From Fort Hays State University Athletics...

Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner-degarmo/8334">Katie Wagner DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;(women's basketball) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;(football) were selected as finalists for the annual MIAA Ken B. Jones Award, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, announced Tuesday (May 20) by the conference office. The annual award recognizes the conference's male and female student-athletes of the year, combining athletic performance for the year, career academic accolades, and campus/community service.

DeGarmo and Menges are one of five finalists for each gender in 2025. DeGarmo joins Jenna Karp of Central Oklahoma (volleyball), Lauren Nylund of Missouri Western (women's soccer), Peyton Neff of Nebraska-Kearney (volleyball), and Karenna Gerber of Pittsburg State (women's basketball) as female finalists. Menges joins Tyler Kahmann of Emporia State (football), Cody Watson of Missouri Western (football), Crew Howard of Nebraska-Kearney (wrestling), and Mason Strader of Pittsburg State (cross country/track and field) as male finalists.

The finalists will be recognized and the winners will be announced at the 2025 MIAA Awards Celebration on Monday, June 2 at the Nelson Atkins Museum Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Former FHSU student-athletes Kate (Lehman) Bremerman (women's basketball) and Darcie (Schmitz) Riordan (women's track and field) will be inducted in the MIAA Hall of Fame that evening at the awards celebration.

DeGarmo (formerly Wagner) was the winner of the 2024 Women's MIAA Ken B. Jones Award. She became the third winner of the Ken B. Jones Award from FHSU, joining Kate Lehman (women's basketball, 2015) and Ryan Stanley (men's track and field, 2023). Stanley received the MIAA Spring Student-Athlete of the Year honor and Whitney Randall (women's basketball) received the MIAA Winter Student-Athlete of the Year honor in 2021 when there was no all-sport inclusive Ken B. Jones Award. 

Specific seasons were recognized for fall/winter of 2019-20 and winter/spring of 2020-21 due to COVID-19 and did not have the Ken B. Jones moniker attached.

Katie DeGarmo – Women's Basketball

Katie DeGarmo had another tremendous year in 2024-25, earning the MIAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year honor for a second-straight season. She became the first repeat MIAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year since the 2002-03 season. DeGarmo was also named an All-America First Team selection by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and an All-America Third Team selection by the D2 Conference Commissioners' Association (D2CCA). She also earned CSC Academic All-America honors, just one of 16 student-athletes for women's basketball in NCAA Division II, in her final year at FHSU. DeGarmo was also selected to the MIAA All-Tournament Team for a second-straight year (was the Most Outstanding Player in 2024) and the NCAA Central Regional All-Tournament team for a second time in her career.

DeGarmo left her mark on the FHSU and MIAA record books, clearly asserting her position among the all-time Tiger greats and storied players in the history of one of the top NCAA Division II conferences in the country. She set both the FHSU and MIAA career records for rebounds with 1,248, passing the previous MIAA record by 13 (set in 1991) and the previous FHSU record by 139 (set in 2015). She now ranks second on the all-time scoring lists for both FHSU and the MIAA with 2,299 points, only behind Annette Wiles at FHSU and Michelle Stueve of Emporia State for the MIAA. In 2024-25, DeGarmo, Sage Hawley of Harding, and Ashley Ingram of Texas Woman's joined 44 other players in the history of NCAA Division II to finish with at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. DeGarmo also set new MIAA Tournament career records for scoring (227 pts), rebounds (117), field goals made (88), field goals attempted (182), and tied the records for double-doubles in points and rebounds (5) and games played (14).

DeGarmo helped Fort Hays State to its 14th-consecutive season of reaching at least 20 wins, the longest active streak in NCAA Division II. She helped the Tigers to their ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 11 years and 10th&nbsp;overall. Wagner helped the Tigers earn a win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament before falling in the Central Regional Semifinals. The Tigers finished the season at 28-5 overall.

Academically, DeGarmo put together an impressive career resume as a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, four-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll, and one-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award to go with her CSC Academic All-America selection. She carried a perfect 4.0 GPA in her graduate studies, working on her MBA, and held a 3.87 GPA as an Accounting major in her undergraduate studies at FHSU.

DeGarmo was nominated for Accounting Student of the Year by the FHSU Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting in 2024. Wagner was nominated and selected by accounting faculty for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship following her December 2023 graduation. Back in the summer of 2023, she completed an accounting/analyst internship at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas, where she learned and developed new skills through hands-on experience in the accounting profession, including creating a new deferred revenue schedule for the business she supported.

DeGarmo was also very active in the community and on campus aside from her time on the court and in the classroom. Some of the highlights included serving on a leadership team for Encounter Young Adults, volunteering for Night to Shine for individuals in the community with special needs, volunteering at Bethesda Place helping individuals with disabilities, and joining teammates in a partnership with Team Impact which matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college sports teams.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;– Football

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;had a very strong final year on the field for Fort Hays State, helping the Tigers to an 8-3 record overall. Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and an All-MIAA First Team selection on the defensive line. He also received AFCA All-America First Team, Don Hansen Football Committee All-America Honorable Mention, and D2Football.com Elite 100 Team honors for the 2024 season. He was also a D2CCA All-Super Region 3 selection. Menges was a finalist for the annual Cliff Harris Award for the top defensive player in NCAA Division II.

Menges finished the year with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He had an amazing 11 pass breakups as a defensive lineman, batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive lineman in NCAA Division II in that category by a landslide, and it ranked 16th&nbsp;nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category. He finished his career with 182 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, two interceptions, 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Academically, Menges produced a 3.75 GPA as an undergraduate and 3.81 GPA as a grad student at FHSU. He earned his bachelor's degree in Sport and Recreation Management, then his master's in Health and Human Performance. He was a CSC Academic All-America First Team selection on the defensive line for 2024. He was also a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, four-time MIAA Scholar-Athlete honoree, and a six-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

Aside from his athletic and academic accomplishments, Menges was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteered for Night to Shine honoring individuals in the community with special needs, a mentor for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ellis County, and a volunteer for activities with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Fort Hays State has now had 20 Ken B. Jones Award/Student-Athlete of the Year finalists since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 13 awards (since 2014-15). The last time they had both female and male finalists was in 2023 (Ryan Stanley and Morgan Brasser).

