First, the weather outlook from December 19^th to the 23^rd.  There is a very strong chance for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.  The outlook from the 21^st to the 27^th is calling for above normal temperatures and for precipitation to be slightly above normal to normal which means not much.  So if you want a want Christmas you are probably out of luck.  However, if you are travelling in the region, you are probably in luck.  Time will tell.

While the President hasn’t yet signed it, we have a Farm Bill.  The bill passed with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate.  This is good news on a number of levels.  Conservation is receiving a boost. Other programs producers rely on seem relatively the same.  In addition, the fight occurring every time over nutritional assistance was settled with requirements remaining essentially the same.  Both sides of the issues are somewhat happy and somewhat not so happy which means compromise ruled.  And in case you didn’t know, the amount of funding funneled to producers is small compared to nutritional assistance termed SNAP or in the old days, the Food Stamp Program.  Compared to most years, there was little effort to separate the two, which most objective observers see as a good thing.  This column isn’t about the details but the sausage making regarding the bill.  Why are these two items placed together?  Simply the rural/urban divide.

Legislation has to pass the House and Senate.  With two Senators in each state, Senators represent both rural and urban interests.  Even in states like California, Florida, Texas, and New York, Senators must address a substantial rural interest.  However, the House is another matter.  Many, likely a large majority, House members represent urban districts with little direct involvement in production agriculture.  These urban Representatives are more concerned with the problems such as urban poverty and hunger.  Representatives wanting/needing a to help producers through the agricultural part of the Farm Bill couldn’t get what they think their constituents need without the support of urban legislatures.  Urban legislatures need the support of rural members to obtain the support for food and other assistance for the poor and distressed.  Hence, we have the bill we have.  And those of us living in rural areas benefit from SNAP.  As a percentage, people living in rural areas benefit from and use SNAP much more than those in urban areas.

One last thought.  We think of Kansas as a rural, farming state.  In many ways we are.  But here is the reality.  We have four members in the House.  One essentially represents the Kansas City area.  The other the Wichita metro area.  The vast majority of Kansans live in those two areas.  Population wise we are an urban state.

The Kansas Highway Patrol stated this year that since 2006, Kansas has seen an increase every year in the number of highway crashes involving deer.

Although the greatest number of deer-vehicle crashes is during a period of in mid-November when the mating season begins, Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir says there are still plenty of deer collisions reported all over the county.

Brian Bellendir Audio

Although icy roads can cause just as many if not more accidents, Bellendir noted there is more property damage and injuries from deer-related accidents.

The KHP recommends avoiding exaggerated maneuvers while driving to avoid a deer in the road, as doing so can worsen your situation.

Brian Bellendir Audio

The Kansas Department of Transportation reported that 17 percent of all crashes last year were deer-related.

Now that convenient care and urgent care have been consolidated at St. Rose Medical Pavilion, patients will benefit in several ways, said Ashley Vonada, physician assistant (PA).

“With this consolidation, we are able to provide the best and most efficient care possible,” Vonada said. “We have more healthcare providers working together, and visits are even more timely.

“In addition,” she continued, “there is more continuity of care because we have quick access to patients’ medical records. As a result, our providers can review vital patient information during the visit, as well as during follow-up care, if necessary.”

Vonada had been a full-time PA since 2014 at what is now The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, the former Great Bend Regional Hospital/Heartland Regional Health Center. She now sees patients full-time at the Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic in the St. Rose Medical Pavilion.

“I am excited to be part of this health system, now in Great Bend,” Vonada commented. “It is great to see the community coming together, sharing resources and providing the highest quality healthcare possible in central Kansas.”

In addition to Vonada, other convenient care staff members include Ed Habash, PA, and Alisha Stinemetz, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

“We are so fortunate to have this excellent staff,” Vonada said. “This includes not only our healthcare providers, but also the staff in registration and maintenance/housekeeping. Everyone is focused on providing the best possible experience for our patients.”

Zena Jacobs, clinical director of ambulatory and outpatient operations, couldn’t agree more. “Our clinicians concentrate on providing outstanding, evidence-based care. We collaborate with one another on behalf of patients and their families. All locations of The University of Kansas Health System are working in tandem to streamline the care that patients deserve.”

Convenient care hours at St. Rose Medical Pavilion are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday;
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

“A walk-in visit to our clinic can be compared to going to your doctor’s office,” Jacobs noted. “The copay is the same, but convenient care offers extended hours to meet the needs of busy working families.”

Common conditions treated at the Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic include mild allergic reactions and rashes; asthma; back pain; colds, coughs, fever and flu symptoms; ear infections; eye irritations; fractures that need a splint; headaches and migraines; minor insect and animal bites; mild abdominal pain; minor burns, cuts, lacerations and abrasions; sinus infections; sprains and strains; urinary tract infections; and vomiting.

