Archive By Section - News
One week left to vote for Kansas people
INMAN – Voting for the 8 Wonders of Kansas People will end midnight, Friday, Oct. 22. The results will be announced on Thursday, Oct. 28.
Camping woes focus of children’s book
EMPORIA –Rural Olpe resident Linda Carson has a list of reasons why she doesn't like camping. In a colorful, zany children's book, Carson details those reasons. In Carson's book, "But I Don't Want to Go Camping!", she shares a camping trip and why she doesn't like it - bugs, weeds, dirt, bugs, weeds, bugs and dirt. "My husband and 6-year-old grandson love to go camping," Carson said. "Years ago I tried ...
Halloween events planned
This year's Halloween Parade will have to work around the construction site of the future Jack Kilby Plaza, but that shouldn't scare anyone. Plenty of volunteers will be on hand to lead children on a safe route down both sides of Main Street, where businesses will be handing out candy, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Great Bend residents and visitors can get an early start on ...
Special needs information sought by county
In another step to better prepare this area for any future disasters, Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller is seeking input about Barton County residents with special needs.
Russell electrical department celebrates 100 years
The City of Russell celebrated the 100th anniversary of its electric department last month. To mark the occasion, the city will host an open house from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the plant, 133 West Eighth.
On the lines
The two-plus-block stretch of Broadway Avenue in Great Bend from Polk to McKinley streets has always been intended for one lane of traffic in each direction. However, the width has caused confusion for motorists who oft treat it as a four-lane road. A project now underway should help. "It was so wide, people treated it as two lanes both ways," said Great Bend City Engineer Robert Winiecke. "We're going to try ...
Longoria to return next week
Adam Longoria will return to Barton County next Thursday, when District Judge Hannelore Kitts will rule on pre-trial motions in his capital murder case. Longoria is suspected of killing 14-year-old Alicia DeBolt of Great Bend. Longoria, 36, is in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility, where he can be closer to his Wichita attorneys, Jeffrey Wicks and Tim Frieden at the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit. ...
We’re ready for the ‘vote early’ part
According to information from County Clerk Donna Zimmerman, voters can get an early start on the general election now, because advanced voting is open for Barton County.
Southern Gospel groups return for 'Sings Concert'
The tradition of bringing Christian music lovers together for a "sing" is hardly new, but for years Lynn and Mary Chestnut had to travel for miles - sometimes to other states - to hear the Southern Gospel music they loved. All that changed in 2005, when the Great Bend couple organized a sing for central Kansas.
College 2 Community Day takes students to work
Barton Community College students left their classrooms Wednesday to visit employers in Great Bend, during College 2 Community Day.
Are you smarter than a fifth grader?
Local students are heading home this month with a fresh insight into how to keep their homes safe, as Fire Prevention Month continues at the Great Bend Fire Department.
Time to register to vote
Time is running out to register for the upcoming general election according to information from County Clerk Donna Zimmerman.
Hoisington High competes in Kan-Am ElectroRally
Although the trip to Kansas City had its share of technical difficulties, the race at the Kansas Speedway went well for the Hoisington High School Electric Car Team, HHS industrial arts teacher Ty Coker said. "The car ran excellent. We couldn't ask for a better day, even though it was rainy," said Coker. "It wasn't a concern to place; it was more of a goal to learn."
Scenic byway committee continues to promote economic development
BARTON COUNTY - The Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway stretches through 77 miles of Barton and Stafford counties. And over the past year, the National Scenic Byway Committee has sought to help each of the seven corridor communities (including Great Bend, Hoisington, Claflin, Ellinwood, Hudson, St. John and Stafford) develop tourism with the help of Judy Walden, president of the Walden Mills Group.
USD 112 chooses school names
HOLYROOD - The Unified School District 112 Central Plains Board of Education voted at its Monday meeting to change the names of three of the four schools in the new consolidated district in an unanimous vote.
Articles by Section - News
BCSO participating in 'Click It or Ticket'
Barton County Sheriff's officers are emphasizing seat belt laws by participating in the Click It or Ticket program. For the week prior to Memorial Day, and continuing until June 2, drivers can expect to see more BCSO deputies on the highways, aggressively enforcing "Kansas Occupant Restraint" laws and other traffic statutes. Click It or Ticket is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said his ...
Two Barton coaching contracts 'pending'
Nine head coaching contracts were renewed Wednesday when the Barton Community College Board of Trustees met, but the contracts of two head coaches are "pending final review." The board discussed personnel matters behind closed doors for nearly an hour before voting on head coach contracts, administrative contracts and contracts for managerial staff. Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said there were no changes in head coaches, but the board did not approve a contract for a ...
Bridge work to cause traffic delays
Orange cones and construction crews are already in place on the U.S. 281 bridge just north of the Great Bend city limits as the Kansas Department of Transportation begins to replace the span, a project that could take until next spring.
Two flee; child left in truck
A minor child was left in a truck with a loaded gun Monday night as two suspects fled from Barton County deputies.
Tornado-safe room building starts
Workers began pouring the foundation of the new Great Bend Middle School tornado safe room Tuesday morning, less than a day after the devastating F4 tornado that struck Moore, Okla., tore the roofs off two elementary schools, injuring many and killing nine confirmed at the time of this writing.
Bridge work completed
Work on the bridge north of the Club at StoneRidge has been completed and the road is open, according to the Barton County Engineers Office.
Claflin set to open Community/Fitness Center
CLAFLIN - Numerous volunteers have put their hands together and established a new Community/Fitness Center for the Claflin area. The project involved refurbishing the old Claflin Elementary School for the new purpose.
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.
Higher gas prices not likely to drop by weekend
Gasoline prices have risen dramatically in the past two weeks throughout much of the Midwest. While the price increases may ease off by June, but don't expect relief at the pump this Memorial Weekend, industry experts say. The American Automobile Association's online daily fuel gauge report and GasBuddy.com both showed the average price for a gallon of regular gas Monday in Kansas was $3.92. Just one week ago, the average price was $3.64, and it ...
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.
GBHS 2013 grads strive to “have a life worth living”
Great Bend High School principal Tim Friess welcomed family and friends to the graduation ceremony at Panther Stadium Sunday, where he announced the 206 graduates of the Class of 2013. The sun broke through clouds briefly late afternoon, making it possible for the ceremony to be held outside, despite the threat of impending thunderstorms.
First Steps: Aging out of foster care
This is part one of a three part series focusing on youth aging out of foster care.
Gov. Brownback addresses BCC graduates
Gov. Sam Brownback congratulated students on achieving a major milestone Friday, during Barton Community College's 43rd commencement ceremony. A crowd filled the Physical Education Building, where the governor offered several pieces of advice to the graduates, starting with, "Always, always, always listen to your mother." He also encouraged them to be lifelong learners, people of integrity and pursuers of dreams. "The why of a good dream is because somebody else benefits," he said, encouraging them ...
