A K-State Sorghum Production school will offer in-depth information for sorghum growers and key stakeholders on Wednesday, February 6 at the Ag Research Center in Hays. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. the programs starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m.

“These schools are being offered with the concept that producers can attend and get all the updates ranging from issues that arose this past growing season to looking ahead to future growing seasons,” said Lucas Haag, K-State agronomy specialist.

Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to pre-register by Jan. 29. Online registration is available at www.cottonwood.ksu.edu or by calling us at 785-628-9430.

by Jason Hackett

“We’re number 1!”  That cry goes up in sports arenas across the country. Today, around Kansas Day, the state of Kansas can point to many Kansas firsts. These are accomplishments in addition to sports where our state was number one in historic developments.

Marci Penner is executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, author, and passionate advocate for rural Kansas. Her organization’s website, www.kansassampler.org, plus Kansapedia and other online sources list numerous cases where Kansas was number 1.

For example, the first U.S. patent for a helicopter was issued to Kansans William Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland. They invented the helicopter in 1909. A replica of their original helicopter can be viewed at the High Plains Museum in Goodland.

In addition to helicopters, other Kansans made their mark in aviation. The booming airplane production in Wichita led to that city being called the “air capital of the world.”

In the 1920s, Clyde Cessna of Kingman, Lloyd Stearman of Wellsford, and Walter Beech worked on one of those pioneering airplane companies in Wichita. Walter Beech and his wife Olive Ann from Waverly started their own business, Beech Aircraft Company, in 1932. When Walter became ill, Olive Ann Beech took over the company. Olive Ann was the first woman to receive the National Aeronautic Association’s Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.

Of all women in aviation, Amelia Earhart was the most famous. Earhart, from Atchison, was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She was preceded by the first man to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic. His name was Charles Lindbergh. When Lindbergh was barnstorming as a young pilot, he lived near Bird City.

On a more down to earth note, the world’s first bulldozer was invented by J. Earl McLeod and Jim Cummings in Morrowville.

There are many, many other Kansas firsts. Several involve women in politics. Susanna Salter of Argonia was the first woman elected mayor in the U.S. in 1887. She was a member of the Prohibition Party, which reminds me that Kansas was the first state to pass a law to prohibit all alcoholic beverages (that one didn’t work out so well.)

In 1949, banker Georgia Neese Clark of Richland was appointed by President Harry Truman as the first woman Treasurer of the United States. That meant her signature was printed on millions of dollars’ worth of U.S. currency.

In 1978, Nancy Landon Kassebaum was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman elected to a full term in the Senate without being preceded by a husband. She would later retire to the family ranch near Burdick.

Kansas women and minorities made their mark in other fields also. Hattie McDaniel of Wichita was the first African-American woman and, for that matter, the first African-American of any gender, to win an Academy Award for her role in “Gone with the Wind.”  Another woman founded the first black women’s academy in New England. She came to Kansas and is buried at the rural community of Elk Falls, population 107 people. Now, that’s rural.

In sports, Lynette Woodard of Wichita was the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. In politics, Charles Curtis of Topeka was the first Native American to become U.S. vice president.

Some firsts are less prominent. The nation’s first chain restaurant was the Harvey House restaurants which served Kansas railroad travelers. A Harvey House Museum is in Florence. Decades later, the country’s first national hamburger chain was founded when White Castle opened in Wichita.

The world’s first synthetic diamond was made by Dr. Willard Hersey on the McPherson College Campus in 1926. Also in McPherson was an amateur athletic basketball team sponsored by the local oil refinery. In 1936, the first year that basketball was an Olympic sport, the Globe Refiners from Kansas became the first basketball team to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

“We’re number 1!” These are some of the Kansas firsts which we find in our history. We salute Marci Penner and others who are making a difference by finding and sharing these Kansas accomplishments. I appreciate the way that they have helped put Kansas first.

