​Cinco de Mayo offers taste of Mexico

In 1994, many Great Bend residents were unfamiliar with the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo – of Fifth of May. Now a spring tradition, the city's 22nd annual Cinco de Mayo Festival drew a crowd to Jack Kilby Square on Saturday.

Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous

National Day of Prayer observance planned

Great Bend Christians will come together for the 64th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7. One Hope Ministries is sponsoring an interdenominational program based on this year's theme, "Lord, Hear Our Cry," at 7 p.m. at the Crest Theater, 1908 Lakin Ave. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Center for Spirituality celebrates heroes

This week the public was invited to join the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Great Bend for tea and savory delights as the Heartland Center for Spirituality staff and advisory council celebrated the inaugural "Hero for Heartland" event on April 26.

'The Mandate' challenges men to step up

Central Kansas men have a mandate to step up and be responsible fathers and leaders.

Fair share: Undo the 2012 tax 'cuts'

Last week the Kansas League of Women Voters elected co-presidents Marge Arhens of Topeka and Carole Neal of Wichita to lead the nonpartisan organization. Citing a tax position based on League's 2013 tax study, the new co-presidents issued a statement calling for a balanced and fair three-pronged system of state taxation which returns the use of the income tax to the 2012 level.

Attorney General visits Kiwanis

The top legal officer of the state of Kansas, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, visited Great Bend on Wednesday. Schmidt was the guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club meeting, which drew as many guests as members for his luncheon program.

Library starts May with 2 movies

Friday, May 1 is movie day at the Great Bend Public Library, according to Jennifer King, marketing and YA librarian.

Gallery: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Men in heels

Great Bend's sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event raised awareness and funds to combat violence against women.

County attorney seeks prison sentence for Miller

Barton County Attorney Douglas Matthews wants the woman who stole from the Central Prairie Honor Flight program to spend time in prison.

A family tradition: Bowman Family Press Box dedidcated

Sunday marked the first time a ceremonial "first pitch" was thrown prior to a baseball game at Barton Community College's Lawson-Biggs Field. Cougar booster Rob Bowman was given the honor to mark the construction of the new Bowman Family Press Box,

Meet Our Peeps

In the urban dictionary, "peeps" are people - usually friends. But for birdwatchers, the peeps are five species of North American sandpipers.

Bullet dodged

There was no guarantee Thursday afternoon that the Barton Community College journalism teacher or the theater teacher would have their contracts renewed. Their names were on a list recommended for "non-renewal," even though their employers appeared to be happy with their work.

Faculty contracts renewed at BCC

After more than two hours of discussion behind closed doors on Thursday, the Barton Community College Board of Trustees voted to renew faculty contracts, including two contracts the administration had recommended for "non-renewal." The vote was 4-2, and trustees promptly returned to executive session to discuss personnel matters for another hour.

BCC to replace aging boiler

The two large steam boilers that provide heat to the eight main buildings on the Barton Community College campus are now 50 years old, Vice ...

Barton trustees approve 2 percent raises

Next year's operational budget at Barton community college will include an additional 2 percent for salaries. The college's board of trustees approved the ...

Falling behind

A recent study says Oklahoma is leading the U.S. in higher education cuts over the last five years. In seven states, including Kansas, the ...

Frey to speak on Climate Reality Project

ST. JOHN - A representative from the Climate Reality Project will speak at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23, in the annex building of the Stafford ...

Perez, Clark in court Friday

Former Barton County resident Sydney Anne Perez, 21, has been convicted of aiding and abetting battery, Barton County Attorney Amy Mellor said Tuesday.

Partridge sentenced for burglary, drug convictions

Kerry Joe Partridge Jr. 27, Great Bend, has been sentenced to four years, nine months in custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, Barton County ...

Brit Spaugh Zoo offers daily keeper talks this week

The animals may be the stars at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo, but this week their keepers will be in the spotlight, said Sara ...

USD 428 improves student preparation

Students at Great Bend High School now have more opportunities to learn about careers before they graduate, and they have more opportunities to prepare for ...

Your move, students

As the cost of attending college after graduation from high school becomes more expensive, students need to consider what they can do to prepare for ...