Bartlett’s infrastructure investments benefitting Barton County wheat and soybean producers
the company is a leading U.S. exporter of grain to Mexico. Bartlett supplies all classes of wheat, foodgrade corn, and soybeans to millers and processors, and produces a full line of commercial patent flours.
At its Great Bend facility, Bartlett employs about 20 on-site Team Members and handles wheat, milo (yellow grain sorghum) and soybeans sourced from area farmers, cooperatives and commercial grain elevators. Most of the wheat and milo Bartlett purchases locally is either shipped by rail to Customers in Mexico, or transported to the company’s own flour mills in Coffeyville, KS and in North Carolina.
With Bartlett’s new soybean crush plant under construction in Southeast Kansas, near Cherryvale, the opportunities for soybean producers in Barton County and the surrounding area have increased significantly. The crush plant will be operational later this year, and will handle up to 45 million bushels of soybeans annually. Bartlett has invested to expand its Great
Kaleb Guilfoyle named origination manager
Kaleb Guilfoyle stepped into the role of origination manager at Bartlett Grain’s Great Bend office on Jan. 5. As the person in charge of all producer origination, he deals directly with farmers in buying their bushels of grain.
Guilfoyle said he became interested in a career in agriculture back in high school, through his involvement in FFA. He then attended K-State and got into an internship doing elevator operations. He interned with Bartlett, dumping trucks and cleaning bins at an elevator.
He and his wife Madison are recently married and fairly new to the Golden Belt. Guilfoyle moved here in December.
“We’re super-excited to be a part of this community,” he said, adding he is also
Bend facility in recent years to keep pace with growing demand for soybeans and other ag products. This includes doubling its track capacity at the site in 2022,
excited to have the opportunity to serve Bartlett’s customers. “I look forward to getting to know our producer base and continuing the good service.”
Coworkers at the office are Kade McGinn, originator, and Lacie Hunter, office manager. Bartlett Grain, 15 NE 60 Ave., Great Bend, is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours during harvest.
to provide more efficient handling of both inbound and outbound rail traffic.
“Our new soybean crush plant that is nearing completion in Cherryvale
will generate a strong demand for locally produced soybeans, and we’re excited to work with area farmers, cooperatives and grain elevators to help supply that demand,” said Kaleb Guilfoyle, Origination Manager at Bartlett’s Great Bend facility. “This project has allowed us to handle soybeans for the first time in the
facility’s nine-year history, giving us another way to serve the local producers and increase their ability to access more domestic and global markets. By contributing to our local economy this way, we’re also helping to support the community and the people who live and work here.”
Recent investments to expand and increase
capacity at Bartlett’s flour mill in Wilson’s Mills, NC and the company’s facilities in Mexico is also benefitting Great Bend area producers by providing reliable demand for the locally grown wheat received and handled at this facility. For more information about Bartlett, visit the company’s website at www. bartlettco.com.
Eldridge Fencing Celebrates 30 Years in the Fencing Industry
Eldridge Fencing, a family-owned business that started in a garage in 1994, is proud to announce its 30th anniversary as a leading provider of fencing solutions in Central and Western Kansas. Founded with a commitment to exceptional workmanship, service, and quality products, Eldridge Fencing quickly outgrew its initial space, prompting a move to a 500 sq. foot facility within the first year. Over the years, the company experienced continuous growth, expanding its offerings to include the Traeger Wood Pellet Grill
products. In 2005, Eldridge Fencing relocated to an 800 sq. ft. fencing store, complete with a showroom, vinyl and metal shops, and an expanded yard that allowed for nearly triple the inventory and selection. The facility also features an Outdoor Cooking showroom, showcasing three grill lines, meat processing products, spice & sauce lines, and grill accessories. With the increasing demand in the fencing industry, Eldridge Fencing took a significant step in 2006
Steve’s Truck
by establishing Western Kansas Fence Supply (WK Fence Supply). This wholesale distributor specializes in vinyl fence, deck, and handrails, as well as chain link, iron, and aluminum fencing. With an extensive inventory and two inhouse fabrication shops, WK Fence Supply has the capability to fulfill diverse customer needs.
