&nbsp; June 9&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. 1809 24th Street, Great Bend

1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future&nbsp;information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;• USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;• Written Communications / Correspondence

3. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• ROSE Award &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board of Education’s ongoing efforts to recognize individuals and groups for their service to the school district have led to the creation of the R.O.S.E. (Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education) Award. The most recent recipients of a R.O.S.E. Award are Kelsey Strickland, Abigail Jonas, and Cyleigh Unruh. During lunchtime on Friday, May 9, 2025, a student at Eisenhower Elementary was showing signs of distress. Teacher Kelsey Strickland immediately came to the student’s aid. She determined that the student had accidentally swallowed the lid of a pop can, which was lodged in the student’s throat. Kelsey Strickland then ran to get assistance from Cyleigh Unruh, the school nurse, and Abigail Jonas, the principal. These two staff members tended to the student, kept the student calm, and ensured the student received immediate medical attention. The student was taken to the emergency room and, upon evaluation, required a surgical procedure to remove the pop can lid from their esophagus. Thanks to the quick thinking and actions of these district staff, the student received prompt medical care and has made a complete recovery without any serious injuries.

&nbsp; &nbsp;• Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A special note of appreciation goes to Karen Shaner, Jane Isern, and several local donors and volunteers for providing twenty-nine bikes to the Perfect Attendance Bike GiveAway program. Over the past twelve years, the group has organized and donated dozens of bicycles that have been given away as perfect attendance incentives to USD 428 elementary students. Thank you to all the participants who make this program possible!

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;None

5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of 2025-2026 District Property Insurance &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools (KICS) is a member-owned consortium made up of public K-12 school districts in Kansas. The insurance renewal quote for the 2025-2026 school year amounts to $435,854.99, which reflects a 7% decrease from the previous year, resulting in a reduction of $33,846.06. In this policy, the administration recommends increasing the cybersecurity coverage to $3,000,000 for an additional $9,146, bringing the total to $445,000.99. Mr. Popp will present the details and recommend approval to the Board.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of 2025-2026 Student Accident Insurance &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district provides student insurance for school-sponsored and supervised activities. For the 2025-2026 school year, the administration recommends coverage through KERMP First Agency Student Accident, which features a plan with no deductible and a maximum benefit per claim of $25,000, as scheduled. Last year's fee was $25,357.10.

Class 1: Base Accident PK-8 ($6.45 @ 1,966 students and athletic) $12,680.70 Class 1: Base Accident 9-12 ($10.35 @ 919 students and athletic) $9,511.65 Class 2: Catastrophic Accidents ($1.15 @ 2,885 students (non athletic) $3,317.75

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Approval of 2024-2025 KASB Risk Management &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The contract premium for KASB Risk Management Workers Compensation for 2025-2026 is $117,636. However, KASB offers a loyalty credit to participants who agree to a three-year agreement, providing a 10% savings in the first year, 5% in the second year, and 3% in the third year. After applying the second-year loyalty credit of $7,219, the premium for 2025-2026 amounts to $137,159. Last year’s premium with credit was $105,872. The administration recommends approval of the discounted premium of $137,159.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. First Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BOE members are receiving copies of the 12 policies listed below, which will be presented as first readings. The policies will be submitted to the BOE for action at a subsequent meeting. (NT=New Title, TC=Title change)

Revision - BBC - Board Committees Revision - CN - Public Records Revision - DFE - Investment of Funds Revision - DFH - Fundraising Activities New - GAACB - Employee Whistleblower Revision - IB - School Site Councils Revision - JBC - Enrollment New - JBCD - Enrollment of Military Students Revision - JGFGB - Supervision of Medications Revision - JH - Student Activities Revision/NT - KBC - Media Relations and Usage Revision - KGB - Concealed Observations Revision - KM - Visitors to the School Revision - KN - Complaints Update - Update address 201 S. Patton Road to 1809 24th Street in the following Board Policies: EBCA, GAAA, JBC, JBCA-7, JBCB-R3, KL-R

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Resolution to Approve the 2025 Region E Hazard Mitigation Plan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Region E Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted in Barton County undergoes review by FEMA. Each jurisdiction in Barton County participating in the plan must formally adopt it by resolution.

ACTION ITEMS 5.F THROUGH 5.H BY CONSENT AGENDA 11.0

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Elementary, Middle School, and High School Fees for 2025-2026 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The proposed schedule of enrollment fees for students in grades PreK-12 is listed. The administration recommends the following proposed fees for the 2025-2026 school year.

HS/MS Activity Pass - $30.00 - $35.00 - $5.00 increase

&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Approval of 2025-2026 Meal Prices &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below are the proposed school meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year, which indicate the upcoming price increases. The administration recommends approval.

