8/17

BOOKED: Nicholas S. Hicks on BTDC case for burglary, bond is set in the amount of $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Kristal Buck of Great Bend on BTDC case for distribution of methamphetamine, aggravated endangering of a child, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp, bond is set at $100,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Matthew Pelster of Great Bend on BTDC warrant for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, bond is set at $10,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Sarah B. Wagner on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation, no bond. BCDC warrant for failure to appear with a bond of $5,000 C/S. Housed in Rice County as they also have a probation warrant with no bond.

BOOKED: Gary Waller for serve sentence.

BOOKED: Charles Bower of Great Bend on GBMC warrant, bond set at $328.75 cash. GBMC warrant with bond set at $482.50 cash. GBMC warrant with bond of $839.99 cash.

BOOKED: Carlos Batres of Great Bend on serve sentence.

BOOKED: Julio C. Ayala on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for serve sentence.

RELEASED: Jesus Leyva Jr. of Great Bend on GBMC case for serve sentence in full.

RELEASED: Alicia Hoeffner on BCDC cases.

RELEASED: Matthew Pelster of Great Bend on BTDC warrant for possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, posted bond amount of $10,000 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Samuel Freeman of Ellinwood on BTDC case for aggravated assault on LEO, four counts of aggravated assault, and felony obstruction. Posted bond amount of $25,000 with both Barton District cases through Dyn-O-Mite Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Jason Ickler on BCDC case for possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, littering, possession of stolen property, failure to report an accident, no insurance, no current registration, driving while revoked, felony flee and elude, resisting arrest, backing limitations, speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign x5, reckless driving and no seat belt with a $10,000 bond. BTDC warrant for probation violations.

RELEASED: Stephen Crawford on BCDC case for burglary after posting bond of $5,000 surety.

8/18

BOOKED: Curtis Rosas of Great Bend on Barton County District Court case for DRV, DWS, habitual violator, expired registration, display tag no assigned, no insurance, failure to signal, bond set at $2,500 C/S. Barber County District Court warrant for failure to appear, bond set at $233 cash only.

BOOKED: Carl Jacobs of Salina on Barton County District Court case for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Julian Huitron-Garcia of Great Bend on BTDC case for serve sentence.

BOOKED: Jason Kramer of Great Bend on Saline County District Court warrant for failure to appear, bond is set at $1,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Jessica Schenkel on GBMC case for serve sentence.

RELEASED: Carl Jacobs of Salina on BCDC case for possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia after posting a surety bond of $2,500 through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Jason Kramer of Great Bend on Saline County District Court warrant for failure to appear after posting $1,500 bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

8/19

RELEASED: Jessica M. Schenkel on GBMC serve sentence after serving her time in full.

RELEASED: Gary Waller on a serve sentence.

RELEASED: Julio C. Ayala on Great Bend Municipal Court serve sentence.

STAFFORD COUNTY— One person died in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Sunday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 GMC Yukon driven by Marvin E. Julian, 51, Stafford, was southbound on SE 70th Avenue six miles south of Stafford at a high rate of speed.

The SUV hit a patch of water in the roadway causing it to travel south into a sandy field.

Due to the loose sand, the driver lost control of vehicle and it overturned five times.

Julian was transported to the Stafford County Hospital where he died. A passenger Mason Lee Julian, 13, Stafford, was transported to Wesley Medical Center. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

First as usual, a drought update is in order and it will be brief.  The state is essentially the same as last week.  Remember any rainfall after last Tuesday at 8 am isn’t included and some significant rains east of here should have helped.  Now on to today’s topic – Agriculture and Society.

This is actually a class at Barton Community College taught by Maggie Tracy dealing with pretty much what the title says, the interaction of agriculture and society.  How one effects the other.  Even though those who produce our food, fiber and fuel are a small fraction of our population, they impact our lives and the lives of everyone on the planet in many ways.  Very briefly, what are those impacts?

