OPI's Tom Curran has eye for design

When an Office Products Inc. customer is wondering how to equip a workplace or home environment, Tom Curran is the go-to guy. His colleagues have long known about his furniture and design capabilities, and now he has received a prestigious award for his efforts, said Jim Grabbe, OPI sales manager.

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

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.