Barton County Source 2023-2024

SOURCE Barton County

2023-2024

Great Bend Tribune

The Great Bend Tribune has been the Golden Belt’s trusted source for community news for 147 years. We focus on providing professional, accurate news about Barton County and its closest neighbors.

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Keep checking the Tribune website and our facebook pages for hourly/ daily news and event updates.

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BEND

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At A Glance

Number of Employees – 18

Dealers:

Ampride – 2302 10th St.

Casey’s – Great Bend, Ellinwood, Hoisington and Larned Dillons – Great Bend and Larned Dollar General – Great Bend and Hoisington

Kwik Shop – Great Bend and Larned Walgreens – 3920 10th St. Walmart – 3503 10th St.

Racks: Great Bend2012 Forest Ave. 2100 16th St. 1221 10th St. 2010 10th St. 3620 10th St. 10th & Stone St. 17th & Washington

Claflin- 101 Main Street

Ellinwood- 210 E. Santa Fe

Hoisington- 818 N. Elm

Linda Pringle, obits and localife lpringle@gbtribune.com ext. 232

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WELCOME

We are Barton County

Barton County, the geographic center of Kansas is made up of Albert, Claflin, Ellinwood, Galatia, Great Bend, Hoisington, Olmitz, Pawnee Rock and Susank. Unincorporated towns are Beaver and Odin.

The county is named in honor of Clara Barton, civil war nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. It is also the only county in Kansas to be named after a woman. When it was founded, the county lines were drawn in the shape of a 30-by-30mile square.

Barton County has many interesting places for residents and tourists to enjoy; museums, art galleries, sculptures, zoo, waterpark, historic places, Cheyenne Bottoms and other nature sites.

Barton County is the 24th largest county in Kansas by population. Barton County is the 31st largest county in Kansas by area. The highest point, about 3 miles northwest of Pawnee Rock in southwestern Barton County, has an altitude of about 2,080 feet, and the lowest point, where Cow Creek leaves the area, has an altitude of about 1,710 feet.

Agriculture, oil, manufacturing, health care and retail trade are key industries that drive the county’s

economy. Along with this there is hunting, fishing, birding and other sporting opportunities.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center, and the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byways also add to the economy of Barton County.

Barton Community College is a great asset to our community. It is a two year college that was formed through an election by the people of Barton County and opened in 1969. It was created to provide students in Barton County an opportunity to obtain a higher education at a lower cost and be within commuting distance. BCC offers traditional general educations courses, fine and performing arts, technical training, a nursing program, GED courses, and online classes. They also have an athletic program with 58 national championships. The “Gem of the Campus” is the Shafer Memorial Art Gallery, containing masterpieces by Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, as well as many others.

We have outstanding high-quality healthcare in Barton County featuring three major hospitals, urgent care, family health clinics, and specialty medicine groups.

Barton County has lots to offer and something for everyone.

Where Are We?

Barton County is poised near the geographical center of Kansas, as well as the center of the United States. Once on the route of the famed Santa Fe Trail, it is now criss-crossed by four major highways – U.S. 56, U.S. 281, K-156 and K-4, as well as numerous railroads, making it a business and travel hub.

Located about four hours by car from Kansas City, three hours from the state Capitol in Topeka, two hours from the state’s largest city Wichita, and about an hour to an hour and a half from Hays, Salina, Hutchinson and Dodge City. There is a lot to do here, but also ideally located for day trips.

Barton County Statistics

Registered Voters 15,490

Households 12,369 Units

Top 4 Ethnic Groups Education Attainment

Black or African American Multi-racial White Hispanic White

Median Age 38.8

Employed Population 13,276

Health Care & Social Assistance (1,866 people) Manufacturing (1,331 people)

Retail Trade (1,283 people)

95.9% of Barton County residents are citizens

Median Property Value $99,700

Median Household Income $50,077 Poverty Rate 14.2% For one person the poverty level is making $12,060 or less annually, for 2 people in

Homeownership Rate 67.3%

87.2% of the Barton County population has health coverage

GREAT BEND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is located inside the front of the Great Bend Events Center at 3111 10th Street. The CVB staff books and bids on big events and conventions for the Events Center and for Great Bend in general. The Events Center is designated as a Kansas Travel Information Center which partners with State Travel & Tourism, a resource for the State of Kansas tourism opportunities.

Each year the City works on making the Great Bend Events Center better for patrons and visitors. This includes the newly renovated back area with breakout rooms, the front bathrooms were remodeled, a new security system was put in place and next steps for the Events Center include new lighting for the ballroom, landscaping for out front, new seminar tables for the breakout rooms and paving the parking lot is also on the list.

The CVB is part of Community Coordinator/CVB Director Christina Hayes’ department. CVB staff located at the office in the Events Center includes Angie Hicks and Amanda Gaddis, Visitor Services Representatives; and Larami Klein, Administrative Assistant is located at City Hall. The CVB is 100% funded by Transient Guest Tax from hotel stays, 1% of that Transient Guest Tax helps fund the Events Center building along with revenue from events held there. The CVB represents the Great Bend City Council and strives to make the Events Center a premier event location for our area to improve the quality of life for Great Bend residents & vistors!

The staff works to promote Great Bend in various ways. Hayes’ goals include getting Great Bend’s attractions, events, fun things to do and places to stay information out to a bigger audience in the state, recruitment of new conventions, tournaments and more meetings into town. They continue to provide a hospitality program for hotels, gas stations, businesses and doctors’ offices so the front lines of our community know what’s happening in town and they can promote a positive image to those visiting here. The Be Our Guest Academy in Great Bend program is a new customized customer service and attractions training to help front lines explain the great things we have here in Great Bend!

Every two years the CVB produces a new Visitor Guide for Great Bend, this is also distributed across the state to market and promote the Events Center as the premier location in this area, as they work to bring people to visit and move to our wonderful town! Pick yours up today at the Great Bend Events Center at 3111 10th Street!

CVB Board Members

Chairperson:

Allene Owen, Vice Chair:

Mark Mingenback

Members:

Toyia Roblyer

Lacey Scholfield

Jan Westfall

Jolene Biggs

Kyle Walters

Claudia Elsen

Krista Osborne

Cory & Katie Zimmerman

Chris Umphres

Curtis Wolf

Brooke Haulmark

Non-voting members:

Mayor Cody Schmidt

Brandon Anderson

Megan Barfield

Sara Arnberger

Shawna Schafer

Christina Hayes

From the top: Great Bend Air Fest,

Great Bend

From loft apartments to new boutique shops, historic downtown Great Bend is blooming. By promoting local businesses, improving its popular parks and expanding housing options, the community is poised for the future. At the crossroads of both Kansas and the nation as a whole, it has much to offer residents and visitors alike in terms of commerce, dining and recreation.

There are many parks and recreational areas, featuring activities from the water park, zoo, playgrounds, bicycle and walking trails, and disc golf to fishing. There is also the Great Bend Sports Complex with baseball and softball fields that are the envy of many communities.

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor – Cody Schmidt

First Ward

Lindsey Krom-Craven – 620-639-6777

Alan Moeder – 620-793-9052

Second Ward

Kevyn Soupiset – 620-791-7082

Jolene Biggs – 620-793-3443

Third Ward

Cory Urban – 785-760-4846

Davis Jimenez – 620-282-2475

Fourth Ward

Natalie Towns – 620-786-4344

TBD

Council members meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month in the City Council chambers at 1209 Williams. All governing body members serve two-year terms. Mayor and council members can be reached through City Hall, 1209 Williams, 620-793-4111.

CITY DeparTMeNTS

City administrator

Brandon Anderson – 620-793-4111

City attorney

Allen Glendenning – 620-793-4114

City prosecutor

Jeffrey Kuhlman – 620-793-4114

Municipal Court

620-793-4124

City Clerk

Shawna Schafer – 620-793-4111

public Lands

Scott Keeler – 620-793-4111

public Works Director

Jason Cauley – 620-793-4150

Street Department

Anthony Bronson – 620-793-4150

Utility Superintendent 620-793-4100

Building Inspector

Logan Burns – 620-793-4106

Code enforcement Officer

Art Keffer – 620-791-5010

Water pollution Control (WpC)

620-793-4170

City Television

Channel 20

City information and current events. U.S. post Office 2100 16th St., 620-792-4381

Zip Code 67530

There are numerous communitywide events as well such as an Art Walk, Cinco de Mayo, June Jaunt, Community Concerts, Summer Street Stroll, Final Fridays on Forest, and Party in the Park. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, along with the Christmas Parade is a spectacular event. Numerous town locations have drive-through Christmas lights and Christmas light shows with music.

The community, which was named after the great bend of the Arkansas River, celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022. Great Bend started out with deep agricultural roots and as a regional trade and service center. That role grew stronger with the oil boom, later it served as a major World War II Army Air Corps training base for B-29 bomber crews, a base that evolved into the Great Bend Municipal Airport. The airport has a runway large enough to land Air Force One, if it was ever needed.

Great Bend is home to the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association’s historic drag strip, and was the home of the Argonne Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps. The corps achieved national fame with multiple American Legion national championships. The Rebels were one of the thirteen founding member corps of Drum Corps International. It was also the boyhood home of Jack Kilby, one of the inventors of the microchip.

At the heart of the Great Bend economy is agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. Great Bend is also fortunate to be a major hub for regional healthcare.

For those who like the outdoors, Great Bend is located next to two of the world’s most important wetlands, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Our Mission: Enhancing Great Bend’s business climate through services and partnerships that foster growth and support businesses in achieving their goals.

Hoisington

City CounCil

Mayor — Chris Kinnman

Ward 1

Councilman — Becky Steiner

Councilman — Carrol Nather

Ward 2

Councilman — Keith Kennon

Councilman — Darren Reinert

Ward 3

Councilman — Jim Morris

Councilman — TBD

Ward 4

Councilman — Christina Smith

Councilman — Gary Shook

Hoisington, although a small community of 2,699 has a lot to offer. It has three business advocacy organizations working to develop and boost the business environment. Hoisington has a number of incentives available for growth and development for new or existing businesses.

Hoisington boasts that its students enjoy one of the best public school districts in the state of Kansas. They have excellent lodging accomodations, places of worship, three outstanding parks, a state of the art activity center, and a new municipal swimming pool.

Hoisington is home to excellent medical care facilities with a hospital, surgical services, an outreach clinic, chiropractic clinics, dentists, optometrist, veterinarian, pharmacy and numerous other health related service providers.

Council members meet at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Hoisington City Hall, 109 E. 1st, 620-653-4125.

City DepartMents

City Manager — Jonathan Mitchell, 620-653-4125

City Clerk — Celia Conrad, 620-653-4125

public Works Director — Jonathan Mitchell, 620-653-4385

City attorney — John Horner, 620-793-7874

recreation Director — Chris Kinman, 620-653-4050

police Chief — Kenton Doze, 620-653-4995

Fire Chief — Jerry Stricker, 620-653-7772

emergency Medical service Director —

Megan Elmore, 620-653-4150

animal Control

620-653-4995 or 620-653-2333

Dolores Kipper

City television

Channel 20 – City Information and Current Events

u s post office 119 E. Second, 620-653-2838

Zip Code 67544

Ellinwood

Ellinwood, population 2,100, provides a warm, small town environment.

Community events are a staple in Ellinwood with the annual After Harvest Festival held the third weekend in July. A parade and family friendly events are a big draw as are class reunions at that time. Then in October there is the craft beer festival and the first Sunday in December the annual Christkindlmarket is held.

Ellinwood has many outstanding features including its schools, child development center, a senior citizen center, golf course,

civic clubs, doctors, clinic, EMT unit, municipal airport, churches, historic museum, and a hospital.

Ellinwood District Hospital & Clinic officially began construction of a new facility in February 2023 and hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in March west of town. In June the Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic Foundation offered an opportunity for community members to sign a beam that will be used in the construction of the hospital. Construction is expected to take approximately 18-24 months to complete.

The Wolf Hotel and the Dick Building are significant historic landmarks, as are the underground tunnels that run adjacent to the community’s Main Street. The underground saloon is a great place to visit.

Shopping downtown is a fun event, check out all the stores including the candle store that periodically has “pour your own” candle events. The downtown has also been active on the “brick streets” with ladies night out events and an art walk.

City CounCil

Mayor, Irlan Fullbright

Councilmember – Kirk Clawson

Councilmember – Ken Lebbin

Councilmember – Steve Oelke

Councilmember – Jacque Isern

Councilmember – Scott Tillotson

The Ellinwood city council meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at 104 East 2nd St.

City departMents

City administrator – Chris Komarek

620-564-3161

City Clerk – Kim Schartz

620-564-3161

electrical superintendent – Jon Perron

620-564-3046

street dept. superintendent – Kevin Clair

620-564-3451

Water/Wastewater superintendent

Spencer Proffitt

620-564-3046

light & power plant

Jon Perron, Electric, 620-564-3451

Jim McMullen, Power Plant

620-564-2211

animal Control

Police Department

209 W. 1st, 620-564-3001

u.s. post office

299 N. Main, 620-564-2840

Zip Code 67526

Albert is located 15 miles northeast of Great Bend on K-96. In the 2020 census, the population was 132 but has increasied since then to 163.

The community spirit is alive and well. In 2021, the city bought a new fire truck and the new post office was built.

The annual Albert Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Feed and Raffle is held every spring.

Claflin

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor – Rod Cushenbery

Councilman – Stan Ewy

Councilwoman – Kate Hazelhorst

Councilwoman – Marty Hanhardt

Councilman – Charles Keller

Councilman – Robert Ritterhouse

The Albert city council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the city office, 2006 Main Street. The Albert Volunteer Fire Department then meets at 7:00 p.m.

The City of Albert mailing address is P.O. Box 10, Main St., Albert, KS 67511

City Clerk – Lois Ritterhouse 620-923-4349

Animal Control Golden Belt Humane Society 620-792-4297

U.S. Post Office 2002 Main, 620-923-4699

Zip Code 67511

Located in northeast Barton County, Claflin is just on the edge of the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge. This small town offers a quaint and quiet place to live, although it still offers fun activities for families with playgrounds, tennis courts, recreational kid sports, the library, and a pool.

According to the 2020 census, Claflin had a population of 583 citizens. It continues to grow and the number is over 600 currently.

Claflin has schools K-12, churches, a golf course, and its Main Street offers retail stores, a bank, places to eat, and a furniture store. Other businesses in town include the co-op, a grocery store, health and beauty salons, and oil field businesses, just to name a few.

City Council

Mayor – Mike Urban

Councilman – Dustin Daniels

Councilman – Corey Liebl

Councilman – Robert Gunder

Councilman – Dorian Hickel

Councilman – Dan Michaelis

City Council members meet at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the City Hall, 111 E. Hamilton. Council members can be contacted through the City Hall office, 620-587-3707.

CITY DePArTMeNTS

City Clerk – Patricia Schmidt

620-587-3707

City Attorney – Robert Suelter 620-587-3707

Superintendent of Utilities –Richard Hayes – 620-588-3723

City Maintenance – Bryce Steiner

non-emergency 620-587-3723

Police Chief – Gary Vaughan

non-emergency 620-587-3344

Fire Chief – Doug Hubbard

non-emergency 620-587-3498

Animal Control Claflin Police Department

620-587-3344

U.S. Post Office 218 Main Street, 620-587-3935

Zip Code 67525

Galatia, founded in 1885, grew with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway to a population of 202 in 1921, but the discontinued use of the line extension ended growth. The population in the 2020 census was 45, but in 2022 it was 43.

Galatia has a church, auto repair and a few other businesses. The average commute for most residents is 18 minutes and Galatia’s cost of living is 31.3% lower than the U.S. average.

Olmitz

The community of Olmitz was settled in 1885 by a group of Austrian Catholics who carried with them a strong belief in their parish education.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church and accompanying parochial school were among the first buildings constructed, with the parochial school beginning classes in grades 1-8 in 1903. Students now attend school at either OtisBison or Hoisington, both less than 10 miles away.

St. Ann’s Church, the post office and a restuarant are a few of the quaint small town highlights.

In 2019, the population was 71 but according to the 2020 census it is now at 90.

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor — Kevin Polzin

Councilman — Robert Kolas

Councilwoman — Nichole Allen

Councilman — Josh Keil

Councilwoman — Tammy Fishburn

Councilman — Brad Schuster

Council members meet at 7:30 p.m.

(8:00 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time) on the first Tuesday of each month at 150 W. Floyd Council members can be reached by calling the Mayor Kevin Polzin.

City Clerk Diane Deines

Trash Service Shamrock Sanitation 620-792-1639

U.S. Post Office 800-275-8777

Rural route from Otis, 100 N. Main Zip Code 67564

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor — Curtis Peterson

Councilman — Josh Tessendorf

Councilman — John “Matt” Suchy

Councilwoman — Karla Hagans

Councilwoman — Ashley Elsen

Councilman — Jim New

Council Members meet at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Olmitz City Building, 219 Main Street. Council members can be reached at 620-586-3311.

CITY DEPARTMENTS

City Clerk — Krisa Schneider

Streets — Tom Schneider

Treasurer — Krisa Schneider

Sewer & Water — Tom Schneider

Trash Service

Unruh Brothers Waste LLC

Great Bend – 620-792-2257

Animal Control Golden Belt Humane Society – 620-792-4297

U.S. Post Office 223 Main St., 620-586-3319

Zip Code 67564

Pawnee Rock

Once a natural landmark on the Santa Fe Trail, the large rock formation comprised of Dakota Sandstone was a popular stop for Trail travelers heading west. The rock exists today as the Pawnee Rock State Historic Site, covered with the signatures of thousands of trappers, soldiers, gold seekers and emigrants of days gone by.

The city of Pawnee Rock sits about halfway between Great Bend and Larned, making it the western gateway to Barton County. Antique stores, churches and a post office make up a good portion of the town. The Pawnee Rock Revitalization Committee has been hard at work in the spring of 2023. A gazebo was installed and new playground equipment for the park was ordered. Volunteers from CUNA Mutual/TruStage painted the park bathrooms and did landscaping.

Pawnee Rock once hosted a population of 450, but it is currently around 230. Students attend USD 495 in Larned.

Susank

The Susank area was originally called Jankeyville, after land owner Arthur Janke, prior to World War I. But when it was officially founded as a town site in December 1919, it was named Susank after a young man from the area who lost his life in World War I. Originally a stop on a Santa Fe Railway spur, Susank became an oil town in the 1930s and ’40s, when its population is said to have reached its peak of 300-400.

Today, the town has about 30 residents. Students attend school in nearby Hoisington.

A Susank Community/School

Reunion is held every five years, most recently in 2023.

One of the first businesses in town was the Farmer’s Union Elevator. The grain elevator is in use today, the only Susank business as of May 2023, is operated by American Plains Co-op. The elevator underwent a $4 million renovation in 2021. An addition of two large grain bins was completed in 2022, along with a new office.

