The Madrigal-Pop Singers from Great Bend High School will be delivering Singing Valentines on Thursday, Feb. 14 from 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Recipients will be serenaded with a love song, presented with a rose, and left with a lasting memory.

To schedule a Singing Valentine, please call the GBHS Choir Department at 620-793-1521, by Friday, February 8.

The cost is $25 per recipient and must be within the Great Bend city limits. All proceeds benefit the GBHS Vocal Music students’ trip to Washington D.C. scheduled for March 2019.

To download an order form, please visit https://tinyurl.com/GBHSlovesong.

A small stretch of US 56 that runs through Garfield will be receiving a new milling and overlay in the near future. Although the Kansas Department of Transportation still needs to set a date for the repairs, the .9-mile length of highway from the west city limits to the east city limits of Garfield did receive approval from KDOT for the project.

Deb Gruver with KDOT says the department is constantly evaluating road conditions in a variety of ways to determine which projects are funded.

Deb Gruver Audio

KDOT announced the approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects last week. There were eight approved projects including the more than $3.7 million project in Pawnee County. The letting took place January 16 in Topeka.

Venture Corporation will be the contractor for the project that will also include storm sewer, curb, and gutter replacement.

Gruver mentioned she was unsure when the project will start because KDOT has yet to conduct their preconstruction conference, but expects that meeting to happen in the next couple of weeks.

FHSU Athletics

After wowing fans inside Gross Memorial Coliseum in 2010 and 2013, the worldwide sensation Harlem Globetrotters have announced they will return to Hays for a third time on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are now available HERE or at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Globetrotters, who are committed to bringing their fans the best experience and most electrifying athletes on the planet, will give their fans a chance to get closer than ever to the action and team’s stars with their Fan Powered World Tour. At each Globetrotters game, there will be over 20 opportunities before, during and after each event where fans will get a chance to directly interact with the team’s stars – that’s a 30-percent increase over any previous Globetrotters game.

Prior to every performance, fans can secure a ticket to Magic Pass, the Globetrotters’ exclusive pregame event. Magic Pass gives fans unprecedented access to the stars of the team, an opportunity to learn tricks, shoot hoops and take pictures on the court. After each game, fans can participate in a free autograph session.

An additional exciting new element fans can look forward to this year is a new interactive mobile app with exclusive features, including an augmented reality (AR) basketball toss game and one-of-a-kind image filters that can be shared on social media.

Also back by popular demand, fans will also get a chance to see the Flying Globies, an amazing acrobatic trampoline dunk team that will defy gravity during breaks in the game action.

The Globetrotters recently added five more Guinness World Record titles to their resume, bringing the team’s standing Guinness World Record count to 21. Videos of all five records can be seen HERE.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 123 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. Sponsored by Entenmann’s ® Donuts, Tum-e Yummies and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

by Jason Hackett

Laura was six years old. There was a big present for her under the Christmas tree. She excitedly opened the package and was delighted to find it was a sewing machine from her grandmother. Her interest in sewing grew, and decades later it became a sort of magic carpet which would bring her and her husband back to Kansas.

Laura and Ronn Martin live at Elkhart. They went off to the big city for their careers but came back to Kansas.

Ronn grew up at Elkhart. Laura grew up on a farm near McCracken, a rural community of 190 people. Now, that’s rural.

The two met at Tabor College in Hillsboro. Ronn earned degrees in computer science, and Laura earned degrees in psychology and counseling. They followed his career to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas where he worked in information technology. They also raised a daughter and son.

When Laura was a little girl, her mother had been a seamstress on the farm. “One of my earliest recollections was sitting on my mom’s lap while she sewed,” Laura said. One Christmas, Laura received the aforementioned sewing machine from her grandmother.  With help from her other grandma, she even did a 4-H sewing project. Laura loved sewing, but when her mother encouraged her to try quilting, Laura had no interest at the time.

Years later when family came for a visit in Texas, Laura’s mother-in-law went to a local quilt shop. Laura observed the results. “I saw the entire process, from when she took the fabric out of the bag, handed the receipt to her husband, studied the pattern, and carefully cut out the pieces,” Laura said. Then Laura watched a beautiful quilt come to life.

