C&V Employees earn Lead Safe Certification

C&V Home Improvement, Great Bend/Hays, announced that four of its employees recently completed Lead Safe Work Practices certification through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Cody Tutak, Deanna Vannoster, Chad Rea and Martin Delgadillo earned their certification by completing the 9 hour course taught by the Kansas Building Institute Workers Compensation Fund.

Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball announces new staff accountant

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered announces the addition of Shawna Robl to its team. Robl is an Ellinwood native and the daughter of Craig Robl and Waynette Stroda.

BBB advice on giving wisely to the Newtown families

Americans deeply moved by the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, are reaching for their wallets these days. As always happens when a heartbreaking event such as this takes place, many are led to contribute to the cause, motivated by the touching stories of the effected families. Your Better Business Bureau advises that care be taken when you select the charity through which your gift is given.

American State Bancshares acquisition of First National Bank of Holcomb completed

American State Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of American State Bank and Trust Company, Great Bend, recently acquired First National Bank of Holcomb. American State Bank has a branch office in Garden City, so the acquisition will increase the bank's presence in that market.

St. Rose orthopedist shares skills with Clara Barton Hospital

Abelardo Sotelo, M.D., found a new home at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center last summer and this fall he discovered his second home. The orthopedic surgeon is now performing surgeries at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington in addition to his St. Rose procedures.

Harper Camperland gives to zoo, humane society

Children of the staff at Harper Camperland in Great Bend greeted representatives from the Golden Belt Humane Society and the Brit Spaugh Zoo on Thursday, presenting each with a $5,000 check from the business and its owners, Dan and Alicia Lear. "Camperland wanted to give back to the community, and we chose these two organizations," Dan Lear said. Bobbi King, president of the Golden Belt Humane Society, said, "This comes at a very good time. ...

St. John National Bank promotions

St. John National Bank announces the promotion of Chad D. Fisher to President & CEO, Brenda Mansel Reno to Executive Vice President and Dianna L. Fisher to Cashier & Chief Information Officer. Chairman of the Board J.D. Hager, Jr. states, "We feel the new leadership team will continue and enhance our mission at SJNB to build lasting relationships with the customers and communities we serve. We are all so pleased to announce the recent promotions ...

Beautiful Beginnings' donation helps Heartland Cancer Center patients

The Heartland Cancer Center is once again the beneficiary of a local fundraising event at a downtown business.

Healthcare foundation to continue as partner of Children’s Miracle Network

William Newton Healthcare Foundation in Winfield has announced that as of Jan. 1 it will continue to serve 11 counties as a partner of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals at Via Christi Health in Wichita.

Christmas party

TOPS gauges interest in evening weight-loss group

The Take Off Pounds Sensibly weight loss support group is interested in starting an evening group in Great Bend, said Beverly Bednasek, TOPS KS coordinator, Valley Center.

Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo welcomes new staff member

The City of Great Bend is to announced that Danielle Ricklefs has joined the Brit Spaugh Zoo as the new zoo educator. Ricklefs' responsibilities will include planning, organizing and implementing educational content for the zoo programs for all ages, updating curricula to meet Kansas Standards and teach various educational programs and presentations.

CUNA mutual group contributes $100,000 to Great Bend theater

Madison, Wis.,-based CUNA Mutual Group announced Tuesday afternoon that it has pledged $100,000 over three years to the new six-screen theater that is being built in downtown Great Bend. One of Great Bend's largest employers, CPI Qualified Plan Consultants was acquired by CUNA Mutual Group in 2009.

Pathways November Employee of the Month

Shawn Wear has been named Pathways November Employee of the Month. Shawn has been caring for the clients at Pathways for almost two years now. He has a great attitude and is always smiling. Shawn strives to do better and has been described by one supervisor as "Most Improved". He is always willing to work any house and any hours at a moments notice. This means he has to be very knowledgeable about many houses ...

Roenbaugh joins American State Bank board

Fellsburg native, Bill Roenbaugh, has joined the 10-member board of directors of American State Bank and Trust Company. American State has branches in Great Bend, Larned, St. John, Macksville and Garden City.

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, ...

Food Bank donation

On a recent afternoon visit to the Barton County Food Bank the volunteers were scurrying about trying to assist local residents who were overflowing the waiting room, many with children in tow, hoping for emergency food assistance. It clearly demonstrated the urgency of ongoing needs still existing for local families in Barton County as well as the critical commitment needed from the community for ongoing financial support for this worthwhile endeavor.

Completely Kids combines storefronts with The Gallery

Completely Kids announced the store will be combining efforts with The Gallery in downtown Great Bend, starting June 1. The new shop-within-a-shop will still carry all their customer favorites. "We want to thank our customers for 10 years of support," owner Dana Long said. "We hope that they'll enjoy the new combined shopping experience inside The Gallery."