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Keeley reappointed chief judge of 20th Judicial District
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Mike Keeley

 TOPEKA — Kansas Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced Monday the Supreme Court has reappointed Judge Mike Keeley to a two-year term as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District based in Great Bend, effective Jan. 1, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2019.

Keeley has served as district judge in the 20th Judicial District since January 1993 and chief judge since 2004. He presides over cases in Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties.

“We are glad that Judge Keeley agreed to serve another two years as chief judge, providing continuity in capable leadership in the 20th Judicial District,” said Nuss.

“I appreciate and have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as chief judge,” Keeley said. “Even though challenging in these last few years due to the state budget, which has caused the judicial branch and our district to lose some very qualified people, the 20th Judicial District continues to serve the public in an efficient manner. I want to thank all those I work with for their support and continued dedication to their jobs and to our community.”

Keeley is a native of Larned and has lived in Great Bend since 1982. He graduated from Washburn University School of Law.

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

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.
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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.