Archive By Author - Susan Thacker
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.
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.
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.
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.
Police: Leave the guns at home
Ring in the new year tonight, but don't celebrate by firing guns in the air, authorities warn.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
YMA reaches out to the community
Youth groups from several Great Bend churches have combined efforts this year by forming Teen Workers Alliance. As many as 100 students in grades 7 through 12 attended its first major event, a "Fifth Quarter" gathering after a recent home basketball game.
Raptors check in for rehab
Two birds of prey - raptors - rehabilitated from recent injuries, were released back into the wild Wednesday near Larned, and an injured falcon found its was to Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo.
Articles By Author - Susan Thacker
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.
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