Best-One Tire and Service will celebrate the opening of its new location at 904 Washington Street in Great Bend with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, January 30 at 8 a.m. Members of the
local Chamber of Commerce will be on hand for the dedication.

Formerly Becker Tire Retail-Great Bend, Best-One Tire and Service recently purchased the operation.

Former Becker Tire Retail-Great Bend Manager Jesse Defenbaugh remains in charge of the new Best One Tire and Service in Great Bend.

“We are excited about the future here and look forward to better-serving Great Bend by offering the lowest prices for tires and the best vehicle service.”

Best-One Tire & Service has 23 locations throughout Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. From its beginnings in a 2,000-square-foot former chicken processing facility in 1971, Best-One’s Indiana stores are in Newburgh, Vincennes, Princeton, Mt. Vernon and Evansville. Illinois stores are in Paris, Breese, Marion, Harrisburg and Robinson. Kentucky has locations in Paducah, Hopkinsville, Owensboro, and Henderson; and Missouri has a Best-One store in St. Louis. Recently, Best-One added eight locations in Kansas. They include Great Bend, Augusta, McPherson, Ark City, Liberal, Salina, Wichita and El Dorado.

Tuesday the Great Bend Coop hosted Kansas State Wheat and Forage Extension Specialist Romulo Lollato who spoke to producers about the current condition of the 2019 wheat crop in Barton County. Afterwards he stopped by the Eagle Media Center to visit with Steve Webster. Click below to hear the entire interview.

Rumulo Lollato Full Interview

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting
January 28, 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. Minutes of the Monday, January 21, 2019, Regular Meeting, are not available at this time.
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. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.

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

A. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes:
-Donna Zimmerman, County Clerk, will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.

B. BOARD APPOINTMENTS: The Center for Counseling and Consultation:
-The County solicited applicants for The Center for Counseling and Consultation Governing Board. This Board reviews and makes recommendations on mental health services in Barton County and the surrounding area. Commissioner Jennifer Schartz has reapplied for appointment, with Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, and Wilmer Wegele applying. Julie Kramp, Executive Director, The Center, will provide details.

C. RESOLUTION 2019-03: 2019 Tax Sale:
-Resolution 2019-03 authorizes certain tracts of real estate be sold for back taxes. This money is then distributed to the various taxing entities in the County. The Resolution also authorizes abstract work to be performed in preparation for the tax sale. Jim Jordan, County Treasurer, will provide details.

D. 2019 TAX SALE: First American Title Company:
-As there are no other abstract companies in Barton County, First American Title Company was contacted reference abstracting services for the 2019 Tax Sale. First American Title Company is willing to provide the needed services at $70.00 per parcel. Pam Curtis, First American Title Company, will provide details.

E. RESOLUTION 2019-04: State of Kansas, Municipal Investment Pool:
-At the January 14, 2019, meeting, the Commission named those financial institutions that will be used as official depositories for the County. Added to that list for 2019 is the Municipal Investment Pool. The Commission will consider a Resolution that allows County funds to be pooled and invested. Mr. Jordan will provide details.

F. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Construction of an Equipment Storage Building:
-Road and Bridge has need for a 40’ X 50’ pole barn to be used for equipment storage at the Ellinwood sand pit. The low bid of $18,728.00 was submitted by Lyle Bryant Construction. This bid, which meets or exceeds all requirements for the building, includes a March 31, 2019, end date. Darren Williams, County Works Director, will provide details.

G. EMERGENCY RISK MANAGEMENT: Local Emergency Planning Committee:
-The Barton County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is comprised of representatives from the following groups: state/local officials; law enforcement; firefighting; emergency management; health; hospital; broadcast media and/or communications media; transportation; local environmental group; community service/civic group; emergency medical services; and facilities/industries regulated by SARA Title III. Nominations have been sought for appointment according to LEPC bylaws. Amy Miller, Emergency Risk Manager, will provide details.

IV. 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 Barton County Local Emergency Planning Committee will have a meeting, Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Barton County Courthouse, Conference Room, 1400 Main Street, Great Bend. It is anticipated that County officials may attend.

B. APPOINTMENTS:
Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
JANUARY 28, 2019
9:30 a.m. – Water Well – Terry Nech and Judy Goreham, Environmental Manager
10:15 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. Members of the Juvenile Services Department are scheduled for January 31, 2019.

V. 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 4, 2019.

VI. ADJOURN.

Jessica Hupp, 35 of Indio, California, and Monica Carranza, 48 of Coachella, California, were arrested without incident by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department January 22, 2019, following a traffic stop on a probable cause suspicion of possession of heroin and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The K-9 unit was utilized in the search of the suspect vehicle.

Following review of the probable cause affidavits, the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office charged Hupp with (1) Possession in excess of 100 grams of Heroin with intent to distribute; (2) Possession in excess of 100 grams of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute; (3) Possession of Methamphetamine; (4) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, to wit: smoking device; and (5) Failure to Use Proper Turn Signal. Carranza was charged with (1) Possession in excess of 100 grams of Heroin with intent to distribute; (2) Possession in excess of 100 grams of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine; and (3) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Under Kansas law, there is a rebuttable presumption of intent to distribute if any person possesses a quantity of at least 3.5 grams or more of heroin or methamphetamine. In addition to the two kilo of heroin and two and half kilos of methamphetamine being seized, the defendants’ rental vehicle and cellular telephones were also seized. The investigation remains open.

The defendant’s made their First Appearance in the Pawnee County District Court Friday morning (Jan. 25) and were advised by Magistrate Judge Dale Snyder that the distribution charges carry presumptive prison sentences of between 138 and 204 months on each count depending on their criminal history. Both defendants requested court appointed counsel.

Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety. Judge Snyder also entered an order prohibiting the defendants from leaving the State of Kansas should they post bond.

Preliminary Hearings have been scheduled for February 8, 2019.

BUSINESS NEWS

Network-security services are not new at Office Products Inc. (OPI) but recent enhancements are making them even more accommodating to customers, said Patrick Jacobs, lead service IT technician.

“Even though network security is an ongoing effort here at OPI, we have made great strides in recent months,” Jacobs said. “Now we can offer our clientele even more peace of mind.”

Network security encompasses many factors, with multiple layers of protection for entities of all sizes. One of those factors is onsite and offsite backup services, which allow OPI to protect computer data locally and in the cloud.

“Since data is a critical component of any business or agency, this redundancy is critical,” Jacobs said. “We can back up your data every five minutes or daily. Most clients choose an hourly back-up system.”

But OPI is not only concerned with software problems; its technicians also caution customers about possible hardware issues.

“If there is a disaster and you lose a computer, we can recover your data and have you back up and running quickly,” Jacobs said. “It would be a nightmare trying to continue basic tasks such as billing clients and paying expenses without data.”

Another network-security factor is called “patch management.” This means OPI will remotely manage computer updates.

“This is not just for operating systems; it is also for browsers, emails and firewalls,” Jacobs noted. “With all the vulnerabilities out there, you are opening yourself up for problems if the system is not patched.”

A third aspect is network and firewall monitoring.

“We can watch for the bad stuff,” Jacobs commented. “If the back-up system isn’t working, it tells us remotely and we can address the issue quickly. In addition, if the firewall isn’t up-to-date, an intruder can come in through the router and cause mischief. We can help prevent that.”

Bill Williams, another OPI service IT technician, noted that antivirus applications are another layer of protection.

“This allows us the capability of monitoring from the cloud. We can keep an eye on your systems remotely. The name of the game is ‘remotely.’”

The fifth aspect of network security is end-user training. OPI’s KnowBe4 service explains why security is important and what to watch for, especially in emails. KnowBe4 is an interactive training course that a company can use to monitor itself. The product is user-friendly and doesn’t take long to master.