• Even though only about three million give or take are directly involved in production agriculture, if everybody who makes a living directly and indirectly through agriculture is counted, it is the single largest employer of individuals. Fifteen to twenty percent depending on how it is figured.
• The current administration is trying to correct the large trade deficit this country has with many of our trading partners around the globe. Yet when you look at agricultural trade, we have a net surplus, a significant one.
• While we may complain about the cost of food, if you look at your grocery bill and take out nonfood items, food expenses make up less than 10 percent of most people’s budgets. And if you look at the share of the cost going to producers, it is a fraction of the total cost of most items.
• The biofuel industry using agricultural commodities has greatly impacted energy production. It has helped keep fuel costs lower, improved items like octane, and improved air quality greatly.  And it holds continued promise in reducing our dependency on fossil fuels across a whole host items in our everyday lives.
• In rural areas like Kansas, even in many of our larger cities, the economic and social health is tied to the viability of production agriculture. Agriculture provides jobs, income for local shops and businesses, and revenue for government.
• And in a nutshell, modern society simply isn’t possible without our agricultural system.

Those are just some of the positives.  What are the factors agricultural is coping with presenting potential challenges and negative impacts on agricultural production and society?

• Water quality, both ground and surface waters. Despite major improvements, agriculture is still responsible for nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticide contamination.  Also involved is sediment loading due to erosion and pollution from CAFOs, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations.
• Pollinator species decline. We are dealing with the decline of insect species responsible for pollinating billions of dollars of foodstuffs per year.  This includes much more than the European honey bee.  Again, everyone is working on this but we need answers and solutions soon.
• Climate change/global warming. Agriculture is having to cope and adapt to this challenge, particularly the extremes in temperature and moisture.  And it’s more than heat and rain; it’s shifting disease, insect, and weed pressures.
• Producer income. How do producers stay in business while coping with bumper crops, crop failures, tariffs, low prices, etc.?  This is where agriculture and society really intersect.

There is naturally more to the above lists but this serves as a starting point for next week.  How do we address these challenges and opportunities to the benefit of everyone?

Kendal Francis is going into his fourth week on the job as Great Bend City Administrator. He might be one of the most sought after people in town.

Last week, he introduced himself to the Barton County Commission and shared his vision on working together with the county to do what is best for Great Bend and Barton County. He continues to find time to talk with staff members and Great Bend City Council members to bring everyone on the same page.

Kendal Francis Audio

Shortly after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Kansas State University, Francis started working for the City of Beloit as a water treatment plant operator. The Beloit native eventually moved up to director of the water / wastewater department before serving as city administrator in Lakin and Coffeyville.

Francis noted he and the staff are not looking back and are focused on accomplishing great things while keeping the citizens in mind.

Kendal Francis Audio

Francis was chosen from 24 applicants for the job and started working July 30.

It was announced at last Monday’s USD 428 Board of Education meeting that Public Information Director Jennifer Schartz will be retiring November 1. Schartz has spent the past 10 years with the Great Bend school district.

Upon finding out that she could retire this year, Schartz felt like she was ready.

Jennifer Schartz Audio

Schartz’s husband, Shannon, has been retired since 2010. Shannon was a former teacher and long-time tennis coach for Great Bend High School. Jennifer noted interacting with teachers is something she has been doing most of her life.

Jennifer Schartz Audio

Jennifer Schartz will remain on the Barton County Commission, where she has served as a Commissioner for the past 14 years and the past two years as Commission Chair.

USD 428 is accepting applications for Public Information Director, a position that will start around October 1.

Golden Belt Community Foundation is accepting competitive grant applications throughout the month of August for the unrestricted county funds.

Unrestricted grants may be used for any charitable purpose allowing community organizations and individuals to define and plan for the future of their community.  A few examples include but are not limited to: supporting a special project for seniors, further developing the arts, or making a small building improvement.  Nonprofits in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties may apply online.

Not a nonprofit organization or not affiliated with a nonprofit organization?  The community foundation still would love to hear your ideas for improving your community or county.  Individuals that would like to share an idea or tell us about a charitable project, may contact Sue Cooper, Program Officer at (620) 792-3000 or email sue@goldenbeltcf.org.

Golden Belt Community Foundation works meticulously year-round to ensure its grant processes are efficient and effective.  Detailed grant criteria, the amount of available annual funding, and exclusive application cycles are available in the GBCF’s comprehensive grant database on its website, www.goldenbeltcf.org/grants.

Golden Belt Community Foundation

At over $22 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford.  For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

BUSINESS NEWS

Those who operate businesses in the Sunflower Diversified Services five-county area shouldn’t be surprised if they hear from Debbie McCormick in upcoming weeks and months.

