Thursday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East northeast wind 5 to 11 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 61. East southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Friday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers between 7am and 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North northeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 82.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 86.

Sunday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 82.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. East northeast wind 5 to 11 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Thursday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 61. East southeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.Friday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers between 7am and 1pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North northeast wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 82.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 86.Sunday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.Monday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 56.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 82.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 59.Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

Great Bend city crews will begin to fog for mosquitos. The city has plans to fog on the following dates: June 4, June 5, June 12, June 19 and June 26. The city will start spraying at 8 p.m. until midnight. The public is encouraged to take precautions to limit exposure to themselves, especially those with medical issues and pets.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact: Jenna Pitchford, Street Superintendent, at 620-793-4150 or jpitchford@greatbendks.net.

Great Bend city crews will begin to fog for mosquitos. The city has plans to fog on the following dates: June 4, June 5, June 12, June 19 and June 26. The city will start spraying at 8 p.m. until midnight. The public is encouraged to take precautions to limit exposure to themselves, especially those with medical issues and pets.If you have any questions or concerns, contact: Jenna Pitchford, Street Superintendent, at 620-793-4150 or jpitchford@greatbendks.net.

Mosquito spraying getting underway in Great Bend

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 the Bat Cats Game c/o Moeder Plumbing Heating and Air, Al Burns Field, Vets Memorial Park. You can register from 4 p.m. - 8:30 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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746568060527.jpeg" 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 the Bat Cats Game c/o Moeder Plumbing Heating and Air, Al Burns Field, Vets Memorial Park. You can register from 4 p.m. - 8:30 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; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Reef Blue Summer - Sign up today at the Bat Cats Game c/o Moeder Plumbing Heating and Air

Changes to your eyesight are normal with age. You may be less able to see up close without reading glasses. It may take your eyes longer to adjust to changing light levels. These problems can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or improved lighting. But some changes can be a sign of disease.

A condition called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the U.S. It’s caused by light-sensing tissue in the back of your eye, or retina, deteriorating. The deterioration happens in the center of the retina, called the macula. In advanced stages, AMD can make it hard to see things clearly when you look straight ahead. You may not be able to recognize faces, read, drive, or do certain household tasks independently.

You’re more likely to have AMD at age 55 and older. Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure increase your risk for AMD. So does having a family history of the disease.

There are two types of AMD. Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is more common. This condition progresses through several stages. Early AMD has no symptoms. In intermediate AMD, you might notice mild blurriness or have trouble seeing in low light. Late AMD usually causes a blurry area or blank spots in or near the center of your vision. Colors may appear faded.

The other type is called neovascular, or wet, AMD. It can cause fast vision loss if not treated promptly. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. These can bleed and leak fluid that damages the macula. A telltale sign is when straight lines appear wavy or crooked. Dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD.

It can take years for AMD to progress. When you detect it early, you can take steps to delay its progress.

An eye doctor can detect AMD using a dilated eye exam. In the exam, they dilate (or widen) your pupils using special eye drops. This allows them to see inside your eyes. They may also take pictures of the inside of your eye using a technique called optical coherence tomography.

If you are diagnosed with AMD, there are several things you can do to slow its progression. “For those early and intermediate stages, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Tiarnán Keenan, an ophthalmologist at NIH. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough physical activity,

and not smoking. A healthy lifestyle may also lower your chances of getting AMD in the first place.

· Eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables (especially dark leafy greens like spinach or kale) and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or tuna).

· Get regular physical activity. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.

· Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

· Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. Get free help to quit smoking at smokefree.gov, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or by texting QUIT to 47848.

· Get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can tell you how often you need an exam based on your age and other risk factors.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Changes to your eyesight are normal with age. You may be less able to see up close without reading glasses. It may take your eyes longer to adjust to changing light levels. These problems can usually be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or improved lighting. But some changes can be a sign of disease.A condition called age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults in the U.S. It’s caused by light-sensing tissue in the back of your eye, or retina, deteriorating. The deterioration happens in the center of the retina, called the macula. In advanced stages, AMD can make it hard to see things clearly when you look straight ahead. You may not be able to recognize faces, read, drive, or do certain household tasks independently.You’re more likely to have AMD at age 55 and older. Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure increase your risk for AMD. So does having a family history of the disease.There are two types of AMD. Dry AMD, also called atrophic AMD, is more common. This condition progresses through several stages. Early AMD has no symptoms. In intermediate AMD, you might notice mild blurriness or have trouble seeing in low light. Late AMD usually causes a blurry area or blank spots in or near the center of your vision. Colors may appear faded.The other type is called neovascular, or wet, AMD. It can cause fast vision loss if not treated promptly. In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye. These can bleed and leak fluid that damages the macula. A telltale sign is when straight lines appear wavy or crooked. Dry AMD can also turn into wet AMD.It can take years for AMD to progress. When you detect it early, you can take steps to delay its progress.An eye doctor can detect AMD using a dilated eye exam. In the exam, they dilate (or widen) your pupils using special eye drops. This allows them to see inside your eyes. They may also take pictures of the inside of your eye using a technique called optical coherence tomography.If you are diagnosed with AMD, there are several things you can do to slow its progression. “For those early and intermediate stages, it’s all about a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Tiarnán Keenan, an ophthalmologist at NIH. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough physical activity,and not smoking. A healthy lifestyle may also lower your chances of getting AMD in the first place.Lower Your Risk of AMD· Eat a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables (especially dark leafy greens like spinach or kale) and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon or tuna).· Get regular physical activity. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.· Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.· Don’t smoke, or quit if you do. Get free help to quit smoking at smokefree.gov, 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or by texting QUIT to 47848.· Get regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can tell you how often you need an exam based on your age and other risk factors.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Healthy lifestyle can protect eye health

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 21, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;69‑46 KA‑7676‑01 – U.S. 69, from 0.06 mile south of West 103rd Street north 2.55 miles, pavement marking, 2.6 miles, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $449,243.70.

Johnson ‑&nbsp;435‑46 KA‑7677‑01 ‑ I‑435, from 0.37 mile northwest of Lackman Road north 2 miles, pavement marking, 0.4 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $2,289,677.35.

