Pawnee County Progress 2024 - Embracing Community

Santa Fe Trail Center preserves local and national history

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The annual Tired Iron Show is a popular event at the Santa Fe Trail Center.

PHOTOS BY JANET FLESKE Great Bend Tribune

The Santa Fe Trail Center is located west of Larned on K-156.

PVCH recognized with National Quality Award

On November 16, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) in Larned was recognized with a 2023

Leadership Award for excellence in Quality. This recognition is PVCH’s third consecutive

year to receive the national quality recognition. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among

rural hospitals across our Nation.

“Our hospital’s history is rooted in rural healthcare, and our future is committed to ensuring our community has access to high-quality care,” said

Melanie Urban, Administrator. “Living in a rural community should never mean that our residents are sacrificing quality health care. Every member of our Pawnee Valley team is devoted to providing high-

quality care. This recognition validates their efforts and drive as high-quality care is a commitment we prioritize.”

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis

Kathryn Buchanan, PVCH nurse practitioner

LARNED — It didn’t take long for Kathryn Buchanan to notice that the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) team is “patientoriented with a real sense of community spirit.”

Buchanan is the new family nurse practitioner at PVCH Family Medicine, 713 W. 11th in Larned. She began seeing patients Dec. 11.

“I specialize in family medicine and look forward to meeting

my new patients in the coming weeks and months,” Buchanan said. “I will care for and treat patients with acute and chronic diseases and conditions from age 2 and older.”

Buchanan, an Ellinwood resident, noted she is “impressed with the wide variety of PVCH services and up-to-date equipment. This illustrates to me that one of the hospital’s priorities is offering as

much quality healthcare as possible close to home.

“In addition, from day one, the environment here has been welcoming. There is a genuine sense of community among staff members who are always willing to help patients and their colleagues. This is important to me.”

Buchanan, who is originally from Mississippi, earned an associate’s degree in nursing in 2019 and

The Center for Counseling & Consultation

The Center for Counseling & Consultation Attains (Pre) Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Status Empowering Communities with Expanded Mental Health Services

The Center for Counseling & Consultation (The Center), established in 1967 as a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), is pleased to announce its recent achievement of (pre) Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status. Full Certification is anticipated in the second quarter of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to enhancing mental health services for Barton, Rice, Stafford, and Pawnee Counties.

As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, The Center is poised to broaden its services, now including Substance Use Treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, and Care Coordination. This expanded range of services underscores The Center’s dedication to offering comprehensive and person-centered mental health care.

Care Coordination, a pivotal component of The Center’s offerings, facilitates navigation through behavioral health care, physical health care, social services, and other supportive systems. By adopting a holistic approach, The Center aims to ensure the wellbeing and recovery of individuals and families in the communities it serves. The Center’s services remain personcentered, family-centered, and recoveryoriented, encompassing a spectrum of offerings:

• Counseling & Crisis services

• Screening, assessment, diagnosis & risk assessment

• Targeted case management

• Community-based mental health care for Veterans

• Peer and family support

• Substance use treatment including Medication Assisted Treatment

• Psychiatric rehabilitation services Therapy services are provided by qualified mental health professionals who are licensed by the State of Kansas to provide mental health services to adults, adolescents, and children. They offer client-centered services for individual, family, couples, and group counseling and offer treatment for such things

as depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral problems, relationship issues, stress or trauma, school or work problems, divorce, abuse and domestic violence, pain management or other issues.

The Center provides emergency services 24 hours a day, 620-792-2544. A crisis therapist will respond in a timely manner to all who contact The Center for Counseling for a crisis assessment, seek the least restrictive environment needed for safety of the person in crisis, and offer crisis intervention and follow up services when appropriate.

In addition to its core services, The Center actively engages with the community through various initiatives and events. Notable among these are the annual Mental Health Awareness Day held during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Glow Run for Life, a 5k run/walk focusing on suicide prevention, held each September.

The Center is also a proud sponsor of #ZeroReasonsWhy, a teen-led storytelling and community mobilization campaign aimed at destigmatizing mental health and preventing suicide.

The organization operates from its main location at 5815 Broadway, Great Bend, with outreach services at 606 Topeka St., Larned. Outreach appointments are scheduled through the main location, which is open from 8 am to 6 pm on Mondays, 8 am to 7 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and 8 am to 4 pm on Fridays. Open access hours are from 8 am to 1 pm Monday through Thursday, and for 24/7 crisis support, individuals can call 800-875-2544. Additional outreach sites are located in Stafford and Rice Counties.

About The Center for Counseling &

Consultation:

Established in 1967, The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Rice, Stafford, and Pawnee Counties. Committed to providing person-centered and comprehensive mental health care, The Center offers a range of services, including counseling, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and community-based mental health care for Veterans.

