Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Monday morning:
• Approved an American Cancer Society Relay for Life proclamation for Barton County. The Barton County event is set for June 8 at Veterans Memorial Park in Great Bend.
• Approved the replacement of front end loaders for the Road and Bridge Department from Foley Equipment. The department accepted bids for the replacement of two John Deere 644K front end loaders until May 22. County Works Director Darren Williams suggested the commission authorize Murphy Tractor to buyback the two loaders (for which the county will receive a $240,000) and authorize the purchase of two CAT 950M loaders from Foley Equipment, at a cost of $522,800. The County would then be able to take advantage of Foley’s certified rebuild program in the future.
• Heard county departmental update from County Administrator Phil Hathcock.
• Following the agenda meeting, the commission met as the board for Fire District Number One and approved the construction of a steel building for the Claflin-based district.
The district accepted proposals for the construction of a steel building in Claflin until May 21. Specifications included “site preparation, concrete work, buildings, electrical and heating” with three different sized building options. In addition to funds being provided by the district, the Claflin Ambulance Service Association and the City of Claflin will both provide funding for the project.
The theme for this year’s Relay for Life of Barton County is “Super Heros Wanted.” The Barton County Commission Monday morning answered the call as it approved a proclamation honoring the relay for Life which takes place Friday.
Relay for Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and honors cancer survivors (anyone ever diagnosed with cancer) and remembers those lost to the disease, said commission Chairwoman Jennifer Schartz. She asked the commission pass the proclamation as a means of showing support for the event, set for 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 8 at Veterans Park in Great Bend.
“Cancer has greatly impacted my family,” said Schartz, who lost her son to prostate cancer and almost lost her husband to the same disease. “We all have to be diligent. It touches everyone.”
Commissioner Don Davis seconded Schartz’s comments. “We just have to pray to God they can find a cure.”
Funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer, Schartz said. These range from developing breakthrough therapies to building supportive communities, from providing empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness.
The proclamation notes that “money raised during the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Barton County, Kansas, helps support research, education, advocacy and patient services.” It goes on to note that the relay movement helps fund more than $100 million in cancer research each year, and it encourages residents to take part in the Barton County event.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, the Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe with more than 3,000 events. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer.
Dollars are raised by 1.3 million Relay participants across the country every year.
For more information about the event, contact Event Lead Jennie Boyer at 620-617-4790.
