BAK

Blackwell to receive stem cell transplant

HOISINGTON - Hoisington Middle School student Tanner Blackwell was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2010, has undergone chemotherapy treatment and will undergo a stem cell transplant this month in Houston.

Hoisington EMS receives grant to purchase Zoll E Defibrillator

HOISINGTON - Hoisington Emergency Medical Services has received a grant for $34,805 to purchase a new Zoll E Defibrillator.

Claflin celebrates Memorial Day, Ambulance Service

CLALFIN - On a windy Memorial Day, Claflin residents and former Claflin residents were present at the Claflin Cemetery to commemorate those who died in military service and, in a separate ceremony, the beginning of the Claflin Ambulance Service.

Hoisington trolley service in need of volunteers

HOISINGTON - A valuable service to Hoisington residents is the trolley service which is provided by volunteers. For only 25 cents, residents can ride the trolley anywhere within a mile of the city limits of Hoisington.

Tornado destroys property; leaves the spirit intact

BARTON COUNTY - When her husband didn't answer his cell phone on Tuesday evening, Teresa Cass became worried and hurried home as soon as she could from her job in Great Bend. Little did she know that her husband, Chuck, was hunkered down between two refrigerators while taking a direct hit from a tornado and unable to answer his phone.

USD 355 builds bus barn

ELLINWOOD - USD 355 Ellinwood Board of Education has purchased property, 901 E. Santa Fe, in Ellinwood to begin building a bus barn. The property was purchased from the City of Ellinwood for $15,000 and dirt work is done, the BOE heard at its regular meeting.

Steeple work

Asst. Sec. of Parks and Tourism visits Great Bend

BARTON COUNTY - Assistant Secretary of Parks and Tourism Linda Craighead was in town last week and met with 20 local leaders from the Economic Development Committee, National Byway Committee, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms and other community leaders. Members of the committees live throughout the area.

‘Landmark of the Plains’ to be restored

BARTON COUNTY - Long-viewed as the 'Landmark of the Plains,' Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church north of Ellinwood was seriously damaged in May 2007 when the steeple collapsed during a tornado. Standing firm for over a 100 years, the church was a center of activity during most of the twentieth century, where those seeking solace in times of trouble and those celebrating the good times could both find a place of rest.

Job Fair attracts large crowd

The local Job Fair, held Thursday at the Best Western Courtyard, attracted about 300 job-seekers and 24 local businesses, and was called a success by all who attended.

HHS FCCLA to travel to California

HOISINGTON - Members of the Hoisington High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter will be traveling to the national meeting in Anaheim, Calif. on July 9-14. Those attending will be Drew Reisner, Kayla Reisner and Rondi Denning along with advisor Karla Reisner.

Claflin to remember 50 years of ambulance service

CLAFLIN - When a tragedy unfolded 50 years ago on Memorial Day in Claflin, out of the sadness came a determination for the community to begin an ambulance service.

City hears good audit report

ELLINWOOD - The City of Ellinwood heard a good audit report for 2010 at its regular monthly meeting. Amber Littler from Adams, Brown Beran and Ball praised the city on the organization of the books.

City Council hears blighted property report

HOISINGTON - The Hoisington City Council heard a report this week on blighted properties from Don Doerschlag, the city's code enforcement officer.

Hoisington to put sales tax increase on ballot

HOISINGTON - The Hoisington City Council, at its regular meeting on Monday, approved a resolution to put on the November ballot a raise in retail sales tax of .25 of one percent for the community. This increase will put the city at the same increment as the city of Great Bend.

Squash plants may not be producing

One of the most popular vegetables grown by home gardeners is squash. Many years, it produces and produces in such great numbers, that it is frequently a popular giveaway.

New director begins at Hoisington Rec

HOISINGTON - The new director for Hoisington Recreation Commission is Granson Salmans formerly of Montezuma, and he began his duties on Monday.

Kansas homegrown: Pinkall nominated for Emmy for work at the Sochi Olympics

Dr. Bryan Pinkall, who grew up in Great Bend, recently drove home from Manhattan and broke the news to his parents, Michelle and Gary, with a short video that he had a special vacation planned in August.

Ellinwood council proposes 2015 mill levy assessment

ELLINWOOD - The Ellinwood City Council met at a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the proposed mill levy assessment for 2015. The council approved the budget for publication.

BBBS provides assistance to kids in need

Her voice brimming with enthusiasm, new Big Brothers, Big Sisters area director Diane Shoemaker has come on board with the non-profit organization which provides a little attention to kids-in-need, but has big results.

Ellinwood After Harvest Festival Photos

Ellinwood celebrates the heart of the heartland

ELLINWOOD - Overcast skies made for a pleasant morning Saturday when the Ellinwood After Harvest Festival parade brought crowds to the red, brick streets of the community.

Hoisington rental licensing program has landlords concerned

HOISINGTON - At the Hoisington City Council meeting on Monday, several landlords were present, upset about the rental licensing agreement just passed by the council. The Great Bend Tribune featured a story on the program on July 6. The rental agreement requires minimum standards for rental housing and rental inspection.