Archive By Section - News
Reverse transfers could mean more BCC graduates
Students who transfer from Barton Community College to Wichita State University before completing their associate degrees may still be able to graduate from BCC, Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said Thursday. Heilman told BCC trustees he signed a memorandum of understanding with WSU for a "reverse transfer agreement" that allows students to transfer credits from WSU back to BCC to complete their associate degree while working toward their bachelor's degree. Barton is looking at a ...
Not getting pets vaccinated against rabies could cost a bundle
Locally, a rabies vaccination for a cat or dog costs on the average $15, plus a mandatory examination which can cost around $25. For most people who drive the average truck, that's about the same as a half a tank of gas at today's prices. While its nothing to sneeze at, it's a lot easier to manage than the $8,832 cost of post exposure treatment.
Ice lollipops
USD 428 new hire to fill big shoes
Khristopher J. Thexton, superintendent of Marysville School District 364, has been hired by USD 428 as the new director of finance, operations and federal programs. A quorum of four school board members met in a special meeting Thursday, waiving their right to three days prior notice. After a five minute executive session, they voted to make the offer, which he has accepted.
Out of the Morgue
Each week we'll take a step back into the history of Great Bend through the eyes of reporters past. We'll reacquaint you with what went into creating the Great Bend of today, and do our best to update you on what "the rest of the story" turned out to be.
Former Honor Flight program director to stand trial
A jury will try LaVeta Miller, the Great Bend woman charged with stealing more than $100,000 from the area Honor Flights program. As Miller stood beside him, her attorney entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf Thursday on two counts of theft by deception. Ellinwood attorney Richard Anderson waived the reading of the charges during Miller's arraignment, which followed the conclusion of her preliminary hearing. District Magistrate Don Alvord ruled that the state, ...
“Drones” give birds eye view, make fast work for ag apps
"Not all drones are created equal," Dr. Kevin Price, a Kansas State University professor of agronomy and geography told the audience at the Wednesday noon presentation on drone technology at the Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
A sheet of ice greeted the opening of the second-annual Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo Wednesday morning and one could see the breath of those gathered in the chilly Expo III building at the Expo Complex for the show's ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Recreation Commission purchases Imagination Playground
The Great Bend Recreation is buying an Imagination Playground. Director Diann Henderson got approval Monday from the GBRC Board to purchase more than 300 of the large blue building blocks and storage containers, at a cost of $19,219. By placing the order immediately, Henderson hopes Great Bend's Imagination Playground can arrive in time for the June Jaunt and other community events. "We could set it up for people to enjoy," she said. Manufacturers of Imagination ...
Mayors honor area volunteerism
Three mayors from Barton County recognized the local Action AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers with a proclamation Tuesday, marking the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service.
Pinewood Derby races to the finish
The Kanza District, Quivira Council Boy Scouts of America held its annual District Pinewood Derby on Sunday, April 7 at the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend with over 200 Scouts and their families in attendance.
Election results finalized
The Barton County Commission met early Monday morning as the Board of Canvasers to canvas the results of last Tuesday's general election. The totals reported as of the end of the evening on election night remained unofficials until this was done.
USD 428 considers GBNEA proposal
The USD 428 Board of Education met Monday evening with an agenda that seemed uneventful. But for those that stuck around for action following the first executive session, a glimpse into two equally compelling sides of a debate over quantity versus quality ensued.
New attorney appointed to Chapman
The jury trial for Jeffrey Wade Chapman that was scheduled to get under way on Monday has been rescheduled for August in Barton County District Court. Chapman is charged with first degree murder in the death of Damon Leslie Galyardt, who was killed Nov. 11, 2011.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
Starting today, a stretch of West Barton County Road will be reduced from four lanes to two as crews begin to bury a concrete pipe beneath it. The work is part of a nine-month, $6 million project to improve the flow of water from the Arkansas River to Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
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 ...
