At 9:30 a.m. Monday morning, the Great Bend Police Department issued a missing person report for a 41-year old female. Later Monday morning, the Police Department reported Cynthia Dewberry was located and safe.

The report earlier in the morning stated Dewberry was believed to be driving a blue and white 2000 Ford Excursion with a Kansas veteran tag. Family members told police they had not seen Dewberry since 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 23, when she was possibly having medical issues.

Again, Dewberry has been found and is safe.

Barton County Commissioners Monday received an update on the 2018 Tax Sale that will be held on October 23 at the Barton County Courthouse. According to Treasurer Jim Jordan, the list of properties that had outstanding taxes is starting to be whittled down in advance of that October date.

Jim Jordan Audio

According to Diana Watson, who helps the Treasurer’s Office prepare for the annual sale, that number is about 20 higher than a year ago ,but points out that eight parcels were brought up to date on Friday. She adds several more property owners are working on payment options with the Treasurer’s Office to get their taxes current.

Owners are able to redeem their parcels until noon on Monday, October 22. The The sale will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23 in room 101 at the Barton County Courthouse.

9/21

BOOKED: Charles Demel on Central Kansas Community Corrections order for serve sentence.

BOOKED: Alicia D. Hoeffner on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to appear, no bond. BCDC warrant for failure to appear, no bond.

BOOKED: Michelle Wadett Cavender on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant with a bond of $412.50 cash only or 10 days in jail.

BOOKED: Brandi Milford on CKCC warrant for a serve sentence.

BOOKED: Ryan Shryock of Great Bend on Barton County District Court case for serve sentence.

BOOKED: Tommy E. Shepherd on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for contempt of court, with a cash bond of $1,374.50.

RELEASED: Eric W. Torres on BCDC case for distribution of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons and possession of stole property after posting a $25,000 surety bond.

RELEASED: Michelle W. Cavender on GBMC warrant with a $412.50 cash bond.

9/22

BOOKED: Paige White of Great Bend on Great Bend Municipal Court case for domestic battery, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Paige White of Great Bend on GBMC case for domestic battery after posting a surety bond through Dynomite Bail Bonds.

9/23

BOOKED: Michael Baxter of Great Bend on Great Bend Municipal case for no turn signal, no insurance, no registration, failure to stop at a stop sign, basic speed rule, and flee and elude, his bond is set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Tyler Tomlinson on Barton County District Court case for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernal, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Margaret Becker of Hoisington on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $250 or OR after 48 hours. Hoisington Municipal Court case for expired tags and suspended DL, bond set at $1,000 C/S or 18-hour OR.

BOOKED: Logan Buehler on Great Bend Municipal Court case for driving under the influence and no insurance, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Gerald Martin of Great Bend on BTDC case for felony possession of stolen property, DWS, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jerry Cossman of Ellinwood on BTDC case for possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Jacob Philbern of Hoisington on BTDC warrant for contempt of court, bond set at $200 cash only or 48-hour bond.

BOOKED: Joshua Winchester of St. John on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to appear with no bond, serving five days then the bond will be $428 cash only by defendant.

BOOKED: Shawn Corkill of Wichita on Barton County District Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $1,000 cash only.

RELEASED: Michael Baxter of Great Bend on GBMC case for no turn signal, no insurance, no registration, failure to stop at a stop sign, basic speed rule, and flee and elude, bond set at $500 C/S.

RELEASED: Tyler Tomlinson on BCDC case for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia, bond posted for $10,000 C/S through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Logan Buehler on GBMC case for driving under the influence and no insurance, posted bond amount of $1,000 in cash bond.

RELEASED: Margaret Becker of Hoisington on BCDC warrant for failure to appear, posted $250 cash only paid by defendant. Released for Hoisington Municipal Court case for expired tags and suspended DL, posted amount of $1,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Jacob Philbern of Hoisington on BTDC warrant for contempt of court, posted $200 cash bond.

RELEASED: Brandi Milford on BCDC serve sentence.

RELEASED: Ryan P. Shryock on BCDC warrant for serve sentence.

RELEASED: Shawn Corkill on BCDC warrant with a $1,000 cash bond.

First, drought conditions remain pretty much unchanged and except for a portion of northeast Kansas, no part of the state is even abnormally dry.  This is quite a departure from last year.  Summer row crops are maturing with corn harvest starting up after recent rains.  Many fields of soybeans have or are dropping leaves and close to harvest.  Most milo fields are turning rapidly and some appear ready for harvest.  This is a much better situation overall than last year where harvest was strung out and resulted in many late planted fields.  If the weather cooperates, wheat planting should be at or ahead of where producers would like it to be.  In fact some fields of wheat and rye, likely planted for grazing and harvest, are already emerged.  So as producers prepare and are planting the 2019 wheat crop, let’s focus on a crop where the seed was planted for 2027 harvest.