“I thought to myself, ‘I could do that,’” Laura said – “especially the part about handing the receipt to my husband…”. She tried quilting and was hooked.  She even worked part-time at a quilt shop in Texas.

When their children graduated, Laura and Ronn decided to make a change and move back closer to family. Ronn’s computer job enabled him to work from anywhere, as long as he had high-quality internet access which they found in Elkhart. It also meant that Laura could have her own quilt shop.

Laura and Ronn bought and remodeled a historic building in downtown Elkhart. In June 2018, Laura opened her new store. She called it Sew Loved Quilt Shop. In addition to the obvious reference to sewing, she cites as inspiration the Bible verse which says God so loved the world.

“There are a hundred women that quilt in our area,” Laura said. “Some of them can make quilts as beautiful as anything you will see at the international quilt show in Houston,” she said.

Quilters can purchase fabric, notions and other supplies at Laura’s quilt shop. Laura offers classes for all levels of experience.

“We offer kids’ sew day on days when there is no school,” Laura said. “Kids can spend a couple of hours and leave with a finished product.”

That was so popular that it led to a moms’ sewing time, which is scheduled later in the evening after supper. Laura also has a longarm device, which is like a giant, automated sewing machine that can quilt great big pieces of fabric.

“People come to the shop by the carloads,” Laura said. “We serve five states.”

What about the transition from the big city to small-town Kansas? “The people are so wonderful and down-to-earth,” Laura said. “We had forgotten what pretty sunsets looked like,” Ronn said.

For more information, go to the Sew Loved website.

It’s time to leave this quilt shop in Elkhart. We commend Ronn and Laura Martin for making a difference by returning to their Kansas roots. As we go, we observe one final treasure on display:  It’s the original sewing machine which Laura received as a present when she was six years old. It’s a reminder that she was so loved.

And there’s more. Remember how Ronn’s job required high-quality internet access?  We’ll learn about that next week.

BUSINESS NEWS

Since Brandy Loomis, RN, knows the importance of preventive medicine, the Wellness Monitoring program at Sunflower Diversified Services has been revitalized.

As director of medical services, Loomis is providing a more consistent and efficient method of keeping on top of health-related issues for people who rely on Sunflower staff.

Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves infants, toddlers and adults with intellectual disabilities and delays. A Wellness Monitoring program is not required but the medical staff believes it is important.

“Preventive medicine is huge,” Loomis said. “We can catch minor problems before they become major problems. We want to be proactive when it comes to the health and well-being of the folks at Sunflower.”

Loomis’ enhancement of Wellness Monitoring includes: a comprehensive physical examination every 60 days for 44 Sunflower adults; the number varies, depending on approvals from Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Services include: taking vital statistics; checking eyes and ears; weighing each person; and listening to hearts and lungs.

“Even if someone appears to be healthy, I conduct this full assessment every other month,” Loomis commented. “This gives everyone the opportunity to ask questions and let me know if something isn’t quite right.
“In addition, I can be there for people who may not have the ability to initiate a contact with us.”

If a problem is detected during an exam, the Sunflower medical staff joins forces to seek further information.

Staff includes: Sonny Faulk, medical operations manager; and Jaclyn Smith and Theresa Habiger, both medical supports specialists.

“Sonny makes all the arrangements for doctors’ appointments, while Jaclyn and Theresa supply transportation to and from the doctor, as well as support during the visit,” Loomis explained. “This is a great team.”

In some cases, such as a high-blood-pressure diagnosis, new medications may be prescribed. Sunflower staff members help the patient with whatever they need to take the drugs as directed.

“We also work with case managers and route all information to them,” Loomis noted. “It is important to keep everyone informed.”

Even though most physical exams indicate no problems, Loomis said the program is well worth it.

“We have the pleasure of visiting with people on a regular basis and the opportunity to update their medical records.”

The Medical Services Department supports individuals who have chosen Sunflower as their medical coordinator.

Sunflower’s service area includes Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in 53rd year.