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor – Paul Umble

Councilmember – Kerry Rose

Councilmember – Joyce Link

Councilmember – Monte Stambaugh

Councilmember – Lakin Dill

Councilmember – Caitlin Cross

Council members meet at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at 508 Centre Street.

CITY DEPARTMENTS

City Clerk – Chris Mead and Yvonne Link 620-982-4386

Maintenance – John Thomas, 620-982-7069

Animal Control

Golden Belt Humane Society, 620-792-4297

Trash Service

Arrow Trash, Great Bend, 620-793-5546

U.S. Post Office

501 Centre St., 620-982-4308

Zip Code 67567

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor — Dennis Trapp

Councilman — Jeff Cotten

Councilman — Bill Luerman

Councilwoman — Jackie DeBusk

Councilman — Damon Luerman

Councilman — Rick Wilson

The Susank city council meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at 127 Hoisington Road. Questions can be directed through the mayor at 620-653-2769.

CITY DEPARTMENTS

City Clerk — Patty Trapp

Treasurer — Diane Wilson

Water Superintendent — Dennis Trapp

Trash Service

Unruh Brothers Waste LLC, Great Bend, 620-796-2257

Animal Control

Golden Belt Humane Society – 620-792-4297

U.S. Post Office

Rural route from Hoisington, 620-653-2838

Fire Department

Barton County Fire Dist. 2 from Hoisington

Zip Code 67544

A 20th Century tradition was revived in 2020 when work began to bring events back to the Odin Rodeo Grounds/Prosser Arena. In 2023, the 2,000-seat venue started its third full year of rough-stock events, steer riding and barrel racing through the summer and fall.

The arena is named for Norbert J. “Bones” Prosser, who is credited as the brainchild behind the Odin facility. In the 1980s and ‘90s it was a premier destination for Kansas rodeo events, recognized as Rodeo of the Year by the Kansas State Rodeo Association from 1987 to 1990. Prosser’s son, Abe, renewed efforts to return events to the facilities beginning in 2020. Each year, around the Fourth of July, supporters offer a fundraiser with fireworks, beer garden and live music with 100% of the proceeds going to the renovation and maintenance of the grounds.

Beaver

Tiny but industrious Beaver, Kansas has been a center of quintessential rural life for more than a century. Hopping and lively, it is still integral to Barton County’s modern agriculture production.

First established in 1919, the unincorporated town of around 50 people is situated about eight miles north of K-4 between Hoisington and Claflin. It has been home to Beaver Grain Corp. for around 100 years, as evidenced by the century-old wooden elevator that stands in the shadow of the much more modern elevator across the street. The building was completed, according to reports of the time, shortly after World War I.

Civic pride is evident in the active Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Station. Beaver is also home to Miller Time, a “Family Friendly Bar & Grill” at 1908 Elm St. that invites people to

With a population of about 87, the town Odin is at the crossroads of NE 90 Avenue and NE 140 Road. It is also home to the Odin Store, a popular gathering spot that has served as a community hub for many years for young and old alike. All of this, and

a more than century-old limestone church, make Odin a place where residents and visitors can still find a slice of peaceful rural life as they reflect on the region’s nearly 150-year history of settlement, and at the same time look hopefully toward the future.

“Come out to eat, stick around to play some Pool, Darts, and Cards.”

Nestled in the midst of quiet Barton County wheat fields, the community sits on the northwest side of the

intersection of NE 190 Road and 60 Avenue. Come get a drink and a bite and enjoy a little bit of country hospitality in a community once described as the “most industrious of the new Barton County towns.”

To the west of Barton County lies the community of Larned, in Pawnee County. Larned was named for nearby Fort Larned and was laid out in December 1873. It later became the county seat.

The town grew quickly and by 1910 it had reached 3,000 residents. By 1916, Larned had the highest number of automobiles per capita in the state of Kansas. The 2020 census lists the population as 3,769. It is the biggest city in Pawnee County.

The Larned community of today maintains its connections with historic Fort Larned National Historic Site and the Santa Fe Trail Center as “mustsee” attractions. The community hosts several celebrations throughout the year. The Larned Antique Show is popular and has a steady following. The Tired Iron Show makes an appearance in October and November brings the Veterans Day Parade and is observed by the whole town. The usual Christmas events are popular and in May there is Santa Fe Trail Days, and the Pawnee County Fair in the summer. The end of summer is also fun for the four-legged friends as they get to swim in the community swimming pool on its last day.

Also fun to do in Larned is attend the State Theatre. The theater is a community-owned and operated venue that shows newly released movies.

USD 495 is the Fort Larned Unified School District and consists of Fort Larned Elementary School, Larned Middle School and Larned Senior High School. The school district participates in most of the KSHAA sanctioned sports.

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor - William Nusser

Ward 1

Carroll Bennet

Gary Rainbolt

Ward 2

Terry Clark

Jacques Mollecker

Ward 3

Josh Riedel

Jason Murray

Ward 4

Sharon McGinness

Kim Barnes

Council members meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at 417 Broadway. Council members can be reached at the city office, 620-285-8500. Council members serve two-year terms.

CITY DEPARTMENTS

City Manager

Bradley Eilts, 620-285-8500

City Clerk

Kara Rath, 620-285-8500

Finance Director

Monica Steiner, 620-285-8500

Emergency Medical Service

In January 2022, the Pawnee County Commissioners assumed oversight of EMS in Larned and Burdett to form Pawnee County EMS. The director is Kara Lawrence. Nonemergency contact number is 620-285 8505.

Larned Swimming Pool

620-285-8570

Parks/Cemetery

620-285-8535

620-285-8500 (records)

Building Inspection

620-285-8509

Street Department

620-285-8560

Sanitation Department

620-285-8555

Wastewater Treatment

620-285-8513

Pawnee Sanitation

620-285-7780

U.S. Post Office 803 Broadway

620-285-2791

Zip Code

67550

Churches

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Encounter Church

601 S. Patton Road, Great Bend

620-792-5211

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

1601 19th Street, Great Bend

BAPTIST –AMERICAN

Central Baptist Church

3301 Lakin, Great Bend

620-793-8491

BAPTIST –INDEPENDENT

First Bible Baptist Church

5962 4th Street, Great Bend

620-792-2936

BAPTIST –NORTH AMERICAN

First Baptist Church

503A SE 110th Ave., Ellinwood

620-564-2875

BAPTIST –SOUTHERN

Calvary Baptist Church

307 West A, Ellinwood

620-564-2070

Crosspoint Church

57 SE 20th Rd., Great Bend

620-796-2202

First Southern Baptist Church

3301 19th Street, Great Bend

620-793-8444

New Life Baptist

364 W. 12th Street, Hoisington

620-653-4028

Spanish Mission Church

Iglesia Bautista Genesaret

440 Grapevine, Great Bend

CATHOLIC

Dominican Chapel of the Plains

3600 Broadway, Great Bend

Holy Family Church

1387 NE 90th Ave., Odin 620-587-3628

Immaculate Conception

310 Main, Claflin

620-587-3628

Prince of Peace Parish

4100 Broadway, Great Bend

620-792-1396

St. Patrick Church

4100 Broadway, Great Bend

620-792-1396

St. Rose of Lima Church

1424 Baker, Great Bend 620-792-1396

St. Ann’s Catholic Church

115 Cleveland, Olmitz 620-653-2963

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

122 E. 5th Street, Hoisington 620-653-2963

St. Joseph Catholic Church 214 N. Main, Ellinwood 620-564-2534

CHRISTIAN (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

First Christian Church

5230 Broadway, Great Bend 620-793-6603

CHRISTIAN – INDEPENDENT

Community Christian Chur ch 253 NE 30th Rd., Great Bend 620-792-8215

Pawnee Rock Christian Church 519 Centre, Pawnee Rock 620-804-0041

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ

1122 Stone, Great Bend 620-792-4647

CHURCH OF GOD

First Church of God

1224 Baker, Great Bend 620-793-5231

First Street Church of God

601 E. 1st Street, Hoisington 918-894-9580

EPISCOPAL

St. John’s Episcopal Church

2107 Tyler, Great Bend 620-792-6011

EVANGELICAL FREE

Grace Community Church

210 McKinley, Great Bend 620-792-7814

FOUR-SQUARE

Crosswinds of Kansas Bikers Church

1219 Main Street, Great Bend 620-282-1908

HOLINESS CHURCH

Bible Holiness Church

502 Stone, Great Bend 620-603-6632

INDEPENDENT

Foundry Community Church

5401 Broadway, Great Bend 620-793-3327

INDEPENDENT BIBLE

Hoisington Bible Church

501 E. 2nd Street, Hoisington 620-653-4533

LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

5851 Eisenhower, Great Bend 620-793-7328

LUTHERAN – ELCA

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

1109 N. Vine, Hoisington 620-653-4345

Peace Lutheran Church

1243 CR 400, Rural Albert 620-923-4624

St. Mark Lutheran Church

2101 Jackson, Great Bend 620-792-4796

St. Paul Lutheran Church 402 Main, Galatia

LUTHERAN –MISSOURI SYNOD

Concordia Lutheran Church

460 W. 9th Street, Hoisington 620-653-4644

Our Saviour Lutheran Church 5860 Eisenhower, Great Bend

St. John’s Lutheran Church

512 N. Wilhelm Ave., Ellinwood 620-564-2044

Zion Lutheran Church

121 5th Street, Claflin

LUTHERAN – LCMC

Trinity Lutheran Church

2701 24th Street, Great Bend 620-793-7894

UNITED METHODIST

First United Methodist Church

2123 Forest, Great Bend 620-792-2148

First United Methodist Church

467 W. 3rd Street, Hoisington 620-292-7277

King United Methodist Church 1608 Odell, Great Bend 620-793-6778

Trinity United Methodist Church 5700 Broadway, Great Bend 620-793-6016

United Methodist Church

120 3rd Street, Claflin 620-587-3505

NAZARENE

First Church of the Nazarene

4811 Broadway, Great Bend

620-793-6139

Hoisington Church of the Nazarene

359 W. 9th St., Hoisington 620-653-4122

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

The Cornerstone Fellowship 1609 24th Street, Great Bend 620-792-7852

Ellinwood Community Church

701 W. Seventh, Ellinwood 620-564-2950

Faith Community Church 293 W. Barton Co. Road, Great Bend 620-793-8084

Fellowship of Faith Bible 915 Eisenhower, Great Bend

Great Bend Gathering 407 McKinley, Great Bend (use back door)

Heartland Community Church 4907 10th Street, Great Bend 620-603-6061

Peace United Church of Christ 4 miles North of Hudson 492 NE 140th St. 620-786-9780

Prodigal Ministries

820 Hickory, Great Bend 620-793-5175

Solid Word Church

242 N. Hwy. 281, Great Bend 620-797-0185

PRESBYTERIAN

First Presbyterian Church 2400 Washington, Great Bend 620-792-2594

PROTESTANT

New Jerusalem Church 300 Santa Fe, Pawnee Rock 620-982-4520

3301 Lakin

Great Bend

620-793-8491

Sunday School - 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service10:30 a.m.

centralbaptistgb@gmail.com www.centralbaptistchurchofgb.com

Trinity Lutheran Church

Worship & Education Schedule

Saturday Worship - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m. KICKS Midweek Education, Wednesdays during school year, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

TLC Discoveries After-School Program and Little Blessings Preschool: 620-793-8816

2701-24th Street, Great Bend, Kansas 620-793-7894

Office Hours: 9:00-Noon Monday-Friday http://tlcgbks.wix.com/trinity-church trinitychrch@hotmail.com Facebook

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 7 SW 30th Ave., Great Bend 620-793-5096

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

First Congregational United Church of Christ 3400 21st Street, Great Bend 620-792-5346

Clubs and Organizations

4-H and YoutH Programs

Michelle Beran, 4-H Youth Development Agent

3007 10th St., Great Bend 620-793-1910

Kids who are 7 and not yet 19 by January 1 of current year may join.

Clover Buds are ages 5-6. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

For more information www.cottonwood.k-state.edu

american Legion

Post #180

1011 Kansas, Great Bend 620-793-5912

American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion

american Legion

Post #320

117 E. Santa Fe Blvd., Ellinwood 620-564-3252

American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion

american Legion

Post #286

204 N. Main, Hoisington 620-792-9961

American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion

artists at Large of centraL Kansas

Alyssa Bliven

alyssa13.rose@gmail.com 402-984-1155

Mary Kottmann kottmannm@cox.net, 620-786-4767

Meets the 1st Wednesday at Great Bend Public Library basement, 4:00 p.m.

Barton communitY coLLege foundation

245 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend

Lindsey Bogner, 620-786-1141 foundation@bartonccc.edu

Barton countY association of cHurcHes

Nancy Sundahl, 620-793-5894

Barton countY association of retired scHooL PersonneL

Judy Fox, 620-793-9702

Meets 4 times a year, call for meeting times

Barton countY fair friends

Barb Davenport 620-792-2647 or 620-797-FAIR

Meets first Monday of the month

Barton countY HistoricaL societY

Richard Lartz, Director

Leslie Helse P.O. Box 1091

Great Bend, 620-793-5125 www.bartoncountymuseum.org

BoY scouts of america QuiVira counciL 316-264-3386

camP HoPe

Gail Moeder, 620-793-9052, 620-786-4055

centraL Kansas tHreadBenders

QuiLt guiLd

Sharon King, 620-617-9973

Please leave message

Meets the 3rd Friday at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest, Great Bend. Visitors welcome.

cHeYenne Bottoms

ducKs unLimited

cHaPter

Hoisington, Ks. Find them on facebook

cHeYenne QuiVira ducKs unLimited

cHaPter ducks.org/kansas and facebook

cLara Barton

HosPitaL auxiLiarY

Marty Schloemer

620-791-7127

cLara Barton HosPitaL foundation

Michelle Moshier, Executive Director 620-292-0814

cottonwood extension district Programs

Jay Harris – District Director 3007 10th, Great Bend 620-793-1910

jharris@ksu.edu

Extension Educational Programs in the areas of Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, and Youth Development are presented across the Cottonwood District which includes Barton and Ellis Counties. For more information www.cottonwood.k-state.edu

daugHters of isaBeLLa, immacuLate concePtion

circLe #744

Donna Gales, 620-786-2093

Great Bend, Ellinwood, Hoisington, Olmitz, Claflin. A Catholic women’s organization. Meets 2nd Monday at St. Patrick’s Parish Center, 4100 Broadway at 7:00 p.m.

eLLinwood communitY

HistoricaL societY & museum

Joyce Schulte, 620-564-2886

eLLinwood HosPitaL auxiLiarY

Sandy Roth, Ellinwood 620-786-5638

eLLinwood garden cLuB

June Stevens or Rosie Joiner, 620-792-9553

P.O. Box 23, Ellinwood

Meets 2nd Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

March - June and September - November

Argonne Post 180 1011 Kansas Ave (620) 793-5912

We welcome you to be a part of our mission to serve Veterans, Active Duty Military, their families and our community. Stop by the Post and learn how you can join the American Legion Family.

Ellinwood Knights of Columbus #1187

211 W. 2nd St., Ellinwood John Clayton, 620-566-7040

Meets the 4th Monday at 7:30 p.m., except in June and December.

Ellinwood PubliC sChools and library foundation

300 N. Schiller, Ellinwood 620-564-3226

EPsilon sigma alPha/bEta nu Kathie Keller, 620-793-6397 or 620-639-2112

fratErnal ordEr of thE EaglEs

1024 Main, Great Bend

620-792-4582

Meets 1st and 3rd Monday 7:00 p.m.

girl sCouts of Kansas hEartland

888-686-6468

Troops are active during the school year, time and date of meeting times determined by troop leader.

goldEn bElt Community ConCErt assoC. Linda Jerke, 620-793-2748

Professional musical entertainment brought to this area.

goldEn bElt Community foundation

1307 Williams, Great Bend

Christy Tustin, 620-792-3000

goldEn bElt

modEl railroadErs assoC. PO Box 2069, Great Bend

Jim Loesch, 620-653-2575

Chuck Hawkins, 620-797-1572

Meets 1st Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at 1405 Main, Great Bend

goldEn bElt wood CarvErs

Barry Bowers, Great Bend

620-793-6121

Meets on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas

grEat bEnd

Community thEatEr

Arabia Albert

620-792-4228

grEat bEnd dEsK & dErriCK

Sharon Hiss, 620-793-4878 www.addc.org

Meets the 1st Thursday at 7:00 p.m. locations to be determined. Membership open to anyone who wants to learn more about petroleum, energy and allied industries.

grEat bEnd gardEn Club

Nancy Williams, 620-792-2379

Meets the 3rd Thursday at 10:00 a.m. (September - May) at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. Anyone interested in plants and gardening is welcome.

grEat bEnd Knights of Columbus

CounCil #862

723 Main, Great Bend

grEat bEnd masoniC lodgE #15

1917 17th St., P.O. Box 613

Great Bend

620-617-3634

grEat bEnd saddlE Club

Judy Demel, Secretary

620-791-7297

Meets the 4th Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at Farmers Bank and Trust

1612 Main, Great Bend

For over 65 years, the goal is to promote good horsemanship throughout the area. Active in play days, trail rides and parades. Facebook page - GreatBendSaddleClubtheoriginal

grEat bEnd

ZoologiCal soCiEty

620-793-4226

Great Bend Brit-Spaugh Zoo

2123 Main, Great Bend

hoisington historiCal soCiEty

Kenny Eaves, 620-786-5975

120 E. 2nd, Hoisington

hoisington Knights of Columbus

CounCil #152

PO Box 149, 114 N. Main, Hoisington

hoisington

masoniC lodgE

Jim Morris, 620-786-4585

indEPEndEnt ordEr of odd fEllows vallEy lodgE no. 95 Ken Edgett, 620-793-0793

Meets last Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at 1010 Grant, Great Bend.

Kans for Kids fighting CanCEr foundation

PO Box 178, Hoisington 620-653-2210

kans4kids@ruraltel.net

www.kansforkids.org

Organization provides funding and emotional support for Barton County children 18 years of age or younger, undergoing treatment for cancer.

Kiwanis Club of grEat bEnd

Frankie Pelster, 620-603-6502

Noon on Wednesdays at Walnut Bowl, 3101 N. Washington.

Great Bend Evening Lions

Fundraising for fundgiving

Selling fantastic brooms (all year around)

Tasty ham and beans with cornbread supper (February)

Sight Foundation Candy Day (April and October)

Fundgiving for helping others

Eyecare for local individuals

Boy Scouts

100+ people who care – and more

Giveaways locally

Diabetes kits for local schools

Vision eye screeners for local schools – and more

Meet: First Monday of each month

Columbus Club

723 Main Street, Great Bend

President: Elwyn Maneth (620) 797-9582

Join

League of Women Voters

Janice Walker, 620-617-4568 janicew1949@gmail.com

Meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center, 2005 Kansas.

