Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting April 14&nbsp; -&nbsp; 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center

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

2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: March 10, 2025 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports

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

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

5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Approval of Commercial Insurance Renewals

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291719070.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting April 14&nbsp; -&nbsp; 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation CenterAgenda1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: March 10, 2025 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 March Attendance Report5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Approval of Commercial Insurance Renewals6. Other Business7. Adjournment

Great Bend Rec Board meeting agenda (4/14)

Hear this month's Focus on Hoisington show with Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell and Code Enforcement Officer Dolores Kipper that aired April 10, 2025.

The Focus on Hoisington program airs the second Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this month's Focus on Hoisington show with Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell and Code Enforcement Officer Dolores Kipper that aired April 10, 2025.<div><iframe title="Focus on Hoisington 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=557ww-1878c7a-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 Hoisington program airs the second Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Focus on Hoisington show

Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, is pleased to announce that next week’s episode will feature Russell Regional Hospital with Dr. Tyrel Somers. This episode will air on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., and will focus on the topic of wound care.

As always, viewers are encouraged to participate by:

1. Calling in live questions during the show at 1-800-337-4788 2. Emailing questions ahead of time to doctors@shptv.org.

**Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.

The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays. You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at www.SmokyHillsPBS.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744297881321.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSDoctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, is pleased to announce that next week’s episode will feature Russell Regional Hospital with Dr. Tyrel Somers. This episode will air on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m., and will focus on the topic of wound care.As always, viewers are encouraged to participate by:1. Calling in live questions during the show at 1-800-337-4788 2. Emailing questions ahead of time to doctors@shptv.org.**Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show.How to Watch:The program airs live on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays. You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBSA schedule of programs and past episodes are available at www.SmokyHillsPBS.org.

Russell Regional Hospital to be featured on PBS show

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, April 8th shows a slight improvement across the state. Our entire area is in moderate drought. The six to ten-day outlook (April 15 to 19) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (April 17 to 23) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a continued 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. Above normal precipitation would matter as we are entering the time of year with three plus inches per month.

Today, we are almost to mid-April. Most producers are either done or in the middle of prepping planters and/or drills to plant row crops for 2025. Seed has been ordered. Preplant fertilizers applied. Weed control determined. Maybe a producer has strip tilled, performed other tillage or is going no-till. Next comes deciding when to plant. What conditions should a producer be looking for?

· Most have already decided on seeding rates. Under irrigation, producers are likely set on their seed drop. However, it doesn’t hurt to look at the temperature and precipitation outlooks for the summer. Even with irrigation, extreme heat and drought can hurt irrigated yields significantly. Under dryland conditions, it pays to evaluate soil moisture at planting as well as the long-term outlook.

· A general rule for planting dates is earlier is better than later almost every year. There naturally are exceptions. The goal is to plant to hopefully avoid the most extreme heat and moisture conditions at the critical time which is a little before flowering until several weeks after. Naturally, the long-term average conditions may not apply. An example, we are at mid-April. Over the long-term average conditions, it’s time to start planting dryland corn, especially south of the river. The ten-to-fourteen-day outlook says it’s fine. Some years, we have even had snow this late. Next, when to plant corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum.

· Corn – If the two-inch soil temperature is at least fifty degrees at noon, the soil is warm enough to plant. And while not overly wet, there is adequate soil moisture for planting. Soil temperature date may be obtained from the Mesonet at the K-State Research and Extension website. Even if temperatures would cool a bit, most corn and sorghum seed is treated with a fungicide and insecticide and would be fine. This gives the plants the best chance of tasseling, silking, setting and developing seed normally before the worst summer heat and drought occur.

· Sorghum can be planted around mid-May through most of June, earlier below the river and a bit later above. It can work around harsh conditions at planting.

· Soybeans may be planted after the danger of freezing and under forty temperatures has passed. Their critical period is later than corn and sorghum and they flower based on night length here, not heat accumulation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738261115962.jpeg" alt="written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>written by: Dr. Victor L. Martin - Instructor/Coordinator Agriculture/Weights and Measures, Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, April 8th shows a slight improvement across the state. Our entire area is in moderate drought. The six to ten-day outlook (April 15 to 19) indicates a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (April 17 to 23) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a continued 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. Above normal precipitation would matter as we are entering the time of year with three plus inches per month.Today, we are almost to mid-April. Most producers are either done or in the middle of prepping planters and/or drills to plant row crops for 2025. Seed has been ordered. Preplant fertilizers applied. Weed control determined. Maybe a producer has strip tilled, performed other tillage or is going no-till. Next comes deciding when to plant. What conditions should a producer be looking for?· Most have already decided on seeding rates. Under irrigation, producers are likely set on their seed drop. However, it doesn’t hurt to look at the temperature and precipitation outlooks for the summer. Even with irrigation, extreme heat and drought can hurt irrigated yields significantly. Under dryland conditions, it pays to evaluate soil moisture at planting as well as the long-term outlook.· A general rule for planting dates is earlier is better than later almost every year. There naturally are exceptions. The goal is to plant to hopefully avoid the most extreme heat and moisture conditions at the critical time which is a little before flowering until several weeks after. Naturally, the long-term average conditions may not apply. An example, we are at mid-April. Over the long-term average conditions, it’s time to start planting dryland corn, especially south of the river. The ten-to-fourteen-day outlook says it’s fine. Some years, we have even had snow this late. Next, when to plant corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum.· Corn – If the two-inch soil temperature is at least fifty degrees at noon, the soil is warm enough to plant. And while not overly wet, there is adequate soil moisture for planting. Soil temperature date may be obtained from the Mesonet at the K-State Research and Extension website. Even if temperatures would cool a bit, most corn and sorghum seed is treated with a fungicide and insecticide and would be fine. This gives the plants the best chance of tasseling, silking, setting and developing seed normally before the worst summer heat and drought occur.· Sorghum can be planted around mid-May through most of June, earlier below the river and a bit later above. It can work around harsh conditions at planting.· Soybeans may be planted after the danger of freezing and under forty temperatures has passed. Their critical period is later than corn and sorghum and they flower based on night length here, not heat accumulation.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Planting the 2025 summer crop

According to the National Weather Service, the average last spring freeze for Barton County falls somewhere between April 14 and April 21. With that in mind, the 2025 gardening season is right around the corner. Many have already started seeds indoors in anticipation of the flavors of summer!

The Victory Garden of Barton County, a community garden located at the Barton County Historical Society, located at 85 US-281, Great Bend, will open the garden for 2025 on Saturday, April 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, “Get Growing, Get Gardening” is an opportunity to sign up and select a raised bed garden, receive seeds and select transplants, get to know other gardeners and take part in garden talk and Q and A.

“This is our third year gardening,” garden leader Veronica Coons said. “We are welcoming back some of our gardeners from last year, and we have spots open for new gardeners.”

The garden consists of 10 raised beds for individual use, and a larger group gardening area. Beds are reserved for gardeners who participated the previous year, and are awarded first-come, first-serve to new gardeners. A gardener can indicate they would like more than one bed if there is availability.

Gardeners must become members of the Barton County Historical Society. The fee for an individual is $30, and $50 for a family. A limited number of scholarships are available through the Barton County Conservation District.

The garden year spans from April 19 to October 18, 2025. During this period, water will be available courtesy of the historical society. Outside of those dates, hoses are put away for the year. Gardeners are responsible for planting, tending, harvesting and cleaning up their space at the end of the season.

During the year, the Barton County Conservation District and Barton County Master Gardeners will be available during select times to provide information and advice to help gardeners tackle seasonal issues.

