TOPEKA —Gov. Jeff Colyer, MD has issued a State of Disaster Emergency declaration for the state in response to the recent heavy rains that have caused localized flooding and flash floods in a number of counties.

“With such excessive rainfall, we realize that many may have need of recovery assistance. This declaration will help with that effort,” said Colyer. “At the same time, I encourage Kansans to reach out to your neighbors and those in your community who may have had difficulty weathering the storm and see if there is any help you can offer as well.”

Although the Kansas Division of Emergency Management has not yet received requests for assistance from any counties, the declaration will expedite the state’s response, authorizing state resources and manpower to assist local governments with their response and recovery operations. Counties will be added to the declaration as requests for assistance are received.

The Great Bend Fire Department is busy this week with Fire Prevention Week activities at Great Bend elementary schools. According to Captain Mike Reifschneider, Fire Prevention Week activities include bringing trucks and equipment for students to see, presenting a 30-minute special program which includes a skit, and giving each kindergartener a red fire hat.

Mike Reifschneider Audio

Mark Pohlman is also a Great Bend Fire Department Captain. He says the annual event gives the Department a chance to review fire safety with a large number of young people in the community, a message that he hopes filters down to parents.

Mark Pohlman Audio

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” works to educate people about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire––and how to escape safely in the event of one.

USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton stated he had a bad feeling that enrollment numbers in the Great Bend school district were going to be down significantly this year, but it turns out the total 2018-2019 district enrollment was down just eight students from the previous year’s count.

The enrollment number submitted to the state this year was 2,856.

Khris Thexton Audio

The official enrollment number to the state has to be done by September 20. In mid-August the total enrollment for USD 428 was down 173 but many high school students did not enroll until the start of the classes.

The city of Hoisington has received 9.35 inches of rain since last Friday. City Manager Jonathan Mitchell was live on the 7:07 News Wednesday morning on 1590 KVGB and 97.7 FM to talk about how the rainfall impacted the city and how improvements to Blood Creek over the years have helped mitigate flooding issues.

Jonathan Mitchell Audio

U.S. Highway 281 south of Hoisington remains closed this morning due to high water. According to Barton County Dispatch, the water level remained steady overnight before actually rising a bit early this morning.

It is not known when the highway will re-open.

BUSINESS NEWS

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “National Crime Prevention Month” on Wednesday, October 10^th, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Activity Center (2715 18^th).  This program will also be held Friday, October 12^th, at the Sr. Center (2005 Kansas Ave.) starting at 1:00 pm.  October is National Crime Prevention Month.  Lt. Stephen Billinger, from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, will be talking about crime prevention, scams, concealed and open carry laws and other topics of interest from the audience.  For more information, call the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755 ext. 110.  For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please go to our web site at www.greatbendrec.com.

BUSINESS NEWS

Story and photo by Brandon Steinert

Barton Community College will help area high school seniors plan for their futures at Senior Day, starting at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 14, with a sign-up deadline of Oct. 31. Those interested can sign up at seniorday.bartonccc.edu.

The annual senior day will feature campus tours, sessions with advisors and admissions representatives, housing and student life information and much more. Most importantly, students and parents can learn the countless benefits of attending Barton prior to attending a four-year college or, if they choose a career program, before entering the workforce.

This is the second year Senior Day will be held during the school week. All participants will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $1000 scholarship or one of two $500 scholarships. Lunch is included.
Director of Admissions Tana Cooper encourages all seniors in the area to attend, even if they plan to go straight to a four-year school.

“Regardless of your plans, our advisors can help you take a detailed look at your future plans, and what courses and career paths you might want to pursue,” she said. “It is a great idea to at least come and visit and fill out the admissions application.”
Cooper said there is much to know about Barton’s programs and opportunities.

“Barton offers many of the same classes as four-year schools, but at about half the cost, and some of Barton’s career and technical programs take only a year to complete and can lead to a rewarding career,” she said. “Some students may already think they are going elsewhere, but it never hurts to come and visit and have a backup plan. It’s a fun and free day.”