Native Witness reception a hit

The latest efforts from Shafer Art Gallery Director Dave Barnes are drawing attention from diverse interests.

KWEC offers winter kids programs

KWEC has the cure for boredom – winter nature programs! Kids will turn the birdhouse gourds grown in KWEC's garden into homes for our feathered friends, make a feather bookmark, play games and of course learn more about the world around them and the creatures living there. So don't delay, sign-up soon, as the maximum for each class is 20 children.

Barton County Sheriff Greg Armstrong files for re-election

Barton County Sheriff Greg Armstrong announces he has filed for reelection in the upcoming 2012 election as a Republican candidate for Barton County Sheriff.

Native American wisdom

Platinum Award winning musician John Two-Hawks will present a lecture and American Indian flute concert this Friday, Jan. 27, at the Crest Theater.

Sunflower director voices concern with budget plan

When Jim Johnson hears state officials talking about reducing Medicaid spending by $853 million, with no reduction in services, he admits it makes him apprehensive. As executive director of Sunflower Diversified Services, Johnson fears what will happen to people with disabilities if Gov. Sam Brownback's proposal is approved.

GBHS DanceLine winter dance clinic

It's time to sign up for the winter dance clinic hosted by the Great Bend High School DanceLine.

Free access to selected Kansas archives on Ancestry.com

The Kansas Historical Society today announced a partnership with Ancestry.com that will allow individuals with a valid Kansas driver's license free access to more than 8 million Kansas records on the popular family history website. Users can access Kansas State Census Records from 1865-1925 (years ending in "5"), Civil War Enlistment Papers of Kansas Volunteer Regiments (1862, 1863, 1868), Russell County Vital and Probate Records, selected World War I manuscripts, and the United Spanish-American War Veterans certificates collections.

Tribune readers invited to share favorite recipes

Friendship Bread is a baking tradition that works best when shared - an edible chain letter of sorts. Someone prepares a cup of Friendship Bread Starter, places it a one-gallon resealable "zipper" bag and delivers it to a neighbor. If the neighbor follows the instructions, in 10 days he or she will have four cups of batter - one to bake and three to give away.

Bellendir announces candidacy for Sheriff of Barton County

Great Bend resident Brian J. Bellendir announced today his intention to file for the Republican nomination for Sheriff of Barton County. A veteran law enforcement officer and administrator, Bellendir said he promises to bring competence, cooperation, experience and accountability to the office.

Native Experience: Shafer Gallery announces new exhibit, lectures

The Shafer Gallery will host an opening reception for its next exhibit, "Native Witness: Indians in the Shafer," from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. Refreshments will be served.

KWEC offers winter kids programs

KWEC has the cure for boredom – winter nature programs! Kids will turn the birdhouse gourds grown in KWEC's garden into homes for our feathered friends, make a feather bookmark, play games and of course learn more about the world around them and the creatures living there. So don't delay, sign-up soon, as the maximum for each class is 20 children.

American Legion hosts meeting on VA benefits

American Legion Post 180, 1011 Kansas, Great Bend, will host a meeting for all veterans and their families who wish to learn more about their earned VA benefits from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. on Wednesday. Veterans and their families who have specific questions regarding VA benefits are urged to attend this meeting. We'd also like to extend a personal invitation to eligible veterans and spouses to join our organization and take part in the many programs and services available.

Giving more

Hard Country

Former Great Bend resident Kory Brunson, leader of the Denver, Colo., Kory Brunson Band, sings at the Crest Theater, Thursday night in Great Bend. The band gave a benefit concert for the Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation. The title song of the band's newest CD, "Hard Country," gives new meaning to the phrase, "more cowbell," and Brunson said he wrote the song "Take Me Home" with Great Bend in mind.

Great Bend High School Homecoming

Kansas bicycle tour accepting registrations

Registration is now open for the 2015 Biking Across Kansas bicycle tour across the State of Kansas. The 41st year of the largest bicycling event in Kansas history - 500-mile ride across the State - begins on Saturday, June 6. Biking Across Kansas is an eight-day tour originating at the Kansas-Colorado line with a route of up to 900 bicyclists, including support staff.