Lions CLub - CLafLin

Lois Krier, 620-792-9922

Meets the 4th Monday, Independent Township Library, 108 Main, Claflin.

Lions CLub, eVeninggreat bend

Elwyn Maneth, 620-282-2598

Meets 1st Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Columbus Club 723 Main St., Great Bend.

Lions CLub, noongreat bend

Dee Holman, 620-786-4667

Meets each Tuesday at noon at Perkins, 2920 10th St., Great Bend

mu Kappa Chapter

beta sigma phi

Jonelle Niles, 620-617-1008

optimist of great bend

Steve Kummer, 620-792-5415

peo Chapter hr

Jan Keeley, 620-617-2039

Meets the 2nd Monday, at 7:00 p.m.

pheasants foreVer rooster booster

CHAPTER #504

Scot Moeder, 620-786-0273 smoeder15@gmail.com

piLot CLub of great bend

Daniel Watson, 620-786-8912

Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday at noon at Perkins, 2920 10th St., Great Bend. Meetings are also held on the 5th Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. at Perkins for those who can’t attend noon meetings. Their mission is to improve the quality of life in the community. Their goal is to achieve universal awareness and prevention of brain-related disorders and disabilities.

prairie godmothers goLden beLt Community foundation funds 620-792-3000 goldenbeltcf.org/prairiegodmothers

progress study CLub

Jan Keeley, 620-617-2039

Meets the 1st Monday at 1:15 p.m. October - May, 2400 Washington.

roseWood roots & Wings foundation

620-796-2242

1213 Main St., Great Bend www.rosewoodservices.com

Non-Profit organization helping fund the medical, educational, instructional, therapeutic and recreational needs of clients.

rotary CLub of eLLinWood Joel Kahnt jkahnt@usd355.org

rotary CLub of great bend

Khris Thexton kris.thexton@usd428.net

Meet 2nd and 4th Mondays at Tellers 1872 Restaurant 1919 Lakin, Great Bend.

soCiety for CreatiVe anaChronism www.sca.org or seneschal@westumbria. calontir.org. Meets monthly.

sunfLoWer diVersified serViCes foundation 620-792-1325

sunfLoWer rod & Custom (srCa)

Hank Denning, 620-792-5079 www.srcadragstrip.com

tri CirCLe dupLiCate bridge CLub

Bob Goeller, 620-617-8592

Every Friday at First Congregational United Church, 3400 21st St., Great Bend at 12:30 p.m. Open to the public.

tWiLight stitChers quiLt group

Gracie Demel, 620-562-8448

Meets 2nd Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Ellinwood School Community Library, 210 N. Schiller, Ellinwood.

tWisted stitChers

Pam Atteberry, 620-587-3610

Meets 3rd Wednesday, except December, at 7:00 p.m. Independent Township Library, 108 Main Street, Claflin.

united Way of CentraL Kansas

Charell Owings, 620-792-2403 1125 Williams, Great Bend

Veterans of foreign Wars, post 3111

504 Washington, Great Bend 620-792-2754

Veterans of foreign Wars, post 7428

256 S. Main, Hoisington

Vintage WheeLs Car CLub, inC. www.facebook.com/ vintagewheelscarclub

VoLunteers in aCtion/ ameriCorps seniors

Linn Hogg, 620-792-1614 1025 Main, D114, Great Bend

Women for Kansas

Pam Martin, 620-285-1083

Meets 3rd Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156 Highway, Great Bend.

Xi deLta Chapter of beta sigma phi Nancy Sundahl, 620-793-5894

Morrison-McFadden

VFW Post #3111

Our local Post and Auxiliary 3111, Veterans and family members help support what we do.

• Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest for any student grades 9-12

• Patriots Pen Scholarship Contest for any student grades 6-8

• Public Servant National Awards (Law Enforcement, Firefighter, Emergency Services) for our first responders

• Cancer Support

• Veteran assistance through UnMet Needs Program

• Citizen and Youth Education

• Community Support

• Recognition of the various Veteran Holidays

• Post and Department Service Officers to assist Veterans of all ages and their families with VA claims

• Buddy Poppy Relief Fund

• Troop Support

• Strong Legislative Support for bills concerning Veterans and their families

In short, the VFW is all about: Our Veterans, Our Military, Their Families and Our Communities!

Thank you for your service!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

504 Washington, Great Bend, KS - 620-792-2754

First Responders

Fire departmentS

Great Bend

Fire department administrative Office and Station 1

Fire Chief Brent Smith

1205 Williams St., 620-793-4140

Station 2 - 5851 10th St., 620-793-4144

Service is available 24/7

Office hours 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

The department provides fire protection and rescue for the City of Great Bend and the four surrounding townships. In addition, the department provides EMS response and transport to the same area plus an additional 2 1/2 townships west of Great Bend. The total population served is 20,000 people, and the average response time is 3.5 minutes in the city and 8 minutes in the county.

LaW enFOrCement

BartOn COunty

SHeriFF’S department

Sheriff Brian Bellinder

1416 Kansas Ave. Great Bend

620-793-1876

COunty JaiL

1408 Kansas Ave. Great Bend 620-793-1876

The office serves a population of about 25,400 and 894 square miles, which includes nine cities and 22 townships. VIN inspections for vehicles are done in front of the jail, 1408 Kansas Ave. Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

aLBert

Fire Chief Charles Keller

5000 3rd

The Albert Volunteer Fire Department serves the city of Albert and several surrounding townships.

BeaVer

Fire Chief Scott Schlochtermeier

856 NE 210 Rd., Hoisington 620-639-6595

CLaFLin

Fire Chief Doug Hubbard

309 W. Front 620-587-3498

eLLinWOOd

Fire Chief Spencer Proffitt

200 W. Santa Fe 620-564-3161

CLaFLin

Police Chief Gary Vaughan

111 E. Hamilton

620-587-3344

eLLinWOOd

Police Chief Chance Bailey

209 W. 1st 620-564-3001

Great Bend

Police Chief Steven Haulmark

1217 Williamsmoving to 12th & Baker in September 620-793-4120

HOiSinGtOn

Police Chief Kenton Doze 109 E. 1st

GaLatia

Fire Chief Don Sommers

paWnee rOCK

Fire Chief Monte Stambaugh 508 Centre

620-617-7450

BartOn COunty

Fire diStriCt #2

HOiSinGtOn

Fire Chief Jerry Stricker

114 E. Broadway P.O. Box 412, Hoisington 620-786-5494

OLmitz

Fire Chief Jerry Stricker

114 E. Broadway P.O. Box 412, Hoisington 620-786-5494

620-653-4995

Crime StOpperS

1217 Williams, P.O. Box 454

Great Bend

620-792-1300 or 888-305-1300

Cash rewards for anonymous information.

KBi COntaCt inFOrmatiOn

800-KS-CRIME (800-572-7463)

To report or provide information for a crime or to report any drug activity

Local Office: 625 Washington, Great Bend 620-792-4354

Topeka (Headquarters) 1620 SW Tyler, Topeka 785-296-8200

For Emergencies Dial 911

mOre impOrtant numBerS tO KnOW

the Kansas Crisis Hotline

888-363-2287

animal abuse reporting

620-792-4297 or 911

Child/adult abuse reporting

800-922-5330

Childhelp®

800-422-4453

missing/abducted Children - national Center missing & exploited Children

800-843-5678

Stop it now!

888-773-8368

Child Find of america

800-426-5678, 845-883-6060

youth in trouble/runaways

800-786-2929

domestic abuse Sexual assault

888-363-2287, 888-END-Abuse

800-799-7233

rape/incest

800-656-4673, ext. 1

national Center for Victims of Crime

855-4-VICTIM

Fraud abuse Hotline

800-432-3913

poison Control

800-222-1222

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Public Transportation

GREAT BEND MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

Martin Miller, Airport Manager 620-793-4168, 620-792-9446 greatbendairport@ruraltel.net https://www.greatbendks.net/190/ Municipal-Airport

Great Bend Municipal Airport is a fullservice regional facility serving all aspects of civil aviation and military activity. Services include self-service and full-service aviation fuels, aircraft repair and maintenance, flight training, aircraft towing and hangars. The City and Airport own 45 aviation hangars that are leased to individuals and businesses. Military aircraft occasionally use the airport as a refueling stop and for training. It is a popular mid-America fuel stop for personal and business aircraft. Medical professionals and their staffs arrive at the airport weekly to provide services in Great Bend.

The City of Great Bend has an eightmember airport advisory committee that has the authority to make recommendations

GENERAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

and advise the City Council on matters related to the airport. The airport is located at 9047 Sixth St., Great Bend. The Great Bend Airport Airfest is set for September 20-22, 2024. See greatbendairfest.com.

Mini-Bus & Van

620-792-3859, Great Bend

Transportation is available in the Great Bend city limits and in a limited radius outside town, including west to the airport, south of Redbarn, east to the Doonan dealership, and north to Barton Community College (with special student rate).

Van hours are 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Mini-Bus with wheelchair lift operates from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Let the dispatcher know if you need a wheelchair lift.

An answering machine is available after hours.

Fares in town with 24-hour advance notice are $1.50 for one way or $3.00 for a round trip, and $1.00 for each extra stop. Fares outside of Great Bend are $8 per person one way.

Catch-A-Ride

620-792-7797

Catch-A-Ride is a service offered by Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc. Service area includes Barton, Rice, Rush, Stafford

and Pawnee counties. Rides are offered from 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Passengers should schedule their rides 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability. Fare is $2 per person per ride.

Our Trolley (mini-bus)

620-653-2555, Hoisington

Fare is $1 per person one way in Hoisington. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

www.hoisingtonks.org/trolley

Ellinwood Public Bus

620-564-3649

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed Holidays

Must call at least one day in advance between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. $0.75 for each boarding - $1.50 round trip. $10 round trip to Great Bend (multiple stops are additional $0.75). Wheelchair occupants must be accompanied by someone (at no charge) to assist loading.

Med-Trans (EagleMed) bases an airambulance helicopter at the airport.

Recycling

reCYCLInG CenterS

Great Bend

City of Great Bend self-service recycling trailer

5605 10th St.

Open 24/7

Items accepted: Plastic bottles; milk jugs; glass; newspapers; and magazines. In addition, the trailer has a large slot for cardboard, which can be broken down and slid into the trailer.

rosewood Bargain Barn

1215 Main St. - 620-796-2223

Monday-Friday

10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Items accepted: Rosewood has created a place for businesses and individuals to donate quality items for sale. Proceeds benefit citizens in local communities who have disabilities.

rosewood eCycle

2200 Main St. – 620-603-8348

Monday-Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

There’s an outdoor bin for 24-hour drop-off.

Items accepted: All types of electronic waste (E-waste) which means just about anything with an electrical cord (with a few noted exceptions). Rosewood ECycle accepts computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, laptops, televisions, video game

aPPLIanCeS, tIreS & HazardoUS waSte

Barton County Landfill

350 NE 30 Rd. – Great Bend

620-793-1898

consoles, DVD players and VCRs, cameras, cellphones, telephone equipment and just about any other electronic device. Donors will receive a tax deduction receipt when they drop off working electronic equipment for re-sale.

not accepted: Microwave ovens, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and refrigerators.

Sunflower recycling drop off Center

5605 10th St. – 620-793-5800

Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Items accepted: Paper, magazines and catalogs, newspapers, corrugated cardboard; plastic; aluminum (cans may be sold or donated); glass jars and bottles; steel or tin cans (rinse); glass bottles, rechargeable batteries & misc. metals; plastic bottles #1 (PET), plastic bottles #2. Anything put into the recycling stream should be clean of any food, particles, grease, etc. RINSE YOUR RECYCLING BEFORE YOU TOSS IT!

Flags are accepted for retirement.

The recycling center now accepts E-waste.

ComPoSt SIteS

Great Bend

document shredding: Office paper is accepted but will not go through the confidentialshredding process. Confidential shredding services are provided at a per pound rate.

not accepted: Carbon paper, non-corrugated cardboard, books, wax paper, foil coated paper, colored plastic containers, plastic food wrap, paper towels, photographs, motor oil containers, window glass, batteries, household hazardous waste containers, plastic foam.

CLaFLIn

recycling Center

710 W. Front St.

HoISInGton

recycling Center

Parking lot of Wilson State Bank, 2nd and Main

eLLInwood

recycling Center 203 West 1st St. Open 24 hours

oLmItz

recycling trailer from Rush County picks up the first week of each month.

types of Plastic

Plastic #1, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is most frequently used in water bottles and other beverage bottles, food jars, salad dressing bottles and mouthwash bottles. The bottles are usually clear in color and not intended for multiple uses.

Ask YOUR local recycling facility whether caps should be left on the bottles or removed.

Plastic #2, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, fruit juice bottles, yogurt cups and detergent bottles.

aLUmInUm CanS

Hazardous Waste may be disposed of from 8:00 a.m. to noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month, April through October.

Fee charged for appliances and tires.

CLotHInG & HoUSewareS

Salvation army Store

2545 10 St. – Great Bend

620-792-4299

Goodwill Industries

1705 Main – Great Bend

620-792-4000

One half (1/2) mile south of Railroad Avenue on SW 6 Avenue

ellinwood

1/2 mile north of intersection of Park and 7th at the Ellinwood Airport, use first entrance south.

Hoisington 150 NE 100 Road

Available for City of Hoisington residents.

SCraP metaL

acme Pipe & Steel Inc.

700 Frey St.

Great Bend

620-793-7851

Heavy metal recyclers Inc.

70 SE 16 Road

Great Bend

620-388-5636

Kans for Kids 24 hour drop-off at these locations:

albert 5000 3rd

Claflin 108 Main St.

ellinwood 305 E. Santa Fe Blvd.

Great Bend 2920 10th St. 700 Frey St. 2801 N. Main St.

Hoisington 201 N. Main St.

olmitz

At the Recycling Trailer

odin

Knights of Columbus

Great Bend

Great Bend activity Center

2715 18th

620-793-3755

Monday-Thursday

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 P.M.

Many activities and programs are held here. It also includes a 1/8 mile walking trail.

Great Bend City auditorium

1214 Stone (Lakin and Williams)

Monday-Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Walkers and Joggers

Great Bend Public Library 1409 Williams, 620-792-2409

Senior Net, Internet for Senior Adults, Point & Click Internet Class

Great Bend recreation Center

1214 Stone

620-793-3755

Monday-Thursday

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 P.M.

Great Bend regional Service Center (SrS)

1305 Patton Road, Great Bend 620-793-5324

Jean Cavanaugh

Wellness areaGreat Bend rec Center

1214 Stone

620-793-3755, ext. 2

Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. - noon

Sunday - closed

Kansas equipment exchange 866-666-1470

Kansas Guardianship Program 800-672-0086

Great Bend recreation Commission

1214 Stone Street, Great Bend 620-793-3755

Senior Center 2005 Kansas Ave., Great Bend 620-792-3906

Commission on Aging 3rd Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.

Friendship Meals

Monday-Friday, noon

Birthdays & Anniversaries, 3rd Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

Canasta

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 1:00 p.m.

Dominoes

Tuesday & Thursday, 1:00 p.m.

Pitch, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Potluck, 2nd Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Stretchin’ with Gretchen, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.

Senior Center Advisory Council

1st Thursday, 9:30 a.m.

Educational sessions, parties are held at 1:15 p.m.

Newsletters available at: Senior Center, Great Bend Recreation Commission, High Rise, Central Kansas Public Library

Senior Center Rental

620-792-3906

Legal Services

620-792-3906

Volunteers in action of Central Kansas advisory Council

1025 Main, D114, Great Bend 620-792-1614

2nd Tuesday, every other month

Volunteers in action of Central Kansas

1025 Main, D114, Great Bend 620-792-1614

Volunteer Income tax assistance Program

1025 Main, D114, Great Bend 620-792-1614

CLafLIn

Claflin Community Center

409 A Street, 620-587-3215

Activities, Meetings, Games, Birthday Cake and Coffee

3rd Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.

Bingo, 2nd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.

eLLInWood

ellinwood Heritage Center

103 N. Main, 620-564-3649

Monday - Friday

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friendship Meals, 11:45 a.m.

Potluck Dinner, 2nd & 4th Monday Games, Finger Foods, Card Party

1st & 3rd Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Cards, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

HoISInGton

friendship Hall

419 E. 3rd, 620-653-2555 or 620-617-2116

Friendship Meals, noon

the Hoisington Commission on aging

109 E. 1st, 620-653-4125

2nd Tuesday, 4:30 p.m.

otHer SerVICeS

Barton County Health department

1300 Kansas, Great Bend 620-793-1902

Central Kansas dream Center

2100 Broadway, Great Bend 620-282-4014

the Center for Counseling & Consultation

5815 Broadway, Great Bend 620-792-2544, 800-875-2544

2005 Kansas, Great Bend

7:00

-

FRIENDSHIP VAN: General Public Transportation 6:00 am - 6:30 pm

MEALS CALL 620-792-3906 Mini-Bus: Elderly, handicapped, TRANSPORTATION CALL 620-792-3859

Persons 60 years of age and older are welcome.

A suggested contribution of $3.50/person

Persons under 60 – $6.00/person

Carryout meals also available

Please call by 5:00 pm the day before for reservation.

Elder Care

1121 Washington, Great Bend

620-792-5942, 866-792-5942

Honorary Sportsman Card

Barton County Clerk-Courthouse

620-793-1835

Living Independently in Northwest Kansas (Link) Inc.

2401 East 13th St., Hays

800-569-5926 linkinc.org

Meals on Wheels of Barton County

1025 Main, D114, Great Bend

620-792-1833

Also serves Ellinwood and Hoisington

Pathways, ResCare

Home Care

2317 Washington, Great Bend

620-793-8501

Personal care assistance, instrumental activities of daily living, wellness monitoring, housekeeping

Parent Teacher

Resource Center Washington School

2535 Lakin, Great Bend

620-793-1633

Educational service, copying, binding, laminating, spiral binding

Senior Health Insurance

Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)

800-860-5260

Social Security Administration

877-846-8333

811 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson

Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging

620-793-6633

1905 Washington, Great Bend

Veterans Affairs

800-827-1000

Benefit questions

Veterans Hospital

Robert J. Dole

VA Medical Center

5500 E. Kellogg Ave., Wichita, KS, 316-685-2221

EMPLoyMENT

older Kansans Employment ProgramKansas Works

1025 Main, Great Bend

620-793-5445

Lyle Dotson

620-225-8230

Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Southwest Kansas Agency on Aging

1905 Washington, Great Bend 620-793-6633, 620-225-8230 800-742-9531

HouSINg

Cardinal Apartments, Inc.

