Archive By Author - Susan Thacker
Kansas SpeedWeek cruisers return
The weather at the first of May was decidedly un-springlike, forcing several outdoor events to reschedule. The last day of May was more to everyone's liking, and the Kansas SpeedWeek Cruise Night brought dozens of classic cars and racers to Great Bend's Jack Kilby Square. After a parade lap, car owners parked along the courthouse square, sometimes answering questions or popping hoods for curious onlookers. The free car show was organized by Sunflower Rod and ...
Teen's inspiring song goes global
A Minnesota teenager who died May 20 from a rare form of bone cancer has become a global role model for others battling serious illness. Zach Sobiech's song "Clouds" is a viral hit, reaching Number One on at least one digital music chart, but it made a bittersweet debut this week on Billboard's Hot 100. "Clouds" was inspired by his girlfriend Amy Adamle and written as a goodbye to friends and family when he learned ...
Building hope
Habitat for Humanity doesn't give anything away. The nonprofit organization that builds affordable homes for people with lower incomes requires prospective home owners to put some "sweat equity" into the project. In other words, if Habitat volunteers are building a home for someone, the recipient is expected to help with the work.
Court of Appeals overturns dismissal in suit against city
A lawsuit filed after an on-duty Great Bend Police officer was involved in an automobile accident in 2005 recently came before the Kansas Court of Appeals.
Mom, son walk across Kansas for a cause
A mother and son walking across Kansas find plenty of ways to pass the time between towns. There are friendly people to meet and historic markers to read, amazing sunrises/sunsets, and an occasional game of "tumbleweed toss" – where walking sticks are used like hockey sticks to pass tumbleweeds back and forth.
Wetlands Aquatic Center opens for summer
Great Bend's Wetland's Aquatic Center opened Saturday, making a splash as usual. "Everything is up and working," said Aquatic Director Paige Achatz. Weather permitting, the pool is open from 12:30-5:30 p.m. daily. Starting next week, on June 4, the pool will also be open for family nights from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Achatz noted there will be no family nights this week because it is still a little too cold, and because she ...
Wetlands Aquatic Center at Great Bend photos
Great Bend's Wetlands Aquatic Center opened for the summer on Saturday. Here are some photos taken in the afternoon.
Poppies to honor veterans available
The American Legion Auxiliary will be out this Memorial weekend asking for donations to help with its Poppy Program. Members will be in front of Great Bend businesses with poppies this evening and all day Saturday. They will also be out on Sunday if they still have some of the 3,000 poppies, said Marianne Krallman, cochair of this year's Poppy Program. Look for volunteers in front of Walmart, both Dillon's stores, Orscheln's and True Value ...
Ironic freedom
On Thursday, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill that establishes "Celebrate Freedom Week" during the week of Sept. 17 and requires schools to teach students about the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence in grades K-8 each year during that week. (Sept. 17, 1787, is the date the U.S. Constitution was adopted in Philadelphia.)
Two Barton coaching contracts 'pending'
Nine head coaching contracts were renewed Wednesday when the Barton Community College Board of Trustees met, but the contracts of two head coaches are "pending final review." The board discussed personnel matters behind closed doors for nearly an hour before voting on head coach contracts, administrative contracts and contracts for managerial staff. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said there were no changes in head coaches, but the board did not approve a contract for a ...
Two flee; child left in truck
A minor child was left in a truck with a loaded gun Monday night as two suspects fled from Barton County deputies.
Our zoo is famous and other local news
Tying up a few loose ends on stories that didn't make the front page: Great Bend can now call its Brit Spaugh Zoo "nationally famous." A story about a recent purchase has been published in such sources as The Wall Street Journal and the Sacramento Bee. The headline reads, "Great Bend Zoo conquers an epic drain cleaning problem." You could say the bears and other zoo animals are responsible, just for doing what they would ...
Higher gas prices not likely to drop by weekend
Gasoline prices have risen dramatically in the past two weeks throughout much of the Midwest. While the price increases may ease off by June, but don't expect relief at the pump this Memorial Weekend, industry experts say. The American Automobile Association's online daily fuel gauge report and GasBuddy.com both showed the average price for a gallon of regular gas Monday in Kansas was $3.92. Just one week ago, the average price was $3.64, and it ...
Cool/Not Cool
The Imagination Playground is coming to Great Bend and will make its public debut during June Jaunt. The portable playground is a set of oversized blocks, lightweight but sturdy enough to build with. They were designed by award-winning architect David Rockwell, who was inspired by watching his own children play.
These masterpieces have wheels
Barton County Historic Society is celebrating the 60th anniversary of organized drag racing in the Golden Belt with a new exhibit and a car show during its open house this Saturday.
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
It's not persecution
The Military District of Washington issued a statement concerning Master Sgt. Nathan Sommers, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army Band.
Hot cars quickly become deadly for children, pets
It doesn't take triple-digit temperatures outside for unattended vehicles to reach oven temperatures inside. But as summer weather returns to the Golden Belt, safety experts remind people to never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Lt. Bill Browne at the Great Bend Police Department said it isn't unusual for people to call 911 when they see an unattended vehicle with a child or pet inside. More often than not, the vehicle is ...
Summer reading off to magical start
The yellow hard hats seen Monday at Great Bend Public Library weren't for construction work. Staff wore the hats to celebrate the theme for this year's summer reading program: "Dig Into Reading."
SDS axes contract with Rec Commission
Last month the Great Bend Recreation Commission's board of directors approved a new contract to provide day services to Sunflower Diversified Services, but on Monday GBRC's Executive Director Diann Henderson said Sunflower won't approve a contract for the coming year.
Inmate in custody after walking away from Barton County Jail
This story has been updated. An inmate who walked away from the Barton County Jail sometime Sunday night was back in custody by 11:40 a.m. Monday. Lee W. Dean, 23, who was being held for probation violation, was located in the southeast part of Great Bend and 201 Plum St., Sheriff Brian Bellendir announced in a news release. "(Dean) was taken into custody without incident," Bellendir said. "A second subject at the location was taken ...
Summer reading programs start Monday
The Great Bend Public Library has a new look going into the summer reading programs. The front desk has moved and the Children's Department has been refurnished.
Tax Troubles: Deep Cuts Hurt Most of Us
Enjoy your tax cut, Kansans.
Cale sculpture going up at Historical Society
The history of Barton County, from unbroken grassland to modern wind turbines, is the latest subject for Great Bend artist Chet Cale. A series of bas relief panels by the sculptor is going up at the Barton County Historical Society. Bev Komarek, executive director of the historical society, said the artwork – 8 feet wide and 6 feet high – will be the focal point of the museum's new recognition wall. Names of significant donors ...
Nex-Tech Zoo Fest is Saturday
The annual Nex-Tech Zoo Fest runs from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. There will be free food and live entertainment for the whole family.
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