Contact the Barton County Conservation District to sign up for a garden space. Veronica Coons, BCCD manager can be reached at 620-792-3346, ext. 303.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744297658996.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>According to the National Weather Service, the average last spring freeze for Barton County falls somewhere between April 14 and April 21. With that in mind, the 2025 gardening season is right around the corner. Many have already started seeds indoors in anticipation of the flavors of summer!The Victory Garden of Barton County, a community garden located at the Barton County Historical Society, located at 85 US-281, Great Bend, will open the garden for 2025 on Saturday, April 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, “Get Growing, Get Gardening” is an opportunity to sign up and select a raised bed garden, receive seeds and select transplants, get to know other gardeners and take part in garden talk and Q and A.“This is our third year gardening,” garden leader Veronica Coons said. “We are welcoming back some of our gardeners from last year, and we have spots open for new gardeners.”The garden consists of 10 raised beds for individual use, and a larger group gardening area. Beds are reserved for gardeners who participated the previous year, and are awarded first-come, first-serve to new gardeners. A gardener can indicate they would like more than one bed if there is availability.Gardeners must become members of the Barton County Historical Society. The fee for an individual is $30, and $50 for a family. A limited number of scholarships are available through the Barton County Conservation District.The garden year spans from April 19 to October 18, 2025. During this period, water will be available courtesy of the historical society. Outside of those dates, hoses are put away for the year. Gardeners are responsible for planting, tending, harvesting and cleaning up their space at the end of the season.During the year, the Barton County Conservation District and Barton County Master Gardeners will be available during select times to provide information and advice to help gardeners tackle seasonal issues.Contact the Barton County Conservation District to sign up for a garden space. Veronica Coons, BCCD manager can be reached at 620-792-3346, ext. 303.

Community garden opening at Barton Co. Historical Society

Story by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR Director

Frankie Pelster, a 14-year employee of Rosewood Services, has earned a national award from ANCOR, the leading voice in Washington, D.C., for community-based disability services providers.

Pelster, Rosewood’s Employment Network Specialist, has been named the “2025 Kansas Direct Support Professional of the Year.” She was recognized this morning (April 9) during an awards ceremony at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel, along with 53 other DSP winners from across the nation. They were selected by ANCOR from a record-total of more than 500 nominations from across the nation.

“I am honored and humbled to win such a distinguished award,” exclaimed Pelster. “I genuinely love serving in the varied roles that I have, that help people with disabilities. The work itself is so rewarding, but winning the award is a pleasant surprise and it feels wonderful to be recognized in such a major way. I thank Rosewood Services for giving me so many opportunities to thrive and succeed in my field of work.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under Pelster’s guidance for the past decade, Rosewood Employment Network has led the way in the state of Kansas for successfully placing people with disabilities into the area workforce. Utilizing two programs within the state of Kansas, nearly 60 people in Rosewood Employment Network now work, or are in job-search mode within the program, which serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

Additionally, Pelster serves as the lead sponsor of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club, helping members to coordinate community service projects. Those efforts include conducting a community crayon and coloring book drive in the fall and organizing a community blanket drive each winter. She also serves on the Great Bend Kiwanis Board of Directors, this year serving as the club’s treasurer. Pelster is also an active participant in Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK).

For her leadership efforts, Pelster was named “Kiwanian of the Year,” by the Great Bend club last year. In 2023, she won the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award,” for her leadership involvement with SACK.

“We are extremely proud of Frankie for being recognized as “Kansas DSP of the Year” by ANCOR,” said Rosewood Services CEO Tammy Hammond. “Frankie’s involvement, loyalty and commitment bring so much energy and encouragement to those we serve with disabilities at Rosewood. She is a true difference-maker for them in so many facets of their daily lives. We are fortunate to have her as a longtime employee at Rosewood Services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive, and be included in the community.

“It is truly a pleasure to hear stories day in and day out about the magic that DSPs make possible as they deliver services that are nothing short of transformative for people with I/DD,” said Barbara Merrill, CEO for ANCOR. “It’s the very reason ANCOR began the DSP of the Year Awards program nearly two decades ago …”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744296314122.jpeg" alt="Frankie Pelster, Rosewood Services" />
 <figcaption>Frankie Pelster, Rosewood Services</figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSStory by: Michael Dawes, Rosewood PR DirectorFrankie Pelster, a 14-year employee of Rosewood Services, has earned a national award from ANCOR, the leading voice in Washington, D.C., for community-based disability services providers.Pelster, Rosewood’s Employment Network Specialist, has been named the “2025 Kansas Direct Support Professional of the Year.” She was recognized this morning (April 9) during an awards ceremony at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel, along with 53 other DSP winners from across the nation. They were selected by ANCOR from a record-total of more than 500 nominations from across the nation.“I am honored and humbled to win such a distinguished award,” exclaimed Pelster. “I genuinely love serving in the varied roles that I have, that help people with disabilities. The work itself is so rewarding, but winning the award is a pleasant surprise and it feels wonderful to be recognized in such a major way. I thank Rosewood Services for giving me so many opportunities to thrive and succeed in my field of work.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under Pelster’s guidance for the past decade, Rosewood Employment Network has led the way in the state of Kansas for successfully placing people with disabilities into the area workforce. Utilizing two programs within the state of Kansas, nearly 60 people in Rosewood Employment Network now work, or are in job-search mode within the program, which serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.Additionally, Pelster serves as the lead sponsor of Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club, helping members to coordinate community service projects. Those efforts include conducting a community crayon and coloring book drive in the fall and organizing a community blanket drive each winter. She also serves on the Great Bend Kiwanis Board of Directors, this year serving as the club’s treasurer. Pelster is also an active participant in Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK).For her leadership efforts, Pelster was named “Kiwanian of the Year,” by the Great Bend club last year. In 2023, she won the “Barbara Bishop Support Staff of the Year Award,” for her leadership involvement with SACK.“We are extremely proud of Frankie for being recognized as “Kansas DSP of the Year” by ANCOR,” said Rosewood Services CEO Tammy Hammond. “Frankie’s involvement, loyalty and commitment bring so much energy and encouragement to those we serve with disabilities at Rosewood. She is a true difference-maker for them in so many facets of their daily lives. We are fortunate to have her as a longtime employee at Rosewood Services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Since 2007, ANCOR’s annual DSP of the Year awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive, and be included in the community.“It is truly a pleasure to hear stories day in and day out about the magic that DSPs make possible as they deliver services that are nothing short of transformative for people with I/DD,” said Barbara Merrill, CEO for ANCOR. “It’s the very reason ANCOR began the DSP of the Year Awards program nearly two decades ago …”

Rosewood’s Pelster earns national award as 'Direct Support Professional'

The Barton Community College Library will host a launch party for the 2025 edition of Barton’s literary journal “Prairie Ink” from 6-7:30 p.m. April 24 in the Cavanaugh Room in the Barton Library.

The 2025 Prairie Ink publication is edited by two students, Elena Lara Sandoval and Elizabeth Leighty, and the English Department. The launch party will feature light refreshments, readings from contributors, and enlightened conversation.

English Instructor and “Prairie Ink” Editor Justin Brown welcomes all to join in this celebration of writing and creativity.

“Stories have been passed on from generation to generation both orally and in the written form,” he said. “The art defines humanity. Stories speak to us because they offer a glimpse of another’s inner world that we can relate to spiritually simply because we are also human. Lasting stories stick with us because of the emotional connections we make, forever connecting our minds with the authors’ creations.”

For more information, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:prairieink@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">prairieink@bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744296183115.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaThe Barton Community College Library will host a launch party for the 2025 edition of Barton’s literary journal “Prairie Ink” from 6-7:30 p.m. April 24 in the Cavanaugh Room in the Barton Library.The 2025 Prairie Ink publication is edited by two students, Elena Lara Sandoval and Elizabeth Leighty, and the English Department. The launch party will feature light refreshments, readings from contributors, and enlightened conversation.English Instructor and “Prairie Ink” Editor Justin Brown welcomes all to join in this celebration of writing and creativity.“Stories have been passed on from generation to generation both orally and in the written form,” he said. “The art defines humanity. Stories speak to us because they offer a glimpse of another’s inner world that we can relate to spiritually simply because we are also human. Lasting stories stick with us because of the emotional connections we make, forever connecting our minds with the authors’ creations.”For more information, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:prairieink@bartonccc.edu" target="_blank">prairieink@bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton college to host 'Prairie Ink' Journal launch party

The Shafer Art Gallery’s annual “Vortex Day” exhibit and juried art show returned this spring, featuring artwork from high school students around the area featuring over 140 pieces from Great Bend, Central Plains, Hoisington, Larned, and Chase high schools.

