The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development recently announced that it will host two Legislative Coffee events in the coming weeks, designed to give local constituents the chance to network directly with their elected state officials.

The dates for the 2019 Legislative Coffees will be Saturday, February 2 and Saturday, March
9 with both held at 10 a.m. in the Spray-Holt Family Board Room at the Chamber office,
1125 Williams in downtown Great Bend.

“We invite all of our Kansas representatives and senators who represent Barton County to the coffees,” says Jan Peters, President/CEO of the Chamber. “After a brief update from each legislator who attends, the audience can ask questions about the topics facing our state government.”

These events are open to the public. The 2019 Legislative Coffees are sponsored by Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.

By Mary Lou Prater

UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 428
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
January 14, 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
 School Board Recognition
Administration recognizes board members for the crucial role an elected official plays in our community and schools. These extraordinary people voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing the district. Their actions and decisions affect the present and future lives of our children. Thank you USD 428 Board of Education!
 GBMS 7th Grade Western Athletic Conference Champions
The board will recognize Great Bend Middle School 7th grade cross country and 7th grade volleyball teams for capturing their first WAC championship in the school’s history. GBMS Activities Director Myron Ellegood will be present to introduce the Great Bend Middle School WAC champions.

3. STAFF / STUDENT PRESENTATIONS …………………………………… Mr. Umphres

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

5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Second Reading of GBHS Program of Studies Book ………….. Mr. Umphres

6. NEW BUSINESS

A. Master Plan presentation …………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres
A USD 428 Steering Committee comprised of nearly 50 community
members have analyzed district facilities and demographic data with the
guidance of SJCF architects. Based on months of research, a master
facility plan that addresses safety, technology, changing demographics
and trends, as well as aging facilities and infrastructure will be presented
to the board by the committee and SJCF architects. (Attachment 6.A)

B. Approval of Coachliner Activity Bus Purchase ………………….. Mr. Umphres
Administration will provide details regarding four bids received for two
Coachliner style activity buses. The current Panther activity buses are
2000 and 2001 models, purchased used by the district in 2006.
Administration will make a recommendation to the board. (Attachment 6.B)

C. USD Education Foundation Trustees………………………………… Mr. Umphres
The USD 428 Education Foundation Board of Trustees received
applications to fill vacancies on the board of trustees. Mrs. Katie
Zimmerman, teacher of special education, will fulfill a teacher
representative vacancy from Josh Allman. Mrs. Tina Mingenback will
fulfill the community member position vacated by Mrs. MelEesa
Stueder. A list of all trustees is available for BOE members to review
and approve. (Attachment 6.C)

D. Fundraiser Requests for 2019-2020 ………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
To fulfill plans for organizations’ fundraising during the 2019-2020
year, the administration has received specific requests (timing and types
of fundraisers) from the schools’ parent-organization representatives for
BOE consideration. The administration recommends approval.

E. First Reading of School Calendars …………………………………… Mr. Umphres
Review of the 2019-2020 and development of the 2020-2021 school
calendars are in process, and drafts are being presented for BOE review
and input. (Attachment 6.E)

F. First Reading of BOE Policy …………………………………………… Mr. Umphres
BOE members are receiving copies of the following policies, which are being
presented as first readings. The policy will be returned to the BOE at a
subsequent meeting for action. (Attachment 6,F)
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

G. Resolution: Bank of the West document …………………………… Mr. Umphres
USD 428 has one Visa account through Intrust Bank with four cards used for
district travel, including making hotel reservations. The administration
requests a Board Resolution authoring a new Visa card account issued from
Bank of the West. The Intrust Bank Visa card will be canceled. (Attachment 6.G)

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

A. Curriculum Updates
English Language Arts for grades 7-12 will be bringing an adoption
request in March. K-12 Social Studies is beginning to review materials
for a potential adoption next year. The Healthy Living Committee is
meeting to review new standards and new materials that may be needed.