LUNCH 2024-2025&nbsp; -&nbsp; Proposed&nbsp; -&nbsp; 2025-2026 Difference

Adults: 4.50&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5.00 -&nbsp; $.50 increase

&nbsp; &nbsp;H. Approval of 2024-2025 Mileage Reimbursement Rate &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428 offers mileage reimbursement to eligible parents and guardians for transporting students to and from their assigned attendance centers. Eligibility is based on completing the application for students who live 2.5 miles or more from the designated attendance center and reside outside the city limits of Great Bend but within the district’s boundaries. Ninety-one families participated, transporting 162 students and covering a total of 165,883.8 miles. The administration recommends a reimbursement rate of 54 cents per mile.&nbsp; &nbsp;

6. CURRICULUM REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. 2025 Summer School &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Summer school is in session between June 2 and 27 throughout the district. Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the number of students participating &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Summer Professional Development &amp; Curriculum Work &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Seventeen licensed staff members are scheduled to complete 759.48 hours of professional development offered through the district. This total does not include any hours that staff members are pursuing independently through college courses, workshops, or conferences. Additionally, staff members are scheduled to finish 856 hours of curriculum work in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Needs Assessment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Building Needs Assessments have been collected and used to draft the 2025 District Needs Assessment that will be used in setting budget and district priorities for 2025-2026. It will be presented to the board for discussion. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Beginning of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • July 30-31 – Capturing Kids Hearts Training for new licensed staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 1- 7 – New Teacher Orientation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 4-5 – Enrollment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 8 – District Kickoff / PD Day &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 11 – Building PD Day &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 12-13 – Teacher Workdays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 14 – First Day of School &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Curriculum Meeting Minutes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting 8/12/25 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): Minutes 6/2/25, Next Meeting 8/11/25

7. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. District Inventory &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district inventory crew, led by Keith Moeder, uses scanners and software to document inventory and is expected to complete the district inventory in June or July. This inventory does not include classroom supplies. The district property insurance requires us to maintain a list of any item valued at $500 or more for accurate accounting in the event of a large-scale disaster. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Student Withdrawal Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will present data and discuss trends among students who have dropped out or withdrawn from GBHS during the past school year. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below is a summary of personnel details. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 70 position changes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 8 Retirements &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 30 Resignations &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 16 Transfers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 28 new-to-district hires &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 3 position reductions (technology coaches) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 10 not fully licensed staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 0 positions added &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 7 Yet to be filled; GBHS – 2 Science, English, Journalism/Audio Video; GBMS – Orchestra; Riley – Grade 6, GBHS Assistant Principal &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBMS HVAC project &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBMS Camera Project &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBMS Gym Floor &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBHS Boiler Project &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBHS/GBMS Band room carpet &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Washington Building Updates

8. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Federal Department of Education Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will discuss current Legislative issues affecting school districts. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. School Board Election Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will brief the Board on the upcoming election candidates. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Summer Meal Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In June and July, USD 428 food service will provide a complimentary breakfast and lunch to all students up to the age of 18. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. KSDE Budget Workshop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton and other administrative staff are planning to attend the annual KSDE Budget Workshop, scheduled for June 16 in Hutchinson, KS. Schedule Special BOE Meeting &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Mr. Thexton requests that the BOE hold a brief special meeting at the District Education Center in late June, possibly June 26, for the administration to propose expenditures, transfers, and closing balances for the 2024-2025 budget. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Grants / Contributions

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will recess into executive session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the base pay rate pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”

11. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (May 13, 2025) &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp;D. 2025-2026 Fees (5.F through 5.H) &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Classified Pay Adjustment &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Director Contracts &nbsp; &nbsp;G. Administrative Contracts

12. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Special Meeting 7:30 a.m., on June 26, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2025, at the District Education Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715793479697.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>USD 428 Board of Education meeting&nbsp; June 9&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5 p.m. 1809 24th Street, Great BendAgenda1. CALL TO ORDER &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Roll Call &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.3 Recognition of Visitors &nbsp; &nbsp;1.4 Request to Speak Reminder &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future&nbsp;information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. &nbsp; &nbsp;1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum2. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• Board Member Comments &nbsp; &nbsp;• USD 428 Education Foundation &nbsp; &nbsp;• Written Communications / Correspondence3. RECOGNITIONS / PRESENTATIONS &nbsp; &nbsp;• ROSE Award &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Board of Education’s ongoing efforts to recognize individuals and groups for their service to the school district have led to the creation of the R.O.S.E. (Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education) Award. The most recent recipients of a R.O.S.E. Award are Kelsey Strickland, Abigail Jonas, and Cyleigh Unruh. During lunchtime on Friday, May 9, 2025, a student at Eisenhower Elementary was showing signs of distress. Teacher Kelsey Strickland immediately came to the student’s aid. She determined that the student had accidentally swallowed the lid of a pop can, which was lodged in the student’s throat. Kelsey Strickland then ran to get assistance from Cyleigh Unruh, the school nurse, and Abigail Jonas, the principal. These two staff members tended to the student, kept the student calm, and ensured the student received immediate medical attention. The student was taken to the emergency room and, upon evaluation, required a surgical procedure to remove the pop can lid from their esophagus. Thanks to the quick thinking and actions of these district staff, the student received prompt medical care and has made a complete recovery without any serious injuries.&nbsp; &nbsp;• Perfect Attendance Bike Give-Away Program &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A special note of appreciation goes to Karen Shaner, Jane Isern, and several local donors and volunteers for providing twenty-nine bikes to the Perfect Attendance Bike GiveAway program. Over the past twelve years, the group has organized and donated dozens of bicycles that have been given away as perfect attendance incentives to USD 428 elementary students. Thank you to all the participants who make this program possible!4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;None5. NEW BUSINESS &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of 2025-2026 District Property Insurance &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools (KICS) is a member-owned consortium made up of public K-12 school districts in Kansas. The insurance renewal quote for the 2025-2026 school year amounts to $435,854.99, which reflects a 7% decrease from the previous year, resulting in a reduction of $33,846.06. In this policy, the administration recommends increasing the cybersecurity coverage to $3,000,000 for an additional $9,146, bringing the total to $445,000.99. Mr. Popp will present the details and recommend approval to the Board.&nbsp; &nbsp;B. Approval of 2025-2026 Student Accident Insurance &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district provides student insurance for school-sponsored and supervised activities. For the 2025-2026 school year, the administration recommends coverage through KERMP First Agency Student Accident, which features a plan with no deductible and a maximum benefit per claim of $25,000, as scheduled. Last year's fee was $25,357.10.Class 1: Base Accident PK-8 ($6.45 @ 1,966 students and athletic) $12,680.70 Class 1: Base Accident 9-12 ($10.35 @ 919 students and athletic) $9,511.65 Class 2: Catastrophic Accidents ($1.15 @ 2,885 students (non athletic) $3,317.75Total $25,510.10&nbsp; &nbsp;C. Approval of 2024-2025 KASB Risk Management &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The contract premium for KASB Risk Management Workers Compensation for 2025-2026 is $117,636. However, KASB offers a loyalty credit to participants who agree to a three-year agreement, providing a 10% savings in the first year, 5% in the second year, and 3% in the third year. After applying the second-year loyalty credit of $7,219, the premium for 2025-2026 amounts to $137,159. Last year’s premium with credit was $105,872. The administration recommends approval of the discounted premium of $137,159.&nbsp; &nbsp;D. First Reading of BOE Policy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; BOE members are receiving copies of the 12 policies listed below, which will be presented as first readings. The policies will be submitted to the BOE for action at a subsequent meeting. (NT=New Title, TC=Title change)Revision - BBC - Board Committees Revision - CN - Public Records Revision - DFE - Investment of Funds Revision - DFH - Fundraising Activities New - GAACB - Employee Whistleblower Revision - IB - School Site Councils Revision - JBC - Enrollment New - JBCD - Enrollment of Military Students Revision - JGFGB - Supervision of Medications Revision - JH - Student Activities Revision/NT - KBC - Media Relations and Usage Revision - KGB - Concealed Observations Revision - KM - Visitors to the School Revision - KN - Complaints Update - Update address 201 S. Patton Road to 1809 24th Street in the following Board Policies: EBCA, GAAA, JBC, JBCA-7, JBCB-R3, KL-R&nbsp; &nbsp;E. Resolution to Approve the 2025 Region E Hazard Mitigation Plan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Region E Hazard Mitigation Plan adopted in Barton County undergoes review by FEMA. Each jurisdiction in Barton County participating in the plan must formally adopt it by resolution.ACTION ITEMS 5.F THROUGH 5.H BY CONSENT AGENDA 11.0Approval of 2025-2026 Fees&nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Elementary, Middle School, and High School Fees for 2025-2026 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The proposed schedule of enrollment fees for students in grades PreK-12 is listed. The administration recommends the following proposed fees for the 2025-2026 school year.HS/MS Activity Pass - $30.00 - $35.00 - $5.00 increase&nbsp; &nbsp;G. Approval of 2025-2026 Meal Prices &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below are the proposed school meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year, which indicate the upcoming price increases. The administration recommends approval.LUNCH 2024-2025&nbsp; -&nbsp; Proposed&nbsp; -&nbsp; 2025-2026 DifferenceAdults: 4.50&nbsp; -&nbsp; 5.00 -&nbsp; $.50 increase&nbsp; &nbsp;H. Approval of 2024-2025 Mileage Reimbursement Rate &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; USD 428 offers mileage reimbursement to eligible parents and guardians for transporting students to and from their assigned attendance centers. Eligibility is based on completing the application for students who live 2.5 miles or more from the designated attendance center and reside outside the city limits of Great Bend but within the district’s boundaries. Ninety-one families participated, transporting 162 students and covering a total of 165,883.8 miles. The administration recommends a reimbursement rate of 54 cents per mile.&nbsp; &nbsp;6. CURRICULUM REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. 2025 Summer School &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Summer school is in session between June 2 and 27 throughout the district. Mrs. Blevins will provide an update on the number of students participating &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Summer Professional Development &amp; Curriculum Work &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Seventeen licensed staff members are scheduled to complete 759.48 hours of professional development offered through the district. This total does not include any hours that staff members are pursuing independently through college courses, workshops, or conferences. Additionally, staff members are scheduled to finish 856 hours of curriculum work in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. District Needs Assessment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Building Needs Assessments have been collected and used to draft the 2025 District Needs Assessment that will be used in setting budget and district priorities for 2025-2026. It will be presented to the board for discussion. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Beginning of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • July 30-31 – Capturing Kids Hearts Training for new licensed staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 1- 7 – New Teacher Orientation &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 4-5 – Enrollment &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 8 – District Kickoff / PD Day &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 11 – Building PD Day &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 12-13 – Teacher Workdays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • August 14 – First Day of School &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Curriculum Meeting Minutes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting 8/12/25 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Professional Development Council (PDC): Minutes 6/2/25, Next Meeting 8/11/257. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. District Inventory &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The district inventory crew, led by Keith Moeder, uses scanners and software to document inventory and is expected to complete the district inventory in June or July. This inventory does not include classroom supplies. The district property insurance requires us to maintain a list of any item valued at $500 or more for accurate accounting in the event of a large-scale disaster. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Student Withdrawal Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Popp will present data and discuss trends among students who have dropped out or withdrawn from GBHS during the past school year. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Below is a summary of personnel details. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 70 position changes &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 8 Retirements &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 30 Resignations &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 16 Transfers &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 28 new-to-district hires &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 3 position reductions (technology coaches) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 10 not fully licensed staff &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 0 positions added &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;• 7 Yet to be filled; GBHS – 2 Science, English, Journalism/Audio Video; GBMS – Orchestra; Riley – Grade 6, GBHS Assistant Principal &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Project Updates &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBMS HVAC project &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBMS Camera Project &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBMS Gym Floor &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBHS Boiler Project &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ GBHS/GBMS Band room carpet &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ▪ Washington Building Updates8. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Federal Department of Education Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will discuss current Legislative issues affecting school districts. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. School Board Election Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton will brief the Board on the upcoming election candidates. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Summer Meal Update &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In June and July, USD 428 food service will provide a complimentary breakfast and lunch to all students up to the age of 18. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. KSDE Budget Workshop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Mr. Thexton and other administrative staff are planning to attend the annual KSDE Budget Workshop, scheduled for June 16 in Hutchinson, KS. Schedule Special BOE Meeting &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Mr. Thexton requests that the BOE hold a brief special meeting at the District Education Center in late June, possibly June 26, for the administration to propose expenditures, transfers, and closing balances for the 2024-2025 budget. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Approval of Grants / Contributions9. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION10. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;The Board of Education will recess into executive session. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Madam President, I move the Board recess to executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the base pay rate pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA. The open meeting will resume in this Board room at : P.M.”11. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (May 13, 2025) &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Personnel Report &nbsp; &nbsp;D. 2025-2026 Fees (5.F through 5.H) &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Classified Pay Adjustment &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Director Contracts &nbsp; &nbsp;G. Administrative Contracts12. UPCOMING MEETING DATES &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Special Meeting 7:30 a.m., on June 26, at the District Education Center. &nbsp; &nbsp;•BOE Regular Meeting The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2025, at the District Education Center.13. ADJOURNMENT

