The Kansas Wetlands Education Center announces the winners of the 2014 World Wetlands Day Coloring Contest. World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on Feb. 2, and is organized by Ramsar, the organization that has designated Cheyenne Bottoms as a “Wetland of International Importance.” The theme for 2014’s World Wetlands Day was “Wetlands & Agriculture: Partners for Growth.” The coloring sheet, featuring ducks and geese, was colored by 2nd grade students from 11 schools in Barton County. The best coloring sheet from each classroom was chosen; each winner received a certificate, a Top 20 Birds of Cheyenne Bottoms identification card, and a bag with the KWEC logo.  
The winners are: St. Joseph School in Ellinwood – Drew Heinz; Ellinwood Grade School – A. J. Bowyer, Kadie Bailey; Central Plains – Zoe Wimmer, Krystal Weeks; Hoisington Roosevelt – Sheena Gocela, Mallorie Kraft, Ellie Goodwin; Holy Family – Ava Gregg, Kaden Deines; CKCA – Makayla Burton; Great Bend Riley Elementary – Brissa Caro, Danely Fabela, Mario Enriquez; Great Bend Park Elementary – Mackenzie Newsome, Nathan Roraback; Great Bend Lincoln Elementary – Tierstyn Kershner, Maleigha Ribordy; Great Bend Jefferson Elementary – Cody Miller, Harley Dougherty; Great Bend Eisenhower Elementary – Rylison Grieb, Degan Ellis.
Great Bend community coordinator, Christina Hayes, worked with area business to display the artwork from Feb. 2 to Feb. 16. Businesses displaying the art pieces included OPI, Waters True Value, Wolf Furniture Gallery, Bass X, Gambino’s, Heart of Kansas Mercantile, Johnson’s Smokehouse, Renue Salon, Rosewood Furniture Gallery, The Buckle, and the Great Bend Tribune.