Lyon ‑&nbsp;99‑56 KA‑7680‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the Greenwood/Lyon county line north to the Emporia south city limits, milling and overlay, 15.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,622,164.98.

Riley ‑&nbsp;177‑81 KA‑7660‑01 ‑ K‑177, from the Geary/Riley county line north to the K‑177/K‑18 junction, milling and overlay, 7.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $5,075,229.96.

Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;4‑99 KA‑6763‑01 ‑ K‑4, culvert #533 over South Bridge Mission Creek Drainage located 5.07 miles northeast of the K‑99/K‑4 east junction, culvert, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $1,176,125.56.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;70‑105 KA‑7311‑01 ‑ Bridge #211 and #212, located 0.2 mile west of the I‑435/I‑70 junction, bridge paint, International Rigging Group LLC, Tarpon Springs, Florida, $749,090.00.

Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;70‑105 KA‑7310‑01 ‑ Bridge #250, located 1.07 miles east of U.S. 69, bridge paint, International Rigging Group Llc, Tarpon Springs, Florida, $336,542.00.

Chase ‑&nbsp;177‑9 KA‑5677‑01 ‑ K‑177, culvert #514 over Fox Creek Drainage located 5.14 miles north of the K‑177/U.S. 50 junction, culvert, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $381,371.68.

Geary ‑&nbsp;177‑31 KA‑7659‑01 ‑ K‑177, from 1 mile south of the Geary/Riley county line north to the Geary/Riley county line, milling and overlay, 1.0 mile, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $856,541.04.

Morris ‑&nbsp;64 C‑5280‑01 – Bridge, located over the West Fork Neosho River 2.2 miles south and 0.6 mile east of White City, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $741,343.27.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7257‑01 ‑ U.S. 81, K‑41, K‑18 and K‑106 in Ottawa, Dickinson, Cloud, Saline and Lincoln counties, signing, Cooper Construction Llc, Emporia, Kansas, $1,101,178.90.

Ellis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑7609‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #024 carrying Toulon Avenue over I‑70 located 4.35 miles east of the U.S. 183 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $579,754.79.

Ellis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑7608‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #006 carrying 240th Avenue/Hall Street over I‑70 located 1.10 miles east of the U.S. 183A junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $184,529.80.

Ellis ‑&nbsp;183‑26 KA‑7615‑01 – U.S. 183, bridge #059 over the Saline River located 13.85 miles north of the I‑70 junction, bridge, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $339,095.46.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7280‑01 ‑ U.S. 83, U.S. 36, K‑383, K-123, and K‑223 in Decatur, Rawlins, Sheridan, and Norton counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $319,847.00.

Allen ‑&nbsp;1 C‑5293‑01 – Bridge, located over Elm Creek 0.5 mile south and 3.2 miles west of Moran, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile. (Federal Funds)

Crawford ‑&nbsp;69‑19 KA‑7230‑01 ‑ Signal improvements at U.S. 69B1/Centennial Drive in Pittsburg, traffic signals, C.D.L. Electric Co., Inc., Pittsburg, Kansas, $420,328.00.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7667‑01 ‑ Various locations in Allen, Greenwood, Linn, Neosho and Wilson counties, mudjacking, Nortex Concrete Lift &amp; Stabilization Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, $99,641.00.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;96‑87 KA‑7618‑01 ‑ K‑96, bridge #280 carrying Tyler Road over K‑96 located at the Tyler Road/K‑96 junction, bridge, Wildcat Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas,&nbsp;$272,073.20.

Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑7675‑01 – U.S. 54, from the concrete west of South Meridian Avenue east to east edge wearing surface of Washington Street bridge and all ramps, pavement marking, 3.0 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $444,500.00.

Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7288‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, U.S. 54/U.S. 400, K‑42, K‑61 and U.S. 50 in Pratt, Stafford, Reno, Kingman, Barber and Kiowa counties, signing, Martin Outdoor Enterprises, Inc., Pittsburg, Kansas, $1,196,445.25.

Finney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑1008‑04 – U.S. 83, from 2.5 miles north of the Haskell/Finney county line north to the south edge wearing surface of bridge #015 over the Arkansas River, grading, bridge and surfacing, 12.7 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $44,561,333.09.

The following&nbsp;projects were approved from the April 16, 2025, letting.

Franklin ‑&nbsp;30 C‑5284‑01 – Bridge over Walnut Creek, located 1.0 mile east and 3.4 miles south of Le Loup, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Bryan-Ohlmeier Construction Co. Inc., Paola, Kansas, $711,453.00

