BOOKED: Christina Chapman of Great Bend for BTDC serve sentence.

BOOKED: John Michael Lee Stevenson of Great Bend on BTDC case for circumvention of ignition interlock, driving while suspended, seat belt, bond is set at $2,500 C/S.

RELEASED: Jan Norwood of Great Bend on Barton County District Court warrant for possession of controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, obstruction, DWS, no insurance, and illegal tag after serving imposed sentence in full.

RELEASED: John Michael Lee Stevenson of Great Bend on BTDC case for circumvention of ignition interlock, driving while suspended, seat belt. Posted bond amount of $2,500 through A-1 Bail Bonding.

Local and area students are among the 2,409 who completed associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees at Fort Hays State University in the spring 2018 semester.

Graduates are listed with their degrees and majors and, in parentheses, areas of concentration. The university conferred a total of 458 graduate degrees (master’s degrees, Education Specialists and Doctors of Nursing Practice), 1,891 bachelor’s degrees and 60 associate degrees.

FHSU does not release degree lists until transcripts have been verified as having met all requirements for graduation.

Graduates are arranged alphabetically by home county, city and ZIP. This list does not include graduates who requested privacy or who are from other states or countries.

BARTON
Albert (67511): Nora K. Nokes, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Claflin (67525): Peyton Broeker, a Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders.
Shelby L. Letourneau, a Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging and an Associate of Science in radiologic technology.
Ellinwood (67526): Whitney Sue Asher, a Master of Science in Education (higher education student affairs).
Brooke Dawn Cook, a Bachelor of Business Administration in management (human resource).
Jared Andrew Oelke, a Bachelor of Science in agriculture (animal science).
Devann Patten, a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
Abby M. Petz, a Bachelor of Social Work.
Taunya Marie Schlessiger, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
Great Bend (67530): Selam Caren Ball, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
Chase Lee Buntain, a Bachelor of Science in biology (health professions) and a Bachelor of Arts in German.
Byanca Marisol Bustillos-Gonzalez, a Bachelor of Social Work.
Stacy Lynn Denning, a Bachelor of General Studies (leadership).
Kaylie Marie Doll, an Associate of Science in radiologic technology.
Elizabeth Isidra Escobedo, a Bachelor of Business Administration in management (human resource).
Carolyn Stacey Farris, a Master of Science in counseling (clinical mental health).
Holly Ann Foster, a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
Emily L. Gammon, a Bachelor of Social Work.
Brenda Guerra, a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting (public).
Peggy Ann Haag, a Master of Science in education administration.
Austin M. Jacobs, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Evan Michael Lane, a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance (exercise science).
Mackenzie Paige Orchard, a Master of Professional Studies (criminal justice).
Lauren Marcene Penka, an Associate of Science in radiologic technology and a Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging.
Devani Lizeth Prieto, a Bachelor of Social Work.
Mackenzie Ailene Thornburg, a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business.
Janae Michelle Wear, a Master of Science in Education (English for speakers of other languages).
Alexis Taryn Werth, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Jenna Leigh Williams, a Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging.
Hoisington (67544): Bryce Alan Boxberger, a Bachelor of Science in biology (wildlife biology).
Ashley N. Durr, a Bachelor of Science in biology.
John David Henderson, a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting (public) and a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance (financial planning).
Trent R. Schremmer, a Bachelor of Science in biology (pre-physical therapy).

ELLSWORTH
Ellsworth (67439): Kelly Lorrene Clark, a Master of Science in instructional technology.
Kalen Scott Deines, a Bachelor of Science in physics.

PAWNEE
Garfield (67529): Cesar Ivan Garcia, a Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
Larned (67550): Jeromy Michael Bartz, a Bachelor of Science in technology studies (construction management).
Amanda Danielle Haberman, a Master of Science in health and human performance.
Branson Kaiser Hoffman, a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing.
Jenny L. Tiday, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

RICE
Bushton (67427): Julee Danielle McAtee, a Bachelor of Science in agriculture (animal science).
Rebecca Ann Stewart, a Bachelor of Science in agriculture (animal science).
Chase (67524): Alexis Adell Ward, a Bachelor of Science in sociology.
Lyons (67554): Allie Morgan Dwyer, a Master of Science in speech-language pathology.
Sterling (67579): Hunter Ryan Hewitt, a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business.
Lacey Leanne Martinez, a Master of Science in health and human performance.

