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."

Jazzercise encouraging kids to get up and dance

Fitness should not be a chore. In fact, it can and should be fun, says Charise Oelger, Great Bend Jazzercise instructor. Kids can learn this valuable life lesson and channel their inner Bieber during the Junior Jazzercise "Kids Get Fit" program at the Jazzercise Great Bend Fitness Center, Saturday, May 11 from 9:30-10 a.m.

Chlumsky Hall of Fame Inductee

On January 26, Nathan Chlumsky of Larned was inducted into Action Martial Arts Magazine's Hall of Honors 2013 as an "Ambassador of Goodwill to the Martial Arts" in the category of "Excellence in Teaching Martial Arts."

Flood insurance rates to increase

Kansans evaluating their flood insurance needs should be aware of upcoming rate increases for new and renewal policies, according to Sandy Praeger, Commissioner of Insurance.

GBRH is Boston strong

With the recent events that occurred in Boston during the marathon and the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, Great Bend Regional Hospital wanted to show its support for the individuals who may have been impacted by these events. Chief Human Resources Officer Robert Bilak joined the organization six months ago from JetBlue Airways in New York, N.Y. Boston, Logan International Airport is one of their main bases with an employee population that is one ...

“Poppa D Clown” brings slapstick to Great Bend children ahead of Carson & Barnes Circus

With the Carson & Barnes Circus coming to Great Bend in just a few weeks, Poppa D Clown rode into Great Bend on Wednesday with his magic box full of humorous tricks and a comedy routine that kept area children bursting with anticipation and laughter. Wednesday's entertainment provided children a glimpse of what they will see under the Big Top when the Carson & Barnes Circus comes to town on May 16 at the Great ...

New endowment benefits Locust Grove Village

The Golden Belt Community Foundation is pleased to announce that Locust Grove Village (formerly Rush County Nursing Home), has established a new endowment fund. This partnership between the community foundation and Locust Grove Village gives individuals and businesses interested in supporting the nursing home or retirement community a vehicle for their charitable giving.

Rosewood Ranch receives grant from CMN Hospitals at Via Christi Health to offer therapeutic riding s

Rosewood Ranch, a 900-acre full-working horse ranch, in Pawnee Rock, that offers equestrian and therapeutic riding classes to people with developmental disabilities, has been awarded a grant for $1,950 by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals at Via Christi Health.

Farm Show winners

The Jordan Hickel family of Great Bend won the grand prize at the American State Bank booth during the recent Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo. The bank let participants spin its prize wheel for a chance to win a Sanyo 42-inch high definition TV. Pictured from left: Jordan and Katrina Hickel and their two children Kate and Mack, along with Robert Rugan and Jerry Renk representing American State Bank and Trust.

Russell KS native featured in national publication

281 Bypass Antiques located at 1135 Hwy 281 Bypass in Great Bend will host a reception for artist Dustin Poche from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday May 11.

Be True to Our School's Campaign check

Farmers Bank and Trust promotion

Farmers Bank & Trust announces the promotion of Bobbi LaViolette to an Assistant Vice President and Assistant Operations Officer/Assistant Cashier. Bobbi has worked for Farmers Bank & Trust for six years, all of which she has been an essential part of the banks deposit team.

Great Bend native moves home to open downtown business

A Great Bend High School graduate who had lived out-of-state and worked for a large corporation decided it was time for a change. That change will result in a new Main Street business that will complement its downtown neighbors.

Rosewood Ranch hosts ‘Kids Day’ for approximately 75 children

A bustling bunch of energetic children ascended onto Rosewood Ranch on June 8 for a hootin'-and-hollerin' time. Approximately 75 children and their family members participated in the third annual "Kids Day at the Ranch," presented by Rosewood Services.

ASB ranked 12th in Kansas

American State Bancshares Inc., the parent company of American State Bank and Trust Company, Great Bend, has been ranked as the state's 12th largest financial institution in terms of total deposits, according to a report by SNL Financial Services, a financial information firm. SNL survey reflects deposits at all banks and holding companies in Kansas. By the end of 2012, American State Bancshares had total consolidated assets of $686 million with four banking charters and ...

​Listings, updates sought for 2014 Official Kansas Visitors Guide

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism is currently accepting updates and listings for Official Kansas Visitors Guide. The guide is an annual publication and will features digital, mobile, and tablet editions to keep pace with the changing travel planning habits of Kansas visitors. Kansas tourism officials commented about the publication: "The Guide inspires the decision to visit specific places, delivers the advertising messages travelers take most seriously, and primes them to carry out ...

​Gambino’s Pizza offers online ordering, lunch buffet

Gambino's Pizza of Great Bend, 1309 Main, recently launched a website, www.getgambinos.com. It features restaurant information, coupon pages and an online ordering tool. Customers can plan ahead for any take-out or delivery orders from the convenience of a computer or mobile device. Orders may also be placed by calling 620-603-6272.

​Applebee’s raises funds for Okla. tornado victims

As soon as the news of the tornado in Moore, Okla., began to break, the folks at J.S. Ventures Inc., an Applebee's franchise operating out of Wichita, began to develop a plan to help. The Great Bend restaurant at 3209 10th St. is participating in a fundraiser.

Straub International welcomes new General Manager to Great Bend store and hires new Parts and Servic

Last week Dave Tremain replaced current General Manager and President Ron Straub at the Straub International Great Bend store. "The change was necessary as our company continues to grow; we need capable people at every level and the knowledge and experience Dave Tremain has to offer will have a positive impact on the company. I will now focus my full attention to special projects such as the expansion of the Wichita store and guiding our Marketing efforts." said Ron Straub.

United Way of Central Kansas June Jaunt fundraisers

Local FFA members participate in State FFA Chorus

A select group of FFA members used their musical abilities to entertain members and guests at the 85th Kansas FFA Convention this week on the Kansas State University campus.

Nicholson receives 50 Year Award

The Kansas Funeral Directors Association, Inc. recently held their 116th Annual Convention in Overland Park.

Summer jobs and taxes

Students working at a summer job may not earn enough to owe income tax, but they will probably have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes.

St. Rose sponsors transition classes for local cancer patients

Paula Brozek, Great Bend, thought it was an "opportunity too good to pass up." And she was right.

TripAdvisor awards Best Western Angus Inn with Certificate of Excellence

Best Western Angus Inn has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This award signifies the Best Western in the top-performing 10 percent of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor.