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.

Custom Re-Bath wins national market penetration award

Custom Re-Bath of Great Bend won a national market penetration award from Re-Bath LLC, America's largest bathroom remodeling franchisor, during Re-Bath Reunion, Jan. 14 in Glendale, Ariz.

Great Bend resident on Midwest Cancer Alliance Funding Partners

Community leaders across Kansas have joined in the fight against cancer. They are volunteer members of the newly formed Midwest Cancer Alliance Funding Partners, which will hold its first meeting on Feb. 11 in Hays. The council's goal is to generate awareness of the importance of the Midwest Cancer Alliance and to raise $5 million to further its mission.

Randy Fuss earns registered Corporate Coach™ Designation

CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc., a full-service retirement plan solutions company headquartered in Great Bend announced today that the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC) has recognized Randy Fuss with the Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) designation. This credential is awarded to business coaches who have learned key principles, skills and techniques for coaching effectively in businesses and organizations. RCCs™ work with businesspeople at all levels to help them succeed personally and professionally. As a practice ...

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.