The Vortex Day event consists of art-centered workshops taught by Barton faculty and staff. Over seventy students attended this year. Students participated in workshops on various topics, including ceramics, drawing, and photography. They also got a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work in the gallery. The highlight is always the juried art show, where the students are recognized for their talents and given prizes. The winners this year are as follows:

First Place, Devin Davison, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility,” Central Plains Second Place, Kam Montoya, “Lemon Drop,” Central Plains Third Place, Natalie Kendall Hixson, “Bunny Surprise,” Chase

First Place, Matti Obrien, “Split Personalities,” Central Plains Second Place, Temprance Donecker, “Forged Beauty,” Larned Third Place, Harmony Demoret, “Brit the Bird,” Chase

First Place, Rylie Kaiser, “Permanent Head Cold,” Great Bend Second Place, Kendra Brasuel, “Floral Reverie,” Larned Third Place, Marleigh Johnson, “Vi,” Larned

First Place, Maggie Haas, “Untitled,” Larned Second Place, Ali Black, “Teresa,” Chase Third Place, Natalia Loera, Abigail Nelson, Diana Piedra, and Katarina Wood, “Falin,” Great Bend

First Place, Camilla McQuade, “Aquaduct,” Great Bend Second Place, Lilly Mater, “Daytime Sky,” Hoisington Third Place, Isis Obrien, “Emerge,” Central Plains

First Place, Karma Sieliet, “You Have Guts,” Central Plains Second Place, Rylie Kaiser, “Miserable and Stunning,” Great Bend Third Place, Leah Pinkston, “F4 Corsair Ready for Air,” Larned

First Place, Milla Elliot, “Here in the Forest Where Quiet Souls Roam, Treasured Dreams and Bones Find a Home,” Great Bend Second Place, Brooke Bodine, “Nose Study,” Great Bend Third Place, Ady Green, “Pursuit of Happiness,” Central Plains

First Place, Camilla McQuade, “Ryder,” Great Bend Second Place, Leah Pinkston, “George McFly: Then and Now,” Larned Third Place, Trinton Bins, “1,000 Yard Stare,” Hoisington

Brielle Torres, “Eye Study,” Great Bend

Boston Robison, “Fawn,” Central Plains

Alden Metro, “Blue Frog,” Central Plains

Kaylyn Snodgrass, “Starburst Mini Dress,” Larned

For more information, contact Shafer Art Gallery Acting Director Richard Lartz at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lartzr@bartonccc.edu">lartzr@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744296630303.jpeg" alt="Best in Show Overall, Kaylyn Snodgrass, “Starburst Mini Dress,” Larned." />
 <figcaption>Best in Show Overall, Kaylyn Snodgrass, “Starburst Mini Dress,” Larned.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaThe Shafer Art Gallery’s annual “Vortex Day” exhibit and juried art show returned this spring, featuring artwork from high school students around the area featuring over 140 pieces from Great Bend, Central Plains, Hoisington, Larned, and Chase high schools.The Vortex Day event consists of art-centered workshops taught by Barton faculty and staff. Over seventy students attended this year. Students participated in workshops on various topics, including ceramics, drawing, and photography. They also got a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work in the gallery. The highlight is always the juried art show, where the students are recognized for their talents and given prizes. The winners this year are as follows:Pottery:First Place, Devin Davison, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility,” Central Plains Second Place, Kam Montoya, “Lemon Drop,” Central Plains Third Place, Natalie Kendall Hixson, “Bunny Surprise,” ChaseSculpture:First Place, Matti Obrien, “Split Personalities,” Central Plains Second Place, Temprance Donecker, “Forged Beauty,” Larned Third Place, Harmony Demoret, “Brit the Bird,” ChaseDesign:First Place, Rylie Kaiser, “Permanent Head Cold,” Great Bend Second Place, Kendra Brasuel, “Floral Reverie,” Larned Third Place, Marleigh Johnson, “Vi,” LarnedMixed Media:First Place, Maggie Haas, “Untitled,” Larned Second Place, Ali Black, “Teresa,” Chase Third Place, Natalia Loera, Abigail Nelson, Diana Piedra, and Katarina Wood, “Falin,” Great BendPainting:First Place, Camilla McQuade, “Aquaduct,” Great Bend Second Place, Lilly Mater, “Daytime Sky,” Hoisington Third Place, Isis Obrien, “Emerge,” Central PlainsDrawing -&nbsp;Color:First Place, Karma Sieliet, “You Have Guts,” Central Plains Second Place, Rylie Kaiser, “Miserable and Stunning,” Great Bend Third Place, Leah Pinkston, “F4 Corsair Ready for Air,” LarnedDrawing -&nbsp;Grayscale:First Place, Milla Elliot, “Here in the Forest Where Quiet Souls Roam, Treasured Dreams and Bones Find a Home,” Great Bend Second Place, Brooke Bodine, “Nose Study,” Great Bend Third Place, Ady Green, “Pursuit of Happiness,” Central PlainsDrawing -&nbsp;Portrait:First Place, Camilla McQuade, “Ryder,” Great Bend Second Place, Leah Pinkston, “George McFly: Then and Now,” Larned Third Place, Trinton Bins, “1,000 Yard Stare,” HoisingtonGallery’s Choice:Brielle Torres, “Eye Study,” Great BendBest 2D:Boston Robison, “Fawn,” Central PlainsBest 3D:Alden Metro, “Blue Frog,” Central PlainsBest Overall:Kaylyn Snodgrass, “Starburst Mini Dress,” LarnedNext Year’s Poster:Maria Mata, “I See You,” Great BendFor more information, contact Shafer Art Gallery Acting Director Richard Lartz at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lartzr@bartonccc.edu">lartzr@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9342.

Larned's Snodgrass wins Barton art show with 'Starburst dress'

The Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) recently announced the recipients of the 2025&nbsp;Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Awards.

“KACEE is very pleased to honor and celebrate the work of these outstanding individuals and organizations for their amazing contributions to environmental education in Kansas,”&nbsp;said KACEE President&nbsp;Marcel Harmon.

This year, in the category of Community/Non-profit, KACEE recognized FHSU’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director, Curtis Wolf. In a press release from KACEE they noted:

Curtis Wolf, Kansas Wetlands Education Center:

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) in Great Bend has expanded its environmental education efforts despite recent staff shortages, thanks to the dedication of Director Curtis Wolf. Traditionally serving in an administrative role, Curtis has stepped in as an educator, delivering 83 programs to 1,718 participants in 2024 alone. His hands-on approach, from teaching preschoolers about plants to leading bird identification workshops, has enriched KWEC’s programming and ensured its mission continues to thrive.

Beyond the center, Curtis is a tireless advocate for Cheyenne Bottoms and Kansas wetlands. He presents to community groups, hosts a monthly radio segment, and collaborates with the City of Great Bend and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote ecotourism. As chairman of the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway Committee, he works to attract visitors to the region, furthering appreciation for Kansas’ largest marshland. He also leads birding tours, engages with conservation organizations, and mentors future environmental professionals, fostering a new generation of conservation leaders.

Curtis has been instrumental in enhancing KWEC’s exhibits, including the 2024 addition of Melody Marsh, an outdoor musical play area designed to inspire curiosity and engagement with nature. His leadership and commitment to high-quality environmental education make him a cornerstone of KWEC’s success and a deserving candidate for recognition by the Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Education.

