From Great Bend Economic Development...

This holiday season, Great Bend Alive is thrilled to announce the winners of the Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest! The inaugural contest was a resounding success, with 43 windows beautifully decorated to bring festive cheer to Main Street. Among these, 11 individuals and groups outside the downtown corridor joined in the fun, while many others decorated without officially participating, creating a truly magical holiday atmosphere.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1st Place:&nbsp;Yours Truly, winning $1,500

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2nd Place:&nbsp;Rana Luna, winning $1,000

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;People’s Choice Award:&nbsp;Saint Francis Ministries, winning $500 (The People’s Choice Award garnered 81 out of 821 total votes, highlighting strong community engagement.)

“Our Christmas Window Decorating Committee couldn’t be happier with the inaugural effort,” shared Sara Arnberger, Executive Director of Great Bend Alive. “This contest has truly lit up downtown Great Bend, fostering holiday spirit and encouraging residents and visitors to shop and celebrate locally.”

With the generous support of an anonymous donor, $3,000 in prize money was awarded to the most festive displays. Community members voted for the People’s Choice Award online, while three Main Street Directors from across Kansas, experienced in downtown revitalization and holiday decor, evaluated the windows for the first and second prizes.

“It’s a pleasure to have such dedicated professionals evaluate the displays,” said Arnberger. “They understand the value of a vibrant downtown during the holidays and the positive impact it has on community spirit and local businesses.”

To help visitors enjoy all the participating displays, the Great Bend Alive Tours app offered an interactive map, ensuring everyone could experience the full lineup of holiday lights and decorations. The tour will remain on the Great Bend Alive Tours App through the holidays, along with the historical and art tours.

Great Bend Alive extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, voters, and the community for making this event such a success. As downtown Great Bend continues to shine with holiday cheer, we invite everyone to enjoy the festive atmosphere and celebrate the season with us. Let’s keep the spirit alive and look forward to an even brighter event next year!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733196552759.jpeg" alt="Yours Truly won 1st place in this year's Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest." />
 <figcaption>Yours Truly won 1st place in this year's Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest.</figcaption>
 </figure>From Great Bend Economic Development...This holiday season, Great Bend Alive is thrilled to announce the winners of the Downtown Christmas Window Decorating Contest! The inaugural contest was a resounding success, with 43 windows beautifully decorated to bring festive cheer to Main Street. Among these, 11 individuals and groups outside the downtown corridor joined in the fun, while many others decorated without officially participating, creating a truly magical holiday atmosphere.The winners are:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1st Place:&nbsp;Yours Truly, winning $1,500·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2nd Place:&nbsp;Rana Luna, winning $1,000·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;People’s Choice Award:&nbsp;Saint Francis Ministries, winning $500 (The People’s Choice Award garnered 81 out of 821 total votes, highlighting strong community engagement.)“Our Christmas Window Decorating Committee couldn’t be happier with the inaugural effort,” shared Sara Arnberger, Executive Director of Great Bend Alive. “This contest has truly lit up downtown Great Bend, fostering holiday spirit and encouraging residents and visitors to shop and celebrate locally.”With the generous support of an anonymous donor, $3,000 in prize money was awarded to the most festive displays. Community members voted for the People’s Choice Award online, while three Main Street Directors from across Kansas, experienced in downtown revitalization and holiday decor, evaluated the windows for the first and second prizes.“It’s a pleasure to have such dedicated professionals evaluate the displays,” said Arnberger. “They understand the value of a vibrant downtown during the holidays and the positive impact it has on community spirit and local businesses.”To help visitors enjoy all the participating displays, the Great Bend Alive Tours app offered an interactive map, ensuring everyone could experience the full lineup of holiday lights and decorations. The tour will remain on the Great Bend Alive Tours App through the holidays, along with the historical and art tours.Great Bend Alive extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, voters, and the community for making this event such a success. As downtown Great Bend continues to shine with holiday cheer, we invite everyone to enjoy the festive atmosphere and celebrate the season with us. Let’s keep the spirit alive and look forward to an even brighter event next year!

Yours Truly wins Christmas window contest in Great Bend

Today Sunny, with a high near 49. South-southwest wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 31. South wind 8 to 11 mph becoming west after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 55. North-northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 22. North northwest wind around 7 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 37. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 51.

Friday Night Clear, with a low around 30.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 58.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 59.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 49. South-southwest wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 31. South wind 8 to 11 mph becoming west after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 55. North-northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 22. North northwest wind around 7 mph becoming northeast after midnight.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 37. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 23.Friday Sunny, with a high near 51.Friday Night Clear, with a low around 30.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 58.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 59.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tuesday's weather

News From the Oil Patch, Dec. 2 John P. Tretbar

US crude production set a monthly record in August, and a government forecast predicts the year-end average will also be an all-time high. The Energy Information Administration confirms U.S. crude-oil production in the month of August averaged 13,401,000 barrels per day, the best monthly average ever. The previous record was set last December at 13.3 million barrels per day. A government forecast suggests we'll see record annual production of 13.2 million barrels per day by the end of this year. That would beat the record set last year by 300-thousand barrels a day. The United States became the world’s top crude oil producer in 2018, a position it has maintained each year since.

US weekly crude production has exceeded 13.5 million barrels a day just four times, all of them in the last two months. Operators almost did it again last week. The Energy Information Administration reports weekly production averaging 13,493,000 barrels a day, the fifth best tally ever. Cumulative production so far this year continues to set a record pace, rising nearly six percent over a year ago at just over 13.2 million barrels per day.

Drilling activity in The Sunflower State is down 13% from last year. But that stat is improving. Ongoing assessments from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service showed activity down 24% for all of last year. A month ago activity was down 17% year over year. Total well-bore footage drilled so far this year is down 21% statewide from the same period a year ago.

Adjusted totals from the Kansas Corporation Commission show 1,153 intent to drill notices through November of this year. That's down 135 from the tally at this time last year. &nbsp; The 110 Intents filed in November include two in Barton County, three in Ellis County, one in Russell County.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up seven percent from a week ago, but down nearly 12 percent from last month and 23% lower than last year at this time.&nbsp; This week's tally shows 11 active rigs east of Wichita, up one, and 19 in Western Kansas, also up one. Drilling was underway or about to begin Wednesday on leases in Barton and Russell counties.

