Archive By Author - Susan Thacker
Second burglary suspect arrested
Great Bend Police arrested a second suspect Thursday in connection with last month's burglary at P&S Security, where a number of guns were stolen. Lt. Bill Browne said the 16-year-old suspect was arrested at approximately 4:19 p.m. Thursday in the 5900 block of Eisenhower. His name was not released. He is being held in a juvenile detention center near Reno County. The burglary at P&S Security, 1705 K-96, occurred Dec. ...
Gun show draws crowd at Expo
Gun dealers from across the state brought their wares to Great Bend this weekend, for a gun show at the Great Bend Expo Complex west of town. The show continues today, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but Saturday's turnout was enough to convince Anthony Lutz with R.K. Shows - sponsor of the gun show - that his first Great Bend show won't be his last. ...
City supports zoo's AZA goal
For several years, the goal at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo has been to gain accreditation from the American Zoos and Aquariums Association. Now Zoo Director Scott Gregory says he's ready to apply for the coveted AZA stamp of approval - one year ahead of schedule. The application deadline for this year is March 1, Gregory said. Once the application is processed, the accreditation organization will probably schedule a summer inspection. ...
Plan for in-county tuition break gains momentum
The next tuition increase at Barton Community College may include a price break for local residents. The idea was suggested at a recent BCC Board of Trustees study session, and discussed again briefly on Thursday, at the January study session. Last year, trustee Mike Johnson said he'd like to see Barton County residents pay less for tuition, since they already support the college with their tax dollars. On Thursday, ...
Winter traffic accidents reported
The winter storm that began last week contributed to several accidents in central Kansas, including a fatality Sunday in Pratt County. Kansas Highway Patrol also worked one injury accident last Friday in Ellsworth County, and one Sunday in Rush County. Lazaro Antonio Garcia, 43, of Emporia, died when the pickup he was in went out of control on any icy Pratt County road some time Sunday afternoon. The KHP ...
Burglary suspect arrested
The suspect in the Dec. 19 burglary of P&S Security, Richard Allen Etim, was arrested just after 3 p.m. Thursday, the Great Bend Police Department reported. Lt. William Browne said an officer made a traffic stop on a red Honda car at Lakin and Harding. During the stop it was discovered that Etim, 22, was in the car, and there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was ...
Heart transplant a success
Former Great Bend resident Brent Tiede received a successful heart transplant this week, and is recovering at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Tiede, 38, who now lives in Maize, is a 1991 graduate of Great Bend High School. He has known for years he would eventually need a heart transplant, after bring diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition in which the heart beats ...
Police: Leave the guns at home
Ring in the new year tonight, but don't celebrate by firing guns in the air, authorities warn. Last New Year's Day, 4-year-old Marquel Peters was killed by a stray bullet that came through the roof of the Church of God of Prophecy in DeKalb County, Ga. Officials believe the bullet had been fired into the air to celebrate the new year. Celebratory gunfire is dangerous; it can cause ...
Warrant issued for gun theft suspect
An arrest warrant was issued Tuesday for Richard Allen Etim, 21, the Great Bend Police Department's prime suspect in the theft of 23 guns on Dec. 19. Police have been looking for Etim since early last week, and at 5 p.m. Tuesday they were successful in securing the warrant for his arrest, Detective Denton Doze said. Etim is a black male with brown ...
New Year's taxi rolls again
There's no excuse for drinking and driving on New Year's Eve, because the Great Bend Police Department will be offering a taxi service from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m., Chief Dean Akings said. This is the third year that the GBPD has taken on the volunteer project. Akings and Sgt. Gary Davis will be doing the driving, taking partiers anywhere in Barton County for a $5 donation to the GBPD DARE ...
BCSO to drop VIN inspections
After this week, the Barton County Sheriff's Office will no longer provide VIN inspections for vehicles coming to Kansas from other states, Sheriff Greg Armstrong said. Kansas Highway Patrol will take over the program, but with reduced hours. Vehicle Identification Numbers are used to check the title history of a vehicle. Motor vehicle title inspections are required when licensing a vehicle in Kansas which has an out-of-state title. The BCSO ...
Skull found in river
A partial human skull was discovered Sunday on the Wet Walnut Creek, Barton County Sheriff Greg Armstrong said. "It could be from the 1800s," the sheriff said Monday. Greg Brown said his sons Tanner and Layton were duck hunting with friends Kyle and Kevin Corbett Sunday morning when they found the skull less than a mile from his residence southeast of Great Bend. "Kyle was first to see it," Brown said. ...
Thieves break in, grab guns, more
Someone broke the glass to enter the Shooting Sports Company at 1912 17th St. and stole several guns, it was reported Sunday morning. Lt. Bill Browne at the Great Bend Police Department said more than 30 privately owned guns that were in for repairs were taken. Police are still investigating a Dec. 19 burglary at P&S Security, where 23 guns were reportedly stolen. Law enforcement officers have been attempting since ...
Explore the wetlands
Editor's note: This is the final story in a series about things for families to do over the winter break.
Man jumps from window in burning house
A Great Bend man was taken to Great Bend Regional Hospital after jumping from a window in a burning house Thursday evening, Great Bend Fire Department Battalion Chief Rick Robison said. Another man stayed inside the one-story house at 1308 Eighth St. and apparently suffered no injury, refusing treatment at the scene.
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
Two Barton coaching contracts 'pending'
Nine head coaching contracts were renewed Wednesday when the Barton Community College Board of Trustees met, but the contracts of two head coaches are "pending final review." The board discussed personnel matters behind closed doors for nearly an hour before voting on head coach contracts, administrative contracts and contracts for managerial staff. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said there were no changes in head coaches, but the board did not approve a contract for a ...
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.
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