In an abundance of caution due to the pending winter weather, the Barton County Commission meeting for Tuesday has been canceled, county officials announced Monday morning. Items on the agenda will move to the Tuesday, Jan. 16, regularly scheduled meeting.

The commission was also planning to meet with the Claflin City Council Monday night, and that was called off as well.

Barton County business offices will be closed on Tuesday as well. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

“Citizens are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads beginning late afternoon today until this evening,” according to a statement from the county Administration Office. “As always, it’s important to be mindful of your safety and that of others. Make sure you have enough food, meds and other necessities to last through this storm. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.”

The commission meets at 9 a.m. Tuesdays at the former JC Penney building, 1500 Kansas in Great Bend. The meetings are open to the public but are also be streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign-in or by signing in anonymously. 

 The agenda for this week included:

• The selection of a commission chairman and chairman pro tem.

• The designation of an official county newspaper.

• An appointment to the Fire District 2 board.

• A Courthouse HVAC replacement project change order.

Following the agenda meeting, the following appointments were scheduled:

• 9:45 a.m. program update – Sara Arnberger, president, Great Bend Economic Development Inc.

• 10:15 a.m. – program updates – Ellinwood, Hoisington and Great Bend chambers of commerce.

• 10:45 a.m. – program update and RFP review for real estate valuation notices – Wendy Prosser, county appraiser.