Archive By Author - Susan Thacker
We're farming
Most Kansans have driven past farms and seen signs like the one that reads, "One Kansas farmer feeds more than 128 people, and you." Now, thanks to a viral video by three Kansas brothers, the entire world may see that sign.
Zoo News: There's nothing like a rat-sicle on a hot day
It's hot. We know, and our animals know it – including the animals at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo.
Great Bend has tradition as huge fireworks town
Most years in Great Bend, Fourth of July firecrackers start popping early in the morning, and can be heard nonstop from 10 a.m. to midnight, when they are "legal" under city ordinance. But while many people enjoy the fireworks, city firefighters have always approached the holiday with concern for safety.
Fireless Fourth changes face of block parties
With no fireworks to light, some Great Bend residents have canceled Fourth of July block parties scheduled for Wednesday. Others say the parties will go on, in their own way, and still others say their parties aren't canceled, but postponed until the next big firecracker day.
Firefighters hope for safe July 4
Editor's Note: Early last week, the Great Bend Tribune interviewed Battalion Chief John Stettinger at the Great Bend Fire Department concerning fireworks safety. However, with current conditions of drought, high heat and windy weather, Great Bend and most other locations in Barton County have officially nixed shooting fireworks at this time, including on the Fourth of July. The following information still applies to wherever fireworks can be shot.
Great Bend postpones shooting fireworks on Fourth; sales continue
Great Bend City Council voted 7-0 Friday to postpone the shooting of fireworks within the city limits that would normally take place on the Fourth of July. This includes the public display that was scheduled to take place at the Expo grounds west of town.
Great Bend postpones shooting fireworks; sales continue
Great Bend City Council voted 7-0 Friday to postpone the shooting of fireworks that would normally take place on the Fourth of July. This includes the public display that was scheduled to take place at the Expo grounds west of town.
Prince of Peace sponsors 'Babylon' vacation Bible school
Prince of Peace Parish has chosen the program "Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity," for its vacation Bible school for children from kindergarten through the fourth grade. This interactive class will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. July 9-13 at the Parish Center, 4100 Broadway.
Playing with fire
This began as a "viewpoint" asking everyone to be cautious when shooting fireworks, but there's a chance we don't be shooting them at all this Fourth of July.
Cities, counties may postpone all fireworks
Note to readers: This story has been updated.
Fashion Revue hints at Barton County Fair to come
Members of Barton County 4-H clubs showed off their consumer skills Wednesday during pre-fair events for the Barton County Fair.
Longoria moved to El Dorado
Adam Joseph Longoria, 38, began his life sentence in prison Tuesday afternoon, and is now housed at the El Dorado Correctional Facility.
Fireworks can’t be lit before July 4
Fireworks go on sale today in some parts of Barton County. But just because people can buy them doesn't mean they can light them, at least not legally, said John Stettinger, battalion chief at the Great Bend Fire Department.
Family remembers an ‘Alicia-fied Experience’
Family members of Alicia DeBolt were allowed to speak out Tuesday, as the 14-year-old girl's murderer received a life sentence.
Longoria waives right to attend sentencing
Adam Joseph Longoria told Barton County District Judge Hannelore Kitts on Monday that he didn't want to attend his sentencing the following morning, since he already knew what the outcome would be. His chair in court remained empty on Tuesday.
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
Dream Center changing lives
Great Bend's Central Kansas Dream Center, located in the former Roosevelt School at 2100 Broadway Ave., is all about "reaching hurting people, restoring families (and) realizing dreams." Director Kimberly Becker recently spoke at a Noon Kiwanis meeting and described the ministries at the site, along with plans for growth.
Hate crimes
Great Bend residents routinely call the police to report that their cars or garages have been splattered with eggs or paint balls, and usually they're advised to wash everything off and call back if there was any actual damage. Sadly, vandals took it up a notch this week by writing racial slurs on the vehicles of a black family.
Police continue probe after shots fired at car
The .40 caliber bullet holes in Chrystal Wilson's 2002 Ford Taurus are proof that shots were fired. The Great Bend Police Department is still sorting out what actually happened at 12:30 a.m. Sunday at 1318 Macarthur Road.
Three fake $100s turned in to police
Great Bend's Burger King is out $300 and the Great Bend Police Department received three counterfeit $100 bills this week.
Akings, Lebbin spend most money on primary
Dean Akings has outspent incumbent Jennifer Schartz in the Republican primary election for Barton County Commissioner representing District 5. In District 4's Republican primary, incumbent Ken Lebbin has outspent the challenger, Alicia D. (Schartz) Straub.
Gunfire leads to two arrests
Two Great Bend men were taken to jail early Sunday after shots were fired at 1318 Macarthur Road. Dennis Morrison was initially booked on a charge of attempted first-degree murder and Jacob Keenan was booked on charges of aggravated burglary and criminal threat, although further investigation led to lesser charges for both men.
Hudson Chicken Ride part of annual celebration
HUDSON - The Hudson community in Stafford County will hold its annual Chicken Ride, Turkey Trot or Not, and Ham & Jam this Saturday, Aug. 2.
Library holds huge food fight
The spaghetti was flying - as was the ketchup, mustard, whipped cream and Hawaiian Punch - Friday afternoon on the lawn of the Great Bend Public Library.
Courthouse will be open Saturday, Aug. 2
The Barton County Courthouse will be open Saturday for anyone wishing to vote in the primary election, County Clerk Donna Zimmerman said. The courthouse will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including over the noon hour.
Trustees publish FY-15 budget
Even with a cut in state aid expected, the Barton Community College Board of Trustees won't ask local property owners for more tax money in Fiscal Year 2015, Barton's Dean of Administration Mark Dean said Thursday.
Breaking Ground: Expanding health centers a plus
The announcement that the Heartland Cancer Center in Great Bend will be redesigned and expanded is welcome news.
The Magic of Science
Dan Dan the Magic Man can stretch a piece of chewing gum about 12 feet and make a live rabbit appear in an empty cage. But magician Dan Heath's greatest trick may be the way he can hold the attention of a young audience for the better part of an hour.
Teen Towers
Teens continue to enjoy science-themed activities during the Great Bend Public Library's "Spark a Reaction" summer program. On Tuesday, two boys and two girls showed up at the library's Teen Spot for a building contest using spaghetti and miniature marshmallows.
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