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Politics
United Way of Central Kansas operating from new Great Bend location
United Way of Central Kansas has not changed its mission, just its location. At the end of April, the non-profit moved from its Williams Street office in Great Bend to its new location at 2000 Washington Ave. Director Charell Owings said the move has been a good one. "We were...
Parade, theatrical play added to Great Bend’s June Jaunt
Most folks in Great Bend are familiar with the June Jaunt festival. Next weekend’s festival will mark the 13th year for the event. Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes’ job is to mix up the features and bring a new variety of entertainment each year. The biggest change...
Great Bend receives $58K grant for Innovative Technology
Governor Laura Kelly announced that $3.5 million will be awarded to 13 projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Innovative Technology Program. The program makes investments that improve safety, access, or mobility and implement new transportation technology. Included in the approved projects was a traffic signal battery back-ups project for the City of Great Bend receiving $58,802 in KDOT funds.
Kansas Children's Service League strives to make families better
Being a parent is never easy, but it can be especially difficult for those without a foundation of support. The Kansas Children's Service League (KCSL), with an office in Great Bend, wants to provide that support. Connie Cale, supervisor of the local office, said the goal is simple. "We want...
No permits pulled yet for solar development in Barton County
As of April 1, 2024, any large-scale solar developer could pull permits to build solar plants. The Barton County Planning Commission’s recommendations were approved by the County Commission after solar development popped up with Acciona Energy’s proposal to construct a solar farm near Cheyenne Bottoms. At Tuesday’s meeting,...
Progress on downtown café & outdoor courtyard in Great Bend
Progress continues at the southwest corner of the Forest Avenue and Williams Street intersection in Great Bend for an outdoor courtyard. Referred to as the Landing Restaurant and Outdoor Gathering Place, the property mentioned plans providing space for a restaurant and loft space to go along with the outdoor space.
Filing deadline June 3; not many contested Barton Co. races yet
Time is winding down for anyone interested in Barton County that wants to file for a local political office. The deadline to file is June 3 at 12 p.m. Outside of the Ellinwood Hospital District Board, there are no contested races yet with city candidates in Barton County. Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson said there will be four ward positions for the city council available in the upcoming primary election.
Great Bend council pauses rezoning Baker Ave. property
Jack Manases, with Manases Enterprises, went before the Great Bend Planning Commission and Great Bend City Council requesting to rezone real estate at 1620 Baker Avenue. Manases purchased the R-2 (two-family) property and wants to rezone the lot to C-2 (general commercial) to park his trailers and equipment for his renovation and landscaping business.
Great Bend downtown owners: Grants available for loft renovations
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $400,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities. “Main Street communities across the state long have been revitalizing their historic business...
Great Bend Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market returns today
Let the summer activities begin. Each Thursday, from today through October, the Barton County Health Department and the city of Great Bend offer the Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend from 4-7 p.m. The market features a variety of fresh produce and handmade items from local vendors.
Memorial Day Weekend events at Fort Larned
From the Fort Larned National Historic Site... If there are soldiers drilling on the Fort Grounds and ladies living in luxury on Officers’ Row it must be time once again for the biggest living history event in Western Kansas – Memorial Day Weekend at Fort Larned. Along with our usual living history groups and volunteers we have some special programs lined up for the weekend. Join us for the fun!
Barton County's Beran seeking reelection as District Judge
District Judge Lisa Beran has announced she will seek reelection as 20th Judicial District, Division 3 Judge. The 20th Judicial District is comprised of Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford Counties. Beran was elected to the bench in 2020, after practicing law in the 20th Judicial District since 1987. She...
Nicely cooled, Barton Commission thankful for courthouse return
In just under a year, a $4.84 million project to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the Barton County Courthouse in Great Bend is complete. Having to vacate the courthouse during the project and lease buildings to house employees, County Administrator Matt Patzner said the transition back into the courthouse is approximately 90% complete.
Allowance of golf carts on Great Bend city streets is denied
A lightly attended Great Bend City Council meeting caused a slight hiccup in determining if an ordinance would pass or not permitting golf carts on city streets. With the mayor and three councilmembers not in attendance, there were five voting members present at Monday’s meeting. The council voted 4-1...
Great Bend to welcome 8 communities for state baseball this week
When you look at the Class 2-1A State Baseball Championship bracket, there are teams with high schools located in towns with populations under 500. While a few of the cities are not huge, the travel and support jokingly feels like the whole town shuts down to cheer on their team.
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