Kansas regulators okayed 15 new drilling locations with nine west of Wichita and six in eastern Kansas. That's 1,071 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 1,205 a year ago.

Independent Oil and Gas reports 31 well-completions for the week, 1,210 so far this year compared to over 15-hundred a year ago. There were 22 completions in eastern Kansas and nine west of Wichita.

The government reports commercial crude inventories dropped 1.8 million barrels to 428.4 million as of November 22nd. US stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Refill efforts at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve save another $18 million for the US Treasury.&nbsp; The Energy Department reports an additional 1.2 million barrels added in the last week, at prices $15 cheaper than the sales prices two years ago. The total at the SPR is just over 390 million barrels, up 11% from a year ago.

Domestic petroleum product exports top imports by nearly five million barrels a day. But crude imports outpace exports by nearly 1.5 million. US refiners imported more than six million barrels of crude per day last week, down 1.6 million barrels from the previous week, but 200-thousand barrels a day more than a year ago. Four-week average crude imports are up 5.5 percent from a year ago. We exported 4.6 million barrels of crude per day, up nearly 300-thousand from last week but down slightly from a year ago. The four week average is down nearly a million barrels or 19 percent from last year.

Crude production in the number-three producing state rose by more than 20-thousand barrels a day from August to September. The latest report released by the North Dakota Department of Natural Resources shows output of just under 1.2 million barrels a day. Rig counts, completion tallies and permits were all slightly higher.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes last week was largely unchanged but did reflect a drop of two oil rigs and a gain of one seeking natural gas. The only state variance shown was in Wyoming which was down one rig.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News From the Oil Patch, Dec. 2 John P. TretbarUS crude production set a monthly record in August, and a government forecast predicts the year-end average will also be an all-time high. The Energy Information Administration confirms U.S. crude-oil production in the month of August averaged 13,401,000 barrels per day, the best monthly average ever. The previous record was set last December at 13.3 million barrels per day. A government forecast suggests we'll see record annual production of 13.2 million barrels per day by the end of this year. That would beat the record set last year by 300-thousand barrels a day. The United States became the world’s top crude oil producer in 2018, a position it has maintained each year since.US weekly crude production has exceeded 13.5 million barrels a day just four times, all of them in the last two months. Operators almost did it again last week. The Energy Information Administration reports weekly production averaging 13,493,000 barrels a day, the fifth best tally ever. Cumulative production so far this year continues to set a record pace, rising nearly six percent over a year ago at just over 13.2 million barrels per day.Drilling activity in The Sunflower State is down 13% from last year. But that stat is improving. Ongoing assessments from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service showed activity down 24% for all of last year. A month ago activity was down 17% year over year. Total well-bore footage drilled so far this year is down 21% statewide from the same period a year ago.Adjusted totals from the Kansas Corporation Commission show 1,153 intent to drill notices through November of this year. That's down 135 from the tally at this time last year. &nbsp; The 110 Intents filed in November include two in Barton County, three in Ellis County, one in Russell County.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is up seven percent from a week ago, but down nearly 12 percent from last month and 23% lower than last year at this time.&nbsp; This week's tally shows 11 active rigs east of Wichita, up one, and 19 in Western Kansas, also up one. Drilling was underway or about to begin Wednesday on leases in Barton and Russell counties.Kansas regulators okayed 15 new drilling locations with nine west of Wichita and six in eastern Kansas. That's 1,071 new drilling permits so far this year, compared to 1,205 a year ago.Independent Oil and Gas reports 31 well-completions for the week, 1,210 so far this year compared to over 15-hundred a year ago. There were 22 completions in eastern Kansas and nine west of Wichita.The government reports commercial crude inventories dropped 1.8 million barrels to 428.4 million as of November 22nd. US stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.Refill efforts at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve save another $18 million for the US Treasury.&nbsp; The Energy Department reports an additional 1.2 million barrels added in the last week, at prices $15 cheaper than the sales prices two years ago. The total at the SPR is just over 390 million barrels, up 11% from a year ago.Domestic petroleum product exports top imports by nearly five million barrels a day. But crude imports outpace exports by nearly 1.5 million. US refiners imported more than six million barrels of crude per day last week, down 1.6 million barrels from the previous week, but 200-thousand barrels a day more than a year ago. Four-week average crude imports are up 5.5 percent from a year ago. We exported 4.6 million barrels of crude per day, up nearly 300-thousand from last week but down slightly from a year ago. The four week average is down nearly a million barrels or 19 percent from last year.Crude production in the number-three producing state rose by more than 20-thousand barrels a day from August to September. The latest report released by the North Dakota Department of Natural Resources shows output of just under 1.2 million barrels a day. Rig counts, completion tallies and permits were all slightly higher.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes last week was largely unchanged but did reflect a drop of two oil rigs and a gain of one seeking natural gas. The only state variance shown was in Wyoming which was down one rig.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Monthly output best ever

The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;the&nbsp;City of Great Bend public water supply system located in Barton County.

Customers should observe&nbsp;the&nbsp;following precautions until further notice:

The&nbsp;advisory took effect on December 2 and will remain in effect until&nbsp;the&nbsp;conditions that placed&nbsp;the&nbsp;system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued&nbsp;the&nbsp;advisory because of a loss of pressure due to an electrical outage. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;

Regardless of whether&nbsp;the&nbsp;public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue&nbsp;the&nbsp;rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

The power went out in parts of Great Bend. As a result, the wells lost power, and the emergency generators did not activate as programed with a loss of pressure to the system. Crews responded to resolve the issue, and water has been restored but the city has been put under a boil advisory. Currently, the city is conducting further investigation into the incident.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, at 620-793-4150.