Each institution may nominate only one female and one male student-athlete. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletics eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.

A 15-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution - select the finalists. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2024-25 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments, and 2024-25 campus/community service.

Women's Finalists Katie DeGarmo - Fort Hays State (women's basketball) Karenna Gerber - Pittsburg State (women's basketball) Jenna Karp - Central Oklahoma (volleyball) Peyton Neff - Nebraska-Kearney (volleyball) Lauren Nylund - Missouri Western (women's soccer)

Men's Finalists Crew Howard - Nebraska-Kearney (wrestling) Tyler Kahmann - Emporia State (football) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;- Fort Hays State (football) Mason Strader - Pittsburg State (cross country/track and field) Cody Watson - Missouri Western (football)&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749225081832.jpeg" alt="Myles Menges with Fort Hays State University football coach Chris Brown" />
 <figcaption>Myles Menges with Fort Hays State University football coach Chris Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>From Fort Hays State University Athletics...Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner-degarmo/8334">Katie Wagner DeGarmo</a>&nbsp;(women's basketball) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;(football) were selected as finalists for the annual MIAA Ken B. Jones Award, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, announced Tuesday (May 20) by the conference office. The annual award recognizes the conference's male and female student-athletes of the year, combining athletic performance for the year, career academic accolades, and campus/community service.DeGarmo and Menges are one of five finalists for each gender in 2025. DeGarmo joins Jenna Karp of Central Oklahoma (volleyball), Lauren Nylund of Missouri Western (women's soccer), Peyton Neff of Nebraska-Kearney (volleyball), and Karenna Gerber of Pittsburg State (women's basketball) as female finalists. Menges joins Tyler Kahmann of Emporia State (football), Cody Watson of Missouri Western (football), Crew Howard of Nebraska-Kearney (wrestling), and Mason Strader of Pittsburg State (cross country/track and field) as male finalists.The finalists will be recognized and the winners will be announced at the 2025 MIAA Awards Celebration on Monday, June 2 at the Nelson Atkins Museum Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. Former FHSU student-athletes Kate (Lehman) Bremerman (women's basketball) and Darcie (Schmitz) Riordan (women's track and field) will be inducted in the MIAA Hall of Fame that evening at the awards celebration.DeGarmo (formerly Wagner) was the winner of the 2024 Women's MIAA Ken B. Jones Award. She became the third winner of the Ken B. Jones Award from FHSU, joining Kate Lehman (women's basketball, 2015) and Ryan Stanley (men's track and field, 2023). Stanley received the MIAA Spring Student-Athlete of the Year honor and Whitney Randall (women's basketball) received the MIAA Winter Student-Athlete of the Year honor in 2021 when there was no all-sport inclusive Ken B. Jones Award. Specific seasons were recognized for fall/winter of 2019-20 and winter/spring of 2020-21 due to COVID-19 and did not have the Ken B. Jones moniker attached.Katie DeGarmo – Women's Basketball Katie DeGarmo had another tremendous year in 2024-25, earning the MIAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year honor for a second-straight season. She became the first repeat MIAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year since the 2002-03 season. DeGarmo was also named an All-America First Team selection by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and an All-America Third Team selection by the D2 Conference Commissioners' Association (D2CCA). She also earned CSC Academic All-America honors, just one of 16 student-athletes for women's basketball in NCAA Division II, in her final year at FHSU. DeGarmo was also selected to the MIAA All-Tournament Team for a second-straight year (was the Most Outstanding Player in 2024) and the NCAA Central Regional All-Tournament team for a second time in her career.DeGarmo left her mark on the FHSU and MIAA record books, clearly asserting her position among the all-time Tiger greats and storied players in the history of one of the top NCAA Division II conferences in the country. She set both the FHSU and MIAA career records for rebounds with 1,248, passing the previous MIAA record by 13 (set in 1991) and the previous FHSU record by 139 (set in 2015). She now ranks second on the all-time scoring lists for both FHSU and the MIAA with 2,299 points, only behind Annette Wiles at FHSU and Michelle Stueve of Emporia State for the MIAA. In 2024-25, DeGarmo, Sage Hawley of Harding, and Ashley Ingram of Texas Woman's joined 44 other players in the history of NCAA Division II to finish with at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. DeGarmo also set new MIAA Tournament career records for scoring (227 pts), rebounds (117), field goals made (88), field goals attempted (182), and tied the records for double-doubles in points and rebounds (5) and games played (14).DeGarmo helped Fort Hays State to its 14th-consecutive season of reaching at least 20 wins, the longest active streak in NCAA Division II. She helped the Tigers to their ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 11 years and 10th&nbsp;overall. Wagner helped the Tigers earn a win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament before falling in the Central Regional Semifinals. The Tigers finished the season at 28-5 overall.Academically, DeGarmo put together an impressive career resume as a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, four-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award, five-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll, and one-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award to go with her CSC Academic All-America selection. She carried a perfect 4.0 GPA in her graduate studies, working on her MBA, and held a 3.87 GPA as an Accounting major in her undergraduate studies at FHSU.DeGarmo was nominated for Accounting Student of the Year by the FHSU Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting in 2024. Wagner was nominated and selected by accounting faculty for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship following her December 2023 graduation. Back in the summer of 2023, she completed an accounting/analyst internship at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas, where she learned and developed new skills through hands-on experience in the accounting profession, including creating a new deferred revenue schedule for the business she supported.DeGarmo was also very active in the community and on campus aside from her time on the court and in the classroom. Some of the highlights included serving on a leadership team for Encounter Young Adults, volunteering for Night to Shine for individuals in the community with special needs, volunteering at Bethesda Place helping individuals with disabilities, and joining teammates in a partnership with Team Impact which matches children facing serious illnesses and disabilities with college sports teams.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;– Football<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;had a very strong final year on the field for Fort Hays State, helping the Tigers to an 8-3 record overall. Menges was the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and an All-MIAA First Team selection on the defensive line. He also received AFCA All-America First Team, Don Hansen Football Committee All-America Honorable Mention, and D2Football.com Elite 100 Team honors for the 2024 season. He was also a D2CCA All-Super Region 3 selection. Menges was a finalist for the annual Cliff Harris Award for the top defensive player in NCAA Division II.Menges finished the year with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He had an amazing 11 pass breakups as a defensive lineman, batting down several passes at the line of scrimmage. He led all defensive lineman in NCAA Division II in that category by a landslide, and it ranked 16th&nbsp;nationally all behind defensive backs, which dominate the category. He finished his career with 182 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, two interceptions, 23 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.Academically, Menges produced a 3.75 GPA as an undergraduate and 3.81 GPA as a grad student at FHSU. He earned his bachelor's degree in Sport and Recreation Management, then his master's in Health and Human Performance. He was a CSC Academic All-America First Team selection on the defensive line for 2024. He was also a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, four-time MIAA Scholar-Athlete honoree, and a six-time member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.Aside from his athletic and academic accomplishments, Menges was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteered for Night to Shine honoring individuals in the community with special needs, a mentor for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ellis County, and a volunteer for activities with Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.Fort Hays State has now had 20 Ken B. Jones Award/Student-Athlete of the Year finalists since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 13 awards (since 2014-15). The last time they had both female and male finalists was in 2023 (Ryan Stanley and Morgan Brasser).Each institution may nominate only one female and one male student-athlete. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletics eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.A 15-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution - select the finalists. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2024-25 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments, and 2024-25 campus/community service.Women's Finalists Katie DeGarmo - Fort Hays State (women's basketball) Karenna Gerber - Pittsburg State (women's basketball) Jenna Karp - Central Oklahoma (volleyball) Peyton Neff - Nebraska-Kearney (volleyball) Lauren Nylund - Missouri Western (women's soccer)Men's Finalists Crew Howard - Nebraska-Kearney (wrestling) Tyler Kahmann - Emporia State (football) <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/myles-menges/8027">Myles Menges</a>&nbsp;- Fort Hays State (football) Mason Strader - Pittsburg State (cross country/track and field) Cody Watson - Missouri Western (football)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Central Plains, Bushton native Menges finalist for MIAA athlete of the year

Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 82. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 7 mph becoming south in the evening.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 81. West southwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 85.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 86.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 9am. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 82. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind around 7 mph becoming south in the evening.Sunday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 81. West southwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 57.Monday Sunny, with a high near 83.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 85.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 86.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63.Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weekend weather

The Ellinwood Recreation Commission honored former Rec Director Stephen Richter on Thursday, June 5 by dedicating and naming the softball fields as the Stephen C. Richter Memorial Fields.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9a6e6553-d48a-4894-ae86-87518455fa1d">RELATED: Stephen Richter obituary</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749241335536.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellinwood Recreation Commission honored former Rec Director Stephen Richter on Thursday, June 5 by dedicating and naming the softball fields as the Stephen C. Richter Memorial Fields.Richter passed away Oct. 1, 2024.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9a6e6553-d48a-4894-ae86-87518455fa1d">RELATED: Stephen Richter obituary</a><figure>
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Dedication of ball fields in Ellinwood for Stephen Richter

Listen to this month's Chamber Connect show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Megan Barfield and Julie Mazouch from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce that aired June 5, 2025.

The Chamber Connect show airs the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722358431610.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Listen to this month's Chamber Connect show with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Megan Barfield and Julie Mazouch from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce that aired June 5, 2025.<div><iframe title="Chamber Connect: Great Bend Chamber's Megan Barfield & Julie Mazouch" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=5aa2w-18cc950-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The Chamber Connect show airs the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend Chamber's Barfield & Mazouch

While I spent 20 years in banking in a previous career, I would never claim to be an expert on investing. Melissa Schrag, Family and Community Wellness agent from the Central Kansas District, focuses on Family Resource Management and shared some great information, including definitions, about navigating investment markets and, with her permission, I’d like to share it with you.

Navigating Bear Markets: Tips for Staying Composed During Downturns

Wall Street may be nearing a bear market, as concerns grow that tariffs on imported goods could impact global economic stability. But what exactly is a bear market, and how can investors stay steady when markets dip?

A bear market is a period when the prices of securities, like stocks, fall by 20% or more from recent highs. It’s marked by widespread pessimism, negative investor sentiment, and selling pressure.

The term comes from the bear’s behavior—hibernation—symbolizing a market retreat. Conversely, a rising market is called a bull market, because bulls charge forward, representing upward momentum.

1. Keep Emotions in Check Bear markets can be nerve-wracking. Fear and negative headlines can overwhelm you, but reacting emotionally often leads to poor decisions.

2. Don’t Try to Outrun the Bear Avoid jumping in and out of the market. Selling during declines may cause you to miss the recovery. Remember: time in the market beats timing the market.

3. Stick to Your Long-Term Strategy Focus on your long-term goals. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your objectives but avoid drastic changes based on short-term market swings.

4. Use the Downturn to Your Advantage Bear markets offer opportunities to buy quality investments at lower prices. Consider rebalancing your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation.

5. Adjust If You’re Taking Income If you rely on investment income, consider reducing withdrawals temporarily. This helps your portfolio recover when markets rebound.

6. Stay Calm and Ignore the Noise Bear markets come with plenty of doom-and-gloom headlines. Staying calm and sticking to your strategy usually leads to better outcomes.