For more information about The Center for Counseling & Consultation and its services, please visit their website www.thecentergb.org

bachelor’s degree in nursing the following year. Both degrees were awarded by Mississippi University for Women. Next came her master’s in nursing/family nurse practitioner earlier this year at The University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Buchanan’s professional background includes serving the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department as a registered nurse at North

Mississippi Medical Center; registered nurse at Mississippi HomeCare; and med-surg nurse at The University of Kansas Health System. Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, noted that “in the brief time Kathryn has been here, she is already demonstrating her practitioner skills, as well as her compassion towards her patients. Kathryn’s talents mesh well with our mission

Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

to provide high-quality healthcare right here at home.”

Members of the Pawnee VAlley Community Hospital staff gathered for a group photo in celebration of their recognition as 2023 Performance Leadersyip award recipient.

Kathryn Buchanan, PVCH nurse practitioner

Larned committee focusing on downtown streetscape

BY MIKE GILMORE mgilmore@GBTribune.com

LARNED — Generations of Erways have contributed to the Larned community’s business sector and now it is Landon Erway’s turn. Since his high school days as a baseball player, which continued at Fort Hays State University, Landon is used to hitting the ground running.

The 2016 Larned High School graduate earned a degree in three years at Fort Hays, returned to his hometown, got married and took over his grandfather’s State Farm Insurance Agency. The Broadway Street business allowed him to observe and review the community’s business climate, and he’s begun to take action. He’s appeared before the Larned City Council, started a weekly podcast dealing with community issues and personages on the internet, and currently is involved in several renewal ventures that includes renovating downtown structures as well as heading up a committee involved in revamping the Broadway Streetscape through assistance from a Kansas Department of Commerce BASE grant in the amount of $750,000.

“The committee’s overall objective is to represent the people of Larned when determining how the money is spent,” Erway said.

The group set personal preferences aside and focused on gathering information from the general public, through surveys and other educational content to clarify objectives, obstacles and initiatives.

“Leadership in its purest sense is serving,” Erway noted.

Setting the timeline Perameters of the grant stipulates that the proposed project be completed within two years of the award.

“With a project of this size, we certainly don’t want to rush the process, but we also have to be on top of the construction schedule to meet the two-year deadline,” Erway said. Ground has yet to be broken on the project as layouts were being

made and underground surveys exposing voids under sidewalks were taken.

“The future footprint was custom built and accounts for our local traffic, public points of interest, maintenance implications and shopper safety,” Erway noted. “With a layout in place, we will send the project out to bid in the spring of 2024. Light poles will be ordered soon to ensure that the project stays on schedule.”

Focused on community “As a committee, we want to accurately represent the community’s interests,” Erway said. “After reviewing the survey results, it was clear that our community desperately wanted a place that they could be proud of. Our goal as a committee is to give Larned a sense of hope by the time this project is completed.”

The grant project alone won’t be a total fix, but it moves the community closer to the goal, he said. “That is an incredible accomplishment for a downtown that hasn’t seen aesthetic improvements since the 1990s,” Erway explained. “This grant is a wonderful start, but it certainly isn’t a perpetual solution. “In my eyes, if this is

the only investment to be made into our downtown in the next five years, then we have failed our community, and we have failed the Kansas Department of Commerce who entrusted us with these resources.

“The BASE grant program is designed to be a springboard towards economic prosperity. As a community, we should use this

incredible momentum to bring back something Larned lost long ago — optimism. It is the combination of resources and intentionality that makes a downtown successful. At the moment, we have both of these assets and the downtown committee will work hard to carry this forward into the next phase of progress.”

streets in Larned to celebrate the 2024 Larned Vets parade.

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(Top) Landon Erway and Jerrod Smith keep the community informed with their weekly Downtown Larned podcast. (Below) Broadway Street in Larned is a great place to have a parade, such as this one celebrating Santa Fe Trail Days in May.

Eakin Enterprises celebrates 74th year

Eakin Enterprises, Inc. in Larned, is proud to celebrate its 74th year in business in 2024. Currently owned and operated by Chad Eakin, Brock Eakin, and Shabree Eakin, along with a great group of dedicated employees. The business was founded in 1950 by Willis and Wanda Eakin,

Chad’s grandparents. Before moving to Larned, the Eakins had leased a sandpit in Dodge City. The Larned business was run by Willis and Wanda with the help of their two sons Wendell (Chad’s father) and Nolan. While in high school Chad helped the business and started his own

The Pawnee County Fair

The Pawnee County Fair is usually weekend of July. The county fair is a celebration brings everyone together to socialize, learn and enjoy good local food and entertainment. Like other fairs they want it to be both fun

The fair helps to showcase people from all the communities in the from 4-H youth and open for everyone from youth to seniors foot forward and demonstrate a year’s worth of learning in the areas of raising and handling agricultural and marksmanship skills, and crafts including photography, sculpting, woodworking, rocketry, and Livestock shows still drive the action, but many of today’s kids are just as apt to display the results of their their ability to lead a sheep, to the fair can take in all types of displays throughout the dayslong event.

