The lights are already coming on, but Saturday, Nov. 24 will be the official movement to turn Great Bend into a Christmas city once again. The Home for the Holidays Festival and Parade is lined up with events starting at 10 a.m. and continuing into the evening.

Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes says those going through the Trail of Lights this year will have a chance to win.

Christina Hayes Audio

Greeters are still needed throughout the holiday season at Trail of Lights in Brit Spaugh Park.

The Cookie Contest is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at various businesses downtown. Nativity Portraits at Jack Kilby Square will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. down Main Street and Hayes says there will more than 30 entries for the parade. At 6:30 p.m. the annual lighting of the Mayor’s tree in Jack Kilby Square will take place along with the Santa exhibit, horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, free train rides, and free hot dogs, hot chocolate, and funnel cakes.

Follow Explore Great Bend on Facebook for more details.

Sunflower Diversified Services has been in the recycling business for 18 years. The last four years, the recycling center has averaged three million pounds of material that has been recycled per year. Sunflower Executive Director Jon Prescott says the organization hopes to double that intake per year and create six to eight new jobs for the clients.

Talking with the City of Great Bend and Barton County Young Professionals, one thing Prescott has heard is the desire to have a recycling receptacle placed in downtown Great Bend. Sometimes getting out to Sunflower’s recycling center on West 10^th Street is not always convenient based on their hours.

Great Bend has moved ahead with placing a recycling trailer downtown that will allow citizens to drop their recyclables off any time.

Jon Prescott Audio

Sunflower tracked down a recycling receptacle that will be placed at the city-owned parking lot at 18^th Street & Williams, to the south of “little” Dillons and across from Park Elementary School. The City of Great Bend purchased the trailer from Sunflower for $6,000, but Sunflower will handle the maintenance and emptying of the trailer.

Sunflower serves 125 clients with development delays or disabilities. Providing the adult clients with jobs is part of achieving the independence that they seek for each client.

Signe Cook, a fifth-grade teacher at Park Elementary School, was honored as one of eight finalists from across the state at the annual Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) awards presentation held on Saturday, November 17 in Wichita. While Cook was not the top recipient, being named a finalist on the 2019 KTOY Team is an honor and provides ample opportunity to share her passion for teaching and influence the future of education in Kansas.

“I am honored to be a part of the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team,” said Cook.  “The team is comprised of the best of the best, representing all the hardworking and amazing teachers across the state. In the year ahead, I am excited to use my voice to advocate in a positive way for the teachers and students of Kansas.”

As a member of the 2019 KTOY Team, Cook will spend time this spring visiting her team members’ school districts, as well as traveling to all 25 colleges in Kansas to talk with pre-service teachers.

“Each member of the team will have a different message and focus when visiting with the college students,” said Cook. “I will focus on teaching to the whole child, building relationships and creating a positive environment in which students can learn. “Teaching is the profession that makes all other careers possible. Right now, teacher shortage and retention are big issues facing our state. We hope to put teaching in a more positive light and inspire others to join the profession and stay.”

Cook has been a teacher at Park Elementary School for three years. She has also taught in a number of Kansas communities including Fowler, Junction City, Dighton, Lakin, Horton, and Winchester for a combined 20 years. Cook is one of only three teachers from USD 428 to be named a finalist since the award program began in 1992. Crystal Cross was named a finalist in 2000, followed by Joyce Anschutz in 2005.

“Signe is phenomenal teacher and leader in our district,” said Park school Principal Phil Heeke. “We will miss her in the classroom this spring while she travels with the KTOY team, but we are excited about the knowledge and tools she will bring back to our district to benefit our students.”

If you are interested in following Mrs. Cook and the 2019 KTOY Team’s journey, connect with the Facebook page “2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team” or on Twitter @KTOY2019 or Instagram @ktoy2019.

The phones were ringing and text messages were flying recently throughout central Kansas and parts of Colorado, Texas, New Hampshire, Utah, Wisconsin and Georgia, resulting in almost $21,000 raised for the Invest in Kids Club at Sunflower Diversified Services.

The non-profit agency’s fifth annual Dialing for Dollars campaign collected $20,880 for infants and toddlers at its Early Education Center and Incredible Years Preschool.

“The generosity of central Kansans never ceases to amaze us,” said Connie Oetken, director of development. “Our supporters know the importance of early intervention for children ages birth to 3, along with an exceptional preschool curriculum.

“Our professional teachers and therapists make life-changing differences for children and their families every day,” she continued. “Since they can help alleviate or overcome developmental problems, children may not need expensive special education later.”