If you found this article useful, Melissa would appreciate your follow up so take a moment and provide feedback at https://bit.ly/49SMXra.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668177490614.jpeg" alt="Michelle Beran - Family &amp; Community Wellness Educator for Cottonwood Extension District with K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Michelle Beran - Family &amp; Community Wellness Educator for Cottonwood Extension District with K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>While I spent 20 years in banking in a previous career, I would never claim to be an expert on investing. Melissa Schrag, Family and Community Wellness agent from the Central Kansas District, focuses on Family Resource Management and shared some great information, including definitions, about navigating investment markets and, with her permission, I’d like to share it with you.Navigating Bear Markets: Tips for Staying Composed During DownturnsWall Street may be nearing a bear market, as concerns grow that tariffs on imported goods could impact global economic stability. But what exactly is a bear market, and how can investors stay steady when markets dip?What is a Bear Market?A bear market is a period when the prices of securities, like stocks, fall by 20% or more from recent highs. It’s marked by widespread pessimism, negative investor sentiment, and selling pressure.Why the name “bear market?”The term comes from the bear’s behavior—hibernation—symbolizing a market retreat. Conversely, a rising market is called a bull market, because bulls charge forward, representing upward momentum.6 Tips to Navigate Bear Markets1. Keep Emotions in Check Bear markets can be nerve-wracking. Fear and negative headlines can overwhelm you, but reacting emotionally often leads to poor decisions.2. Don’t Try to Outrun the Bear Avoid jumping in and out of the market. Selling during declines may cause you to miss the recovery. Remember: time in the market beats timing the market.3. Stick to Your Long-Term Strategy Focus on your long-term goals. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your objectives but avoid drastic changes based on short-term market swings.4. Use the Downturn to Your Advantage Bear markets offer opportunities to buy quality investments at lower prices. Consider rebalancing your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation.5. Adjust If You’re Taking Income If you rely on investment income, consider reducing withdrawals temporarily. This helps your portfolio recover when markets rebound.6. Stay Calm and Ignore the Noise Bear markets come with plenty of doom-and-gloom headlines. Staying calm and sticking to your strategy usually leads to better outcomes.If you found this article useful, Melissa would appreciate your follow up so take a moment and provide feedback at https://bit.ly/49SMXra.Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Market strategies

The Shafer Gallery will host an opening reception for its “Collector’s Edition” exhibit from 5-7&nbsp;p.m. June 13 in the Gallery and will feature light refreshments and a gallery talk.

Shafer Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the exhibit is one-of-a-kind. &nbsp;

“Collector’s Edition&nbsp;is the Shafer Gallery’s summer exhibition celebrating the fascinating and eclectic world of local collectors,” she said. “From fine art and vintage postcards to hand-stitched quilts, taxidermized animals, a Japanese friendship doll, and Toyota model cars, the show highlights the personal passions that drive collecting. Drawn from private collections across the region, “Collector’s Edition”&nbsp;offers a rare glimpse into the stories behind these cherished objects and the people who collect them. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of memory, identity, and material culture in all its quirky, beautiful variety.”

The collectors featured will include Frank McKinney, Stan Christiansen, Jimmie and Virgina Downing, David and Krystall Barnes, Bob and Marilyn Loss, Dody Burkey and Margaret Corbet, Andrea Buhler-Lartz, and Randy Allen.

The exhibit will run through Aug. 30. The Shafer Gallery is currently operating on summer hours and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free.&nbsp;For more information, contact Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shafergallery@bartonccc.edu">shafergallery@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749148572746.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaThe Shafer Gallery will host an opening reception for its “Collector’s Edition” exhibit from 5-7&nbsp;p.m. June 13 in the Gallery and will feature light refreshments and a gallery talk.Shafer Gallery Director Alyssa Bliven said the exhibit is one-of-a-kind. &nbsp;“Collector’s Edition&nbsp;is the Shafer Gallery’s summer exhibition celebrating the fascinating and eclectic world of local collectors,” she said. “From fine art and vintage postcards to hand-stitched quilts, taxidermized animals, a Japanese friendship doll, and Toyota model cars, the show highlights the personal passions that drive collecting. Drawn from private collections across the region, “Collector’s Edition”&nbsp;offers a rare glimpse into the stories behind these cherished objects and the people who collect them. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of memory, identity, and material culture in all its quirky, beautiful variety.”The collectors featured will include Frank McKinney, Stan Christiansen, Jimmie and Virgina Downing, David and Krystall Barnes, Bob and Marilyn Loss, Dody Burkey and Margaret Corbet, Andrea Buhler-Lartz, and Randy Allen.The exhibit will run through Aug. 30. The Shafer Gallery is currently operating on summer hours and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free.&nbsp;For more information, contact Bliven at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shafergallery@bartonccc.edu">shafergallery@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

Shafer Gallery to host reception for 'Collector’s Edition' exhibit

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

BOOKED: Jeffery S. Martinez on Barton County District Court case
for aggravated domestic battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael P. Carroll on Barton County District Court
warrant for violation of protection order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Jennifer A. Welcher on Pawnee County District Court
warrant for probation violation, no bond.

RELEASED: Andrew Cline to Pottawatomie County.

RELEASED: Michael Reynolds to Pawnee County.

RELEASED: William T. Petrolpulos on GBMC case for PFA violation
with a bond of $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Michael P. Carroll on BCDC warrant for violation
of protective order, bonded by posting a surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding
of $2,500.

RELEASED: Brandon G. Maxwell on BCDC warrant for
distribution of methamphetamine, granted an OR bond of $100,000 by Judge
Burgess.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Skylar L. Romine on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jeffery S. Martinez on Barton County District Court case
for aggravated domestic battery, bond set at $20,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael P. Carroll on Barton County District Court
warrant for violation of protection order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Jennifer A. Welcher on Pawnee County District Court
warrant for probation violation, no bond.RELEASED: Andrew Cline to Pottawatomie County.RELEASED: Michael Reynolds to Pawnee County.RELEASED: William T. Petrolpulos on GBMC case for PFA violation
with a bond of $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Michael P. Carroll on BCDC warrant for violation
of protective order, bonded by posting a surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding
of $2,500.RELEASED: Brandon G. Maxwell on BCDC warrant for
distribution of methamphetamine, granted an OR bond of $100,000 by Judge
Burgess.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (6/5)

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (6/5)

At 3:07 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 19th &amp;
Main.

At 3:55 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 106 on N. US 281
Highway.

At 8:14 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in Pawnee
Rock.

At 9:49 a.m. a theft was reported at 200 Main in Claflin.

At 6:34 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56
Highway at MM 215.

At 7:47 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 190 Road
&amp; NW 140 Avenue in Galatia.

At 9:58 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 130
Avenue &amp; NE 140 Road in Claflin.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (6/5)

At 1:10 p.m. a theft was reported at 3502 10th
Street.

At 1:22 p.m. an accident was reported at 1300 Stone.

At 2:19 p.m. a theft was reported at 3502 10th
Street.

At 3:59 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5600
Eisenhower Avenue.

At 5:37 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 22nd &amp;
Heizer.

