Graduation days are celebrations of hard work expended and the future opportunities that have been earned. They are a chance to look back on what it took to get there, as well as to look forward to what lies ahead. And many thanks are offered to those who helped along the way. » Read More

This week’s Chamber of Commerce Coffee will be hosted by Sunflower Bank, 3600 10th Street, at 9:30 a.m., Thursday. Ambassador in charge will be Ronda Sjogren with greeters Connie Oetken and Karmi Green. Coffee, refreshments and door prizes will be available. » Read More

The Barton Community College Board of Trustees will approve contracts for head coaches, management staff and administrative personnel when it meets at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Seminar Room, F-30 of the Fine Arts Building. There will also be an executive session for discussion of personnel. » Read More

KANOPOLIS — The public is invited to take part in a short nature hike and free fishing this Saturday at Kanopolis State Park. Meet at the Wildlife Viewing Area west of the office at 9 a.m. and follow the park naturalist on the trail. Bring a fishing pole for fishing in the ponds after the hike. » Read More

After a one-vehicle accident at 6:26 a.m. Sunday at U.S. 56, milepost 211, the driver was arrested by the Barton County Sheriff’s Office on suspicion of driving under the influence. At the jail he requested medical assistance for shoulder pain. At 9:27 a.m., a Great Bend Police Officer responded to a disturbance at the Great Bend Regional Hospital Emergency Room, and the BCSO was called to assist. The suspect was served a notice to appear ... » Read More

Several people from Colorado Springs, Colo., were injured at 6:10 p.m. Sunday in Russell County, when a Suburban pulling a camper-trailer attempted to pass a semi-trailer on Interstate 70, 1 mile east of Bunker Hill. Kansas Highway Patrol reports the vehicle became unstable as it passed the semi, entering the median. The driver over-corrected and the vehicle entered the ditch, rolling several times. The trailer broke free and landed upright, while the Suburban landed on its roof. » Read More

A 2-year-old boy died Monday and others were injured in a one-vehicle accident in Pratt County. Kansas Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred at 10:18 a.m.. on K-61, 1.5 miles north of Preston. » Read More

The Great Bend Public Library will be closed Sunday and Monday, May 26 and 27, in observance of Memorial Day. The library will also switch to summer hours on May 28. It will be open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will be closed Sundays through Labor Day. » Read More

WICHITA — Donors who present to give blood between May 23 and 31 in honor of Memorial Day could win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards, the American Red Cross announced. In addition, their donations will honor those who gave their life for our country and support those in need of care. The Red Cross serves about 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country, including many Veterans Affairs medical centers. » Read More

The Panther Paw Restaurant staff and management at Great Bend High School have produced a cookbook containing recipes of dishes served throughout the school year. » Read More

This week’s Chamber of Commerce Coffee will be hosted by Barton County Arts Council, 1401 Main Street, at 9:30 a.m., Thursday. Ambassador in charge will be Marty Steinert with greeters Shawn Panzer and Jim Vopat. Coffee, refreshments and door prizes will be available. » Read More

USD 428 has partnered with Harris Connect to produce an alumni directory. Post cards, phone calls and e-mails may be forthcoming this summer. This is a reputable company that the district has worked with for the past 20 years. » Read More