For consumer questions, please contact&nbsp;the&nbsp;water system at 620-793-4150 or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for&nbsp;the&nbsp;City of Great Bend public water supply system located in Barton County.Customers should observe&nbsp;the&nbsp;following precautions until further notice:<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush&nbsp;the&nbsp;water lines by letting&nbsp;the&nbsp;water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult&nbsp;their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The&nbsp;advisory took effect on December 2 and will remain in effect until&nbsp;the&nbsp;conditions that placed&nbsp;the&nbsp;system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued&nbsp;the&nbsp;advisory because of a loss of pressure due to an electrical outage. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.&nbsp;Regardless of whether&nbsp;the&nbsp;public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue&nbsp;the&nbsp;rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.The power went out in parts of Great Bend. As a result, the wells lost power, and the emergency generators did not activate as programed with a loss of pressure to the system. Crews responded to resolve the issue, and water has been restored but the city has been put under a boil advisory. Currently, the city is conducting further investigation into the incident.If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jason Cauley, Director of Public Works, at 620-793-4150.For consumer questions, please contact&nbsp;the&nbsp;water system at 620-793-4150 or KDHE at 785-296-5514.&nbsp;

Boil water advisory issued for Great Bend

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Christmas season was officially ushered in this past Saturday with
Great Bend’s Home for the Holidays Parade and Festival. Along with several
entries for the parade, patrons experienced the lighting of the mayor’s tree,
wagon and carriage rides, free food and the arrival of Santa Claus. 

Great Bend Community
Coordinator Christina Hayes said the newly-added petting zoo was a hit at Jack
Kilby Square.


"The Busy Buzzards petting zoo was super popular," said Hayes. "We even had a horse that was not expected but it turned out really well. Thank you to everyone that helped including the parade's grand marshal Sarah Krom."

Hayes reported that 900 free hotdogs were handed out during the event, along
with 65 gallons of hot chocolate. Saturday marked the 19th
consecutive year that the festival was planned.

"It was a wonderful event to kick off our Christmas season," added Hayes. "


As Santa arrived during the festival, visits with Santa are available leading
up to Christmas at the shop at 1223 Main Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733192020173.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Christmas season was officially ushered in this past Saturday with
Great Bend’s Home for the Holidays Parade and Festival. Along with several
entries for the parade, patrons experienced the lighting of the mayor’s tree,
wagon and carriage rides, free food and the arrival of Santa Claus. Great Bend Community
Coordinator Christina Hayes said the newly-added petting zoo was a hit at Jack
Kilby Square.
"The Busy Buzzards petting zoo was super popular," said Hayes. "We even had a horse that was not expected but it turned out really well. Thank you to everyone that helped including the parade's grand marshal Sarah Krom."Hayes reported that 900 free hotdogs were handed out during the event, along
with 65 gallons of hot chocolate. Saturday marked the 19th
consecutive year that the festival was planned."It was a wonderful event to kick off our Christmas season," added Hayes. "
As Santa arrived during the festival, visits with Santa are available leading
up to Christmas at the shop at 1223 Main Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

65 gallons of hot cocoa given away at Great Bend holiday festival

From The University of Kansas Health System...

The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus announces it has been recognized as a top performer in the 2024 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Study by Vizient, Inc. Great Bend Campus was recognized as No. 8 of 28 top performers in the community hospital cohort, which includes 364 community hospitals, for demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality care. The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study has been conducted annually since 2005.

“We are proud to be recognized by Vizient for the high-quality care our team provides daily for our community,” said John Worden, Great Bend Campus administrator. “Our people do an outstanding job of maintaining their focus on quality and safety, and ensuring our patients receive the best possible care.”

The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and equity of care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the HCAHPS survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.

The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study helps participating hospitals and health systems understand their performance against their peers and identifies structures and processes associated with high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care activity. The recognition period is for work spanning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

“Leading hospitals are leveraging data and analytics to provide superior clinical outcomes,” said David Levine, chief medical officer for Vizient. “This award honors The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus for demonstrating leadership focused on results and a culture of collaboration and adaptability that is necessary to succeed. It is a pleasure to congratulate Great Bend Campus on their achievement and commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733167595924.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSFrom The University of Kansas Health System...The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus announces it has been recognized as a top performer in the 2024 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Study by Vizient, Inc. Great Bend Campus was recognized as No. 8 of 28 top performers in the community hospital cohort, which includes 364 community hospitals, for demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality care. The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study has been conducted annually since 2005.“We are proud to be recognized by Vizient for the high-quality care our team provides daily for our community,” said John Worden, Great Bend Campus administrator. “Our people do an outstanding job of maintaining their focus on quality and safety, and ensuring our patients receive the best possible care.”The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and equity of care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the HCAHPS survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study helps participating hospitals and health systems understand their performance against their peers and identifies structures and processes associated with high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care activity. The recognition period is for work spanning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.“Leading hospitals are leveraging data and analytics to provide superior clinical outcomes,” said David Levine, chief medical officer for Vizient. “This award honors The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus for demonstrating leadership focused on results and a culture of collaboration and adaptability that is necessary to succeed. It is a pleasure to congratulate Great Bend Campus on their achievement and commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.”

Great Bend hospital recognized for high-quality care

Thanksgiving is over and we turn our attention to the end of the year holidays. It is important to plan ahead to avoid overspending during this time of the year so we can have a less stressful 2025! Here are some tips:

· Make a list of expected holiday expenses before the season. This includes cards, holiday gatherings, travel, gifts, holiday grocery shopping, gifts for neighbors, work parties, and donations to charities.

· Make a pre-holiday budget that is realistic and then make a plan to stay within the budget.

· Keep a record of money spent. Record keeping shows how the seemingly small purchases add up. It also becomes a reference to use when planning comes around next year.

· Have family conversations about limiting the number of gifts or limiting their cost.

· Limit the use of credit cards since they make it very easy to spend more than planned.

· Some stores offer layaway plans. Layaway helps you get the gift when you see the sale and then spread out the payments over a certain period. You must pay in full before you can pick up the item.

· Buy Now, Pay Later plans are also offered at many stores or through your credit cards. These plans allow you to take home the item today and pay in installments after purchase. Look carefully at the fees and interest rates for these plans and make sure to look at the total cost.

· Watch for sales and coupons for gifts and holiday decorations and food items. Many free shopping apps can assist in getting the latest deals.

· Challenge stores to price match when you can.

· Buy items early when you see them on sale if your spending plan allows. Or take advantage of year-end sales for gift purchases that can wait until after the holiday. This may be particularly helpful for saving money on big-ticket items.

· Homemade gifts are a great way to personalize a gift without breaking your budget.

