Original gallery manager retires from Rosewood Services

Tuesday (Feb. 19) was a difficult day at the office for everyone involved at Rosewood Furniture Gallery, located in downtown Great Bend. The Gallery's one and only manager Sandy Smith was saying goodbye on her final day there before retiring. Tears fell like rain as the manager and her client-employees grasped the magnitude of the moment. It was the end of a mentor-employee relationship that began more than 11 years earlier for some at the Gallery.

Pathways Employee of the Month January 2013 Josephina Rooney Josephina has worked at Pathways

Josephina Rooney was named Pathways January Employee of the Month. Josephina has worked at Pathways for a total of 3 years and has recently re-joined the team. Josephina is a very caring, dependable and hard working person. She is always willing to help consumers no matter what the time or where she is asked to go. Josephine is a real team player and has gone above and beyond the call to ensure all consumers are safe and well cared for.

New report analyzes Kansas’s Small Businesses

Small businesses significantly impact Kansas's economy, employing 594,623 workers in 2010 with most of the employment coming from firms with 20 – 499 employees, according to a new state-by-state report released today by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy.

KWEC launches “Turtle Tots Club”

The focus is on Spring, during the Kansas Wetlands Education Center's new venture, the Turtle Tots Club, a new series of programs developed for preschool-age children, ages 3 to 5. The one-hour programs, offered at no charge, introduce young children to the natural world around them with sensory experiences, while reinforcing colors, shapes, math and fine motor skills. Whenever possible, sessions will include outdoor time.

‘I’ve Loved Every Minute’

Tuesday was a difficult day at the office for everyone involved at Rosewood Furniture Gallery, located in downtown Great Bend. The Gallery's one and only manager Sandy Smith was saying goodbye on her final day there before retiring. Tears fell like rain as the manager and her client-employees grasped the magnitude of the moment. It was the end of a mentor-employee relationship that began more than 11 years earlier for some at the Gallery.

Couple opens liquor store

On Feb. 15, Justin and Amber Clark have opened a liquor store at 4006 10th St. in Great Bend they've dubbed On the Rocks.

Neighbor to Neighbor Food Drive to benefit Barton County Food Bank

Dillon's, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Harvesters and the Kansas Food Bank are teaming up for a state-wide food drive called Neighbor to Neighbor. The food drive will kicked off on Monday and run will through Ag Day on March 19th. Dillon's customers will have the opportunity to purchase non-perishable food items to place in donation bins and they will also be able to donate either $1 or $5 at the register. As a partner ...

New general manager announced for Western Cooperative Electric

Western Cooperative Electric Cooperative president Larry Evans announces that Darrin Lynch has been selected to serve as the next general manager. David Schneider, current general manager, will retire May 31, 2013.

New general manager announced for Western Cooperative Electric

WAKEENEY - Western Cooperative Electric Cooperative president Larry Evans announced that Darrin Lynch has been selected to serve as the next general manager. David Schneider, current general manager, will retire May 31.

Farmers Bank & Trust Board recognizes 25 year milestone of Vice Chairman

The Farmers Bank & Trust Board honored Larry Keenan for his involvement of 25 years as Chairman and Vice Chairman and facilitator of the board meetings. Larry has been a strong leader on the board for 44 years and will continue his responsibilities as an active board member. "Larry has done an excellent job of guiding the board meetings over the years. He has provided unparalleled leadership," said W. R. Robbins, CEO and Chairman.

American State Bank Mitten Tree

Straub International announces plans to relocate and expand their Wichita store to 55,000 sq. ft bui

Larry Straub, Chairman and CEO of the company announced the expansion as well as an expected completion date of August 2013 earlier this month, Straub noted "Our goal is to be up and operational by Sept. 1st of 2013. Our customers and employees in this market have had to work with a somewhat outdated and constrained facility, their patience is about to be rewarded with one of the largest dealership facilities in the U.S." Straub ...

CPI employee attains ASPPA’s QPA designation

Russell Linderer of CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc. (CPI) has recently passed all of the required exams to attain his QPA (Qualified Pension Administrator) designation through ASPPA (American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries). These exams include the Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF-1 & RPF-2) exams, the Defined Contribution Administrative Issues Basic Concepts (DC-1), Compliance Issues (DC-2), and Advanced Topics (DC-3) exams, and the Administrative Issues of Defined Benefit Plans (DB) exam. Linderer started at CPI ...

Dillons helping spread smiles

HUTCHINSON – As part of the Heart 2 Heart campaign, Dillon stores across Kansas will be spreading a little cheer this Valentine's Day by delivering single stem roses to area children's organizations, hospices, family centers and community homes.

Heartland Cancer Center equipped with ITV, thanks to local couple

In the recent past, when local cancer patients participated in interactive television (ITV) consultations with out-of-town doctors, they had to go to the main St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center campus.

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, ...