The Barton Theatre Department is calling for original plays from the community for its Original Playwright Series. Playwrights will have until Feb. 14 to submit their script. Three of the submitted shows will be chosen for the series.

Plays must be:

• 20-30 minutes in length
• contained on one set with two to five characters
• free of profanity
• original and never produced

Community members, including those at Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth, are encouraged to submit their work.

Barton students, alumni and all residents of the seven counties in Barton’s service region: Barton, Pawnee, Rush, Russell, Rice, Stafford and Ellsworth counties, as well as Barton’s Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and Grandview Plaza campuses are encouraged to submit entries.

On March 27 and 28 auditions will be held for the series, and the performance is set for April 26.

Find more information at theatre.bartonccc.edu or contact Theatre Director Dr. Rick Abel at abelr@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9333.

It’s a two-minute recap of some of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting
February 4, 2019  9:00 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS:
A. Call Meeting to Order.
B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Consider Approval of the Agenda.
D. Consider Minutes of the January 21, 2019 and the January 28, 2019, Regular Meetings.
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.

II. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: 13th Month – 3rd Run:
-An Accounts Payable Register for the 13th Month, 2018, will be submitted to the Commission. Thirteenth month expenditures include any unpaid bills for a product, service, or utility that has actually been received in 2018.

III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of January 21, 2019, and ending February 4, 2019.

IV. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.

V. NEW BUSINESS – All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at
this time.

A. INVENTORY OF COUNTY PROPERTY:
-Per KSA 19-2687, each County officer and head of a department shall make an inventory of the
personal property owned by the County and located in such office or department. The inventory,
which shall be taken during the month of December of each year, shall be filed with the County
Clerk on or before December 31 of each year. The inventory shall not include books, records,
files, stationery, writing materials and blank legal papers. The information will be presented to
the Commission during February of each year. Per Resolution 2005-22, the mandated duties
have been assigned to the Information Technology Department. John Debes, Director, and Chris
Saenz, Equipment Technician, will provide details.

B. BOARD APPOINTMENT: Memorial Parks Advisory Committee:
-The Memorial Park Advisory Committee is charged with advising and assisting the Commission
regarding the care and maintenance of the Barton County Owned and Operated Memorial Parks
and Cemetery. With not less than five, nor more than seven members, there is one position open,
terming in July, 2021. Mick Lang, Memorial Parks Advisory Committee, will provide details.

C. HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Program Update:
-Using grant funds, the Health Department has been able to add several programs focusing on
young families, pregnancy and teen pregnancy. The department is also collaborating with local
partners on #RiseUp to build a resilient community. Included therein is an upcoming “train the
trainer” event for Adverse Childhood Experiences, the long term impact on physical and
behavioral health, and strategies for prevention. Shelly Schneider, Health Director, will provide
an overview.

D. COUNTY SERVICES: Informational Update:
-Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, will provide the informational report of work completed
during the last period. The report, which will be made available to the media, will serve as a
public reminder of the services provided by the County on a regular basis.

VI. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items,
including announcements, will be heard.

A. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of
personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda
meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action
may take place throughout the day.
-The County Commissioners are invited to attend the 2019 Lincoln Elementary School DARE
graduation. The event begins at 1:30 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2019. Graduation will be held
at the Lincoln Elementary School Gym, 516 N Pine, Hoisington, Kansas.

B. APPOINTMENTS:
Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
FEBRUARY 4, 2019
9:45 a.m. or close of the Agenda Meeting – Department Head Meeting with the Commissioners.
Department Head meetings are held in the Courthouse Conference Room, Room 101. After the
Department Head meeting is closed, the Commission will return to their Chambers.
10:45 a.m. – Mailing Certified Valuation Notices – Barb Esfeld, County Appraiser
11:00 a.m. – Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Finance Officer
11:30 a.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, and Donna
Zimmerman, County Clerk
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Sheriff Brian Bellendir is
scheduled for February 7, 2019.

VII. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Discussion Items.
B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration.
C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Mondays during regular business
hours.
D. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County
business at their discretion.
E. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Monday, February 11, 2019.

VIII. ADJOURN.