RUSH
La Crosse (67548): Kolin Brady Klozenbucher, a Master of Science in biology.
Kelby Ray Parton, a Bachelor of Science in technology studies (technology education) and a second major in secondary education.
Ashley Dawn Riley, an Education Specialist degree in advanced professional studies.
Scott Christopher Sakraida, a Bachelor of Arts in English (literature).
Savanah Lea Woods, a Bachelor of Business Administration in management.
Otis (67565): Samuel Frank Higgason, an Associate of Applied Science in applied technology (industrial).
Spencer M. Romeiser, a Bachelor of Science in information networking and telecommunications (computer networking).
Dalton Wayne Steinert, a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.
Rush Center (67575): Cody Nolan Coyle, a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance (sport management).
Timken (67575): Audra Ann Nuckolls, a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Bachelor of Science in secondary education.

RUSSELL
Gorham (67640): Valerie Renee Colip, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.
Melissa Amber Welch, a Master of Science in speech-language pathology.
Russell (67665): Sadie Jo Arnet, a Bachelor of Social Work.
Rachel Dolechek, an Education Specialist degree in advanced professional studies.
Alexandra Faith Flegler, a Bachelor of Business Administration in management.
Alicia Lorraine Gaede, a Bachelor of Science in biology (natural resources).
Luke Lee Rios, a Bachelor of Science in biology (pre-med and pre-dentistry).
Jamie L. Schneider, a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Jamie Edward Tomlinson, a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
Sarah Paige Vonfeldt, a Bachelor of Social Work.
Taylor Rene Williams, a Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging.

STAFFORD
St. John (67576): Logan Vincent Behr, a Bachelor of Science in geosciences (geology).
Schuyler Lynn Brown, a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance (sport and exercise therapy).
Shane Fitzgerald Keller, a Bachelor of General Studies (human services).
Ava Kathleen Long, a Bachelor of Science in education, early childhood unified.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 428
At the District Education Center, 201 South Patton Road, Great Bend, Kansas
June 28, 2018 7:30 a.m.

SPECIAL MEETING
1. Call to Order / Roll Call ………………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
2. Adoption of Agenda ……………………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
3. Recognition of Visitors ………………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres

4. Approval of Insurance for 2018-2019 ………………………………………… Mr. Umphres
The administration recommends approval of the Insurance Planning, Inc. premium for 2018-2019 property and liability insurance coverage @ $195,922, an increase of $13,177 over the prior year premium of $182,745.

5. Approval of Contributions ……………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
The administration requests BOE approval of the following items.
-Lifetouch National School Studios wishes to present commission checks to five schools relating to spring-pictures participation.
Eisenhower Elementary School $633.62
Jefferson Elementary School $687.65
Lincoln Elementary School $913.48
Park Elementary School $457.03
GB Middle School $533.41
-GB High School – GB High School Future Farmers of America club wishes to accept a $1278 Home Grown Rebate from Keystone Consolidated Ind / KSW.
-Park Elementary School – Park Elementary Drone Club wishes to accept a $50 donation from Benefit Management LLC.
-Riley Elementary School – GB Recreation Center wishes to donate used volleyball court equipment to Riley Elementary. Items include 4 steel posts, 2 nets, 4 net cable covers, 4 antennas, 2 floor sockets, 3 post pads and a winch system.

6. Approval of End-of-Year Budget Expenditures and Transfers ……….. Mr. Umphres
Following a presentation of proposed expenditures and transfers for the 2017-2018 budget, the administration will recommend approval.

7. Consent Agenda …………………………………………………………………….. Mr. Umphres
A. Personnel Report
Licensed Teacher Appointments
-Mrs. Jodie Kuhn, Teacher of Grade 4 at Riley Elementary School.