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place May 21, 2025, in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.District One — NortheastJohnson ‑&nbsp;69‑46 KA‑7676‑01 – U.S. 69, from 0.06 mile south of West 103rd Street north 2.55 miles, pavement marking, 2.6 miles, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $449,243.70.Johnson ‑&nbsp;435‑46 KA‑7677‑01 ‑ I‑435, from 0.37 mile northwest of Lackman Road north 2 miles, pavement marking, 0.4 mile, Heartland Traffic Services Inc., Kansas City, Kansas, $2,289,677.35.Lyon ‑&nbsp;99‑56 KA‑7680‑01 ‑ K‑99, from the Greenwood/Lyon county line north to the Emporia south city limits, milling and overlay, 15.5 miles, APAC-Kansas Inc. Shears Division, Hutchinson, Kansas, $3,622,164.98.Riley ‑&nbsp;177‑81 KA‑7660‑01 ‑ K‑177, from the Geary/Riley county line north to the K‑177/K‑18 junction, milling and overlay, 7.0 miles, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $5,075,229.96.Wabaunsee ‑&nbsp;4‑99 KA‑6763‑01 ‑ K‑4, culvert #533 over South Bridge Mission Creek Drainage located 5.07 miles northeast of the K‑99/K‑4 east junction, culvert, Ebert Construction Co. Inc. &amp; Subsidiary, Wamego, Kansas, $1,176,125.56.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;70‑105 KA‑7311‑01 ‑ Bridge #211 and #212, located 0.2 mile west of the I‑435/I‑70 junction, bridge paint, International Rigging Group LLC, Tarpon Springs, Florida, $749,090.00.Wyandotte ‑&nbsp;70‑105 KA‑7310‑01 ‑ Bridge #250, located 1.07 miles east of U.S. 69, bridge paint, International Rigging Group Llc, Tarpon Springs, Florida, $336,542.00.District Two — North CentralChase ‑&nbsp;177‑9 KA‑5677‑01 ‑ K‑177, culvert #514 over Fox Creek Drainage located 5.14 miles north of the K‑177/U.S. 50 junction, culvert, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $381,371.68.Geary ‑&nbsp;177‑31 KA‑7659‑01 ‑ K‑177, from 1 mile south of the Geary/Riley county line north to the Geary/Riley county line, milling and overlay, 1.0 mile, Shilling Construction Co. Inc., Manhattan, Kansas, $856,541.04.Morris ‑&nbsp;64 C‑5280‑01 – Bridge, located over the West Fork Neosho River 2.2 miles south and 0.6 mile east of White City, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $741,343.27.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7257‑01 ‑ U.S. 81, K‑41, K‑18 and K‑106 in Ottawa, Dickinson, Cloud, Saline and Lincoln counties, signing, Cooper Construction Llc, Emporia, Kansas, $1,101,178.90.District Three — NorthwestEllis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑7609‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #024 carrying Toulon Avenue over I‑70 located 4.35 miles east of the U.S. 183 junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $579,754.79.Ellis ‑&nbsp;70‑26 KA‑7608‑01 ‑ I‑70, bridge #006 carrying 240th Avenue/Hall Street over I‑70 located 1.10 miles east of the U.S. 183A junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Saint Michael, Minnesota, $184,529.80.Ellis ‑&nbsp;183‑26 KA‑7615‑01 – U.S. 183, bridge #059 over the Saline River located 13.85 miles north of the I‑70 junction, bridge, Reece Construction Company, Inc., Salina, Kansas, $339,095.46.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7280‑01 ‑ U.S. 83, U.S. 36, K‑383, K-123, and K‑223 in Decatur, Rawlins, Sheridan, and Norton counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC / DBA A&amp;H Co., Elko New Market, Minnesota, $319,847.00.District Four — SoutheastAllen ‑&nbsp;1 C‑5293‑01 – Bridge, located over Elm Creek 0.5 mile south and 3.2 miles west of Moran, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile. (Federal Funds)Crawford ‑&nbsp;69‑19 KA‑7230‑01 ‑ Signal improvements at U.S. 69B1/Centennial Drive in Pittsburg, traffic signals, C.D.L. Electric Co., Inc., Pittsburg, Kansas, $420,328.00.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7667‑01 ‑ Various locations in Allen, Greenwood, Linn, Neosho and Wilson counties, mudjacking, Nortex Concrete Lift &amp; Stabilization Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, $99,641.00.District Five — South CentralSedgwick ‑&nbsp;96‑87 KA‑7618‑01 ‑ K‑96, bridge #280 carrying Tyler Road over K‑96 located at the Tyler Road/K‑96 junction, bridge, Wildcat Construction Co Inc &amp; Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas,&nbsp;$272,073.20.Sedgwick ‑&nbsp;54‑87 KA‑7675‑01 – U.S. 54, from the concrete west of South Meridian Avenue east to east edge wearing surface of Washington Street bridge and all ramps, pavement marking, 3.0 miles, Roadsafe Traffic Systems Inc., Chicago, Illinois, $444,500.00.Statewide ‑&nbsp;106 KA‑7288‑01 ‑ U.S. 281, U.S. 54/U.S. 400, K‑42, K‑61 and U.S. 50 in Pratt, Stafford, Reno, Kingman, Barber and Kiowa counties, signing, Martin Outdoor Enterprises, Inc., Pittsburg, Kansas, $1,196,445.25.District Six — SouthwestFinney ‑&nbsp;83‑28 KA‑1008‑04 – U.S. 83, from 2.5 miles north of the Haskell/Finney county line north to the south edge wearing surface of bridge #015 over the Arkansas River, grading, bridge and surfacing, 12.7 miles, Sporer Land Development Inc., Oakley, Kansas, $44,561,333.09.The following&nbsp;projects were approved from the April 16, 2025, letting.Franklin ‑&nbsp;30 C‑5284‑01 – Bridge over Walnut Creek, located 1.0 mile east and 3.4 miles south of Le Loup, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Bryan-Ohlmeier Construction Co. Inc., Paola, Kansas, $711,453.00

KDOT announces approved May bids

On Tuesday, June 03, at about 9:50 p.m., Barton County 911 received numerous complaints of a reckless driver in the area of Sunflower Estates (5501 9th, Great Bend). At about 10:05 p.m., a deputy with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was in the area of the driving complaint when the deputy located the vehicle in question, a 2015 Silver Audi A4 passenger car.

The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 5100 Block of 10th Street for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop for the deputy and began to flee from law enforcement through the City of Great Bend.

The vehicle became disabled during the pursuit and came to a stop in the 900 block of 10th Street. The driver was identified as 22-year-old Wesley Phillips of Great Bend.

Phillips was transported to the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, felony DUI, criminal damage to property and numerous traffic violations. Phillips is being held on a $40,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749047252225.jpeg" alt="Wesley Phillips" />
 <figcaption>Wesley Phillips</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, June 03, at about 9:50 p.m., Barton County 911 received numerous complaints of a reckless driver in the area of Sunflower Estates (5501 9th, Great Bend). At about 10:05 p.m., a deputy with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office was in the area of the driving complaint when the deputy located the vehicle in question, a 2015 Silver Audi A4 passenger car.The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 5100 Block of 10th Street for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop for the deputy and began to flee from law enforcement through the City of Great Bend.The vehicle became disabled during the pursuit and came to a stop in the 900 block of 10th Street. The driver was identified as 22-year-old Wesley Phillips of Great Bend.Phillips was transported to the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felony flee and elude, felony DUI, criminal damage to property and numerous traffic violations. Phillips is being held on a $40,000 bond.