Oetken also noted Sunflower’s learning environment fosters sensitivity and respect for individual differences in others.

“Our staff realizes that early school experiences can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime,” Oetken said. “They work with families and community partners to help children interact appropriately with others as they reach developmental milestones.”

Members of Sunflower’s board of directors and its Foundation trustees made calls during the Dialing for Dollars event. Staff members also participated.

“We appreciate everyone who made calls and all of our generous donors,” Oetken said. “Nex-Tech Wireless, which sponsored this fifth-annual event, also has our heartfelt appreciation.”

Heather Quillin, Sunflower children’s services coordinator, also expressed her appreciation to all donors.

“The great response to Dialing for Dollars is so encouraging,” Quillin said. “Our supporters’ contributions will help us continue to serve so many children and their families right here in our local communities.”

For more information or to donate to the Invest in Kids Club, contact Oetken by calling 620-792-1325. All contributions remain in central Kansas.

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. The non-profit agency is in its 52nd year.

The Post Rock Opportunities Foundation is pleased to announce that Kansas Originals is receiving the KAKE WINS for Kansas $500 grant provided in  partnership with DeVaughn James. Artist Wayne Wilson, Park City, represents Kansas Originals in the segment which will air during the KAKE 10 pm news on Sunday, November 25^th.  There will be a short follow-up piece on the noon news on November 29^th.  The Foundation is extremely pleased to receive this grant to help continue their mission to provide market places for Kansas Artists, craftsmen, food producers and authors.

BUSINESS NEWS

The Barton Community College Foundation presents scholarships each year from funds received through its fundraising events, endowments and annual scholarship gifts. For the 2018-19 academic year, the Foundation has selected the following students (listed by hometown) for scholarship offers:

KANSAS

Bazine

Kerri Bruntz, Tony & Edna Schartz Memorial Scholarship

Bennington

Caleb Koehn, Barton Foundation Memorial Scholarship

Bison

Megan Erb, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Lacey Mitchell, W. G. & Beatrice Nicholson Memorial Scholarship

Cedar

Ross Ifland, Carl W. Sebits Business Scholarship

Claflin

Kirsten Gunder, J. A. Mermis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Kassidy Pflughoeft, Kirkman Scholarship for Academic Studies

Colwich

Rory Smith, Ralph & Michael Raffelock Memorial Scholarship

Derby

Ariana Taylor, Elsa Hiatt Scholarship

Ellinwood

Cailey Carman, Stanley & Elizabeth Post-Kimple Memorial Scholarship

Phylleicia Clawson, Emmett & Elizabeth Koelsch Scholarship

Drew Dannar, Clarence & Lucile Lebbin Memorial Scholarship

Cassandra Dimitt, Glen & Dorothy Schuetz Family Scholarship

Stacy Kimuyu, William & Johanna Rinker Nursing Scholarship

Haleigh Martin, Marian Isern Scholarship

Paige Morgan, Larry & Kathy Schugart Scholarship

Katelyn Robinson, Karen Jensen Ireland Memorial Scholarship

Mikayla Wirth-Menges, L. E. “Gus” Shafer Memorial Scholarship

Ellsworth

Jordan Base, Loren and Gayle Unruh Scholarship

Kolby Davis, Bank of America Scholarship

Ann Ridinger, Murphy Family Enterprises Scholarship

Shelbey Talbott, Maloy & Pauline Breitenbach Allied Health Scholarship

Fort Riley

Justina Akhamie, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Denise Cansler, Lisa Spatz-Smith Memorial Scholarship

Yang Fu, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Garden City

Lacey Barnett, Donna Schmidt Memorial Scholarship

Garden Plain

Haley Hays, Grant Lee Hoener Memorial Scholarship

Geneseo

Peyton Harvey, Central Prairie Coop Scholarship

Goodland

Katie Purvis, Melvin O. Nuss Scholarship

Gorham

Eustacia Waldschmidt, Yvonne Robbins Entrepreneur & Leadership Scholarship

Vashti Waldschmidt, Mary C. Krause Memorial Scholarship

Great Bend

Kaitlin Adams, Adams, Brown, Beran & Ball CPA Scholarship

Wendy Aguilar, Leila Hamilton Scholarship

Ellie Anspaugh, Jess E. Darnall Scholarship

Gladis Arellanes, Bank of America Scholarship

Felipe Baeza, Bryan & LaVerne McCullough Scholarship

Michelle Barber, Gus & Ethel Gagleman Memorial Scholarship

Joshua Bolding, Graydon Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Kyndall Brooks, Monica Bell Reser Memorial Scholarship

