Archive By Author - Susan Thacker
Prevention specialist comments on ‘Skins’
A local community prevention specialist warns parents that MTV's new TV series "Skins" depicts teens who display unsafe behavior without consequences. Christina Hayes with the Northwest Kansas Regional Prevention Center said parents should be aware of the show and talk to their teenagers about real life vs. MTV. "Skins" is far from the realistic snapshot of American teens it portends to be, said Hayes, who has offices in Great ...
Zoo news: Animal physicals continue at Brit Spaugh Zoo
Toby, the 5-year-old spotted leopard at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo, had his annual physical Wednesday, and a visit from local dentist and mayor Dr. Mike Allison. The leopard weighed in at 100 pounds, or five pounds less than a year ago. Zoo Curator Marge Bowen and Dr. Jackie Corbett, DVM, agreed the weight loss was not a cause for concern. Dr. Mike Malone, ...
10th Walk Kansas forming teams
This marks the 10th year for Walk Kansas, a statewide fitness challenge coordinated by K-State Research and Extension. Teams are forming now for the eight-week challenge that starts March 13 and concludes on May 7, said Donna Krug at the Barton County Extension office. The goal of each six-person team is to get active, by walking or other exercise. Members log their minutes of exercise, which are converted to ...
Countdown begins for spelling bee
With the Great Bend Tribune's Sunflower Spelling Bee less than two weeks away, coordinators are working on final details. This year's bee will see as many as 76 contestants from 66 counties. Each county is allowed to send at least one champion, and some can send more, based on the number of schools registered to compete in the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee, to be held June 1-2 in Washington, D.C. ...
Library announces March activities
Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St., will have several activities for children in March, starting with the birthday celebration of "Green Eggs and Ham" author Dr. Seuss. There will also be free movies, and four days of scheduled activities during spring break, said Eric Coulbourne, children's librarian. The birthday party for Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, will be at 3:30 p.m. this Wednesday. Children are invited to ...
One killed, two injured in collision
A Great Bend man died and two people were injured on Saturday, after vehicles collided at the U.S. 281/K-19 junction, 11 miles north of St. John in Barton County.
Legislators discuss budget, redistricting
Sen. Ruth Teichman, R-Stafford, said western Kansas may have one less senator when voting districts are redrawn in 2013 to keep them relatively equal in population. "We're going to lose a vote out here," she told an audience in Great Bend on Saturday, noting the state's population is shifting to the east. The seat most vulnerable is for the 36th Senate District, held by Sen. Janis Lee, D-Kensington, until she resigned ...
Some accidents weather-related
The Barton County Sheriff's Office and other area law enforcement agencies responded to several accidents last Thursday when the roads were icy. There was a minor-injury rollover 0.75 miles north of NE 10 Ave. and NE 50 Road, around 2:45 p.m. Thursday. A 2002 Volkswagen Passat went off the road and into a ditch. A non-injury accident on the west side of Pawnee Rock on U.S. 56 was reported at ...
Bill to allow alcohol sales in grocery stores draws concern
A spokesman for the Northwest Kansas Regional Prevention Center says a proposed law to allow wine and spirits to be sold in grocery and convenience stores would increase youth access. Senate Bill 54 was passed by the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affair, and will be voted on by the senate today, said Christina Hayes, community prevention specialist with the Prevention Center. She said the bill's latest version ...
SENIOR SAFETY: Small changes help elders stay at home
Anyone who has ever stumbled over a throw rug should realize, being safer at home can start with small modifications. That's why Karen Sessler, care manager at the regional ElderCare office in Great Bend, recommends picking up tripping hazards as a first step for senior safety. Sessler spoke about everything from wall grab bars to the Do Not Call Registry for home phones ...
Family Crisis Center earns state kudos
The Family Crisis Center in Great Bend is one of five sexual and domestic violence advocacy organizations in Kansas to receive a new form of accreditation. The process required months of self-study followed by a two-day site visit, but has resulted in service that is more supportive and effective for survivors, said Laura Patzner, executive director of the Center. Joyce Grover, executive director of the Kansas Coalition Against ...
WWII vet's story inspires author
Barton Community College history instructor Linda McCaffery told college trustees she hopes to commission a bronze honoring World War II veterans, using proceeds from her first book. "I'm Praying Hard for You," Love Letters to a Death Camp: The World War II Ordeal of Bill and Jo Brenner, was published last fall, and is available at the BCC Bookstore for $22.50. McCaffery spent three years researching and writing her book, which ...
Ney makes brief court appearance
Medical records will play a key role in the trial of Shawn Ney, charged with the first-degree murder of Steven Calderwood and the attempted first-degree murder of Sarah Ney on July 10, 2010. Mr. Ney was in court briefly on Tuesday as Barton County District Judge Hannelore Kitts held a status conference on the case with defense attorney Robert Anderson and Assistant Attorney General Travis Harrod, who joined the proceeding ...
BCC trustee weighs in on Warren firing
At a Barton Community College Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, trustee Don Learned spoke out against the sudden termination of longtime danceline/cheerleading coach Debbie Warren, who was fired by President Dr. Carl Heilman in December. Learned also criticized the board's system of management, saying, "Under Policy Governance®, of course, we trustees really have little input on the operation of the college. "I think many individuals in Barton County would be ...
GBCT ready for "The Long Weekend"
Great Bend Community Theatre is ready to raise the curtain on its latest production, "The Long Weekend." This clever comedy of manners brings together two couples, as Wynn and Max Trueman have invited Abby and Roger Nash for a visit to show off their new weekend home. However, their longtime friendship has not always been based on truth, said Sally O'Connor, GBCT manager/artistic director. Canadian playwright Norm Foster sticks to his ...
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
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:
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.
GBRC shares Blue Ribbon Award to promote health
Several people working to make Barton County a healthier place received some recognition and financial assistance Monday during the Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting. Doug Vance, executive director of the Kansas Recreation & Park Association, visited the meeting along with representatives from BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas, to present a $2,500 facsimile check and a banner in honor of Great Bend winning the Blue Chip award.
Trash talk
The senior class president of Heights High School in Wichita was suspended for the rest of the school year after posting a bit of trash talk about the school football team on Twitter.
BCC may opt out of conceal carry law
Barton Community College trustees may request an exemption to a new gun law taking effect July 1.
German Wedding Roast a family tradition
One way to keep Mom out of the kitchen this Mother's Day is by taking her to lunch. Jeannie Munsch will be cooking German Wedding Roast to serve this Sunday at the Great Bend American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas Ave., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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