At 6:16 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 2600 block of 20th
Street.

At 6:39 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2712 Gano.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (6/5)K-9 Use / Call OutAt 3:07 a.m. the K-9 was called out to 19th &amp;
Main.Non-Injury AccidentAt 3:55 a.m. an accident was reported at MM 106 on N. US 281
Highway.Animal ComplaintAt 8:14 a.m. an animal complaint was reported in Pawnee
Rock.TheftAt 9:49 a.m. a theft was reported at 200 Main in Claflin.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 6:34 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at E. US 56
Highway at MM 215.Cattle OutAt 7:47 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NW 190 Road
&amp; NW 140 Avenue in Galatia.At 9:58 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at NE 130
Avenue &amp; NE 140 Road in Claflin.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (6/5)TheftAt 1:10 p.m. a theft was reported at 3502 10th
Street.Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:22 p.m. an accident was reported at 1300 Stone.TheftAt 2:19 p.m. a theft was reported at 3502 10th
Street.Chest PainAt 3:59 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5600
Eisenhower Avenue.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 5:37 p.m. the K-9 was called out to 22nd &amp;
Heizer.At 6:16 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 2600 block of 20th
Street.Parking ComplaintAt 6:39 p.m. a parking complaint was reported at 2712 Gano.

Cop Shop (6/5)

You have an opportunity today to become the final instant finalist in the Reef Blue Summer Giveaway. It's presented by Ehler Chevrolet, INA Alert, Equity Bank and Kelly's Garden Sense.

Sign up today at Cornerstone Automotive, 4713 8th Street. You can register from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/faa73a97-4e3c-405e-b18d-9148ea926a10">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747345810142.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>You have an opportunity today to become the final instant finalist in the Reef Blue Summer Giveaway. It's presented by Ehler Chevrolet, INA Alert, Equity Bank and Kelly's Garden Sense.Sign up today at Cornerstone Automotive, 4713 8th Street. You can register from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/faa73a97-4e3c-405e-b18d-9148ea926a10">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Reef Blue Summer - Sign up today at Cornerstone Automotive

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

A series of three grants for Great Bend Municipal Airport projects will
be offered for the City of Great Bend’s approval over the next month or so. The
city council approved a programmed amendment to the city’s Work Order #1 with
Garver to complete the grant applications from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) and the State of Kansas. The Work Order Amendment #1 with Garver cost $65,000.

Airport Manager Martin Miller said Runway 17/35 will
be rehabilitated, sealed and remarked.


"This will start the grant process," said Miller. "The FAA will send a grant offer which the city will need to accept. The State of Kansas will send two grant offers. One is for this runway project. The second will be for the design of the relocation and replacement of Runway 11/29."

The total cost of the project was estimated at $642,515, and the winning bid from American Road Construction was submitted at $493,415. Between the
FAA and Kansas Department of Transportation grants, Miller estimated the city’s
share will be roughly 13.5% of the project cost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749139231964.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostA series of three grants for Great Bend Municipal Airport projects will
be offered for the City of Great Bend’s approval over the next month or so. The
city council approved a programmed amendment to the city’s Work Order #1 with
Garver to complete the grant applications from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) and the State of Kansas. The Work Order Amendment #1 with Garver cost $65,000.Airport Manager Martin Miller said Runway 17/35 will
be rehabilitated, sealed and remarked.
"This will start the grant process," said Miller. "The FAA will send a grant offer which the city will need to accept. The State of Kansas will send two grant offers. One is for this runway project. The second will be for the design of the relocation and replacement of Runway 11/29."The total cost of the project was estimated at $642,515, and the winning bid from American Road Construction was submitted at $493,415. Between the
FAA and Kansas Department of Transportation grants, Miller estimated the city’s
share will be roughly 13.5% of the project cost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend locking in grants to rehab airport runway

The new director at the Golden Belt Humane Society, Emil Halfhill, went
before the Great Bend City Council Monday night as part of the agencies that
were requesting more funding from the city’s 2026 budget. Receiving $110,500 in
the current budget, the Humane Society is requesting a $14,500 increase.


Halfhill said along with rising costs in veterinarian bills, the shelter has
seen a decrease in the amount of adoptions.


"I think a lot of that issue is because our price isn't expensive, but it's expensive to own animals," said Halfhill. "We're holding those animals much longer which is a much greater cost incurred to us. Ultimately, everything else suffers because of it."

Based on 2023 numbers, the Humane Society handled 1,175 calls from Great Bend
compared to 198 around the county. 

Barton County upped their contribution to
the Humane Society by $4,250 in 2025 for a total of $35,750. Halfhill said
approximately 65% of the shelter’s budget comes from fundraisers.


"I would have never believed that our budget is contrived from so much of private funds," said Halfhill. "Unfortunately, if that 65% of the budget from private funds doesn't come in, we don't exist. If we don't exist, I'm not sure what the police department and other cities would be able to do for their animals."

Golden Belt Humane Society 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/2025/6/1749147894785.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe new director at the Golden Belt Humane Society, Emil Halfhill, went
before the Great Bend City Council Monday night as part of the agencies that
were requesting more funding from the city’s 2026 budget. Receiving $110,500 in
the current budget, the Humane Society is requesting a $14,500 increase.
Halfhill said along with rising costs in veterinarian bills, the shelter has
seen a decrease in the amount of adoptions.
"I think a lot of that issue is because our price isn't expensive, but it's expensive to own animals," said Halfhill. "We're holding those animals much longer which is a much greater cost incurred to us. Ultimately, everything else suffers because of it."Based on 2023 numbers, the Humane Society handled 1,175 calls from Great Bend
compared to 198 around the county. Barton County upped their contribution to
the Humane Society by $4,250 in 2025 for a total of $35,750. Halfhill said
approximately 65% of the shelter’s budget comes from fundraisers.
"I would have never believed that our budget is contrived from so much of private funds," said Halfhill. "Unfortunately, if that 65% of the budget from private funds doesn't come in, we don't exist. If we don't exist, I'm not sure what the police department and other cities would be able to do for their animals."Golden Belt Humane Society is one of five outside agencies that requested more
funding from the City of Great Bend in the 2026 budget.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Humane Society seeing less adoptions, asks Great Bend for more funds

From Great Bend Economic Development &amp; City of Great Bend...

