SJCF Architect still plans on having a master plan of improvements and additions to present before the USD 428 Board of Education at the January 14^th meeting. Senior Vice President at SJCF, Terry Wiggers, presented before the school board Monday night to give the board an update on where the process stands.

A steering committee and several community sessions narrowed down the wants and needs at each building over the last several months.

Wiggers says the committee will soon see the dollar amounts associated with each request or idea.

Terry Wiggers Audio

Wiggers added that community groups were mostly in favor of adding preschool to all the elementary schools, moving 6^th grade to Great Bend Middle School, and making some improvements and possible additions to Great Bend High School.

The master plan will be reviewed on October 18 at the District Education Center beginning at 7 p.m. After that, Wiggers says more time will be spent gauging the community’s desire for improvements and a potential bond.

Terry Wiggers Audio

The biggest changes were adding on to the Middle School to make room for all the 6^th graders. Preliminary plans at the middle school range from $19.6 million for an addition and turf field to $39.2 million for a new building. The talk at the High School included ideas of connecting the Panther Athletic Center to the main building, constructing a new auditorium, and rotating the football field or relocating it at the Great Bend Sports Complex. The early High School numbers show plans between $30 million to $82.2 million for a new building at a new site.

The community feedback meeting is scheduled for November 15 at the District Office at a time yet to be determined.

Story by Sara Oberle

The Barton Performing Arts Department will host its annual Sneak Preview concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 11 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  The concert is open to the public. A free-will donation will be accepted at the door.

The event will feature performances by the Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Hilltop Singers and Prairie Winds Concert Band, each offering a peek into the musical potential of each group.

“We have a great bunch of students and we are looking forward to the growth of their musical development,” Director of Instrumental Activities Steve Lueth said.

The program includes a variety of classical and popular selections. This year’s program will feature pop hits of the 80’s, a Renaissance motet, jazz and Latin tunes and band music that evokes the imagery of Halloween.

Great Bend Assistant Principal Randy Wetzel was selected as the 2018 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals. The organization consists of more than 450 secondary school principals from across Kansas.

Wetzel was nominated by a peer from Hays and selected by a committee.

Randy Wetzel Audio

Candidates are evaluated on their school leadership, improvement, dedication, professionalism, and service to students.

Wetzel graduated from Great Bend High School in 1973 and taught at Ell Saline High School, Russell High School, Seward County Community College, and Pan American University before coming back to Great Bend.

Wetzel will be honored on November 7 in Wichita.

Randy Wetzel Audio

Wetzel currently oversees the Great Bend High School CTE Pathways.

Principal Tim Friess says, “Wetzel has single-handedly turned the CTE program around and made it into a model for other schools to emulate. He is very deserving of this honor and recognition.”

The City of Great Bend continues to spiff up the Great Bend Events Center, and now they are inviting you to view the latest renovation. New carpet and tile was installed this past August to replace the existing flooring that was in place since the 1970s.

City Administrator Kendal Francis says the public will have a chance to view the new look Thursday, October 11 with an open house.

Kendal Francis Audio

The carpet project cost $99,000 and included a portable dance floor.

The open house is from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Events Center, 3111 10^th Street. Cupcakes by Flavored Celebrations will be available to the public.

written by: Donna Krug, Cottonwood Extension District Director and Family & Consumer Science Agent – Great Bend Office

The Fall season brings fluctuating temperatures that range from quite warm to downright chilly. That means many people will be testing out their furnaces before long, to make sure everything is working correctly. Indoor air quality is such an important topic so it seems like the perfect time to share some updated information on this subject.

We spend the majority of our time inside; 90 percent of it, in fact. Indoor air pollutants like mold, mildew, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, radon, and asbestos can make some days you spend inside miserable. Indoor air pollution is a high contributor to illnesses. These pollutants can cause acute and chronic problems such as allergies, asthma, headaches, nausea and even cancer. Americans lose millions of dollars each year in medical costs, lost workdays and decreased productivity due to illnesses caused by poor indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality can actually be worse than outdoor air quality. Many buildings are built or remodeled so tightly that fresh air is prevented from entering and circulating. That is complicated by the use of many furnishings, appliances, products and decorations that can negatively affect indoor air quality.

Of course the obvious signs of poor indoor air quality include unusual or noticeable odors. This may be attributed to moving into a new home, using new furniture, or using hobby products. Feeling noticeably healthier when you are outside is a definite clue that the air you are breathing inside your home may not be healthy.

Factors that impact air quality include lack of air movement, dirty or faulty heating or air conditioning equipment, damaged flue pipes or chimneys, unvented combustion for fossil fuel appliances, excessive humidity and the presence of mold and mildew. Many common household items pollute the air.

As we move into a new season there are several things you can do to be pro-active related to indoor air quality. Now is the time to replace furnace filters. It is also the perfect time to check the radon level in your home. We continue to have Radon test kits available for purchase at both of our Cottonwood Extension offices. Give me a call if you have any questions about your indoor air quality.

10/5

BOOKED: Iban Martinez-Enriquez of Great Bend on BTDC warrant for distribution or possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution or possession with intent to distribute heroin or methamphetamine.

BOOKED: Rodney Drake of Great Bend on BTDC case for serve sentence.

BOOKED: Walter Enriquez-Vasquez of Great Bend on GBMC case for serve sentence.

RELEASED: Nick Hicks on BTDC case for burglary, bond is set in the amount of $20,000 C/S, released to KDOC.

RELEASED: Trevion Birney on BCDC case for time served.

RELEASED: Vincente Espino to ICE.

RELEASED: Michael Foster of Newton on GBMC warrant for contempt. Newton Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear. BCDC case for distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of paraphernalia, released to Harvey County Sheriff’s Department on their warrant.

10/6

BOOKED: Michael McCoy of Pratt on hold for other jurisdiction.

RELEASED: Mercedes Gross of Wichita on BCDC warrant after serving time in full.

RELEASED: Michael McCoy to Pratt County.

10/7

BOOKED: Shilo Cruz of Great Bend on GBMC warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $372 cash only.

RELEASED: Rodney Drake of Great Bend on BTDC case for serve sentence, time served.

RELEASED: Shilo Cruz of Greate Bend on GBMC warrant for failure to appear, posted bond amount of $372 cash only.

RELEASED: Walter Enriquez-Vasquez of Great Bend on GBMC case for serve sentence, time served.

Eagle Media Center-12th and Baker: 2.70
3 miles North of Alexander-Charles Austin: 2.50
2 1/2 Miles North of Albert-Steve Schneider: 3.65
Hoisington-Jerry Morganstern: 5.10
North Susank-Don Mai: 4.30
West of Galatia-Barbara Merry: 4.60
South of Rush Center-Marvin Schneider: 4.20
GB Coop Test plot-West of Great Bend: 3.70 (includes Friday)
Bissell’s Point-Phil Grosardt: 2.50
Quail Creek-Kevin Soupiset: 3.20