B. Personnel Report
Finding teachers is becoming a more challenging venture each year.
Administration will discuss plans and recruiting efforts to hire quality
teachers. Effort is also being made to retain teachers already on
staff. (Attachment 7,B)

C. Curriculum Meeting Minutes (Attachment 7,C)
 Curriculum Steering Committee: -none
 Professional Development Council (PDC) minutes: 1/7/18
Page 4 of 4

8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT…………………………. Mr. Umphres / Mr. Thexton
A. USD 428 Education Foundation Mini-grants (Attachment 8,A)
B. Advocacy in Action/Governmental Relations Seminar in Topeka – January
16-17, 2019
C. Summer Projects
D. Board Retreat Discussion
E. IBB Meeting
Members representing GB-NEA and the Board of Education will meet for
Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) on March 20, 2019 at the District
Education Center. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. John Rasmussen
from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service will be present to
provide IBB training to participants.
F. Approval of Contributions (Attachment 8,F)

9. FINANCIAL PRESENTATION …………………………… Mr. Umphres / Mr. ThextonA. Bills and Financial Reports

10. CONSENT AGENDA …………………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes (December 14, 2018) (Attachment 11,A)
B. Acceptance of Bills and Financial Reports
C. Personnel Report (Attachment 10,C)

11. UPCOMING DATES ………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres
 BOE Luncheon Meeting: The next BOE luncheon meeting scheduled for noon
January 31, 2019 at Eisenhower Elementary School.
 IBB Negotiation Meeting: 8:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at the District
Education Center
 GBHS Hall of Fame: GBHS Hall of Fame Luncheon Banquet on Friday, February 15,
2019.

12. ADJOURNMENT ……………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres

BUSINESS NEWS

For the first time, Barton Community College will host an art exhibit that showcases talent from every segment of the campus – students, faculty and staff. The exhibit’s name is BaRTaRT.

Andy Brown, guest juror, will speak at the Opening Night Awards Reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at the Shafer Gallery in the Fine Arts Building. Awards will be presented to students only; the exhibit runs through Feb. 16 and the community is invited to attend at no charge.

An open-to-the-public painting workshop also is on Brown’s agenda for 10 a.m. the next day in Room T-171 of the Technical Building. There is no cost and participants are encouraged to bring a brown-bag lunch.

Dave Barnes, Gallery director, said the BaRTaRT exhibit presents a “great opportunity for us to show off the quality of artwork generated in our art classes and by the folks who work up here on the hill.

“With new faculty, new programs and renewed student engagement, our Art Area is on the verge of a creative renaissance,” Barnes continued. “The Shafer Gallery is pleased to play a part in encouraging this transformation, as well as giving our faculty and staff an opportunity to share their artistic passions with the community.”

Scott Arthur, the new Barton art instructor, agreed with Barnes’ comments and thanked the Barton Community College Foundation for its support of this new exhibit and juror. Arthur teaches painting, drawing, digital photography and graphic design.

“I have taught at several institutions and am pleased to say Barton is as committed to the arts as any school with which I have been associated,” Arthur said. “A big part of this is the grant from the Foundation. Its generosity translates into opportunities for our artists, which is significant.

“We are very excited to have Andy visit with us,” Arthur added. “He is a talented artist and has life-long experience in the arts. Andy is a dedicated teacher and artist.”

Brown said he is excited to jury the BaRTaRT exhibit because “I am always curious to see new and emerging artists. In every art show in which I have been juror, the work reflects the community.

“I can’t wait to spend time with the artists and artwork in Great Bend – to see the interests, culture and the rich community of the regions.”

As a BaRTaRT exhibitor, Brown also is eager to start a dialogue about his creative processes to “get people excited about all the possibilities that painting holds.”

Brown’s exhibit is titled “It’s in the Kitchen.” His paintings represent the “simultaneity of difference and convergence of my cultural background with that of my partner,” Brown explained. “For me, one site for this interaction is the kitchen. It is often the center of the home – the place where families interact rather than retreat to their individual rooms.

“In the merging of two cultures/kitchens, which my partner and I represent, a path is found where dissimilar objects and spaces interact. In this stew of origins, we slowly uncover a shared identity.”

Defining a cultural identity is “often complex and seemingly elusive because it evolves, shifts and appears to lack definition,” Brown added. “The language we use when discussing cultural identity often emphasizes differences and can get confusing. However, the immediate elements, objects and spaces from which our individuality derives are wonderfully fixed.”