Curtis was recognized at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Awards Celebration hosted by KACEE on Friday, April&nbsp;4, 2025,&nbsp;at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas. The event is sponsored by KACEE, the Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks, Sunset Zoo, Knork, CivicPlus, Franklin County Conservation District, In Honor of John K. Strickler,&nbsp;Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Kansas Forest Service, Bill and Erma Riley.

“I am humbled by being chosen for this award,” Wolf said.&nbsp;“I appreciate all the people who have helped me professionally and personally in the past 15 years, including family, coworkers, and other mentors.&nbsp;This award is a direct reflection of those hundreds of people.”

About the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE):&nbsp;One of the first and largest conservation and environmental education organizations in the nation, KACEE is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1969. KACEE’s mission is to accelerate environmental literacy and conservation in Kansas through non-biased, science-based environmental education. KACEE also coordinates the Kansas Green School&nbsp;Network.&nbsp;Learn more about KACEE and Kansas Green Schools at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqvpKnO4FlTECWOiELG-2FoJeI-3DDttB_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsoSc9-2BP7l6hNCsMFb6Yuc1h5NCWS1EjEA-2BCWqsCFs7iCLaitvmu6LzDnkxBfs-2BYVojib9Sdc3p2h7-2FA-2FTBhzTFkB0diMPVnALlu0EOoYXMg9c560QHoAdFaLkpYeoWM-2FVzpaRGbQFNLrEh-2FGhrmxSWgER5nXp4nuM2g3T2jMqgVQlTx4zsq3z4r5VZPhIwgRU4ynJdQ0010lGT9Y-2FvB5tjZxyKDUsN3YG04h5xgAk-2FG4lkOREnYcKGkGer5-2F59ZwD">www.kacee.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhTuyT5rYFco-2BzeR1U2x8ME9H361Q1v50Mi2Z0JbYv05Viv9_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsoSc9-2BP7l6hNCsMFb6Yuc1h5NCWS1EjEA-2BCWqsCFs7iCLaitvmu6LzDnkxBfs-2BYVojib9Sdc3p2h7-2FA-2FTBhzTFkB0diMPVnALlu0EOoYXMg9yt4YzSjVbE3sCz-2FKV09ZM0MA8tDVF9s21QwwkO4z1g1eNHFfF5TB6BtvGi4lxIkYEbuUn79i1st3P-2BjocNWiR-2BATov67fFWMV0ZpksnkBdo8wwS3hI8XJgo0YwY60uf9lUfAQbYbMdq0dnetvGPcB">www.kansasgreenschools.org</a>

About the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC):&nbsp; KWEC, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqr-2BzUPZX03qaHqghAl7aWfYCb0ZYGT550WorGsrrLEW-2B6FSX_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsoSc9-2BP7l6hNCsMFb6Yuc1h5NCWS1EjEA-2BCWqsCFs7iCLaitvmu6LzDnkxBfs-2BYVojib9Sdc3p2h7-2FA-2FTBhzTFkB0diMPVnALlu0EOoYXMg-2Fu-2Br7-2BIRwInUj0Gc48461G-2FnlBUuQv664P6WT6wNSrrMuincZnNqwY740VkTsIcvOd4w5Xx76fqdnaldu2-2BHfvkRaX-2F38T0XzQylFOZpzju4iA7VzPDBh0q588By6m86UevPZ14h4kKlInO-2B5zMyj0">www.wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744296005070.jpeg" alt="Curtis Wolf" />
 <figcaption>Curtis Wolf</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) recently announced the recipients of the 2025&nbsp;Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Awards.“KACEE is very pleased to honor and celebrate the work of these outstanding individuals and organizations for their amazing contributions to environmental education in Kansas,”&nbsp;said KACEE President&nbsp;Marcel Harmon.This year, in the category of Community/Non-profit, KACEE recognized FHSU’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director, Curtis Wolf. In a press release from KACEE they noted:Curtis Wolf, Kansas Wetlands Education Center:The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) in Great Bend has expanded its environmental education efforts despite recent staff shortages, thanks to the dedication of Director Curtis Wolf. Traditionally serving in an administrative role, Curtis has stepped in as an educator, delivering 83 programs to 1,718 participants in 2024 alone. His hands-on approach, from teaching preschoolers about plants to leading bird identification workshops, has enriched KWEC’s programming and ensured its mission continues to thrive.Beyond the center, Curtis is a tireless advocate for Cheyenne Bottoms and Kansas wetlands. He presents to community groups, hosts a monthly radio segment, and collaborates with the City of Great Bend and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote ecotourism. As chairman of the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway Committee, he works to attract visitors to the region, furthering appreciation for Kansas’ largest marshland. He also leads birding tours, engages with conservation organizations, and mentors future environmental professionals, fostering a new generation of conservation leaders.Curtis has been instrumental in enhancing KWEC’s exhibits, including the 2024 addition of Melody Marsh, an outdoor musical play area designed to inspire curiosity and engagement with nature. His leadership and commitment to high-quality environmental education make him a cornerstone of KWEC’s success and a deserving candidate for recognition by the Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Education.Curtis was recognized at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Awards Celebration hosted by KACEE on Friday, April&nbsp;4, 2025,&nbsp;at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas. The event is sponsored by KACEE, the Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks, Sunset Zoo, Knork, CivicPlus, Franklin County Conservation District, In Honor of John K. Strickler,&nbsp;Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Kansas Forest Service, Bill and Erma Riley.“I am humbled by being chosen for this award,” Wolf said.&nbsp;“I appreciate all the people who have helped me professionally and personally in the past 15 years, including family, coworkers, and other mentors.&nbsp;This award is a direct reflection of those hundreds of people.”About the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE):&nbsp;One of the first and largest conservation and environmental education organizations in the nation, KACEE is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1969. KACEE’s mission is to accelerate environmental literacy and conservation in Kansas through non-biased, science-based environmental education. KACEE also coordinates the Kansas Green School&nbsp;Network.&nbsp;Learn more about KACEE and Kansas Green Schools at:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqvpKnO4FlTECWOiELG-2FoJeI-3DDttB_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsoSc9-2BP7l6hNCsMFb6Yuc1h5NCWS1EjEA-2BCWqsCFs7iCLaitvmu6LzDnkxBfs-2BYVojib9Sdc3p2h7-2FA-2FTBhzTFkB0diMPVnALlu0EOoYXMg9c560QHoAdFaLkpYeoWM-2FVzpaRGbQFNLrEh-2FGhrmxSWgER5nXp4nuM2g3T2jMqgVQlTx4zsq3z4r5VZPhIwgRU4ynJdQ0010lGT9Y-2FvB5tjZxyKDUsN3YG04h5xgAk-2FG4lkOREnYcKGkGer5-2F59ZwD">www.kacee.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhTuyT5rYFco-2BzeR1U2x8ME9H361Q1v50Mi2Z0JbYv05Viv9_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsoSc9-2BP7l6hNCsMFb6Yuc1h5NCWS1EjEA-2BCWqsCFs7iCLaitvmu6LzDnkxBfs-2BYVojib9Sdc3p2h7-2FA-2FTBhzTFkB0diMPVnALlu0EOoYXMg9yt4YzSjVbE3sCz-2FKV09ZM0MA8tDVF9s21QwwkO4z1g1eNHFfF5TB6BtvGi4lxIkYEbuUn79i1st3P-2BjocNWiR-2BATov67fFWMV0ZpksnkBdo8wwS3hI8XJgo0YwY60uf9lUfAQbYbMdq0dnetvGPcB">www.kansasgreenschools.org</a>About the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC):&nbsp; KWEC, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. More information can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqr-2BzUPZX03qaHqghAl7aWfYCb0ZYGT550WorGsrrLEW-2B6FSX_x9osS7BzWruc2vyP0ryhjp1x1SORXKHR3ODGO-2FMcAZWcDEH5sFjG8hifz-2Fx-2FLlz0ywhQ3aSn225U2ntY8ehBVeNagO9eVdTLJp47lJyzn97NxdAPpZKCVKBkbERPShtsoSc9-2BP7l6hNCsMFb6Yuc1h5NCWS1EjEA-2BCWqsCFs7iCLaitvmu6LzDnkxBfs-2BYVojib9Sdc3p2h7-2FA-2FTBhzTFkB0diMPVnALlu0EOoYXMg-2Fu-2Br7-2BIRwInUj0Gc48461G-2FnlBUuQv664P6WT6wNSrrMuincZnNqwY740VkTsIcvOd4w5Xx76fqdnaldu2-2BHfvkRaX-2F38T0XzQylFOZpzju4iA7VzPDBh0q588By6m86UevPZ14h4kKlInO-2B5zMyj0">www.wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu</a>

