This week’s Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Coffee was hosted by the Cottonwood Extension District at their office at 3007 10th St.
Jay Harris, district director for the Cottonwood District, which serves Ellis and Barton counties, welcomed attendees and gave an overview of the extension’s wide range of programs. He emphasized that extension is far more than agriculture and 4-H, noting growing programs serving the elderly, youth, and all age groups. He highlighted the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program set to launch in the coming weeks.
Michelle Beran, the district’s family and community wellness agent, spoke about the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas program, which provides free Medicare counseling. She also discussed financial literacy classes she has been working with students at Barton Community College and plans to expand to Barton and Fort Hays Tech.
Ben Sims, 4-H and youth development agent for Barton County, described the 4-H program for youth ages 5 to 18, emphasizing the breadth of over 50 project areas available. He announced that a position in the Barton County 4-H office is open, with applications closing June 1. Sims also highlighted the county fair as the culmination of youth projects, where participants meet with specialized judges for feedback. He noted that one recent participant had his college education fully covered through 4-H scholarships. Sims will be transitioning to the Ellis County office in early July.
Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent, described her work as a generalist covering livestock, horticulture, and home visits for garden and lawn questions. She also serves as a state leader in mental health and resiliency programming, offering resources ranging from 15-minute programs to the eight-hour Mental Health First Aid course, with a focus on supporting agricultural producers.
Stacy Campbell, also an agriculture and natural resources agent based in the Hays office, spoke about the annual wheat variety field days, held the previous day at locations in Barton and Ellis County in partnership with Great Plains Co-op. He also touched on transition and estate planning resources available through extension, including the Kansas Agri-Mediation program, which offers families assistance — including a toll-free helpline — in resolving disputes over farm assets and estates.
Staff introductions were also made for Paris Manning, program assistant for the district; Brownie Houston, horticulture program assistant; and Brenda Walton, office professional. Janice Williams, a district board member, was recognized for her attendance. Barton County board members Kathie Rondeau, Lori Waters, Glenna Reinert, and Lexi Straub were also acknowledged.
This week’s ribbon cutting was done at the Chamber office for Dawson’s Roadside Assistance after the Chamber Coffee.
Chamber announcements:
- Saturday, May 16, Summit Points Race #2 at the SRCA Dragstrip; gates open at noon, racing begins at 2 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17, VFW Post 3111 brunch and pulled pork fundraiser at Encounter Church at 10:30 a.m.
- Monday, May 18, Marla Matkin, historian and reenactor, presents at the Barton County Historical Society at 7 p.m. Free for members; $5 for non-members. Topic: “The Widows of Little Bighorn.”
- Monday, May 18, City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
- Tuesday, May 19, Barton County Commission meeting at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.
- Wednesday, May 20, Cornhole Night at VFW Post 3111 at 7 p.m.
- Thursday, May 21, Chamber Coffee hosted by Heartland Center for Spirituality at 3600 Broadway Ave., followed by a tour of the convent with the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
- Thursday, May 29, Great Bend Public Library summer kickoff event from 5 to 6:30 p.m., featuring Heartland Farms alpacas, yard games, and summer programming sign-ups.