Big Bend Bash, a community celebration, is set to take place this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and we’re excited to announce an important update to enhance both safety and fun for all attendees.

Due to the potential for inclement weather, the Kids Zone has been relocated from Courthouse Square to Williams Street, between Forest and Lakin. This new setup allows us to place our children’s inflatables on a hard surface, overcoming the issues that can be caused by inflatables in wet grass areas. It keeps all Big Bend Bash activities in one central location, making it even easier for families to enjoy everything the event has to offer without missing a beat.

“We’re thrilled to bring the entire Bash together in one place,” said Sara Arnberger, Great Bend Alive President. “The new Kids Zone location not only provides better protection from the elements, but also makes for a more connected and accessible experience for everyone.”

The 2025 Big Bend Bash features a packed lineup including:

• The Red, White, &amp; Blue Parade • Live music all day • Food and drinks • Bike, Brew &amp; Q Brewfest • The Shifters Car Show • Children’s inflatables and activities • Face painting, balloon animals, and live art demonstrations

It’s going to be a day full of energy, creativity, and fun — rain or shine.

Join us downtown this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and experience downtown Great Bend like never before.

For more information and updates, follow us on social media or visit www.gbedinc.com/bigbendbash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654195808061.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend Economic Development &amp; City of Great Bend...Big Bend Bash, a community celebration, is set to take place this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and we’re excited to announce an important update to enhance both safety and fun for all attendees.Due to the potential for inclement weather, the Kids Zone has been relocated from Courthouse Square to Williams Street, between Forest and Lakin. This new setup allows us to place our children’s inflatables on a hard surface, overcoming the issues that can be caused by inflatables in wet grass areas. It keeps all Big Bend Bash activities in one central location, making it even easier for families to enjoy everything the event has to offer without missing a beat.“We’re thrilled to bring the entire Bash together in one place,” said Sara Arnberger, Great Bend Alive President. “The new Kids Zone location not only provides better protection from the elements, but also makes for a more connected and accessible experience for everyone.”The 2025 Big Bend Bash features a packed lineup including:• The Red, White, &amp; Blue Parade • Live music all day • Food and drinks • Bike, Brew &amp; Q Brewfest • The Shifters Car Show • Children’s inflatables and activities • Face painting, balloon animals, and live art demonstrationsIt’s going to be a day full of energy, creativity, and fun — rain or shine.Join us downtown this Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and experience downtown Great Bend like never before.For more information and updates, follow us on social media or visit www.gbedinc.com/bigbendbash.

Big Bend Bash Kids Zone relocated due to potential for rain

Friday A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.

Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. East northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 81.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 83.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 84.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Friday A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph.Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. East northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.Saturday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 83.Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.Monday Sunny, with a high near 81.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 54.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 83.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 58.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 84.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday's weather

In 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.

It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.

Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.

In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.

The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism’s Director, Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.

Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.

This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.

Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summer

educational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.

The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.

For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.

If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.

Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.

Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633377761670.jpeg" alt="written by: Alexandra Middlewood, PhD - Associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alexandra Middlewood, PhD - Associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Kansas Tourism launched the Sunflower Summer program, opening the doors to our state’s zoos, museums, nature centers, and historical sites to Kansas families — for free! Designed to help young Kansans explore and fall in love with their home state, the program has quickly proven to be much more than a feel-good initiative.It’s a smart investment in our children’s learning and our state’s economic vitality.Over the past four years, the program has grown dramatically. In 2024, it offered free access to more than 200 attractions across Kansas. Over 154,000 families participated — and nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed, a 55% increase over the previous year — bringing families into local communities, supporting tourism, and enriching the summer experiences of thousands of children.In fact, 76% of participating families purchased meals, 72% shopped at local stores, and 20% stayed overnight, underscoring the program’s significant contribution to local economies across the state. Every dollar spent on Sunflower Summer returns multiple dollars to local communities, from ticket-adjacent spending at restaurants to increased visibility for small attractions. In Abilene alone, the 2024 Sunflower Summer program generated the equivalent of $114,945 in ticket revenue for the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, $34,395 for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, and $10,176 for the Dickinson County Heritage Center — providing a substantial boost to the city’s cultural and historical attractions.The impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In April, the Sunflower Summer program was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTourism Summit’s eTSY Awards — national recognition for a uniquely Kansas initiative. As Kansas Tourism’s Director, Bridgette Jobe notes, no other state offers a program quite like it.Yet despite its growing popularity, proven success, and bipartisan support, Sunflower Summer saw its funding significantly reduced during this year’s legislative session. As a result, the 2025 program will run for just three weeks — from July 12 to August 3 — down from a full summer season. That timeline may be cut even shorter, depending on participation and amount of use.This is not just a scheduling change. It’s a step backward for a program that brings real returns for students, for families, and for local economies across the state.Cuts to Sunflower Summer come at a time when federal funding cuts to similar initiatives — including National Parks and the Institute of Museum and Library Services — is being reduced. These losses compound one another, with real and lasting consequences for K-12 students, especially those from low-income families. Research consistently shows that summereducational programs help narrow the reading achievement gap by keeping students engaged and learning when school is out. Without them, many children risk falling further behind.The Sunflower Summer program is a powerful example of the kind of initiative Kansas should champion — one that reflects our values, strengthens our communities, and demonstrates what it looks like to put our money where our mouths are.For a fraction of the state’s budget, Sunflower Summer delivers outsized returns. When we invest in programs like this we’re putting resources behind our priorities. We’re not just funding summer activities, we’re investing in Kansas, in our kids’ educational enrichment, and local economic opportunity.If we want to continue building a Kansas where families thrive and kids grow up proud of where they’re from, we need to fight for programs like this. The legislature should restore full funding to Sunflower Summer and Kansans should make sure lawmakers know how much it matters.Programs like Sunflower Summer don’t just create memories, they connect kids to the places, people, and history that shape our state. That connection is what builds future citizens who care about Kansas.Sunflower Summer is more than a program — it’s a promise to Kansas’ future. Let’s keep that promise.