· Give a gift to an entire family or group instead of each individual. This option may save money as well as time searching out gifts for each person.

· Gift cards can also be a welcome gift, but try to give cards for retailers that the receiver frequents.

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 - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District." />
 <figcaption>Monique Koerner - Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District.</figcaption>
 </figure>Thanksgiving is over and we turn our attention to the end of the year holidays. It is important to plan ahead to avoid overspending during this time of the year so we can have a less stressful 2025! Here are some tips:· Make a list of expected holiday expenses before the season. This includes cards, holiday gatherings, travel, gifts, holiday grocery shopping, gifts for neighbors, work parties, and donations to charities.· Make a pre-holiday budget that is realistic and then make a plan to stay within the budget.· Keep a record of money spent. Record keeping shows how the seemingly small purchases add up. It also becomes a reference to use when planning comes around next year.· Have family conversations about limiting the number of gifts or limiting their cost.· Limit the use of credit cards since they make it very easy to spend more than planned.· Some stores offer layaway plans. Layaway helps you get the gift when you see the sale and then spread out the payments over a certain period. You must pay in full before you can pick up the item.· Buy Now, Pay Later plans are also offered at many stores or through your credit cards. These plans allow you to take home the item today and pay in installments after purchase. Look carefully at the fees and interest rates for these plans and make sure to look at the total cost.· Watch for sales and coupons for gifts and holiday decorations and food items. Many free shopping apps can assist in getting the latest deals.· Challenge stores to price match when you can.· Buy items early when you see them on sale if your spending plan allows. Or take advantage of year-end sales for gift purchases that can wait until after the holiday. This may be particularly helpful for saving money on big-ticket items.· Homemade gifts are a great way to personalize a gift without breaking your budget.· Give a gift to an entire family or group instead of each individual. This option may save money as well as time searching out gifts for each person.· Gift cards can also be a welcome gift, but try to give cards for retailers that the receiver frequents.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: Holiday spending

In a way to stay competitive with attracting enrollment from current
high school students, Barton Community College approved a new tuition rate of
$50 per credit hour for select high school audiences in March 2023. Taking dual credits can
give high school students a head start to their collegiate academics. 

Heather
Morgan serves as the executive director for the Kansas Association of Community
Colleges, an organization that lobbies for the best interests of community colleges
to state governmental officials. Morgan said there is an emphasis to figure out
if high-achieving high school students are using colleges' dual credits to
eventually stay in Kansas.


"If someone is studying in general education, are they going into a field that is in need for the State of Kansas?" stated Morgan. "We know we need nurses. We know we need welders and teachers. If someone goes into general education, who is to say they're going into a field that is in demand for the State of Kansas?"

While nothing is finalized, Morgan said there is talk of Kansas legislators
discussing a “first 15” program where high school students would be able to take
15 hours of general education courses with no cost. Research is being done
on the proposal and to identify if high school students taking college credits
have a reason to stay close to home.


"How are we plugging that student into a demand of the Kansas workforce," said Morgan. "How do we make sure our taxpayers are not education students that are leaving to other states. Or maybe they're going into a field without a high demand and can't get a job."

Kansas does boast the Kansas Promise Act, providing scholarships for students
to attend Kansas community college and technical colleges in specific fields of
study. In exchange for receiving the scholarship, the students agrees to live
and work in Kansas for two consecutive years after graduation.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727893750528.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostIn a way to stay competitive with attracting enrollment from current
high school students, Barton Community College approved a new tuition rate of
$50 per credit hour for select high school audiences in March 2023. Taking dual credits can
give high school students a head start to their collegiate academics. Heather
Morgan serves as the executive director for the Kansas Association of Community
Colleges, an organization that lobbies for the best interests of community colleges
to state governmental officials. Morgan said there is an emphasis to figure out
if high-achieving high school students are using colleges' dual credits to
eventually stay in Kansas.
"If someone is studying in general education, are they going into a field that is in need for the State of Kansas?" stated Morgan. "We know we need nurses. We know we need welders and teachers. If someone goes into general education, who is to say they're going into a field that is in demand for the State of Kansas?"While nothing is finalized, Morgan said there is talk of Kansas legislators
discussing a “first 15” program where high school students would be able to take
15 hours of general education courses with no cost. Research is being done
on the proposal and to identify if high school students taking college credits
have a reason to stay close to home.
"How are we plugging that student into a demand of the Kansas workforce," said Morgan. "How do we make sure our taxpayers are not education students that are leaving to other states. Or maybe they're going into a field without a high demand and can't get a job."Kansas does boast the Kansas Promise Act, providing scholarships for students
to attend Kansas community college and technical colleges in specific fields of
study. In exchange for receiving the scholarship, the students agrees to live
and work in Kansas for two consecutive years after graduation.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton CC Trustees hear state idea to help high school students

11/27 BOOKED: Fernando Acosta on Barton County District Court case for No Turn Signal, No Driver's License, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $5,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Use of a weapon, Interference with LEO, Driving While Suspended, and Basic Speed, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jericho Hutchinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Comanche County District Court warrant for Burglary and Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Erik Reyes-Romero on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Ruben Huerta on Barton County District Court case for DUI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Trenton Richarson on Barton County District Court warrant, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Javier Aranda-Gutierrez, to KDOC.

RELEASED: Robert E. Stanley on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage, on $5,000 OR Bond.

RELEASED: Jericho Hutchinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and on Comanche County District Court warrant for Burglary and Theft, after posting total $15,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Ruben Huerta on Barton County District Court case for DUI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

11/28 BOOKED: Kyler Dreiling on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Maximum Speed Limits, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Kyler Dreiling on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Maximum Speed Limits, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

11/29 BOOKED: Karen Corson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault and Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Lorna Clarke on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Kassandra Hillman on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Elizabeth Leiker on Barton County District Court case for DUI, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Karen Corson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault and Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Lorna Clarke on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Elizabeth Leiker on Barton County District Court case for DUI, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

11/30 BOOKED: Ashley Allen on Barton County District Court case for DUI, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jimi Hill on Rush County District Court case for Possession of Hallucinogenic drug, Possession of Paraphernalia, DUI, Max Speed Limits, Reckless Driving, and Transporting Open Container, bond set at $1,250 C/S.

