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Silent Auction Deals available at Rosewood Rodeo
Proceeds go to Roots & Wings Foundation
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COURTESY PHOTO Great Deals: Attendees check on the many selections of quality silent auction items during last year’s Rosewood Rodeo. There are approximately 70 auction items to bid on at this year’s Rosewood Rodeo. The silent auction annually provides a fun opportunity to purchase quality items at under-market value. Proceeds from the sale of the items, which are donated by community businesses, go directly to Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation, committed to helping to fund endeavors for people with developmental disabilities.
Published: Sep 29, 2023, 8:00 PM

If you are interested in a fun opportunity to purchase quality items at under-market-value prices, then come by Rosewood Rodeo on Oct. 7. The 19th Annual Rodeo will be held at Great Bend Expo Complex – Barton County Fair Expo III Indoor Arena, 2 miles west of Patton Road on 10th St.

In conjunction with Rosewood Rodeo’s Grand Entry, the Rosewood Silent Auction will begin at 10 a.m. Then bids will be accepted throughout the day until the Auction closes at 3 p.m. Winning bidders will be contacted following the silent auction, so they don’t have to be present to win.

During the auction, there are approximately 70 items to bid on, ranging in retail value from $10 to more than $250. These items are all new products and most likely will sell for under their retail value.

The items were donated by community businesses and individuals as a fundraiser to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation. 

Auction items include a wide variety of merchandise like an acoustic guitar with accessories, tools, artist pieces, a Green Mountain Grills Pizza Oven, a Halo Elite1B Countertop Griddle, multiple gift baskets, and many gift cards, certificates and passes. 

For a preview, bidders can access photos of the auction items athttps://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720311551194

Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation provides unmet medical and therapeutic needs, legal assistance, along with educational opportunities to people in need who have developmental disabilities.
Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.