'Take a Seat' to help renovate Fine Arts Auditorium

The photo cutline was updated Friday for clarification. -- ed The stage of Barton Community College's Fine Arts Auditorium has been the venue for more than 40 years of performing arts enthusiasts. Those four decades are visible in every scuff on the stage and stain on the curtains, which is why the college has begun the renovation process. The community is invited to participate in the Barton Foundation's "Take a Seat" campaign to raise funds ...

Zoo news: Enjoying snakes and dragons

About half of the visitors to Great Bend's Brit-Spaugh Zoo really like looking at snakes, Director Scott Gregory said.

Barton County Food Drive

Death ruled a suicide

The death of a 38-year-old woman whose body was found late Wednesday afternoon in a home at 2204 Adams St. has been ruled a suicide, Great Bend Police Chief Dean Akings said. The woman's body was transported Wednesday evening to Brock Funeral Home in Hays for an autopsy because authorities were originally concerned that the death was suspicious. The results of the autopsy were made known Thursday morning.

Haney seeks reelection to council

Mitch Haney has announced his candidacy for re-election to the City Council Ward One in Great Bend. In a statement submitted to the Tribune, he said:

Teacher of the Year

While school may seem like child's play for her students, kindergarten teacher Marla Davidson knows that it takes a lot of work and dedication to make it look easy.

Levee gate to be opened Friday

The Great Bend Public Works Department will open a gate across the flood control levee system at south Washington Street sometime the Friday afternoon, said City Engineer Rob Winiecke. This is meant to provide access to the Arkansas River for all-terrain and off-road vehicles. Winiecke saod users are advised to be mindful of pedestrians and to stay outside of the fenced areas (including the levees).

BCC trustees look at academic advancement

With the 2012-13 school year wrapping up, the Barton Community College Board of Trustees has a short agenda for the next regular meeting, set for 4 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in the Seminar Room, F-30 of the Fine Arts Building. Trustees will hear a report on academic advancement.

BCC Foundation's 6th annual Clay Shoot registrations being accepted

Registrations are being accepted for the Barton Community College Foundation's sixth annual Clay Shoot, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at LaSada Sporting Clays and Hunting Serving, 3721 183rd St., Russell. The last shoot begins at 3 p.m.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

A WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM SATURDAY TO 1 PM CDT SUNDAY...FOR BARTON COUNTY, IN ADDITION TO ELLSWORTH, RUSSELL AND RICE COUNTIES AND THOSE COUNTIES WEST AND NORTH OF GREAT BEND.

Santa Fe Trail Antiques & Collectibles

Ellinwood is known for an array of antique shops, and in the last year a new one has been added, Santa Fe Trail Antiques and Collectibles. Opened last September by Fred Troyer, it features quality pottery, glassware and furniture.

Lenten Luncheon: First UMC

The final 2013 Lenten Luncheon will be Wednesday, March 27, at First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave. The Rev. Lennie Maxwell is host pastor and the speaker will be the Rev. Leroy Keith, First Baptist Church. Serving begins at noon – not earlier – and lunch ends at 1 p.m. Freewill offerings will be taken to defray the expenses of the host congregation. The public is invited to attend.

Former Great Bend resident charged with theft from Newton Chamber

NEWTON - A former employee with the Newton Chamber of Commerce has been charged with stealing from the organization.

Fox debut

Vixey, the new white arctic fox at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo, is ready to move to a display for public viewing. Members of the Great Bend Zoo Society can be among the first to see her at 6 p.m. Friday. This after-hours event is for members only, but new memberships will be accepted, Zoo Director Scott Gregory said. The cost for a family is $25 a year. Starting Saturday, everyone who comes to the ...

Geraniums for sale now by Great Bend Pilot Club - delivery on May 1st or 2nd

The Great Bend Pilot Club sells geraniums each year and then uses the profit to help with their community projects, with an emphasis on protecting the brain. They reach over 800 young students (per year) acting out and telling them how to protect their brain. The organization has been responsible for getting a lift for the pool at Club 1 Fitness so that stroke victims can get into the pool and exercise. In 2010, the ...

BCC students prepare for real world with Field Ops Day

April Marriage and Divorce Filings

Marriage Licenses

Great Bend City Band summer season

The Great Bend City Band will begin rehearsals for their season beginning at 7:30 p.m. on May 28th at the Crest Theatre. Any instrumentalist who loves to play is welcome to participate in the band. Summer concerts will be given at the courthouse band shell and will begin Thursday, May 30th and every Thursday in June. A special big band swing concert will also be given at the band shell on Friday, June 28th. All ...

Beautiful Dreamer

Editor's Note: A 1967 Corvette once owned by singer Roy Orbison is now part of the collection at Hendrick Motorsports, owned Rick Hendrick of NASCAR fame. For a time, that storied automobile was owned by Robert "Bob" Martin of Great Bend, the former owner of Christmas Fantasy Village. Martin died on April 9. The story of his Corvette was recently reported by The BLOCK.com. An abridged version of that story appears below.

Kansas 150 1901-1925