McCormick is the new director of marketing for the non-profit agency that serves infants, toddlers and adults with developmental delays and disabilities. Its service territory includes Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.

“My main goals are to increase revenues and raise awareness about what Sunflower can do for local businesses and individuals,” McCormick said. “If we can accomplish these goals our clients will have more employment options and opportunities. This is a huge priority here.”

Sunflower currently contracts with many businesses for jobs that involve manufacturing items such as pallets and doormats, packaging, recycling, assembly, paper shredding, woodworking and more.

“If we can add to the list of companies, more clients will earn paychecks,” McCormick said. “I will contact businesses and individuals to listen to their ideas and share some of Sunflower’s proposals. We are open to suggestions from our current partners and we welcome all newcomers.”

In addition, McCormick is in the process of starting an internet Sunflower consignment business. Details will be announced later.

McCormick noted a couple of current Sunflower services that benefit local businesses. The recycling pick-up route includes 363 locations and crews also pick up shredded documents at more than 20 sites.

“Recycling is smart business management,” McCormick noted. “It can cut costs, improve public image and boost morale. Employees like to know they work for a company that cares about the community and the environment.”

Sunflower offers pick-up service throughout the five counties; residential customers can patronize the convenient drop-off site, 5523 10th in Great Bend. Shredding confidential documents is also crucial to businesses and individuals, McCormick added.

“We are all aware of identity theft and the legal ramifications of medical records violations,” she explained. “We can protect ourselves by shredding documents so that confidential information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”

Shredded documents are placed in locked containers, shredded and shipped to paper mills.

“Recycling, shredding and manufacturing offer opportunities for Sunflower clients to be productive and earn their own paychecks,” McCormick noted. “We all know how gratifying and rewarding this can be.”

McCormick is personally gratified to serve Sunflower in this new way because the agency has supported her family for many years. She has a daughter with developmental delays; the daughter, who is now in her 30s, had three daughters who McCormick adopted. Two of these girls have delays.

“I know Sunflower on a personal level and am thrilled to serve the agency in this new capacity,” she said. “I understand what Sunflower has to offer and am eager to share this information with central Kansans.”

Connie Oetken, director of development, said McCormick “has a lot of knowledge about Sunflower and the community we serve. Debbie is hitting the ground running to boost job offerings for clients and awareness in the community.”

Jon Prescott, Sunflower executive director, said McCormick and Oetken are working as a team to demonstrate that “Sunflower is the best service provider for children and adults with developmental delays and disabilities. All of us welcome Debbie to her new position. She is energetic and committed to the people we serve.”

Prescott noted that Sunflower employed a director of marketing a number of years ago. “But the agency didn’t pursue filling the position until now,” he said. “We think we have found the perfect fit.”

For more information about how Sunflower can help local businesses, contact McCormick by calling 620-792-1325.

Sunflower is in its 52nd year.

When the morning began at Jack Kilby Square, there were 96 finalists who were sure that Saturday would be their lucky day which would mean that they would take home $18,000 in the “Summer of Cash” promotion from Eagle Radio, Farmers Bank and Trust and Northview Nursery & Landscape. But in the end, there was just one lucky winner…. Vera Conley of Great Bend.

Winner’s announcement

Vera Conley was the winner after her ping pong ball #11 was the last ball left in the machine. Vera says she had a good feeling the moment she saw the number 11 ball when she signed in.

Vera Conley Audio

Vera, who registered at Eldridge Fencing in Great Bend, says it won’t be very hard to figure out what do do with the extra money that she now has.

Vera Conley Audio

Tom Spohn of Marquette, who registered at the Handle Bar and Grill in Great Bend, was the tough-luck runner-up, while Michael Hernandez took 3rd after he registered at Custom Re-Bath.

Join the Barton County Young Professionals (BCYP) for an evening of fun at Walnut Bowl, located at 3101 Washington Street. The event will be held on August 24 from 8 – 10 p.m.

During the Bowling Night Pop Up Park, Walnut Bowl is providing discounted rates for bowling and shoes. Get a babysitter and come out for date night or grab some friends for a fun-filled evening!

Pop-up parks are informal get-togethers for all BCYP members and families throughout the summer. For more information, visit www.BartonYP.com for find @BartonYP on Facebook.

