Zoo News: Tuesday is Inspection Day

"June 12th could possibly be the most important day in zoo history!!" Brit Spaugh Zoo Director Scott Gregory said. He was speaking of the Great Bend zoo's history. Tuesday is the day the zoo will be inspected by staff from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for possible accreditation.

Stolen binder set on fire

A stolen book was used to start a ditch fire in rural Barton County on Tuesday, law enforcement officers report.

Civil War author to visit historical society

No other state's history is so entwined with the American Civil War as that of the Sunflower State, says historian Debra Goodrich Bisel. She will visit the Barton County Historical Society to present a lecture and book signing from 1-3 p.m. Friday in the main museum, located just south of the Arkansas River Bridge in Great Bend on U.S. 281. Admission to the program is free.

​BCC’s Lee Turner Lectureship to cover responses to sexual assault

Law enforcement personnel will soon have two opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals on how to respond to sexual assault scenarios, from working through a crime scene and preserving evidence to dealing with the psychological trauma inflicted on victims.

​Art of Aquarians opens Sunday

RUSSELL - The next exhibit at the Deines Cultural Center is the summer showing of "Art of Aquarians," which opens Sunday, June 10 with an artists' reception from 2-4 p.m.

Barton Community College rolls out four-day learning week option for select programs

Most people would agree that three-day weekends are glorious. Barton students can make a choice to treat themselves to one every week as Barton rolls out its "four-day learning week" for select career technical education courses beginning fall 2012.

Shafer Gallery features Ronald Reagan's calligrapher and wall-sized Midwest-themed murals

From exquisite pieces of handwriting to murals that take up entire rooms, the public will have a lot to look at in the Shafer Gallery from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 3 as the Shafer Gallery hosts a reception for their exhibit "History Writ Large: The Murals of Pat Potucek featuring selections from the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) Calligraphy Collection."

Great Bend Rec Commission announces summer programs

Great Bend Recreation Commission summer programs are set to begin the first of June and run through July. Summer activities will be offered at the Recreation Center, Activity Center, Lincoln, Jefferson, Eisenhower, Park schools, Veterans Park and other locations throughout Great Bend.

Volunteers tend Healing Garden at Heartland Cancer Center

When chemotherapy patients at Heartland Cancer Center are receiving treatments they can now enjoy the spring renewal of the facility's Healing Garden. A team of volunteers recently spruced up the garden, which is located on the south side of HCC, 204 Cleveland.

Fort Riley graduation

SPC Jessica Marand, a graduate of Barton Community College's Fort Riley campus, leans in for a congratulatory kiss from her husband, Sgt. Mohammed Morand after receiving her associate in science degree May 22. Barton graduated more than 90 students, which is more than the combined graduates of every other institution associated with the Fort Riley Education Services.

BCC's Grandview Plaza campus hosts national HazMat training seminar

GRANDVIEW PLAZA - Barton Community College's Grandview Plaza campus in Geary County was the site of national "Train the Trainer" sessions. The satellite campus focuses primarily on education in the realms of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, hazardous materials management and emergency management.

BCSO works two rollover wrecks

The Barton County Sheriff's Office responded to two injury accidents over the weekend. In each case only one vehicle was involved and the injuries were not life-threatening.

Human (e)Motion promotes fitness, helps Family Crisis Center

People stepping to the line or straddling their bicycles to compete in the Human (e)Motion Bike, Run, Walk event on June 2 will be competing together to stamp out area domestic and sexual violence. All of the proceeds for the Great Bend Regional Hospital event, now in its second year, go to Family Crisis Center, which is located in Great Bend and serves 10 counties.

Camp Hope seeks volunteers for golf tourney, scavenger hunt

While their friends are trying to sink a golf ball, younger participants in Camp Hope will be off on a scavenger hunt for a number of prizes. Camp organizers are seeking volunteers for both the golf outing and the hunt, which are scheduled for Wednesday, June 20.

St. Rose brings MCA's advanced services to cancer patients

Local cancer patients will be the main beneficiaries of a new partnership that allows even more services here in the community. St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center has become a member of the Midwest Cancer Alliance (MCA), a statewide organization that provides local access to the latest advancements.

Singers wanted for Central Kansas Community Choir

The Central Kansas Community Choir, which is sponsored by Barton Community College will begin rehearsals next week for its 2015 concert, "God and Country."

Community Concert Features Paul McDermand on Steel Drum and Marimba

Not often does the Golden Belt Community Concert Association feature a steel drum and marimba percussionist in concert. In fact, this month's performer is the first. Paul McDermand, Caribbean/pop performer on steel drum and marimba, will present the association's first concert of 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.

Scam phone calls reported

On Monday, the Barton County Sheriff's Office received calls from individuals in rural Great Bend and rural Pawnee Rock, both reporting attempted fraud via telephone scams.

County to observe Martin Luther King Day

Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Day. The Records Division of the Sheriff's Office and the Health Department will also be closed. The Landfill will only be open from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. that day. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

Soup Sampler Supper is Sunday

All are invited to attend the Soup Sampler Supper, sponsored by the Daughters of Isabella, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the St. Patrick Parish Center, 4100 Broadway Ave. Several varieties of soup will be available. Cost is $7 per meal; children 6 years and under eat free. Raffle tickets will also be available.

K of C selling tickets for men's stag

The Knights of Columbus men's stag will be held on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Columbus Club, 723 Main, Great Bend. Social begins at 5:30 p.m. with prime rib dinner served at 6:30.

December Marriage and Divorce filings

Marriage Licenses

USD 428 Board of Education meeting

USD 428 Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. on Monday at the District Education Office, 201 S. Patton Road. Items on the agenda include, Jefferson Elementary School Students' Sportsmanship Awards; School Board Recognition Month; GBHS Student Council, Community Service Project; BOE Education Foundation board of trustees representative replacement; BOE approval of teacher representative for Education Foundation Board of Trustees; approval of fundraiser requests for 2015-2016; BOE policies first reading; K-6 Math curriculum adoption; technology update; assessments update; personnel update; approval of laundry equipment purchase; consideration of 2015 summer projects; approval of contributions; and licensed teacher retirements and ...

Check It Out!

The following books are among the top ten checked out at Ellinwood School/Community Library.

Kansas 150 1901-1925