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Svaty named senior adviser to EPA’s Region 7 administrator

KANSAS CITY, Kan., – Thursday, Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks announced the selection of Ellsworth native Josh Svaty, who just served as secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, to be his senior adviser.

SRS to accept applications for Low Income Energy Assistance Program

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is accepting applications for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through Thursday, March 3. The program opened Thursday.

‘Zen Cowboy’ Chuck Pile brings straight-from-the saddle music to Back Room

Zen Cowboy says, "Always ride the horse in the direction it's going." This week his direction is toward Great Bend, for a concert in the Back Room of the Barton County Arts Center. Chuck Pyle, aka the Zen Cowboy, will perform at 8 p.m. in the Back Room, located at Forest and Main. Admission is $12. Seats may be reserved at the Arts Center, phone ...

City supports zoo's AZA goal

For several years, the goal at Great Bend's Brit Spaugh Zoo has been to gain accreditation from the American Zoos and Aquariums Association. Now Zoo Director Scott Gregory says he's ready to apply for the coveted AZA stamp of approval - one year ahead of schedule. The application deadline for this year is March 1, Gregory said. Once the application is processed, the accreditation organization will probably schedule a summer inspection. ...

Grief support group sessions start Tuesday

Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice will sponsor a Tuesday evening grief support group in Great Bend from Jan. 11 through March 15. It will meet each Tuesday, except Jan. 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Thelma Faye Harms Room off the cafeteria in the basement level of Central Kansas Medical Center, 3515 Broadway. Hospice Chaplain John Grummon and GBHH & Hospice Social Worker Cathy Soeken will co-facilitate ...

Dinners a time for giving thanks through giving

Editor's note: Mary Leidig submitted this recap of holiday events in Rush County. The annual Rush County Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day Dinners were held at the Bison Methodist Church, Bison, and St. Michael's Parish Hall, La Crosse respectively. A traditional dinner of turkey and dressing, ham, potatoes and gravy, green beans, Jell-O salad, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, and beverages was served to all. ...

Streamlined system at Early Ed Center helps parents

Families seeking support from Sunflower's Early Education Center have long relied on its expertise. And now, families can count on even more rewarding relationships with the non-profit agency's professionals, said Cathy Estes, EEC coordinator.

A ton of goodwill

Jesse Torres, left, and Loren Phillips, of the Central Kansas Medical Center maintenance department, load the 2,885 food items collected during the CKMC employee food drive. All items were delivered to the Food Bank in Great Bend.

Family Crisis Center to hold volunteer training

Volunteer Training will be held for anyone interested in helping to provide services and support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Sessions will take place at the Family Crisis Center's administrative office on the following dates and times:

YouthFriends at Riley School Breakfast

YouthFriends at Riley School sponsored a breakfast last Tuesday morning to show appreciation for their volunteers and their student matches. YouthFriends director Michelle Daniel said that CPI provides time off for nine employees to volunteer at Riley. "They are the best volunteers," Daniel said.

Great Bend Regional Hospital deliver gifts

Employees from Great Bend Regional Hospital Steve Schenkel, Elle Slater, Kristie Thill and Sonya Rein deliver Christmas presents to Laura Patzner, Executive Director for the Family Crisis Center for area families for the holidays

Big Brothers Big Sisters enjoy Christmas with help from the community

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barton and Pawnee Counties has been the recipient of much Christmas cheer and good will this holiday season, Executive Director Stephanie Joiner reports. "Our Little Brothers and Little Sisters have been blessed by the generosity of many local businesses and community organizations this holiday season. As an agency, we are truly grateful for the kindness and consideration of our community," she said. Last week, members ...

Burglary reported at P&S Security

P&S Security at 1705 K-96 in Great Bend was burglarized on Sunday, Police Chief Dean Akings reports. A front window was broken to gain entry. Two rifles, 21 handguns, one pair of handcuffs and flashlights were stolen.

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.

Applicant's briefing scheduled for Barton County

On April 26, Barton County was declared eligible for Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) due to a snowstorm that occurred Feb. 20-23, 2013. An Applicants' Briefing for township officials, cities, county, school districts and certain non-profits organizations within Barton County has been scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at the Barton County Courthouse, Room 101, Great Bend. This meeting is for public officials and officers from these agencies and ...

GBHS Variety Show tickets on sale

Great Bend High School Variety Show tickets are still available in the high school vocal music room. Please use the east front doors of the school.

Keep Children and Pets Safe by Teaching Any Dog May Bite

Each year, 4.5 million people in this country are bitten by dogs and 885,000 of those require medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among children, the rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years, and children are more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites than adults. Children, because of their inexperience and size, are particularly prone to serious injury from ...

Keep children and pets safe by teaching any dog may bite

TOPEKA - Each year, 4.5 million people in this country are bitten by dogs and 885,000 of those require medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among children, the rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years, and children are more likely than adults to receive medical attention for dog bites than adults. Children, because of their inexperience and size, are particularly prone to serious ...

Full entry takes 8th at State

On Saturday May 4th the Great Bend Forensics squad traveled to Emporia High School for the 5A State Championship Speech Tournament. They competed in 16 events, which gave them a full entry. Placing 8th out of 25 schools, the team had five events break into semifinals.

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