1400 N. Clay, Hoisington 620-653-4342

Cedar Park Place

3910 Cedar Park Pl., Great Bend 620-793-8115

Claflin Housing Authority

606 W. Albro, PO Box 332, Claflin 620-587-3435

Ellinwood Heights Apartments

515 S. Bismark, Ellinwood 620-564-2180

great Bend

Housing Authority

1101 Kansas, 620-793-7761

Medicalodges great Bend

1401 Cherry Ln., Great Bend 620-792-2165

Housing opportunities Inc

1313 Stone, Great Bend

620-792-3299

Income based rental properties open to ages 55 and over and/or disabled

Barton County Rental Housing Developments

Ellinwood

The Oaks, Ellinwood

great Bend

Northglenn Apartments

Bedford Place LLC

Walnut Creek Apartments

Walnut Glenn Apartments

CreekSide Place

Kensington Square LLC

Quail Cove LLC

Hoisington

Cheyenne Ridge LLC

WheatRidge Apartments

EastWood Apartments LLC

uTILITy ASSISTANCE

Barton County Emergency Aid Council

3007 10th, Great Bend

620-793-3345

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Community Food Bank of Barton County

3007 10th, Great Bend

620-792-4001

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program For Barton CountyNorth Central Regional Planning Commission, 800-432-0303

https://kshousingcorp.org/homeowners/ weatherization-assistance/

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

1305 Patton Road, Great Bend 620-792-5324 ext. 200 888-369-4777

Salvation Army 2545 10th Street, Great Bend 620-792-4299

Support Services

ABUSE SUPPORT

Family Crisis Center

1924 Broadway, Great Bend 620-792-1885, 620-793-9941, 1-866-792-1885

(24 hour crisis line)

Family Crisis Center Domestic Violence Survivor Group –5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday. Children are welcome to attend their own group. Dinner is provided. For more information call 620-793-9941.

Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

888-END ABUSE, 888-363-2287

Kansas Crisis Hotline

ADOPTION

Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas

2201 16th, Great Bend 620-792-1393, 1-800-794-9756

ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

785-296-4986, 800-432-3535

Kansas Department of Health & Environment –

Bureau of Health Facilities

785-296-1500, 800-842-0078

Nursing home complaints

ALCOHOLISM/DRUG ABUSE

Addiction Support Group:

High on Life Recovery 2701 17th St. 620-617-1063

Monday and Wednesday noon

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7:00 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Great Bend

1620 Hubbard, Great Bend 620-793-3962

Sunday 7:00 p.m.

Monday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

“Grapevine” Group

1910 17th St., Great Bend

Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday 5:30 p.m.

Thursday 10:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Hoisington

419 East Third St., Hoisington

Sunday 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday 8:00 p.m.

Tri-County Claflin Group

108 Main St. - Claflin

Independent Township Library

Monday 10:00 a.m.

Al-Anon

17th & Hubbard, Great Bend 620-639-4124

Wednesday noon

Saturday 9:00 a.m.

1910 17th St., Great Bend

Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Central Kansas Dream Center

2100 Broadway, Great Bend 620-282-4014

Christian 12-Step Program

Dream Inc.

2006 Washington, Great Bend 620-792-5152

The Center for Counseling & Consultation

5815 Broadway, Great Bend

620-792-2544

www.thecentergb.org

Narcotics Anonymous

620-603-0920

www.marscna.net

“Living By Faith” Group

1910 17th St., Great Bend

Sunday 5:30 p.m., Tuesday noon

Wednesday 5:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 8:00 p.m.

“Wecovery” Group

2123 Forest Ave., Great Bend West entry, upstairs on right

Monday 6:30 p.m.

Thursday 7:00 p.m.

AUTISM SUPPORT

Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc.

Early Education Center

1312 Patton, Great Bend

620-792-4087

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Autism program. Serving children birth to entering kindergarten.

BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT

Central Kansas Partnership

Call Bev at 620-793-1902

ckpartnership.org/breastfeedingcoalition

CANCER SUPPORT

Breast Friends

Mi Tierra Restaurant

118 E. 1st St., Hoisington Third Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. This group is only open to breast cancer survivors.

CHILD CARE SUPPORT

Kansas Department for Children and Families

1305 Patton Road, Great Bend 620-792-5324, 888-369-4777

Employed parents financial help with child care expenses. (Cash assistance) www.dcf.ks.gov

CHILDREN IN NEED

20th Judicial District Court Services

1400 Main, Rm. 306, Great Bend 620-793-1856, Martha Rivas mrbtdistcrt@cpcis.net

Barton County Young Men’s Organization

1515 Morton, Great Bend 620-792-1619

Barton County Youth Care

2212 Forest Ave., Great Bend 620-792-2902

Central Kansas Court

Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

1125 Williams, Great Bend 620-792-5544 director@ckcasa.org

Kansas Department for Children and Families

To report abuse call 800-922-5330

COUNSELING/MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Center for Counseling & Consultation

5815 Broadway, Great Bend 620-792-2544 (24 hour emergency number) www.thecentergb.org

A Full Service, licensed, Community Mental Health Center

DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT

Dementia Caregivers Support Hoisington Public Library

169 South Walnut St. Macy Ingham, RN 620-292-0830

Michelle Niedens, LSCSW 913-945-7310

First Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. For family members supporting and caring for individuals with dementia. Open format for information gathering, asking questions, learning strategies and sharing concerns.

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

Rosewood Services

384 N. Washington, Great Bend 620-793-5888

Vocational training assistance and support services.

Southwest Developmental Services, Inc (SDSI) 1103 Main, Great Bend 620-793-7604, 888-793-7604

Sunflower Diversified Services

5611 10th St., Great Bend 620-792-1325

Vocational training assistance, early childhood intervention/ education, support services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

DIABETES SUPPORT

La Nueva Esperanza Hispanic Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc.

1905 19th St., Great Bend 620-792-5700

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care Inc. 1905 19th St., Great Bend 620-792-5700

Naturally Sweet - Type I 620-617-6700

Candace Herrman

ELDERLY

Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging

1905 Washington, Great Bend 620-793-6633

EMERGENCY SERVICE AID

American Red Cross Disaster Response and Planning

1321 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, KS, 785-354-9238

Barton County is part of American Red Cross of Greater Kansas www.redcross.org

Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas

2201 16th, Great Bend

620-792-1393, 800-794-9756

Central Kansas Dream Center

2100 Broadway, Great Bend 620-282-3094 or 620-282-4104, centralksdc@gmail.com

Emergency Aid Council

3007 10th St., Great Bend 620-793-3345

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

LIEAP-Low Income Energy Assistance Program

1-800-432-0043, 620-272-5985

Live Like Jesus Today

Ministries

Buzz and Cliffann Birney Kingdom Campus, 700 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530 620-564-2148

620-397-3225

Warehouse open 8:30 a.m.noon and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday livelikejesustoday.com

The Salvation Army 2545 10th St., Great Bend 620-792-4299

United Way of Central Kansas Charell Owings

1125 Williams, Great Bend 620-792-2403 unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com

EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL SHELTER

Central Kansas Dream Center 2100 Broadway, Great Bend 620-282-3094 or 620-282-4104 centralksdc@gmail.com

Transitional living ministry for women with or without children.

Oxford Houses

Sober Living

• Hope Central (Men’s House) 785-259-4452

• Credence (Men’s House) 620-603-8911

• Serenity Way (Women’s and Children’s House) 620-603-6075

Prodigal Ministries of Kansas

620-793-5175 or 620-793-9196 Mens transitional and emergency shelter.

EMPLOYMENT

Barton Community College Career Center 245 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend 620-792-9349

Barton Community College Center for Adult Education

1025 Main, Second Floor Great Bend 620-786-7560

Central Kansas Educational Opportunity Center

1025 Main, Great Bend 620-793-8164, Jamie Hatfield, coordinator/academic advisor hatfieldj@bartonccc.edu

Flint Hills Job Corps Center 4620 Eureka Drive Manhattan, KS 66503 785-564-4900

Great Bend Regional Service Center Kansas Department for Children and Families

1305 Patton Road, Great Bend 620-792-5324 www.dcf.ks.gov

KansasWorks 1025 Main, Great Bend 620-793-5445 greatbendjobs@ks.gov

SER Corporation

1008 E. 17th St., No. 7 Hays, KS 67601, 785-623-4016 www.sercorporation.com

FAMILY PRESERVATION

Kansas Department for Children and Families 785-296-4653

Intensive in-home services are provided through a contract with a Child Welfare Case Management Provider.

FAMILY SERVICE

Healthy Families Kansas Children’s Service League

3520 Lakin Ave. Suite 107 Great Bend 620-603-8442 ext. 1922

Vicki Richardson Family Engagement Coordinator 620-868-0139 (cell)

vrichardson@kcsl.org

Healthy Families of Barton, Rice, Pawnee and Stafford counties is a service that partners with parents to build a community of happy, healthy, safe and smart children ready for school.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

Barton County Health Department WIC Program

1300 Kansas Avenue, Ste. B Great Bend 620-793-1909, 620-793-1902

Commission on Aging

2005 Kansas, Great Bend 620-792-3906, Brenda Lebbin

Community Food Bank of Barton County

3007 10th St., Great Bend 620-792-4001

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Commodities - Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Financial help with food expenses

888-369-4777

DC Kitchen

1515 Williams, Great Bend 620-282-4014

ElderCare Inc.

1121 Washington St., Great Bend 620-792-5942, 866-792-5942

Food Bank-Ellinwood

701 N. Fritz, Ellinwood 620-564-3044

Food Bank-Hoisington

467 W. 3rd St., Hoisington 620-292-7277

Great Bend Regional Service Center

Kansas Department for Children and Families

1305 Patton Road, Great Bend 620-792-5324

www.dcf.ks.gov

Meals on Wheels of Barton County

1025 Main, D114, Great Bend 620-792-1614, 620-792-1833

Also serves Ellinwood and Hoisington

The Salvation Army

2545 10th St., Great Bend 620-792-4299

FRIENDSHIP MEALS/ SENIOR MEALS

Ellinwood Heritage Center

103 N. Main, Ellinwood 620-564-3649

Great Bend Senior Center

2005 Kansas, Great Bend 620-792-3906

Hoisington Friendship House 419 East 3rd, Hoisington 620-653-2555

GRIEF SUPPORT

Broken Hearts

Grief Support Group

7:00 p.m. Mondays

104 East Santa Fe, Ellinwood. For all types of grief. For questions call Donita Zamarripa, 620-566-7384.

Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice Grief Support Group

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays during eightweek sessions. Registration required. For location and other information call 620-792-8171 during business hours

HOME SCHOOL SUPPORT

Golden Belt Home Educators (GBHE) 620-793-7359

www.facebook.com/ GoldenBeltHomeEducators www.homeschool-life.com/KS/ gbhe

HOUSING – SUBSIDIZED

Cardinal Apartments

1400 N. Clay St., Hoisington 620-653-4342

Cedar Park Place 3910 Cedar Park Place, Great Bend, 620-793-8115

Cheyenne Village

5900 Eisenhower Ct., Great Bend 620-792-6074

Ellinwood Heights

515 S Bismark Ave., Ellinwood 620-564-2180

Great Bend Housing Authority 1101 Kansas Great Bend, 620-793-7761

Habitat for Humanity

620-792-1232

Housing Opportunities Inc. 1313 Stone St. Great Bend 620-792-3299

Sommerset Place

5803 16th Street Terrace Great Bend

620-793-8075

Sunflower Housing

5611 10th St., Great Bend 620-792-1325

OTHER NUMBERS

Barton County

Core Community 2

Support for individuals and families as they work their way out of poverty.

620-723-2727

Facebook.com/bartoncountycc

Website: youthcoreministries.org

Central Kansas Partnership

A coalition of community resources and task forces website: ckpartnership.org

Communities Organizing to Promote EquityBarton County (COPE) 620-792-3299

Kansas Legal Services, Inc. 800-723-6953

www.kansaslegalservices.org

Medicaid (Customer Assistance) 816-426-5925

Tobacco Cessation

800-QUIT-NOW

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Living Independently in Northwest Kansas (Link) Inc. 2401 East 13th St., Hays 800-569-5926, linkinc.org

PREGNANCY

Birthright 1420 Wilson, Great Bend Betty Schneider – Director 620-792-3316, 800-550-4900

Monday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.,

Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - Noon, Thursday 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas 2201 16th St., Great Bend 620-792-1393, 800-794-9756

Serving all faiths. Adoption, Teen Moms, pregnancy counseling. Help with drug & alcohol, addiction counseling, marriage education classes, & income assistance.

REINTEGRATION/ FOSTER CARE

St. Francis Academy 1508 Main, Great Bend 620-793-7454

Emberhope Youthville 800-593-1950

www.emberhope.org

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide Prevention Hotline 988

Dropping 22 Inc.

916 Williams St, Great Bend 620-786-0687

dropping22ks@gmail.com

Nonprofit organization to reduce the mental health gap for veterans, the military community and first responders.

SPECIAL NEEDS CAREGIVERS

Caregivers Count Support Group

2:00 p.m. first Sundays

First Christian Church

5230 Broadway Ave.

Great Bend

Sponsored by Sunflower Diversified Services for parents and caregivers of children with special needs.

STROKE SUPPORT

Stroke Support Group

6:00 p.m. on

first and third Mondays

Medicalodges, 1401 Cherry Lane

Great Bend

620-792-2165

VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Central Kansas Association

Visually Impaired

1:00 p.m. on fourth Monday

Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas 620-617-8980

620-793-5645

620-786-0731

WEIGHT LOSS

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 827

Claflin Independent Township Library Meeting Room.

Monday 4:30 p.m.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) No. 1151

First United Methodist Church 2123 Forest Ave., Great Bend

Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Use the west doors.

ELECTRIC

MIDWEST ENERGY

1025 Patton Rd., Great Bend 620-792-1301

www.mwenergy.com

Provides electricity for Albert, Beaver, Claflin, Odin, Pawnee Rock, rural areas of Great Bend.

WHEATLAND ELECTRIC

200 10th St., Great Bend 620-793-4223

www.weci.net

Provides electricity for Great Bend.

WESTERN COOPERATIVE ELECTRIC

635 S. 13th St., P.O. Box 278

WaKeeney, KS 67672

785-743-5561

www.westerncoop.com

Provides electricity for Galatia, Olmitz and Susank.

CITY OWNED ELECTRIC

ELLINWOOD

104 E. Second St., 620-564-3161

www.cityofellinwoodks.com

HOISINGTON

164 S. Elm, 620-653-4675

www.hoisingtonks.org

NATURAL GAS

MIDWEST ENERGY

1025 Patton Rd., Great Bend 620-792-1301

www.mwenergy.com

Provides natural gas for Albert, Beaver, Odin, Olmitz, Pawnee Rock and Susank.

KANSAS GAS SERVICE

7421 W. 129th St., Overland Park, KS 66213 800-794-4780

www.kansasgasservice.com

Provides natural gas for Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hoisington.

MID-STATE CO-OP

818 West Union St., P.O. Box 195

Rush Center, KS 67575

785-372-4239

www.midstatefarmerscoop.net

Provider for Galatia.

WATER & SEWERGARBAGE PICKUP

Contact your city clerk for information.

Maintain Power and Peace of Mind

With special financing and affordable monthly payments available, you’re one free in-home assessment away from identifying the right generator for your backup power and financial needs. Don’t wait for the next outage to leave your home powerless.

With unpredictable power outages affecting homeowners more frequently than ever, Generac’s best-selling home standby generators are designed to protect you and your family from extended power failures. With special financing and affordable monthly payments available, you’re one free in-home assessment away from identifying the right generator for your backup power and financial needs. Don’t wait for the next outage to leave your home powerless.

Great Bend Economic Development’s downtown arm, Great Bend Alive is a member of the Kansas and National Main Street programs and we share these same four pillars of progress.

Our Mi ion

To impact positive change in the downtown corridor through development, design, promotion and preservation

Business Overview

Barton County offers a rich and diverse shopping and dining experience.

From antique stores to coffee shops to a winery and a brewery, to local and chain restaurants, to unique shops and boutiques, opportunities abound in the county’s communities. With hotels, bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs, one can spend a day or weekend exploring what is available.

Live here? Then enjoy the many amenities offered in larger cities right here at home.

Pull Factor: the relative strength of the retail business community. The county pull factor is computed by dividing the per capita sales tax of a county by the statewide per capita sales tax. A value greater than 1.0 indicates local businesses are pulling trade from beyond the county borders. A county pull factor value less than 1.00 indicates more trade is being lost than pulled in, that residents are shopping outside the county. Barton County’s 2022 Pull Factor is 1.12. Great Bend’s pull factor was 1.50. Then there is agriculture and industry. Home to Fuller Industries, Essex Manufacturing, Rotomix and other manufacturers, products made in the county fill shelves across the nation and around the globe. The Great Bend Transload facility near the Great Bend Municipal Airport serves as a link between the railroads and highways to move items to all four corners of the world.

A Charming Collection of Vintage, Antiques, Eclectic Décor, Gifts and More! We have something for everyone!

CPR Academy

D&A Testing Pros, LLC

Services Include:

• DOT and non-DOT drug testing, urine drug collection, breath alcohol testing, hair and saliva testing, DOT physicals

• Full Range DOT physicals and drug testing

• Common reasons for drug testing: pre-employment, randoms, reasonable suspicion/cause, post accident, return to duty, follow-up, and court-ordered and legal requirements

• We offer mobile on-site testing, 24/7 via phone after hours testing, post accident testing, and Brick and Mortar site access testing

Get certified in CPR, Basic First Aid and AED at our CPR Academy! Babysitting courses also offered for your child or teen, which also includes a certification card upon completion !

*Works with a wide variety of consortium groups for your convenience! CPR Academy

*Flexible scheduling

*We travel anywhere!

*Competitive and affordable pricing

*Informative, Interactive Classes

*Get certified in CPR/First Aid/AED

*Digital materials and Certification card provided upon course completion

*Corporate and group rates available!

Ruth Joiner CPR Instructor, RN, mother of 2 and grandmother of 5. Passionate about the health and well being of her community! Owner of D&A Testing Pros LLC and GTR Limousine and Party Services.

Jennifer Turner

Full-time employee at GTR Limousine and Party Services and D&A Testing Pros LLC. CPR Instructor, with over 5 years of experience and also a former Lifeguard trainer. Mother of 2, volunteer coach and active in multiple volunteer groups/committees in her community.

Great Bend Appliance, Furniture & SleepSource celebrates 25 years of business

There are always going to be choices and challenges in life, but when a door opens wide, it’s advisable to walk through it, notes Great Bend’s Dale Pruter.

A quarter-century ago, Pruter and his wife Sherry were faced with a big decision in coming to Great Bend, he said.

“At the time, it was pretty scary,” he said. “It felt like it probably wouldn’t have happened any other place or to any other people in the world, but it happened to us.”

As it turned out, it was the right move.

The long way ‘round

Before getting to Great Bend, Dale and Sherry took the long way round, he said.

Dale and Sherry met and married in Russell. They then traveled to Clay Center, where they purchased the local Sears appliance and catalog store.