'Reckless' driver arrested after chase through Great Bend

BOOKED: Lucero S. Hernandez on Barton County District Court
case for flee and elude, no driver’s license, and no headlights, bond set at
$1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court case
for driving while suspended and circumvent interlock, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Sebastion Smith on Barton County District Court case
for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, turn
signal, with a bond of $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for
aggravated assault with no bond at this time.

RELEASED: Lucero S. Hernandez on BCDC case for flee and
elude, no driver’s license, and no headlights by posting a $1,000 cash bond.

RELEASED: Jason Kramer on BCDC case for driving while
suspended and no interlock device. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $2,500
through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Angel A. Armendariz-Galindo on a BCDC warrant for
failure to appear with a bond of $15,000.

RELEASED: Juvenile on BCDC case for aggravated assault with transfer
to another agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Lucero S. Hernandez on Barton County District Court
case for flee and elude, no driver’s license, and no headlights, bond set at
$1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jason Kramer on Barton County District Court case
for driving while suspended and circumvent interlock, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Sebastion Smith on Barton County District Court case
for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, turn
signal, with a bond of $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Juvenile on Barton County District Court case for
aggravated assault with no bond at this time.RELEASED: Lucero S. Hernandez on BCDC case for flee and
elude, no driver’s license, and no headlights by posting a $1,000 cash bond.RELEASED: Jason Kramer on BCDC case for driving while
suspended and no interlock device. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $2,500
through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Angel A. Armendariz-Galindo on a BCDC warrant for
failure to appear with a bond of $15,000.RELEASED: Juvenile on BCDC case for aggravated assault with transfer
to another agency.

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

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved the repair and
rehabilitation of 14 manholes and boxes in the city’s sanitary storm sewer
system. Mayer Specialty Services was the only offer the city received for the
service. 

Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the city has a
long-standing relationship with Mayer as they are the only company in the
region that performs this work.


"Most of this will be lining to keep these boxes from falling in and keep intrusion from outside water from coming into those boxes," said Cauley. "It's a liner that they put in. It saves us a lot of hassle from replacing the whole box."

Cauley said the manhole rehabilitation is a program the city likes to do
annually, but were unable to execute any repairs last summer. The 14 manholes
and boxes to be repaired this year are based on 2023 evaluations, and there
many more that will need rehabilitation going forward.


"Realistically, the whole city will need to eventually be done," said Cauley. "This is an ongoing process to ensure that our sanitary sewer boxes stay viable and operational."

The City Council approved the bid from Mayer for $49,120.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend City Council Monday night approved the repair and
rehabilitation of 14 manholes and boxes in the city’s sanitary storm sewer
system. Mayer Specialty Services was the only offer the city received for the
service. Great Bend Public Works Director Jason Cauley said the city has a
long-standing relationship with Mayer as they are the only company in the
region that performs this work.
"Most of this will be lining to keep these boxes from falling in and keep intrusion from outside water from coming into those boxes," said Cauley. "It's a liner that they put in. It saves us a lot of hassle from replacing the whole box."Cauley said the manhole rehabilitation is a program the city likes to do
annually, but were unable to execute any repairs last summer. The 14 manholes
and boxes to be repaired this year are based on 2023 evaluations, and there
many more that will need rehabilitation going forward.
"Realistically, the whole city will need to eventually be done," said Cauley. "This is an ongoing process to ensure that our sanitary sewer boxes stay viable and operational."The City Council approved the bid from Mayer for $49,120.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend council approves manhole repairs 

As part of a recent Life Skills class at Veterans Lake in Great Bend, clients at Juvenile Services (JS) learned some of the finer points of reeling in fish for food and/or pleasure.

Life Skills is a JS program that teaches young people how to manage tasks of daily life and have a little fun at the same time, said Laura Mason, JS community case manager.

“Fishing teaches you how to obtain your own food, while learning about patience and problem-solving,” Mason noted. “Many people also find it relaxing, which can help with stress and mental health.

“In addition, fishing allows youth to engage in a social activity that has a low financial cost and provides the opportunity to be outside.”

Mason heard good feedback “from pretty much everyone. Many had never been fishing but wanted to try it out; they ended up loving it. One girl was so excited about her catch that I thought she was going to drop her fishing pole in the water while she waited for the fish to be removed from her hook.

“The fringe benefits were meeting new friends, and enjoying the weather, yard games and food.”

One highlight for Mason was watching two young people clean and cook what they had caught. “One of them had never cleaned or cooked a fish and he did really well.”

Travis Riley, Ellsworth District Fisheries biologist for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, mentioned that he was excited to see the number of young people that attended this year, Mason recalled. “Once the fish started biting and a few had been landed, Travis would chuckle and say ‘now they are getting into it.’”

Twenty-three JS clients, one sibling and one parent participated.

Other classes in Life Skills have included auto maintenance, financial literacy, CPR, defensive driving, water safety and gardening. Upcoming classes will focus on emergency preparedness, building a resume and kindness rocks.

20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748981007763.jpeg" alt="From left to right: Daxton Foos, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Ellsworth District Seasonal Fisheries aide; Travis Riley, KDWP Ellsworth District Fisheries biologist; and Laura Mason, Juvenile Services community case manager, participate in a Life Skills event at Veterans Lake in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>From left to right: Daxton Foos, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Ellsworth District Seasonal Fisheries aide; Travis Riley, KDWP Ellsworth District Fisheries biologist; and Laura Mason, Juvenile Services community case manager, participate in a Life Skills event at Veterans Lake in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>As part of a recent Life Skills class at Veterans Lake in Great Bend, clients at Juvenile Services (JS) learned some of the finer points of reeling in fish for food and/or pleasure.Life Skills is a JS program that teaches young people how to manage tasks of daily life and have a little fun at the same time, said Laura Mason, JS community case manager.“Fishing teaches you how to obtain your own food, while learning about patience and problem-solving,” Mason noted. “Many people also find it relaxing, which can help with stress and mental health.“In addition, fishing allows youth to engage in a social activity that has a low financial cost and provides the opportunity to be outside.”Mason heard good feedback “from pretty much everyone. Many had never been fishing but wanted to try it out; they ended up loving it. One girl was so excited about her catch that I thought she was going to drop her fishing pole in the water while she waited for the fish to be removed from her hook.“The fringe benefits were meeting new friends, and enjoying the weather, yard games and food.”One highlight for Mason was watching two young people clean and cook what they had caught. “One of them had never cleaned or cooked a fish and he did really well.”Travis Riley, Ellsworth District Fisheries biologist for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, mentioned that he was excited to see the number of young people that attended this year, Mason recalled. “Once the fish started biting and a few had been landed, Travis would chuckle and say ‘now they are getting into it.’”Twenty-three JS clients, one sibling and one parent participated.Other classes in Life Skills have included auto maintenance, financial literacy, CPR, defensive driving, water safety and gardening. Upcoming classes will focus on emergency preparedness, building a resume and kindness rocks.20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

Life Skills class participants enjoy fishing at Veterans Lake

Great Bend was the meeting place recently for the official kick-off of the Stepping Up for Youth Initiative, which supports young people involved in the juvenile-justice system and those at risk of becoming involved.