Brown’s painting workshop will focus on traditional Faux Bois techniques. He will discuss their history and demonstrate how to create realistic wood surfaces using glazes of oil paint.

The juror completed his bachelor’s degree in painting in 2005 at Towson University, with honors. He then worked for four years as an English instructor at several universities and schools in Shanghai, China. Brown moved back to the United States and earned his master’s in fine arts in painting and drawing in 2013 at Louisiana State University, receiving the Dean’s Medal for academic excellence.

He then worked as an adjunct instructor of foundations at LSU and is currently a full-time instructor and graduate faculty member at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton.

Great Bend native and USD 428 alumna, Olivia Bayse-Hotujac was named a Horizon Award winner by the KS Department of Education on January 8th. Bayse-Hotujac is a first-grade teacher at
Berryton Elementary School in Topeka, KS.

“Winning the Horizon Award is a huge honor to myself and my family,” said Bayse-Hotujac. “Coming from a family of educators, this means so much to all of us. Having my mom, Linda Basye as a role model, as well as all of the amazing teachers I had growing up, made me into the teacher I am today.”

When asked to reflect and speculate on the unique teaching practices and strategies that might have earned her the award, Bayse-Hotujac said, “I use a variety of different strategies in my classroom to reach the individual needs of my students. I’ve learned that establishing positive relationships with students is the only way students will truly learn from me, so I strive to connect with each student, every day. It makes it easier to teach them when I take the time to learn how they learn, interact with others, and what motivates them to do their best.”

Bayse-Hotujac attended Eisenhower Elementary School and Great Bend Middle School before graduating from Great Bend High School in 2012. She received her Associates Degree in Science from Barton Community College before graduating from Washburn University in May of 2017.

In addition to teaching full time, Bayse-Hotujac is currently pursuing a Masters in Administration degree from Baker University.

Bayse-Hotujac will formally accept the Horizon Award at a banquet in February and will also be given the opportunity to attend the KEEN (Kansas Exemplary Educators Network) State Conference in Topeka this spring.

The Horizon Award recognizes first-year teachers whose performance sets them apart from their peers. She is one of 32 distinguished teachers who will receive the award from thousands nominated across the state.

BUSINESS NEWS

Jason Rath was nominated by a patient as a Health Care Star at The University of Kansas Health System – Pawnee Valley Campus.

The Pawnee Valley Community Foundation Healthcare Stars program was born with the intention of recognizing those healthcare professionals who have provided exceptional care to their patients. In doing so they are also afforded the opportunity to give a gift in honor of the individual (group) nominated. These gifts directly support the care that PVCH healthcare professionals provide by purchasing new equipment and technology to improve and expand services.

The Healthcare Stars programs serves as an encouragement to staff at PVCH while also recognizing their outstanding dedication to patient care. Each individual nominated receives a certificate with the patient’s comments, their name is placed on the Healthcare Star plaque and a special Healthcare Stars pin that symbolizes their exceptional commitment to patient care.

Jason has been working at Pawnee Valley since 2013. From Plainville, KS originally, he pursued a B.S. in Athletic Training degree from Fort Hays State University and then on to graduate school at Tennessee Technological University with a Master’s in Exercise Science. This eventually led him to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Tennessee State University in Nashville. He completed DPT in 2013 and accepted the position at PVCH without question.

“I cannot thank everybody enough here at Pawnee Valley for making this a great place to come to work everyday. The individuals I am lucky enough to call co-workers and the patients I am allowed to work with make it a joy to be here and call Larned home.”

The Barton County Conservation District will hold their annual meeting on

Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Hoisington Knights of Columbus.

The evening begins at 5:30 with a cocktail hour that will include an open bar with beer and wine. That will be followed by a whole hog roast dinner with all the fixings with entertainment provided by the Hoisington High School Forensics Team.

This is a free event but registration is requested.

For more information or to register, call District Manager Sara Martinz at 620-792-3346, ext 303. You can also email Sara at Sara.martinz@ks.nacdnet.net or Sara.martinz@ks.usda.gov.

 

BARTON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 10p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to 1120 Morton Street, in reference to a stabbing, according to a media release.