In 1993, their store was caught up in Sears’ major corporate refit, closing 113 stores across the country, discontinuing its iconic “big book” catalog, and saying goodbye to 50,000 employees.

“It was a good business and a great learning experience for us,” Pruter said.

Dale landed a job with Jim’s Appliance in Inman, which provided name-brand sales and service in a 45-mile radius en route to becoming the largest independent dealer in the state, Pruter noted. He was with the company for five years, but in 1998, the door opened wide.

“The Whirlpool store in Great Bend was closing, and the company was recruiting me to come to Great Bend and take over the one that they wanted to open up,” Pruter said. At the same time, the job of journalism teacher had opened up at Great Bend High School, which was a perfect fit for Sherry.

“I can say that I was scared to go, because there were other appliance stores already operating in Great Bend at that time,” Pruter said. “But our church pastor called us into the office and said that if the door is open that wide, we should go ahead and walk through.

A small start

Pruter’s Great Bend Appliance “three-stores-in-one” operation with its 20 employees of today began with the appliance floorspace at the front of the building. “It started with just my wife and me,” he said. Their affiliation with BrandSource expanded the nature of the inventory and Pruter acquired the floorspace to accommodate it. “When we started, it was just appliances, which people need,” Pruter said. ““Now we have our beds, which people also need, and also the furniture room, which is what people want.”

Later on, they outfitted the back into appliance repair.

“We just grew into the whole block; it just kept going,” he said.

The expansion celebrated its 19th year in March.

“It’s a challenge for people right now, hard time to start a business, but there is always hope,” Pruter said. “Coming here has been a God thing for us. It has really all worked out.”

Employees include co-owner, Sherry Pruter, Eric Rostine, Kenny Pruter, Steven Nagel, Rachel Nagel, Eric Johnson, Audra Rostine, Chonny Simonson, Teresa Wondra, Shelly Post, Jeni Doan, Pablo Ibarra, Michael “Mo” Oberle, Tammy Komarek, Daniel Hammeke, Chris Jeska, Kevin Wondra, Kenny Harman, Kathy Riggs, and Grant Doan.

Ag Systems Inc. 810 E. 14th St. (U.S. 56), Larned, only wants the best for their Customers. That is why they utilize Diversified Agrisurance for their Customers’ center pivot insurance needs. Trouble – even disaster – can happen in the blink of an eye. Don’t wait until you have a claim to find out what is and isn’t covered!

When choosing an insurance provider for your “major brand” center pivots, it is important to pick a Company that knows and understands the irrigation business. Diversified Agrisurance has over 50 years of experience and has become the single largest insurer of mechanized irrigation equipment in the nation! Coverage is provided through Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha, an A+ rated Insurance Company.

Their policy covers most direct physical losses to covered property. Unlike most of the competitors, their policies do not depreciate the value of the equipment in the event of a

Agrisurance

loss. They pay full cost, less deductible, on pivots up to 35 years of age, to repair or replace, whichever is less, up to the insured value shown on the policy. In addition, coverage is available for sudden structural damage to your pivot caused by or resulting from mechanical or electrical failure for qualifying pivots less than 35 years old. Limited coverage is available on pivots over 35 years of age.

Claims always seem to happen at the most inopportune time – usually within the heart of irrigation season. Ag Systems Inc. promises to get you up and running as quick as possible – Diversified Agrisurance can settle most claims quickly with an estimate, photos of damage, and simple proof of loss form!

Is it time for a Center Pivot Insurance Checkup? They have competitive premiums! Feel free to stop in or call Debora Fox-Johnson for your “No Obligation” Quote.

Relationship Driven.

Since the first settlers came to Barton County and broke the prairie sod, agriculture has thrived and become a cornerstone of the economy. Wheat performed very well, but today, it is a large producer of milo and livestock as well, making it a key player in the ag industry.

Kansas was ranked as the second leading wheat production state with about 244,200,000 million bushels produced in 2022. Kansas produces nearly 20% of all wheat grown in the United States. It was also tops in grain sorghum (milo), and third in cattle production. Barton County lists at 37th among the 105 counties for wheat and 10th for livestock.

In 2021, agriculture and agriculture-related sectors directly contributed $439 million in output and 1,276 jobs to the Barton County economy. Including indirect and induced effects, they have a total impact of $587 million in output, 2,240 jobs and 13% of the total Gross Regional Product.

The top 10 agriculture employment sectors are: beef cattle ranching and farming (457); support activities for ag and forestry (206); grain farming (157); dog and cat food manufacturing (126); other real estate (153); all other crops farming (122); truck transportation (68); landscape and horticultural services (67); nondurable goods (63); and veterinary services (53).

Barton County has 628 farms, 557,961 acres in farm ground and 315,051 acres for crops. They contribute to providing food security for the nation and the world.

The climate in Barton County is sub-humid and is marked by extremes of precipitation and temperature. The average growing season is about 174 days and has ranged from 143 to 220 days.

Making sure the next generation understands the importance of the agricultural industry, Barton County fourth graders are invited to attend Kids’ Ag Day the first Wednesday in September. In addition to Kid’s Ag Day, Barton County Farm Bureau has an Agriculture in the Classroom program to promote awareness of agriculture’s importance in our community, country and the world.

Design & Service

Ag Systems, Inc. 810 E 14th/U.S. 56, Larned has serviced this area since 1974.

Rocke Foster, Manager has worked in irrigation design & service since 1997. The service department of 8 factorytrained technicians has more than 200 years of combined experience. For service or irrigation design, contact Rocke Foster, Tyson Atteberry, Justin Woods, Monte Hirsh, Bryan VanSickle, or Joshua Detherage.

They service and stock parts for all brands of center pivots covering an area from Dodge City to Ellinwood and Hays to Pratt.

Valley Center Pivots are celebrating 60 plus years of service and are committing all of their future years in conserving water with the newest innovations in sprinkler packages and computerized panels.

To better serve their customers, Valley Center Pivot Dealer, Ag Systems, Inc. of Larned, provides insurance services for all

major brands of irrigation equipment.

Debora Fox-Johnson is licensed by the state of Kansas and Nebraska to write policies through Diversified Agrisurance. Diversified has been insuring and financing center pivots, new and used, for more than 40 years. They are the largest single insurer of irrigation equipment. Contact Debora for your “no obligation” quote for your insurance needs.

Services at Ag Systems include a well stocked parts department carrying McCrometer flow meters, galvanized check valves, and Ag Sense monitors. They are now using technology to enhance water management with Valley Scheduling and Valley 365. Contact Rocke Foster or Justin Woods for more information

Ag Systems is committed to offering the best Service, Parts, and Irrigation Design for years to come.

Oil was discovered in the 1880s at Cheyenne Bottoms, a large, marshy wetland of international importance north of Great Bend. Initial stabs into the Barton County ground didn’t hit pay dirt, but later attempts succeeded, sparking an oil boom in the county.

In the early 20th century, another boom hit, and the oil and gas industry remains strong here to this day. It provides many good paying jobs, and is important for the local tax base. There are many local service companies who reap the benefit of the strong oilfield which helps with jobs and putting dollars into the local economy. New oil development helps support property values and provides opportunities for landowner royalty payments and a potentially new tax base.

Oil and its by-products find many uses, from fuel to items, such as plastics, we use daily.

Kansas ranks 13th nationally in terms of oil production, and in 2022, Barton County ranked third among Kansas counties.

Barton County is also home to the Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame & Museum. Learn about or expand your knowledge on the various phases of oil and gas production, from geology and drilling to production and product manufacturing.

EDUCATION

Public Schools

USD 428 - GREAT BEND

#GBproud

Mascot: Panthers

620-793-1500, 620-793-1585 (fax)

201 South Patton Rd.

Great Bend

TV Channel 21

www.GreatBendSchools.net

The Board of Education meets at 5:00 p.m. the second Monday of each month

District Education Center 201 S. Patton Road, Great Bend

Superintendent Khris Thexton 620-793-1500

Activities Director

Matthew Westerhaus 620-793-1521

Schools and Principals

Park Elementary School 1801 Williams, Great Bend

Kelsey Sciacca, 620-793-1505

Eisenhower Elementary School

1212 Garfield, Great Bend

Abigail Jonas, 620-793-1501

Jefferson Elementary School 2716 24th, Great Bend

Adam Niedens, 620-793-1502

Lincoln Elementary School 5630 Broadway, Great Bend

Misty Straub, 620-793-1503

Riley Elementary School 1515 10th, Great Bend

Beth Rein, 620-793-1506

Great Bend Middle School 1919 Harrison, Great Bend

Myron Ellegood, 620-793-1510

Great Bend High School

2027 Morton, Great Bend

Tim Friess, 620-793-1521

Individual Learning Center 2027 Morton, Great Bend

Bill Maddy, 620-793-1521

Barton County Special Services Cooperative

2535 Lakin, Great Bend

Ashley Riley, 620-793-1550

Parent Teacher Resource Center

2535 Lakin, Great Bend 620-793-1633

2,900 Average class size of 20 students or less

STUDENTS

5 NEIGHBORHOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

1:1 TECH ACCESS

5A Middle School & High School GreatBendSchools.net

Fostering learning through technologyrich resources

Mascot: Cardinals

165 West Third, Hoisington

620-653-4134, 620-653-4073 (fax)

www.usd431.net

The Board of Education meets at 7:00 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Education Office

165 West Third, Hoisington

Superintendent Patrick Crowdis pcrowdis@usd431.net

620-653-4134

Athletic Director Faron Craft fcraft@usd431.net

620-653-2141

Schools and Principals

Hoisington Middle School

360 W. 11th, Hoisington Bob Brungardt, 620-653-4951 bbrungardt@usd431.net

Hoisington High School 218 E. 7th, Hoisington Joel Mason, 620-653-2141 jmason@usd431.net

Lincoln Elementary School 516 N. Pine, Hoisington Karisa Cowan, 620-653-4549

Roosevelt Elementary and Pre-School

315 N. Vine, Hoisington Shellby Walker, 620-653-4470 swalker@usd431.net

Mascot: Eagles

300 N. Schiller, Ellinwood 620-564-3226, 620-564-2206 (fax)

www.usd355.org

The Board of Education meets at 6:00 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Ellinwood School

Community Library

210 N. Schiller, Ellinwood

Superintendent Ben Jacobs

620-564-3226

Schools and Principals

Ellinwood Grade School

310 E. 6th, Ellinwood

Joel Kahnt, 620-564-2750

Ellinwood Middle School

210 E. 2nd, Ellinwood

Mark Cook, 620-564-3136

Ellinwood High School

210 E. 2nd, Ellinwood

Mark Cook, 620-564-3136

Schools and Principals

Central Plains Elementary School

600 S. Main, Holyrood Jane Oeser, 785-252-3666

Mascot: Oilers

406 Main, PO Box 176 Claflin, KS 67525 620-588-4200

www.usd112.org

The Board of Education meets at 6:00 p.m. the second Monday at the district office.

Superintendent Bill Lowry Athletic Director Pat Stiles 620-587-3801

Central Plains Jr.-Sr. High School

700 Albro, Claflin

Toby Holmes, 620-587-3801

Wilson Elementary School

Mascot: Dragons

3005 Ave. D, P.O. Box 220, Wilson, KS

Bill Lowry, 785-658-2202

Lakeside Learning Center

785-658-2462

USD 355 - ELLINWOOD

USD 431 - HOISINGTON

USD 112 - CENTRAL PLAINS

Independent Schools

PAROCHIAL AND PRIVATE

Central Kansas Christian Academy (private K-8)

215 McKinley, Great Bend 620-792-3477

dottie.dozier@ckcacademy.com

Dottie Dozier, Administrator www.ckcacademy.com

Holy Family School (parochial pre-school-6)

4200 Broadway, Great Bend Debbie Hagans, 620-793-3265 office@gbholyfamily.org

St. Joseph’s School (parochial K-8)

111 W. 3rd, Ellinwood Cami Thomas, Lead Teacher 620-564-2721 cthomas@stjosephellinwood.com

Seventh Day Adventist Church and Elementary School (parochial K-8) 7 SW 30 Ave., Great Bend 620-793-9247

PRE-SCHOOL AND PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Barton Community College Child Development Center

245 NE 30th Rd., Great Bend 620-792-9360

Great Bend Children’s Learning Center 1802 22nd, Great Bend 620-792-2421

Helping Hands Preschool 2535 Lakin, Great Bend 620-793-1615

Holy Family School 4200 Broadway, Great Bend 620-793-3265

Lamb’s Gate

Christian Preschool 210 S. McKinley, Great Bend 620-792-3343

Little Blessings Preschool

Trinity Lutheran Church 2701 24th, Great Bend 620-793-8816

Little Panthers Preschool 3400 21st St., Great Bend 620-793-1662

Noah’s Ark Preschool

First United Methodist Church 2123 Forest, Great Bend 620-793-3451 napdirector@gbfumc.org

Riley Preschool 1515 10th, Great Bend 620-793-1506

Roosevelt Preschool 315 N. Vine, Hoisington 620-653-4470

St. John Lutheran Child Development Center

615 N. Main and 512 N. Wilhelm, Ellinwood 620-564-2885

Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc. Incredible Years Preschool

1312 Patton, Great Bend 620-792-4087

USD 112 Central Plains 600 S. Main, Holyrood 785-252-3666

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT

Barton Community College

Child Development Center 245 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend, 620-792-9360

GPS Kids Club 352 W. 12th, Hoisington, 620-292-6114 gpskidsclub@yahoo.com

TLC Discoveries

Trinity Lutheran Church 2701 24th, Great Bend, 620-793-8816

St. John Lutheran

Child Development Center

615 N. Main and 512 N. Wilhelm, Ellinwood 620-564-2885

SPECIAL NEEDS

Early Childhood Special Education Services

2535 Lakin, Great Bend, 620-793-1508

Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc. Early Education Center

1312 Patton, Great Bend, 620-792-4087

SPECIAL NEEDS VOCATIONAL

Pathways, ResCare Inc. 2317 Washington, Great Bend, 620-793-8501

Residential, Day Program, Vocational, Case Management, Health Maintenance.

Rosewood Services

384 N. Washington, Ave. Great Bend 620-793-5888, 620-793-8393 (fax) www.rosewoodservices.com

Sunflower Diversified Services, Inc. 8823 4th St., Great Bend 620-792-1321

www.sunflowerdiv.com

OTHER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Barton County Academy/ESSDACK

Rachel Ellson

1705 K96, Great Bend 620-792-7995

https://www.essdack.org/LC/barton-countyacademy

A wide variety of classes are available. Students can earn their diploma. Offer English as a Second Language.

Center for Adult Basic Education

1025 Main (Upstairs), Great Bend 620-793-5794

online: bartonccc.edu/community/adulted

Basic math and reading, English as a Second Language, workplace literacy, GED tutors, free practice tests, final tests.

TRIO Central Kansas Educational Opportunity Center

1025 Main (Downstairs, D-108), Great Bend, 620-786-7565

online: bartonccc.edu/supportservices/eoc Free services include academic adviser; career exploration and advising; assessments of academic skills and financial needs; information about vocational/ technical schools, colleges and universities; assistance with applications for admission and financial aid, reference library.

COLLEGES

Barton Community College

245 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend 620-792-2701

www.bartonccc.edu (GoBarton.com)

K-State at Barton Science and Math Building Room S-105 245 NE 30 Rd., Great Bend 620-786-1188

Claflin Independent Township Library

108 Main St./P.O. Box 163 620-587-3488 claflin.mykansaslibrary.org

Pam Atteberry, librarian email claflin.itlibrary@gmail.com

Hours: Monday, 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.;

Tuesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.;

Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - noon.

Closed Sunday and Wednesday.

Ellinwood School/Community Library

210 N. Schiller Ave. 620-564-2306 hslibrary.usd355.org

Sheri Holmes, director email sholmes@usd355.org

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. www.facebook.com/ellinwoodlibrary/

Great Bend Public Library

1409 Williams St. 620-792-2409

www.greatbendpl.info

email gbcirc@greatbendpl.info

Hannah Grippin, outreach manager Follow GBPC on Facebook

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Hoisington Public Library

169 S. Walnut St. 620-653-4128 hoisingtonpl.weebly.com

Karen Lapierre, director email library@hoisingtonks.org

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.;

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, noon to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday; 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Top 10 Things to Do at Cheyenne Bottoms

What comes to mind when someone says Cheyenne Bottoms? Many local residents have memories and stories of their experiences at Cheyenne Bottoms. It’s a local jewel and an amazing natural resource we should all be proud of.

Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000 acre wetland complex designated a Wetland of International Importance due to its importance as a stopover for migrating birds along the Central Flyway. It is located 10 miles north of Great Bend. If you have never experienced Cheyenne Bottoms (or even if you have), here are 10 activities you need to put on your bucket list this year:

1. Visit the Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC). Located at the southeast corner of Cheyenne Bottoms on K-156 Highway, KWEC is free and your one-stop-shop for every visit to Cheyenne Bottoms. Visit http://wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu

2. Check out a Sunrise or Sunset at the Cheyenne Bottoms K-4 Overlook. The Overlook is the best view of the Cheyenne Bottoms basin. It includes an observation tower.

3. Visit Cheyenne Bottoms at least once each season of the year. Every season is different and the wetlands are dynamic. Take advantage of each season’s beauty.

4. Go bird watching at Cheyenne Bottoms. With over 350 species of birds documented, Cheyenne Bottoms is one of the best birding spots in the central United States.

5. Take your camera and snap some photos of wildlife. Deer, turtles, and muskrats, oh my! All sorts of wildlife give ample opportunities for nature photography.

6. Experience Cheyenne Bottoms at night. Cheyenne Bottoms provides some of the darkest skies in the area, with very little light pollution. In the summer, the Milky Way is usually easy to see. And, nighttime sounds in the wetlands can be fun to listen to.

7. Go hunting at Cheyenne Bottoms. Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area provides over 13,000 acres of public hunting for waterfowl, upland birds, turkeys, and deer.

8. Take a driving tour of Cheyenne Bottoms. KWEC offers 30 and 90 minute guided van tours of Cheyenne Bottoms. Or, over 20 miles of public roads meander through the wetlands for your own self-guided tour.

9. Take a hike! Start with KWEC’s half-mile nature trail to see animal tracks, birds, and other critters. You also can walk on several foot-traffic only dikes in the wetlands.

10. Attend a nature program at KWEC. Public programs and special events are held throughout the year for all ages with topics such as bird watching, nature crafts, Monarch tagging, and much more.

ART & LIFE

Calendar of Events

August

24

30

GREAT BEND

For more events go to the following websites: www.greatbendks.net www.exploregreatbend.com

ELLINWOOD

September

December

July

HOISINGTON

September

November

Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo

The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is dedicated to the conservation, preservation and rescue of animals and to the education and entertainment of children and adults. The zoo staff also treats wounded birds of prey, known as raptors.

