By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Ryan Lichter puts on a new hat every once in a while. A supervisor with the 20th Judicial District’s Juvenile Services, Lichter recently went through the process of purchasing a new vehicle for the organization that serves five counties in Central Kansas. Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee presented the proposal to Barton County Commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting.
“We were fortunate to get seven local bids, one out-of-state bid, and with that, Ryan also did the heavy lift of test-driving the cars to make sure it was going to be something that was feasible for our needs and the populations we serve,” she said.
The proposal for bids was released May 6 with a May 18 deadline. Staff settled on a 2026 Chevy Traverse. Woodmansee said there were already funds allocated for a purchase in the budget, and the purchase of this new vehicle will bring the fleet back down to four vehicles from its current five. The new wheels will give staff plenty of space and options when moving around the large coverage area.
“We like to maintain a certain threshold because we are transporting other people’s children,” Woodmansee said. “When we’re doing that, we need to have vehicles that are up to date, current, and reliable.”
With the trade of two vehicles, the commission approved the bid from Marmie Chevrolet GMC in Great Bend for $21,819.