BOOKED: Kevin Clawson of Larned on BTDC case for contempt of court, no bond.

BOOKED: Cale Cordell of Great Bend on BTDC warrant for contempt of court, no bond.

BOOKED: Juvenile male of Great Bend on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, $350 cash only bond.

RELEASED: Kevin Clawson of Larned on Barton County case for contempt of court.

RELEASED: Juvenile male of Great Bend on Hoisington Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, released on OR bond approved by Judge Alvord.

RELEASED: Alexandra L. Dirreen on Barton County District Court serve sentence.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced bipartisan legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six-Triple-Eight” – during World War II. The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians.

“As we begin to conclude our Black History Month celebrations and turn our attention to Women’s History Month, I am honored to introduce legislation advocating for Congressional Gold Medals for the women of the 6888 – the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II,” said Sen. Moran. “These brave women and their service to our country deserve to hold a special spot in history and I will continue working with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to make certain the Senate does our part in honoring their service and sacrifice.”

This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.).

Items to Note:

• Last October, the Senate unanimously passed Sen. Moran’s resolution honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
• Last November, Sen. Moran participated in the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.

The Great Bend City Council Monday night approved change order number five for the waterline replacement project which approved and additional $297,000. The additional work was needed along Forest Avenue from Jackson to Washington and the abandonment of an existing line at 9th and Stone.

On-Call City Engineer Josh Golka hopes this will be the last change order that will be needed as the project that began in September of 2017 is almost complete.

Josh Golka audio

The change order approved Monday also included Storz nozzles on 53 new fire hydrants that was requested by the Public Works Department and the Great Bend Fire Department.

Another chance to grab breakfast for supper is available in the Great Bend community as the local Kiwanis Club will host their 62^nd Annual Pancake Feed Thursday, March 7. The pancake feed will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Great Bend Expo Complex west of town.

Kiwanis member Barb Esfeld says the $4 tickets are still available.

Barb Esfeld Audio

The feed makes it possible for the Kiwanis Club to continue to sponsor many activities for Great Bend youth and the needs of many individuals in the area.

The Great Bend Kiwanis Club awards scholarships, hosts a spelling bee, Halloween parade, costume drive, Easter egg hunt, and organizes food baskets.

Barton County received a state grant years ago intended to be used for economic development. The goal for the economic development revolving loan was to allow start-up businesses to get off the ground in their infant stages. The businesses have to meet certain requirements to receive the grant money, such as being initially denied a loan from a bank.

Custom Rebath in Great Bend is currently making use of this loan, and now a second Barton County company has been approved to receive loan payments.

INA Alert, Inc. in Ellinwood had their application approved to receive $100,000 in the form of the economic development revolving loan.

Bob Wetmore is the Executive Co-Director of Great Plains Development from Dodge City. Great Plains provides administrative services on Barton County’s loan and Wetmore says the money will help I.N.A. purchase inventory and retain or create full-time jobs.

Bob Wetmore Audio

As businesses repay the loan with interest, the economic development fund continues to build up for more qualifying companies to receive funding in the future.

Bob Wetmore Audio

INA Alert in Ellinwood specializes in messaging software for businesses and surveillance camera systems. The company is owned by 19 partial investors but is managed by Monty Strecker, Nick Strecker, and Jake Strecker.

BUSINESS NEWS

The Great Bend Recreation Commission has some great programs for your child over Spring Break.

Meet your friends at the Activity Center for fun over Spring Break.  This day will include crafts, games, snacks, bowling or Putt Putt golf at Walnut Bowl along with some other fun organized activities.  Students will be making their own ham or turkey and cheese sandwiches for lunch.  Fruit, pickles, chips and a beverage will also be provided.  Students will be bused to and from Walnut Bowl by USD 428.  This activity is open to children ages 6 – 12 and will be held on Tuesday, March 12^th, from 9:00 am – 4:00 p.m. at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18^th St.).  The entry fee is $15.00.

The Great Bend Rec is also offering a Cooking Dinner Kids Day Out.  Get your child signed up for this Kids Day Out and let them cook your dinner for you.  During the class, students will be cooking a meal for dinner that night to enjoy with one adult.  They will also be decorating the table that you will enjoy your meal at and learn the correct way to set a table.  The meal will be served at 5:15 pm in the Burnside Room at the Great Bend Rec Center (1214 Stone St.).  Please note the meal is only for the student and one adult.  This activity is open to children ages 7 – 12 and will be held on Wednesday, March 13^th, from 1:00 to 5:45 pm at the Great Bend Rec Center (1214 Stone St).  The entry fee is $15.00.

Then on Thursday, March 14^th, we’re offering a FHSU Construction Kids Day Out.  If you’re into construction, the FHSU STEM van will be coming down form Hays for the day with several construction projects.  During the day, students will be challenged to produce different ways to complete projects.  Some project ideas that you will be working on may include bridge, pyramid, waterproof roof, insulation/heat loss with thermal camera, earth quake building along with other projects.  Students will work in teams creating these projects.  For lunch, students will enjoy pizza, fruit and a beverage.  Snacks and beverages will be provided.  This program is open to children ages 6 – 12 and will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18^th St.).  The entry fee is $15.00.

All these programs have an entry deadline set for Friday, March 8^th, so please look ahead and get your children registered early to ensure they get into these classes before they fill up.  A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at www.greatbendrec.com.  Online enrollment is now available on the website.  Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone St for more information or with any questions you may have.