Enter through the main building, known as the Raptor Center, which includes a gift shop, restrooms, and small animal exhibits. There are wagons and other accessories available to rent.

Outdoors, find the Bill McKown Memorial Pavilion, a gazebo located next to a freshwater pond. Visitors can enjoy this shaded area and feed the fish and waterfowl when food is available from the Raptor Center. There is also a playground area. Zoo Supervisor and Curator Ashley Burdick noted these areas are easily accessible for those in wheelchairs and strollers; there’s even a wheelchair friendly swing in the playground.

Some of the newer animal exhibits outdoors are the bobcats and the capybaras.

Open year-round (except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the zoo is fun and educational — and admission is free! A membership to the Great Bend Zoological Society is $25 for an entire family and provides special benefits while supporting zoo projects.

Things To Do, See & Enjoy

ARGONNE FOREST

2100 McKinley, Great Bend 620-793-4160

• North side of Veterans Memorial Park

• Dedicted to the young men from Barton County and the surrounding area who fought in World War I with emphasis on the Battle of Argonne in Germany on Sept. 26, 1918.

• Displays, artwork, photos and signage.

B-29 BOmBER mEmORiAl PlAzA

Great Bend Municipal Airport entrance

The Great Bend Municipal Airport was constructed in 1943 as a World War II Army Air Force Base to accommodate the B-29 Superfortress bomber.

• Great Bend’s B-29 Memorial Plaza is open to visitors every day, to honor the men and women of the Great Bend Army Air Field and those involved in building, flying and providing support for the B-29 Superfortress.

• No admission charge.

• Self-guided.

ChEyENNE BOTTOmS

204 NE 60 Rd, Great Bend 620-793-3066

• The largest marsh in the interior of the United States, designated a “Wetland of International Importance”.

• The Bottoms is one of the most important ecosystems in Kansas and one of the most important migration points for shorebirds in North America.

• A mecca for bird watchers expecially during spring and fall migration.

• Hunting, primarily duck and goose, is a big draw for locals and those from other states.

• A scenic overlook is located 8 mi. East of Hoisington with a 10-foot tower for viewing bottoms. The tower is reached by a series of handicapped-accessible ramps.

CiTy BAND CONCERTS

Jack Kilby Square, Great Bend

• 8:15 p.m.

• Bring your lawn chair.

• Free concert.

• Thursday evenings in June and July but watch the Great Bend Tribune as dates vary.

ClAyTON m mORRiSON

mEmORiAl BANDShEll

AND ThElmA FAyE hARmS STAGE

South side of Jack Kilby Square between Main St. and Kansas St.

• Home of the Great Bend City Band summer concert series, various events and live music during June Jaunt.

For rental information contact Community Coordinator at chayes@greatbendks.net.

DOROThy mOSES mORRiSON ChAPEl

Barton Community College

245 NE 30th Road, Great Bend

620-792-9342

https://bartonccc.edu/publicresources/chapel

• Part of the Fine Arts Building on the BCC Campus, the chapel boasts five stained glass windows from the razed First Congregational Church in Great Bend. The chapel can be rented for events such as small weddings or performances.

FARmERS mARkET

• Broadway parking lot of Great Bend Public Library, Great Bend. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings in the spring, summer and fall, 7:00 a.m. - Noon.

FARmER’S mEmORiAl

K-96 Park, at the corner of K-96 and 10th St., Great Bend

• 20-foot stainless steel sculpture created by Bruce and Brent Bitter, B & B Metal Arts of Hoisington. A tribute to early pioneer families who settled Great Bend and the surrounding communities.

GOlDEN BElT VETERANS’ mEmORiAl

59 NW 50 Rd., Great Bend

• Honoring Barton County Veterans from all six branches of the military from the Civil War until today.

• Project paid for through donations, call 620-793-1800 for information. Details also found at www.bartoncounty.org and on the County’s social media pages.

• Four stones are in place with the names of over 1,000 veterans.

GREAT BEND AliVE – FiNAl FRiDAyS ON FOREST

Forest Avenue comes alive the last Friday of the month from April to October. Meet your friends on Forest Ave. in downtown Great Bend for some fun! Adult beverages, entertainment, food trucks and games for the kids.

GREAT BEND’S ART & WiNE WAlk

First Friday in May, come on downtown and stroll through the participating stores. See artists displaying their wares and sample some wine. A fun and popular event!

hEARTlAND FARm

www.heartlandfarm-ks.org

1049 CR 390, Pawnee Rock, 620-923-4585 hfarm@gbta.net

Facebook: HeartlandFarmKS

• Non-profit ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

• Registered agritourism operator.

• Tours and visitors welcome by appointment.

• Workshops and demonstrations year-round.

• Open-air pavilion, gift shop, arts and fiber studio, walking trails, and labyrinth.

• Organically-managed gardens. Find us at the Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market!

• Great spaces for bird watching.

• Guest housing available for individuals and groups up to 9.

• Official hosting site for Harvest Host.

• Day, short-term, and long-term volunteer opportunities.

• Home to a herd of lovable alpacas.

JACk kilBy SquARE

Downtown Great Bend

• The grounds that surround the Barton County Courthouse.

• Massive bronze sculpture created by local artist Chet Cale entitled “The Gift.”

• Splash pad.

• Holiday lights.

POlliNATOR GARDEN

Troy Schroeder

On the west side of the old Albert School on NW 130 Ave. on the western edge of the town of Albert.

• A mown path provides access to native plants with pollinator insects present.

• Additional wildflowers can be seen in strips adjacent to K96 on the South side running from CR390 (Otis Road) to a half mile west. Maximillian sunflowers with their showy yellow flowers should be in full bloom in early September. These were planted through a USDA program.

SANTAS AROuND ThE WORlD

1223 Main St., Great Bend, 620-792-2536

• Open around 6:30 p.m., following the Home for the Holiday Parade on Nov. 25, 2023.

REGULAR HOLIDAY HOURS NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 22

Saturday & Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

By Appointment: Contact Mike, info@RosewoodServices.com 620-792-2536, https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/ Admission is a freewill donation. Presented by the Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation.

SummER STREET STROll FARmERS mARkET

• Jack Kilby Square, downtown, Great Bend.

• Thursday nights, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. May - October.

TRAil OF liGhTS GREAT BEND

•Our light displays twinkle in various places around town, Brit Spaugh Park & Zoo, Jack Kilby Square, Veteran’s Memorial Park, K96 Hwy & 10th and MORE! Many light displays have been crafted by the City Park Department Employees. For more information contact

Great Bend Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, 620-792-2750 or City of Great Bend 620-793-4111. www.exploregreatbend.com

muSEumS AND hiSTORiCAl SiTES

BARTON COuNTy hiSTORiCAl SOCiETy muSEum & VillAGE

85 U.S. 281, Great Bend, 620-793-5125

• Located south of Great Bend on US 281, across the Arkansas River Bridge, the Village boasts several authentically furnished period buildings including a one-room school house, a church, a pioneer cabin and a Lustron home. Collections tell the story of this area from the Paleo Period through the Indian Wars to World War II and beyond.

• Admission $5 for non-members 16 & older.

Summer Hours (April - October)

Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Winter Hours (November-March)

Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

ClAFliN muSEum

406 N. Main Street, Claflin

620-786-9307 or 620-793-0546

• Open by appointment only.

• Housed on the second floor of the old Claflin Grade School with over 4,000 items and old photographs.

• Pertains mainly to the history of northern Barton County, including the towns of Claflin, Odin, Beaver, Hitschmann, Dubuque and Sts. Peter & Paul Church.

• Free Admission.

• Self-guided tour, spend as much time as you like.

ElliNWOOD uNDERGROuND TOuR

1 N. Main St. Ellinwood, KS 67526

Northwest corner of Main & Santa Fe, U.S. 56 at the stoplight. To make tour reservations call 620-617-6915 or 620-564-2400 or historicwolfhotel.com

Admission $12/adult - $6/kid 12 & under

• Built in 1887 and listed on the Kansas State Historical Register and the National Register of Historic places.

• Tunnels originally connected the business district.

• Original flooring, wallpaper, and barber’s mirror.

• Tunnels under the Dick Building and the Historic Wolf Hotel.

• Tours are conducted only by advance reservation.

• Prohibition era Speakeasy open on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Period style lunch the 3rd Sunday of every month.

• Hotel open year around by reservation.

FORT zARAh

East of Great Bend on Hwy. 56

• Roadside park located near one of the two original locations of the fort.

• Fort was established in 1864 to help protect mail service along the Santa Fe Trail.

hOiSiNGTON hiSTORy muSEum

120 E. 2nd, Hoisington, 620-786-5975 or 785-483-1250

• Call for appointment.

• Facebook - Hoisington History Museum.

kANSAS Oil & GAS hAll OF FAmE & muSEum

5944 10th St., Great Bend

https://www.ksoilandgasmuseum.com/

• Displaying the history of the oil & gas industry, geography of Kansas, and much more.

• The Kansas Energy Education Center offers an interactive space for youth programming.

• The Biggs Conference Room is available for private party rentals.

• The Hall of Fame Room highlights with photos and information the pioneers of the Kansas oil and gas industry.

• Hours: By appointment. Contact Dee Volpert, director, at 620-786-9320 for more information.

muSEum OF ElliNWOOD

104 N. Main, Ellinwood, 620-564-2886

ellinwoodhistoricalsociety.com

• Open Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Open mid-April until October. Or by appointment.

• Check Museum of Ellinwood facebook for information or the Ellinwood Community Historical Society web page.

PAWNEE ROCk hiSTORiC STATE SiTE

12 miles west of Great Bend on U.S. 56 Hwy., Pawnee Rock

• Natural landmark along the Santa Fe Trail. In the trail days it was 30 feet higher than it is today. A pavilion atop the rock, erected through the efforts of several women’s service clubs a century ago, indicates the original height before the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad took the top portion of the rock to use as fill in railroad construction.

• Enjoy a panoramic view across the prairie.

• Carving in rocks mark where travelers on the Santa Fe trail paused in their journeys, some as far back as the early 1800s.

SANTA FE TRAil

Barton County is proud of the trail history and heritage. There are four sites tributed to the trail and these include: Walnut Creek Ranch, Fort Zarah, Barton Co. Historical Museum And Pawnee Rock. From Plum Buttes to the Walnut Creek Crossing to Pawnee Rock, the area that is now Barton County played a major role in the history of the Santa Fe Trail. In 2021, the Santa Fe Trail commemorated its 200th Anniversary.

• Big Bend of the Arkansas River — This was the next overnight campground after leaving Cow Creek and the only reliable source of water in the area. Located on the west edge of Ellinwood.

• Walnut Creek Crossing — Located east of Great Bend. Also known as Allison Booth Ranch and Peacock Ranch. From 1855 through 1872, a number of enterprises were located there, including a trading post (ranch), stage station, post office, toll bridge, Camp Dunlap and Fort Zarah.

ThEATER

GOlDEN BElT CiNEmA 6

1222 Kansas Ave., Great Bend, 620-792-5769

• Movies shown Thursday - Sunday.

GREAT BEND

COmmuNiTy ThEATRE

Crest Theater

1905 Lakin Ave., Great Bend 620-792-4228

• Renovated former movie theater.

• Live performances.

• Available for rent.

ART

ShAFER ART GAllERy

Barton Community College

245 NE 30th Road, Great Bend 620-792-9342

https://www.bartonccc.edu/community/shafergallery

• Attached to the Fine Arts Building on BCC campus.

• Featuring trending regional and national artists.

• Workshops and family activities.

• Free admission, open year round Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Tour groups welcome.

• Gallery is closed for most college observed holidays.

1121 Washington St. Ste B, Great Bend 620-796-2113

620-786-4657

mdc.rehinsurance@gmail.com

Michael Carlson 620-796-2113

BARTON ARTS mOVEmENT

This volunteer-led initiative exists to create community pride through public art. Since 2020, 12 new mural projects have been installed across Barton County.

Artistic Points of interest in Great Bend:

Williams Street - murals at the intersections of 12th St., Forest Ave., and 16th St.

Main Street - between Charlie’s Place and Dilly & Doc Creative

Studio

Art Alley - located downtown behind Dry Lake Brewing, between Williams & Main St.

10th & Washington St.

Area murals:

115 N. Main Street in Hoisington

16 N. Main Street in Ellinwood

108 Main Street & 111 4th Street in Claflin

Go to www.bartonartsmovement. com for more information

Great bend’s historic draG strip

Since 1954, organized drag racing in Great Bend has brought auto and speed enthusiasts together at the former B-29 air strip west of the city.

The founders called themselves the Gasket Blasters, but soon became a national organization, the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association, or SRCA. In 1955, the drag strip hosted the first-ever National Hot Rod Association National Championship and in 1956 Great Bend hosted the first-ever American Hot Rod Association Championship.

According to SRCA track spokesperson Hank Denning, much of the funds used each year to keep the track operational are invested directly back into the city. As a 501(c) not-for-profit organization, the SRCA Club does not accept

public funding. The staff is volunteer, which allows any money the club takes in to be invested directly back into the facility.

In 1994 the drag strip was placed on the Register of Historic Kansas Places.

The track has been a vital part of both Great Bend’s past and its future, and its positive exposure. Thousands of racers and spectators have traveled to Great Bend each year to compete, test here or just watch the events.

The track was closed for repairs for the 2023 season and they hope to be open and racing again!

Country Pride - County Wide

This year’s theme says it all, there is a sense of Pride in the middle part of the US that is unmatched anywhere else in the United States. That sense of pride that you feel on a Friday night at a football game, that chill during a parade when the soldiers pass with the flag, or winning best of the show at your local county fair. But more importantly, being part of something bigger than yourself.

Pride is defined as, a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or qualities or possessions that are widely admired. At the county fair, we have a lot of opportunities for achievements to provide learning opportunities, display accomplishments and develop that satisfaction amongst peers that we all are looking for. That sense of pride drives all of us to do more, to improve our lives, and to help each other. When a person has pride in themselves, it becomes contagious and that smile, that love, that pride spreads to everyone you come in contact with.

County fairs are the catalyst for pride that people feel from all walks of life, who enjoy the learning opportunities fairs have to offer. As well as the entertainment value, the pleasure of participating in an event to reach a goal or display a talent, to show a part of themselves that others may not know about.

This year at the county fair you will see new events along with several older ones. A new carnival is scheduled to entertain along with some great music and displays that will grab everyone’s imagination. Commercial and livestock exhibits will be available to view and enjoy some good ole homemade pies and specialty foods that you have been waiting a year to try again.

I encourage each and every one of you to come out to this year’s fair and feel the pride that not only part of this county but all across the country.

Charles Atkinson President, Barton County Fair Association

Large group dining etiquette

Dining out presents an opportunity to socialize with friends and family and enjoy a break from cooking. It also offers a chance to try new cuisines and support local restaurants.

Dining out has become very popular. Many diners indicate dining out is an essential part of their lifestyles, and convenience is a prime reason for eating out.

When dining out, individuals may want to share the experience with others. While large groups can have successful outings, making these experiences better for all involved comes down to focusing on etiquette. Here are some dos and don’ts of dining out with large groups.

DO make a reservation with the restaurant as far in advance as possible. At the very least, call ahead to see if the establishment takes reservations (some do not) and find out their policies regarding large groups.

DON’T stagger the group’s arrival. Everyone should arrive at the established time for prompt service and to make it easier on the restaurant staff. Wait until your entire party has arrived before asking to be seated.

DO bring cash along, as that makes it easier to divide the bill and the tip among diners.

DON’T ignore the gratuity policies of the restaurant. Certain establishments automatically apply a gratuity to the bill, typically around 18 percent, for large parties. Check the bill for such a gratuity to avoid tipping twice.

DO enlist a person in charge at the table to facilitate ordering and keep the momentum of the meal. This helps keep everyone on track.

DON’T assume that the restaurant can simply add a few more seats for last-minute invitations. Keep the restaurant apprised if someone needs to be added or removed from the reservation. Consider giving a final head count and confirm the reservation the day before.

DON’T forget to discuss how the bill will be divided. Some people may be amenable to splitting costs evenly. However, if someone orders filet mignon and another orders a small salad, the cost disparity is significant. Be up front with the server regarding whether you’ll need separate checks.

Dining out with a crowd can be an enjoyable experience. Keep courtesy in mind at all times.

Loads of fun & prizes!

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Great Bend Events Center

3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Free Admission - Exhibits Galore

Door Prizes - Demonstrations

oin your gal pals at the Women’s Expo. This event has become a highly anticipated September tradition for women throughout the area.

Get your tickets at the Great Bend Tribune office, 2012 Forest, in your newspaper or online at www.gbtribune.com

As part of this annual event, donations and nonperishable food or pantry items will be collected at the door to benefit the Barton County Food Bank. Donations will also be taken to help fill the list of items Barton County teachers needs for their classrooms.

The Great Bend Tribune’s Women’s Expo is a chance for you to see what’s in and new in the worlds of fashion and beauty, health and fitness, personal and work life. Check out exhibits, demonstrations, services and wares from area businesses as well as door prizes and give-aways provided by vendors and so much more!

Don’t forget to register for tons of prizes. There will be a Grand Prize drawing again this year.

Government

Barton County Elected Officials

Bev Schmeidler County Clerk/Election Officer

1400 Main, Rm 202, Great Bend 620-793-1835 • 620-793-1990 fax

This office has bookkeeping and records keeping responsibilities; real estate transfer record – records transfer of ownership from deeds filed with the register of deeds, probates, divorce decrees, death certificates, etc.; Issues Fish and Game licenses, large game permits, etc.; Certification of valuation; Prepares homestead/food sales tax returns for low income or elderly persons; Prepares financial reports to the state of Kansas; Acts as the official election officer.

James Jordan County Treasurer

1400 Main, Room 208, Great Bend 620-793-1831 • 620-793-1978 fax

This office acts as a collection agency for the county. It is responsible for collection of all taxes and distributes tax money to all taxing units in the county. For vehicle registrations and title workproof of insurance is required. Real estate and personal property taxes are due and payable on or before Dec. 20. First half must be paid at that time, second half due by May 10 the following year. Personal property becomes due and payable in full if the first half is not paid by Dec. 20. Personal property includes boats, campers, trailers, motor bikes, etc. Oil and gas is considered to be personal property.

M. Levi Morris County Attorney

1400 Main, Room 302, Great Bend 620-793-1851 • 620-793-1855 fax barton.cntyatty@bartoncounty.net

The county attorney is the chief law enforcement officer in Barton County. This office handles felony crimes, select misdemeanor and traffic prosecutions. These cases include murder, rape, robbery, juvenile offenses, care and treatment actions, child in need of care, criminal appeals, select traffic offenses, and many others.