Several Wednesdays back, the 25th Annual Kids’ Ag Day was held at the Expo Center (due to the weather).  The Tribune covered it and Eagle Communications was there doing live remotes.  This event is sponsored by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and the committee and funding comes from a cross section of people and businesses involved in agriculture directly and indirectly.  Fourth graders from across the county attend and are exposed to a broad spectrum of what goes into the food, fiber, and fuel supply.  The children are excited, mostly attentive, and eager to learn.  It doesn’t hurt to have a day outside and the opportunity of visiting the petting zoo, however, most are genuinely interested in agriculture.  The primary purpose of this event as originally conceived was to expose children to how their food was produced in a society further and further removed from the land, even here.  But it is also serving another purpose, planting seeds in the mind of students about a potential future career in agriculture.  Why does this matter so much is a logical question.

There is an ever growing shortage of qualified or trainable candidates for careers in all aspects in agriculture.  Some companies are “lowering their standards” to be able to fill positions and still have trouble.  Most facets of the industry have significantly raised wages and increased benefits over the last decade.  These positions are typically significantly better compensated than most nonagricultural positions and far more stable.  In reality, for committed and hardworking individuals, these positions, with less post-secondary training, often pay much more than jobs requiring more traditional four-year degrees.  This isn’t to imply a lack of training but that many of these positions only need a certificate or two year degree.  And most of these positions require continuing education.  Where does the industry find the necessary employees?

Even if every child born and raised or having grandparents/relatives who farm went into some aspect of agricultural, there simply aren’t enough warm bodies for all the positions needing to be filled.  Especially with the need to feed nine billion people over the next twenty or so years.  The industry needs to reach out and educate not only these fourth graders but people of all ages about the opportunities, careers (not just jobs), compensation and satisfaction to be found in agriculture. Hopefully, the seed planted several weeks ago will yield a crop the spring of 2027.

Hoisington’s Annual Labor Day Celebration evokes memories of years gone by in all those who have called Hoisington home at one time or another.

Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Director Karen Baldyga has had some time to reflect on the four-day celebration now three weeks removed. Overall, Baldyga felt the event went great while the volunteers stayed flexible during the weather.

Karen Baldyga Audio

The weather threats kept some from attending the events scheduled, but the parade and demolition derby went off without a hitch. Baldyga identified the children’s touch-a-truck event as one of the more successful events outside of the parade. Thoughts on the 2019 edition are already underway.

Karen Baldyga Audio

There were over 150 entries signed up to be part of this year’s parade. 2018 celebrated 122 years of the Hoisington Labor Day Celebration.

BUSINESS NEWS

When Savannah Kennon wrapped up her apprenticeship recently at Sunflower Diversified Services, she considered looking for a job elsewhere.

“Then, I thought, ‘wait a minute. I cannot leave Sunflower,’” recalled Kennon, a recent Great Bend High School graduate. “I got so close to our clients who have developmental disabilities and delays. And Sunflower has been so good about offering flexible work hours.”

Kennon, 18, spent her senior year as a paid apprentice in the non-profit agency’s residential program. Today, she is a full-time residential staff member and taking 12 hours at Barton Community College (BCC). Sunflower is now trying to recruit other high school seniors for apprenticeships.

The non-profit agency could accept up to five students for these paid positions.

“I would strongly encourage seniors to consider doing this,” said Kennon, a Great Bend native. “I have never looked at this as a job. It is great to build relationships with clients and staff members.”

An apprentice is always shadowed by professional staff. Responsibilities vary depending on a client’s level of independence. During her apprenticeship, Kennon worked at Sunflower’s two group homes and now she also is supporting people in their own apartments.

“I love being there for them, helping them,” Kennon said. “We ensure clients have everything they need. Sometime it’s help with cooking, feeding, personal hygiene and/or household chores.

“Other times, a client needs only a little support,” she added. “Many clients are pretty independent and do a lot for themselves.”

Kennon’s goal is an associate’s degree in criminal justice at BCC. She then plans to apply for a patrol officer position at the Great Bend Police Department. Ultimately, she wants to be a detective.

“I know my Sunflower experiences will help me in law enforcement,” she commented. “I have learned, and am still learning, many verbal and behavioral skills that help me relate well with people. Communication is so important.”

