Archive By Author - Dale Hogg
Byway focus of commission meeting
The Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway took center stage at the Barton County Commission meeting Monday morning as commissioners honored many of the project's volunteers and heard a report about efforts to market it.
Time for action
Third time's a charm. The Great Bend City Council Monday night will take up a recommendation by its Convention Center Architectural Selection Committee, the group charged with pouring over applications and suggesting a firm to tackle the controversial project.
Spaghetti time is near
The Great Bend Noon Lions Club will continue a 28-year tradition Thursday, Oct. 4. The service organization will hold its annual Spaghetti Feed from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Great Bend Elks Lodge, 1120 Kansas Ave.
Website offers insight in to justices, judges
Although it is temporarily out of service, the Kansas Commission on Judicial Performance has evaluated judges and justices across the state, making most of its findings available to the public. With some of these officials on the November ballot, these reports could be beneficial to voters, said Donna Zimmerman, Barton County election officer.
Fuller Brush exiting bankruptcy
A letter circulating has caused Fuller Brush President and Chief Executive Officer Brady Gros a lot of grief. It refers to a courtroom auction set for Oct. 16 in the State of New York.
Gas prices starting to fall
Despite wide fluctuations in crude oil prices, average retail gasoline prices in Kansas have fallen 2.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.80 Sunday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 4.3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.80, according to gasoline price website KansasGasPrices.com.
Antique license plates explained to commission
Barton County Treasurer Kevin Wondra told the Barton County Commission Monday morning he's had antique car enthusiasts come to him concerned about the tagging of the their older vehicles.
Commission opens Second Street
After securing easements from the City of Great Bend and Lasting Life Ministries, the Barton County Commission Monday morning voted to open a controversial stretch of Second Street.
Black-out to benefit United Way
The Great Bend High School Kayettes will sponsor a "black-out" for United Way of Central Kansas during the Oct. 12 football game against arch rival Hays at GBHS's Memorial Stadium. However, orders for the black event T-shirts are being taken now, said UWCK Executive Director Julie Bugner-Smith.
GBHS homecoming Friday
Great Bend High School will hold its 2012 Fall Homecoming Friday. Activities get underway in the afternoon and run through the evening.
CULVERT OPERATIONS
The Barton County Road and Bridge Department has replaced six culverts recently. This may not sound like big news, except that one of the jobs incorporated a new, unique method.
County appraisal inspections under way
According to state law, the Barton County Appraiser's Office is required to re-inspect 17 percent of the properties in the county each year. This process is now under way, it was reported at the Barton County Commission Monday morning.
Zoo misses accreditation bid
Brit Spaugh Zoo Director Scott Gregory had good news for the Great Bend City Council Monday night and he had bad news.
County, city OK private fireworks
Now the fireworks ball is in the Hoisington City Council's court. Both the Barton County Commission and Great Bend City Council Monday approved setting Saturday, Sept. 29, as the date for the private discharge of fireworks.
Taking the right action
The Barton County Commission Monday morning took action in the best interest of the county, despite an emotional appeal to the contrary. The commission should be commended.
Articles By Author - Dale Hogg
Police to enforce seatbelt use near schools
Beginning Feb. 23 and running through March 6, the Great Bend Police Department will join other Kansas Law Enforcement agencies to stop what has been an epidemic for the past several years – teens not using seatbelts.
GBPD cracking down on overly tinted windows
Overly dark vehicle windows are a threat to the safety of the public and to the police officers patrolling the streets, Great Bend Police Sgt. Jay Bachar told the Great Bend City Council Monday night. So, the City of Great Bend Police Department is undertaking a strong effort to monitor window tinting.
Two confirmed whooping cough cases in county
As of this weekend, there were two laboratory-confirmed cases of whooping cough in Great Bend, Barton County Health Director Shelly Schneider said Monday morning. One of the cases is in a school-age child and the other in a younger child, both of whom had been vaccinated.
STICKING AROUND
The county employees honored for longevity by the Barton County Commission represented 270 collective years of service to the county. Recognized were folks who have had continuous employment for five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 years.
Public to have chance to meet police chief candidate
There will be two public, open meetings later this week to give residents, City Council members and others an opportunity to meet the finalist for the job of Great Bend police chief.
Council again backs Job Fest
The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved sponsoring the annual Job Fest for $1,000. The city has been a sponsor of Job Fest since its inception. The ninth-annual Job Fest event is set for Thursday, April 30.
A BIG OVERDUE NOTICE
After a heated discussion Monday night, the Great Bend City Council authorized Mayor Mike Allison to sign an agreement with the Great Bend Public Library Board for the payment and reimbursement of the new heating and air conditioning system at the library in the amount of $762,012.92.
Tobacco tax hike good idea
For once, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback's efforts to correct the state's massive budget shortfall make a modicum of sense. He has forwarded proposals to raise alcohol and tobacco taxes which are now being reviewed by a legislative committee.
