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 ...

Shafer Gallery director to deliver Holy Week art talks

Holy week is a time in which many people reflect on their lives and spirituality. Barton Community College will offer a chance to supplement this reflection through a series of interactive art lectures, "The Painted Word: Holy Week Meditations," from noon to 1 p.m. March 25-27 and 29 at the Shafer Art Gallery.

Use of KanCare for disabled questioned

A Great Bend woman's situation is one example of what could happen if people with developmental disabilities are included in KanCare instead of the state-run Medicaid system, Ladeska "Decky" Makings cautioned.

FBLA Color Run

It's not an official color run, but it promises to be just as much fun according to Great Bend High School Future Business Leaders of America members.

Bison to celebrate 125th

The city of Bison will celebrate its 125th anniversary on Saturday. The festivities will begin by digging up the time capsule at 2 p.m., which was buried near the old City Hall on Main Street during the towns centennial. This will be followed by a firemans water fight between the Bison and Timken volunteer firemen.

Job Fest deemed huge success – laptop winner announced

For the seventh year in a row, local job seekers were given a unique opportunity to network with area employers at the community Job Fest event held May 9th at the Best Western courtyard in Great Bend.

Poppies to honor veterans available

The American Legion Auxiliary will be out this Memorial weekend asking for donations to help with its Poppy Program. Members will be in front of Great Bend businesses with poppies this evening and all day Saturday. They will also be out on Sunday if they still have some of the 3,000 poppies, said Marianne Krallman, cochair of this year's Poppy Program. Look for volunteers in front of Walmart, both Dillon's stores, Orscheln's and True Value ...

Investing in Kids

Darin Johnson presents Connie Oetken, Sunflower Diversified Services director of development, a check for $1,030 for the non-profit agency's Invest in Kids membership club. These proceeds, which will be directed to children with developmental disabilities and delays, represent a portion of a month's invoices at Darin's Auto Repair, Great Bend.

Art on the Hill

Barton Community College's Shafer Gallery will host an opening reception for their annual faculty and staff exhibit from 1-3 p.m. today, which will include additional artwork from an array of local artists and three featured artists.

City Council to discuss pit bull ban

The Great Bend City Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the City Office, 1209 Williams. On the agenda are a request to ban pit bulls and other vicious dogs, a lease request at the airport industrial area from National Co Operative Refinery Association and a cereal-malt beverage request for June Jaunt.

Knoblich and Jamieson Recognized by ElderCare, Inc.

Julie Knoblich, Director of Human Resources, Barton Community College and Bernie Jamieson, accountant with Benefits Managements Inc. were recognized for serving six years on the Board of Directors of ElderCare, Inc. Knoblich served as Board chair and Jamieson served as Board Secretary–Treasurer. Janet Splitter, Executive Director of ElderCare, Inc. presented each with a plaque in appreciation of their leadership and counsel guiding the service to older adults. Current members of the Board include: Julie Knoblich, ...

911 computers on commission agenda

The Barton County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main in Great Bend. The agenda includes new computers for the Communications Department (911), dispatcher training and an overview of criminal victims' services.

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