Archive By Section - News
Miller returns to scene of the crime
Nearly 40 years after leading raids on gambling in Great Bend, former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller was back in town Saturday. Miller, 82, spoke at the Great Bend Public Library, where he and author Mike Danford signed copies of the biography "Vern Miller: Legendary Kansas Lawman."
Boy dies in farm accident
A 7-year-old boy died after being run over by a tractor, Saturday afternoon northwest of Olmitz. Emergency vehicles were dispatched around 3:45 p.m. The Barton County Sheriff's Office reports the boy, whose name was not being released, died as a result of injuries from the farm accident. Emergency responders started cardiopulmonary resuscitation but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency groups starts work for 2011
2010 was a busy year for emegency preparation work in Barton County, and this year will be as well, from early indications, according to Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller.
Hazard plan got started in 2010
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in a series of aritcles on the development of an emergency plan for the county.)
THE STUFF OF LEGENDS: Vern Miller returns to Great Bend
To some, Vern Miller was the "Super Cop," who, as Kansas Attorney General, raided night clubs - including the Great Bend Petroleum Club - and confiscated cases of liquor from Amtrak trains. Others had a less charitable view of Miller, and took to spray painting the name "Vern" under the word "Stop" on stop signs in the 1970s.
BOCK Chili Challenge benefits hospice patients
The location will be different but the menu will be the same at this year's 12th Annual Chili Challenge. The tasting-and-judging event is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19 at the American Legion, 1011 Kansas, Great Bend. It was formerly held at ...
New K-9 officer learning the ropes
Members of the Great Bend Noon Kiwanis got to see K-9 officer Rocco in action Wednesday, during a demonstration presented by the Barto County Sheriff's Office. Rocco, like his predecessor Donna, is a Belgian malinois, a shepherd dog imported from Holland. Donna still ranks as one of the best law enforcement dogs of all time, in Sheriff Greg Armstrong's opinion, but at 11 ...
County moves ahead on landfill development
Development continues at the Barton County Landfill and now work is underway to prepare for the next phase.
Singers to serenade sweeties
The Great Bend High School Madrigal-Pops Singers will deliver singing Valentines from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 for a $25 donation. The recipient will be serenaded with a choice of a love song or a song more appropriate for friends or work-place relationships. The recipient will also receive a decorated cookie.
Community colleges support new funding model
Kansas community colleges are supporting a proposed cost model for technical education, but advising legislators not to fund vocational schools at their expense. Staff from the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees and four community college presidents met with freshman legislators in Topeka on Jan. 11. Barton Community College President Dr. Heilman shared the talking points and 2011 legislative agenda, which includes those issues, along with reinstituting a program ...
County thanks Hayden for wetlands work
Barton County Commissioners have approved a message of thanks to former Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Secretary Mike Hayden for his efforts that brought improvements to Cheyenne Bottoms, South Hoisington and other areas in the county.
Great Bend man sentenced to life without parole
One day after a Topeka man was sentenced to life in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation, his accomplice from Great Bend has also received a life sentence without parole, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Tuesday. Adan Molina, 30, Great Bend, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He entered the plea in November after three days of trial in U.S. District ...
Eisenhower students study 'how the body works'
Eisenhower Grade School third grade students are taking a trip through the human body and studying how the brain responds to stimuli.
Candidates file for area positions
Noon on Tuesday was the filing deadline for those interested in running for various school board, city council and hospital board positions in Barton County. The regular election is April 5.
Meth case draws life sentence
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – One of the leaders of a drug trafficking operation that sold methamphetamine in Great Bend, Topeka and Kansas City has been sentenced to life in federal prison without parole, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said Monday. Alfonso Rubio-Ayala, 27, Topeka, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He entered the plea in November after three days of trial in U.S. District Court in Topeka. In ...
Articles by Section - News
Important new addition to museum collection
SRCA board member Butch Fry made an important donation to the Barton County Historical Society Museum Saturday afternoon. He presented his SRCA 1964 Record Holder jacket.
The day the sculptures rolled in
Whether it was dragsters, street rods, Mopars, or vintage cars that struck their fancy, visitors and exhibitors alike were drawn to the Second Annual Barton Historical Society Museum Rolling Sculpture car show Saturday afternoon, May 18.
TLC Twisters bring comfort to shelter dogs
The TLC Twisters 4-H club at TLC Discoveries built eight dog beds which they presented to the Golden Belt Humane Society last week. The beds, made of donated PVC pipe and nylon material, will provide a place for puppies and smaller dogs to relax off the cement floor. They are easily hosed off, and are quick drying, making them ideal for a kennel environment.
Hoisington to host annual ‘Mud Run’
HOISINGTON - Engines will once again roar as drivers try to drive through the mud at the fourth annual Mud Run at 1 p.m. on June 1 in Hoisington, south of the railroad track on the east side of U.S. 281. It will be held in conjunction with the Kansas Mud Racing Organization.
Great Bend escapes Defense Department furloughs
The Great Bend Kansas National Guard armory should escape unscathed the round of federally mandated National Guard furloughs announced Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, said Sharon Watson with the KNG Public Affairs Office.
Foreign tourism developing in Barton County
Travel writer Matt Bates of Scotland and Lisa Weigt, International Program director for Kansas/ Oklahoma Travel and Tourism recently toured Barton County.
Game on
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.
Lyons man sentenced to 17½ years for rape, indecent liberties
LYONS – A Lyons man was sentenced Wednesday to 17½ years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
Summer road work begins
Barton County Administrator Richard Boeckman offered his biweekly update on the activities of various county departments during the County Commission meeting Monday morning. Highlights included:
These masterpieces have wheels
Barton County Historic Society is celebrating the 60th anniversary of organized drag racing in the Golden Belt with a new exhibit and a car show during its open house this Saturday.
Living a "Glass half-Full' Life
In the early 2000s, like so many up and coming children of the prairie, Ellinwood native J. Basil Dannebohm, had the bright lights of the city shining in his eyes.
Wanted: Several good homes
At an adoption event this past Saturday, Ebert warmed the hearts of many. But, he still needs a home.
Spring and music in the air
The Panther Jazz Band pumped up the audience at the GBHS Panther Bands Spring Contest Concert Monday night with their opening rendition of Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock. It was a night to celebrate the accomplishments of the high school music program and a select group of accomplished musicians who competed at the state level earlier this spring. Senior band members also recognized and thanked their parents for the support offered through the years of ...