Barton County is one of only seven Kansas counties chosen for this pilot program. The meeting at the Great Bend Events Center was a full-day training session for professionals from the local area and around the state.

Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services director, said there was “good representation from my peers throughout Kansas, as well as representatives from schools, detention centers, the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Department for Children and Families.

“A highlight for me was connecting with representatives of the six other pilot sites,” Woodmansee said. “It was gratifying to learn that we are all at the same stage of our preparation for this new project. These relationships will be invaluable as we build this pilot program.

“The recent training complemented our local expertise and will guide us on innovative approaches to help young people with behavioral issues, while providing support to their parents.”

The other counties involved are Shawnee, Franklin, Johnson, Bourbon, Sedgwick and Seward.

“These counties face the same issues we do,” Woodmansee commented. “We all work with foster-care children, blended families, criminal charges and parents who need resources. If a young person is in the system now, we want to prevent the escalation of problems, while supporting kids at risk of becoming part of the system.”

Throughout the pilot program, the local Stepping Up group will collaborate with The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, which is spearheading the youth initiative. The CSG Justice Center approved Woodmansee’s application to participate in the pilot program.

During upcoming months, local stakeholders will tackle several issues as they build a consensus and implement an outreach plan to seek others who should be involved.

Guiding principles include prevention and early intervention; research-based outcomes; early and easy access to community-based services; and broadening the focus beyond law-enforcement interventions.

“All of us appreciate CSG and its efforts to support young people,” Woodmansee said. “Our group plans to meet monthly as we grow this program locally.”

Audra Goldsmith, CSG Justice Center project manager of the Behavioral Health Division, reported that approximately 100 people attended the May 13 training in Great Bend.

“This was our biggest event yet; the turnout was truly inspiring,” Goldsmith said. “The audience was filled with compassionate, hard-working and devoted individuals who strive to better the lives of people living with a mental illness and experiencing the justice system.

“I am always honored to have opportunities to work with them.”

Goldsmith noted that Barton County was among the first to show interest in the pilot program and was “well-positioned to participate because of its experience as a Kansas Stepping Up Innovator County in 2022.”

This designation was earned after the county passed a Stepping Up resolution for adults in 2019, which led to a collaborative approach to reduce the incarceration of people with mental-health and/or substance-use needs.

Barton County is known for implementing the Jail Program, which uses validated screening and assessment tools in the Barton County Detention Facility. The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, law-enforcement officials and others play a role in its success.

“This accomplishment demonstrated local leaders’ ability to collect accurate and timely data, which is essential to understanding the scope of the problem,” Goldsmith commented. “They also developed a strategic action plan that effectively uses scarce resources and tracks progress over time.”

The CSG Justice Center is a national non-profit, nonpartisan organization serving state officials with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services partnered with The CSG Justice Center to launch the Kansas Stepping Up Technical Assistance Center in 2021.

“The primary goal is to help Kansas counties adopt and implement the Stepping Up framework to reduce the number of people with serious mental illnesses in Kansas’s jails and the justice system,” Goldsmith summarized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683035444683.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend was the meeting place recently for the official kick-off of the Stepping Up for Youth Initiative, which supports young people involved in the juvenile-justice system and those at risk of becoming involved.Barton County is one of only seven Kansas counties chosen for this pilot program. The meeting at the Great Bend Events Center was a full-day training session for professionals from the local area and around the state.Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services director, said there was “good representation from my peers throughout Kansas, as well as representatives from schools, detention centers, the Kansas Legislature and Kansas Department for Children and Families.“A highlight for me was connecting with representatives of the six other pilot sites,” Woodmansee said. “It was gratifying to learn that we are all at the same stage of our preparation for this new project. These relationships will be invaluable as we build this pilot program.“The recent training complemented our local expertise and will guide us on innovative approaches to help young people with behavioral issues, while providing support to their parents.”The other counties involved are Shawnee, Franklin, Johnson, Bourbon, Sedgwick and Seward.“These counties face the same issues we do,” Woodmansee commented. “We all work with foster-care children, blended families, criminal charges and parents who need resources. If a young person is in the system now, we want to prevent the escalation of problems, while supporting kids at risk of becoming part of the system.”Next stepsThroughout the pilot program, the local Stepping Up group will collaborate with The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, which is spearheading the youth initiative. The CSG Justice Center approved Woodmansee’s application to participate in the pilot program.During upcoming months, local stakeholders will tackle several issues as they build a consensus and implement an outreach plan to seek others who should be involved.Guiding principles include prevention and early intervention; research-based outcomes; early and easy access to community-based services; and broadening the focus beyond law-enforcement interventions.“All of us appreciate CSG and its efforts to support young people,” Woodmansee said. “Our group plans to meet monthly as we grow this program locally.”The CSG Justice CenterAudra Goldsmith, CSG Justice Center project manager of the Behavioral Health Division, reported that approximately 100 people attended the May 13 training in Great Bend.“This was our biggest event yet; the turnout was truly inspiring,” Goldsmith said. “The audience was filled with compassionate, hard-working and devoted individuals who strive to better the lives of people living with a mental illness and experiencing the justice system.“I am always honored to have opportunities to work with them.”Goldsmith noted that Barton County was among the first to show interest in the pilot program and was “well-positioned to participate because of its experience as a Kansas Stepping Up Innovator County in 2022.”This designation was earned after the county passed a Stepping Up resolution for adults in 2019, which led to a collaborative approach to reduce the incarceration of people with mental-health and/or substance-use needs.Barton County is known for implementing the Jail Program, which uses validated screening and assessment tools in the Barton County Detention Facility. The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, law-enforcement officials and others play a role in its success.“This accomplishment demonstrated local leaders’ ability to collect accurate and timely data, which is essential to understanding the scope of the problem,” Goldsmith commented. “They also developed a strategic action plan that effectively uses scarce resources and tracks progress over time.”The CSG Justice Center is a national non-profit, nonpartisan organization serving state officials with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities.The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services partnered with The CSG Justice Center to launch the Kansas Stepping Up Technical Assistance Center in 2021.“The primary goal is to help Kansas counties adopt and implement the Stepping Up framework to reduce the number of people with serious mental illnesses in Kansas’s jails and the justice system,” Goldsmith summarized.20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