“We believe our experience in the installation and fabrication of vinyl, ornamental iron, and chain link fence materials sets us apart from the rest,” said Wally Eldridge, Owner, Eldridge Fencing. “Eldridge Fencing
and WK Fence Supply collectively employ 25 hardworking individuals and proudly supply over 100 fencing companies across three states. As we celebrate three decades in the industry, we remain dedicated to providing unmatched service and top-quality products.” Eldridge Fencing and WK Fence Supply express gratitude to their customers, partners, and the communities they serve for their continued support. Looking ahead, they are enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve new clients and further contribute to the growth and development of the fencing industry.
Repair: Three Decades of Excellence in Vehicle Maintenance
Celebrating over three decades of dedicated service, Steve’s Truck Repair (Steve’s) proudly stands as a trusted name in vehicle repair and maintenance. Established by Steve Moran in 1983 as a one-man operation, Steve personally turned wrenches to keep vehicles in top shape. Today, as the business manager, he oversees a team of three technicians.
Two specialists focus on large diesel trucks, while another excels in domestic cars and pickups. This diverse skill set ensures that Steve’s can proficiently handle a wide range of vehicles.
In the early 2000s Steve’s expanded, adding a 50-foot bay to the workshop. The transition from a sole proprietorship to an incorporated entity reflects the business’s commitment to growth and professionalism.
Equipped with the latest tools and technology, Steve’s utilizes SNAP-ON scan tools for both small and large vehicles. As a
dealer for Jasper Engines & Transmissions, they also offer remanufactured products backed by an impressive 3-year, 100,000-mile warranty. For the agricultural and transportation sectors, Steve’s keeps a comprehensive inventory of Baldwin filters on hand, catering to farm and semi-tractor needs. Their services extend to DOT
inspections for over-theroad trucks and trailers, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Steve Moran expressed, “Our commitment to quality service is behind our
United Way assists those needing a hand up
Editor’s note: Charell Owings, executive director of United Way of Central Kansas, put together this progress report for UWCK.
In 2023, United Way of Central Kansas focused heavily on raising awareness of and bringing assistance to those who are considered ALICE. ALICE is Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These individuals and families make up 44% of the Barton County population and 48% of the Pawnee County population. To do this work, UWCK started with Laundry Love.
Laundry Love washes the clothes and bedding of low or no-income families, free of charge, once a month in both Barton & Pawnee Counties. Providing funds for laundry isn’t the main goal of this program though. By coming to where those in need are, UWCK is able to assist with connecting them to the resources that are available in our community. In 2023, UWCK helped nearly 100 families in Pawnee County and 300 in Barton County to clean over 1,800 loads of laundry.
United Way of Central Kansas also started an Impact Grant program. This allows organizations to apply for small grants of less than $1,000 to help them provide services to those in need. Funding was awarded to Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas for disaster relief after the Great Bend storm this past summer as well as to Barton County CORE Community. UWCK partnered again with Barton County CORE Community, thanks to sponsorship from Barton County COPE to offer a Poverty Simulation. This unique program provided the community with a firsthand experience of living in poverty and fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families living in low-income situations. Participants from this event commented on how stressful it felt, even during a simulation. That it went from exciting and fun very quickly to the realization that they weren’t going to make it. Every “family” in the simulation ended up evicted from their homes. Following the event, members of CORE told their stories, further deepening the impact that this event had. United Way’s annual Stuff the Bus event also changed up this year. Focusing on providing backpacks and supplies to students in need. Thanks to the generosity of the community, UWCK was able to provide 250 backpacks to schools in Great Bend, alleviating some of the stress of back-to-school expenses that families faced even more this year due to rising costs.
It was also important to UWCK to be active and engaged at events where those who are ALICE would be. Staff and board members took part in numerous community events, providing information about resources, talking to those in need about what they are facing, and working with groups to start to make changes and improvements to better our community as a whole.
Looking ahead to 2024, UWCK’s focus will continue to be advocating for and assisting with helping those in our community who need a boost. Providing and hand up for the betterment of our community.
