Archive By Author - Dale Hogg
Split commission OKs county budget
Divided over the need for the first property tax increase in nearly a decade, a split Barton County Commission Monday morning approved the county's 2013 budget.
Do what you can
The United Way of Central Kansas will launch its 2013 campaign Saturday with a goal of $235,000 to be reached by Dec. 31. Each year, Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith comes up with a catchy theme to make the kick-off an entertaining and enjoyable evening. This year it's "Peace, Love and United Way," a 60s theme to coincide with the 50th anniversary of United Way in Barton County.
An exciting year
Looking at the energetic group of co-chairs and volunteers lined up for this year's campaign, United Way of Central Kansas Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith said she is excited about the 2013 effort. It opens Saturday night.
Razing a bank, raising a curtain
Nelson Stone and his massive excavator began nibbling away at the old Bank of the West building at Lakin and Kansas Thursday as if it were a box of Junior Mints. The razing is in preparation for the new, six-screen movie theater that will eventually occupy that corner.
Some weather we’re having
Go anywhere and strike up a conversation.
THE RESULTS ARE IN
The Tuesday's primary election is over. The polls closed at 7 p.m. and the Barton County Clerk's office started continually updating posted results throughout the evening.
Davis ready for commission challenge
Don Davis may be new to political office, but he is not new to the Barton County Commission. Davis won the Republican primary for the commission's Third District against Buck Causey Tuesday by 450 votes to 213.
Johnson hopes to continue judicial tradition
For Great Bend attorney Steve Johnson, being a district judge was a natural evolution in the legal profession. Johnson defeated fellow Republican Robert Anderson of Ellinwood in Tuesday's 20th Judicial District judge primary.
A lot is going on with county agencies
Every two weeks, Barton County departments submit an activity report of statistical data or a summary of services. County Administrator Richard Boeckman presented highlights from the most recent reports to the County Commission Monday morning.
Officials shaping byway’s future
In applauding cooperation between Barton County and the City of Great Bend to promote the Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway, Great Bend Convention and Visitor's Bureau President Cris Collier told the County Commission Monday morning the stretch of blacktop represents one of the most nationally touted byways in America.
Grants benefit parks. kids
Two Great Bend parks will get a nice boost, thanks to the generosity of a local woman.
Still, no fireworks
It may seem unpatriotic, especially as area residents cast their ballots in today's primary, that the Barton County Commission voted Monday to continue the ban of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county. In the resolution, commissioners declined to set a deadline for them to reconsider the action. Instead, the prohibition is in place indefinitely.
Commission tackles streets’ legality
The residents of a small, landlocked subdivision in southwest Great Bend have a problem. Their streets don't exist.
No firecrackers for now
Barton County officials and local fire chiefs want to assure residents they will eventually be able to set off fireworks, but due to the on-going withering drought, that time is not now.
Election officer offers last-minute advice
Barton County residents will head to the polls Tuesday for the primary election, and county Election Officer Donna Zimmerman has a few last words for voters.
Articles By Author - Dale Hogg
Council OKs fund transfer for library
The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved a resolution allowing the transfer of funds for the Great Bend Public Library heating and air conditioning system loan. The amount being transferred is $762,012.92.
County shop remains in the cold
A lengthy discussion over the replacement of a heating and air conditioning system in the Barton County Road and Bridge Department shop ended in a stalemate at the County Commission meeting Monday morning.
Stormy weather
In the Golden Belt recently, we've gone from warm to cold and from rain to snow, all in the matter of one day., We all know just what can be dished out by Mother Nature. But, as winter fades to spring, the area faces a different kind of weather threat – thunder storms and tornadoes.
County ups jail fee for Great Bend
A 40-plus-year-old arrangement between the City of Great Bend and Barton County over the cost to house inmates in the Barton County Jail has been revised, Sheriff Brian Bellendir told the Barton County Commission Monday morning.
Weather preparedness important
This is Severe Weather Awareness Week 2015, and to mark its importance to the safety of area residents, the Barton County Commission Monday morning approved a resolution denoting this observance locally.
Setting the pace
"Where else can a dollar donated touch so many lives," said Rick Chochon, United Way of Central Kansas pacesetter co-chair and United Way Board member. He was addressed the UWCK's first-ever Pacesetter Luncheon Thursday afternoon. It was an opportunity to honor the top 15 payroll companies and other special award winners.
Commercial vehicle renewal deadline Friday
For anyone one who has to renew a commercial vehicle tag, Barton County Treasurer Kevin Wondra has two important pieces of advice.
Family Crisis Center receives sexual assault services grant
TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback Tuesday announced the recipients of the $267,572 grant from the 2015 Federal Sexual Assault Services Program. SASP grants provide intervention; advocacy; accompaniment to court, medical facilities, and police departments; support services; and related assistance to adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault; family and household members of sexual assault victims; and those collaterally affected by the sexual assault victimization.
Kansas must match jobs to those wanting them
Ostensibly, the employment picture in the nation as a whole and in Kansas is a rosy one, said Linda L. Bonewell, human resources manager for Fuller Industries. But, the numbers only show part of the picture.
Dannebohm eyeing resignation
TOPEKA – Although it remains unofficial, a heartbroken J. Basil Dannebohm said Monday he may resign his seat in the Kansas Legislature due to the debilitating ravages of his young onset Parkinson's disease.
County honors FFA, future of agriculture
The world of agriculture is changing, and so is a long-standing youth program that promotes it.
Good things are happening
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting and banquet took place Saturday night. A full house at the Convention Center heard a about the strides made in the business community.
From sports to space
The two 2014 inductees into the Great Bend High School Hall of Fame were recognized at a luncheon Friday afternoon.
A MATTER OF VALUES
The Barton County Appraiser's Office is in the middle of establishing 2015 valuations, County Appraiser Barb Esfeld said. Real Estate values will be mailed on or before March 13.