BOOKED: Angel Barrera-Reyes on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, Illegal Transportation of Liquor, and Window Screen Devices, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Cristian Lusero-Bujanda on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Linda Reyes on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Thomas Carrera-Luna on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Ashley Allen on Barton County District Court case for DUI, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Angel Barrera-Reyes on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, Illegal Transportation of Liquor, and Window Screen Devices, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Hailey Lewis on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to Pawnee County.

RELEASED: Jimi Hill on Rush County District Court case for Possession of Hallucinogenic drug, Possession of Paraphernalia, DUI, Max Speed Limits, Reckless Driving, and Transporting Open Container, after posting $1,250 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Linda Reyes on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Antonio Quiroz on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after time served.

RELEASED: Thomas Carrera-Luna on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

12/1 BOOKED: Gustavo Delgadillo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Improper Driving on Laned Roadway, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.

BOOKED: Eliseo Velasco on Salina County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.

BOOKED: Steven Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License, Illegal Tag, and No Insurance, bond set at $500 C/S.

RELEASED: Gustavo Delgadillo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Improper Driving on Laned Roadway, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Cristian Lusero-Bujanda on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Steven Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License, Illegal Tag, and No Insurance, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Shaminy Clone on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Contempt of Court, and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Failure to Appear, after time served.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>11/27 BOOKED: Fernando Acosta on Barton County District Court case for No Turn Signal, No Driver's License, and Interference with LEO, bond set at $5,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court warrant for Criminal Use of a weapon, Interference with LEO, Driving While Suspended, and Basic Speed, bond set at $10,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jericho Hutchinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Comanche County District Court warrant for Burglary and Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Erik Reyes-Romero on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Ruben Huerta on Barton County District Court case for DUI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Trenton Richarson on Barton County District Court warrant, to KDOC.RELEASED: Javier Aranda-Gutierrez, to KDOC.RELEASED: Robert E. Stanley on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage, on $5,000 OR Bond.RELEASED: Jericho Hutchinson on Barton County District Court case for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and on Comanche County District Court warrant for Burglary and Theft, after posting total $15,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Ruben Huerta on Barton County District Court case for DUI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.11/28 BOOKED: Kyler Dreiling on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Maximum Speed Limits, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Kyler Dreiling on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Maximum Speed Limits, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.11/29 BOOKED: Karen Corson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault and Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Lorna Clarke on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Kassandra Hillman on Barton County District Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Elizabeth Leiker on Barton County District Court case for DUI, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Karen Corson on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault and Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Lorna Clarke on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Assault, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Elizabeth Leiker on Barton County District Court case for DUI, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.11/30 BOOKED: Ashley Allen on Barton County District Court case for DUI, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Jimi Hill on Rush County District Court case for Possession of Hallucinogenic drug, Possession of Paraphernalia, DUI, Max Speed Limits, Reckless Driving, and Transporting Open Container, bond set at $1,250 C/S.BOOKED: Angel Barrera-Reyes on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, Illegal Transportation of Liquor, and Window Screen Devices, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Cristian Lusero-Bujanda on Great Bend Municipal Court case, to serve sentence.BOOKED: Linda Reyes on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Thomas Carrera-Luna on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Ashley Allen on Barton County District Court case for DUI, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Angel Barrera-Reyes on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI, Illegal Transportation of Liquor, and Window Screen Devices, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Hailey Lewis on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, to Pawnee County.RELEASED: Jimi Hill on Rush County District Court case for Possession of Hallucinogenic drug, Possession of Paraphernalia, DUI, Max Speed Limits, Reckless Driving, and Transporting Open Container, after posting $1,250 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Linda Reyes on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, after posting $5,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Antonio Quiroz on Barton County District Court warrant for Contempt of Court, after time served.RELEASED: Thomas Carrera-Luna on Barton County District Court case for No Driver's License, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.12/1 BOOKED: Gustavo Delgadillo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Improper Driving on Laned Roadway, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 48-hour OR.BOOKED: Eliseo Velasco on Salina County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, no bond set.BOOKED: Steven Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License, Illegal Tag, and No Insurance, bond set at $500 C/S.RELEASED: Gustavo Delgadillo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for DUI and Improper Driving on Laned Roadway, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Cristian Lusero-Bujanda on Great Bend Municipal Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Kailee Adams on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Steven Pardo on Great Bend Municipal Court case for No Driver's License, Illegal Tag, and No Insurance, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Shaminy Clone on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Contempt of Court, and on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Failure to Appear, after time served.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (11/27 - 12/1)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

When Rubi Spray ran at Great Bend High School, girls were still running 4K cross country courses. In her Hall of Fame career at Newman University in Wichita, she posted the three fastest 5K times in school history. Her 6K time as a Jet is the second-fastest. But the 3.73 miles in a 6K are a far cry from the 26.2 miles in a marathon. Spray recently completed her first marathon and now has eyes on qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2026.

"I would like to say I thrived in those distances, so shifting my training to 26.2 miles was one humbling experience because, hey Rubi, you can't run a 5-minute mile for 26 miles," she said. "You have to really adjust your pacing to stay consistent for that long of a period."

Spray trained for 6-12 miles a day, maxing out at 18 miles before the Salina Crossroads on a cold and wet Nov. 2. Still, she had faith she could run the extra 8.2 miles to finish the race. Her time of 3:37.48 was 74th overall out of 453 entries, 14th fastest among women runners, and third among Kansas women. She averaged 8:19 a mile, getting faster as she went.

"It was about mile 20 that I was like, 'Okay, if you're going to go, you better go now,'" she said. "I ended up negative splitting. I think I had one mile split that was 6:58, 7:00, 7:14, 7:35, so I made up some good time in those last six miles."

Everything was a transition. More than 5,200 runners registered for the Crossroads, which also included a half-marathon and shorter races. Not only was Spray running more miles, but with two kids upstairs, she did most of her training indoors on a treadmill. The temperature peaked at 59 degrees that day and rain fell throughout the race.

"You are just soaking wet," Spray said. "You're stepping in puddles and your feet feel super heavy. I've never gotten a blister but I had a pretty good-sized blister on my foot."