Barton’s New Ag Complex
and is in addition to the current CNH Industrial Program at the college. ere is a classroom, lab, and stock pens for the animal science proe lab area allows animals to be brought in for examination and demis greatly enhances the ability for hands on experiences for
• Finally, there is a classroom and shop/lab area for the crop protection is allows the students a dedicated area to work with equipment and perform experiments. equipment from sprayers
• In addition, the expansion allows for the College to develop over the next year or so, a farm area for students in the crops area to have hands on experience in row crops and is includes examining crop varieties, tillage techniques, and
Countryside Veterinary
BY ALEXIS SEXTON asexton@GBTribune.comCountryside Veterinary Associates has been providing care to animals of all sizes and breeds for over 50 years. When you think of the vet you probably think that only cats and dogs are being seen but that’s not the case. Dr. Bill Niederee says that, “In a small town like Great Bend Kansas you need to be prepared to treat any animal. Countryside has 3 categories that they place these animals into: companion animals, livestock, and exotic animals (birds, lizards, fish etc.) At Countryside they commonly assist with birthing, bone plating, fracture repair and pet boarding. Whether you need to bring in your bird to check on his feathers or call Dr. Niederee himself to help in a livestock birth, they can do it all.
One thing Countryside Veterinary is working right now is pet dental health awareness. With February
being National Pet Dental Health Month. It’s a great time to go out and get the supplies to ensure your pet’s teeth are in tip top shape. Many studies are coming out about animal dental hygiene, it was been proven that a healthy mouth can add years on your furry companion’s life. When you don’t take care of your animal’s teeth, diseases that affect the tissue in the mouth causes their teeth to fall out. And some diseases will effect your animal’s organs.
Most pet owners don’t realize how important oral hygiene is. This is why 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop some type of oral disease before they turn three years old. Even if you can’t get to it every day, brushing your animal’s teeth can have an incredible impact on their quality of life. Never use human toothpaste on your pets and remember to be gentle. You can always do your own research on how to actively prevent dental diseases in your pets.
Golden Belt Beef
With over 50 years of experience, Golden Belt Beef takes pride in quality and service. What began as a dream from a young man transpired into an industry leading, family owned operation. Their farm, located north of St. John. is where their cattle receives top notch care and are fed by carefully trained employees.
Roto-Mix
Roto-Mix is the leader in feed mixers, feed delivery boxes, compost mixing and manure spreading. Discover the wide variety of available products for your needs. They would love to hear from you about how they can help you get the best mixing and spreading performance.
Owned and operated by Stan Kaiser, they opened a specialty store north of St. John that has quite a selection of products from Kansas Raised Beef. Currently the selection includes: ground beef, steaks, roasts, ribeye, brisket, chorizo, sausage, brats, ribs, pig ears, tri-tip, all beef hot dogs, and sandwich meats.
In 1984 Ben Neier and Bill Pullen founded the company in Dodge City. Since it’s been founded, Roto-Mix has expanded and now includes additional manufacturing facilities located in Hoisington, Sunnyside Washington, and a retail location in Scott City. Roto-Mix has
Their favorite saying is “we don’t just want you to enjoy our beef, we want you to have an experience! Golden Belt Beef also ships anywhere in the Continental United States.
The store located at 1105 U.S. Hwy 281, is open Monday- Friday 10 am- 6pm, and Saturdays 10am- 3pm. They can be
successfully filed several patents regarding their livestock mixing and feeding equipment. The most valuable commodity is their 100+ skilled and dedicated employees. Each and every one of them is committed to delivering a superior product to our dealers and end-users.
Nex-Tech
highest quality Internet, with speeds up to 1 Gig, streaming TV, home security, and local and long distance phone service.
Nex-Tech also provides an array of enterprise solutions including cloud services, Hosted PBX, network security, managed IT, physical security
work operations monitoring to business clients nationwide.
