Statewide weed conference going on in Great Bend

Cris Collier at the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau views this time of year as a harvest time.

Signs taken from county intersections

Replacing missing or damaged signs on county roads is a regular chore for the Barton County Road and Bridge Department. On Monday, county employees were busier than usual, Department Director Dale Phillips said.

LOSE THE QUIT: 'Biggest Loser' Danny Cahill offers challenge

Danny Cahill achieved fame when he lost 239 pounds in six and a half months to become the Season 8 winner of NBC's "The Biggest Loser." Over 15 years, Cahill estimates he's lost at least half a ton - lost weight and regained it, that is. "In the long run, it would be better to lose the 'quit.'" he said. "Lose Your Quit" has become his message for success in weight loss or any other venture.

Judge rules to allow text messages at trial

The prosecution will be allowed to use cell phone text messages as evidence during Adam Longoria's murder trial, Barton County District Judge Hannelore Kitts ruled Thursday.

Longoria hearing remains open for now

A pretrial hearing for Adam Longoria wrapped up around 2:15 p.m. Thursday, with the courtroom remaining open to the public. Attorneys for the prosecution and defense indicated they are still trying to reach an agreement on certain issues without resorting to a closed hearing.

Zoo news: Brit Spaugh Zoo gearing up for AZA application

The water level of the ponds in Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo is down this month, and not by accident. Zoo Director Scott Gregory said the ponds are being dredged and cleaned, with new side walls built to stop erosion.

Defense asks court to close Longoria hearing Thursday

Defense attorneys for Adam Longoria are asking Barton County District Judge Hannelore Kitts to conduct part of Thursday's pretrial hearing away from public view.

Cold-water dive part of firefighter training

Program lends a helping hand

A program that helps low- and moderate-income families move away from government and social service assistance is expanding its services into Barton County.

Litterbug's missile sends motorist to ER

Donnie Lang was driving home with his wife Saturday night when the windshield on their Dodge truck seemed to explode.

Kiwanis kick off sales for Pancake Day

Ticket sales for the 54th annual Kiwanis Pancake Day are under way, with members reporting nearly 1,800 of the $3 tickets sold in the first week, according to Paul Maneth, cochairman of the annual fundraiser. Pancakes will be served from 4-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, at the Expo I Building west of Great Bend.

BCC helps Larned offer model juvenile justice service

Young criminal offenders at the Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility and its alternative school, Westside School, are earning high school diplomas, attending college and earning certificates in marketable job skills, thanks to a partnership with Barton Community College.

Next hearing scheduled in Longoria trial

Adam Longoria will return to Great Bend at least once more before his capital murder trial, which is scheduled to start March 26. A hearing to deal with pretrial motions has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on March 1 in Barton County District Court.

Great Bend Rec earns state kudos

Administrators from the Great Bend Recreation Commission received statewide recognition at the Kansas Recreation & Park Association's annual conference, held Jan. 24-27 at Topeka. Program Coordinator Garet Fitzpatrick received the Distinguished Recreation Programmer award, and Executive Director Diann Henderson received the Distinguished Professional Award. GBRC Program Coordinator Chris Umphres presented the award to Henderson.

Change of venue denied

Barton County District Court Judge Hannelore Kitts on Monday denied a motion seeking a change of venue for the trial of Adam Longoria. The trial, currently scheduled to begin on March 26, will remain in Barton County.

Real estate

The City of Great Bend continues to take positive steps to encourage housing development.

Zoo News: Zoo hoping for spring babies

The animal population at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo has sometimes been described as "geriatric," but Zoo Director Scott Gregory is working to change that.

Zoo director gives update on lions, bears

Three grizzly bears at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo turned 1 year old in January, and have been good companions to Max, the older bear in the grizzly exhibit, Zoo Director Scott Gregory said Monday.

Fire does extensive damage to home, garage

A fire at the Karl and Virgina Harmony home, 3106 26th St., did extensive damage Tuesday afternoon, Great Bend Fire Chief Mike Napolitano said. Virginia Harmony was the only one home at the time and got out safely.

Storm watcher recommends ‘situational awareness’

Dramatic videos of flying cameras, storms chasers, and a family emerging from a demolished home after a tornado were among the highlights of "Storm Fury on the Plains," a severe weather awareness program presented Tuesday at the Crest Theater. But Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chance Hayes didn't come to Great Bend just to entertain; his presentations provided potentially life-saving information for anyone with a desire to chase after tornados, or anyone who wants to stay safe in case of severe storms.

GREEN EGGS AND HAM

Great Bend Public Library staff celebrated the 110th birthday of Dr. Seuss on Monday with a party for children. "Miss Amanda," as children's librarian Amanda Moran-Jones is known, read the Seuss book "Green Eggs and Ham," and then The Cat in the Hat invited the children to sample the same dish - scrambled eggs with green food coloring.

Education issues highlight Legislative Coffee

HOISINGTON - Joining Senator Mitch Holmes (R-St. John) and Rep. John Edmonds (R-Great Bend) at Saturday's Legislative Coffee in Hoisington was Kansas Board of Education member Sally Cauble (R-Dodge City).

Know the drill

Tornado sirens will be tested throughout the state, including Barton County, next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

Christian groups defend House Bill's intent

Last week, I reported about churches speaking out against House Bill 2433.

BCC trustees hear from PTK advisers

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees took another opportunity Thursday to discuss the recent selection of four students from the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, who were recognized Feb. 13 at Topeka. They were BCC's 2014 choice for the PTK All-Kansas Academic Team.

Barton County ready for state tornado drill

Tornado sirens will be tested across the state on Tuesday, as Kansans prepare for severe weather season.