Gas prices continue to rise across the US

On average nationally, gasoline prices jumped 17 cents in one week, marking one of the largest jumps on record, the American Automobile Association reported this week.

THE BEAT GOES ON

One of life's greatest joys is music. Some musicians say music is the great equalizer ... it is a means to communicate the realm of human emotions world-wide. Joe Boley has been blessed with the gift of musical ability and he has shared his talent through a myriad of avenues in the Great Bend community for over five decades. His connection with music started in his youth.

Contestants wanted for two 'Miss' pageants

Barton County residents could see a familiar face, or even two, at the next Miss Kansas pageant. That's because entries are being sought for two pageants that are a stepping stone to the Miss America competition, and both will be held March 9 at the Great Bend High School Auditorium.

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.

Making the circuit

Great Bend High School grad and Nobel Prize laureate Jack Kilby made his first successful demonstration of the microchip was on Sept. 12, 1958. He filed for his first patent revolutionary technology 54 years ago Wednesday.

New phones a good call

There is a hang-up with the current telephone system at the Barton County Courthouse.

High school students invited to Senior Day at BCC

College-bound high school seniors can tour the Barton Community College campus, and will also have a chance to win one of two $500 BCC scholarships, during Senior Day. This free program starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23. Students need to sign up online at www.bartonccc.edu/prospective by Feb. 17.

KBI seeks man suspected of cashing fake checks

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is asking the public for assistance in locating Robert Helms. He is suspected of passing himself off as a law enforcement officer, including using a false badge, throughout the state of Kansas while cashing phony payroll checks and issuing bad checks to purchase items.

Teachers scramble as Senate hears bill

Soon, it may be illegal for USD 428 to continue to make payroll deductions of Kansas National Education Association dues and political action support by teachers in Great Bend. That's if House Bill 2023 is enacted into law. The bill was passed by the State House of Representatives in a 68 to 56 vote on Thursday, Jan. 31. This week, it is being heard by the Senate, and if passed there, will go on to be signed by Governor Sam Brownback, and will go into effect immediately. It has spurred local teachers to seek alternative ways to protect their ...

Adopt-A-Dog

Sports Complex art near completion

The Great Bend City Council Monday night learned that the massive, gleaming metal sculpture planned to adorn the Sports Complex entrance is nearly ready for placement.

City, BCC form Convention Center alliance

You could almost feel the sense of relief fill the Great Bend City Council chambers Monday night as the council approved entering into a partnership with Barton Community College taking the development of the embattled Convention Center in a new direction.

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

The Barton County Commission Monday morning approved the county's application for at grant to enhance the Cheyenne Bottoms Scenic Overlook between Hoisington and Claflin just off K-4.

Great Bend spelling champs named

Great Bend eighth grader Allison Regehr won the Barton County Spelling Bee for the fourth time Saturday, and is headed for the Sunflower Spelling Bee at Hays and a chance to advance to the national bee.

BOLO alert issued after shooting

On Friday the Great Bend Police Department issued a BOLO (be on the lookout) alert for two suspects in a shooting that took place Thursday morning at 1407 Adams St. in Great Bend. Law enforcement officers are being advised to pick up and hold John Waylon Randall and Orlan L. Eurich on charges of attempted murder. The last known address for both men is Wichita.

LOCAL ROYALTY

Hannah Maddy, Ellinwood, and Courtney Blankenship, Pratt, achieved royalty status Saturday night at the Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Scholarship Pageant.

The Amazing Spidey

Most spider monkeys live to be about 25 years old, so the 50th birthday of Great Bend's Spidey is amazing. In fact, the staff at Brit Spaugh Zoo believe he's the second oldest spider monkey in the world.

Spidey's birthday photos

Photos taken Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, in celebration of Spidey's 50th birthday. Spidey, at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo, is believed to be the second-oldest living spider monkey in the world.

​Cheyenne Bottoms documentary to be shown at Wetlands Center

HAYS - "The Waters of Kansas - Cheyenne Bottoms," the first film in a series of short documentaries on water in Kansas by the Kansas Natural Resource Council, will be screened at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 10 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-156.

Two arrested after pursuit

Two adult males under age 21 were arrested Thursday night after a police pursuit in the city of Great Bend.

Restoration of B-29 memorial needed

The Great Bend B-29 Memorial Plaza was dedicated in 2000 With much fanfare. The monument was a gleaming tribute to the city's rich World War II heritage.

Hog Feed Sunday to help GBHS A Capella Choir

The Great Bend High School A Capella Choir will hold a hog feed Sunday afternoon from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the high school commons. All proceeds will be applied to the choir's much anticipated annual trip to Washington D.C. Tickets can be purchased in advance from A Capella members or at the door on Sunday. They cost $10 each. Supporters can designate an individual student or the choir in general when purchasing at the door. The meal will consist of a hearty serving of pork, dressing, beans, bread, a desert of your choice, and a ...

Christian Unity Service moves beyond denominations

The Barton County Association of Churches is moving to an ecumenical chapel this year for its annual Christian Unity Service. People of all denominations - as well as those without a church home - are invited to attend the service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Central Kansas Dream Center Chapel, 2100 Broadway Ave. They should use the west entrance.

HaysMed, Centura finalize joint venture for St. Rose

The plan for Hays Medical Center and Centura Health to co-own St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgical Center is now official, a spokesman for HaysMed announced Thursday. With the signing of the joint venture, it will now be known at St. Rose Health Center.

Carpenter's grandson recalls history of chapel woodwork

The woodwork for the chapel in Central Kansas Medical Center, now St. Rose Health Center, was crafted by Herman Dreiling from Hays. Herman, born in Victoria in 1896, was the father of Noreen (Dreiling) Duncan. Noreen and her husband James Duncan were residents of Great Bend from 1951 to 2013. They moved to Lenexa in 2013 to be closer to their children who all live in the Johnson County area. All four children (John, Tim, Mike, and Ann) graduated from Great Bend High School.

Driver injured when vehicle overturns

A rural Ellinwood man was injured Wednesday in a one-vehicle accident at 10:50 p.m. in the 700 block of NE 40 Road.

KWEC offers winter kids programs

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center has the cure for boredom – winter nature programs. Kids will investigate feathers, birds and tracks, learning more about the world around them and the creatures living there. So don't delay, sign-up soon, as the maximum for each class is 20 children.

Tickets available for Valentine’s Day fundraiser

Habitat for Humanity has made a name for itself by hosting an annual dinner theater known as Barton County's Got Talent every year since 2010. However, several factors have led the nonprofit organization's board to take a new direction for this year.

Energy policy for 2015 - a unique opportunity

Over the last several years, our nation has left behind decades of energy scarcity and has become a worldwide leader in energy production. We should take full advantage of this unique American moment of global energy leadership. What we need from our elected leaders are smart energy policies that promote our nation's position as a leader in energy production.

Getting in on the act

Great Bend High School presents a night of one-act plays Thursday night. The three plays include "Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story," "Lockdown," and "Dinner with the MacGuffins."