Amanda Urban, Sunflower director of adult services, couldn’t agree more.

“Savannah wants to be a police officer and I believe she will excel, in part because of what she is learning here.

“We are looking for other mature seniors in Sunflower’s service area,” Urban continued. “Yes, we want them to consider supporting people with disabilities as a career. However, the skills they learn would be invaluable in other types of human-services careers such as healthcare and social work.”

Vicki Keffer, Sunflower director of human resources, encouraged anyone with questions to contact her by calling 620-792-1321. There is a short application form.

“For some, this would be a great first opportunity to have a job in human services,” Keffer said. “They will learn about responsibility and accountability, while discovering talents they didn’t know they had.

“It is also a great opportunity to learn what people with developmental disabilities can achieve. Teachers and counselors are encouraged to talk to students about this apprenticeship.”

Keffer referred to Kennon as the “poster girl for this program,” while Urban said “we almost had to beat her off with a stick when she wanted to work too many hours. We need people with this kind of energy and enthusiasm.”

Sunflower can accept up to five apprentices, depending on the number of hours each can work. Keffer emphasized the agency will work around school hours and extra-curricular activities.

“We will make it work,” she said. “All it takes is a little planning.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 52nd year.

BUSINESS NEWS

Fuller Industries is launching a new hand hygiene program, Simple Hygiene. The line features three hand soap options and two hand sanitizer options along with a full line of accessories.

“When we launched the new line, it was important to us that we develop top-of-the-line quality products so we can just offer a few, simple options,” Blake DeBord, Vice President of Sales said.

The Simple Hygiene line features an antibacterial, gentle and simply green soap; it also features foaming hand sanitizer and an alcohol-free version. The accessory options are dispensers, drip trays and dispenser locking mechanisms.

“Fuller Industries has always been known to provide the highest quality commercial cleaning supplies at fair and competitive prices. We are continuing that tradition with our new Simple Hygiene line,” DeBord said.

The Simple Hygiene soaps and sanitizers are manufactured from Fuller Industries headquarters in Great Bend.

In honor of the new product, Fuller Industries is offering free demonstrations and current program analyses to businesses in the surrounding areas. Call to schedule your free consultation at 62-792-1711.

You can learn more about the Simple Hygiene product line at www.SimpleHygiene.com. The line is sold through Fuller Industries distributors.

written by: Rip Winkel – Horticulture Agent, Cottonwood Extension District

The fall season is a great time to plant trees, and shrubs as well. During the spring, soils are cold and may be so wet that low oxygen levels inhibit root growth. The warm and moist soils normally associated with fall encourage root growth. Fall root growth means the tree or shrub becomes established months before a spring-planted tree and is better able to withstand summer stresses. Moreover, the best time to plant is in early September to late October.  This is early enough that roots can begin to develop and become established before the ground freezes.

Fall-planted trees and shrubs need some special care. Remember that roots are actively growing even though the part of the plant above ground is dormant. Make sure the soil stays moist, but not soggy. This may require having to water them not only in the fall but also during the winter months, especially if the winter is dry and/or unusually mild. Mulch can be helpful because it minimizes moisture loss and slows the cooling of the soil so root growth continues that much more.

Note; there are certain trees that are an exception, as they do not produce significant root growth during the fall and are better planted in the spring. These include beech, birch, redbud, magnolia, tulip poplar, willow oak, scarlet oak, black oak, willows, and dogwood. In either case, fall or summer, here are some hints you can remember when planting containerized trees and shrubs;

1) Dig the hole no deeper than the container bottom to the root flare or crown of the plant; on trees the flare needs to be slightly above the soil grade when done.
2) Dig the hole two to three times the diameter of the root ball or container, and the bottom of the hole needs to be undisturbed (not loosened).
3) When placing the plant into the hole, disturb the root ball as little as possible. Lift potted plants by the container, not by the trunk, stems or branches. Be sure to not allow the root system to dry out before or during planting.
4) Tip the container on its side and slide the plant from the container. Place the plant in the hole by lifting the root mass. If the roots are tightly matted, use a knife to score the root mass in several places and gently loosen the root ball.
5) Add backfill soil to the planting hole until it comes about halfway up the root ball. At this point the soil can be lightly packed by hand or foot, or by placing the hose in the hole and letting water run until the back filling is complete.
6) Construct a 3–4" high ridge of soil around the outer edge of the planting hole. This berm will create a basin to hold irrigation water, concentrating it over the roots.

Next week; Part II of this article, discussing how to transplant a shrub or tree from one location in your yard to another.