Story by Brandon Steinert and Coleen Cape
Photo by Megan White

Barton Community College’s Steinway grand piano was recently returned to its home in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel on campus after spending almost a year in New York City being totally refurbished at the Steinway Company. It once again graces the stage in the chapel. The project was made possible by a grant from the Dorothy Morrison Foundation.

In addition, the grant funded one seven-foot Acoustic Grand piano for the stage of the Fine Arts Auditorium; and one Yamaha Hybrid Grand for performances held in the Shafer Gallery as well as replacing all the digital pianos for the piano labs in the music department.

“Steinway pianos have long been considered the pinnacle of instruments for excellence in tone, quality and resonance,” said Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Coleen Cape. “Barton Community College is extremely fortunate to boast the ownership of such a valuable and sought-after musical treasure.”

All of the other new pianos in the Barton Fine Arts Building affect a wide range of people in a variety of ways. From the piano classes the music majors and minors need for their degrees to the piano classes for Barton students just wanting to learn more about music, these new pianos will assist student learning through new recording advancements and midi capabilities.

“The Barton Music Department is thrilled beyond their highest dreams thanks to the Barton Piano Project funded by the Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation through the Barton Foundation,” said Piano Instructor Karole Erikson.

Cape said the foundation is grateful for the generosity of the Dorothy Morrison Foundation.

“It is hard to imagine any gift that could possibly have such far reaching outcomes as this one,” Cape said. “The piano project will benefit not only the faculty and staff at Barton but members of the communities we serve who attend any vocal or instrumental event at Barton Community College.”

Christmas came early for one Great Bend women Saturday…

Becky Wornkey of Great Bend had the last ping pong ball left in the machine Saturday in the Home for the Holiday’s $10,000 Shopping Spree presented by Moeder Plumbing Heating and Air, Bauer Computers and Eagle Communications.

Wornkey, who registered at Sutherland’s in Great Bend, says she had a good feeling heading to the Crest Theater Saturday morning.

Becky Wornkey Audio

Becky will now have $10,000 to spend at any or all of the Home for the Holiday’s sponsors who helped make the event possible. She says it’s the first time she has ever won anything like this.

Becky Wornkey Audio

By the way, Becky’s lucky number was 14. David Sells of Wilson, who registered at Miller’s of Claflin, was the runner-up with ball number 9. Louis Pierce of Great Bend with ball number 1 was third after she registered at Great Bend Appliance.

The Great Bend City Council was divided on the decision at the December 3^rd meeting to hire a consultant that could help with retail development and recruitment. A 5-3 vote tabled the discussion for the second January meeting when the new councilmembers could be part of the decision.

The idea behind the consultant is to expand what the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is currently doing and search for more national retailers.

Chamber CEO Jan Peters felt like the move would be worth it.

Jan Peters Audio

City administration recommended going with Retail Strategies for $50,000 in the first year. The Alabama firm would gather community statistics and represent Great Bend at national and regional retail conferences to recruit businesses to come to town.

Peters noted many thriving cities throughout the state are in the position they are in because of outside consultants.

Jan Peters Audio

The discussion on the consultant will pick back up at the January 21^st meeting.

At the meeting this Monday, December 17, there is a request to approve a renegotiated agreement between the City of Great Bend and the Chamber of Commerce. That meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Budget Amendment Hearing and Agenda Meeting
Monday, December 17, 2018 – 8:45 a.m. Until Close

STUDY SESSION-8:45 a.m. Until 9:00 a.m.
8:45 a.m. – Introductory Session – Levi Morris, County Attorney Candidate

BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING – 9:00 a.m. Until Close
-This Budget Hearing has been scheduled to receive comments relative to amending the 2018 Operating Budget for the following Barton County Funds – Road and Bridge, 911 Emergency Telephone Tax, Solid Waste and CJIS/CAD. Despite the efforts of elected officials and department heads, budget estimates must be adjusted so that funds fall within budgetary laws.
Road and Bridge – The Road and Bridge budget amendment, if approved, will allow for unanticipated revenue from state, federal and other sources to be used for departmental expenses.
911 Emergency Telephone Tax – The 911 Emergency Telephone Tax budget amendment, if approved, will allow cash carryforward from previous years to be used for 2018 equipment and professional service fee expenses.
Solid Waste – The Solid Waste budget amendment, if approved, will allow unanticipated revenue and cash carryforward to be used for 2018 equipment and building improvement expenses.
CJIS/CAD – The Criminal Justice Information System budget amendment, if approved, will allow unanticipated revenue and cash carryforward to be used for contractual service and server maintenance expenses, as well as a transfer of initial Global System set up costs into reserve funds.
The Budget Amendments will now be presented to the Barton County Commission to receive public comment. Matt Patzner, Financial Officer, will present details.
CLOSE OF BUDGET AMENDMENT HEARING

AGENDA MEETING – Close of Budget Amendment Hearing 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 December 10, 2018, 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. 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. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewals:
-Per K.S.A. 41-2702, no retailer shall sell any cereal malt beverage without having secured a
license for that business. When a business is located in the unincorporated portion of the
County, that application shall be made to the Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Zimmerman
will present the applications for 2019.

