BUSINESS NEWS

The certified public accounting firm of Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball, Chartered (ABBB) is pleased to announce the promotions of Austin Coyan, CPA, CFE, Jenni Edwards, CPA, Melissa Ille, CPA, Lynda Jamison, and Donya Savoie.

“It’s always exciting to watch our professionals grow and take on new roles,” said Brian Staats, CPA, CGMA, managing partner of ABBB. “I’d like to extend a sincere congratulations to these valued members of our team. They have all demonstrated an impressive dedication to both the firm and our clients.  We are excited to watch their continued growth in these new roles.”

A member of the ABBB team since 2013, Austin Coyan, CPA, CFE, moves from manager to senior manager. He is responsible for preparing taxes, completing audits and reviews, and carrying out fraud exams. Coyan graduated magna cum laude from Wichita State University in 2013, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Kansas Society of CPAs (KSCPA), and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).  A Great Bend resident, Coyan serves as Steering Committee Chair of the Barton County Young Professionals (BCYP) and co-chairs Barton County Habitat for Humanity.

Starting as a summer intern with ABBB in 2014, Jenni Edwards, CPA, came on board full time as a staff accountant in 2017. She now assumes a senior staff accountant position. Edwards attended Sterling College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Economics. She is a member of the AICPA and the KSCPA. Edwards and her husband, Matt, live in Ellinwood.

A member of the ABBB team since 2006, Melissa Ille, CPA, takes on the role of senior manager. A graduate of Fort Hays State University, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2004 and a Master of Business Administration in 2006. She is a member of the AICPA and the KSCPA. Ille resides in Great Bend.

Lynda Jamison has been with ABBB since 2013. She previously served as a client services specialist and now steps into a senior client services specialist position. In this capacity, she performs a variety of services, including payroll, payroll tax, sales tax, bookkeeping, individual income tax, and client training. Jamison holds a bachelor’s degree in both Business Administration and Organizational Management from Barclay College. She lives in Great Bend with her husband, Mike. Together they have two children, Bruce and Bethany.

Donya Savoie joined the ABBB team in 2015 as a client services specialist. She now transitions into the role of senior client services specialist where she is responsible for payroll preparation, payroll quarterly and year-end reporting, income tax preparation, sales tax reporting, and client training. Savoie is a graduate of Barton Community College and previously served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves. She lives in Great Bend with her husband, Greg.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Applications to obtain a license to participate in the new Kansas Industrial Hemp Research Program are now available on the Kansas Department of Agriculture website. Applications are now posted as the regulations for the program became effective today.

The Kansas Legislature passed K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq. in April 2018, enacting the Alternative Crop Research Act and charging KDA with implementing the new Industrial Hemp Research Program. The program allows for the licensing of growers, distributors and processors of industrial hemp as part of a research program. To be considered for a research license for the 2019 growing season, applicants must submit a research license application, including a research proposal, along with all required attachments, applicable fees, and fingerprint cards and waiver forms to submit to a state and national criminal history check.

All application materials must be submitted in complete form to KDA by Friday, March 1, 2019, to be considered for a license. The applications will be reviewed and background check information will be submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and applications that meet all requirements will be approved for licensure. Upon conditional approval, applicants will be required to pay the license fee and then will be issued a license.

KDA is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses and providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. The opportunity to grow a new crop in Kansas offers potential for diversification for Kansas farmers looking for an alternative crop, or for new farming enterprises interested in cultivating industrial hemp.

The application forms and additional instruction — along with much more information about the new Industrial Hemp Research Program in Kansas — can be found at the KDA industrial hemp website: agriculture.ks.gov/IndustrialHemp. Please address questions about the applications or the Industrial Hemp Research Program to KDA.industrialhemp@ks.gov or call KDA at 785-564-6700.

Undergraduate researchers from Fort Hays State University will present their research projects at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Topeka as part of the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol.

Students will join other undergraduates from Kansas Board of Regents public four-year universities on the first-floor rotunda of the Capitol building.

“This prestigious event is an opportunity for our state legislators and visitors to the Capitol to see the quality of research our undergraduate students are engaged in,” said Leslie Paige, director of Fort Hays State’s Office of Scholarship and Sponsored Projects.

Brief poster presentations will be given to students, faculty, KBOR members, state lawmakers, and members of the public from across the state. The event is intended to raise awareness of research being conducted by undergraduate students.

This event also highlights the importance of transformational educational opportunities available to students at these institutions.

“This event showcases the significance of undergraduate discovery and research activities at FHSU, and provides a sample of our contributions to Kansas communities and academic disciplines,” said Paige.

Students presenting are listed in alphabetical order.

Brittany Duer, Chapman senior majoring in agriculture, will present on “Analyzing Soil Health under Cover Crops and No Cover Crops in Western Kansas Dryland Farming.” Cordell Cyr, Clyde junior majoring in agricultural business, and Kinzie Bangerter, Leoti junior majoring in agriculture, were co-investigators. The team was mentored by Dr. Ammar Bhandari, assistant professor of agriculture.

