Great Bend Police Department Incident Log (8/30)

Animal Complaint

At 9:16 AM reports of a dog at large at 1407 Washington.  Animal Control responded.

Theft

At 10:43 AM reported someone entering a residence and taking medication at 903 8th Street.

Found Property

At 11:42 AM reported finding a bicycle at 1500 block of Williams St.  Item was booked into evidence.

Burglary In Progress

At 12:08 PM reports of trespassing and stealing a bike at 2208 McCormick St.

Traffic Arrest

At 1:03 PM Erik Simpson was arrested for driving while suspended.

Check Vehicle

At 2:15 PM reports a vehicle parked where overlaying roadway at 8th & Williams.  Vehicle was moved.

Theft

At 2:57 PM reported female subject attempting to shoplift items at 3503 10th St. Subject paid for items.  No Theft.

Driver Complaint

At 3:12 PM reports a vehicle running a red light at 2716 24th Street.

Check Vehicle

At 3:20 PM reports of a truck revving its engine at 2027 Morton.

Animal Complaint

At 1:09 PM reports of dog barking in the area of 2530 McBride Parkway.

Barton County Sheriff’s Department Incident Log (8/30)

Alarm

At 3:53 AM employee advised they set alarm off at 5 SE 90 Ave.  Alarm was reset.

Traffic Stop

At 1:23 PM a traffic stop was conducted on N US 281 in Hoisington.  Warning was issued for impeding traffic.

When Jessica Homolka was hired in February as the next Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President, she knew right away her top focus would be a four-day event the first weekend of September. The 121^st Hoisington Labor Day Celebration starts up this Friday and lasts through Labor Day on Monday.

Planning all the events was a quick way for Homolka to realize the help she has available and to meet a lot of people.

Jessica Homolka Audio

The Celebration gets started with the Kick-Off Community BBQ Friday night from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at along with the 5^th Quarter Beer Garden at 7^th and Main Street. The carnival will fire up at 6 p.m. each night and 11 a.m. on Monday. The 100.7 Eagle Country Annual Labor Day Parade down Main Street begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday.

For a complete list of events and times visit hoisingtonkansas.com.

Sheryl Neeland has many years of experience relating to children as a USD 428 school counselor. But her contribution to the welfare of youngsters doesn’t stop there.

Neeland also volunteers to help children through the grieving process during the annual Memories Matter Bereavement Camp.

This year’s camp is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at Assembly of God Church, 601 S. Patton in Great Bend.

Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice (GBHH&H) created the camp and directs it every September for children ages 5-12 who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

The event is free of charge and is underwritten by St. Rose Health Center. GBHH&H is part of the St. Rose family.

“When a loved one passes away, children don’t say anything about it because they think it will upset everyone,” Neeland said. “Everybody is thinking about the person but no one is talking about the situation.

“We can help these youngsters at Memories Matter,” she continued. “It is important for kids to share memories; and our organized activities are designed to help them do that.”

For example, children and counselors create memory boxes and memory booklets that contain photos and other mementos.

“These items can help kids retain clear memories in the years to come,” Neeland explained. “The activity also fosters spontaneous conversations that are important to the grieving process.”

While parents and guardians don’t have to participate in Memories Matter, Neeland encourages them to do so.

“The camp is beneficial to adults too,” she noted. “Helping parents is as important as anything we do because ultimately they help their children. Sometimes the conversations get too emotional for the camp venue but that is okay. They can take what they learn at Memories Matter and follow up later at home.”

Neeland also noted some children attend the camp for more than one year. “It is rewarding to see the growth from year to year. One young girl came back as a teen mentor. I have been so impressed with her and her guardian for this commitment.”

The counselor’s background is at the elementary-school level but now she serves Great Bend Middle School. Her children also have volunteered at Memories Matter.

Donita Wolf, GBHH&H manager, said she appreciates the support from the Neeland family.

“We called on Sheryl more than 15 years ago, seeking her expertise,” Wolf said. “She had referred children to Memories Matter and we thought she could help. We were right.”

In addition to Wolf, Chaplain Larry Schumacher and Social Worker Cathy Soeken represent GBHH&H at the camp.

Activities include music, art projects, games and a puppet show.

“Children discover they are not alone in their grief,” Wolf commented. “They feel so very alone and it helps when they interact with others going through the same thing.

“Children are the forgotten mourners,” she continued. “A death brings the need to cope with emotions and adjustments. It is a heavy burden. We want them to know their feelings are normal and a reflection of the love they have for the person. This has a profound impact.”

For more information or to register, contact GBHH&H by calling 620-792-8171; stop by the office on St. Rose’s first floor; or visit www.strosehc.com