Stairs for BCC pool funded by gifts

A new set of stairs has been added to the swimming pool at Barton Community College, making the pool more accessible. The addition was funded by Barton's Silver Cougar Club and the Bill J McKown Endowment.

'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 ...

Musical whodunit in store for Sterling Fourth

Equal parts murder, mystery, music, and comedy are in store as the Sterling Community Theatre Troupe presents the new Broadway musical "Curtains" as part of Sterling's Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. "Curtains" has a tuneful, toe-tapping musical score by the song writing team of John Kander and Fred Ebb famous for the musicals "Chicago" and "Cabaret." The show will be staged at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6 and at ...

Nex-Tech Zoo Fest is Saturday

The annual Nex-Tech Zoo Fest runs from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. There will be free food and live entertainment for the whole family.

Play time

Children at the Barton Community College Child Development Center (CDC) play with some new toys, Tuesday afternoon. The toys were acquired through a $500 grant awarded by Child Care Aware of Kansas. The grant requirements focus on increased efforts to practice healthy eating habits and to include physical activity both in and outside of the classroom. CDC Director Larissa Graham said the equipment is intended to help aid in fine muscle development and encourage "active ...

Help patients in need with blood donation

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood this summer, helping to ensure a sufficient supply for patients in need. Blood donations tend to decline during the summer, when many regular donors are on vacation and schools are out of session. However, the need for blood is constant. All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, which is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient. Upcoming blood ...

Lee Turner Lectureship provides continuing education for law enforcement

Law enforcement professionals will have two opportunities to learn from Chicago area Police Chief Kent Williams about various forms of adversity law enforcement personnel routinely face, not only in the field, but how these events shape their personal lives after they leave the cruiser.

Waters True Value donates $4,000 with the help of social media

Waters True Value has donated $4,000 to the Oklahoma City Red Cross. The effort to contribute to the disaster relief efforts came after an EF5 tornado left a 17-mile path of destruction and damaged 4,000 homes and businesses in the Oklahoma City area on May 20.

Pit bull committee to hold first meeting

The City of Great Bend's newly formed committee to study the banning of pit bulls will hold an organizational meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the City Council chambers, 1209 Williams. The meeting is open to the public.

Kansas 150 1901-1925