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Barton County Attorney Morris files for District Court Judge
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Barton County Attorney Levi Morris filed paperwork with Barton County Elections Officer Donna Zimmerman Friday afternoon for District Court Judge.
Published: May 9, 2020, 6:58 PM

Friday afternoon, May 8, Barton County Attorney Levi Morris completed his paperwork to file for District Court Judge in the 20th Judicial District. The district is comprised of Ellsworth, Barton, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties. 

“As the Barton County Attorney we eliminated the backlog of un-filed cases,” Morris stated. “In the past, the jail was filled to capacity as defendants and their cases stalled. Today, the jail is nowhere near max capacity because we move our cases in a timely manner.

“As your Judge, I promise to keep my dockets and cases moving forward in similar fashion.” 

To serve on the court, a judge must be a state and district resident; a member in good standing of the state bar for at least five years; and under the age of 70. Judges serve four-year terms and run for re-election at the end of their terms. The 20th Judicial District is one of 14 Kansas District Courts in which judges are chosen in partisan elections. 
GBHS students bring home top honors at Job Olympics
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Great Bend High School students and teachers pose for a photo following the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays. From left: Brandi Suchy, interpreter and coach; Payton Edwards, 10th grade; Jamie Patton, 12th grade; MaKayla Cross, 11th grade; Faith Mead, 10th grade; Rhonda Glenn, special education teacher and coach; and Trish Berger, special education teacher, work Study coordinator and coach.
Published: Apr 8, 2025, 2:31 PM
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MaKayla Cross competes in a grocery packing event at the Job Olympics.

Four students from Great Bend High School put their skills to the test and brought home top honors during the annual Job Olympics, held March 26 in Hays.

Representing GBHS at this day-long event were students MaKayla Cross, Jamie Patton, Payton Edwards and Faith Mead. These outstanding students competed in a variety of hands-on events designed to build employability skills and boost confidence for future career success. Their hard work and preparation paid off with impressive results:

• 1st Place – Small Gas Engines, Rolling Silverware

• 2nd Place – Sorting Recyclables, Kids Meals Packaging

The Job Olympics provides students with opportunities to practice real-world job tasks, connect with employers, and engage in meaningful social experiences. The event aims to build motivation to learn job skills, improve social interactions, foster new friendships, and develop self-confidence. Participants also receive valuable feedback on their personal employability skills.

“The students not only gained practical skills that will serve them throughout their lives, but also built friendships with students from other schools and communities,” shared Trish Berger, Vocational Program Coordinator and Special Education Teacher at GBHS. “It’s inspiring to see their growth and enthusiasm during this event.”

Accompanied by three dedicated coaches, the GBHS team embraced every opportunity the Job Olympics had to offer, demonstrating perseverance and a positive attitude in each competition. Events like these reinforce the importance of community partnerships and showcase the talents and abilities of students with special needs.

For more information about the vocational programs at Great Bend High School, contact Trish Berger at 620-793-1521.

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Payton Edwards competes in the grocery stocking event at the Job Olympics.