The Barton County commissioners and the Memorial Parks Advisory Committee are inviting the public to attend the dedication of the first Golden Belt Veterans Memorial stone at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Veterans Day.  

The Golden Belt Memorial Park is located at 59 NW 50 Road, north of Great Bend. The program is expected to last a half hour to 45 minutes, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating as none will be available.

“We’re predicting a large crowd,” said County Administrator Richard Boeckman. In addition to the public announcement, over 300 personal invitations were sent to those purchasing names on the stone.

The program will include performances by the Great Bend High School band which will play patriotic music.

There will also be an invocation, remarks by Memorial Parks Advisory Committee members, recognitions of those who made the memorial possible and a speech by LTC. Noel Grubb, an Ellinwood native, combat veteran and retired decorated Army officer. Grubb’s address will center on the connection between the military and the families on the commemorative stone. 

For Grubb, the names come together and make one statement – for those we love, we will sacrifice.

The service will conclude with a prayer and the playing of “Taps.”

So, the event is creating some logistical concerns, Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips said. He’s worked with the Sheriff’s Office to come up with a plan.

Traffic will be slowed along that stretch of NW 50 Road and drivers will be ushered into the east entrance of the memorial park. Cars will be parked along the road going one direction as well as elsewhere.

However, if Golden Belt gets full, motorists will be parked in Hillcrest Memorial Park across the road to the east. Buses will shuttle people to and from the ceremony.

Traffic will be directed and there will be signage.

Should it rain, there may be changes to the plans, Phillips said.

In othe business Monday morning, the Barton County Commission:

• Reappointed John Smith, Karen Neuforth and Mark Mingenback to the Barton County Community Development Advisory Board. The 11-member BCCDAB meets at least twice a year and advises the commission on economic and community development matters, monitors the progress of the Barton County Strategic Plan and makes suggestions to the Commissioners concerning the advancement and realization of the plan goals. The uncompensated terms expire in August 2018.

There are still two unfilled positions on the committee. These represent the Third and Fourth commission districts.

• Heard reports from commissioners Jennifer Schartz, Alicia Straub, Don Davis, Commission Chairman Kenny Schremmer and Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips on the Kansas Association of Counties annual meeting held last week in Wichita. One item of note determined at the Meeting was the Legislative Policy for 2016. 

Other topics included the upcoming property tax lid being imposed by the state, land values and the use of technology.