Insight Kansas: Sunflower Summer builds more than memories

Marketing Maven Consulting, a brand management and design firm based in Great Bend, announced the newest addition to their creative team, Steven Shippy, as a Graphic Design and Digital Media Specialist. Steven joins the team with experience in both graphic design and digital media, bringing a creative perspective to the company’s diverse design projects.

“Steven is a fantastic addition to the team, and his passion for authentic storytelling shines through in his work,” said Rachel Mawhirter, Founder &amp; CEO of Marketing Maven. “His ability to create designs that are both beautiful and functional, coupled with his love for typography and letterforms, will be a huge asset to our clients. We are thrilled to have him on board!”

Steven is a native Kansan with a deep love for design and storytelling. Over the years, he has worked with brands of all sizes - from local businesses to global enterprises - helping them communicate their message through visually compelling design. His responsibilities at Marketing Maven include working on branding and logo projects, social media graphics, print materials, advertising, illustrations, and various other types of printed and digital marketing collateral.

“Design has always been my way of telling stories. I’m excited to be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and impactful storytelling,” said Steven. “At Marketing Maven, we don’t just design for the sake of design; we create with purpose, helping our clients connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. I can’t wait to dive in and start working on these exciting projects!”

In addition to his professional design work, Steven is a lover of typography and is passionate about creating his own fonts and lettering. His calligraphy works have been featured in two books showcasing some of the best typography from around the world. When he's not designing, you can find Steven attending a concert, creating his own music, planning his next global adventure, or spending time with his family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749072812559.jpeg" alt="Steven Shippy" />
 <figcaption>Steven Shippy</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSMarketing Maven Consulting, a brand management and design firm based in Great Bend, announced the newest addition to their creative team, Steven Shippy, as a Graphic Design and Digital Media Specialist. Steven joins the team with experience in both graphic design and digital media, bringing a creative perspective to the company’s diverse design projects.“Steven is a fantastic addition to the team, and his passion for authentic storytelling shines through in his work,” said Rachel Mawhirter, Founder &amp; CEO of Marketing Maven. “His ability to create designs that are both beautiful and functional, coupled with his love for typography and letterforms, will be a huge asset to our clients. We are thrilled to have him on board!”Steven is a native Kansan with a deep love for design and storytelling. Over the years, he has worked with brands of all sizes - from local businesses to global enterprises - helping them communicate their message through visually compelling design. His responsibilities at Marketing Maven include working on branding and logo projects, social media graphics, print materials, advertising, illustrations, and various other types of printed and digital marketing collateral.“Design has always been my way of telling stories. I’m excited to be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and impactful storytelling,” said Steven. “At Marketing Maven, we don’t just design for the sake of design; we create with purpose, helping our clients connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. I can’t wait to dive in and start working on these exciting projects!”In addition to his professional design work, Steven is a lover of typography and is passionate about creating his own fonts and lettering. His calligraphy works have been featured in two books showcasing some of the best typography from around the world. When he's not designing, you can find Steven attending a concert, creating his own music, planning his next global adventure, or spending time with his family.

Marketing company in Great Bend announces new hire

Chinch bug activity has been elevated in Kansas over the last couple of seasons. Now would be a good time to discuss the differences between chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus) and false chinch bugs (Nysius sp.). To make proper management decisions, knowing how to correctly identify these insects is critical.

Adults bugs - adult chinch bugs are less than ¼ inch long bugs with black bodies and white wings that are kept folded over their backs. Two dark, triangular markings are present near the center of the wings, creating a distinctive “X” mark (Figure 1).

Adult false chinch bugs are very similar in appearance, but smaller. Instead of having black bodies, false chinch bugs are brownish-gray with clear wings that lack a distinct “X” mark.

Immature chinch bugs are bright red after hatching, darkening to black as they go through a series of 5 molts. A distinct white band will be visible across the nymphs’ bodies until the wing buds become large enough to obscure it.

Immature false chinch bugs are grayish-brown, never bright red, and lack the white band across their bodies.

Damage by bugs - chinch bugs and false chinch bugs are true bugs in the order Hemiptera, which means they both have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to puncture plant tissue to feed on plant juices. However, the symptoms of feeding appear differently for these two bugs. When chinch bugs feed, digestive enzymes are injected into the plant tissue, causing it to break down and discolor. Reddish spots are often present at chinch bug feeding sites. Heavy chinch bug feeding can also cause stunting, wilting, and necrotic lesions on plants. False chinch bug feeding, on the other hand, usually has little effect on plants, but extreme numbers of the bugs on a plant can cause wilting and death.

Be proactive about chinch bug management - think about chinch bug management before wheat is harvested. Simply relying on rescue treatments for young sorghum fields is not recommended. If possible, avoid planting sorghum adjacent to wheat, particularly if the wheat stand is thin and stressed out. Wheat fields should be scouted for the presence of chinch bugs before harvest to provide an estimate of risk to newly planted sorghum fields. One adult chinch bug or 5 nymphs per foot of row will be a hazard to the borders of sorghum planted nearby. If chinch bug problems are expected, an early planted trap crop of sorghum can be utilized between the wheat and sorghum fields, and this trap crop can be sprayed if migrating chinch bugs become numerous. Follow-up sprays will likely be needed if the local chinch bug population is high; 5 chinch bugs per seedling would warrant action. Planting time insecticides and seed treatments can provide some early protection for young sorghum, but their effectiveness deteriorates beyond a few weeks. Additionally, scouting should be done weekly during the growing season. Plants that are a foot tall and all the way through flowering can be damaged by 50 chinch bugs per plant.