Nex-Tech focuses on providing the best technology and support with the best people. With stores in more than 20 locations, a full-service Help Desk and 24-hour Network Operations Cen-
Nex-Tech Wireless
Nex-Tech Wireless connects thousands of people and businesses through a broadband network and cutting-edge technology. Their powerful fiber-tothe-premise and fiberto-wireless technologies deliver the highest quality Internet with speeds up to 1 Gig, streaming TV, home security, and local and long-distance phone service. Nex-Tech also provides an array of enterprise solutions including cloud services, cloud phone,
bringing the best technology, it means understanding what’s important, seeing customers around town, and cheering on the home team, according to Nex-Tech employees. They are located at 3700 10th St. in Great Bend, and can be reached at 620-792-3908.
network security, managed I.T., physical security and surveillance, creative solutions, and network operations monitoring to business clients nationwide. They pride themselves on focusing on providing the best technology and
support with local people. There are six employees based out of the Great Bend store. a full-service Help Desk, and a 24-hour Network Operations Center, They are located at 2827 10th St. in Great Bend. Call 620-796-5400.
G&H Insurance: Three Decades of serving area farmers with Family Values
G&H Insurance, a family-owned business rooted in Kansas family values, proudly celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. Since its began, G&H Insurance has been dedicated to serving farmers with a commitment to family traditions—a legacy diligently preserved by current owner Clay Boepple. The journey of G&H Insurance began three decades ago when Gwyn Boepple, Clay’s mother, laid the foundation for the business. Gwyn initially joined a local insurance firm as a secretary, but in 1992 the businesses headquarters was relocat-
The Kansas Oil & Gas Hall of Fame and Museum is a great spot to learn and expand your knowledge about the oil and gas industry and its history. This museum is located just west of Great Bend city limits and the collections are above and beyond.
Tours are available to the public, youth group programs, private parties, industry safety meetings, and school field trips. A tour offers insight on the production of gas and oil from start to finish. There are interactive activities that let everyone have a fun time while learning.
On top of the tours and collections, there is the Hall of Fame that showcases the portraits and biographies of inductees. Anyone is welcome to nominate a candidate for the Hall of Fame; this nominee will then be subjected to the approval of the Board of Directors.
Miller Warehouse offers an extensive line of pipe and fittings, hoses, valves and many other item. They guarantee to meet your oil field, farm, industry, irrigation, and residential needs. If you prefer online orders, they are now accepting them through their web site. Orders will be ready for you when you
Smith Oil Supply
Smith Supply LLC is currently in its 25th year of business. The late coowner Roland L. “Smitty” Smith began his career in sales as the Circulation Manager of the Great Bend Tribune and then ventured into the oil and gas business by learning it from the ground up. Smith Supply LLC
subsurface pumps and gas-powered pumping engines. Smith Supply acquires casing, tubing and line pipe from several mill resources and utilizes regional wholesale vendors for fittings and additional products. They live by their motto — “Night or Day, Just a Phone Call Away.” Smith said it isn’t
respond,” Smith said. In addition to their efforts in the oil and gas industry, Smith Supply LLC understands the need to invest in the community. They have been long time supporters of the United Way of Central Kansas, the Kansas Oil & Gas Museum Foundation,
American Plains Coo-op
Beginning in 1959 to serve the Great Bend area, this Co-op has grown to 16 elevators, 13 fueling sites, and handles seed, feed, bulk fuel, grain, and farm supply services across Kansas and Oklahoma. The American Plains Coop is a cooperative that offers grain, fertilizer, energy and sustainability services to its members. Although,
the Farmstore is open to the public for gardening and animal supplies, including but not limited to vegetable seeds, animal feed, fencing supplies, and cattle equipment. Their hours are MondayFriday 7:30am to 5pm, Saturdays 7:30am to noon. Stewardship at American Plains Co-op means protecting the land
and being responsible with inputs. It means helping growers to get the most out of every unit of input. Their headquarters is located in Great Bend, Kansas, which is centrally located. The Cooperative has grown significantly, with annual sales totaling nearly $250 million dollars and 175 full-time employees.
GA Consultants focuses on trucking safety
HOISINGTON — GA Consultants is a familyowned business based in Hoisington that has been helping trucking companies navigate the confusing world of DOT safety regulations for over 20 years. GA Consultants provides support and clerical services to small, independent trucking companies with 10 trucks or less that cannot afford the cost of in-house safety personnel. The majority of their 200 plus carriers are based in Barton and the surrounding counties.
