Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir spoke to the Progress Club at their Feb. 3 meeting. He said that as sheriff he has three roles. He works for the district court, keeps the jail and is a law enforcement officer. He stated that drugs are a problem in Barton County, particularly methamphetamine. Meth in this area comes from Mexico and can be traced back to drug cartels.

He does not work for the county commissioners but they do control his budget of approximately $1.7 million. A large part of this budget is spent on prisoners’ medical costs. He stated that his office has a good working relationship with all of the police departments in the county. He has filed to run for the office of sheriff again.

Gail Santy, director of the Great Bend Public Library, will present the March 2 program at 1:15 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Hostesses will be Nancy Williams and Pat Klusener.