World Pest Control & Sunflower Services preaches public awareness of household pests during April

SYLVAN GROVE - World Pest Control & Sunflower Services, with its branch office in Otis, encourages public awareness of pests and reminds homeowners to pest-proof the home this spring.

St. Rose celebrates pioneering spirit on its 110th birthday

The Dominican Sisters' pioneering heritage started Great Bend's first hospital at the dawn of the 20th century and their direct influence continues today - 110 years later.

Long-time tax preparer to the honored

H&R Block invites friends of Joelene Bryant to an open house to celebrate her 40th anniversary as a tax preparer.

Patient finds relief with pain management services

Dick Meitler thought it might just be a "Band-Aid approach" but as the pain worsened, he was willing to give it a try – especially because he didn't like all the talk about possible surgery.

The big chill

Crews from Peterson Mechanical, Great Bend, unload the first of two new cooling towers at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center Wednesday, March 27. The new energy-efficient cooling towers will provide St. Rose with a modern, cost-effective system to air condition the facility.

Expo winner

FHSU College of Business/Entrepreneurship speaker series features father-son bankers

W.R. "Bill" Robbins and his son, Monty Robbins, of Farmers Bank and Trust, Overland Park, will provide their perspective on entrepreneurship in the financial industry over two generations from 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at Fort Hays State University.

Gymnastics meet

Thompson Gymnastics will be hosting their annual meet, "Flippin Fiesta", on April 6th and 7th at the Great Bend High School gym. There will be more than 350 girls from around the state ranging in ages 5 to high school competing in multiple levels of talent. There will be four sessions on Saturday and three sessions on Sunday. Thompson Gymnastics have girls competing in Levels 2-4. First sessions start at 8 a.m.; second session starts ...

Great Bend Regional Hospital receives Level IV Trauma Center designation from KDHE

The trauma center at Great Bend Regional Hospital has been designated as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Becker Tire promotes Brett Foster and Calvin Marsh

Gary Albright, President and CEO, Steve Burhenn, Exec. VP & CRO, and Willy Allen, Exec. VP, announce the promotion of Brett Foster from Manager in Great Bend to Vice President in Corporation Operations and Calvin Marsh from Assistant Manager to Manager of Becker Tire

Kari Wirth promoted to Assistant Vice President and Operations Officer at First Kansas Bank

Kari Wirth is being promoted to Assistant Vice President and Operations Officer for First Kansas Bank according to Paul Snapp, President and CEO of the Bank. Snapp remarked, "Kari has the work experience and educational background to lead the operations of our Bank. She will continue to strengthen our bank's commitment to operate in a safe and sound manner while providing personalized service to our customers. We are excited to have Kari leading this important ...

Sears Hometown Store of Great Bend recognized as 2013 National Premier Store

The Sears Hometown Store of Great Bend has been named a 2013 Sears Hometown Premier Store. This award recognizes Sears Hometown Stores across the country that consistently offers the highest levels of customer service, outstanding store performance and standards. At the end of last year, the Great Bend store was one of only 293 locations throughout the U.S. to receive this national recognition.

Public service award

Ellsworth County Emergency Management and the Russell 911 Communications Advisory Board announces the 2013 Emergency Worker/Volunteer of the Year presented during the NWS Spotter Meeting. In past years, the Emergency Worker/Volunteer of the Year award was given to a deserving individual. This year was no different with three nominations for Emergency Worker/Volunteer of the year. The 911 Advisory Board decided on one award.

Humane Society donation

Russell Area Chamber of Commerce names new Executive Director

Jenny Conn has been named as the new Executive Director for the Russell Area Chamber of Commerce. She will officially begin her duties on April 1.

Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards grants to Macksville Literacy Organization

Today, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced the award of $1,889.15 to Macksville City Library in Macksville to support literacy programs.

Unique art treasures shown at gallery

Unique artwork and ceramics will be shown at a gallery opening at 7 p.m. Friday at Petr's Frame House, 2009 16th St. The show features the work of Darnel Row, Joshua Garret and Lili Vialacres.

Dr. Markiewicz brings new procedures to St. Rose

To say that Dr. Richard Markiewicz is animated when he talks about the procedures he performs would be an understatement. It is obvious he is eager to explain his minimally invasive procedures because they are the "wave of the future."

Rosewood Wine Cellar expands opportunities with new products

Rosewood Wine Cellar has been open for only four months, but already it's become a popular shopping destination in downtown Great Bend. Business has been growing for the retail gift store, which promotes work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities with every purchase made by customers.

GBRH celebrates National Hospital Week

Great Bend Regional Hospital joined hospitals across the nation in celebration of National Hospital Week 2013 this past week.

Agents earn American Star Excellence in Customer Experience awards

MADISON, Wis. - American Family Insurance agents Rhonda J Knudson, Shawn L. Panzer and Frank Callahan Jr. have been recognized for providing outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification. They join other American Family agents who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to outstanding customer service.

Investor Alert: Kansans cautioned about potential fraud tied to international investment scheme

The Kansas Securities Commissioner issued a cease and desist order after learning that at least four Kansas residents had invested a total of $22,000 in an international investment scheme.

St. Rose shares message of Better Sleep Month; provides only accredited center in area

Brandi Gruber will talk about the value of a good night's sleep any time, but this month she is making a special effort to spread the word. As director of cardiopulmonary services at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center, Gruber and her staff in the Sleep/Wake Disorders Center are observing Better Sleep Month.

Sandstone Bridge therapy center opens in Great Bend

Mindy Nicholson wanted to make life easier for her Great Bend-area patrons and decided to take action. Her idea recently came full circle, when Sandstone Bridge Center opened in Great Bend.

Candidate selected as Kansas 911 Liaison

The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council and the Kansas Adjutant General's Department have selected Scott Ekberg as the Kansas 911 liaison. Ekberg will begin his duties May 13th.

Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball announces new Managing Partner

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered is pleased to announce Brian Staats as the firm's new Managing Partner, effective May 1st.

Heart Association declares GBRH Emergent Stroke Ready

Great Bend Regional Hospital has been documented as able to adequately care for a stroke patient brought to the facility, the American Heart Association and the Kansas State Stroke Task Force announced last Wednesday. GBRH was added to a list that already included Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington as hospitals that provided the necessary documentation to be named as Emergent Stroke Ready as part of the Kansas Initiative For Stroke Survival (KISS).

'Brain Weather' topic for free cancer talk

The role of emotions in day-to-day life after a cancer diagnosis is the topic for the next Interactive Television (ITV) presentation at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center. The event, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 22 in the basement-level St. Dominic Room.

Dr. Sotelo expands practice to include more shoulder surgeries

Alice Walter acknowledged that if she had to do it over again, she wouldn't wait so long. Hindsight tells her she could have returned to her daily activities much sooner.

Brown Mackie students experience hippotherapy at Rosewood Ranch

Two Brown Mackie College occupational therapy assistant students spent four days last week involved with the equine therapeutic riding program at Rosewood Ranch. It's the second consecutive year that Rosewood Ranch has welcomed first-year OTA students from the Salina college to its award-winning therapeutic ranch so that the students can complete fieldwork required for their OTA practicum. Brown Mackie OTA students Megan Collins and Ashley Overbey attended the ranch from April 29 through May 2, ...