C. PROCLAMATION 2018-16: Central Plains High School Football, Kansas Class 8 Man I
Champions:
-The Central Plains High School (CPHS) Boys are the 2018 Class 8 Man I Football Champions.
The proposed Proclamation acknowledges their efforts and recognizes the student athletes,
managers and coaching staff for their commitment to excellence. It also declares December 17,
2018, as Central Plains High School Football State Champions Day. Athletic Director Pat Stiles
and Head Coach Chris Steiner will provide details.

D. PURCHASE OF PATROL VEHICLE: Encumbering the Cost:
-Sheriff Brian Bellendir has purchased a patrol vehicle from Marmie Motors. As the cost will be
paid through the Sheriff’s Account of the General Fund, this is within his authority. The Sheriff
does not anticipate delivery of the vehicle before year end. Sheriff Bellendir will therefore
request that the purchase price, $21,583.00, be encumbered.

E. NATIONAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES: Change in Staffing:
-Ron Klein, Supervisory District Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, will
announce that Pam Tucker, Conservation District Manager, is retiring this month. The
Commission will be invited to an Open House at the Great Bend USDA Service Center in her
honor on December 19, 2018, followed by a dinner at the Lone Wolf on December 21, 2018.
Mr. Klein will also introduce Sara Martinz, Barton County Conservation District Manager. It is
anticipated that Ms. Martinz will work closely with area farmers.

F. AMENDMENT OF THE 2018 BARTON COUNTY OPERATING BUDGET:
-The Budget Amendment Hearing for the 2018 Operating Budget for Barton County was
conducted prior to this Regular Agenda Meeting. Mr. Patzner presented the proposed budget
amendments during the Hearing. The Commission is now asked to consider amendments that
will allow for the current budget to cover the operating expenses for the Road and Bridge, the
911 Emergency Telephone Tax, Solid Waste and the CJIS/CAD funds. It is noted that these
funds fall outside of the General Operating Budget.

G. AWARD OF PROPOSAL: County Counselor:
-Barton County accepted proposals for County Counselor / legal services. Under the proposal,
the Offeror is to provide legal services as required by K.S.A. 19-247. Specifically excluded are
the duties of the County Attorney. Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, will present details.

H. REPLACEMENT OF SOLID WASTE VEHICLE:
-A vehicle currently used by the Landfill is showing signs of wear. In order to avoid costly
repairs and to capitalize on its current value, Mr. Hathcock researched replacements. Mr.
Hathcock will provide details.

I. COUNTY ENGINEER: Agreement for Engineering Services with Kirkham Michael and
Associates:
-There are two low water crossings on the blacktop road west of Pawnee Rock that frequently
have water over them, causing the road to be closed. Since the road lies on the Barton/Pawnee
County line, Barry McManaman, County Engineer, approached Pawnee County to cost share on
the construction of concrete drainage boxes and elevating the roadway. Kirkham Michael will
provide design services, prepare plans and facilitate a bid letting in order to hire a contractor to
build the structures. The Counties will share in the excavation, site preparation, backfill and
finish roadway construction by using County crews for that work.

J. RESOLUTION 2018-19: Establishing Weight Limits for Certain Bridges Maintained by
Barton County and Rescinding an Unnumbered, Untitled Resolution Concerning Bridge
Weight Limit Restrictions Adopted July 8, 1980:
-Engineering load ratings have been performed on certain County-maintained bridges as required
by federal regulations with said regulations requiring that weight limit signs be installed at
bridges that cannot safely carry legally loaded trucks. Mr. McManaman has reviewed the load
ratings and determined that it is necessary that certain weight limit regulations be adopted. Mr.
McManaman will review the appropriate regulatory signs and signage locations as designated by
the proposed resolution.

K. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Purchase of a Competitive Vacuum Excavator:
-The Road and Bridge Department typically requests 800 to 1,000 One Call locates per year for
utilities buried in the public right of ways. In order to improve efficiencies, the Department
suggests the purchase of a Competitive Vacuum Excavator. The equipment uses high pressure
water jets to remove soil and rocks while vacuuming up the debris reducing labor costs and
allowing for more pointed mechanical equipment work. The recommended unit includes
warranties and can be pulled by most of the pickups operated at Road and Bridge. Darren
Williams, County Works Director, 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 County Commission is invited to a retirement reception honoring Pam Tucker,
Conservation District Manager. The reception will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Great Bend USDA Service Center, 926 Patton Road,
Great Bend. This will be followed by a retirement dinner at 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 21,
2018, at the Lone Wolf, 111 S 1st, Ellinwood, Kansas.
-County officials are invited to attend a Retirement Party for Janel Rose, Health Educator. The
event will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday, December 21, 2018, at the Barton County
Health Department, 1300 Kansas, Great Bend, Kansas.
-Barton County Office Buildings will be closed Monday, December 24, 2018, and Tuesday,
December 25, 2018, in observance of the Christmas holiday. The Records Division of the
Sheriff’s Office and the Health Department will be closed both Monday and Tuesday. The
Landfill will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on December 24, 2018, and closed the
remainder of the Christmas holiday. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

B. APPOINTMENTS:
Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
DECEMBER 17, 2018
10:30 a.m. or following the close of the agenda meeting – Appraisal Portal through CIC – Barb
Esfeld, County Appraiser
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 December 20, 2018.

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, December 31, 2018.

VI. ADJOURN.

Story by Brandon Steinert

Local thespians are invited to audition for the Barton Community College Theatre Department’s production of Neil Simon’s “Rumors”. Open auditions are set for 4-6 p.m. January 7 and 8 in the Fine Arts Auditorium on campus. No proparation is necessary.

Performances will be held March 1-3, 2019.

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

The Christmas feast served at all Barton County Senior Centers Thursday kicked off the 2019 ElderCare Inc. meal-sponsorship program, with four local businesses leading the way. The businesses are Hiss Sherman Wealth Management, MPIRE Companies, Marmie’s Auto and Brentwood Builders.

“We can’t tell you how much we appreciate these community leaders,” said Brandi Gruber,” ElderCare executive director. “They helped us lay the groundwork for seeking other sponsors that will provide nutritious meals for our senior citizens.

“The seniors who attended our special event were very surprised and thankful for the sponsored meals,” Gruber added. “All of us at ElderCare are excited for 2019 and adding sponsors to the program.”

Matt Hiss, investment advisor representative at Hiss Sherman, said “this is our way of giving back to the generation before us. They paved the way and built the community we are fortunate enough to live in today.

“It is easy to remember to donate to charities centered around children, which is obviously important. But oftentimes we forget to give generously to organizations that care for the older generation. For goodness sake, they aren’t called the ‘greatest generation’ for no reason.”

Jason Mayers, chief executive officer of MPIRE Companies, couldn’t agree more. “Our seniors are an important and too often overlooked part of our community. We are extremely happy to assist with a program that allows them to live more independently.

“All of us at MPIRE are proud to contribute in some small way to the hard work ElderCare performs each day to meet seniors’ needs. Christmas is truly the season of giving and it is important to give back to our community.”

Mayers also noted ElderCare needs financial donations and volunteers year-round.

“Any amount of money and/or time greatly helps these much-needed programs.”

Tina Mingenback, ElderCare dietary services manager, said the meal-sponsorship program is open to any business or individual at ElderCare’s 39 Senior Centers in its 28-county territory. These counties are located from central Kansas to the Colorado and Oklahoma borders. About 20 percent of the meals served each month are in Barton County. The kickoff focused on Senior Centers in Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood.

“Donors have the satisfaction of providing healthy meals, while helping us offset ever-increasing food costs,” Mingenback said. “They can help ensure our programs will continue.”

Income from federal and state grants for Friendship Meals has decreased during the last decade, she noted.

“Meal sponsorships can help bridge this financial gap. If we don’t have donations and/or funding increases, our programs cannot survive.”

Sometimes, Mingenback noted, seniors need a helping hand but “pride gets in the way. They are not going to reach out and ask for help. This is a way they can get the help they need without asking for it.”

Most Friendship Meals are served in Senior Centers but they also are delivered by Meals on Wheels. Sponsors have choices about how they can help. It could be with a check for any amount, or sponsorships for one day, once a month or quarterly.

“Sponsors could do this just one time or make it a regular part of their charitable giving,” Mingenback commented. “This would be a wonderful gesture during the Christmas season or part of a New Year’s resolution.”

She also emphasized that all contributions remain in local communities and donors may specify where they want their money to go.

In addition, business sponsors can raise awareness about their products and services by joining Senior Center patrons at mealtime. They are welcome to provide a quick overview of their businesses; hand out business cards and brochures; and post a banner at the Senior Center.

For more information, contact ElderCare by calling 620-792-5942.