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LATEST NEWS
Barton Co. Health Dept. asking public to complete mental health survey
One goal of the Barton County Health Department is determining the needs of county residents and assessing whether or not those needs are being met by area healthcare providers. Mental health remains one of the largest problem areas. Katelyn Sigler, public health educator at the health department, said that's less about resources and more about the public not knowing about those resources. A new suicide prevention survey is aimed at raising awareness about those resources.
Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (7/22)
BOOKED: Judy Goodman on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Domestic Violence-Battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S. BOOKED: Derrick Pitzer on Barton County District Court case for Child Abuse, bond set at $100,000 C/S. BOOKED: Leonard Demel on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at...
Barton Co. approves $18K for bulk mailing of revenue neutral notices
Three years ago, the Kansas legislature passed its revenue-neutral laws to increase transparency regarding property taxes and tax rates. Unfortunately, the legislation has carried a price tag. Each taxing entity that announces an intent to exceed revenue neutral, or collect more tax dollars than it did the year before, must notify the public. At Tuesday's Barton County Commission meeting, County Clerk Bev Schmeidler sought approval on a bid to mail out those notices at a cost exceeding $17,000.
Stafford library receives another round of funding with Heritage grant
Every community has its center - that place where everything seems to happen. In Great Bend, it's the Barton County Courthouse and Jack Kilby Square. In Stafford, it's the Nora E. Larabee Memorial Library. The library recently received a second Heritage Trust Fund grant from the Kansas Historical Society. Library Board Member Shelly Brensing said the grants have been invaluable in preserving the facility.
Barton ranked #2 in the nation for best athletic department
Mark it seven straight years that Barton Community College has finished as one of the top three most successful athletic programs in the country. The National Alliance of Two Year College Athletics Administrators (NATYCAA) judges all community colleges across the country on how their teams finish at national competitions. Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs said the Cougars athletic department finished second in the nation for the 2023-2024 school year.
Four Cougars earn national scholar of the year awards
Four student-athletes from Barton Community College received Academic Scholars of the Year by their respective sport organizations for the 2023-24 academic year. Nicolas Galanis, Head Coach Rafael Simmons, and Lucas Constante at the 2023 USC ConventionLucas Constante of the men's soccer team was recognized this past January in Anaheim, California, by the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Junior College National Scholar Player of the Year with teammate Nicolas Galanis earning 2nd team national recognition.
Barton County Clerk candidates answer questions at political forum
Early voting has already started for the Aug. 6 primary election. Thursday evening, several local candidates attended a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters - Barton County at the Great Bend Senior Center. Two candidates are vying for the Barton County Clerk position. Candidates were given two questions ahead of the forum. The second question for clerk candidates pertained to how their office reaches out to new voters. Incumbent Bev Schmeidler listed the various locations in Barton County where citizens can register to vote and said Great Bend High School classes and the DMV can also be helpful.
Parr challenging Krom-Craven in contested Great Bend council race
For the Great Bend City Council, there is one contested race that will be decided in the election this fall. Incumbents Kevyn Soupiset, Davis Jimenez and Tina Mingenback are all running uncontested races. In Ward 1, incumbent Lindsey Krom-Craven has a challenger in Gary Parr. Parr virtually attended last week’s...
New fencing, sidewalks around lion exhibit at Great Bend zoo
In 2017, a pair of female lions were brought to the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo to be companions for Luke, the male lion. For years, zookeepers tried to peacefully introduce the lions to each other to share the exhibit. In 2021, an aggressive interaction led the zoo staff to keep them separated and take turns on which animals were out in the yard.
Numbers down, Great Bend considering ending June Jaunt
When last year’s attendance numbers were down for Great Bend’s June Jaunt festival, the rain and storms had an impact on the outdoor event at Jack Kilby Square. When numbers were again down this year with good weather forecasts, city officials began reconsidering the efforts to host the festival.
One-day event for free school sports physicals in Great Bend
The University of Kansas Health System, in collaboration with USD 428, will offer free school sports physicals for the 2024-2025 school year for area middle and high school students. Free sports physicals for middle and high school students will be provided at a single event on a walk-in basis only.
Barton college approves 5% increase to salary budget for 2025
As discussed at this month’s study session, the Barton Community College Board of Trustees approved an operational budget and published budget for the 2025 fiscal year at Monday’s regular meeting. The budget remains revenue neutral, keeping collected tax dollars the same as the year prior, estimated to garner $9,574,623 in taxes.
Kansas nursing homes say they can’t afford more staff. Advocates say it’s crucial.
The call came late on a cold night in February, from the Overland Park nursing home where Georann Whitman’s mom was living. “They said that they found her on the floor,” Whitman said. “She had gotten up in the middle of the night, and had fallen.” Whitman’s 86-year-old mom, Ann Collins, had dementia. She...
Kansas Braces for High Heat and Dry Conditions, Possible Storms Saturday
Wichita, KS – Kansas residents should prepare for scorching temperatures and dry conditions this week. The National Weather Service in Wichita predicts highs in the 90s, potentially reaching near 100 degrees next week. A slight chance of storms (20%) is expected Saturday in southeast Kansas. According to the National...
Sorghum U / Wheat U Event Planned
An education event for wheat and sorghum producers is planned. According to the Kansas Wheat organization, you can take a break from the Kansas heat and join Kansas Wheat at High Plains Journal’s Sorghum U/Wheat U event on Tuesday, August 13, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Wichita. “Kansas...
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