BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting
Monday, November 5, 2018  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 October 22, 2018, and the October 29, 2018, Regular Meetings.
E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes.
F. Cell phones and other electronic devices, other than those used by the media and law enforcement, should be shut off.

II. 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. ROSEWOOD ROOTS AND WINGS FOUNDATION: Letter of Support:
-Rosewood Roots and Wings Foundation has requested a Letter of Support for a $10,000.00 Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grant application. Monies provided by KDOT would be used to purchase a 14 passenger vehicle and assistance with operations. If approved, Rosewood would be required to provide a 20% match. Will Rains, Rosewood, will provide details.

B. GOLDEN BELT VETERANS MEMORIAL: Dedication of Commemorative Stone III:
-The Memorial Parks Advisory Committee has scheduled the dedication of the Third Stone at the Veterans Memorial for 1:30 p.m., Sunday, November 11, 2018, Veterans Day. The Ceremony will include a musical selection by the Great Bend High School Band, the Dedication, program by Congressman Roger Marshall, recognition of the American Legion Honor Guard and a presentation by the Golden Plains Quilts of Valor. Mick Lang, Memorial Parks Advisory Committee, will provide details.

C. SOLID WASTE: Household Hazardous Waste Building Change Order:
-The Landfill constructed a building on-site in August to house household hazardous waste and other recycling operations. Due to Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulations, portions of the building were required to have explosion proof lighting and electrical outlets. Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, 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.

-County officials have been invited to attend the Barton County 4-H Achievement Celebration on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., at the Barton Community College, Student Union Building, 245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend, Kansas. The event begins with a meal and is followed by a program recognizing the 4-H members for their achievements.

-Barton County Office Buildings will be closed on Monday, November 12, 2018, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. The Health Department and the Records Division of the Sheriff’s Office will also be closed that day. The Landfill will be open until 11:00 a.m. Emergency services will be in normal operation.

-The County Commission will meet as the Board of County Canvassers on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 8:30 a.m. in the Office of the County Clerk. At that time, they will canvass ballots from the November 6, 2018, General Election.

B. APPOINTMENTS: NOVEMBER 5, 2018
9:30 a.m. or close of the Agenda Meeting – Department Head Meeting with the Commissioners. Department Head meetings are held in the Courthouse Conference Room, Room 101. After the Department Head meeting is closed, the Commission will return to their Chambers.
10:30 a.m. – Grant opportunity – Shelly Schneider, Health Director
10:45 a.m. – Program Update – Jim Jordan, County Treasurer
11:15 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. Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, is scheduled for November 8, 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 follow the Election Canvas on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. It is anticipated that the meeting will begin no earlier than 9:00 a.m.

VI. ADJOURN.

For the 5^th year, United Way of Central Kansas is hosting their annual Jeans Day for United Way next Wednesday, November 14.

Executive Director Gaila Demel says the event has grown over the years, raising more than $6,500 towards the campaign goal. Even if your business or place of work already wears jeans on a daily basis, you can still support the United Way on the 14^th.

Gaila Demel Audio

More than 30 businesses participate in the event each year.

You can contact the United Way to get signed up and they will provide your business with Jeans Day stickers and drawing slips. Then all the employees can wear jeans and donate at least $1. Each dollar that they donate gets them another chance to win a free pair of jeans from The Buckle.

Gaila Demel Audio

United Way of Central Kansas shoots for a fundraising goal of $275,000 each year to help out more than 20 nonprofit organizations.

Class 5A West Bracket
Wichita Northwest 56, Emporia 21
Bishop Carroll 52, Salina Central 14
Maize 35, Maize South 0
Great Bend 31, Kapaun Mt. Carmel 7

Class 2A West Bracket
Hutch Trinity 16, Garden Plain 7
Hoisington 41, Cimarron 18
Conway Springs 21, Chaparral 14
Phillipsburg 41, Lakin 0

8-Man Division I West Bracket
Central Plains 50, Ness City 0
Hoxie 22, Clifton-Clyde 20
Hodgeman County 76, Spearville 48
St. Francis 30, Victoria 12

8-Man Division II West Bracket
Osborne 66, Sylvan-Lucas 20
South Barber 60, Stafford 14
Dighton 52, Northern Valley 6
Otis-Bison 66, Central Christian 52

Class 3A West Bracket
Smoky Valley 22, Hesston 14
Pratt 33, Colby 16
Andale 66, Chapman 22
Scott City 34, Beloit 7

Class 1A West Bracket
Smith Center 56, Sacred Heart 7
Sedgwick 20, Meade 2
Plainville 31, Ell-Saline 28
Elkhart 53, Inman 10

Story by: Brandon Steinert

Brenda Ortiz has loved every minute of her time helping patients as a Medical Assistant at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care, Inc., but she wasn’t always so sure-footed about her career.

She fancied herself a teacher after graduating from Macksville High School in 2004, and so began her pursuit of a career in education.

It didn’t take long for her to realize her real passion was in healthcare. She worked as a receptionist at a medical clinic, where they would ask her to interpret for Spanish-speaking patients.

“I liked what I saw back there,” she said of the care given to patients. “So, I switched my major from education to medical assistant.”

She graduated from Barton in 2007 and has been gainfully employed since, holding fast to the sense of purpose she derives from the job.

“I like that I’m able to help the patients understand their diseases and teach them how to take their blood sugar. I really enjoy the patient interaction and helping them feel as good as possible, even when they’re not feeling the best.”

