ELLSWORTH – Two Great Bend teenaged boys appeared in Ellsworth County District Court in Ellsworth Wednesday, one pleading not guilty and one no contest to a single count each of battery done in a rude manner, Ellsworth County Attorney Joe Shepack said. The charges are in connection with an alleged assault on a Great Bend High School school bus carrying the GBHS swim team home from Manhattan Feb. 6.

The first teen, age 17, entered his not guilty plea at conclusion of his arraignment. The court accepted the plea and set the case for a pre-trial conference at a date to be determined later. He is not under any order of detention and he is free on his own recognizance.

The second teen entered his no contest plea at conclusion of his arraignment as well. The court accepted it and he was convicted of the class “B” misdemeanor battery. 

The second teen’s sentencing is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, in the Magistrate Courtroom of the Ellsworth County Courthouse. This sentencing hearing is open to the public in that the convicted juvenile offender is over 14 years of age. 

Per local court rule, cameras are not permitted in the courtroom.