Each week we’ll take a step back into the history of Great Bend through the eyes of reporters past. We’ll reacquaint you with what went into creating the Great Bend of today, and do our best to update you on what “the rest of the story” turned out to be A few minor historical world events happened this week in 1998. First, South African President Nelson Mandela accompanied Queen Elizabeth II on a coach drive through the streets of London, according to OnThisDay.com.