USD 428 school board meeting agenda (6/9)

Two delegates from the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas have been elected by their peers to represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation this summer. The announcement was made this morning during an assembly at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

Tristan Jenkins, a resident of Olathe, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Olathe South High School, and Garrett Li, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Olathe North High School will attend Boys Nation, Friday, July 18 through Saturday, July 26, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. Earlier in the week Li was elected as the Kansas Boys State governor.

Jared Tucker, a resident of Fall River, Kan., and a senior-to-be at West Elk High School in Howard, Kan., and Louis McVey, a resident of Otis, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Otis-Bison High School, were elected as the first alternate and second alternate, respectively.

At Boys Nation, Jenkins and Li will join representatives from each of the 49 Boys State programs across the country (Hawaii does not have a Boys State program) to receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates. Senators also learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules.

Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions, and nominating and electing a president and vice president. The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.

High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on June 1 and ends tomorrow (Saturday, June 7), at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 33rd consecutive session at KSU and 87th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other&nbsp;influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For&nbsp;more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749233784654.jpeg" alt="Louis McVey" />
 <figcaption>Louis McVey</figcaption>
 </figure>Two delegates from the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas have been elected by their peers to represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation this summer. The announcement was made this morning during an assembly at Kansas State University in Manhattan.Tristan Jenkins, a resident of Olathe, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Olathe South High School, and Garrett Li, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Olathe North High School will attend Boys Nation, Friday, July 18 through Saturday, July 26, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va. Earlier in the week Li was elected as the Kansas Boys State governor.Jared Tucker, a resident of Fall River, Kan., and a senior-to-be at West Elk High School in Howard, Kan., and Louis McVey, a resident of Otis, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Otis-Bison High School, were elected as the first alternate and second alternate, respectively.At Boys Nation, Jenkins and Li will join representatives from each of the 49 Boys State programs across the country (Hawaii does not have a Boys State program) to receive an education on the structure and function of federal government. At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates. Senators also learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules.Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions, and nominating and electing a president and vice president. The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, national shrines, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on June 1 and ends tomorrow (Saturday, June 7), at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 33rd consecutive session at KSU and 87th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.— #KSBoysState —The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other&nbsp;influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For&nbsp;more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