Brian Bellendir Sheriff

1416 Kansas, Great Bend 620-793-1876 • 620-793-1885 fax

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office serves a population of 27,703, which includes nine cities, and 22 townships. Additionally, the sheriff’s office provides assistance to municipal police departments and assists state and federal law enforcement agencies. It is also equipped with specialized units, such as the Crisis Response Team, K-9 Unit, a Reserve Deputy Force and an Explorer Group.

In addition to investigation and patrol duties, the department also maintains the county’s detention facility. The Civil Process Officer serves and executes legal papers, garnishments, divorce papers, protection from abuse orders, evictions, mental petitions, and other legal papers.

Glenda French Register of Deeds

1400 Main, Room 205, Great Bend

620-793-1849

Pending approval from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly

This office is charged with recording and preserving all land records. This office has custody of and safely keeps and preserves all the books, records, deeds, maps, papers and microphotographs deposited or kept in the office of the Register of Deeds. The office also records or causes to be recorded all deeds, mortgages, maps, instruments and writings authorized by law to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, maintains county school records, Uniform Commercial Code and corporation records, processes passports for the general public and is responsible for the private sale of lots or transfer of ownership through another means for both County owned cemeteries. All records in the office of the Register of Deeds are open records except for the Kansas Real Estate Sales Validation Questionnaire which is open to those protesting their taxes, Kansas Certified General Real Property Appraisers, Bankers and Realtors.

Note: The Barton County Courthouse is undergoing an HVAC project. Many offices are temporarily located at 1500 Kansas. The project is expected to last into mid-2024.

Barton County Commission Districts

dreif@ bartoncounty.org

besfeld@ bartoncounty.org

shutchinson@ bartoncounty.org

www.bartoncounty.org

tschlessiger@ bartoncounty.org

dzimmerman@ bartoncounty.org

The Barton County Commissioners meet Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise announced.

Barton County Courthouse 1400 Main St., Room 106, Great Bend. All meetings are open to the public. 620-793-1847 or 620-793-1800 • 620-793-1807 Fax

Duane Reif Member 785-735-8006

1st District

Barb Esfeld Member 785-483-1384

2nd District

Shawn Hutchinson Chairman 620-786-1705

3rd District

Tricia Schlessiger Member 620-562-7744

4th District

Donna Zimmerman Member 620-786-8923

5th District

Barton County Commission Districts

Barton County Department Directory

Appraiser

Wendy Prosser

1400 Main, Room 206, Great Bend

620-793-1821, 620-793-1820 fax

Duties include: This office has the responsibility to discover, list, appraise and maintain records of data relating to all taxable and exempt real and personal property within the county.

Central Kansas Community

Corrections

Amy Boxberger

1806 12th St., Great Bend 620-793-1940, 620-793-1893 fax

Communications / 911 Director

Dena Popp

1300 Stone, Great Bend 620-793-1920

Duties include: Provides emergency dispatching services for Barton County Sheriff, police departments of Claflin, Ellinwood, Great Bend and Hoisington, Kansas Highway Patrol, and all fire departments and emergency medical services in the county.

Emergency Management and Risk Management

Amy Miller, KCEM

1400 Main Room 108, Great Bend 620-793-1919, 620-786-4450 cell 620-793-1983 fax

Services Provided: This department provides emergency preparedness functions to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from disasters.

Provides public education and information to encourage personal emergency management. In addition, risk management and safety functions for Barton County are handled by this department.

Engineering

Barry McManaman, PE

1400 Main Room 108, Great Bend 620-793-1808

Services Provided: Plans, develops and maintains the county’s infrastructure to provide safe travel and enhance the life of Barton County citizens. Coordinates related activities with cities, townships and other governmental units.

Environmental Management/Zoning

Judy Goreham

1910 18th St., Great Bend 620-796-4300, 620-792-9905 cell 620-796-2282 fax

Duties include: Enforces the Barton County Environmental & Sanitary Code. Permitting includes water wells, septic systems, licensing of wastewater contractors, water testing, property transfer inspections and environmental assistance. It also enforces the Barton County Zoning Regulations, the Barton County Nuisance Code and licenses fireworks stands that are in unincorporated areas of the county. It also handles most of the Floodplain Regulations compliance for the unincorporated areas.

Facilities Management

Pam Christendon

1400 Main, Rm 109, Great Bend 620-793-1873, 620-793-1807 fax

County Administrator

Matt Patzner

1400 Main, Room 107, Great Bend 620-793-1800, 620-793-1807 fax

Duties include: In-house fiscal responsibilities, investments, payroll and some community development.

Operations generally involves budget management, staff supervision, fleet and asset control and other duties as assigned by the Board of Barton County Commissioners.

Health Director

Karen Winkelman

1300 Kansas, Suite B, Great Bend 620-793-1902, 620-793-1903 fax

Information Technology

Dereck Hollingshead

1400 Main, Rm 201, Great Bend 620-793-1841, 620-793-1990 fax Provides technical support to all county offices.

Juvenile Intake and Assessment Services (JIAS)

Marissa Woodmansee

1213 Baker Ave., Great Bend 620-793-1930, 620-793-1977 fax

Landfill

Solid Waste Landfill

Jennifer Hamby

350 NE 30 Road, Great Bend

Hours - Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 620-793-1898, 620-786-9485 cell 620-793-1899 fax

Services Provided: Solid Waste Management, Environmental Compliance, Household Hazardous Waste Program.

• Household Hazardous Waste collections are scheduled the third Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the landfill, AprilOctober (weather permitting). Check website for other locations, www.bartoncounty.org. By appointment, Monday through Friday. Citizens may contact the Barton County Landfill for more information, 620-793-1898.

• The program is open to all residents of Barton, Ellsworth, and Pawnee counties and it is free of charge. Hazardous waste from commercial businesses is not allowed.

• What is allowed includes: Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, any gardening chemical, household cleaners, automotive cleaners or fluids, all paint related products, and batteries. The facility does not accept agricultural pesticides over 2.5 gallons or 10 pounds total volume per customer. Check website for complete list and requirements. There is also a giveaway program of these items, call for information.

Road and Bridge/Noxious Weeds/ Memorial Parks & Cemeteries, Road and Bridge

Darren Williams 2401 7th St., P.O. Box 518, Great Bend 620-793-1816

Noxious Weeds:

2300 6th St., P.O. Box 518, Great Bend 620-793-1936, 620-793-1938 fax

Memorial Parks & Cemeteries: 1400 Main, Rm. 205, Great Bend 620-793-1816

Note: The Barton County Courthouse is undergoing an HVAC project. Many offices are temporarily located at 1500 Kansas. The project is expected to last into mid-2024.

Township Officials

ALBION

Clerk—Rocky Meitner, 620-653-7596 or 620-282-8633,1280 NW 60 Ave. Olmitz, KS 67564

Treasurer—Sarah Younger, 620-617-3021

773 NW 160 Rd., Olmitz, KS 67564

Trustee—Raymond V. Christians

620-653-7684, 532 NW 160 Rd. Hoisington, Kansas 67544

BEAVER

Clerk—Scott Schlochtermeier, 620-639-6595

856 NE 210 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

Treasurer—Terry R. Miller, 620-786-5385

573 1st Ave., Beaver, KS 67525

Trustee—Jennifer Steinert, 620-791-8755

1922 Main, Beaver, KS 67525

BUFFALO

Clerk—Kent Romine, 620-793-2985

674 SW 10 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

Treasurer—Russell Carson, 620-793-7453

441 NW 70 Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530

Trustee—Herbert L. Phillips, 620-797-1639

578 NW 40 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

CHEYENNE

Clerk—John Lamatsch, 620-587-9977

1396 Lewis–Odin, Claflin, KS 67525

Treasurer—Francis J. Debes, 620-587-3668 or 620-786-4501, 749 NE 130 Rd. Claflin, KS 67525

Trustee—John Klug, 620-587-3952

908 St. Stephan Ave., Claflin, KS 67525

CLARENCE

Clerk—Dennis Comer, 620-923-4688

172 NW 140 Ave., Albert, KS 67511

Treasurer—LaVerne Oetken, 620-793-6905

1116 NW 10 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

Trustee—David LeRoy, 620-793-7153 or 620-791-7193, 955 NW 20 Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

CLEVELAND

Clerk—Brian Hoffman, 620-587-2348 or 620-562-7619, 1938 NE 100 Ave. Claflin, KS 67525

Treasurer—Kevin Wirth

620-587-3687 or 620-791-7874

2150 NE 110 Ave., Claflin, KS 67525

Trustee—Greg Lamatsch, 620-587-3856

1080 NE 190 Rd., Claflin, KS 67525

COMANCHE

Clerk—Linda Borror, 620-564-2484

1043 SE 20 Rd., Ellinwood, KS 67526

Treasurer—Barry Borror, 620-566-3187

1043 SE 20 Rd., Ellinwood, KS 67526

Trustee—Kenneth Spangenberg

620-786-4230, 573 SE 80 Ave.

Ellinwood, KS 67526

EUREKA

Clerk—Michael McCurry, 620-791-8622

232 NW 100 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

Treasurer—Luke Keener, 620-617-4667

850 NW 50 Ave., Olmitz, KS 67564

Trustee—Gary A. Tindall, 620-653-4688 or 786-0911, 995 NW 40 Ave. Hoisington, KS 67544

FAIRVIEW

Clerk—Deric Funk, 785-445-2958 2093 NW 90 Rd., Russell, KS 67665

Treasurer—Dennis N. Steinert

620-935-4333 or 620-923-5489

2257 NW 80 Ave., Russell, KS 67665

Trustee—David W. Keil, 785-445-5175 1007 NW 220 Rd., Russell, KS 67665

GRANT

Clerk—Mark Stos, 620-786-7017

1333 NW 150 Rd., Otis, KS 67565

Treasurer—Daphyna Epperson

620-617-0014, 1249 NW 150 Rd. Otis, KS 67565

Trustee—Joe F. Axman, 620-586-3274 898 NW 140 Rd., Olmitz, KS 67564

GREAT BEND

Clerk—R.L. Engle, 620-793-7767

1314 College View Dr. Great Bend, KS 67530

Treasurer—Mike Snyder, 620-793-7043 48 NW 48 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

Trustee—Denis Bachand, 620-792-1932

304 NE 30 Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530

INDEPENDENT

Clerk—Ryan Oeser, 620-282-3449

109 B St., P.O. Box 184, Claflin, KS 67525

Treasurer—James J. Debes, 620-786-1342

310 E. Hamilton, P.O. Box 45 Claflin, KS 67525

Trustee—Randy Oeser, 620-588-2362 or 620-617-7967, 101 6th, Claflin, KS 67525

LAKIN

Clerk—Aaron Birzer, 620-564-2130 or 620-786-1555, 1146 NE 20 Rd. Ellinwood, KS 67526

Treasurer—Corey Robl, 620-786-6810 996 NE 10 Rd., Ellinwood, KS 67526

Trustee—Mark Knop, 410 E. 6th St. Ellinwood, KS 67526

LIBERTY

Clerk—T.R. Esfeld, 620-793-3643 314 SW 50 Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530 Treasurer—Brad Kershner, 620-792-6222 673 SW 20 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

Trustee—N/A

LOGAN

Clerk—Joseph V. Zink, 620-562-8417

850 NE 150 Ave., Claflin, KS 67525

Treasurer—Joy Hertach, 620-587-3450 or 719-306-4606, 947 NE 160 Ave. Claflin, KS 67525

Trustee—David P. Wirth, 620-587-3795 or 786-0589/786-1361, 673 NE 150 Ave. Ellinwood, KS 67526

NORTH HOMESTEAD

Clerk—Kody Lang, 620-791-7621

306 NE 160 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

Treasurer—Richard W. Lacey, 620-653-4929

2 NW 120 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

Trustee—Shawn D. Jonas, 620-653-2935

56 NE 150 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

PAWNEE ROCK

Clerk—Roy Prescott, 620-639-2690

1183 SW 30 Rd., Pawnee Rock, KS 67567

Treasurer—Scott Loving, 620-982-4393

1049 W. Hwy. 56, Pawnee Rock, KS 67567

Trustee—Dale D. Dirks, 620-982-4663 or 620-786-0677, 1235 SW 10 Rd., Pawnee Rock, KS 67567

SOUTH BEND

Clerk—Darren Nicolet, 620-786-8829

59 SW 20 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

Treasurer—Marilyn J. Selle, 620-617-4987

198 SE 30 Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530

Trustee—Craig A. Amerine, 620-793-9705 or 620-793-0206, 325 SE 40 Ave. Great Bend, KS 67530

SOUTH HOMESTEAD

Clerk—Brandon Yeakley, 620-562-0032, 846 NW 10 Ave., Hoisington, KS 67544

Treasurer—Scott Heier, 620-617-7307

761 NW 10 Ave., Hoisington, KS 67544

Trustee—Wayne Reif, 620-653-2022

171 NW 80 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

UNION

Clerk—Justin Ludwig, 620-617-8267 or 620-617-8267, 197 NE 220 Rd. Hoisington, KS 67544

Treasurer—Brittany Woydziak, 661-916-3724

1826 NE 10 Ave., Hoisington, KS 67544

Trustee—Rob Goreham, 620-786-0846

1705 NE 20 Ave., Hoisington, KS 67544

WALNUT

Clerk—Wes Meitner, 620-617-6769, 1266 NW 100, Olmitz KS 67564

Treasurer—Dale E. Maneth, 620-586-3326 or 785-532-8971, 1171 NW 110 Rd. Olmitz, KS 67564

Trustee—Steve Schneider, 620-586-3280 or 620-923-5432, 897 NW 120 Ave. Olmitz, KS 67564

WHEATLAND

Clerk—Tim Maier, 620-653-4665 525 NW 190 Rd., Hoisington, KS 67544

Treasurer—Garry Batt, 620-935-4390 or 785-483-1109, 2269 NW 30 Ave. Russell, KS 67665

Trustee—Kevin Nettleingham, 620-653-7695 749 NW 180 Rd., Olmitz, KS 67564

Township officials are elected by residents of their township. Elections are held during regular county-wide elections.

Clerks: Term 2023-2027

Treasurer: Term 2021-2025

Trustee: Term 2021-2025

Township Map

State Government

STATE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Governor Laura Kelly State Capitol 300 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66612-1590

Phone: 785-368-8500

https://governor.kansas.gov

Secretary of State

Scott Schwab

Memorial Hall, 1st Floor 120 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66612-1594

Phone: 785-296-4564

kssos@ks.org

STATE SENAToR

Attorney General

Kris W. Kobach

120 SW 10th, 2nd Floor Topeka, KS 66612-1597

Phone: 785-296-2215

https://ag.ks.gov

Lt. Governor

David Toland

State Capitol

300 SW 10th Ave.

Topeka, KS 66612-1590

Phone: 785-368-8500

https://governor.kansas.gov

NATIoNAL GoVERNMENT

State Treasurer

Steven Johnson

900 SW Jackson, Ste. 201 Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: 785-296-3171

Unclaimed Property: 785-296-4165

www.kansasstatetreasurer.com

Insurance Commissioner

Vicki Schmidt

1300 SW Arrowhead Road Topeka, KS 66604-4073

Phone: 785-291-3299

Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484 (KS only) kid.commissioner@ks.gov

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Republican 521 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: 202-224-6521

www.moran.senate.gov

HoUSE LEGISLAToRS

District 33

Senator Alicia Straub, Republican Capitol Room: 237-E

Seat: 4

Phone: 785-296-7682

Email: Alicia.Straub@senate.ks.gov

Home: 401 S. Kennedy, Ellinwood, KS 67526

Phone: 620-564-2196

Email: straubforkansas@gmail.com

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, Republican 479A Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: 202-224-4774

www.marshall.senate.gov

District 112

Representative Tory Marie Blew, Republican Capitol Room: 512-N

Seat: 45

Phone: 785-296-7363

Email: ToryMarie.Blew@house.ks.gov

Home: P.O. Box 103, Great Bend, KS 67530

Phone: 620-603-8967

Email: tmarnberger@gmail.com

District 113

Brett Fairchild, Republican

Capitol Room: 176-W

Seat: 111

Phone: 785-296-7667

Email: brett.fairchild@house.ks.gov

Home: 150 NW 40th St. St. John, KS 67576

Phone: 620-546-4510

Email: Fairchild_2@hotmail.com

District 109

Troy Waymaster, Republican Capitol Room: 111-N

Seat: 7

Phone: 785-296-7672

Email: troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov

Home: 3528 192nd Street, Bunker Hill, KS 67626

Phone: 785-483-2822

Email: twaymaster@aol.com

U.S. Representative

Tracey Mann

Republican, 1st District 344 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: 202-225-2715

www.mann.house.gov

Judicial Services

barton county courthouse 1400 Main, Great Bend county attorney

M. Levi Morris 620-793-1851

20th JuDIcIaL DIstrIct court

The 20th Judicial District consists of the following counties: Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford.

District court clerk

Martha Rivas 620-793-1856

honorable steve Johnson, chief Judge 1400 Main, Great Bend 620-793-1863

honorable carey L. hipp, District Judge 210 North Kansas, Ellsworth 785-472-8931

honorable Lisa beran, District Judge 1400 Main, Great Bend 620-793-1863

honorable timarie Walters, District Magistrate PO Box 365, St. John 620-549-3295

honorable andrea cross, District Magistrate 401 N. Main St., , PO Box 876, Russell 785-483-5641

honorable richard burgess, District Magistrate 101 W. Commercial St, Lyons 620-257-2384

honorable Peggy svaty, District Magistrate 210 N. Kansas, Ellsworth 785-472-3832

20th JuDIcIaL DIstrIct court serVIces (Probation services) 1806 12th, Great Bend 620-793-1887

centraL Kansas coMMunIty correctIons 1806 12th, Great Bend 620-793-1940

JuVenILe IntaKe 1213 Baker, Great Bend 620-793-1930

Note: The Barton County Courthouse is undergoing an HVAC project. Court offices are temporarily located at 1709 Main in Great Bend, Kansas. The project is expected to last into mid-2024.

Dr. Sam Beugelsdijk, MS,

Dr. Lauren Spore,

Healt H

Immunization Requirements for the 2023-2024 School Year

K.S.A. 72 - 6261 - Kansas Statutes Related to School Immunizations Requirements and K.A.R. 28-1-20, published July,18, 2019 in the Kansas Register, defines the immunizations required for school and early childhood program attendance.

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap): Five doses required. Doses should be given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years (prior to kindergarten entry). The 4th dose may be given as early as 12 months of age, if at least 6 months have elapsed since dose 3. The 5th dose is not necessary if the 4th dose was administered at age 4 years or older. A dose of Tdap is required at entry to 7th grade.

• Hepatitis A (Hep A): Two doses required. Doses should be given at 12 months with a minimum interval of 6 months between the 1st and 2nd dose.

• Hepatitis B (Hep B): Three doses required. Doses should be given at birth, 1-2 months, and 6-18 months. Minimum age for the final dose is 24 weeks.