Though satisfying, she said sometimes it can be a challenge keeping her game face on.

“Sometimes you have patients who don’t feel well and get upset over something, and even though you have had a busy stressful day, you have to maintain your composure and help them in a well-mannered and respectful way,” she said.

Ortiz recalled her time at Barton fondly, citing the efficiency of the program’s relevant curriculum and helpful instructors.

“I also liked it because I was close to home and they had great scholarship opportunities,” she said. “It helped prepare me to be out in the real world and working the job. It covered a variety of topics that are useful for a medical assistant when you work in an office or medical facility.”

She said a career as a medical assistant can be rewarding as an end-game, but it’s also a great gateway to other professions in healthcare.

“I would invite anyone who thinks they want to be in the health field, but not sure what they want to do, to try starting as a medical assistant,” she said. “It offers opportunities to work in the aspect of a receptionist, with insurance and coding, and hands-on patient care. If you decide one of those areas you really enjoy, you can pursue that.”

For more information about Barton’s Medical Assistant program, visit MedAssistant.bartonccc.edu.

Alan LaPolice, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Kansas’ 1st  Congressional District, will meet constituents throughout the district starting Saturday, Nov. 3, with stops planned in 10 cities.

“The issues facing Kansans, especially farmers, are too important to sit on the sidelines,” LaPolice said. “I will never take votes for granted, and I will never ignore the people of the 1st  District, regardless of political affiliation.

“I welcome dialogue, and I pledge to never insult or shout down any constituent with concerns about healthcare or any other issue.”

LaPolice will begin his listening tour Saturday in Ellinwood and travel to Great Bend, Dodge City and Garden City. On Sunday, Nov. 4, he is scheduled to be in Hutchinson and Salina.

On Monday, Nov. 5, LaPolice will be in Council Grove and Emporia, and, on Election Day, Nov. 6, in Junction City and Manhattan.

“I wish I could meet every resident of the Big First,” LaPolice said. “But the 1st District is just that—big. I welcome questions from all voters on my FaceBook page, and I will answer as many as possible.”

BOOKED: Elsa Cortez of Great Bend on GBMC case for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Melissa Sue Loveall for serve sentence case.

BOOKED: James Jackson of Hoisington on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court with a bond set at $617.50 cash only.

BOOKED: Juvenile of Hutchinson on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation, no bond.

BOOKED: Shayla Richmeier of Great Bend on case with bond of $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Tammy Fleske of Great Bend on BTDC case for possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, seat belt, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Joel Davis of Lyons on RCDC warrant for probation violation, bond set at $1,500 cash only.

BOOKED: David Sewell of Miliken, CO on SFDC case for DUI, open container, trespass railroad property, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Elsa Cortez of Great Bend posted a $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding on GBMC case for domestic battery.

RELEASED: Juvenile of Hutchinson on BCDC warrant for probation violation after being transferred to Bob Johnson’s.

RELEASED: Shayla Richmeier of Great Bend on case.

RELEASED: James Jackson of Hoisington on GBMC warrant for contempt of court, posted bond of $617.50 cash bond.

RELEASED: Tammy Fleske of Great Bend on BTDC case for possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, seat belt, posted bond through Ace Bail Bonding of $1,000 C/S.

All students learn differently. There are some children that simply do not behaviorally or socially do well in a school setting. Just like they do for reading and math, Great Bend Middle School conducts interventions to help students with behavior and social emotional learning.

Sheryl Neeland serves as a counselor at the Middle School and says some students need one-on-one attention and constant interaction.

Sheryl Neeland Audio

GBMS runs screeners multiple times a year to determine if students need extra time improving their behavior or counseling on social issues. Those screeners come from grades, attendance, teacher recommendations, and assessments.

Neeland referenced a former student that just needed interaction and an organized plan to keep him focused and behaving well in school.

Sheryl Neeland Audio

Neeland says there is a follow-up that herself and fellow counselor Brian Williams do each year after the 8^th graders graduate to Great Bend High School. The Middle School counselors will communicate with the High School counselors or staff and inform them on what practices are effective with certain students.

Story by Joe Vinduska

Bike Brew Q and Charlie’s Place sponsored a pumpkin smash event on Saturday night at Charlie’s Place and raised $410 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation bringing Bike Brew Q’s 2018 total to well over its goal of $10,000.

All the pumpkins were donated by Long Pumpkin Patch. Wichita Brewing Company provided free giveaways and brought their seasonal beer, Yumkin Pumpkin, to put on tap at the bar.

Participants were able to purchase pumpkins for a $10 minimum donation and then smash them with their implement of choice, which included a sledgehammer, baseball bat and a dirt tamper.

Bike Brew Q Founder Ryan Fairchild said the event had a great turnout for its inaugural year.

“This is our first official event outside of our main cycling and craft beer event we hold every July,” he said.”  “The Pumpkin Smash was born out of a desire to hit our 2018 fundraising goal of $10,000 and to bring an extra event to Great Bend. We’ve passed $20,000 over our three years of fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and I am ecstatic and humbled at the same time. I am very encouraged and excited about the future of Bike Brew Q.”

Bike Brew Q is an annual Craft Beer Expo that includes a cycling event in the morning and food trucks throughout the day. The next event will be held on July 27, 2019. For more information visit bikebrewq.com.