Curtis Wolf: 'Humbled' by environmental education award

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Media's Dakota Tucker and Barton County 911 Director Dena Popp that aired April 10, 2025.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Media's Dakota Tucker and Barton County 911 Director Dena Popp that aired April 10, 2025.<div><iframe title="County Edition: Barton Co. 911 Director Dena Popp" 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=gcwmx-1878c66-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 County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙Post Podcast: Barton County 911 Director Dena Popp

16 months from now Kansans will vote on a state constitutional amendment that will, if passed, institute popular elections for state supreme court justices. This possibility disturbs many Kansans, and it’s worth trying to understand why.

Today, Kansas has a mostly merit-based system for choosing supreme court justices; while the governor makes the appointment, they are required to choose from list of candidates prepared by a non-partisan committee of lawyers. It’s a fairly unique process, though some other states also take a similarly mixed approach to the filling of state judicial positions.

The idea of shifting to straightforward competitive elections for choosing justices is hardly unknown, however; 21 states have that system (which was also the selection process for judges that Thomas Jefferson preferred, for whatever that’s worth). So what is the fear?

Most say they’re concerned that judicial elections would result in huge amounts of money flowing into Kansas to influence voters one way or another, as was the case recently in Wisconsin, where over $100 million was spent in the last Supreme Court election. The focus here is on the profound inequality and potential corruption which comes along with such expensive political races. These elements of contemporary politics are especially inappropriate for the judicial system, or so the argument goes, since it needs to stand as a neutral, non-partisan arbiter of constitutional disputes.

The first part of that fear of indisputably true; while direct connections between large campaign donations and quid-pro-quo-type corruption are rare, the reality of money’s indirect influence on the choices which elected leaders make is all but impossible to deny. But that said, I don’t know if the second part of that concern matters as much as some believe.

Basically, I’m dubious that the judicial branches of our state governments (much like the federal judiciary) have ever been or could ever be the entirely “neutral, non-partisan arbiters” of the law that many want to believe them to be. It’s not as though Governor Kelly, when there was a vacancy of the Kansas Supreme Court, didn’t carefully investigate the suggested nominees, so as to avoid choosing someone ideologically committed to an agenda she opposed.

Which I think points to the real problem with adopting judicial elections in our current environment of essentially unregulated campaign money. Put frankly: who are the sorts of people who are going to want to serve in the highest levels of our state’s judicial system if doing so will require extensive commitments to raising money and campaigning? Obviously, it’s more likely to appeal to those who, like most politicians generally, desire to promote specific political and legal agendas. So the result of electing justices may not be a corrupting of the judiciary, but rather simply making more obvious the political biases that everyone involved already possesses.

Maintaining a constitutional place for unelected judges in a democratic republic is no easy feat. There needs to be a role for public input; leaving justices entirely unaccountable to those whom their decisions affect is, I think, a sure recipe for discontent. But on the other hand, inviting people entirely committed to their political agendas to put themselves forward as the judicial candidates we choose from could undermine the dispositions upon which the courts’ legitimacy depends. In Kansas, state judges are already subject to retention votes, though they are almost never removed for that reason. Perhaps taking more seriously that aspect of the judicial selection process—by, for example, imposing term limits—could make for a more balanced reform of the system, rather than replacing it entirely?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="written by:&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox - politics teacher at Friends University in Wichita, KS" />
 <figcaption>written by:&nbsp;Dr. Russell Arben Fox - politics teacher at Friends University in Wichita, KS</figcaption>
 </figure>16 months from now Kansans will vote on a state constitutional amendment that will, if passed, institute popular elections for state supreme court justices. This possibility disturbs many Kansans, and it’s worth trying to understand why.Today, Kansas has a mostly merit-based system for choosing supreme court justices; while the governor makes the appointment, they are required to choose from list of candidates prepared by a non-partisan committee of lawyers. It’s a fairly unique process, though some other states also take a similarly mixed approach to the filling of state judicial positions.The idea of shifting to straightforward competitive elections for choosing justices is hardly unknown, however; 21 states have that system (which was also the selection process for judges that Thomas Jefferson preferred, for whatever that’s worth). So what is the fear?Most say they’re concerned that judicial elections would result in huge amounts of money flowing into Kansas to influence voters one way or another, as was the case recently in Wisconsin, where over $100 million was spent in the last Supreme Court election. The focus here is on the profound inequality and potential corruption which comes along with such expensive political races. These elements of contemporary politics are especially inappropriate for the judicial system, or so the argument goes, since it needs to stand as a neutral, non-partisan arbiter of constitutional disputes.The first part of that fear of indisputably true; while direct connections between large campaign donations and quid-pro-quo-type corruption are rare, the reality of money’s indirect influence on the choices which elected leaders make is all but impossible to deny. But that said, I don’t know if the second part of that concern matters as much as some believe.Basically, I’m dubious that the judicial branches of our state governments (much like the federal judiciary) have ever been or could ever be the entirely “neutral, non-partisan arbiters” of the law that many want to believe them to be. It’s not as though Governor Kelly, when there was a vacancy of the Kansas Supreme Court, didn’t carefully investigate the suggested nominees, so as to avoid choosing someone ideologically committed to an agenda she opposed.Which I think points to the real problem with adopting judicial elections in our current environment of essentially unregulated campaign money. Put frankly: who are the sorts of people who are going to want to serve in the highest levels of our state’s judicial system if doing so will require extensive commitments to raising money and campaigning? Obviously, it’s more likely to appeal to those who, like most politicians generally, desire to promote specific political and legal agendas. So the result of electing justices may not be a corrupting of the judiciary, but rather simply making more obvious the political biases that everyone involved already possesses.Maintaining a constitutional place for unelected judges in a democratic republic is no easy feat. There needs to be a role for public input; leaving justices entirely unaccountable to those whom their decisions affect is, I think, a sure recipe for discontent. But on the other hand, inviting people entirely committed to their political agendas to put themselves forward as the judicial candidates we choose from could undermine the dispositions upon which the courts’ legitimacy depends. In Kansas, state judges are already subject to retention votes, though they are almost never removed for that reason. Perhaps taking more seriously that aspect of the judicial selection process—by, for example, imposing term limits—could make for a more balanced reform of the system, rather than replacing it entirely?

Insight Kansas: What’s the real problem with electing justices?

The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation has scheduled back-to-back events to share information about expanded services, while introducing the community to the non-profit agency’s new downtown Great Bend location, 2015 16th.

The Center will host the Thursday, May 1 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee and an open house at the former BMI building. The Coffee begins at 9 a.m. and The Center’s presentation starts 30 minutes later.

The open house will last until noon; tours and refreshments will be available. Those who attend will have the chance to ask questions.

“We want to take this wonderful opportunity to inform everyone about our expanded services and outreach efforts,” said Wendy Lockwood, executive director. “It will be a great time to explain who we are and what we do for clients and their families.

“As we offer more services and programs, the community can be assured that we focus on quality care and are good stewards of local, state and federal tax dollars,” she added. “We take quality and fiscal responsibilities very seriously.”

The main reason for The Center’s growth is that it is now a licensed Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. A CCBHC is a multi-disciplinary program that offers a holistic approach to serving clients.

