Spring Expo $1,000 winner

Chasity Chaney was the winner of the $1,000 shopping spree given away at the Central Kansas Spring Expo which was held last weekend. She will be able to spend the $1,000 with any of the exhibitors participating in the Expo. First Kansas Bank and Stueder Contractors Inc. sponsored the drawing. Pictured from left to right are: Helen Combs from First Kansas Bank, Chasity Chaney with son Devin, and Lois Demel and Marla Poppelreiter representing Stueder Contractors Inc. and the Spring Expo.

Farmers Bank hires corporate trainer

As Farmers Bank and Trust, NA continues to increase in size, the need to designate an official corporate trainer has become a major focus. The bank is announced that Maryln Schumacher has been chosen to lead this effort bank wide.

ICC supports Sunflower’s early ed center

When Valerie Marshall learned that Barton County eliminated its share of funding for Sunflower's Early Education Center (EEC), she was "saddened" and, subsequently, attended a special meeting on the subject.

Farmers Alliance Advantage Agent for 2011

The Farmers Alliance Companies in McPherson, has announced that Scott and Kim Higgason with Agency One in Otis has been named a Farmers Alliance Advantage Agent for 2011. To qualify as an Advantage Agent, an agency must exhibit superior professionalism and profitability over five consecutive years. Advantage Agents are recognized by Farrners Alliance as the "best of the best". To reach this level of distiction is a reflection of this agency's commitment to their customers and their community. Congratulations to Agency One for this achievement.

BTI John Deere In Pratt’s new facility now open

BTI (Bucklin Tractor & Implement Co.) headquartered in Bucklin, now has a brand new John Deere dealership open in Pratt.

Hoyt elevated to Managing Partner

Post Rock Radio, LLC, the owner of KKDT FM and KCNC FM, has announced the promotion of Glen Hoyt to Managing Partner of the company. Hoyt, a LaCrosse native, had been General Sales Manager for the stations.

Great Bend Sears Hometown Store Receives National Honor for Outstanding Customer Service and Charita

The Sears Hometown Store of Great Bend has been named a 2011 Sears Hometown Store Premier Dealer. This annual award recognizes Sears Hometown Stores across the country that consistently offer the greatest customer service, outstanding store performance and standards, as well as exceptional demonstrations of local community involvement. In January 2011, the Great Bend store was one of only 190 locations throughout the U.S. to receive this national recognition at the annual Hometown Celebration held in Orlando, Fla.

Karate students promoted at Great Bends Cobra Kai Martial Arts Center

On March 17 the Cobra Kai Martial Arts Center promoted five junior students and eight adults at their normal scheduled Tuesday night meeting. Belts were awarded by Sensei Ben Shumate and Sempi Doug Parks.

13th Annual Curves Food Drive Kicks Off in April

During the month of April, Curves of Great Bend will participate in the 13th Annual Curves Food Drive to collect non-perishable food and cash donations to benefit their local food bank. Current members who make a $30 donation or an equivalent donation of food are eligible to receive a Curves reusable Food Drive grocery bag. And, from April 4-17, Curves will waive the membership fee for new members who donate a bag of non-perishable food or make a minimum donation of $30.

American Family Insurance names Frank Callahan Kansas Agent of the Year

Agent Frank Callahan of Larned has been named Kansas Agent of the Year by American Family Insurance. He received the honor for outstanding sales of American Family insurance products during 2010.

Rosewood Services cattle operations

It's said that the bawl of a calf is music to a cowboy's ear. And there are plenty of bawlin' calves at Rosewood Ranch in rural Pawnee County these days--along with plenty of happy cowpokes.

Fitness for the ages

In 1974, Martin J. Casey, an Irish immigrant, had a vision for health and wellness in the Barton County area. Now, 37 years later, this vision remains a vital reality.

American Family Insurance names Frank Callahan Kansas Agent of the Year

LARNED - Agent Frank Callahan of Larned has been named Kansas Agent of the Year by American Family Insurance. He received the honor for outstanding sales of American Family insurance products during 2010.

James Ness joins University of Phoenix

Dr. James J. Ness, who formerly oversaw the criminal justice programs at Barton Community College, was recently appointed to the position of Dean of the new College of Criminal Justice and Security at University of Phoenix.

Nex-Tech announces new employee

Nex-Tech, is pleased to announce Lindsey Krom-Craven as the Customer Sales Supervisor in Great Bend. Beginning the position March 7, Craven supervises the day-to-day operation of the two Nex-Tech stores in Great Bend.

Community Bank helps mark Community Bank Week

Recently, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation recognizing next week as Community Bank Week in the Sunflower State, and local bankers are echoing the need to promote this event.

Landmark National Bank promotes Hlavaty

Landmark National Bank announces the promotion of Camie Hlavaty to Assistant Vice President. Hlavaty is a retail and mortgage banker in the Great Bend location.

Four hours of continuing education available for area insurance agents

Great Plains NAIFA and Lamunyon partner to bring continuing education courses to local insurance agents. Wednesday, April 16, classes are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Front Door Community Center in Great Bend with lunch provided to participants by Lamunyon Cleaning & Restoration. Space is limited so pre-registration is recommended.

Office Products Inc. celebrates its 55-year history in central Kansas

There have been some twists and turns since Melvin Vink started what would become a fixture in central Kansas 55 years ago. But each of those paths has led to Office Products Inc.'s continued growth with a strong emphasis on customer service, the current owners said.

Children’s Horse Therapy Enters Spring Session at Rosewood Ranch

Six-year old Landon Titsworth smiles from ear to ear as he rides atop his horse, Daisy Duke. It's a crisp Friday morning and the spring session of equine therapy has begun at Rosewood Ranch for children with developmental disabilities.

KDHE announces solid waste grant recipients

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management (BWM) has selected the recipients of the Green Schools grants and the waste tire recycling grants for 2014. These annual solid waste grants are awarded to municipalities and school districts across the state. This year, the grants totaled more than $575,000.

Spring Expo winners

Randy Parsons named to Coldwell Banker® International Sterling Society

Randy Parsons, sales associate with Coldwell Banker Sell Real Estate, has been honored as a member of the company's 2013 International Sterling Society. This distinguished membership is awarded to the Top 16 percent of the approximately 82,000 sales associates worldwide in the Coldwell Banker® system.

EDC competition team takes home honors

For four years, dance instructor Lindsay Feil, owner of Euphoria Dance Center in Great Bend, has seen continuous growth, both in the size and ability, of the EDC competition dance team. Last weekend, March 29 and 30, the team entered a record number of events at the V.I.P. Dance competition at Maize High School. Categories included solos, duos and trios, small group, large group, and line in contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop and musical theater styles.

Schneweis brings high level of education to St. Rose Rehab Services

When a patient indicates that physical therapy may not be necessary, Alesia Schneweis takes the opportunity to explain that a little therapy today means a much healthier tomorrow.

​American AgCredit announces earnings, dividends

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – American AgCredit, a farmer-owned financial cooperative, on Friday announced annual net income of $111 million for the 2013 calendar year along with a cash dividend distribution of $37 million to its shareholders. This compares to net income of $107 million in 2012.