Archive By Author - Susan Thacker
Hicks found guilty of robbery and six other charges
A Great Bend man who said he was just trying to get his money back after being stiffed on a drug deal has been found guilty of aggravated robbery and other charges.
Wade, others eligible for parole hearings
A man convicted of second degree murder in Pawnee County is eligible for a parole hearing before the state Prisoner Review Board in May, for possible release in June.
Farm & Ranch Expo reports 22,000 attendance
The inaugural Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo had an attendance of 22,000, Manager Darren Dale said Saturday. The show ran last Wednesday through Friday at the Expo Complex west of Great Bend.
Storms surround central Kansas
The severe weather that was expected Saturday arrived on cue, with the National Weather Service prompting people to take shelter whenever tornados were spotted.
Say 'amen' to laughter: 'Messiah on the Frigidaire' keeps it fresh
Great Bend Community Theatre wraps up its 2011-12 season with a small miracle: a satire about the lower-class residents of the south – rednecks – that avoids stale cliches and somehow locks in freshness. In "Messiah on the Frigidaire," a series of comic events takes place in Elroy, S.C., at the trailer of Dwayne and Lou Ann Hightower.
Talk vs. evidence
It seems the nation is rushing to judgment on the guilt or innocence of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of young Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Some are also rushing to judgment on whether or not Zimmerman is a racist, and/or whether police were wrong or perhaps corrupt when they did not immediately arrest him, in light of Florida's 2011 statute on "justifiable use of force."
BCC expanding options in medical programs
Barton Community College will implement changes to its Medical Assistant and Medical Coding programs starting in the fall of 2012, administrators said recently. The staff will follow statewide "alignment" of course content that was approved last year by the Kansas Board of Regents. The college plans to allow students in either program to work toward a certificate, requiring a minimum 45 credit hours, or a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree, requiring 63 or more credit hours.
FARM & RANCH EXPO
The first Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo was barely under way Wednesday but organizers were calling the huge trade show a success.
Cinco de Mayo Princess candidates named
Five girls will vie for the title of Cinco de Mayo Princess at the 2012 celebration of Hispanic culture on Saturday, May 5. The candidates met with sponsors on Tuesday to learn more about the opportunities and responsibilities that come with the title.
Play Ball: GBRC board tours GB Sports Complex
Great Bend Recreation Commission Board members took a tour of the new Great Bend Sports Complex on Monday. The ball diamonds and facilities are in use now, with a May 8 grand opening planned by the city.
Man reports being pulled from car, kidnapped; car set on fire
A Great Bend man told police he pulled from a car, beaten, and then driven into the country late Saturday. At 5 a.m. Sunday, the car he was driving was found burning on an oil lease road north of Great Bend. The Great Bend Police Department, Barton County Sheriff's Office and State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating.
Home fire caused by short
Great Bend Fire Department responded to back-to-back fires on Easter morning, Fire Chief Mike Napolitano said.
Historical Society showing ham radios used by Kilby
Years before Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit, the future Nobel Prize winner was learning about electronics at a Radio Shack at 12th and Monroe in Great Bend. Now the Barton County Historical Village and Museum is displaying some of the objects that sparked young Kilby's interest in science.
Youth art on display; new contest announced
The Barton County Arts Center is currently displaying its annual Watching Young Artists Grow exhibit, and is announcing another opportunity for students to have their artwork on display.
Finances strong, BCC looks at major improvements
Barton Community College administrators delivered a rosy financial report to college trustees Thursday, with enrollment income up and some projects coming in under budget.
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
Baby cougars coming to Brit Spaugh Zoo
Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo is getting two young cougars, Zoo Director Scott Gregory said Wednesday.
Weight loss leads to other personal victories
Diana Hayward has lost nearly 50 pounds on her journey toward a healthier life. Although she has far to go, the Great Bend woman said she's already noticing she has more stamina and is breathing better as a result of her weight loss.
Miller trial moved to June
The jury trial for LaVeta Miller, charged with stealing more than $100,000 that was intended to provide World War II veterans with free trips to Washington, D.C., has been reschedule for June 23-27.