Josephina Calzada-Flores, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Carrie Carl, Craig & Jolene Biggs Scholarship

Larry Carl, Lisa Spatz-Smith Memorial Scholarship

Valeria Castillo, Bank of America Scholarship

Malia Clark, Danny & Darlene Biggs Nursing Scholarship

Bailey Creamer, Amos Bayer Memorial Scholarship

Valentin Delgadillo, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Jewelia Depperschmidt, Ira & Eunice Farmer Memorial Scholarship

Angelica Escobedo, Quentin Dressler Memorial Scholarship

Larissa Fagundes, Larry Zinn Scholarship

Venessa Favela, Clifford & Pauline Getz Scholarship

Robert Frizell, Regina Ault Scholarship

Alejandra Galindo, Roger & Mary Lou Murphy Scholarship

Lizeth Galindo, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Juvenal Garay, Fred & Renee Schmitt Memorial Scholarship

Marilu Garcia, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Scholarship

Isaac Gonzalez, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Kayanna Hammeke, Lee Turner Scholarship

Madyson Hayden, Nell Lyons Scholarship

Fawntana Henkle, Jeanette K. Haak Memorial Scholarship

Ayleen Hernandez, Danny & Darlene Biggs Nursing Scholarship

Takoa Johnston, Rosalie Jean Pennington Memorial Scholarship

Lee Ann June, Silver Cougar Club Scholarship

Brice Kaiser, G J. A. Mermis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Ginny Klitzing, Rosalie Jean Pennington Memorial Scholarship

Tommie Lankerd, BEST Scholarship

Joanna Lockwood, Kirkman Scholarship for Academic Studies

Thales Machado de Souza, BEST Scholarship

Paulina Martinez, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Kyler Merten, American State Bank Scholarship

Taylor Mohr, Jess E. Darnall Scholarship

Andrea Montes, Jerry E. Felkel Memorial Scholarship

Leiver Morales, Frank (Ryan) Vondra Scholarship

Eden Mulligan, Tony & Marguerite McAnulla Memorial Scholarship

Priscilla Munoz, LaOportunidad Scholarship

Kelsey Neeland, Ramona J. Goering Keenan Memorial Music Scholarship

Christopher Pafford Marcum, Jerry & Theda Jo Wendel Scholarship

Isaac Panzer, Harold Hudnall Scholarship

Diana Quiroz, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Uriel Renteria, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Trenton Roat, Murphy Family Enterprises Scholarship

