Archive By Author - Dale Hogg
Come on guys, keep those doors open
Sunshine Week, the national initiative by journalists to assure that sunshine illuminates every crevasse in the halls of officialdom, runs March 10-16. During that week, newspapers traditionally run editorials and columns extolling the importance of open government as it relates to our freedoms as Americans.
A two-way trail
Saturday marked the opening of Travel and Tourism Week in Kansas, which runs through next Sunday. The Barton County Commission Monday morning is set to authorize a proclamation to recognize the importance this industry plays in our local, regional and state economies.
Cinco de Mayo Saturday
For Jose Hernandez, helping organize the 2013 Cinco dey Mayo celebration Saturday is about much more than throwing a party.
Planting an idea
Last week was the culmination of several months worth of effort by Great Bend fourth and fifth graders, effort that wrapped up Friday with the celebration of Arbor Day. Thanks to a cooperative arrangement between the Great Bend Tree Board and the Kansas Forestry Department, the fourth-grade students were each given a red bud sapling and the fifth-grade students participated in a poster contest.
GROWTH FOR THE FUTURE
In observance of National Arbor Day each year, the Tree Board visits fourth graders in Great Bend, gives them each a tree, and encourages them to plant it. Board members made their rounds last Wednesday through Friday, which was the official Arbor Day.
Jail showers to be updated
A nagging problem dating back to when the Barton County Detention Facility was completed in 2004 should be eliminated after action taken by the County Commission Monday morning.
Lend a hand
It may have gone by unnoticed, but the past week was National Volunteer Week. Many area residents might have noticed, but they were out, well, volunteering.
Car show to roar to life
Rev the engines, the 25th-annual Mid-America Mopars Car Show is set for Sunday, May 5, at Brit Spaugh Park, come rain or shine.
Barton County state’s only meth disposal site
For years, the State of Kansas, through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Bureau of Waste Management, operated three facilities for the storage of methamphetamine-related materials. Law enforcement officers would bring the contaminated items to landfills in Great Bend, Ottawa and Wichita.
Household hazardous waste disposal now available
It is spring and time for spring cleaning. For some Barton County residents, that means digging in dark basement or garage corners and finding cans and bottles of old household chemicals.
Card provides medical benefits to county residents
It's free to Barton County residents. It can save them hundreds of dollars. All they have to do is ask.
Commission gives nod to waste tire processor
A Ness County tire recycling company is one step closer to opening a facility near the Great Bend Municipal Airport after the Barton County Commission Monday morning agreed that the firm's plan meets the county's Solid Waste Management Plan.
Tired of tires
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate approximately 290 million scrap tires annual. Historically, these scrap tires took up space in landfills or provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents when stockpiled or illegally dumped.
Walking the walk
Family Crisis Center Executive Director Laura Patzner wants area men to put themselves "in her shoes." By "her," she is referring to the countless women who suffer from sexual and domestic violence.
Different date, same great cause
Red high heels may be in fashion this spring, but organizers of the forth-annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes are still waiting for spring to arrive.
Articles By Author - Dale Hogg
City Council: Dog laws need more teeth
Great Bend residents George and Zola Weber said they love living in this community. But now they live in fear of their neighbors' pit bulls and suggested to the City Council Monday night it ban such vicious dogs from inside the city limits.
Don’t trash it
June Jaunt is just over a week away. This event, which showcases communities from Tribune to Great Bend along K-96, is a chance for these towns to shine.
These services are always needed
The last week in April may have been National Crime Victims Rights Week, but the needs of those impacted by crime continue even without any special recognition, Camila Komarek told the Barton County Commission Monday morning.
Although pricey, road sealing vital
When Dale Phillips first started working for Barton County, the oil used to seal the county's 380-plus miles of paved roads cost 15 cents per gallon. This year, it costs $2.50.
It’s your turn
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. – Aristotle
Great Bend escapes Defense Department furloughs
The Great Bend Kansas National Guard armory should escape unscathed the round of federally mandated National Guard furloughs announced Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, said Sharon Watson with the KNG Public Affairs Office.
Lyons man sentenced to 17½ years for rape, indecent liberties
LYONS – A Lyons man was sentenced Wednesday to 17½ years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
Summer road work begins
Barton County Administrator Richard Boeckman offered his biweekly update on the activities of various county departments during the County Commission meeting Monday morning. Highlights included:
Wanted: Several good homes
At an adoption event this past Saturday, Ebert warmed the hearts of many. But, he still needs a home.
Share the river
We are fortunate to live in a region with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. One of the most diverse of these opportunities is the Arkansas River.
Residents fear stray gunfire near river
It's only a matter of time before someone is hit by a stray bullet while enjoying the Arkansas River bed south of Ellinwood, local resident Tom Komarek told the Barton County Commission Monday morning.
County hopes to spark Vet Memorial donations
The Memorial Parks Advisory Committee was given the go-ahead by the Barton County Commission Monday morning to hold two much-needed fundraisers to build the Veterans Memorial at Golden Belt Memorial Park north of Great Bend.
Lessons learned?
A lot of dirty laundry has been aired publicly of late.
‘To parents, be the adults’
With high school and college graduations fast approaching, the Central Kansas Partnership is urging parents to keep the community safe by prohibiting underage drinking and not providing alcohol to underage youth at graduation celebrations.