Upon officers’ arrival, a 19-year old female was contacted. The victim and other witnesses stated Timothy Chism, a 34-year old white male, cut her throat and he fled from the residence on foot.

The victim was transported to the hospital in Great Bend and was reported in stable condition.

Police issued an attempt to locate for Chism for Aggravated Battery and he was still at large late Friday morning, according to police.  On Friday night, police reported they had arrested Chism. They did not release details of the arrest.

 

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting
January 14, 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 Monday, January 7, 2019, Regular Meeting.
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. RECESS FOR SWEARING IN OF OFFICIALS:
-The following officials will be sworn in: Jennifer Schartz, Kenny Schremmer and Alicia Straub, Commissioners. The swearing in ceremony will be held at 9:15 a.m. in Courtroom A. Following the ceremony, the County will host a reception in the Courthouse rotunda.

IV. RETURN – The Commission will return to Chambers at 9:45 a.m.

V. 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. ELECTION FOR CHAIRMAN AND CHAIRMAN PRO TEM OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
-Nominations are in order for the 2019 Commission Chairman and Chairman Pro Tem as is allowed under Kansas Statute 19-219. The Board of County Commissioners consists of Commissioners Don Davis, Homer Kruckenberg, Jennifer Schartz, Kenny Schremmer and Alicia Straub.

C. RESOLUTION 2019-01: Operating Year 2019 – Requesting Waiver Under K.S.A. 75-1120a:
-It is standard procedure to request a waiver of the requirements of K.S.A. 75-1120a relating to the preparation of financial statements and financial reports each year. The basis is that statements prepared in conformity with this statute are of no significant value to Barton County nor to the general public. Matt Patzner, Finance Officer, will provide details.

D. RESOLUTION 2019-02: Designation of the Official County Newspaper:
-Resolution 2019-02 calls for the designation of the official County newspaper. The newspaper selected must meet the qualifications as prescribed by K.S.A. 64-101. To meet this statute, and to best reach the citizens of Barton County, the Commission shall consider the designation of The Tribune. Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, will provide details.

E. DESIGNATION OF OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR COUNTY FUNDS:
-A designation of Barton County financial institutions as official depositories comes before the Commission. Such institutions must meet the 100% pledged securities requirement for all County funds. According to County Resolution 2017-16, all depositories must provide to the County Treasurer and the Financial Officer proof of security for these funds whenever such information is requested. Each institution designated as an official depository shall be notified by certified letter that they are required to meet the 100% pledged security. Jim Jordan, County Treasurer, will present details.

F. SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Vehicle Replacement:
-On January 2, 2019, several Sheriff’s Office deputies were involved in a high-speed chase. During the chase, the suspect vehicle rammed one of the patrol cars. Consequently, another deputy performed a maneuver to disable the suspect vehicle. The patrol car was damaged beyond repair during the maneuver. Since the patrol car was intentionally damaged to disable the suspect vehicle, the County’s insurance, EMC, will not provide coverage on the vehicle. It is suggested that the vehicle be replaced with a 2019 Charger Police AWD from Marmie Motors for a total of $21,145.00. As this was not a budgeted purchase for the Sheriff’s Office, and EMC Insurance denied the claim, it is requested that the replacement vehicle be purchased from General Fund reserves. Mr. Hathcock will provide details.

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.

B. APPOINTMENTS: Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
JANUARY 14, 2019
10:30 a.m. – Chamber Updates – Ellinwood, Hoisington, Great Bend
10:45 a.m. – LEPC Appointments – Amy Miller, Emergency Risk Manager
11:00 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 Health Department are scheduled for January 17, 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, January 21, 2019.

VIII. ADJOURN.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY — One person died in an accident just after 5p.m. Friday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Freightliner semi driven by Nevarez Medoza, Ernesto Rafeal Nevarez Medoza, 41, Mexico, was westbound on Kansas 156 just east of the Kansas 140 Junction.

The semi came around the curve and almost jack knifed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2016 Kenworth semi driven by Derek Jeff Hopkins, 23, Jefferson, GA., head on.

Nevarez Medoza was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Parsons Funeral Home. Hopkins was transported to the hospital in Ellsworth. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.