Party in the Park progression
Plans for the second-annual Party in the Park set for Aug. 16 at Veterans Memorial Park are shaping up, Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said. Despite a couple of set backs, a lot of good things are happening.
So far, the King Midas Band has signed as one of the musical opening acts. However, there was a set back when rising country star Brandy Clark had to cancel after she signed with country sensations Jennifer Nettles and Eric Church.
There are other activities in the works as well.
Sponsored by the city, the Party in the Park is meant to be a community event to draw residents together as a thank you from city personnel. It is a throwback to the city-wide celebrations of years ago.
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference wants to take Great Bend out to the old ball game next Wednesday, Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes told the City Council Monday night.
The city is hosting the conference’s baseball and softball tournament at the Great Bend Sports Complex starting Wednesday. So, to show its appreciation, the KCAC has designated that opening day as Great Bend residents get in free night.
“We want to fill the stands,” Hayes said. One must have a ticket, but they are free for the one game that night and are available at the city office, 1209 Williams, or the Recreation Center, 1214 Stone.
This is the first year the KCAC has brought this event to Great Bend, City Administrator Howard Partington said. A strong showing of public support Wednesday may entice the conference to consider returning next year.
Hayes’ report was part of Partington’s regular update of departmental update. Other highlights included:
Police
• Officer Jefferson Davis held D.A.R.E. graduations at Central Kansas Christian Academy and Park Elementary School.
• April 14 – Davis participated in a government class at the Great Bend High School answering questions in reference to municipal law.
• Davis participated in the weekly “Panther Pals” mentoring program at Riley Elementary School.
Public Works
• Concrete work at the Police shooting range
• Working on Great Bend Cemetery North roads.
• Hauled dirt to Fire Station 2 for burn building pad.
• Cleaned 510 feet of storm line on Lakin from Jefferson to Adams.
• Video a section of Sanitary sewer for the City of Hoisington and the City of Ellinwood.
• Sanitarian: 366 year to date complaints, 83 new complaints (six per citizens and 77 by Staff), 40 complaints completed by citizens, 11 abatement notices sent, one abatement performed and 27 cars into compliance.
Administration
• Stores Pay the Sales Tax event took place on April 12, stores that reported were greatly impressed with the outcome of the event and happy to be a part, another similar event will take place in August to catch the back to school shoppers.
• Continuing to work with local interested retailers, the next retailer meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. May 7 at the City Office, 1209 Williams, if anyone is interested they can join, or email Hayes at chayes@greatbendks.net to stay involved in local retail events and promotions.
