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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 via telephone.
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.
GBCT ready for "The Long Weekend"
Great Bend Community Theatre is ready to raise the curtain on its latest production, "The Long Weekend."
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
Fire starts behind dryer Monday morning
Great Bend Firefighters were able to save a mobile home Monday morning after a buildup of lint ignited behind a dryer. The call to 5540 Second St. Unit F was reported at 8:35 a.m. and firefighters arrived to find light smoke throughout the house.
Chapman seeks tattoo artist prior to murder trial
Before he goes on trial for first degree murder, Jeffrey Wade Chapman wants a professional tattoo artist to remove or cover a prominent "Murder" tattoo on his neck.
Christian farmers witness at Expo
"Wordless Walking Sticks" from the Fellowship of Christian Farmers booth were a popular freebie last week at the 2014 Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo.
Church members enjoy traditional Passover Seder
A traditional Jewish celebration was observed at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 21st and Polk St., with an authentic Passover Seder on Monday April 14, the first day of Passover.
Becky's New Car
Great Bend Community Theatre members take the stage this week with "Becky's New Car," a comedic cruise by playwright Steven Dietz.
Passover message
Kansas flags are to be flown at half-staff Friday, as they were Thursday, to honor three people shot to death at two Jewish sites in Overland Park.
Name plaque to be added to Kilby Plaza
Members of the Jack Kilby Committee plan to bring signage for the project up to date Friday when they add another bronze plaque recognizing donors to the Kilby Plaza, located on the west side of the Barton County Courthouse Square.
Budding artists: Watching Young Artists Grow exhibit opens
The Barton County Historical Society Museum is holding its first art exhibit, with works inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Andy Warhol, to name three.
Fire causes events to relocate or cancel
The Barton Community College Foundation Clay Shoot set for May 4 has been canceled, due to last Saturday's fire at the Camp Aldrich Conference Center. Meanwhile, sponsors of Camp Hope and dozens of other scheduled events are scrambling to find alternate locations.
Ball tournament expected to draw 2,000 to Great Bend
Editor's note: This updates a story that was previously published on the website.
Rec Commission sees health-care costs increase
The cost of employee health insurance at the Great Bend Recreation Commission is expected to increase 11 percent overall this year, Executive Director Diann Henderson told the GBRC Board of Directors on Monday. The board voted to renew the major health coverage for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.
Camp Aldrich fire ruled accidental; cause unknown
The cause of Saturday's fire at the Camp Aldrich Conference Center Dining Hall hasn't been determined, Claflin Fire Chief Doug Hubbard said Monday.
KHP works injury accidents
On Monday morning, Kansas Highway Patrol responded to at least three injury accidents caused by icy roads. KHP also responded to accidents Friday and Saturday, in which central Kansas residents were injured.
Farm & Ranch Show wraps up
The final sprayer demonstration of the 2014 Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo never got off the ground.
Huelskamp holds Town Hall at farm show
Congressman Tim Huelskamp talked about America's regulation frustration, Washington's broken spending process and his commitment to Kansas farmers, energy producers and veterans during an hour-long Town Hall, Friday at the Great Bend Farm & Ranch Show.
