To the editor:

For more than 50 years the Great Bend Noon Lions club has been planting and maintaining the Redbud trees in the Broadway islands. They are a signature icon for the City and a joy to behold every year. This past week, the Lions club planted another 23 Redbuds to replace dead and damaged trees. 

For decades, the project has been under the selfless and dedicated tutelage of Don Halbower. This year, health issues prevented Don from taking the lead, but the project continues. The Lions club members helping with this year’s work included Steve Goetz, Dennis Neeland, Dennis Sherman, Ron Koelsch, Kevin Sundahl, Aaron Emerson, Sean Panzer, Steve Johnson, Lana Deitz (who made cookies) and me.

The Great Bend Noon Lions is the oldest civic club in Great Bend, established more than 100 years ago, and the men and women who make up its membership give countless hours to support and enhance the community. Thanks to them and to all like-minded people who make this such a great place to live. 

Mark Rondeau

Great Bend