GA Consultants Inc. was incorporated in January of 2007. Founding owners were Greg Armstrong, Beckie Armstrong, and Pam Hickel. Greg and Pam were working as independent consultants at the time with Beckie being a strong, but silent
Wheatland Electric
Wheatland Electric is proud to “Deliver Energy for Life” to over 20,000 homes and businesses in Kansas. Wheatland Electric is more than a company, they’re a Cooperative. The company is owned by the people they serve, and they
take their mission seriously.
The electricity delivered by Wheatland Electric fuels crucial fans int he grain bins after harvest time, keeps life-support equipment running for older people, lights up athletic fields, and powers night
lights for people scared of the dark.
Wheatland Electric has seen problems in the communities they serve such as lack of reliable internet service, scarce supply of quality water, and poor service, and stepped up to be the solution.
supporter. Greg, Beckie, and Pam are also board members.
Greg came from a 30-year law enforcement background. For the last seven years of his law enforcement career, he worked with the MCSAP program as a supervisor over the western half of Kansas. With this background, he retired in 2000 and became an independent Motor Carrier Safety Consultant.
Pam Hickel began working with Greg on a part-time basis in 2003. In 2005, she decided that Motor Carrier Consulting was the career for her and went to work with Greg full-time.
Beckie Armstrong stepped into a more hands on role in April 2013 and quickly became an integral part of the company.
Greg and Beckie retired in spring of 2020 turning over the day-today operations to Pam. They both maintain their ownership and membership on the board.
The current team members include Seth Orebaugh and Karen VanBrimmer. Seth joined the team in December of 2017. Karen started with GA Consultants in January of 2023.
Each person’s individual contributions has helped to propel GA Consultants Inc into a rapidly growing company that is respected throughout the Kansas (and further) trucking community. With over 120 compliance reviews with a satisfactory rating, GA Consultants Inc. has also earned respect with the enforcement side of trucking.
Southwind Drilling: 20 years of
ELLINWOOD — Southwind Drilling has provided full-service drilling operations for Mid-Continent Oil Operators in Kansas for the past 20 years. They currently provide three drilling rigs capable of drilling wells from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. They are current members and sponsors of Kansas Independent Oil & Gas Association (KIOGA), which is the lead state and national advocate for Kansas independent oil and natural gas producers, and American Petroleum Institute (API), which provides scholarships for students either pursuing a petroleum-related degree and/or their parents are employed in an oil-related
industry. “Our rig managers have extensive knowledge and years of petroleum industry experience in drilling. We understand the needs of our customers, and we never lose sight of the fact that ‘We are a Service Company.’ We believe this combination has been the contributing factor to the company’s success and growth over the past several years,” said Todd Morgenstern, Southwind Drilling’s President. The rest of the Southwind Drilling’s management team consists of Chris Batchman, Vice President, Frank Rome, Drilling Superintendent, and Jill Suchy, VP Operations.
Mark’s Custom Signs revamps Great Bend road’s image
BY ALEXIS SEXTON asexton@GBTribune.comMark’s Custom Signs is a locally owned family business that has been providing their community with custom signage since 1977. Being located in the same spot for years, you know exactly where to go if you need a new decal for your home or a new LED sign for your business. Mark’s Custom Signs understands
that everyone has a unique vision when it comes to design. To ensure that Mark’s Custom Signs exceeds expectations, they will go through the design, and installation, as well as the maintenance processes with you. They have the equipment and experience to complete almost any project that you can think of. With a thriving business, people often forget small details about
the company that makes it special. Jeremy Guthrie says that his father Mark still does the hand stripping as well as the hand painting for their company. With this being a lost art, it adds a lot of value to the projects coming from Mark’s Custom Signs. From flags, to car decals, no job is too hard for this team. They offer a variety of signs ranging from neon to aluminum.
They also offer custom indoor wall decals and printed graphics. If you need a billboard or an awning, Mark’s Customs Signs has you covered. With the increased business that the company has been receiving, they have had to make a change to the radius where they can do jobs. The new radius will be 60 miles out.