Jacqueline Rodriguez, LaOportunidad Scholarship

Jessenia Rodriguez, Danny & Darlene Biggs Scholarship

Katelyn Scherer, Nancy Bartley Scholarship

Caitlin Schilowsky, Don & Phyllis Whelan Scholarship

Katie Schlochtermeier, Kirkman Scholarship for Academic Studies

Shaley Sciacca, Kirkman Scholarship for Academic Studies

Edith Solorzano, Fred & Renee Schmitt Memorial Scholarship

Karah Stewart, Don & Phyllis Whelan Scholarship

Elena Taboada, Clair & Jean Cavanaugh Scholarship

Ana Velazco, C. R. Schauf Nursing Scholarship

Maryann Whaley, Les & Carol Hopkins Scholarship

Kenroy Williams, Tony & Edna Schartz Memorial Scholarship

Trista Wilt, Elsa Hiatt Scholarship

Hays

Alexie Chairez, BEST Scholarship

Shannon Schumacher, Barton Foundation Memorial Scholarship

Hoisington

Brooke Bachar, Louis S. & Mary L. Kinzel Family Memorial Scholarship

Skyra Blackburn, Wilfred B. Marquis Memorial Scholarship

MyKayla Burgess, Virgil & Eloise Belford Scholarship

BreAnna Burns, Barbara Jordan Memorial Scholarship

Tristan Byers, George & Ruth Murdy Memorial Scholarship

Dorian Lueth, George & Cleo Tregellas Music Scholarship

Madison Pata, Barton County Bar Association Scholarship

Jocelynn Pedigo, Ed & Cheryl Heier Scholarship

Thomas Potter, Western Kansas Manufacturing Association Scholarship

Brooke Reif, Louis S. & Mary L. Kinzel Family Memorial Scholarship

Brianna Rose, Yvonne Robbins Entrepreneur & Leadership Scholarship

Alexis Rubio, Barton County Medical Society Scholarship

Taylor Schwartz, Charlie Brown Life Sciences Scholarship

Delaney Smith, Larry & Kathy Schugart Scholarship

Rheanna Spires, Leonard J. & Betty L. Miller Memorial Scholarship

Kaylin Tobias, BEST Scholarship

Inman

Taylor Everett, Carl W. Sebits Business Scholarship

Junction City

Jaden Bradney, Frank & Leila Smith Scholarship

Charles Peyla, G. E. & Lois Alban Scholarship

Jensen Porter, Barton Foundation Memorial Scholarship

Kinsley

Andrea Menard, Ira & Eunice Farmer Memorial Scholarship

LaCrosse

Kara Lonnon, M. E. “Eustace” Marmie Memorial Scholarship

Larned

Hunter Fitzpatrick, Barton Foundation Alumni Scholarship

Alyssa Flory, Carr Auction & Real Estate Scholarship

Ashley Minor, Mamie Robl Memorial Scholarship

Megan Stelter, Keith & Marian Mull Scholarship

Gabriel Toon, Grace Rowden Scholarship

Kelsie Toon, Isbell Wesley Scholarship

Lawrence

Ian Henricks, Landon Unruh Memorial Scholarship

Hailey Jump, Great Bend Firefighters Social & Charity Scholarship

Lincoln

Mackenzie Romesburg, Ralph & Michael Raffelock Memorial Scholarship

Brianna-Marie Wilson, Virgil & Eloise Belford Scholarship

Little River

Bryce Sears, Ernest Grossardt Memorial Scholarship

Luray

Madison Cotterill, Ray “Jiggs” Schulz Scholarship

Lyons

Jeremiah Jamison, Frank & Leila Smith Scholarship

Sandybell Lehman, Elmer & Frances Amerine Scholarship

Denisse Rodriguez, LaOportunidad Scholarship

Grant Rowley, Frank J. Dome Memorial Scholarship

Taylor Wheat, Ashton Knorr Koelsch Memorial Scholarship

Macksville

Brennyn Woolf, Clifford & Pauline Getz Scholarship

Manhattan

Shavonne Bonner, Mary McKay Memorial Scholarship

Hayden Hirschey, Frank & Leila Smith Scholarship

Brian Willoughby, Frank & Leila Smith Scholarship

McCracken

Alexandra Anderson, Edith & Harry Darby Foundation Scholarship

Minneapolis

Clayton Goddard, BEST Scholarship

Moline

Dacia Barner, Ramona J. Goering Keenan Memorial Music Scholarship

Ness City

Mario Luna, LaOportunidad Scholarship

Oakley

Kelly Benefield, Golda Bailey Underhill Memorial Scholarship

Ogallah

Emily Buchholz, G. E. & Lois Alban Scholarship

Otis

Tristen Dean, Amos Bayer Memorial Scholarship

Tanner Loucks, Bill E. Sowles Memorial Scholarship

Ottawa

Chandler Bloomer, Landon Unruh Memorial Scholarship

Pawnee Rock

Colton Schmidt, Grace Rowden Scholarship

Penokee

Conner Keith, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Plainville

Maria Kilgore, George Tregellas Chairman’s Scholarship

Pratt

Samantha Kettering, Clifford & Pauline Getz Scholarship

Rush Center

Katie Knieling, Barton Office Professionals Scholarship

Marissa Wagner, C. R. Schauf Nursing Scholarship

Russell

Daisi Brand, Jackie Elliott Student Support Services Scholarship

Shawn Denault, American Gas Association Scholarship

Jaime Hanson, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Nick Miller, Grace Rowden Scholarship

