The Barton Community College Board of Trustees met Thursday and passed on a chance to buy less expensive vehicles from eastern Kansas venders, and accepted local bids.
Bids were received for three cars and two vans to replace high-mileage vehicles in the college fleet as part of its continuing plan of vehicle rotation.
The board voted to buy three Impalas from Dove Chevrolet at a total cost of $55,996.05 and two E350 vans from Marmie Ford at a total cost of $48,998.
Less expensive possibilities included buying Impalas from Ed Bozarth Chevrolet at the state contract price of $17,639 each, a total of $52,917, and E350 vans from Shawnee Mission Ford, which has the state contract price of $23,499, or $46,998 for two. Marmie’s also offered a four-cylinder car, a Ford Fusion, for $18,100 each.
In other business, trustees approved hiring Lisa “Joy” Crawford as the director of the Volunteers in Action and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, and three part-time site coordinators at correctional facilities where Barton offers classes to inmates. The site coordinators are Raymond Penner and Mark Radenberg for the Ellsworth Correctional Facility, and Valarie Browning for the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility.

Enrichment report
Each month, trustees hear an Ends Report on how college objectives are being met. This month’s report was on “Personal Enrichment.” Dr. Penny Quinn, vice president of instruction and student services, explained the goals, which state individuals and students will experience cultural activities and participate in college activities, and that intercollegiate athletics and other extra curricular programs and activities will improve the lives of the participants.
Darnell Holopirek, executive director of institutional advancement, reported on two areas of enrichment, the Shafer Art Gallery and the Silver Cougar Club. The gallery had several exhibits this year and continues to look for ways to engage visitors. Holopirek said they are working on new additions that may lead to a grant application.
The Silver Cougar Club is open to area residents who are 55 years of age or older, and their spouses. Members may take select courses at a discount, are admitted to home sporting events and are invited to member events. The four most popular events in 2013 were dinner at a farm in Yoder; dinner and theater in Salina for the play “Dearly Beloved”; dinner and the play “All Hands on Deck” at the Fox Theater in Hutchinson; and the annual Sliver Cougar Club Picnic at the college.
Diane Engle, director of student life, reported on campus activities and activities offered to students, such as discounted movie tickets and bowling nights.
Dean of Information Services Charles Perkins reported a survey taken by students prior to graduation, which showed those who availed themselves of the activities were mostly satisfied with them. On a national survey, Barton compared well with other medium-sized colleges. Barton was ranked as a small college until 2012, but continued enrollment growth has moved it into the “medium” rankings.