One of the projects you will see that they are
doing this year is putting signs around the city that will direct drivers to attractions and other locations in Great Bend. They will also be helping with the Ellinwood District Hospital, the Little Panthers, and USD 428’s administration buildings signage. “There are a lot more projects taking place but these are just the bigger ones we have going on right now,” said Jeremy.
Haz-Mat Response is ready in an emergency
Haz-Mat Response in Great Bend is one of six HMR offices, with the home office in Olathe. Its employees provide emergency response service at any environmental emergency. HMR also contracts with multiple trucking companies and railroads throughout the U.S., as well as pipeline services.
Haz-Mat Response owns and operates specialized equipment for industrial service needs, including but not limited to, tank cleaning, confined space rescue, excavation, and liquid and dry vacuum service.
Trey McFadden at HMR said the company also serves the community. “We’ll do small and large-scale dirt
construction projects. We’re always more than happy to answer questions about the type of work we do.”
The staff in Great Bend numbers around 15.
Located at 5935 10th St. in Great Bend, the office is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The HMR hotline number is 800229-5252.
Bob’s Oil Service, Inc.
Bob’s Oil Service has served the community for 38 years with oilfield lease work, dirt work, equiptment hauling, renting tanks, and more. Bob’s Oil Service is currently owned by Bob and Donna Long.
Each and every customer is valued and the employees strive to have a good relationship with each person. With their six employees, their goal is to do the best job possible in the fastest way.
Bob’s Oil Service, Inc. is located in Ellinwood, Kan., and can be reached at 620-564-3070.
The Victory Garden serves up healthy connections with community and nature
With spring-like weather previewing in central Kansas, Barton County District Manager Veronica Coons is excited about what’s in store at the Victory Garden of Barton County for 2024.
“It’s still a little early to dig in, but garden season is just around the corner,” she said.
The Spring Gardening Basics class presented by Barton County Master Gardeners will be back for its second year. This year, classes will be held on Saturday mornings at the Great Bend Public Library beginning in March. Gardeners from the 2023 season who are returning will begin spring planting soon, and applications are being taken now for the vacant raised beds. Plans are also underway for installing the first phase of a native grass and flowering plants display to increase awareness of the benefits of native plantings for pollinating insects and small animals.
“Community gardens bring people together in a positive and healthaffirming activity,” Coons said. “That’s the whole point of this gardening partnership. When we pitched the idea to the Barton County Master Gardeners and the Barton County Historical Society
Village, we envisioned a place where county residents could learn about gardening, engage in gardening, and meet others who garden. When we connect with nature and with others in this way, there are so many benefits!” The benefits of gardening include light to moderate exercise, and exposure to the sun and fresh outdoor air. There are a number of studies that have concluded that being outside and in nature helps to reduce stress and improve mood and outlook. Connecting with nature also helps us to become more aware of how our actions in the land have lasting effects, and can motivate us to more conservationpositive practices, Coons said.
by volunteers who share produce with the community through donations to food banks and the Hungry Hearts mission at the Dream Center in Great Bend.
It’s also where budding gardeners can get handson experience during the gardening classes offered in the spring. The garden is located on the west side of the Lustron House at the Barton County Historical Society Village located on US 281 just south of the Great Bend city limits.
Also, there’s the produce! Recently, a study from the University of Sheffield in the UK concluded people who grow a percentage of their
own produce in home or allotment gardens eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and waste less of the same.
The Victory Garden of Barton County offers both a communal
gardening experience and an allotment gardening experience. The communal gardening experience happens through the Learning Garden. This is a larger garden tended
There is also an allotment-style garden that currently includes 10 raised beds that people in the county can tend for their own use. These beds are also located at the history museum between the main building and the transportation barn.
The allotment garden also includes a small herb garden space where gardeners are free to harvest fresh herbs throughout the season.
People who want an allotment space can apply now for the 2024 garden season. At the end of the season, they can indicate if they want to return the following year and their space will be saved for them. There are currently seven spaces available.
The garden season is from March 1 to October 1.
Gardeners can grow what they like, provided it is not classified as an illegal plant or a noxious weed.
So, flowers, vegetables, small fruits, and herbs are welcome, with only a few exceptions. For more information, contact the Barton County Conservation District at 620-792-3346 extension 303.