Micah Nuss, Superior Essex Scholarship

Jessica Schoech, L. E. “Gus” Shafer Memorial Scholarship

Amber Zordel, Clifford & Pauline Getz Scholarship

Salina

Marla Aguilar, Amos Bayer Memorial Scholarship

McKayla Berg, Chrissie Roe Evans & Dick B. Evans Memorial Scholarship

Kameron Davis, Genevie Schulz Memorial Scholarship

Rodolfo Diaz-Garay, Farmers Bank & Trust Financial Management Scholarship

Baleigh Griffin, Robert Bonomo Memorial Scholarship

Diana Lara,  Irva E. Fair Drews Memorial Scholarship

Scott City

Judith Gutierrez, Melvin O. Nuss Scholarship

Reagan Smyth, William C. Wells Memorial Scholarship

Sedgwick

Elyssa Barner, Donna Schmidt Memorial Scholarship

South Hutchinson

Elizabeth Schrock, Glen & Dorothy Schuetz Family Scholarship

St. John

Bailey Burns, Clara Barton Nursing Scholarship

Jeffrey Lyon, Frank & Leila Smith Scholarship

Anyela Valenzuela-Rosales, Neva and L. E. Brocher Scholarship

Stafford

Jessica Mitchell, Mamie Robl Memorial Scholarship

Morgan Sallabedra, Kummer Family Scholarship

Darci Vercher, S George Tregellas Chairman’s Scholarship

Sterling

Alexander Brasher, Dove Family Memorial Scholarship

Zachary Schissler, William C. Wells Memorial Scholarship

Sylvan Grove

Theresa Berger, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Scholarship

Timken

Gabriel Oddo, Ralph & Michael Raffelock Memorial Scholarship

Topeka

Adyson Crough, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Udall

Amanda Whiteman, Virgil & Eloise Belford Scholarship

Valley Center

Asa Unruh, Larry Harvey Memorial Scholarship

Wamego

Carson Zenger, Helen M. Koopman Memorial Scholarship

Weskan

Laisha Herrera, LaOportunidad Scholarship

Whitewater

Coleton Crisp, Lee Turner Scholarship

Wichita

Madison Angell, Marilyn K. Funk Charles Scholarship

Jaelyn Carter, Donna Schmidt Memorial Scholarship

Anna Hislop, Jim & Jo Ann Heaton Memorial Scholarship

Bailey Horsch, Isbell Wesley Scholarship

Selena Howard, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

Wilson

Tanner Reeves, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

COLORADO

Commerce City

Braden Carpenter, Roger & Mary Lou Murphy Scholarship

INDIANA

New Albany

Alicia Pardo, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

MISSOURI

Branson

Jordan Davis, Rob & Trisha Dove Honorarium Scholarship

NEBRASKA

Omaha

Tyler Bandiera, Landon Unruh Memorial Scholarship

OHIO

Dayton

Andrew Baney, Bryan & LaVerne McCullough Scholarship

OKLAHOMA

Broken Arrow

Stephanie Hunter, Dr. Raymond J. Leiker Scholarship for MLT Studies

Chandler

McKenna Solerg, Edward L. “Dusty” Jones MLT Scholarship

SOUTH CAROLINA

Summerville

Cherron Hayes, Lynn & Hazel Duke Scholarship

BAHAMAS

Nassau

Timothy Wilson, Grace Rowden Scholarship

BUENOS AIRES

Chascomus

Mariano Cabrera, Lynn & Hazel Duke Scholarship

MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo

Claudia Sumaia, Lynn & Hazel Duke Scholarship

PRATT, Kan. (AP) — A man shot by police earlier this month near the small Kansas town of Pratt has died.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says 38-year-old Rene Prieto died Wednesday in a Wichita hospital, where he had been treated since the shooting on Nov. 13. An autopsy is planned and the bureau says in a brief news release that the investigation continues.

The shooting happened after Pratt police officers responded to a report of a man waving a gun on a street outside a home.

Authorities say Prieto fired at one of the responding officers. Three officers returned fire.

No officers were hurt.

Press release from the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office…

On Tuesday, Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett filed felony charges against two individuals in association with patient on patient attacks that occurred on the afternoon of October 22, 2018 at the Isaac Ray Building on the campus of Larned State Hospital (LSH).

Two patients sustained great bodily harm requiring transport to outside medical facilities. One of the patient’s injuries were life-threatening at the time due to severe head trauma.

Anthony Ruiz-Hernandez, 22 of Topeka, is charged with one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, two counts of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Battery. Hernandez is currently being housed on local charges in the Shawnee County Adult Detention Center. His First Appearance has been scheduled for December 19, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Andres Gustavo Barrientos, 24 of Leavenworth, is charged with two counts of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Battery. Barrientos is currently being housed on local charges in the Leavenworth County Jail. His First Appearance has been scheduled for December 13, 2018 at 1:15 p.m.

For jurisdictional purposes, the Attempted First Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder counts were charged in the alternative to allow a trier of fact jurisdiction to consider the lesser charge of Aggravated Battery – Great Bodily Harm. Under Kansas law, Murder in the first degree requires a premeditated intent to kill.

The criminal investigation of the incident was conducted by Special Investigator Kevin Stegman with the LSH Safety and Security Department. All individuals involved were at LSH at the time for forensic evaluations related to out of county criminal charges.

The last incident at LSH resulting in criminal charges associated with the death of a patient occurred March 13, 2007. A jury later returned a verdict against Daniel T. Cook of Aggravated Battery – Great Bodily Harm in association with that incident. Cook argued self-defense.

It is the practice of the Pawnee County Attorney’s Office not to release the names of victims.