USD 431 in good financial shape

HOISINGTON- Although costs have increased for USD 431, because of increased property valuation and an anticipated increase in enrollment, the district is in pretty good shape.

Ellinwood offers meals, rides to seniors

ELLINWOOD - The Ellinwood Bus Service and Friendship Meals, along with Meals on Wheels are all available as a service to those over 60 who live in Ellinwood.

Ellinwood celebrates end of the harvest with AHF

ELLINWOOD - Providing an opportunity to see friends and family, the 38th annual After Harvest Festival was celebrated at Ellinwood in a big way over the past few days.

New business added in Hoisington

HOISINGTON - A new business, Cardinal T-shirts, has taken up residence, for now, in Hoisington's Cardinal Pharmacy. Gene Mooney will print logos on T-shirts, polos, hoodies or jackets.

Ellinwood prepares for After Harvest Festival with a full range of activities

ELLINWOOD - The city of Ellinwood will party this week to celebrate the 38th annual After Harvest Festival with a full range of activities for the entire family from Thursday to Saturday.

USD 431 continues emphasis on character education at HHS

HOISINGTON - Hoisington High School will continue its efforts with character education that began in 2010-11 this next school year. Character education is common in elementary schools, but the district will continue to teach good character in high school.

CBH receives new cardiac monitoring equipment

HOISINGTON - Clara Barton Hospital has added new state of the art cardiac monitoring equipment to keep up with the past faced demands of today's ever changing medical environment.

Cool in the pool

Gregory creates chain saw art

Using a chain saw to create intricate designs, artist Keith Gregory has used his skills as an artist to craft whimsical to realistic carvings of animals. From Willard, Mo., Gregory's wares are for sale at the Barton County Fair.

House fire occurs July 3

HOISINGTON - A house fire occurred at 450 W. 4th in Hoisington at 12:15 a.m. on July 3.

DeWerffs named as AHF Grand Marshals

ELLINWOOD - Known for an attitude of service, hospitality and gratefulness, and great advocates for the benefits of 4-H, Marion and Vernon DeWerff have been chosen as Grand Marshals for the Ellinwood After Harvest Festival, July 14-16.

Ellinwood American Legion to add missing name to war memorial

ELLINWOOD - The year was 1950, and in November of that year, the United States was mired in battle in Korea, fighting the spread of Communism. Two young men from Barton County answered the call to service and paid the highest price.

Clinic completes renovations

The Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc. employees celebrated the completion of the clinic expansion project on Thursday at a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce After Hours. The building is now 12,000 square feet, doubling its size, and eight exam rooms have been added for a total of 17.

HPD to add Tasers

HOISINGTON - The Hoisington Police Department will add Tasers for police officers, the Hoisington City Council heard at its regular meeting.

Local officers Hanzlik and Kirkland play integral role in deer poaching convictions

HOISINGTON - Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens Brian Hanzlik of Hoisington and Phil Kirkland based out of Stafford County played an integral role in the investigation of James and Marlin Butler, two men recently convicted in a deer poaching scheme.

Kenneth Harold Allen 1928 - 2014

Kenneth Harold Allen, 86, died July 31, at Great Bend Regional Hospital in Great Bend. Born July 4, 1928, in Great Bend, he was the son of James Martin and Bertha (Piel) Allen. On April 28, 1952, he married Maude Evalene Russell in Salem, Ark. She died on Aug. 8, 2007. A lifetime resident of Great Bend he was a carpenter for Marlette Homes.

Hoisington businesses see fake $10 bills

HOISINGTON - There was an attempt two weeks ago to pass two fake ten dollar bills in Hoisington Police Chief Kenton Doze reports, at two separate businesses.

Farewell

USD 355 moves to 21st century technology; considers new scoreboard

ELLINWOOD - The Ellinwood School District is moving to 21st century technology and will only allow students to carry iPads into the classroom. Book bags are only allowed for students to carry books to and from school to the locker at the junior and senior high level.

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.