Additional details on life history and management recommendations for these two pests can be found in the following Kansas Crop Pest publications. · Chinch Bug: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3107.pdf · False Chinch bug: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3047.pdf

Information provided by Jeff Whitworth, K-State Extension Entomologist.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Chinch bug activity has been elevated in Kansas over the last couple of seasons. Now would be a good time to discuss the differences between chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus) and false chinch bugs (Nysius sp.). To make proper management decisions, knowing how to correctly identify these insects is critical.Adults bugs - adult chinch bugs are less than ¼ inch long bugs with black bodies and white wings that are kept folded over their backs. Two dark, triangular markings are present near the center of the wings, creating a distinctive “X” mark (Figure 1).Adult false chinch bugs are very similar in appearance, but smaller. Instead of having black bodies, false chinch bugs are brownish-gray with clear wings that lack a distinct “X” mark.Immature chinch bugs are bright red after hatching, darkening to black as they go through a series of 5 molts. A distinct white band will be visible across the nymphs’ bodies until the wing buds become large enough to obscure it.Immature false chinch bugs are grayish-brown, never bright red, and lack the white band across their bodies.Damage by bugs - chinch bugs and false chinch bugs are true bugs in the order Hemiptera, which means they both have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to puncture plant tissue to feed on plant juices. However, the symptoms of feeding appear differently for these two bugs. When chinch bugs feed, digestive enzymes are injected into the plant tissue, causing it to break down and discolor. Reddish spots are often present at chinch bug feeding sites. Heavy chinch bug feeding can also cause stunting, wilting, and necrotic lesions on plants. False chinch bug feeding, on the other hand, usually has little effect on plants, but extreme numbers of the bugs on a plant can cause wilting and death.Be proactive about chinch bug management - think about chinch bug management before wheat is harvested. Simply relying on rescue treatments for young sorghum fields is not recommended. If possible, avoid planting sorghum adjacent to wheat, particularly if the wheat stand is thin and stressed out. Wheat fields should be scouted for the presence of chinch bugs before harvest to provide an estimate of risk to newly planted sorghum fields. One adult chinch bug or 5 nymphs per foot of row will be a hazard to the borders of sorghum planted nearby. If chinch bug problems are expected, an early planted trap crop of sorghum can be utilized between the wheat and sorghum fields, and this trap crop can be sprayed if migrating chinch bugs become numerous. Follow-up sprays will likely be needed if the local chinch bug population is high; 5 chinch bugs per seedling would warrant action. Planting time insecticides and seed treatments can provide some early protection for young sorghum, but their effectiveness deteriorates beyond a few weeks. Additionally, scouting should be done weekly during the growing season. Plants that are a foot tall and all the way through flowering can be damaged by 50 chinch bugs per plant.Additional details on life history and management recommendations for these two pests can be found in the following Kansas Crop Pest publications. · Chinch Bug: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3107.pdf · False Chinch bug: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3047.pdfInformation provided by Jeff Whitworth, K-State Extension Entomologist.

CAMPBELL: Distinguish chinch bugs from false chinch bugs

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend CVB Director Amanda Gaddis that aired June 4, 2025.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722358431610.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Media's Cole Reif and Great Bend CVB Director Amanda Gaddis that aired June 4, 2025.<div><iframe title="City Edition: Great Bend CVB Director Amanda Gaddis" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=twz28-18ca395-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Great Bend CVB Director Amanda Gaddis

On Friday, May 30 at 10:14 p.m., an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a white 2015 Ford F-150 in the 3400 block of 10th&nbsp;Street. During the traffic stop, the Department's K9 Neo was used for a free air sniff, which indicated to an odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched, and methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found inside. 

Michael Casares, age 39, was arrested for distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs, child endangerment and traffic charges. Casares was transported to the Barton County Jail, where he was booked in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

If anyone has information regarding this case or any other case, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749135745331.jpeg" alt="Michael Casares" />
 <figcaption>Michael Casares</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, May 30 at 10:14 p.m., an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a white 2015 Ford F-150 in the 3400 block of 10th&nbsp;Street. During the traffic stop, the Department's K9 Neo was used for a free air sniff, which indicated to an odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was searched, and methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found inside. Michael Casares, age 39, was arrested for distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs, child endangerment and traffic charges. Casares was transported to the Barton County Jail, where he was booked in lieu of a $100,000 bond.If anyone has information regarding this case or any other case, they are encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Great Bend Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Drug charges follow after traffic stop in Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (6/4)

At 1:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 350 NE 30 Road.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (6/4)

At 1:41 a.m. Michelle Pedigo reported her window being
damaged at 2325 Garfield.

At 4:28 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 1621
Hubbard.

At 6:48 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1200 Wilson.

At 7:51 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 2107 11th
Street.

At 9:03 a.m. a vehicle blocking the alley was reported at
2815 Broadway.

At 9:54 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 215 Becker
Ct.

At 1:09 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1918
McKinley Street.

At 2:07 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1200 Wilson.

At 2:14 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1409 Main.

At 2:16 p.m. some of the fence in the area was possibly
damaged at 108 Chestnut.

At 5:01 p.m. an accident was reported at 4100 Broadway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (6/4)Non-Injury AccidentAt 1:40 p.m. an accident was reported at 350 NE 30 Road.Great Bend Police
Department incident log (6/4)Criminal DamageAt 1:41 a.m. Michelle Pedigo reported her window being
damaged at 2325 Garfield.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:28 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at 1621
Hubbard.FallsAt 6:48 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 1200 Wilson.Breathing ProblemsAt 7:51 a.m. breathing problems were reported at 2107 11th
Street.Parking ComplaintAt 9:03 a.m. a vehicle blocking the alley was reported at
2815 Broadway.Unconscious / FaintingAt 9:54 a.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 215 Becker
Ct.FallsAt 1:09 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1918
McKinley Street.At 2:07 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1200 Wilson.Ambulance AssistanceAt 2:14 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 1409 Main.Criminal DamageAt 2:16 p.m. some of the fence in the area was possibly
damaged at 108 Chestnut.Non-Injury AccidentAt 5:01 p.m. an accident was reported at 4100 Broadway.Parking ComplaintAt 5:04 p.m. an officer contacted a subject in reference to
a vehicle parked in the alley at 700 Heizer.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 5:18 p.m. the K-9 was called out to the 1700 block of
Holland.Traumatic InjuriesAt 6:09 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 5815
Broadway.Chest PainAt 7:28 p.m. ambulance assistance was needed at 717
Coolidge.K-9 Use / Call OutAt 8:40 p.m. the K-9 was used on BTSO traffic stop at 2300
10th Street.Unconscious / FaintingAt 8:49 p.m. an unconscious/fainting case was reported at
1028 Garfield.Gas Leak / SpillAt 11:31 p.m. a gas leak/spill was reported at 2718 27th
Street.