Annual chili challenge to benefit local, area patients

It's time to get the big roasters out for the next Chili Challenge to benefit local and area hospice patients.

King UMC serving ham and beans Friday

King United Methodist Church, located at 16th and Odell Street in Great Bend, will hold its annual Ham & Bean Benefit Supper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The menu includes ham and beans, corn bread, relishes, cake and dessert. Admission is by freewill donation. Carry-out will be available.

​Claflin UMC holds annual Groundhog and Pancake Supper

CLAFLIN - Claflin United Methodist Church's 54th Groundhog and Pancake Supper will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. Admission is by freewill donation. Proceeds will go to scholarships. To arrange for delivery to shut-ins (Claflin only), call the church office, 587-3505.

Hoisington K of C romantic meal

HOISINGTON - Everyone is invited to a prime rib dinner with salad, baked potato, rolls, dessert, coffee and tea for $20 per person from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Hoisington Knights of Columbus Hall, 114 N. Main. This dinner is a benefit to raise funds to improve the air conditioning in the hall and to install a fire suppression system in the kitchen.

A great Valentine's evening planned at Kingman

KINGMAN - The Historic Kingman Theatre Association and Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce have announced a special event for Valentine's night. International Elvis Entertainer Marshall Matthews and The Memphis Kings with Debbi Cay will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the theater located on Main Street in Kingman.

St. Rose Health Center now offers free nurse hotline service

Most everyone has experienced something like this – especially at night or on weekends.

​Offerle man injured after texting while driving

GARDEN CITY - An Offerle man who was texting while driving went off U.S. 50 Tuesday evening in Finney County. Kansas Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred at 8:50 p.m. Jeffrey Humiston, was driving a 2013 Chrysler 200 that went in the ditch and traveled for 900 feet and struck an obstruction. The car went airborne, coming to rest in the westbound lane facing northwest.

​Tickets on sale for pancake and sausage supper

HOISINGTON - The Hoisington Lodge No. 331, A.F.&A.M., will hold a pancake and sausage supper from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the lodge, located at Second and Vine St. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Take-out will be available. Advance tickets can be purchased from any lodge member.

Hoisington Municipal Court - Jan. 15

Jamie M. Bahr, driving while suspended, fine $100, court costs $110

College to feature Library Lovers Month

The Barton Community College Library will celebrate "Library Lovers Month" in February by featuring a unique event each week including special library-wide themes, creative book displays, a Facebook promotion and a scavenger hunt. Events are open to students, faculty, staff and community members.

Golden Belt Community Foundation accepting grant applications for March 1

The Golden Belt Community Foundation invites proposals for its upcoming competitive grant cycle. Applications now are being accepted from qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public institutions, including schools, government entities, and clubs and civic/community organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties. Funds are available primarily for the health and well-being of youth; however, limited funds are available in many other categories. Detailed grant guidelines can be found online.

Chamber Coffee

This week's Chamber of Commerce Coffee will be hosted by Ace Hardware, 4903 W 10th, at 9:30 a.m., Thursday. Host will be Steve Swigart with greeters Terry Lewis, Dale Hogg and Regan Ochs. Coffee, refreshments and door prizes will be available.

Check It Out!

If you have been to the library in the past few days, you will have noticed a big change! Many of the tables and chairs have been removed to make way for the "Hometown Teams" Smithsonian Exhibit. Crates should be arriving before Friday filling up the empty space. Library services will remain as usual, and we have tables set aside for you to continue to use. Set up will begin next week, docents will be trained, and there will be a Chamber Coffee on Friday, January 30th. Sharon Sturgis has prepared wonderful accompaniments to the display, and there should be ...

USD 428 Board of Education meeting

USD 428 Board of Education will meet at noon on Thursday at Park Elementary School, 1801 Williams. Items on the agenda include the R.O.S.E. Award; approval of FY 2015 Carl D. Perkins Reserve Grant; and approval of licensed teacher retirement and teacher resignation. Park Elementary School Principal Phil Heeke and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Park.