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two doses required. Doses should be given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years (prior to kindergarten entry). Minimum age is 12 months and interval between doses may be as short as 28 days.

• Meningococcal-Serogroup A,C,W,Y (MenACWY): Two doses required. Doses should be given at entry to 7th grade (11-12 years) and 11th grade (16-18 years). For children 16-18 years, with no previous MenACWY, only one dose is required.

• Poliomyelitis(IPV/OPV): Four doses required. Doses should be given at 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and 4- 6 years (prior to kindergarten entry). Three doses are acceptable if 3rd dose was given after 4 years of age and at least 6 months have elapsed since dose 2.

• Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses are required. Doses should be given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years (prior to kindergarten entry). The 2nd dose may be administered as early as 3 months after the 1st dose, however, a dose administered after a 4-week interval is considered valid. No doses are required when student has history of varicella disease documented by a licensed physician.

Legal alter natives to school vaccination requirements are found in K.S.A. 72-6262. In addition, to the immunizations required for school entry the following vaccines are recommended to protect students:

• Human Papillomavirus(HPV): Two doses recommended at 11 years of age or three doses if the series is started after 15 years.

• Influenza: Annual vaccination recommended for all ages > 6 months of age. Number of doses is dependent on age and number of doses given in previous years.

ADULT IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULES MAY BE FOUND ON THE BARTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

www.bartoncounty.org

CLARA BARTON MEDICAL CENTER

250 W. 9th, Hoisington • 620-653-2114

CLARA BARTON MEDICAL CLINIC

252 W. 9th, Hoisington • 620-653-2386

Nathan Knackstedt, DO | Internal Medicine

T. Scott Webb, DO | Family Practice

Kyle Renner, MD | Family Practice

Kayla Johnson, MD | Pediatrics

Ken Baxa, DO | Rheumatology

Debra Brockel, PA Phillip Barnes, PA

Kelci Burkey, PA-C Taylor Bieberle, PA-C

Jenna Anderson, PA-C Brandi Lowe, PA-C

Therapy Services

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy

250 W. 9th, Hoisington • 620-653-5065

CLARA BARTON SuRGICAL SERvICES

252 W 9th Street, Ste. B, Hoisington • 620-653-4191

P.J. Stiles, MD

Roxanne Stiles, MD

Jeremy Howes, MD, FACS

Leah Alpers, PA-C Ashley Boxberger, PA-C

252

Cardiology

Bassem Chehab, MD

316-265-1308

2nd and 3rd Monday

Costy Mattar, MD

620-669-2717

Second Tuesday

Neurosurgery

Scott Boswell, MD

785-823-1032

Fourth Tuesday

906

Nephrology

316-263-5891

Amanda Valliant, MD

First Monday and Tuesday

urology

Andrew Jensen, MD

316-636-6100

Third Thursday

Orthopedics

Randall Hildebrand, MD

620-792-4383

Third Friday

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Christine Sanders, MD

800-779-6979

Second Wednesday

Neurosurgery

Scott Boswell, MD

785-823-1032

Second Tuesday

CLARA BARTON MEDICAL CLINIC

GREAT BEND

906 McKinley, Great Bend • 620-793-6900

T. Scott Webb, DO | Family Practice

Kyle Renner, MD | Family Practice

Kayla Johnson, MD | Pediatrics

Kelci Burkey, PA-C

Jenna Anderson, PA-C

Taylor Bieberle, PA-C Brandi Lowe, PA-C

Pediatric Care Clara Barton Clara Barton

Caring for your family through every stage of life!

Dr. Kayla Johnson Pediatrician Brandi Lowe, PA-C Kelci Burkey, PA-C

W. 9th St., Hoisington

McKinley, Great Bend

CLARA BARTON SPECIALTY OuTREACH CLINICS

Groundbreaking began Friday, March 3, 2023 for construction of the new Ellinwood District Hospital. Work on the new building and site is expected to take 18 months. Below is the artist rendering of the new hospital.

Why choose Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for your care?

ELLINWOOD HOSPITAL AND CLINIC

605 N. Main, Ellinwood, 620-564-2548

ellinwooddistricthospital.org

PROVIDERS

Christopher Brown, MD Charlie Joslin, MD

Diane Haines, APRN • Kathy Wyer, APRN 24/7 ER CARE

INPATIENT CARE

OUTPATIENT SERVICES

IV Therapy & Injections, Port-A-Cath & PICC Line Care Allergy Injections

THERAPy SERVICES

Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapy

Troy Moore, PT • Allison Widener, PT

John Cuffe, Occupational Therapist

Bobbi Cuffe, Speech-Language Pathologist

Dianna Smith, PTA • Audrey Lewis, PTA

RESPIRATORy THERAPy

IMAGING SERVICES

X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography, DXA, & EKG

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL LABORATORy

ELLINWOOD CLINIC

611 N. Main, Ellinwood, 620-564-3771

ellinwooddistricthospital.org

FAMILy CARE

Well-Child & General Checkups, School & DOT Physicals, Well-Woman Exams, Acute Illnesses, Chronic Illnesses and Conditions, Sports/Work Injuries, Childhood Vaccinations

SPECIALTy SERVICES

Endoscopy and Cardiology

Why choose Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for your care?

Why choose Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for your care?

For generations, families have chosen Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for their family’s healthcare needs. We offer a unique approach to medicine: we take the time to get to know you and your family, to listen to you and your questions and concerns, and to care for you as a person.

Why choose Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for your care?

For generations, families have chosen Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for their family’s healthcare needs. We offer a unique approach to medicine: we take the time to get to know you and your family, to listen to you and your questions and concerns, and to care for you as a person.

With new technologies, open lines of communication, and a dedicated team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals that care about you, you’ll be on the way to your best life even quicker.

Our team is dedicated to your care and your healing.

With new technologies, open lines of communication, and a dedicated team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals that care about you, you’ll be on the way to your best life even quicker.

We’ll treat your family like our family.

For generations, families have chosen Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for their family’s healthcare needs. We offer a unique approach to medicine: we take the time to get to know you and your family, to listen to you and your questions and concerns, and to care for you as a person. With new technologies, open lines of communication, and a dedicated team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals that care about you, you’ll be on the way to your best life even quicker.

Our team is dedicated to your care and your healing.

Our team is dedicated to your care and your healing. We’ll treat your family like our family.

We’ll treat your family like our family.

For generations, families have chosen Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic for their family’s healthcare needs. We offer a unique approach to medicine: we take the time to get to know you and your family, to listen to you and your questions and concerns, and to care for you as a person. With new technologies, open lines of communication, and a dedicated team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals that care about you, you’ll be on the way to your best life even quicker.

Our team is dedicated to your care and your healing.

Giving Blood

Barton County citizens are given several different opportunities to donate blood for the American Red Cross.

Great Bend blood drive coordinator Corry Herrman has dealt with American Red Cross blood drives since 1991. She notes that the Red Cross blood supply relies on the generosity of volunteer donors.

“Not everyone can donate blood. Currently, only three out of every 100 people in America do. But every 2 seconds someone in this country needs blood, and the Red Cross needs not only its faithful donors of the past but new contributors as well.

“The donation can add days, perhaps years, to the life of someone in need,” Herrman said. “We need more blood donors constantly because some of our regular donors may be unable to donate and the need is constant,” says Herrman.

“Even those who cannot donate can help organize blood drives at their place of work, churches, schools or organizations to which they belong. Or they can assist at selected drives or Red Cross centers. The Red Cross also encourages current donors to share their experiences with friends and bring them to donate with them.”

Watch the Great Bend Tribune for news on blood drives or check the American Red Cross site https://www.redcrossblood.org and find the sites where drives are going to be held in Barton County.

Your family’s guide to better health.

Great health starts with great primary care – and at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine, you’ll find quality and convenience. With same-day appointments, extended hours, telehealth options and our complete range of primary care services for all ages, we are your whole family’s connection to better health.

New patients welcome! We are open five days a week, with evening hours until 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Call now for an appointment: 620-804-6007

Kurtis Herwich, DO

Crystal Hill, MD Arlo Reimer, MD

Susan Aistrup, APRN

Heather Holaday, APRN

RecReation

City Parks and Playgrounds

My Backyard Playground

At the Great Bend Rec Activity Center

2715 18th, Great Bend

HOISINGTON

Bicentennial Park

West 7th & Monroe, Hoisington

Playground, tennis courts, ballfields, horseshoe pits, walking trail, pickleball courts.

Heritage Park

Clay & 3rd, Hoisington

East Park 3rd & Pine, Hoisington

CLAFLIN

Claflin City Park

400 W. Front, Claflin

Corner of Main & Albro, Claflin

GREAT BEND

Great Bend Brit Spaugh

Park and Zoo

2123 Main St., Great Bend

Includes Tot Spot playground for smaller children and larger playground for older children. Skateboard arena, located immediately northwest of the zoo, is open during regular park hours (6:00 a.m. to midnight). Users must bring their own skateboards and safety equipment. Visitors to the park can enjoy several ramps and other trick props. Users of the park are urged to use the facility with extreme caution. The City of Great Bend accepts no liability for injuries that result through usage of the park.

Harms Park

2305 Heizer, Great Bend

Heizer Park

Eighth and Heizer, Great Bend

Santa Fe Trail Park

10th and Frey, Great Bend

Veterans Memorial Park 4800 17th St. Terrace

Great Bend

Lots to do here. Fitness trail, Argonne Forest, disc golf, ballparks, tennis courts, sand volleyball, 12 acre lake, fishing, shelter houses, and includes toddler playground for smaller children and larger playground for older children.

Dog Park

Northwest side of Veterans Memorial Park at 17th and McKinley, open daily.

Lafayette Park Barton County Courthouse Square, Great Bend

You may know this park better by the name Jack Kilby Square, thanks to the legacy of Nobel Prize winner Jack Kilby, who is featured in a bronze statue on the west side. Seven quilt blocks are set in the sidewalks surrounding the square. The south side of the park is used for the Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market and other

activities. After Thanksgiving until New Year’s, the synthetic ice skating rink is open, with free skate rental, watch the Great Bend Tribune for the hours.

ELLINWOOD

Ellinwood City Park

7th and Park, Ellinwood Includes a shelter, playground equipment, and basketball court

Leisure Activities & Water Fun

YOUTH AND ADULT ACTIVITIES

See your local Recreation Centers for more seasonal youth sports and lessons.

Claflin Recreation Commission

406 Main St., Claflin 620-588-4321 claflinrec.weebly.com

Ellinwood Recreation Commission

13 N. Main St., Ellinwood 620-566-7323 ellinwoodrec@gmail.com www.ellinwoodrec.com

Great Bend Recreation Commission

Carl Soden Recreation Center

1214 Stone St., Great Bend Great Bend Activity Center 2715 18th St., Great Bend 620-793-3755 greatbendrec.com

Hoisington Recreation Commission

1200 Susank Road, Hoisington 620-653-4050 hoisingtonrec.com

SWIMMING

Barton Community College

245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend 620-786-1144

www.bartonsports.com/facilities/poolindex

Claflin

Municipal Swimming Pool

400 W. Front St. 620-588-3655

www.cityofclaflin.com/city-pool

Ellinwood

Municipal Swimming Pool

209 W. 1st St., 620-564-3441 www.cityofellinwoodks.com/services/pool/ Free splash pad is located next to the pool.

Great Bend

Wetlands Waterpark 2303 Main, 620-792-1516 www.greatbendwaterpark.com

Splash Pad

1400 Main, Great Bend

The free pad is located on the south side of the Barton County Courthouse.

Hoisington

Municipal Swimming Pool

721 N. Center St., 620-653-2535 www.hoisingtonks.org/swimming-pool

Wetlands Waterpark

When summer arrives, there’s one local attraction that’s guaranteed to make a splash: the Great Bend aquatic center – Wetlands Waterpark.

Weather permitting, the pool is open from 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend in May to mid-August. Once things heat up, the pool is also open for Family Nights from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s located in Brit Spaugh Park at 2303 Main St., next to the Brit Spaugh Zoo.

More than just a municipal swimming pool, the water park’s fun wetlands artwork and big play features make it a unique, regional attraction.

The pool features seven water slides, zero-depth entry for small children, spray features, floatables that separate the deep end from the shallow end, a climbing wall and a 300 gallon tipping bucket that periodically spills onto those who dare to stand under it.

For those taking a break in the shaded areas, there are brightly colored umbrellas and a concession stand. Visitors can also find green grass and a bathhouse for changing.

Admission to the Wetlands is $3 for youths 3-17 years old, $4 for adults 18 and older, and free for children under 3. Admission on Family Nights is $2, and discount passes good for 15 visits are available for $40. The aquatic center is also available for private parties and special events. For more information call 620-792-1516 during the pool season. Outside of the pool season contact Parks Superintendent Scott Keeler at the City Office, 620-793-4111.

The Great Bend Recreation Commission offers summer swimming lessons taught by American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructors and GBRC water safety aides. For more information contact Recreation Program Coordinator Megan Hammeke by calling 620-792-2604.

Youth & Adult Sports

YOUTH SPORTS

See your local recreation centers for seasonal youth sports and lessons.

BASEBALL

Great Bend Bat Cats (collegiate)

Roger Ward, 620-282-6159

AMERICAN LEGION

Great Bend Braves (17 under)

Randy Beck, 620-793-2191

BOMBERS BASEBALL (16 under)

Mike Minton, 620-617-8007

Chris Umphres, 620-282-7369 BOMBERS BASEBALL (12 under)

Brian Dreiling 620-704-0960

SUNFLOWER LEAGUE

Hap Dumont Great Bend Recreation 620-793-3755

HOISINGTON LITTLE LEAGUE

Hoisington Recreation 620-653-4050

BASKETBALL

Barton Summer League Barton Athletic Office 620-792-9377

Mid-America Youth (MAYB) 316-284-0354 mayb@mayb.com www.mayb.com

BOWLING

Walnut Bowl 3101 North Washington Great Bend 620-793-9400

BOXING

Silver Boy Boxing Club Silverto Garcia, 620-282-1836 Jefferson & 8th, Great Bend Membership required

FOOTBALL

Pride of Kansas League

Great Bend Rex Kern, 620-791-8464

Hoisington Gene Mooney, 620-445-5151

Ellinwood Justin Joiner, 620-791-7032 joinerjustin@yahoo.com

GOLF COURSES

Claflin Golf Course NE 150 Ave, Claflin, K-156, 2 miles east, ½-mile North of Claflin

Grove Park Golf Course 407 West 3rd, Ellinwood 620-564-3123

Lake Barton Golf Course 673 US 281 North Between Great Bend and Hoisington 620-653-4255

DISC GOLF COURSES

Veterans Memorial Park 2100 McKinley, Great Bend

Barton Community College 245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend

MINIATURE GOLF

Walnut Bowl 311 North Washington Great Bend 620-793-9400

SOCCER

Great Bend United FC Jesus Loera, 620-282-988

Great Bend Panthers Eduardo Vallez 620-617-3071

Panthers United Girls Juan Segura/Armando Leyva 620-797-9659

SWIM TEAM

Golden Belt Swimming Shannon Somers, 620-792-6466 scsomers@hotmail.com

VOLLEYBALL

Heart of America/USA

Volleyball (17 and under)

www.hoavb.org

Velocity Volleyball Club Greg, Becca Maxwell 620-617-1594

KIDS WRESTLING

Great Bend Wrestling Club

Jesse Richter, 620-282-2910

gbwrestlingclub@gmail.com

gbkwc@hotmail.com

Hoisington Kody Cook, 620-617-5258

Hike, Bike, and More

RacinG

SRca DRaGSTRip

455 W. Barton County Road

Sunflower Rod and Custom Association Inc. 620-792-5079 www.srcadragstrip.com.

WalKinG TRailS

claflin

Tradition Trail & city loop

Both are popular trails used by residents - directions can be found on bartoncounty.org

Great Bend

clara Barton Hospital

Walking path

906 McKinley

HORSESHOES

DROp-in HORSESHOES

Horseshoe pits located at Brit Spaugh Park across from Park School in Great Bend. Call the Great Bend Recreation Commission 620-793-3755 for league times and dates.

HiKE OR BiKE

RivER HiKE. BiKE TRail

Travel South on Washington to Stone Lake. Across the dike is a double track to the west between the dike and river. After 1/4-mile there is a single track going left into the trees. Trail is 7 miles.

laKE BaRTOn MOunTain BiKE TRail

Travel North on U.S. 281 from Great Bend to NW 60 Road. Turn left at former 4-H Building. Signs direct to a 2-mile loop, The single-track route is a dirt/ mountain bike trail. The 1.8-mile walking trail takes an average of 33 minutes. Trail is perfect for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.

OFF-ROaDinG

OFF-ROaD aSSOciaTiOn Todd Honomichl, 620-786-1581 for membership information. One mile south of K-156 on Radium Road. Facebook (Central Kansas Off-Road Association).

Hunting and Fishing

FiSHinG anD BOaTinG

cheyenne Bottoms

Wildlife area

620-793-7730

56 NE 40th Road

Hunting, fishing, trails, bird watching.

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, & Parks.

Rotary lake

7th & McArthur, Great Bend

Scott Keeler, Parks Director, 620-793-4160

Public access.

Stone lake

Washington St. & Railroad Ave. Great Bend

Scott Keeler, Parks Director, 620-793-4160

Public access.

Picnic area, nature trail. Must follow motor, fishing regulations.

veterans Memorial park and lake

4800 17th St. Terrace

Great Bend

Scott Keeler, Parks Director 620-793-4160

Public access.

No motors, must follow fishing regulations.

Great Bend levee Trail West Barton County Road and Locust Street. The Great Bend Levee Trail runs atop the flood control levee on the north bank of the Arkansas River on the edge of Great Bend. Users will encounter rural, suburban and industrial environments. The trail offers views of the

Arkansas River and nearby farming operations.

Great Bend Fit Trail

Veterans Memorial Park

2100 McKinley, Great Bend

The Fit Trail features 11 outdoor workout machines.

Kansas Wetlands Education center

George Stumps Trail

592 NE K-156, Great Bend. The 0.4-mile loop trail takes an average of 7 minutes to complete. The popular trail for birding and walking is open year-round.

Hoisington clara Barton Hospital

Walking path

250 W. 9th St., Hoisington

Bicentennial park

Walking path

Along U.S. 281 and K-4 in Hoisington

607 W. 15th, Ellsworth, KS www.cashco.com

COME CHECK US OUT!

• Kanopolis Lake

Cashco manufactures a proprietary line of self-contained regulators and control valves along with tank blanketing vents. We supply our products on a global basis. We are always looking for mechanically inclined employees to work as machinists or assemblers.

• Mushroom Rock State Park

• Wilson Lake

• Local parks

• Downtown Shopping

• Hodgen House Museum

• Ellsworth Area Arts Council Gallery

• Ellsworth Golf Course

• Public Library

• Recreation ball fields

• Local Swimming Pool

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