Otis-Bison student elected delegate at Boys State of Kansas

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 3rd shows continued improvement for the state with an increase from 30 to 42% of the state totally out of dry conditions. East Central, Southeast, and most of South Central Kansas are totally out of dry conditions along with a portion of North Central and a small part of Northeast and West Central parts of the state. Our area is unchanged with the northeastern/north central part of Barton County still listed in moderate drought. However, the southern three-quarters of Stafford County is now out of dry conditions. This doesn’t include the Wednesday rain. The six-to ten-day outlook (June 10 to 14) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 12 to 18) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. Overall, not bad for summer crops but a little wet as wheat harvest approaches. Now, what are predictions for our weather for summer crops.

· June has equal chances of above or below normal temperatures and we are seeing that so far. Normal as we progress through the month should move toward the higher 80s. They are predicting above normal precipitation for the state, upwards of a 40% chance of above normal precipitation and parts of the state have certainly seen that so far.

· For the period of June through August, we are looking at a 40 to 60% chance of above normal temperatures which would mean upper 90s and above. This is a crucial time for corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans. With luck, corn should be pollinated and start developing kernels so if the above normal precipitation of June might allow it adequate moisture, but yields will still be affected. Corn growth locally is overall ahead of the last several years. Soybeans will need that soil moisture if August, especially late August. Sorghum is best adapted to weather conditions if it’s established. To compound matters, the outlook is for a 33 to 40% chance of below normal precipitation.

· For August through October, the outlook is leaning toward above normal temperatures, in fact for the entire country, and normal to leaning below normal for precipitation. This would most negatively affect soybeans and grain sorghum and not help corn. It would also present challenges for fall planted alfalfa and the 2026 wheat crop. Also, not a favorable forecast for pasture and forage production. Hopefully, hay production through mid-July will be adequate.

In summary, the outlook isn’t terrible or as bad as the worst of the drought but not great either. Producers are aware that dryland yields, especially in Western Kansas are impacted every year by heat stress and drought. One positive is that wheat yields across the state are better than last year’s. Time will tell how accurate these outlooks are, bit they are typically pretty good.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738261115962.jpeg" alt="written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 3rd shows continued improvement for the state with an increase from 30 to 42% of the state totally out of dry conditions. East Central, Southeast, and most of South Central Kansas are totally out of dry conditions along with a portion of North Central and a small part of Northeast and West Central parts of the state. Our area is unchanged with the northeastern/north central part of Barton County still listed in moderate drought. However, the southern three-quarters of Stafford County is now out of dry conditions. This doesn’t include the Wednesday rain. The six-to ten-day outlook (June 10 to 14) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (June 12 to 18) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. Overall, not bad for summer crops but a little wet as wheat harvest approaches. Now, what are predictions for our weather for summer crops.· June has equal chances of above or below normal temperatures and we are seeing that so far. Normal as we progress through the month should move toward the higher 80s. They are predicting above normal precipitation for the state, upwards of a 40% chance of above normal precipitation and parts of the state have certainly seen that so far.· For the period of June through August, we are looking at a 40 to 60% chance of above normal temperatures which would mean upper 90s and above. This is a crucial time for corn, grain sorghum, and soybeans. With luck, corn should be pollinated and start developing kernels so if the above normal precipitation of June might allow it adequate moisture, but yields will still be affected. Corn growth locally is overall ahead of the last several years. Soybeans will need that soil moisture if August, especially late August. Sorghum is best adapted to weather conditions if it’s established. To compound matters, the outlook is for a 33 to 40% chance of below normal precipitation.· For August through October, the outlook is leaning toward above normal temperatures, in fact for the entire country, and normal to leaning below normal for precipitation. This would most negatively affect soybeans and grain sorghum and not help corn. It would also present challenges for fall planted alfalfa and the 2026 wheat crop. Also, not a favorable forecast for pasture and forage production. Hopefully, hay production through mid-July will be adequate.In summary, the outlook isn’t terrible or as bad as the worst of the drought but not great either. Producers are aware that dryland yields, especially in Western Kansas are impacted every year by heat stress and drought. One positive is that wheat yields across the state are better than last year’s. Time will tell how accurate these outlooks are, bit they are typically pretty good.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Summer crop outlook

TOPEKA —As a result of a series of severe storms that struck the state in May, the state of Kansas has started joint Public Assistance Program Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) conducted by FEMA Region VII and Kansas Division of Emergency Management staff, according to a media release from the state.

Severe thunderstorms accompanied by straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding caused damage or loss in the following Kansas counties: Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan, and Stafford.

The PDA teams will assess damages to public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, to determine if those counties meet federal damage thresholds to qualify for federal disaster assistance.

The Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) process is a crucial step in evaluating disaster-related damages within affected communities. The main goal of this process is to gather information that helps FEMA determine whether a disaster declaration should be recommended to the President. Ultimately, it is the President’s decision to determine whether to declare a major presidential disaster declaration.

The data collected during a PDA plays a significant role in determining whether a state may make a formal request for a Presidential disaster declaration. If a Presidential disaster declaration is granted, the declaration outlines which geographic areas qualify for federal disaster assistance and the specific types of aid made available. Additionally, the PDA process can contribute to shaping long-term recovery strategies, ensuring that affected communities receive the resources they need to rebuild and recover efficiently.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747924740644.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —As a result of a series of severe storms that struck the state in May, the state of Kansas has started joint Public Assistance Program Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) conducted by FEMA Region VII and Kansas Division of Emergency Management staff, according to a media release from the state.Severe thunderstorms accompanied by straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding caused damage or loss in the following Kansas counties: Bourbon, Cheyenne, Edwards, Gove, Kiowa, Logan, Pratt, Reno, Scott, Sheridan, and Stafford.The PDA teams will assess damages to public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities, to determine if those counties meet federal damage thresholds to qualify for federal disaster assistance.The Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) process is a crucial step in evaluating disaster-related damages within affected communities. The main goal of this process is to gather information that helps FEMA determine whether a disaster declaration should be recommended to the President. Ultimately, it is the President’s decision to determine whether to declare a major presidential disaster declaration.The data collected during a PDA plays a significant role in determining whether a state may make a formal request for a Presidential disaster declaration. If a Presidential disaster declaration is granted, the declaration outlines which geographic areas qualify for federal disaster assistance and the specific types of aid made available. Additionally, the PDA process can contribute to shaping long-term recovery strategies, ensuring that affected communities receive the resources they need to rebuild and recover efficiently.

Kan. begins Preliminary Damage Assessments for storms in May

Larned State Correctional Facility announced the promotion of Wyatt Smith to the position of Corrections Supervisor I.     CSI Smith began his employment at LSCF on September 15, 2014, as a Corrections Officer I. 

 He left LSCF to pursue other interests on April 1, 2016.  He was rehired as a COI at Hutchinson Correctional Facility on February 25, 2018, and transferred to LSCF as a COI in February 2019.  He was promoted to Corrections Officer II in October 2021. 

 Master Sergeant Smith is also a member of SORT Logistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749239898416.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Larned State Correctional Facility announced the promotion of Wyatt Smith to the position of Corrections Supervisor I. CSI Smith began his employment at LSCF on September 15, 2014, as a Corrections Officer I. He left LSCF to pursue other interests on April 1, 2016. He was rehired as a COI at Hutchinson Correctional Facility on February 25, 2018, and transferred to LSCF as a COI in February 2019. He was promoted to Corrections Officer II in October 2021. Master Sergeant Smith is also a member of SORT Logistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smith promoted to Corrections Supervisor I at Larned St. Correctional Facility

The Larned school district honored their retiring staff before the school year ended in May.

Terry Rainbolt, Larned Elementary School - 44 years of service Kathleen Bunch, Larned Middle School - 32 years of service Galen Hulse, Larned Middle School - 24 years of service Lynn Ryan, Larned Elementary School - 14 years of service

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749226058966.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Larned school district honored their retiring staff before the school year ended in May.Terry Rainbolt, Larned Elementary School - 44 years of service Kathleen Bunch, Larned Middle School - 32 years of service Galen Hulse, Larned Middle School - 24 years of service Lynn Ryan, Larned Elementary School - 14 years of service <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749226082404.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Larned school district honors retirees 

As Great Bend Public Library Director Maribeth Shafer presented before
the Great Bend City Council last week, she noted the importance of literacy.
Shafer added that 20% of the nation cannot read and 54% of the nation reads
under a sixth grade level. 

Stressing the importance of libraries, the Great
Bend library has made moves to cut costs.


"We have cut our hours from 61 hours a week to 50 hours a week," said Shafer. "We have reduced our staff from 19 fulltime equivalent to 11.625, or 10 fulltime and three part-time staff. We're working with some companies for reducing our insurance costs for employee benefits. We've worked on energy conservation. We have been able to save 2,000 kilowatt hours per month."

The library is requesting a $20,000 increase to their budget from the City of
Great Bend in 2026. Funded at $650,000 this year, Shafer asked for a 3%
increase to get their total funding to $670,000.


"The increase will cover a raise for our employees," said Shafer. "In 2025, our employees did not have a raise. We know the city employees did. We just want to use that as a comparison."