Stepping up for youth pilot program kicks-off in Great Bend

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind 5 to 8 mph.

Thursday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 10pm and 1am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Friday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers between 7am and 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 83.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 85.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon.Wednesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. East wind 5 to 8 mph.Thursday A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Southeast wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 10pm and 1am, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 80%.Friday A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers between 7am and 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Friday Night A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.Saturday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.Sunday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 60.Monday Sunny, with a high near 83.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 60.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 85.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

Utility crews are working on a main break at 10th and Frey. Work will involve reducing traffic for eastbound traffic.

Please be attentive and careful when driving in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you for your patience.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, 620-793-4150 or Darren Doonan, Utilities Supervisor, 620-793-4170, ddoonan@greatbendks.net.

From the City of Great Bend...Utility crews are working on a main break at 10th and Frey. Work will involve reducing traffic for eastbound traffic.Please be attentive and careful when driving in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you for your patience.If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, 620-793-4150 or Darren Doonan, Utilities Supervisor, 620-793-4170, ddoonan@greatbendks.net.

Water main break at 10th & Frey in Great Bend

On Saturday, May 31, at about 6:43 a.m. Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported injury accident on US 56 Highway at mile marker 201, just south of the Railroad and Patton intersection. Initial reports indicated that a truck tractor/semi-trailer combination had turned over onto its side.

Upon arrival, deputies located a 1996 Red Kenworth truck tractor and trailer loaded with hay bales on its driver side in the ditch. The driver was identified as Isaac Picotte of Oklahoma.

Investigation at the scene indicates the tractor trailer unit failed to negotiate the curve on US 56, just south of Railroad Ave, tipped over onto its side and entered the ditch where it came to a rest.

Picotte was transported by ground ambulance to The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire and EMS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748978303610.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, May 31, at about 6:43 a.m. Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported injury accident on US 56 Highway at mile marker 201, just south of the Railroad and Patton intersection. Initial reports indicated that a truck tractor/semi-trailer combination had turned over onto its side.Upon arrival, deputies located a 1996 Red Kenworth truck tractor and trailer loaded with hay bales on its driver side in the ditch. The driver was identified as Isaac Picotte of Oklahoma.Investigation at the scene indicates the tractor trailer unit failed to negotiate the curve on US 56, just south of Railroad Ave, tipped over onto its side and entered the ditch where it came to a rest.Picotte was transported by ground ambulance to The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Great Bend Fire and EMS.

Trailer loaded with hay bales tips over south of Great Bend

This past April marked the start of the fifth year for Fridays on
Forest, the downtown entertainment with live music, food, drinks and
entertainment in Great Bend. 

Occurring the last Friday of every month from
April through October, Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger
said last Friday’s event saw just under 1,500 people attend.


"That number is even with one of the kiddos dropping one of our clickers and us losing that count, so we know that's even higher," said Arnberger. "What a fun night. We heard from so many people that it was great to get out and support our Bat Cats, get downtown and enjoy the awesome weather."

What started out as barricading Forest Avenue downtown, between Main Street and
Williams Avenue, has grown to expand the common consumption district into
nearby streets and alleyways if needed.


"These events are 100% sponsor paid for," said Arnberger. "Those aren't coming out of our municipal dollars that come from our budget. We really appreciate the businesses for believing in those and being able to help us support them."

The next Fridays on Forest will be June 27.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748917777178.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThis past April marked the start of the fifth year for Fridays on
Forest, the downtown entertainment with live music, food, drinks and
entertainment in Great Bend. Occurring the last Friday of every month from
April through October, Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger
said last Friday’s event saw just under 1,500 people attend.
"That number is even with one of the kiddos dropping one of our clickers and us losing that count, so we know that's even higher," said Arnberger. "What a fun night. We heard from so many people that it was great to get out and support our Bat Cats, get downtown and enjoy the awesome weather."What started out as barricading Forest Avenue downtown, between Main Street and
Williams Avenue, has grown to expand the common consumption district into
nearby streets and alleyways if needed.
"These events are 100% sponsor paid for," said Arnberger. "Those aren't coming out of our municipal dollars that come from our budget. We really appreciate the businesses for believing in those and being able to help us support them."The next Fridays on Forest will be June 27.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sponsor-driven, Fridays on Forest getting large numbers in Great Bend

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

As the ballot names are set for the upcoming local election, Barton
County Clerk and Elections Officer Bev Schmeidler is pleased with the number of
candidates that filed. In Great Bend, every race for the city council,
including the mayor, is contested except for the Ward 4 seat.


"We were excited about the turnout," said Schmeidler. "We're very proud to conduct elections. To have people want to participate so people have a choice instead of it being the same one that runs every time. Some of them do it because nobody else will. We hear that a lot with school boards especially."

For the first time since 2018, Barton County will need a Primary Election for a
local government position. The Great Bend City Council Ward 2 seat has four
candidates filed. Schmeidler said the rest of the local races will be sorted
out in the General Election in November, but Ward 2 candidates will be narrowed
down in August.


