Sunflower Financial and Strategic Growth Bancorp announce merger of equals

Kansas-based Sunflower Financial, Inc. ("Sunflower") and Texas-based Strategic Growth Bancorp, Incorporated ("SGB") today jointly announced the signing of a definitive agreement to merge. The transaction will involve a merger of the holding companies and a merger of their respective banking entities, Sunflower Bank NA, First National Bank of Santa Fe, and Capital Bank, SSB, as well as Guardian Mortgage Company, Inc.

Hoisington Rodeway Inn & Suites wins Hotel of the Year Award

Hoisington Rodeway Inn & Suites was awarded the prestigious Hotel of the Year Award by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading hotel companies. The property was recognized for its superior customer service and operational excellence. Co-Owner and Managing Member Phil Griffin received the award on behalf of the hotel's owners and staff at the Choice Hotels 62nd Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

It may be too hot to work outside by 2030, research predicts

By 2030, we may have a new reason to call in sick to work — research suggests that by then it will be too hot to work in parts of the world, particularly for those whose jobs consistently expose them to the heat.

Great Bend chosen for one of nine locations to host KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair

KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair is scheduled from 2:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, at nine locations across the state allowing employers to choose the most convenient site. Space is limited at each location so visit KANSASWORKS.com to register online. Locations include Concordia, Emporia, Great Bend, Junction City, Mulvane, Overland Park, Park City, Pittsburg and Topeka.

Why workers aren't taking vacation time, and why they should

Employees aren’t taking their vacation, according to recent polls and studies. And that impacts not just an employee’s health, but the country’s economic wellness.

Do you go into work sick? You're not alone

Are workers taking the sick days they need? Recent studies suggest not, and it's not good for anyone.

Great Bend man wins access to suite at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City Royals Second-Chance Drawing

Eight Kansas Lottery players have each won access to a Kansas City Royals suite during a 2016 home game at Kauffman Stadium. The eight grand prize winners were drawn this week in the first of two Kansas City Royals online-only second-chance drawings. The eight winners are: Carla Tabares of Chanute; Jason Head of El Dorado; Robert Tripp of Salina; Jennifer Ngo of Wichita; Thomas Honton of Wichita; Bryan John of Leavenworth; Mike Courson of Great Bend; Andrew Hull of Rose Hill/

Straub International to close Marion location

Straub International leadership recently announced the impending consolidation of its Marion location into the agricultural equipment dealer's remaining locations.

Schepmann named EKCC executive director

By Mark McCoy, Ellsworth County I-R

Area woman now serves 4-H youth in Ellsworth, Russell counties

By Mark McCoy, Ellsworth County I-R

OPI’s Schmidt receives special Canon copier training

Scottie Schmidt has taken the opportunity to fine-tune his knowledge about a popular item at Office Products Inc. (OPI) to better serve his customers.

Where are all the millennial entrepreneurs?

While millennials may have the most entrepreneurial mindset of all generations, and certainly believe themselves to be entrepreneurial, it’s a belief that isn’t backed by statistics.

How necessary is college for getting a job? Very!

It’s no secret how college-driven the job economy has become, but just how much may surprise you.

Four ways Pokemon Go can impact the business world

Pokemon Go has caught on insanely well with consumers, as thousands of people roam their communities glued to their phones more than usual looking for Pokemon characters. A flipside to this craze is that it's also caught on with businesses, outside of its maker Nintendo, as a potential tool to draw in customers.

Prime Day sends strong signal on strength and potential of e-commerce

This year’s Amazon Prime Day smashed its single-day sales record from a year ago, sending the clear message that online shopping is tracking to become the main method of retail commerce.

ABB&B announces new staff accountant

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered (ABBB) announces the addition of Jennifer (Jenni) Edwards to its professional team. She interned ...

Bank of the West offers Community Shred Day

Bank of the West will hold its Community Shred Day from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 30 at the 1200 Kansas Ave. branch ...

30 years of service

Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. charity golf tournament

BASEHOR - Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. recently completed its 15th Charity Golf Classic in Basehor to benefit Special Olympics Kansas. Employees, customers and vendors came together ...

Wheatland Electric Sharing Success Fund awards Great Bend Fire Department $1,000 grant

Wheatland Electric Inc. on Friday announced that its Sharing Success Fund, managed by the Scott Community Foundation, has awarded a $1,000 grant to the ...

Cherry Village recognizes housekeepers during special week

Since much of what the housekeeping and laundry employees do at Cherry Village Benevolence is behind-the-scenes, their co-workers wanted to take advantage of a special ...

Three $500 Nurse Scholarships awarded by Credit Union of America

WICHITA - Credit Union of America announces that Morgan Myres, RN, and Sarah Swank, RN, of Via Christi Health, and Allison Wantland, CNA of Great Bend ...

BCC to host Workers’ Compensation Symposium for employers

A Workers' Compensation Symposium hosted by WorkFit, is set for 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Plaza De Cavanaugh ...

River Bend recognized nationally for outstanding resident satisfaction

SIKESTON, Mo. - River Bend has received the Excellence in Action award from NRC Health, which recognizes assisted living communities that achieve the highest overall resident ...

Credit Union ‘Save to Win’

ECF Contract Employee of Quarter announced

ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Correctional Facility Warden Marty Sauers announced the Outstanding Contract Employee of the First Quarter for Fiscal Year 2018. Nicole R. Serpan was honored ...

GBRH adds hospitalist program

Great Bend Regional Hospital has added a hospitalist program to its list of patient services.

BBB says respect for elders nonexistent in the world of scammers

Many are celebrating the arrival of Grandparents Day with extra attention bestowed on their loved ones. Unfortunately, scammers give seniors extra attention every day of ...

Seeman named clinic director at PHCH

LARNED - The Pawnee Valley Community Hospital has hired Larned native Justin Seeman to serve as clinic director of the Larned hospital. Seeman, a graduate of ...