“We also do vulnerability scanning to ensure that devices are within standards,” Williams added.

Drake Toll and Steve Black, OPI service IT technicians, work with their colleagues to provide network security to businesses, municipalities, farmers, health-care organizations and non-profit agencies.

“We will go out and talk to people and explain how our services can prevent a catastrophe,” Williams said. “OPI serves entities of all sizes and caters to budgets of all sizes.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today voted in favor of President Trump’s proposal to reopen the government and against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) dead-end proposal. Following the vote, Sen. Moran released the following statement:

“Today, I voted in favor of the president’s compromise plan to reopen the government while also securing our borders and providing protections for DACA recipients. The proposal, which incorporates provisions similar to legislation I introduced earlier this month with Senator Rob Portman, includes widely-supported solutions that both sides of the aisle agree on and that the president would sign into law. The alternative legislation Senator Schumer put forth on the Senate floor today would prevent DHS from constructing any new physical barrier on the border and it would not garner the president’s signature to end the shutdown.

“It is wrong that so many suffer because of political infighting and dysfunction in Washington. Congress must pass a funding bill that the president will sign so we can return to a fully-functioning federal government for our federal workers, farmers and ranchers, and the numerous individuals and businesses who are harmed by this shutdown.”

 

The late Steve Dudek left his mark on the hearts and minds of countless students during his forty-year career as an art instructor at Barton Community College.

Dudek, the longtime Barton Art Instructor, passed away last week.

Dudek’s philosophy on teaching focused on developing the student’s ability to communicate a message through their creative talents. Technique and skill were important, but he was careful not to let students fall into the trap of obsessing over technical elements at the expense of expression.

The following is an excerpt from his profile that was posted to the Barton website during his time with the college:

“One must be careful, because if you only tell a student how to use certain techniques to complete a given project, they may create objects that look like art, but have very little soul or spirit. The danger is that if too much attention is focused on skill, they will not notice that nothing is being said … I fulfill the role of director of their artistic journey. They are ultimately responsible for their artistic development and success … It is the deepest joy to help a student realize his/her potential and take charge of their life.”

Former student Connie Wagner, who went on to teach graphic design and has served the college as its primary graphic designer for 25 years, said Dudek was a treasure to the art community and Barton Community College.

“He nurtured so many people in the love of art – and the ones I loved to watch grow under his wing were those who didn’t think they had any talent at all,” she said. “His laughter, talent, and warm personality will be genuinely missed.”

Student Life Director Diane Engle also attended some of his classes starting in 1996. She recalled the extra mile Dudek would go to ensure his students had the time they needed with him to succeed. He donated his time out of the class period to guide her through learning oil painting, colored pencil and watercolor.

“With his continuous class instruction, he helped guide and challenge me on what I do today with watercolor and entering art competitions across Kansas,” she said. “Thank you, Steve, for sharing your talent and ability with others.”

Shafer Art Gallery Director Dave Barnes said eight years ago when he arrived at Barton, Dudek’s name consistently came up in interactions with community members.

His reputation and as a skilled artist and masterful instructor was known throughout the state,” he said. “His name was synonymous with fine art making and in particular watercolor painting.  His reputation was in contrast to the modest self-effacing man that I had met in the Barton Art Department studios. Like all committed artists, Steve’s output was prodigious. The paintings he created came one after another as necessary and important to Steve as breathing. His art was the focus of his being. Steve’s response to the question of the meaning  of life was, to paraphrase the philosopher Ernst Becker, “to create something, beautiful works of art or even a well-lived life and to cast it into the abyss as an offering of gratitude to the life-force.”

Another colleague, Psychology Instructor Rick Bealer, said Dudek’s talent and reputation as a superb artist speak for itself, and he recalls spending Friday evenings together after work joking and trading stories.

He said simply, “he was a man who laughed well.”