Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina reported to the City Council Monday night that Explore Great Bend Month kicked off nicely Saturday with Sunflower Diversified Services Charity Chili Cook-off.
Hayes noted that there were 11 chili-fixing participants (one included chili ice cream) and the businesses participating in the Explore Great Bend promotion were happy with the increased traffic. Every Saturday in November (and on Black Friday), shoppers can visit participating retailers and register to win the $1,000 shopping spree giveaway, and each day will have a different theme.
There will also be a second place shopping spree of $500 and a third place prize of $250. It’s free to register in any of the participating locations, but drawing boxes will only be put out on the special Explore Great Bend dates.
Over 30 businesses have signed up to take part. “We encourage everyone to get out of their house and try something new or revisit stores in Great Bend,” Hayes said.
In addition, she is continuing to work on holiday events and activities, still looking to fill several dates for greeters at the Trail of Lights in December. 
Looking down the road, Hayes is already beginning to work with the Regional June Jaunt committee to figure out plans for the 2014 June Jaunt. There will be a meeting in Ness City on Nov. 18 to see which communities will be involved.
Her update was part of City Administrator Howard Partington’s review of departmental activities during the council’s regular meeting. Other highlights included:
Public Works
• Stock piled 200 tons of road sand for street and alley use
• Set up cautions signs and flashing lights on Broadway to protect children on Halloween. Some Broadway residents reported 2,300 trick or treaters.
• Replaced fire hydrant at Eisenhower and Patton SW corner.
• Sanitarian: 1217 year to date complaints, nine new complaints (four by citizens and five by staff), 40 complaints completed by citizens, seven abatement notices sent, two abatements performed and 18 cars into compliance.
Police
• Officer Jefferson Davis and Susie Guenther participated in Zoo Boo.
• Patrol assisted with the Halloween parade for the children.