“We continue to provide a variety of therapies but we also support people with their housing and employment issues,” Lockwood explained. “In addition, we offer medication-assisted treatment and have specialized services for veterans of the armed forces. It is all about caring for the whole person.

“This holistic approach requires more staff and we are actively recruiting new personnel. A larger staff and the expansion to the new building allows us to deliver the full array of behavioral-health care to meet the community’s needs.”

The downtown building will be home to the administrative staff, human resources, information technology, training and onboarding.

Approximately 20 people will work there. The remaining space is for specialized staff training in crisis intervention, evidenced-based practices, CPR and first aid. There also is room for additional continuing-education programs.

The other former BMI building at 19th and Washington allows an expansion of psychosocial-group services.

“Since one priority is to keep our clinical teams integrated as much as possible, we decided to move the administrative functions to a different location,” Lockwood summarized. “This makes space for enhanced clinical teams that offer comprehensive, coordinated care at our 5815 Broadway location.”

The Center retains locations at 5501 10th, home of Community Support Services, and 1225 Patton where staff provides case-management services for children. It also has offices in Lyons, Larned and Stafford.

The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744295663866.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>BUSINESS NEWSThe Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation has scheduled back-to-back events to share information about expanded services, while introducing the community to the non-profit agency’s new downtown Great Bend location, 2015 16th.The Center will host the Thursday, May 1 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee and an open house at the former BMI building. The Coffee begins at 9 a.m. and The Center’s presentation starts 30 minutes later.The open house will last until noon; tours and refreshments will be available. Those who attend will have the chance to ask questions.“We want to take this wonderful opportunity to inform everyone about our expanded services and outreach efforts,” said Wendy Lockwood, executive director. “It will be a great time to explain who we are and what we do for clients and their families.“As we offer more services and programs, the community can be assured that we focus on quality care and are good stewards of local, state and federal tax dollars,” she added. “We take quality and fiscal responsibilities very seriously.”The main reason for The Center’s growth is that it is now a licensed Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. A CCBHC is a multi-disciplinary program that offers a holistic approach to serving clients.“We continue to provide a variety of therapies but we also support people with their housing and employment issues,” Lockwood explained. “In addition, we offer medication-assisted treatment and have specialized services for veterans of the armed forces. It is all about caring for the whole person.“This holistic approach requires more staff and we are actively recruiting new personnel. A larger staff and the expansion to the new building allows us to deliver the full array of behavioral-health care to meet the community’s needs.”The downtown building will be home to the administrative staff, human resources, information technology, training and onboarding.Approximately 20 people will work there. The remaining space is for specialized staff training in crisis intervention, evidenced-based practices, CPR and first aid. There also is room for additional continuing-education programs.The other former BMI building at 19th and Washington allows an expansion of psychosocial-group services.“Since one priority is to keep our clinical teams integrated as much as possible, we decided to move the administrative functions to a different location,” Lockwood summarized. “This makes space for enhanced clinical teams that offer comprehensive, coordinated care at our 5815 Broadway location.”The Center retains locations at 5501 10th, home of Community Support Services, and 1225 Patton where staff provides case-management services for children. It also has offices in Lyons, Larned and Stafford.The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.

The Center to host Great Bend Chamber Coffee, open house

Students taking lessons via Barton’s Community Music School will host a recital at 3 p.m. May. 3 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building. The recital is free and open to the public.

The recital will feature piano performances, which were taught this semester by music education majors Ella McNett of Larned and Jillian George of El Dorado.&nbsp; Selections in the program will include teacher-student duets from their textbooks and other solo performances that students worked on throughout the semester.

&nbsp;Avila started the Community Music School Program in the fall semester for pianists aged 6-18. Each child enrolled in the program is paired with a Barton student who will provide one-on-one piano lessons. This non-credit offering allows parents to give their children access to quality music education while also contributing to the academic success of Barton students. The tuition, which starts at $15 for a 30-minute lesson, will go directly back to the student in the form of a scholarship. Longer lessons are also offered, and family discounts are available if more than one child enrolls.

“The Community Music School is a win-win for everyone involved,” he said. “Not only do the children receive valuable piano lessons, but the tuition they pay goes directly towards scholarships for the college students, helping to support their education and future careers in music.”

The program is now accepting students for the Fall 2025 semester. Enrollment is limited and will go until the end of August for the Fall semester. For more information on options and pricing, visit shows.bartonccc.edu. To register, contact Dr. Avila at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilaal@bartonccc.edu">avilaal@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9384.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744295539227.jpeg" alt="Barton Community Music School Director Dr. Alejandro Avila plays alongside a Barton Community Music School student during the fall recital." />
 <figcaption>Barton Community Music School Director Dr. Alejandro Avila plays alongside a Barton Community Music School student during the fall recital.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Joe VinduskaStudents taking lessons via Barton’s Community Music School will host a recital at 3 p.m. May. 3 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building. The recital is free and open to the public.The recital will feature piano performances, which were taught this semester by music education majors Ella McNett of Larned and Jillian George of El Dorado.&nbsp; Selections in the program will include teacher-student duets from their textbooks and other solo performances that students worked on throughout the semester.&nbsp;Avila started the Community Music School Program in the fall semester for pianists aged 6-18. Each child enrolled in the program is paired with a Barton student who will provide one-on-one piano lessons. This non-credit offering allows parents to give their children access to quality music education while also contributing to the academic success of Barton students. The tuition, which starts at $15 for a 30-minute lesson, will go directly back to the student in the form of a scholarship. Longer lessons are also offered, and family discounts are available if more than one child enrolls.“The Community Music School is a win-win for everyone involved,” he said. “Not only do the children receive valuable piano lessons, but the tuition they pay goes directly towards scholarships for the college students, helping to support their education and future careers in music.”The program is now accepting students for the Fall 2025 semester. Enrollment is limited and will go until the end of August for the Fall semester. For more information on options and pricing, visit shows.bartonccc.edu. To register, contact Dr. Avila at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:avilaal@bartonccc.edu">avilaal@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9384.

Barton’s Community Music School students to present recital

In honor of Archeology Month, Kansas State Historical Society Project and Outreach Archeologist Paige Bump is hosting programs across Kansas to generate interest in the field and broaden understanding of artifacts. The Barton County Historical Society will host this event Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Ray Schulz Library, 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discover answers to these questions and more:

Attendees are invited to bring their collections to these events; Bump will identify prehistoric and historic artifacts on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of five to 10 items will be examined per household.&nbsp;No appraisals will be made.

Admission is free for Barton County Historical Society members and those under 16, all others will be admitted for $5 at the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memberships are available for purchase at the door. The Barton County Historical Society hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744295447196.png" alt="Paige Bump" />
 <figcaption>Paige Bump</figcaption>
 </figure>In honor of Archeology Month, Kansas State Historical Society Project and Outreach Archeologist Paige Bump is hosting programs across Kansas to generate interest in the field and broaden understanding of artifacts. The Barton County Historical Society will host this event Monday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Ray Schulz Library, 85 S. Hwy. 281, Great Bend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discover answers to these questions and more:<ul>
 <li>What are artifacts and why are they important?</li><li>What types of artifacts are commonly found in my area?</li><li>What should I do if I come across a prehistoric or historic item?</li><li>Would this object be considered an artifact?</li><li>Can you date it, explain its origin, and describe its use?</li>
 </ul>Attendees are invited to bring their collections to these events; Bump will identify prehistoric and historic artifacts on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of five to 10 items will be examined per household.&nbsp;No appraisals will be made.Admission is free for Barton County Historical Society members and those under 16, all others will be admitted for $5 at the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memberships are available for purchase at the door. The Barton County Historical Society hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

