PEO Chapter CQ Chocolate Affair

The annual Chocolate Affair hosted by Kinsley PEO chapter CQ will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4, at the Kinsley United Methodist Church, 803 Marsh St. This event offers everyone a much-needed escape from the cold dreary days of winter. A beautiful buffet of chocolate desserts for sampling as well as a chocolate fountain with many items for you to cover in chocolate are the centerpieces of

“Board Basics” training session offered

The Rice County Commission on Aging, working in partnership with the Rice County Historical society, is offering a half day workshop on the basics of being on a nonprofit governing board. This course will be led by Sue Elliot, Executive Director of the Rice County Council on Aging and Maggie Carlson, Director/Curator of collections at the Coronado Quivira Museum.

We Learn. We love. We. Serve.

This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week sums up what Holy Family School is all about, Principal Karen Moeder said. The theme is, "Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service." which echoes the mission statement at Holy Family School,"We learn. We love. We serve."

BCC string bassist to join Kansas Intercollegiate Orchestra

Greg Pohl's nimble fingers effortlessly maneuver from one combination of strings on his bass guitar to another, hitting every note as he keeps pace with the rest of the Barton Jazz Band. With a confident smirk, he leans into his guitar for a few notes as the song's speed increases.

GBHS Debate competes at Olathe Northwest High School

The Great Bend High School Debate Team qualified and brought the maximum number of four teams to the 2 Speaker State Debate Tournament on Jan. 13th and 14th at Olathe Northwest High School. Almost all of the teams finished with a 3-3 win loss record and barely missed qualifying to the elimination rounds by only one win. There was 58 teams from 19 schools and Great Bend finished in the top eight teams after preliminary rounds. The team will start competing in Forensic Tournaments on Jan. 28th.

Winter square and round dance lessons start Friday

Square and round dance lessons start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in the Burnside Room the Great Bend Recreation Center, 1214 Stone St.

Kansas Heritage Exhibit

The Coronado Quivira Museum/Rice County Historical Society is celebrating Kansas Day 2012 with the creation of a special exhibit with a local tie to the bright lights of Hollywood. From Jan. 25-March 10, the special exhibition area at the museum will feature the exhibit "From Rice County to Hollywood: Mary Astor and Shirley Knight".

GBHS FBLA fundraiser

Great Bend High School students are used to taking tests, but this is one test they are so eager to take that they are willing to pay for it.

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.

Winter weather may start Friday

WICHITA - Two weather systems are expected to impact south central Kansas Friday through Sunday.

“The Glass Menagerie” opens tonight at Sterling College

"The Glass Menagerie" opens tonight at Sterling College

Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Valentine party

At Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation's Valentine party on Feb. 14, all residents were noted as kings and queens, however with a draw of names of residents attending event, LaVane Rohr and Claudine Ringwald represented them as king and queen. They were crowned as Walt Pennington entertained with music. All residents were presented a red rose compliments of Dillons and their customers and cookies and punch were provided by Epsilon Sigma Alpha (Zeta Gamma Chapter).

State Piano Festival

On Feb. 22, four students from Barton County participated in the Kansas State High School Activities Association State Piano Festival held at Wichita State University. These students include Kaylyn Oberle, Claflin "Central Plains", Hannah Wilborn, Hoisington, Melanie Maneth, Great Bend, and Katy Jerke, Great Bend. At the KSHSAA Piano Festival students must perform Classical Repertoire by memory. However, participants must first compete and receive "I" ratings at the Regional Contest held on Feb. 8. Adjudicators listen to the students and write a critique of their musical performance and assign a rating with "I" rating the highest possible score. Students receiving ...

GBHS Speech competes in Nickerson

The Great Bend High School Speech team placed in 11 events at the Nickerson Speech Tournament. Those placing were Makinna Dykes, Kris Gieck and Ashtin Heath. Ashtin placed in both of her events. Those placing in all of their events and qualifying for the State Speech Championship Tournament in May are Malia Clark, Jesus Sandoval and Carter Sheffield. Carter Sheffield also won the Triathlon Award by placing the highest in all three of his events. He placed 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking, 1st in Serious Solo Acting and 3rd in Impromptu Speaking. The team placed 3rd overall.

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on the amendment of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) FY 14-17.

Kansas 150 1901-1925