But the transition has been a good test for Spray. A successful runner in the past, she wants to prove to herself that being a 32-year-old mother of two is not a deterrent to having big goals.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2ca87b6-2257-45bb-a129-8e5dbb9ee211">READ MORE: Former GBHS standout to be inducted into Newman HOF</a>

"Just the way you have to adjust your training to your eveyrday life has probably been the hardest for me," she said. "I wake up at 3:45 in the morning to hop on my treadmill downstairs. Just the way I feel my body and the things I put into my body have been the most important parts for me. It's been a learning experience for sure."

Nutrition has been a big part of the journey. Being a mother is different than being a professional athlete, so Spray makes the most of her meals. She tries to make homemade meals out of whole foods every day and drinks at least a gallon of water each day.

"That's always hard when you're feeding two small kids who want certain things," she said. "For me, it's always been big carbs, big on protein, lean meats. I've never been hungrier than when I was marathon training. It was just this ravaging hunger of needing to feed my body. When our bodies crave certain things, that's our body's way of telling us we need those nutrients."

Spray is now in recovery mode ahead of a new training session she will begin in January. She trained at 7:45 to 8:00-mile pace for her first marathon. She will bump that to 7:20-7:35 pace in her quest to make the Boston Marathon qualifying time, which is three hours, 30 minutes for women her age.

"I think I learned a lot and I think there are a lot of things I know I want to do this next training block," she said. "Some consistency. There were days when my kids were up in the middle of the night or I wanted to hit the snooze button. I do want to focus a lot more on outdoor running."

Spray and her friend, Kayti Trapp, hope to run the Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon in April.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732551750336.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWhen Rubi Spray ran at Great Bend High School, girls were still running 4K cross country courses. In her Hall of Fame career at Newman University in Wichita, she posted the three fastest 5K times in school history. Her 6K time as a Jet is the second-fastest. But the 3.73 miles in a 6K are a far cry from the 26.2 miles in a marathon. Spray recently completed her first marathon and now has eyes on qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2026."I would like to say I thrived in those distances, so shifting my training to 26.2 miles was one humbling experience because, hey Rubi, you can't run a 5-minute mile for 26 miles," she said. "You have to really adjust your pacing to stay consistent for that long of a period."Spray trained for 6-12 miles a day, maxing out at 18 miles before the Salina Crossroads on a cold and wet Nov. 2. Still, she had faith she could run the extra 8.2 miles to finish the race. Her time of 3:37.48 was 74th overall out of 453 entries, 14th fastest among women runners, and third among Kansas women. She averaged 8:19 a mile, getting faster as she went."It was about mile 20 that I was like, 'Okay, if you're going to go, you better go now,'" she said. "I ended up negative splitting. I think I had one mile split that was 6:58, 7:00, 7:14, 7:35, so I made up some good time in those last six miles."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732551836679.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Everything was a transition. More than 5,200 runners registered for the Crossroads, which also included a half-marathon and shorter races. Not only was Spray running more miles, but with two kids upstairs, she did most of her training indoors on a treadmill. The temperature peaked at 59 degrees that day and rain fell throughout the race."You are just soaking wet," Spray said. "You're stepping in puddles and your feet feel super heavy. I've never gotten a blister but I had a pretty good-sized blister on my foot."But the transition has been a good test for Spray. A successful runner in the past, she wants to prove to herself that being a 32-year-old mother of two is not a deterrent to having big goals.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2ca87b6-2257-45bb-a129-8e5dbb9ee211">READ MORE: Former GBHS standout to be inducted into Newman HOF</a>"Just the way you have to adjust your training to your eveyrday life has probably been the hardest for me," she said. "I wake up at 3:45 in the morning to hop on my treadmill downstairs. Just the way I feel my body and the things I put into my body have been the most important parts for me. It's been a learning experience for sure."Nutrition has been a big part of the journey. Being a mother is different than being a professional athlete, so Spray makes the most of her meals. She tries to make homemade meals out of whole foods every day and drinks at least a gallon of water each day."That's always hard when you're feeding two small kids who want certain things," she said. "For me, it's always been big carbs, big on protein, lean meats. I've never been hungrier than when I was marathon training. It was just this ravaging hunger of needing to feed my body. When our bodies crave certain things, that's our body's way of telling us we need those nutrients."Spray is now in recovery mode ahead of a new training session she will begin in January. She trained at 7:45 to 8:00-mile pace for her first marathon. She will bump that to 7:20-7:35 pace in her quest to make the Boston Marathon qualifying time, which is three hours, 30 minutes for women her age.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667500710542.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"I think I learned a lot and I think there are a lot of things I know I want to do this next training block," she said. "Some consistency. There were days when my kids were up in the middle of the night or I wanted to hit the snooze button. I do want to focus a lot more on outdoor running."Spray and her friend, Kayti Trapp, hope to run the Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon in April.

Great Bend's Spray gunning for Boston after impressive marathon debut

When the Ellinwood Chamber announced the inaugural Christkindlmarket in 2013, the goal of the German-themed Christmas event was to create a Christmas tradition in Ellinwood. Eleven years later, the event is still going strong. Jennifer Klepper, one of the three co-chairs heading the event, said the biggest change this year is the move to Saturday, Dec. 7.

"It's not going to be on a Sunday this year," she said. "It has traditionally been on a Sunday except for, I think, one other time they tried it on a Saturday. We're going to move it to a Saturday and just give it a shot to see if we can't develop it into an all-day-into-the-evening type event."

The Christkind is the traditional bringer of gifts in a large portion of Europe that includes Germany. This year, Ellinwood will combine that German heritage with a longstanding local tradition of meeting Santa Claus at the Ellinwood Fire Department. That moves to the Ellinwood Grade School cafeteria for Brunch with Santa.

"That starts at 9 a.m., and they're going to have pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, milk, all that kind of stuff so you can come and have breakfast with Santa Claus at no cost," Klepper said.

Brunch with Santa runs from 9-11 a.m. and will include photo opportunities and a goody bag. A short Christmas story will be read to children at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

At 11 a.m., the fun moves to the EGS gymnasium for a Holiday Kids Zone with bounces houses and a creation station to make an ornament from Legos to be displayed on a public tree. The Chamber is still accepting Lego donations. Klepper is also working on a large nativity box maze, the Great Bend Recreation Commission is lending its Imagination Playground for the festivities, and the Ellinwood Garden Club will have its train available for rides.

