It’s spring time for Kim Jung Un

HOLLYWOOD--God bless America, and how's everybody? Kim Jung Un announced he'll build a replica of London's Big Ben clock and the Eiffel Tower in a Pyongyang amusement park. It must be spring. He also asked Dennis Rodman to bring Jason Collins with him to North Korea next month and to wear something low-cut. NBA's Jason Collins came out as gay Monday and upset many traditional perceptions about NBA players. This will take some time for ...

This Is What Intolerance Smells Like

President Obama's new "religious tolerance" consultant to the Pentagon, Mikey Weinstein, wants Christian military service members who openly talk about their faith in uniform to be charged with treason, which is a crime punishable by death according to military law.

Bush Library Reading Material

GBHS Drafting students take field trip

It's way too early to speculate, but a dream conceived by some Great Bend High School drafting students may one day be reality.

Portland’s Lillard named NBA Rookie of the Year

PORTLAND, Ore. - It's unanimous: Damian Lillard is the NBA's Rookie of the Year.

Royals rally again

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Elliot Johnson homered against his former team and the Kansas City Royals rallied from an early five-run hole, beating the Tampa Rays 9-8 on a cold, blustery Wednesday night.

Pacers seize 3-2 lead

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - David West scored 24 points and Paul George had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead Indiana past Atlanta 106-83 on Wednesday night, taking a 3-2 playoff series lead.

ON THE BRINK

The Associated Press NEW YORK - Back in the series, now back to Boston. The Celtics are two victories from NBA history, and from extending the Knicks' postseason futility in a most improbable manner. Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 18 rebounds and the Celtics stayed alive in the playoffs, cutting New York's lead to 3-2 with a 92-86 victory Wednesday night. The Celtics will host Game 6 on Friday night, needing two victories to ...

GBMS Track & Field

On Monday, the Great Bend Middle School hosted its junior varsity track and field team meet and competed against five other teams.

Chiefs trade Arenas to Cardinals for Sherman

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs thinned out a crowded defensive backfield by trading Javier Arenas to Arizona on Wednesday for fullback Anthony Sherman, who didn't appear to fit with new Cardinals coach Bruce Arians' offense.

TO TEBOW OR NOT TO TEBOW

Tim Tebow is out in New York and if you listen to the smarties who offer opinions, he's done in the NFL. Let's take a look at some of these smarties.

OTR for May 2, 2013

Barton County Sheriff A nurse tank with 5 hp Honda motor belonging to Great Bend Co-op was stolen from SW 130 Ave. and between SW 10 Road and SW 20 Road, it was reported Tuesday. Great Bend Police Theft of checks from 2012 32nd St. was reported Tuesday. Great Bend Fire Department Firefighters made seven ambulance runs Tuesday. There were no fires.

​Rec Commission’s Spring Style Show announced

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will host a Spring Style Show at 1:15 p.m. Monday, May 6, at the Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave. Clothes will be provided by Maurice's, E&E Glass and Beautiful Beginnings. For more information call the Recreation Commission office, 793-3755 ext. 2 or e-mail recreation@gbrc.kscoxmail.com.

​Saddle Club offers Fun Day

Great Bend Saddle Club will have a Fun Day from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, at the Great Bend Rodeo Arena, located at the Expo grounds. There will be horse-related games and activities. Everyone is invited to come and bring a horse if you have one, but the club requests no stud animals. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Those who bring twine will be able to make their own ropes. Non-member riders ...

Dance Theatre to benefit Barton pitcher Skylar Hill

Students of the Barton Community College Dance Theatre class will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11 in the Fine Arts Auditorium and freewill donations will be accepted to benefit Barton baseball player Skylar Hill in his fight against cancer.

Pacers put down Knicks in Game 6

INDIANAPOLIS - Lance Stephenson scored nine of his playoff career-high 23 points during a late 11-2 run Saturday night, leading the Indiana Pacers past the New York Knicks, 106-99 and into the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2004.

Rays rally to pummel Orioles 10-6

BALTIMORE - Matt Joyce hit a big two-run double in a six-run ninth-inning rally, lifting the Tampa Bay Rays to a 10-6 victory over the Orioles on Saturday, ending Baltimore's franchise-record streak of 109 straight wins when leading after seven innings.

Red Wings even series with Blackhawks 1-1 with 4-1 victory

CHICAGO - In case they weren't aware already, the Chicago Blackhawks now know they're going to have to earn it if they want to get past Detroit.

Smith becoming leader for Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It hasn't taken long for Alex Smith to become the leader of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kansas State walks off with Big 12 baseball championship

MANHATTAN - Kansas State outfielder Tanner Witt scored on a bases-loaded passed ball in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending the 18th-ranked Wildcats to their first Big 12 Championship in school history with a 6-5 victory over No. 19 Oklahoma Friday evening at Tointon Family Stadium.

BCC recognizes student ambassadors

Barton Community College has announced its 2012-13 Brant J. Ballhorst Student Ambassadors of the Year.

​Library’s summer hours begin

The Great Bend Public Library will be closed Sunday and Monday, May 26 and 27, in observance of Memorial Day. The library will also switch to summer hours on May 28. It will be open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed Sundays through Labor Day.

​Blood donors could win $1,000 gift card

WICHITA - Donors who present to give blood between May 23 and 31 in honor of Memorial Day could win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards, the American Red Cross announced. In addition, their donations will honor those who gave their life for our country and support those in need of care. The Red Cross serves about 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country, including many Veterans Affairs medical centers.

BCC Foundation honors Mary Cohen with Distinguished Service Award

The Barton Community College Foundation honored Dr. Mary Davidson Cohen with the 2013 Distinguished Service Award during Barton's 43rd commencement on Friday. Cohen was unable to attend, but Barton Foundation Director Darnell Holopirek accepted the award on her behalf. The Distinguished Service Award was created in 1981 by the Barton Community College Foundation to recognize individuals who have shown genuine regard for, and have performed outstanding service to Barton Community College. The Barton Foundation ...

Gov. Brownback addresses BCC graduates

Gov. Sam Brownback congratulated students on achieving a major milestone Friday, during Barton Community College's 43rd commencement ceremony. A crowd filled the Physical Education Building, where the governor offered several pieces of advice to the graduates, starting with, "Always, always, always listen to your mother." He also encouraged them to be lifelong learners, people of integrity and pursuers of dreams. "The why of a good dream is because somebody else benefits," he said, encouraging them ...

Kans for Kids announces scholarship recipients

Kans for Kids announced its 2013 scholarship recipients. Any child who has received assistance from Kans for Kids is eligible to receive two scholarships from the organization upon graduation from high school and each year following while they pursue higher education.

Honor student

Barton Community College student Terra Hull, shown with President Dr. Carl Heilman, is inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society on Thursday evening in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel at Barton Community College. Alpha Sigma Lambda is primarily for non-traditional students. Its aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. Barton had 36 new members in 2013.

Dr. Markiewicz brings new procedures to St. Rose

To say that Dr. Richard Markiewicz is animated when he talks about the procedures he performs would be an understatement. It is obvious he is eager to explain his minimally invasive procedures because they are the "wave of the future."

First recipients of new Information Security certificate at BCC look to bright future

Barton Community College students Orlando Hernandez and Jesse Siefkes are ecstatic. Both have taken a huge step in their educational and professional lives by earning Barton's very first certificates in Information Systems Security along with four other students.

Rosewood Wine Cellar expands opportunities with new products

Rosewood Wine Cellar has been open for only four months, but already it's become a popular shopping destination in downtown Great Bend. Business has been growing for the retail gift store, which promotes work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities with every purchase made by customers.