Four Barton County teens were recognized at Tuesday’s Barton County Commission meeting for their success in the 2026 Western National Roundup in Denver, Colorado. County Appraiser Wendy Prosser was one of the team coaches and the mother of one of its members.
Hadley Fleming, Kylee Miessler, Adessa Prosser and Ryann Stryker participated in the Roundup and received fourth place in hippology.
The Western National is a significant part of the larger National Western Stock Show, and features livestock judging, workshops and other cultural and educational events.
Wendy Prosser said several other coaches also worked with this team over the past year. Miessler and Adessa then described the event.
“Hippology is the overall study of horses, and that’s what we did in nationals,” Miessler said. “It could cover anything from breeds and origins of the breeds, reproduction, horse anatomy and physiology – just absolutely anything that can relate to horse management and care.”
Miss Prosser said they also competed in judging. “You have different classes of four horses each, and you have to pick the best rider and horse team. ... We ended up taking third.”
She also thanked the commissioners for their support at the beginning of the year when they were raising funds for the trip. “It meant a lot, and we’re really glad we got to experience this, since it’s a one-in-a-lifetime event.”
Their coach noted that Ryan Stryker also placed 10th in an individual hippology event and Miessler placed in the top 10 in two individual events.
After posing for photos with their coaches and with the commissioners, Prosser and Miessler had to get back to school.
Grant-writing contract approved
In other business Tuesday, the commission approved a contract with NQSM Corp., doing business as Hometown Grants, for $122,400, with a $24,480 contingency budget. County Administrator Matt Patzner said that in 2025, the Commission hired NQSM to create up to four grant applications during a 12-month period for $50,004.00. In August, 2025, that contract saw a $12,000.00 expansion for additional services for Ellinwood and Hoisington.
“As the Commission moves forward with project-based economic development funding, the 2026 agreement has been expanded to include one funding strategy each for Albert and Pawnee Rock as well as eight grant applications,” Patzner said. “These may include personnel and construction funding for Central Kansas Community Correction as well as infrastructure for Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington.”
Commissioner Chair Duane Reif noted that NQSM has a team of grant writers, and Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson said the company has “a good track record.” While not a county project, this group helped Rural Water District No. 2 secure a grant.
Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger said the team also helps clients by doing an analysis of the needs and then looking at funding strategies.
“One successful grant will more than cover this,” Hutchinson said of the cost. “Two and they are rock stars.”
He added that Barton County is taking the risk by investing in this service, but in the future other cities might want to pitch in.