"The easiest way to explain the need for a Primary Election is it's three times the number of seats open, plus one," said Schmeidler. "So with it being one seat, three times that would be three, plus one. So when there were four filings then that caused the Primary. You can't just say, 'if this many file then it's going to cause a Primary.' It's different depending on the seat."

Schmeidler added it is important to note that only citizens within Ward 2 will
vote in the Primary Election on Aug. 5. Voting will take place that day at
the Holy Family School Parrish Center on Broadway Avenue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The top two vote getters from the Primary will be placed on the ballot for the
General Election.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

For a full list of candidates that filed in Barton County click <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/1fdd0650-1cda-4dbf-a9f7-20db37589b38">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748966698133.jpeg" alt="Voting Wards in Great Bend" />
 <figcaption>Voting Wards in Great Bend</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs the ballot names are set for the upcoming local election, Barton
County Clerk and Elections Officer Bev Schmeidler is pleased with the number of
candidates that filed. In Great Bend, every race for the city council,
including the mayor, is contested except for the Ward 4 seat.
"We were excited about the turnout," said Schmeidler. "We're very proud to conduct elections. To have people want to participate so people have a choice instead of it being the same one that runs every time. Some of them do it because nobody else will. We hear that a lot with school boards especially."For the first time since 2018, Barton County will need a Primary Election for a
local government position. The Great Bend City Council Ward 2 seat has four
candidates filed. Schmeidler said the rest of the local races will be sorted
out in the General Election in November, but Ward 2 candidates will be narrowed
down in August.
"The easiest way to explain the need for a Primary Election is it's three times the number of seats open, plus one," said Schmeidler. "So with it being one seat, three times that would be three, plus one. So when there were four filings then that caused the Primary. You can't just say, 'if this many file then it's going to cause a Primary.' It's different depending on the seat."Schmeidler added it is important to note that only citizens within Ward 2 will
vote in the Primary Election on Aug. 5. Voting will take place that day at
the Holy Family School Parrish Center on Broadway Avenue from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The top two vote getters from the Primary will be placed on the ballot for the
General Election.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;For a full list of candidates that filed in Barton County click <a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/1fdd0650-1cda-4dbf-a9f7-20db37589b38">HERE</a>.

Primary Election just for Ward 2 voters in Great Bend this August

News from the Oil Patch, June 2 John P. Tretbar

US energy exploration drops for a fifth consecutive week, according to a key forecast metric. Horizontal drillers account for the lion's share of that.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops by three to 563 rigs, its lowest tally since November of 2021. The count of rigs drilling for oil drops for the fifth week in a row, down four rigs this week and 24 rigs since the beginning of April. The gas tally is up one rig this week.&nbsp; The number of active horizontal drilling rigs is down by three. That count is 19 rigs lower than on April 25, before five consecutive weekly declines.

At 16 active rigs, the Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 16 percent from last week, 24 percent from last month and 47 percent from last year. The tally west of Wichita is unchanged at eleven active rigs.

Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed a dozen new oil-and-gas drilling locations last week, all of them in eastern Kansas. The tally so far this year east of Wichita is up 12 at 142 permits. The total in Western Kansas is unchanged at 141. There are 283 new drilling locations so far this year statewide, compared to 385 by this time last year.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 21 new well-completions for a total of 506 so far this year, down 40 wells from a year ago. The list includes three wells in Finney County and one in Haskell County.US crude imports outpaced exports by more than two million barrels a day, according to weekly reporting from the Energy Information Administration. Imports averaged 6.3 million barrels a day last week, which is down nearly half a million daily barrels from a year ago, and almost a million barrels a day lower than two years ago. Crude exports averaged 4.3 million barrels a day.US crude production tops 13.4 million barrels per day, the first weekly output report to surpass that level this month. EIA reports cumulative output this year and the four-week average are both up two percent from a year ago.

After rising more than five million barrels in two weeks, US crude inventories dropped by more than half of that this week. EIA reports commercial stockpiles total just over 440 million barrels as of May 23rd. That's about six percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Reuters published a survey of refiners who are suggesting Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, could soon cut prices to their lowest level in six months. Prices have tumbled since the Saudis and their partners in OPEC-Plus announced a production increase for April, May and June.

Russia's oil-patch tax policy, along with tanking crude prices, are making the country's critical export unprofitable. Newsweek reports their oil and gas revenue in May has fallen by one third from a year ago to just under $6.5 BILLION, the lowest level since July of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, June 2 John P. TretbarUS energy exploration drops for a fifth consecutive week, according to a key forecast metric. Horizontal drillers account for the lion's share of that.&nbsp; The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes drops by three to 563 rigs, its lowest tally since November of 2021. The count of rigs drilling for oil drops for the fifth week in a row, down four rigs this week and 24 rigs since the beginning of April. The gas tally is up one rig this week.&nbsp; The number of active horizontal drilling rigs is down by three. That count is 19 rigs lower than on April 25, before five consecutive weekly declines.At 16 active rigs, the Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down 16 percent from last week, 24 percent from last month and 47 percent from last year. The tally west of Wichita is unchanged at eleven active rigs.Regulators in the Sunflower State okayed a dozen new oil-and-gas drilling locations last week, all of them in eastern Kansas. The tally so far this year east of Wichita is up 12 at 142 permits. The total in Western Kansas is unchanged at 141. There are 283 new drilling locations so far this year statewide, compared to 385 by this time last year.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports 21 new well-completions for a total of 506 so far this year, down 40 wells from a year ago. The list includes three wells in Finney County and one in Haskell County.US crude imports outpaced exports by more than two million barrels a day, according to weekly reporting from the Energy Information Administration. Imports averaged 6.3 million barrels a day last week, which is down nearly half a million daily barrels from a year ago, and almost a million barrels a day lower than two years ago. Crude exports averaged 4.3 million barrels a day.US crude production tops 13.4 million barrels per day, the first weekly output report to surpass that level this month. EIA reports cumulative output this year and the four-week average are both up two percent from a year ago.After rising more than five million barrels in two weeks, US crude inventories dropped by more than half of that this week. EIA reports commercial stockpiles total just over 440 million barrels as of May 23rd. That's about six percent below the five-year seasonal average.Reuters published a survey of refiners who are suggesting Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, could soon cut prices to their lowest level in six months. Prices have tumbled since the Saudis and their partners in OPEC-Plus announced a production increase for April, May and June.Russia's oil-patch tax policy, along with tanking crude prices, are making the country's critical export unprofitable. Newsweek reports their oil and gas revenue in May has fallen by one third from a year ago to just under $6.5 BILLION, the lowest level since July of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Oil drilling drops...again

BOOKED: Mitchel Burkes on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for violation of a protective order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Cory A. Glover on a Great Bend Municipal Court case
for failure to appear on a bond of $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Victor M. Vazquez-Rios on Barton County District
Court serve sentence starting June 2 until June 7.

