Jenna Snell, sophomore at Ellinwood High School, will be representing Barton County at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) Annual Convention Nov. 22 in Wichita. Jenna competed in a speech contest against Bonnie Boulinghouse, sophomore at Great Bend High School. The topic was “Soil. Can You Dig It.?” Both girls did an excellent job of presenting their speeches and the judges admitted they had a tough job before them. The winner of the Barton County Conservation District speech contest receives a $300 scholarship upon being accepting by a college. If Jenna wins the competition in Wichita, she will receive a $500 scholarship from KACD. This is her second win for Barton County and second time competing in Wichita where last year she took second place. Good luck Jenna.
The District is entering their thirteenth year offering a poster contest to 4th grade students in Barton County. Last year the theme or subject was “Conservation Habits=Healthy Habitats.” First place winner was Camryn Dunekack, Jefferson Elementary, Mrs. Webb teacher.  Second place was Hally Sanders, Holy Family School, Mrs. Albright teacher. Third place was Abby MacKinney, Christian Academy, Lorie McLeland, teacher. There were two honorable mentions and they were Sara Frankes, Ellinwood Grade School, Lisa McMillen, teacher and Lacee Keller, Lincoln Elementary, Tona King, teacher, Hoisington.  Camryn’s poster will be at this year’s KACD Convention in completion against other fourth grade students across the state. Poster paper has already been delivered to participating grade schools in Barton County for the 2011 contest. The theme the students are asked to work with is “Forest for People: More Then You Can Imagine.” Judging for Barton County will be Jan. 4th.  All the posters will be displayed at the District’s Annual Meeting in January. Winners will be recognized during the Annual Meeting and the first place winner’s poster will be sent to KACD’s Annual Convention to compete against other winners throughout the state. The winner from that competition will then have their poster sent to the National Association of Conservation District’s Annual Meeting in February for National recognition.
October 28 the Banker’s Awards committee toured Barton County viewing nominee’s property. Winners will be recognized at the Barton County Conservation Districts Annual Meeting in January. The awards are designed to recognize individuals who make outstanding progress in conservation. The categories for the awards are windbreaks, energy, wildlife and soil and water conservation.
Cost-share practices are being completed. Twenty-six applications were approved for work including terraces, waterways, ponds and grass seeding. This year the District received $24,467 to apply on conservation practices which address soil and water erosion. 
Funding for Non-Point Source Pollution practices was approved on eighteen applications for up-grading on site waste water systems and plugging of abandoned water wells. We have funding still available, but just until December 1st. Come by and see me if you have a failing on site waste water system or would like to plug an abandoned water well. Our office is at 1520 Kansas Ave., Great Bend, phone number- 620-792-3346 ext. 3. Ask for Pam Tucker.