A group of local grade school students were recognized by the Great Bend City Council Monday night for their involvement in promoting the growth of trees.
The council joined with the Great Bend Tree Board in recognizing five fifth grade students for their Arbor Day posters.
Mayor Mike Allison and Judy Reed, representing the Tree Board, presented certificates of appreciation to the students: Ellie Marie Anspaugh, Eisenhower; Aron Reyes, Park; Lauren Miller, Holy Family; Parker Smith, Jefferson; and Madi Tabler, Central Kansas Christian Academy.
In unrelated issues, the council also offered support for several local programs during the meeting.
It approved spending up to $1,250 to register about 140 local girls in the Amateur Softball Association so they can compete in softball tournaments that are planned in Great Bend this season.
ASA Region 6 Commissioner Bret Middleton explained there will be three youth tournaments and a weekend of men’s and women’s slow-pitch tournaments here this summer.
The council also approved requests to close Lakin Avenue, from Main to Kansas, for two Relay of Life events.
It will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 4; and from 4 p.m. on June 10 to 7 a.m. on June 11 for special events.
And the council approved providing $1,000 in support for the 2011 Job Fest, planned to run from 4-7 p.m. on May 19 in the Angus Inn.
Job Fest will also receive $250 in support from Barton County, the county commission decided Monday.