BOOKED: Dennis M. Cannon Jr. on Barton County District Court
warrant for failure to appear with a cash only bond of $200.

BOOKED: Taryn J. Sieg-Martinez on Barton County District
Court case for driving under the influence, bond is set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jazmin Rodriguez-Orozco on Barton County District
Court case for DUI, failure to maintain lane and possession of THC, bond set at
$2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Nicholas S. Hicks on BCDC case for probation
violation by posting a $25,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Mitchel Burkes on GBMC case for violation of a
protective order, he posted a surety bond of $2,500 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Dustin L. Swanson on BCDC case for violation of a
PFS, posted a surety bond of $2,500 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Blake W. Suchy on BCDC case for serve sentence
with time served.

RELEASED: Cory A. Glover on GBMC for failure to appear, on a
bond of $500 surety through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Dennis M. Cannon Jr. on BCDC warrant for failure
to appear with a cash only bond of $200.

RELEASED: Taryn J. Sieg-Martinez on BCDC case for driving
under the influence, bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail
Bonding.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Mitchel Burkes on Great Bend Municipal Court case
for violation of a protective order, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Cory A. Glover on a Great Bend Municipal Court case
for failure to appear on a bond of $500 C/S.BOOKED: Victor M. Vazquez-Rios on Barton County District
Court serve sentence starting June 2 until June 7.BOOKED: Dennis M. Cannon Jr. on Barton County District Court
warrant for failure to appear with a cash only bond of $200.BOOKED: Taryn J. Sieg-Martinez on Barton County District
Court case for driving under the influence, bond is set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jazmin Rodriguez-Orozco on Barton County District
Court case for DUI, failure to maintain lane and possession of THC, bond set at
$2,500 C/S.RELEASED: Nicholas S. Hicks on BCDC case for probation
violation by posting a $25,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Mitchel Burkes on GBMC case for violation of a
protective order, he posted a surety bond of $2,500 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Dustin L. Swanson on BCDC case for violation of a
PFS, posted a surety bond of $2,500 through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Blake W. Suchy on BCDC case for serve sentence
with time served.RELEASED: Cory A. Glover on GBMC for failure to appear, on a
bond of $500 surety through Ace Bail Bonding.RELEASED: Dennis M. Cannon Jr. on BCDC warrant for failure
to appear with a cash only bond of $200.RELEASED: Taryn J. Sieg-Martinez on BCDC case for driving
under the influence, bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000 through Ace Bail
Bonding.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (6/2)

Cattle incapable of relieving themselves of high temperatures experience heat stress. Humans alleviate overheating through sweating, but Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said cattle do not have that option.

“Heat stress coping behaviors is what we see when cattle are adapting to warmer temperatures,” he said. “Whenever we get hot, we sweat to maintain homeostasis. For livestock species, and especially cattle, that capability gets overwhelmed.”

Tarpoff added: “They dissipate heat in other ways like increasing their respiratory rate (breathing) by panting.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Cattle incapable of relieving themselves of high temperatures experience heat stress. Humans alleviate overheating through sweating, but Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said cattle do not have that option.“Heat stress coping behaviors is what we see when cattle are adapting to warmer temperatures,” he said. “Whenever we get hot, we sweat to maintain homeostasis. For livestock species, and especially cattle, that capability gets overwhelmed.”Tarpoff added: “They dissipate heat in other ways like increasing their respiratory rate (breathing) by panting.”Besides panting, producers identify heat stress by their increased standing, large groups of animals bunching up close to water tanks and crowding in shaded areas.“They're trying to get increased airflow by standing, but they actually end up using each other as shade which is counter-productive,” Tarpoff said.High temperatures and humidity, slow wind speeds and increased solar radiation comprise the four weather conditions contributing to heat stress.“When we're comfortable, cattle might not be and vice versa. We really need to consider those four key parameters,” Tarpoff said. “We have an animal comfort index that uses the four of them to get a feel on how cattle are experiencing their environment.”Monitor the animal comfort index in Kansas through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/animal/">K-State Mesonet</a>.Correctly managing heat stress has proven to be essential for maximizing animal wellbeing and performance, according to Tarpoff.“It is one of those critical chores just as important as feeding or making sure the animals have water. Whether we are asking them to be good cows or an animal to produce beef in a feedlot, we need to put them in scenarios where they’re more comfortable because then they are more productive,” he said.Tarpoff urges operations housing their cattle in dry lots to keep it simple when developing a plan to lessen the consequences of heat stress.“Whenever it comes to heat stress, it's back to the basics: feed and water. Water intake can nearly double as temperatures rise from 70 to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit). We need more water access, flow and availability for those animals,” he said. He added: “We might be able to modify our feeding times to alleviate some of these stressors. Whenever we feed cattle, we feed the rumen microbes, and that comes at a cost called the heat of fermentation. We can feed later in the evening, so the digestion happens during the cooler nighttime hours.”Producers often construct shades to cool off cattle in times of unrelenting heat. A recent&nbsp;study&nbsp;conducted by K-State researchers looking at effects of shade on heat stress revealed that shade structures can impact more than just animal temperature.“They are a piece of infrastructure,” Tarpoff said. “That two-year trial showed added benefits of investing in shades. We saw increased feed efficiency, increased growth rate and increased average daily gain. We also saw reduced panting rates and water consumption needs by over a gallon per head per day.”Additionally, bedding pens with straw can reduce the pen floor temperature by 25 degrees and fence-line sprinklers help lower ground temperatures and keep cattle cool if used in the overnight hours, according to Tarpoff.Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

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