By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Three years ago, seemingly opposite sides of the Great Bend community gathered together at Veterans Memorial Park for the first United on the Diamond softball game. Members of Oxford House Chapter 16 played against area first responders, including members of the Great Bend Police Department, Barton County Sheriff's Office, and Great Bend Fire Department. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, Commission Chair Barb Esfeld reminded the public of the upcoming fourth rendition of the event.
"They decided several years ago, the Oxford House, was talking about a way they could come together with the police, fire department, and sheriff's office, and said, for so many years we were at odds," Esfeld said. "Now, we're together and we can be."
So far, it's been a lot of "I fought the law and the law won" playing as the first responders collect their trophies. Guns and Hoses are 3-0 against the Oxford House, including a 36-14 win in the first game. For the first time ever, the game will be played at the Great Bend Sports Complex at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. United on the Diamond will include food and prizes to be won via a raffle. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will help members of the local Oxford House attend the Oxford House World Convention in Orlando, Fla. later this fall.
Anyone wishing to purchase raffle tickets can reach Esfeld at (785) 483-1384, or email at barb.esfeld6565@gmail.com.