Ask an archeologist in Barton Co.: Identifying & preserving artifacts

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2de5ce1-5e3a-4878-b6b3-db097ca114ed">Man arrested in Great Bend for stalking &amp; intimidation</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a40f0099-f68c-485d-998f-7e500d024f1e">Demolition of SRCA Dragstrip to start soon, part of rebuild</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/800c2770-9336-42db-8fd9-c5ba1e510637">Hoisington school district narrowing down superintendent finalists</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5ea66c1e-08a7-4c41-9e88-0677bb44865d">Hoisington church relocated to Barton Co. event center venue</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744218088588.jpeg" alt="The Immanuel Lutheran Church, just south of Hoisington, was transported to the Corinthians Hill Event Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2025." />
 <figcaption>The Immanuel Lutheran Church, just south of Hoisington, was transported to the Corinthians Hill Event Center on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2076605864&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/ddb15035-978b-419c-8b89-3496f45b3763" title="News Week in Review" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">News Week in Review</a></div></div><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2de5ce1-5e3a-4878-b6b3-db097ca114ed">Man arrested in Great Bend for stalking &amp; intimidation</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a40f0099-f68c-485d-998f-7e500d024f1e">Demolition of SRCA Dragstrip to start soon, part of rebuild</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/800c2770-9336-42db-8fd9-c5ba1e510637">Hoisington school district narrowing down superintendent finalists</a><a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5ea66c1e-08a7-4c41-9e88-0677bb44865d">Hoisington church relocated to Barton Co. event center venue</a>

Eagle Media's news week in review

The Eagle Media staff in Great Bend made another visit to an elementary school
this week to award a Make a Difference winner. Barton County grade school
students were given a chance to fill out a form this year stating how they make
a difference in the world around them. 

This month’s winner was Central Kansas
Christian Academy 5th grader Grady Weber.


"I make a difference by helping with chores at my house and teaching kids to be respectful, responsible and safe, which is the Warrior way," said Weber.

New winners are drawn each month through the school year. Weber’s teacher Lisa Beckwith
said Grady is a delight to have in the classroom.


"Grady is a very good student," said Beckwith. "He does exactly what he says. He's respectful and does what he's supposed to. He treats his friends with kindness. He's a great student to have in the classroom."

Weber receives a $100 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce certificate and his
teacher, Beckwith, receives $100 as well. The winning student is also featured on a radio news broadcast.

This year's contest is powered by the following sponsors:

Medical Park Pharmacy, Mayo Money Management, Hazmat Response, Protective Equipment Testing Lab, R&amp;R Roofing, Freedom Claims Management, Inc., Rosencrantz-Bemis Water Well Company, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Miller Plastics/Miller Warehouse, Nex-Tech Wireless, USD #431 Hoisington, Great Bend Redi Mix, Heavy Duty Diesel &amp; Auto, USD #428 Great Bend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744301099292.jpeg" alt="Grady Weber, a 5th grader at Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend, was chosen as this month's Eagle Media Make a Difference winner. Weber, and his teacher Lisa Beckwith, received $100 certificates.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Grady Weber, a 5th grader at Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend, was chosen as this month's Eagle Media Make a Difference winner. Weber, and his teacher Lisa Beckwith, received $100 certificates.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostThe Eagle Media staff in Great Bend made another visit to an elementary school
this week to award a Make a Difference winner. Barton County grade school
students were given a chance to fill out a form this year stating how they make
a difference in the world around them. This month’s winner was Central Kansas
Christian Academy 5th grader Grady Weber.
"I make a difference by helping with chores at my house and teaching kids to be respectful, responsible and safe, which is the Warrior way," said Weber.New winners are drawn each month through the school year. Weber’s teacher Lisa Beckwith
said Grady is a delight to have in the classroom.
"Grady is a very good student," said Beckwith. "He does exactly what he says. He's respectful and does what he's supposed to. He treats his friends with kindness. He's a great student to have in the classroom."Weber receives a $100 Great Bend Chamber of Commerce certificate and his
teacher, Beckwith, receives $100 as well. The winning student is also featured on a radio news broadcast.This year's contest is powered by the following sponsors:Medical Park Pharmacy, Mayo Money Management, Hazmat Response, Protective Equipment Testing Lab, R&amp;R Roofing, Freedom Claims Management, Inc., Rosencrantz-Bemis Water Well Company, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Miller Plastics/Miller Warehouse, Nex-Tech Wireless, USD #431 Hoisington, Great Bend Redi Mix, Heavy Duty Diesel &amp; Auto, USD #428 Great Bend.

CKCA’s Grady Weber is this month’s Make a Difference winner

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 14 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 72.

Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 84. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 14 to 18 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.Monday Partly sunny, with a high near 66.Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 72.Tuesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.Wednesday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Breezy.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.Thursday Sunny, with a high near 75.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Weekend weather

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mack truck driven by Todd Alan&nbsp;Westphal, 50, Hoisington, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles east of the Oakley exit in the road construction zone.&nbsp; The vehicle rear-ended a stationary milling machine operated by Caden Wilson&nbsp;McGee, 20, Great Bend.

After impact the truck traveled off the roadway to the left, crossed the median, both westbound lanes and overturned onto the passenger side in the east ditch.

EMS transported&nbsp;McGee and&nbsp;Westphal to the Logan County Hospital. Westphal was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

THOMAS COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Thomas County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mack truck driven by Todd Alan&nbsp;Westphal, 50, Hoisington, was eastbound on Interstate 70 approximately four miles east of the Oakley exit in the road construction zone.&nbsp; The vehicle rear-ended a stationary milling machine operated by Caden Wilson&nbsp;McGee, 20, Great Bend.After impact the truck traveled off the roadway to the left, crossed the median, both westbound lanes and overturned onto the passenger side in the east ditch.EMS transported&nbsp;McGee and&nbsp;Westphal to the Logan County Hospital. Westphal was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

2 from Barton Co. hospitalized after truck rear-ends milling machine

The Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) announced the retirement of Ernie Neinke. Neinke spent five years working at ECF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744293509370.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Ellsworth Correctional Facility (ECF) announced the retirement of Ernie Neinke. Neinke spent five years working at ECF.

Neinke retires from Ellsworth Correctional Facility

Great Bend city crews will begin working in the area of McKinley Street and 6th Street on a damaged area of asphalt on the outside lanes for northbound traffic of McKinley. 

Northbound traffic will be directed to the inside lanes at the intersection. Access will still be possible on 6th Street as the city will have half of the intersection shut down at a time.

Please be attentive as crews work in these areas. The city apologizes 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, at 620-793-4150.

Great Bend city crews will begin working in the area of McKinley Street and 6th Street on a damaged area of asphalt on the outside lanes for northbound traffic of McKinley. Northbound traffic will be directed to the inside lanes at the intersection. Access will still be possible on 6th Street as the city will have half of the intersection shut down at a time.Please be attentive as crews work in these areas. The city apologizes 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, at 620-793-4150.

Great Bend to begin street work at McKinley & 6th Street

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced this week that 200 Kansas high school seniors have earned the recognition as 2025 Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.

The announcement was made during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8, in Topeka.

The Kansas CTE Scholar&nbsp;<a>program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded, outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school.&nbsp;</a>The first Kansas CTE Scholars were named in 2017.

To be named a CTE Scholar, a student must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria:

A&nbsp;minimum&nbsp;of&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;technical&nbsp;skill&nbsp;attainment&nbsp;options&nbsp;must&nbsp;be&nbsp;earned&nbsp;and&nbsp;verified:

CTE scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate, graduation honor cord and statewide recognition.