Throughout the afternoon, downtown businesses will offer special deals, and the Chamber is bringing in approximately 30 vendors with clothing, jewelry, kitchenware, make-up, and more. Area fundraising vendors like the Ellinwood High School football team and cheer squad will also have items for sale. Each location will feature a drop-off and loading zone for carriage rides and the caroling trailer.

Also in the afternoon, heading over to the Ellinwood Public Library for the opportunity to build a gingerbread house, sponsored by the KAY Club. EHS journalism students will also have a photo station set up, complete with a backdrop, for a unique photo opportunity to make holiday gift cards. The library and Ellinwood District Hospital will be accepting food and coat donations to be distributed later.

Finally, as the sun sets on this year's Christkindlmarket, head over to the American Legion at 5:30 p.m. for a live nativity featuring several children and perhaps some live animals. After the lighting of the Christmas tree and the announcement of raffle winners, head inside the Legion at approximately 7 p.m. for live music, food, and beverages. 

Beginning Monday, Nov. 25, the chamber will again be presenting the Shop Local Raffle. Receive a ticket for every $10 spent at participating businesses, up to 10 tickets, to be entered into a raffle for prizes that include a meat bundle from Ellinwood Packing and certificates from Ellinwood Family Foods.

All events are free to attend. Food will be available throughout the day from Gather and 10-39 Cafe, and the American Legion will also have food in the evening.

Klepper is co-chairing this year's Christkindlmarket alongside Kelli Penner and Megan Martinez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732218747333.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostWhen the Ellinwood Chamber announced the inaugural Christkindlmarket in 2013, the goal of the German-themed Christmas event was to create a Christmas tradition in Ellinwood. Eleven years later, the event is still going strong. Jennifer Klepper, one of the three co-chairs heading the event, said the biggest change this year is the move to Saturday, Dec. 7."It's not going to be on a Sunday this year," she said. "It has traditionally been on a Sunday except for, I think, one other time they tried it on a Saturday. We're going to move it to a Saturday and just give it a shot to see if we can't develop it into an all-day-into-the-evening type event."The Christkind is the traditional bringer of gifts in a large portion of Europe that includes Germany. This year, Ellinwood will combine that German heritage with a longstanding local tradition of meeting Santa Claus at the Ellinwood Fire Department. That moves to the Ellinwood Grade School cafeteria for Brunch with Santa."That starts at 9 a.m., and they're going to have pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, milk, all that kind of stuff so you can come and have breakfast with Santa Claus at no cost," Klepper said.Brunch with Santa runs from 9-11 a.m. and will include photo opportunities and a goody bag. A short Christmas story will be read to children at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.At 11 a.m., the fun moves to the EGS gymnasium for a Holiday Kids Zone with bounces houses and a creation station to make an ornament from Legos to be displayed on a public tree. The Chamber is still accepting Lego donations. Klepper is also working on a large nativity box maze, the Great Bend Recreation Commission is lending its Imagination Playground for the festivities, and the Ellinwood Garden Club will have its train available for rides.Throughout the afternoon, downtown businesses will offer special deals, and the Chamber is bringing in approximately 30 vendors with clothing, jewelry, kitchenware, make-up, and more. Area fundraising vendors like the Ellinwood High School football team and cheer squad will also have items for sale. Each location will feature a drop-off and loading zone for carriage rides and the caroling trailer.Also in the afternoon, heading over to the Ellinwood Public Library for the opportunity to build a gingerbread house, sponsored by the KAY Club. EHS journalism students will also have a photo station set up, complete with a backdrop, for a unique photo opportunity to make holiday gift cards. The library and Ellinwood District Hospital will be accepting food and coat donations to be distributed later.Finally, as the sun sets on this year's Christkindlmarket, head over to the American Legion at 5:30 p.m. for a live nativity featuring several children and perhaps some live animals. After the lighting of the Christmas tree and the announcement of raffle winners, head inside the Legion at approximately 7 p.m. for live music, food, and beverages. Beginning Monday, Nov. 25, the chamber will again be presenting the Shop Local Raffle. Receive a ticket for every $10 spent at participating businesses, up to 10 tickets, to be entered into a raffle for prizes that include a meat bundle from Ellinwood Packing and certificates from Ellinwood Family Foods.All events are free to attend. Food will be available throughout the day from Gather and 10-39 Cafe, and the American Legion will also have food in the evening.Klepper is co-chairing this year's Christkindlmarket alongside Kelli Penner and Megan Martinez.

Ellinwood's Christkindlmarket moving to Saturday with full schedule

Today Sunny, with a high near 34. North wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph after midnight.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 48. South-southwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. South wind 7 to 11 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 54. North-northwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 23.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 39.

Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 54.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Sunny, with a high near 34. North wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph after midnight.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 48. South-southwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 32. South wind 7 to 11 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 54. North-northwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 23.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 39.Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47.Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.Saturday Sunny, with a high near 54.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Media's Becca Fletcher and Stafford County Economic Development Director Ryan Russell that aired Nov. 29, 2024.

The Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. (Show aired on Friday this month due to Thanksgiving)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Stafford County show with Eagle Media's Becca Fletcher and Stafford County Economic Development Director Ryan Russell that aired Nov. 29, 2024.<div><iframe title="Focus on Stafford County show" 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=tvmk8-17552d1-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 Focus on Stafford County program airs the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM. (Show aired on Friday this month due to Thanksgiving)

🎙Post Podcast: Focus on Stafford County show

Great Bend City Council meeting Dec. 2 - 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers

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

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember reports

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

&nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development report

&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Ordinance amending city code sections pertaining to pretreatment of industrial waste and enforcement response plan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Both state and federal statutes and regulations require cities with wastewater treatment plants to have ordinances and an Enforcement Response Plan (ERP) to ensure compliance with the statutes, regulations and ordinances. A motion will be presented to amend city code pertaining to pretreatment of industrial waste and ERP.

&nbsp; &nbsp;6. Shop with a Cop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; For multiple years, the Great Bend Police Department and Great Bend Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #23 have engaged in community outreach at Christmas time, most notably through the Shop with a Cop program. A motion will be presented to approve the police department to use $4,000 from the municipal court diversion fund for the Shop with a Cop program.