Kiley Heine, Great Bend senior majoring in sociology, will present “Attitudes about Municipal Water Conservation and Participation in City-Sponsored Conservation Initiatives.” Heine’s co-investigator was Diane Hernandez-Ramirez, Kansas City senior majoring in organizational leadership. Dr. Amanda Buday, assistant professor of sociology, served as the research mentor.

Zoey Wallis, Littleton, Colo., junior majoring in biology, will present on “PCR Assay to detect Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERV) A, B, and C.” Dr. Eric Gillock, professor of biological sciences, served as the research mentor.

Jacob Lutgen, Basehor senior majoring in chemistry, will present “RNA Interference of X-Box Binding Protein in ‘Acyrthosiphon pisum’.” Lutgen’s research mentor was Dr. James Balthazor, assistant professor of chemistry.

Haley Jones, Clay Center junior majoring in psychology, will present “Military Troops: Protecting the Mental Health of Those That Protect Us.” Brooke Mann, instructor of psychology, served as the research mentor.

The public is invited to view the posters and talk to the student researchers.

Usually, religion does not mix well with politics. Barton County Commissioner Don Davis did not hold back last week on what he felt was the key to making the community great.

There are several programs organized in Barton County that are carried out with the intent of helping out community members through struggles or to get them back on track.

Davis felt it was time to start leaning on our faith and promoted a community wide revival happening this week in Great Bend.

Don Davis Audio

“Revive the Church & Redeem the City” starts Sunday, February 10 and will continue through Friday, February 15 at the Great Bend Events Center, 3110 10^th Street. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the worship service starting at 6:30 p.m. Each night will include a message by various local pastors and ministers. Childcare is provided for children ages nine months through four years.

UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 428  BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
February 11, 2019 5:00 p.m.

1. CALL TO ORDER ………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres
1.1 Roll Call
1.2 Adoption of Agenda
1.3 Recognition of Visitors
1.4 Request to Speak Reminder
Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation.
1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. RECOGNITIONS / ACHIEVEMENTS ……………………………………. Mr. Umphres
Volunteers in USD 428 Learning Centers
USD 428 appreciates the many persons who generously volunteer to assist in various capacities in the schools. The summary indicates that volunteers provide an estimated 123.05 hours each week across the district, with many additional hours relating to special events. Thanks to all who volunteer their time for the benefit of students. (Attachment 2.0)

3. COMMUNICATIONS ……………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres
Board Members’ Comments
USD 428 Education Foundation
Written Communications / Correspondence

4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Second Reading of School Calendars ……………………………….. Mr. Umphres
Development of the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school calendars were presented for BOE review in January. Review and approval of two upcoming school years will allow administration, staff and students to plan accordingly.

B. Approval of BOE Policies ……………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
At the meeting of 1/14/2019, BOE members heard a first reading of KASB-recommended new and revised policies. At this second reading the administration recommends approval. (Attachment 4.B)
Revision ADA School Census
Revision BCAC Special Meetings
Revision CN Public Records
Revision EBBE Emergency and Safety Drills
Revision GAAC Sexual Harassment (for staff)
Revision GAACA Racial and Disability Harassment: Employees)
Revision GAAF Emergency Safety Interventions
Deleted GAAF ESI Acknowledgement Form
Revision GAAF ESI Form Revision
Revision GACA Positions
Revision GAOC Use of Tobacco Products and Nicotine Delivery Devices
Revision JCAC Interrogation and Investigations
Revision JCDAA Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Devices
Revision JGEC Sexual Harassment (for students)
Revision JGECA Racial and Disability Harassment
Revision JGFG Student Accidents and Health Emergencies
Revision KCB Custodial and Non-Custodial Parent Rights
Deleted MK Educational Agency Relations

5. NEW BUSINESS

A. Approval to Request 2019-2020 E-Rate Funding ………………. Mr. Umphres
Administration requests BOE approval for 2019-2020 E-rate funding requests, as itemized below.
Vendor Fee Less E-Rate Year Cost
Nex-Tech Wireless (Wide Area Network) $40,988.40 $32,790.72 $8,197.68
Nex-Tech Internet (Internet) $8,700.00 $6,960.00 $1,740.00
NCS – St. George Ks (cable/switches) $182,784.25 $146,227.40 $36,556.85
TOTAL $232,472.65 $185,978.12 $46,494.53

B. Approval for purchase of Chromebooks and iPads …………….. Mr. Umphres
Device Quantity Cost Total Expenditure
Chromebook 1,100 $303.00 $333,300.00
iPad 150 $307.33 $46,099.50
$379,399.50

C. Approval to Release bid for Flooring (Lincoln/Jefferson) …… Mr. Umphres
Page 3 of 4

D. GBHS Schedule…………………………………………………………… Mr. Umphres
The GBHS Building Leadership Team has conducted a schedule study comparing a seven-period schedule versus an eight-period schedule. Mrs. Tim Friess will be present to provide details to the board.

E. Adoption of HS and MS English Language Arts ……………….. Mr. Umphres
After piloting an English curriculum for GBMS and GBHS since last school year, the English Curriculum Committee supports the adoption of Pearson’s myPerspectives as the English curriculum resource for the middle school and high school. Members from the committee will present their recommendation to the board. This will be a first reading of the proposal.