The 2025 local Kansas CTE Scholars are the following:

Maggie Scott Bohl, Ellsworth USD 327 - Comprehensive Agriculture Science

Connor Wiley, Stafford USD 349 - Programming and Software Development

Devin W. Murrow, Macksville USD 351 - Teaching/Training

William Miller, Lyons USD 405 - Comprehensive Agriculture Science

James W. Seeman, Fort Larned USD 495 - Power, Structural and Technical Systems

Breanna Mowdy, Central Plains USD 112 - Early Childhood Development and Services

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced this week that 200 Kansas high school seniors have earned the recognition as 2025 Kansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Scholars.The announcement was made during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 8, in Topeka.The Kansas CTE Scholar&nbsp;<a>program is an opportunity to recognize well-rounded, outstanding CTE students who are finishing their senior year of high school.&nbsp;</a>The first Kansas CTE Scholars were named in 2017.To be named a CTE Scholar, a student must be a high school senior and meet the following criteria:<ul>
 <li>Have completed (or upon successful completion of current course enrollment) a minimum of three CTE credits with at least two of the three credits above introductory level. Earned credits must be in one pathway.</li><li>Have a CTE grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better in CTE coursework.</li><li>Be involved in civic engagement leadership, which refers to a student selecting an issue of concern and providing leadership through project-based actions to improve the community, state or nation; or have a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer experience. A letter of validation is required for civic engagement leadership, and documentation of 40 hours with an adult signature is required for community service.</li>
 </ul>Technical Skill AttainmentA&nbsp;minimum&nbsp;of&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;following&nbsp;technical&nbsp;skill&nbsp;attainment&nbsp;options&nbsp;must&nbsp;be&nbsp;earned&nbsp;and&nbsp;verified:<ul>
 <li>Earned&nbsp;an&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;pathway&nbsp;(aligned&nbsp;with&nbsp;pathway&nbsp;selected)&nbsp;assessment/certiﬁcation&nbsp;for&nbsp;completer&nbsp;status&nbsp;(industry-&nbsp;recognized certiﬁcation or a passing score on a third-party, end-of- pathway assessment) recorded on the K-PAC (Kansas Pathway Assessments, Credentials or Certiﬁcations) columns eight (8) and nine (9).</li><li>Earned&nbsp;an&nbsp;Excel&nbsp;in&nbsp;CTE&nbsp;Qualifying&nbsp;Recognized&nbsp;Credential&nbsp;aligned&nbsp;to&nbsp;the Pathway selected.</li><li>Earned nine (9) + college hours leading to completion of a certiﬁcate, or post-secondary&nbsp;program&nbsp;aligned&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pathway's&nbsp;Program&nbsp;of&nbsp;Study&nbsp;that was selected.</li><li>Completed a high-quality work-based learning career preparation experience,&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Work-Based&nbsp;Learning&nbsp;Continuum,&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pathway selected deﬁned in Kansas Work-Based Learning: Personalized Learning Plan Guidance Document.</li>
 </ul>CTE scholars receive a commemorative pin, special certificate, graduation honor cord and statewide recognition.The 2025 local Kansas CTE Scholars are the following:Maggie Scott Bohl, Ellsworth USD 327 - Comprehensive Agriculture ScienceConnor Wiley, Stafford USD 349 - Programming and Software DevelopmentDevin W. Murrow, Macksville USD 351 - Teaching/TrainingWilliam Miller, Lyons USD 405 - Comprehensive Agriculture ScienceJames W. Seeman, Fort Larned USD 495 - Power, Structural and Technical SystemsBreanna Mowdy, Central Plains USD 112 - Early Childhood Development and Services

State Board honors local high school seniors during April meeting

Bring your flashlights and join the Great Bend Rec for a Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 3-12 will hunt over 10,000 eggs at the Great Bend Sports Complex. The hunt will be divided by age brackets, with the 9-12-year-olds hunting for camouflaged black eggs. Gates open at 8:45 p.m. and the hunt starts promptly at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Great Bend Sports Complex, so don’t be late. Stay after the hunt as we light up the sky with a firework celebration. The firework show will start immediately following the hunt.

Pre-Registration is available by calling (620) 793-3755 ext. 110 or online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/">www.greatbendrec.com</a>. A fee of $5.00 per child will be collected.

For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/">www.greatbendrec.com</a>, visit our Facebook page, or call the Recreation Commission office at 620-793-3755 ext. 110.

Join the Great Bend Rec for a fantastic PAWesome Easter Egg Hunt for your four-legged canine friends. The event will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Veteran’s Memorial Park next to the Dog Park.

Easter eggs will have pet-friendly treats inside of them or vouchers for larger prizes. The hunt will be divided into 2-sections, Small Dog Breed Hunt and Large Dog Breed Hunt. For everyone’s safety, all dogs must always be on a leash.

Registration for the event begins at 1:00 p.m. and the egg hunt will begin at 1:15 p.m. A fee of $5.00 per dog will be collected and proceeds will go to improvements at the dog park.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/">www.greatbendrec.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Recreation Commission office at 620-793-3755 ext. 110.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744204164363.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Bring your flashlights and join the Great Bend Rec for a Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 3-12 will hunt over 10,000 eggs at the Great Bend Sports Complex. The hunt will be divided by age brackets, with the 9-12-year-olds hunting for camouflaged black eggs. Gates open at 8:45 p.m. and the hunt starts promptly at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Great Bend Sports Complex, so don’t be late. Stay after the hunt as we light up the sky with a firework celebration. The firework show will start immediately following the hunt.Pre-Registration is available by calling (620) 793-3755 ext. 110 or online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/">www.greatbendrec.com</a>. A fee of $5.00 per child will be collected.For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/">www.greatbendrec.com</a>, visit our Facebook page, or call the Recreation Commission office at 620-793-3755 ext. 110.---Join the Great Bend Rec for a fantastic PAWesome Easter Egg Hunt for your four-legged canine friends. The event will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Veteran’s Memorial Park next to the Dog Park.Easter eggs will have pet-friendly treats inside of them or vouchers for larger prizes. The hunt will be divided into 2-sections, Small Dog Breed Hunt and Large Dog Breed Hunt. For everyone’s safety, all dogs must always be on a leash.Registration for the event begins at 1:00 p.m. and the egg hunt will begin at 1:15 p.m. A fee of $5.00 per dog will be collected and proceeds will go to improvements at the dog park.In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/">www.greatbendrec.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Recreation Commission office at 620-793-3755 ext. 110.

Rescheduled Easter egg hunts through Great Bend Rec this Saturday

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744306301505.jpeg" alt="Gary Sechrist, with the Kansas Association of School Boards, presented to the Hoisington Board of Education on Monday, April 7, 2025." />
 <figcaption>Gary Sechrist, with the Kansas Association of School Boards, presented to the Hoisington Board of Education on Monday, April 7, 2025.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Hoisington school district publicly announced Superintendent Patrick
Crowdis’ resignation this past March and that the search of a new
superintendent was underway. The Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) was
hired by USD 431 to assist with finding candidates and the hiring process. KASB
Field Specialist Gary Sechrist visited with the Hoisington school board Monday
outlining feedback from faculty and staff and what they deem as important
characteristics of a superintendent.
"The teaching staff noted they would really like to have their teacher aides and paras have a fair wage so they can draw the best and keep them in the job," said Sechrist. "They want that rather than them quitting to go work at Dairy Queen because they can work 12 months out of the year as opposed to 10 months. So that was good to hear certified staff go to bat for the classified. I also know that the school board is not in charge of para salaries because of the co-op. "Focus groups polled noted an effective communicator and someone involved in the
community as significant traits.
With the application deadline past, Sechrist will begin narrowing down
candidates and present finalists to the school board on Monday, April 14. The school
district has interviews and tours set up for the finalists on Tuesday, April 15 and
Wednesday, April 16.
"If you haven't thought about a salary range, what has happened in the past is boards get really excited and they offer more than they ever imagined they would. They kind of have buyer's remorse. If you thought about it before, you would have had time to think about it and make the offer you were comfortable with."Sechrist said out of 286 school districts in Kansas, Hoisington ranks 115th in enrollment size. The current superintendent salary ranks 162nd in the state.A “meet and greet” is scheduled for the public to interact with the superintendent
finalists on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hoisington High
School commons area.
Crowdis resigned after five years with USD 431 to accept a position with the
Dodge City school district.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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