Great Bend Public Library is one of five outside agencies that requested more
funding from the City of Great Bend in the 2026 budget.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720202226218.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs Great Bend Public Library Director Maribeth Shafer presented before
the Great Bend City Council last week, she noted the importance of literacy.
Shafer added that 20% of the nation cannot read and 54% of the nation reads
under a sixth grade level. Stressing the importance of libraries, the Great
Bend library has made moves to cut costs.
"We have cut our hours from 61 hours a week to 50 hours a week," said Shafer. "We have reduced our staff from 19 fulltime equivalent to 11.625, or 10 fulltime and three part-time staff. We're working with some companies for reducing our insurance costs for employee benefits. We've worked on energy conservation. We have been able to save 2,000 kilowatt hours per month."The library is requesting a $20,000 increase to their budget from the City of
Great Bend in 2026. Funded at $650,000 this year, Shafer asked for a 3%
increase to get their total funding to $670,000.
"The increase will cover a raise for our employees," said Shafer. "In 2025, our employees did not have a raise. We know the city employees did. We just want to use that as a comparison."Great Bend Public Library is one of five outside agencies that requested more
funding from the City of Great Bend in the 2026 budget.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend library cutting costs, request increase to budget

From adapting muffin recipes for food allergies to building on family baking traditions, the winners of the 2025 National Festival of Breads embody the community spirit at the heart of the long-running contest for America’s amateur bakers. Janet Gill was awarded the top entry in the Yeast Bread category with her entry of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrDFRpxPlbanpjVVzWTVe_KLc_es8CiLV7fQdVaBOvztbLWZxsklmCGHdgH4lajtbFJolETiQ-A6obNMs-pW7GcVwSvYWJ1kbAzE1TRZIj9ICyx2OVu6MTIw24Zk4jHPA6S9FRJvN1d0YiMerSBag0ApYqxCMbEVkfeGJ0Osjqp9SwmmJVcfqI2o=&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">Cranberry Hard Apple Cider Bread</a>&nbsp;and Sarah Meuser won the Quick Bread category with her entry of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrDFRpxPlbanpUHyR4CpG4dvWEqDlqm0SU8tl-prlzkDoqswDwshmXeTPkoEoJ7593vOlT_9iYgdQPvrDGQix15lU9K2Q_FNZ84d5zx9p8hPzFrlHZpLcvXUlRUtXNqDsTHxab2CNZONbuc7w0e3_QjGeowudMS0JeeiqHDrIWWlpo4_Z2NK6xaMKKh6FpeeQNfFyGw80uCHM&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">Vegan Bakery-Style Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins</a>.&nbsp;