6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT ……………. Mr. Umphres / Mr. Popp

A. Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) State Testing:
State testing season is upon us again. English Language Proficiency Assessment (KELPA) is in process and other subject testing will begin March 11. Over the next two months, students in grades 3 through 8, and students in grade 10 will be assessed in Reading and in Math. Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 will be assessed in Science.

B. Professional Development Plan update:
Kristen Anderson, representative for Visible Learning, will be on site for the staff curriculum day on February 25. An update for current and future professional development plans will be presented to the board.

C. Curriculum Meeting Minutes (Attachments 6.C)
Curriculum Steering Committee: 1/28/19
Professional Development Council (PDC) minutes: 2/4/19

7. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT ………………………. Mr. Umphres / Mr. Thexton
A. Legislative Update:
B. Work Session discussion:
C. Summer Projects:
D. Parent Teacher Conference Dates: USD 428’s Parent Teacher conferences are scheduled on February 18, 19, and 21, 2019.
E. Approval of Contributions: (Attachment 7.E)

8. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION …………………………. Mr. Umphres / Mr. Thexton
A. Bills and Financial Reports

9. CONSENT AGENDA…………………………………………………………… Mr. Umphres
A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (January 14, 30, and 31, 2019)
B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
C. Personnel Report (Attachment 9,C)

10. UPCOMING DATES…………………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
GBHS Hall of Fame: Friday, February 15, 2019. Luncheon Banquet at 11:45 a.m. at Stone Ridge Country Club, Induction Ceremony at approximately 7:10 p.m. between Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Games at GBHS. Inductee: Matt Friedeman
No School: February 22– NO SCHOOL
BOE Study Session:
BOE Luncheon Meeting: The next BOE luncheon meeting scheduled for noon February 28, 2019 at Lincoln Elementary School.
IBB Negotiation Meeting: 8:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at the District Education Center.

11. ADJOURNMENT …………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres

The League of Women Voters of Great Bend will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 12, at 12:00 at the Walnut Bowl.

The program will be presented by Jari Marietta. She will be leading the discussion on the acceptance of the new position of the League on the the Department of Children and Families. The position has not been updated since it was still SRS,and many changes have occured since then. Discussion and suggestions submitted by the local League will be considered. Time is always allowed for questions an discussion from the floor as submitted by the members and the public.

The public is invited to attend and ask questions. Lunch is informal and discussion is always welcome.

The League is a non-partisan organization commited to informing the public on important local, state, and national issues. Membership is open to both men and women. The League registers voters and works at educating thos voters on govermental issues.

BUSINESS NEWS

Story and portrait by Brandon Steinert

Great Bend High School senior Mikyla Meza is driven to attain a meaningful career and a life of stability and self-sufficiency, because she has lived the alternative. Her family moved frequently early in her life, up to twice a year, because of challenging living conditions. Her family finally settled down in Great Bend when she was in the fifth grade.

“My mom noticed how (moving) was affecting us,” she said, which led to her mother securing a stable job and a house. “I want to be stable in my life. I don’t want to struggle.”

Taking steps to ensure her future is secure, she already earned her Certified Nurse Aide credential and completed a college phlebotomy course through Barton Community College. She will soon complete her Certified Medication Aide course, and has begun completing her general education requirements, setting her up to start her college pursuits ahead of the game when she graduates in May.

Meza is balancing her aggressive approach to education with serving as varsity captain of the women’s soccer team and participates in community service opportunities, but she hasn’t done it all alone. She received help and support from mentors in the community, who offered her general encouragement and guidance, and also in tangible ways like helping her pay for books. Her instructors from Park Elementary School also still keep tabs on Meza and offer their support.

She hasn’t set a specific career path quite yet, as she wants to explore and keep her options open. She is interested in a variety of fields, including EMS, detective work and psychology. Her favorite option is to serve as a Forensic Interviewer for cases involving young children. A person in such a profession would be tasked with asking children about traumatic incidents and document them.

“I know how the world can be sometimes,” she said. “If I can make it better for the kids, then that’s a start.”

She isn’t ruling out a career in nursing, either. Barton’s programs in License Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse are well established with solid reputations.

She discovered the opportunities at Barton and her list of potential careers as part of a class at GBHS called JAG-K, which helps students explore education and career options after high school.

Regardless of her end goal, she said Barton is the next step after graduating.

“I think it’s great that we have so many options for kids to do whatever they want here in Barton County,” she said. “It’s giving me a head start so I don’t have to be in college for four years.”

Meza said her experience at Barton has been high quality thanks in large part to the dedication of the college employees and the personal attention from her instructors.

She will also enjoy the financial advantage of having attended Barton while in high school. Thanks to her qualification as a recipient of free and reduced lunches, combined with a state program called Excel in CTE which provides career technical education courses free of charge, Meza has only paid about $150 for everything she has attained through Barton.

Barton Nursing Application Deadline

While the priority deadline to apply to Barton’s nursing program has passed, a secondary deadline means there is still time to secure a spot in the 2019-2020 academic year.

Visit nursing.bartonccc.edu for more information.