8. Adjournment …………………………………………………………………………. Mr. Umphres

With careers in education, Phil and Jane Heeke have seen a lot of child neglect and abuse from parents. Wanting to help, the married couple started teaching parenting classes. The course covers six parenting principles the two developed that can help parents regardless of their background or situation.

Jane Heeke says it is important to be consistent with your parenting, communicate with your children, and be good role models. The first principle is to remember that your child sees you as a role model growing up and is always watching.

Jane Heeke Audio

The Barton County Young Professionals hosted another leadership development series designed to help YP members grow personally and professionally. The presentation “Parenting with Courage & Confidence” was held Tuesday in Great Bend with speaker.

Heeke noted working parents often concern themselves with having their children spend so much time at daycare. It is also easy to entertain the child or keep them quiet, but are you as a parent engaging with your child? Quality time becomes essential in a disengaged society.

Jane Heeke Audio

She also noted for couples to make sure to put importance on your relationship and not be completely child-centered.

Jane Heeke Audio

The Heekes teach two parenting classes a year. The class meets once a week for an hour and a half for six weeks.

YP exists to foster networking, develop young leaders, and give back to the community. The group is open for anyone age 21 to 40 residing in Barton County.

Great Bend High School sophomore Patrick Heath competed in the 2018 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last week.

The National Speech & Debate Association held the largest academic competition in the world — the 2018 National Speech & Debate Tournament, in Fort Lauderdale — June 17-22, 2018. The tournament was hosted by Broward County Public Schools.  Patrick Heath represented Great Bend High School in the tournament.

“This is the capstone event in the speech and debate community for our students and coaches,” said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the National Speech & Debate Association. “We are thrilled to have more than 4,000 of the brightest students from across the world in Fort Lauderdale.

“The students competing at the National Tournament are truly the best of the best,” said Wunn. “These students have outstanding talents, and go on to be successful college graduates and future leaders in their local communities as well as on a national level too.”

To qualify for this premier event, students across the country in all 50 states competed during the spring in 110 District Tournaments.  Patrick qualified in the West Kansas District tournament held last April. From more than 150,000 student members, less than 3% qualify for nationals.

To prepare for the tournament, Patrick worked with both retiring coach, Barbara Watson, and his mother and in-coming coach, Kim Heath. Mrs. Watson said that Heath was a dedicated competitor who worked diligently to improve and perfect his speech.  She explained, “Patrick set up a practice schedule and worked with me to prepare for his national tournament events for two hours at a time, sometimes for even four hours at a time; in addition to the work he was doing with his parents.  I was very impressed with his ability to focus for that long as a sophomore in high school. I was very proud of him.”  Mrs. Watson felt that, “his performances were amazing, but all of the performances at nationals are amazing. I am so happy that Patrick was able to have this experience this year.”

Patrick delivered his speech, highlighting the innovations of Elon Musk, in the informative division.  While he did not advance to the elimination rounds, Patrick felt that he really grew from the experience.  Heath said,  “Some of the students I competed against were amazingly talented and creative.  I was very impressed with both their speeches and visual aids. I am already planning how I will take what I learned and use it to get even better next year.”

Kim Heath, who coached Patrick while at the tournament, noted, “Patrick enjoyed the experience of watching different styles and ideas from across the country.  He competed against students who advanced to semi-finals and finals, so he saw some really excellent speeches. He gained a broader understanding of the activity and what he will need to do to succeed in the future.” Kim Heath enjoyed the tournament saying that, “experiencing the tournament with just Patrick was both good mother-son time, and also a nice way for me to ease back into the role of coach.  I am so grateful to Mrs. Watson for the help she provided in preparing him.”

In addition to his main event of Informative speaking, Patrick also competed in Poetry Interpretation and Impromptu Speaking.  In Poetry,  Patrick presented a piece of work by poet and teacher-advocate Taylor Mali called “Tony Steinberg: Brave Seventh Grade Viking Warrior.”  Patrick chose this poem because it illustrates how teachers impact their students’ lives.  In Impromptu, Patrick was given a choice of three topics and had a total of 7 minutes to both prepare and deliver a speech.  Topics ranged from the abstract to the concrete.