“The National Festival of Breads celebrates the tradition of baking bread at home,” said Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat nutrition educator and festival co-director. “This year’s winners shared not only the results of experimenting with new flavor combinations or ingredients, but also the joy of baking for family and friends. We hope you are inspired by the top recipes from this year’s competition to create something original in your own kitchen!”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749223440003.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From adapting muffin recipes for food allergies to building on family baking traditions, the winners of the 2025 National Festival of Breads embody the community spirit at the heart of the long-running contest for America’s amateur bakers. Janet Gill was awarded the top entry in the Yeast Bread category with her entry of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrDFRpxPlbanpjVVzWTVe_KLc_es8CiLV7fQdVaBOvztbLWZxsklmCGHdgH4lajtbFJolETiQ-A6obNMs-pW7GcVwSvYWJ1kbAzE1TRZIj9ICyx2OVu6MTIw24Zk4jHPA6S9FRJvN1d0YiMerSBag0ApYqxCMbEVkfeGJ0Osjqp9SwmmJVcfqI2o=&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">Cranberry Hard Apple Cider Bread</a>&nbsp;and Sarah Meuser won the Quick Bread category with her entry of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrDFRpxPlbanpUHyR4CpG4dvWEqDlqm0SU8tl-prlzkDoqswDwshmXeTPkoEoJ7593vOlT_9iYgdQPvrDGQix15lU9K2Q_FNZ84d5zx9p8hPzFrlHZpLcvXUlRUtXNqDsTHxab2CNZONbuc7w0e3_QjGeowudMS0JeeiqHDrIWWlpo4_Z2NK6xaMKKh6FpeeQNfFyGw80uCHM&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">Vegan Bakery-Style Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins</a>.&nbsp;“The National Festival of Breads celebrates the tradition of baking bread at home,” said Cindy Falk, Kansas Wheat nutrition educator and festival co-director. “This year’s winners shared not only the results of experimenting with new flavor combinations or ingredients, but also the joy of baking for family and friends. We hope you are inspired by the top recipes from this year’s competition to create something original in your own kitchen!”&nbsp;The Festival of Breads began in 1991, initially launched by the Kansas Wheat Commission, the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Wheathearts – a women’s auxiliary group of wheat growers – to honor the art of baking, promote the use of Kansas products and recognize the vital Kansas wheat and milling industries. It expanded to a national competition in 2009, drawing champions from all corners of the United States.The 2025 competition featured two categories: Quick Bread and Yeast Bread. Recipes were meticulously baked and evaluated in the test kitchen at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center by Falk and a team of culinary experts, ensuring a rigorous and fair judging process.Quick Bread Champion Creates Allergy-Friendly Family FavoriteSarah Meuser of New Milford, Connecticut, has a young son who is allergic to eggs, dairy and peanuts. When he turned one, she began experimenting with how to adapt muffin recipes to be egg-free and dairy-free but keep the same taste and texture. Her winning entry into the 2025 National Festival of Breads Quick Bread category is the successful result of these adaptations —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrDFRpxPlbanpUHyR4CpG4dvWEqDlqm0SU8tl-prlzkDoqswDwshmXeTPkoEoJ7593vOlT_9iYgdQPvrDGQix15lU9K2Q_FNZ84d5zx9p8hPzFrlHZpLcvXUlRUtXNqDsTHxab2CNZONbuc7w0e3_QjGeowudMS0JeeiqHDrIWWlpo4_Z2NK6xaOrZl8cZBUr3b2Be5pu3NV0&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">Vegan Bakery-Style Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins</a>.&nbsp;“After several slight tweaks over the years, I created this recipe for delicious bakery-style muffins with a fresh, orange flavor and lots of mini chocolate chips throughout,” Meuser said “The subtle crispness of the golden-edged muffin tops, combined with the fluffy, tender, citrus-kissed and chocolate-laced interior, have made these easy muffins a favorite family recipe.”&nbsp;Honorable Mentions in the Quick Bread category included:<ul>
 <li>Artistic and Creative Biscuit Award: Foolproof FAUX-caccia Biscuits, Susan Simpson of Harrington, Delaware</li><li>Stafford County Flour Mills Award: Hot Honey, Date and Goat Cheese Beer Bread, Janet Gill of Canton, Ohio</li><li>Betty Kandt Family Award: Shirley Temple Scones, Michele Kusma of Columbus, Ohio</li><li>Holiday Bread Award: Texas Fruitcake Scones, Felice Bogus of Raleigh, North Carolina</li>
 </ul>Yeast Bread Champion Focuses on Flavors of Autumn Goodness&nbsp;Janet Gill of Canton, Ohio, has been baking since she was a teen, starting out with her mother’s cinnamon roll recipe and later using a bread machine as a young mother. Today, she loves to experiment with adding different ingredients for added flavors, which boosted her&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrDFRpxPlbanpjVVzWTVe_KLc_es8CiLV7fQdVaBOvztbLWZxsklmCGHdgH4lajtbFJolETiQ-A6obNMs-pW7GcVwSvYWJ1kbAzE1TRZIj9ICyx2OVu6MTIw24Zk4jHPA6S9FRJvN1d0YiMerSBag0ApYqxCMbEVkfTTvx4iRj4nRzDyUfxnTxGc=&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">Cranberry Hard Apple Cider Bread</a>&nbsp;to the winning entry in the Yeast Bread category.&nbsp;Gill’s recipe was inspired by freeze-dried apples that she had crushed up and added to a cake. After she really liked the added flavor, she decided to add them to a yeast bread and combine them with hard apple cider. Dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and walnuts completed the autumn theme.Beyond the flavorful additions, King Arthur flour and Red Star Platinum yeast were critical for bringing the recipe together. Gill recommends trying this bread as a breakfast toast or for a sweet and savory sandwich, especially for family meals.&nbsp;“I love the opportunity to be creative and to make a recipe my own,” Gill said. “Baking is a fun hobby for me, but more importantly, I love to share the foods I make. To me, sharing means love and appreciation to my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors.”&nbsp;Honorable Mentions in the Yeast Bread category included:<ul>
 <li>Ethnic Bread Award: Chocolate Praline Povitica, Michele Kusma of Columbus, Ohio</li><li>Ease of Preparation Award: Jalapeño Cheddar Roulade, Daniel Alcazar-Roman of Belmont, California</li><li>Betty Kandt Family Award: Lemon Meringue Spirals, Michele Kusma of Columbus, Ohio</li><li>Cheese Bread Award: Pimento Cheese Pull-Apart Bread with Hot Honey, Tiffany Aaron, Quitman, Arkansas</li><li>Best Pastry Award: Sticky Pear Claws, Lanie Smith, Topeka, Kansas</li><li>Creative and Artistic Award: Wicked-Good Bread, Stacey Ricker, Douglas, Wyoming</li>
 </ul>The 2025 National Festival of Breads was proudly sponsored by Kansas Wheat, King Arthur Baking Company, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Manhattan Hy-Vee, Stafford County Flour Mills, Visit Manhattan, Kansas Farm Bureau and the Betty Kandt Family. In-kind support was generously provided by the Home Baking Association, the Kansas Soybean Commission and the Wheat Foods Council.Learn more about the winners and their recipes at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JaeQWWDx4n2G4LkcqJeWUkFXxf-DsLkWxxEa0Sfq9he_ydKzAcyhrBUvIVDQq_udmySIsb-0IFjgiaTw0vGGkqkKN53u7zyAhScCmhgaxMzShLLlinQVQg-KF7j4yqNudKjChvAJGUZ6F2H99SGIZEQzIWoDN_oCF1iDYJ8Urtk=&amp;c=j0j2-f-yf8gaPJ4q7_F1jK0GFLXhh9an-OXxM21Vf4BcIb3V95hK7Q==&amp;ch=Bs5FT2v2Vl9tTWDMWy-cYAN23ZtZ0CWCbukxDEdhbzqrsO_P4wJOxg==">nationalfestivalofbreads.com</a>.

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