&nbsp; &nbsp;7. Primary wet well pump &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A motion will be presented to approve the bid from FTC for a primary wet well pump for $35,381.

&nbsp; &nbsp;8. 2025 property &amp; casualty insurance renewal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Carly Walker with Gallagher will present the 2025 Property &amp; Casualty Insurance renewal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732118263548.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend City Council meeting Dec. 2 - 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council ChambersThe council meeting will be livestreamed for the public to view on the city council Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gbcitycouncil/.AgendaOpening: Pledge of AllegianceA. Consent agendaB. Old businessC. Recognition of visitors and announcements &nbsp; &nbsp;The public is free to comment on items not listed on the agenda. Comments should be limited to three minutes.D. New business&nbsp; &nbsp;1. Councilmember reports&nbsp; &nbsp;2. Administrator's update&nbsp; &nbsp;3. Economic Development report&nbsp; &nbsp;4. Abatements&nbsp; &nbsp;5. Ordinance amending city code sections pertaining to pretreatment of industrial waste and enforcement response plan &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Both state and federal statutes and regulations require cities with wastewater treatment plants to have ordinances and an Enforcement Response Plan (ERP) to ensure compliance with the statutes, regulations and ordinances. A motion will be presented to amend city code pertaining to pretreatment of industrial waste and ERP.&nbsp; &nbsp;6. Shop with a Cop &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; For multiple years, the Great Bend Police Department and Great Bend Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #23 have engaged in community outreach at Christmas time, most notably through the Shop with a Cop program. A motion will be presented to approve the police department to use $4,000 from the municipal court diversion fund for the Shop with a Cop program.&nbsp; &nbsp;7. Primary wet well pump &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A motion will be presented to approve the bid from FTC for a primary wet well pump for $35,381.&nbsp; &nbsp;8. 2025 property &amp; casualty insurance renewal &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Carly Walker with Gallagher will present the 2025 Property &amp; Casualty Insurance renewal.Adjournment

Great Bend City Council meeting agenda (12/2)

The drought monitor report for this week isn’t out as this is being written. It’s safe to say conditions improved at least slightly for our area. The six to ten-day outlook (December 1 to 5) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (December 3 to 9) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.

As you read this, you have most likely already had Thanksgiving dinner. Hopefully, an enjoyable one. This time of year, is when many think about the price of food and price increases. The food sector has seen inflation, however, for the most part it has eased significantly. There are many factors involved in these increases, but overall, prices producers receive compared their costs isn’t one of them. Beef prices are high for several reasons including a smaller herd due to the drought. On the other hand, finished weights are up. Egg price increases involve avian flu and the destruction of flocks. This has likewise affected poultry prices. Fortunately, poultry flocks can be increased fairly quickly. Your turkey prices are about the same as last year. Some price increases are due to weather such as the significant hurricanes.

The food industry is complicated with producers, processors, the distribution and transporting industry, and the actual grocery stores. A factor some don’t think about in consolidation in the processing and retail ag sectors. Nationally, there are few buyers for beef and especially pork and poultry. This leads to limited markets for sellers and lower prices while on the other hand, the processors have more market control to sell to retailers. The retail grocery market has also consolidated over the last thirty years with Walmart and Kroger brands controlling a significant market share. Again, limited competition isn’t good for consumers. One thing a consumer might do to really grasp how much is spent on food is shop twice when going to the store is shop twice. Shop once for food items only and then again for nongrocery items such as paper products, soap, etc. The reality is that compared to the rest of the world, overall, we spend a smaller percentage of our incomes on food. This isn’t to deny people struggling to survive but that’s for another column.

One last item today. Production agriculture is still facing a severe shortage of trained labor. From livestock to crop production and banking to grain handling, all need more qualified help. Also, included in here is the scale industry which is vital to agriculture. There are openings for positions with good wages and benefits. While there is a shortage of trained, educated employees, there are answers for both employer and employee. Colleges like Barton have certificate and two-year degree programs ideally suited for these positions. Most don’t need four-year degrees and many employers will hire you while studying and even help cover tuition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>The drought monitor report for this week isn’t out as this is being written. It’s safe to say conditions improved at least slightly for our area. The six to ten-day outlook (December 1 to 5) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (December 3 to 9) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.As you read this, you have most likely already had Thanksgiving dinner. Hopefully, an enjoyable one. This time of year, is when many think about the price of food and price increases. The food sector has seen inflation, however, for the most part it has eased significantly. There are many factors involved in these increases, but overall, prices producers receive compared their costs isn’t one of them. Beef prices are high for several reasons including a smaller herd due to the drought. On the other hand, finished weights are up. Egg price increases involve avian flu and the destruction of flocks. This has likewise affected poultry prices. Fortunately, poultry flocks can be increased fairly quickly. Your turkey prices are about the same as last year. Some price increases are due to weather such as the significant hurricanes.The food industry is complicated with producers, processors, the distribution and transporting industry, and the actual grocery stores. A factor some don’t think about in consolidation in the processing and retail ag sectors. Nationally, there are few buyers for beef and especially pork and poultry. This leads to limited markets for sellers and lower prices while on the other hand, the processors have more market control to sell to retailers. The retail grocery market has also consolidated over the last thirty years with Walmart and Kroger brands controlling a significant market share. Again, limited competition isn’t good for consumers. One thing a consumer might do to really grasp how much is spent on food is shop twice when going to the store is shop twice. Shop once for food items only and then again for nongrocery items such as paper products, soap, etc. The reality is that compared to the rest of the world, overall, we spend a smaller percentage of our incomes on food. This isn’t to deny people struggling to survive but that’s for another column.One last item today. Production agriculture is still facing a severe shortage of trained labor. From livestock to crop production and banking to grain handling, all need more qualified help. Also, included in here is the scale industry which is vital to agriculture. There are openings for positions with good wages and benefits. While there is a shortage of trained, educated employees, there are answers for both employer and employee. Colleges like Barton have certificate and two-year degree programs ideally suited for these positions. Most don’t need four-year degrees and many employers will hire you while studying and even help cover tuition.Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.