Barton County Young Professionals (BCYP) exists to provide leadership, networking & volunteer opportunities. BCYP is a free membership organization for anyone 21-40ish who lives or works in the Barton County area. Over 750 individuals currently participate in BCYP membership. To learn more about the benefits of membership or to see an event schedule, visit www.BartonYP.com or call the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development at 620-792-2401.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS August 20, 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. Minutes of the August 13, 2018, Regular Meeting are not available at this time.
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. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS:
-An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of August 6, 2018, and ending August 20, 2018.

III. OLD BUSINESS – Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time.
-There is no Old Business at this time.

IV. NEW BUSINESS – All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

A. COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: Request for Approval – Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes:
-Donna Zimmerman, County Clerk, will present a listing of Added / Abated / Escaped / Refunded Taxes. Orders for these actions are kept on file in the County Clerk’s Office. These are used to correct assessments and are requested by the County Appraiser’s Office or the County Clerk’s Office.

B. CENTRAL KANSAS COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS: CKCC Revised Budget for Fiscal Year 2019:
-The Kansas Community Corrections Act provides grants to Kansas Counties to develop and maintain a range of programs for adult offenders assigned to Community Corrections agencies. A Comprehensive Plan (grant application) was submitted that set the goals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The allocation is determined by the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) and requires the Central Kansas Community Corrections (CKCC) Advisory Board, along with each of the County Commissions to which the plan pertains, to approve the revised budget to support specific goals. Amy Boxberger, CKCC Director, will provide details.

C. CENTRAL KANSAS COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS: CKCC Revised Budget for Behavioral Health Funding:
-KDOC provided the opportunity for agencies to apply for Behavioral Health funding to support services to lower revocation rates. CKCC submitted a grant application with the request of $23,170.87. The agency was allocated the full request. A revised budget will be submitted to reflect changes in programming for behavioral health planning and vouchers for indigent offenders. Ms. Boxberger will provide details.

D. CENTRAL KANSAS COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS: Fiscal Year 2019 Carry-over Reimbursement Plan Budget:
-KDOC requires a budget submission of local program funding collected by Community Corrections agencies from program fees and reimbursements. These budgets require the review and approval of the Barton County Commissioners, as the Administrative County for the District to which the plan pertains. Ms. Boxberger will provide details.

E. JUVENILE SERVICES: Fiscal Year 2019 Carry-Over Budget:
-The Kansas Department of Corrections / Juvenile Services grantees are required to budget carryover reimbursement / program income funds. In order to track expenditures made using funds collected in previous years, a budget must be created. As a continuation of that process, the Juvenile Services Department is requesting approval of the 2019 Carry-Over Budget. As developed by Marissa Woodmansee, Director, the $54,701.27 in budgeted funds covers Core and Immediate Intervention programming.

F. BOARD APPOINTMENTS: Memorial Parks Advisory Committee:
-The Memorial Park Advisory Committee is charged with advising and assisting the Commission regarding the care and maintenance of the Barton County Owned and Operated Memorial Parks and Cemetery. With not less than five, nor more than seven members, there are three positions open, each terming in July, 2021. Darren Williams, County Works Director, will provide details.

G. ROAD AND BRIDGE: Exercise Municipal Rollover on Bobcat Track Loaders:
-In 2014, Road and Bridge purchased a T650 T4 Bobcat Track Loader from Bobcat of Salina. That machine has been updated each year under the municipal rollover program. In 2017, Road and Bridge purchased another Bobcat T650 under a municipal contract which qualifies it for the municipal rollover program as well. Mr. Williams suggests that the rollover option be utilized for both Bobcats. The cost to utilize the roll over is $4,550.00 for each machine. It is noted that the warranty on the current machines expire in October and December respectively.

V. 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, 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.

B. APPOINTMENTS: -Subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:
AUGUST 20, 2018
9:45 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Regular Business Discussion – Phil Hathcock, County Administrator, and Donna Zimmerman, County Clerk
10:00 a.m. – Financial Update – Matt Patzner, Financial Officer
10:30 a.m. – Business Update – Jim Jordan, County Treasurer
10:45 a.m. – Installation of stop signs at two township road intersections – Barry McManaman, County Engineer
THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Members of the Health Department are scheduled for August 23, 2018.

VI. 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 be at 9:00 a.m., Monday, August 27, 2018.

VII. ADJOURN.