Past kid-centered feature events have included rodeos, frog and turtle races, bicycle safety rodeos, pie contests and pedal tractor alumni events and concerts.

construction business. Chad opened and started operations in Great Bend at 3022 Railroad Avenue

in 2001. Currently the two locations employ 35 people. The main business is located at 111 Main Street in Larned. Eakin Enterprises, Inc. covers a very large variety of services including sand and gravel, demolition, dirt work, concrete construction, shipping

containers, trucking, and construction rental equipment. Also available is the Telebelt, a truck-mounted telescopic belt conveyor ideal for a variety of applications including foundations, decks, backfilling, mat pours, slabs and footing. The Telebelt is designated to place high volumes

of materials easilyconcrete, gravel, rock, backfill, sand, mulch, and much more. Also available in the Eakin fleet is an Alliance Pump 37Z concrete pump with a horizontal reach of 106’. Visit our website at www. eakinenterprises.com for more infromation or give us a call 620-285-2097.

COURTESY PHOTO

Eakin Enterprises, Inc. crew photo.

PHOTOS

Luke Fischer's grand champion alfalfa.

Pawnee County Recreation

Pawnee County recreational opportunities Burdett offers a fun Solar System themed miniature golf course. The Burdett Community Pride club maintains the course, with balls and clubs available at the city offi ce. New playground equipment was installed at the park next to the golf course. The Rozel Community center includes meeting space and an indoor fi tness center. The Rozel park includes a playground, basketball courts, and a picnic shelter. A ballpark is also available through the com-

munity center. Garfi eld is home to two parks located right on the U.S. 56, Downey Memorial Park on the east end of town, and Camp Criley park on the north. Larned is home to the only public pool and splash pad in the county, drawing many from around the area each summer. The Larned Recreation Commission can be found at the Larned Community Center. A variety of team sports are organized through the rec, and play is coordinated at playing fields throughout

the city. Located next to the Pawnee County Fairgrounds, there is also an outdoor fitness walking track available for the public.

The Larned Municipal Golf Course, located on the far east side of city with access from the highway, provides ample opportunity for golf lovers around the area, and is also a frequent stop for college golf teams around the state. Together, the county and the cities work hard to provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Larned State Hospital

Larned State Hospital (LSH), operated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), sits on a 78-acre campus and is the largest psychiatric facility in the state, serving Kansans since 1914. The hospital serves more than 450 patients and residents and employs more than 750 staff members. The hospital

has three patient/resident programs on campus, the Psychiatric Services Program, State Security Program, and the Sexual Predator Program. The hospital employs medical staff, nurses, mental health technicians, social workers, psychologists, a full time chaplain and therapists to address routine medical and psychiatric needs of patients.

State Theatre

The State Theatre opened its doors at 617 Broadway St. in Larned on April 6, 1949, and remains an iconic community centerpiece seven decades later. The volunteer-centered operation allows the theater to keep the movie-going experience affordable for the entire family, with ticket

children and $5 for adults for 2D movies, to $5 for children and $7 for adults for 3D movies. Most of their concessions range from $1$2. One promotion unique to the State Theatre is their Date Night package, which for one price covers two tickets, two medium soft drinks, and one medium

Diversified Agrisurance

Ag Systems Inc., Larned, wants the best for their customers. That is why they utilize Diversified Agrisurance for their customers’ center pivot insurance needs. Trouble, even disaster can happen in the blink of an eye. Don’t wait until you have a claim to find out what is and isn’t covered!

Claims always seem to happen at the most inopportune time usually within the heart of irrigation season. Ag Systems Inc. promises to get you up and running as quick as possible Diversified Agrisurance can settle most claims quickly with an estimate, photos of damage, and simple proof of loss form!

They are located at 810 E. 14th/U.S. 56, Larned.

Ag Systems, Inc.

Ag Systems, Inc. has serviced this area since 1974. Rocke Foster, Manager has worked in irrigation design & service since 1997. The service department of 8 factory trained technicians has more than 200 years of combined experience. For service or irrigation design, contact Rocke Foster, Tyson Atteberry, Justin Woods, Monte Hirsh, Bryan VanSickle,

or Joshua Detherage.

They service and stock parts for all brands of center pivots covering an area from Dodge City to Ellinwood and Hays to Pratt. Services at Ag Systems include a well stocked parts department carrying McCrometer flow meters, galvanized check valves, and Ag Sense monitors. In addition to parts and services, Debora FoxJohnson writes center

pivot insurance policies through Diversified Agrisurance. Ag Systems is now using technology to enhance water management with Valley Scheduling and Valley 365. Contact Rocke Foster or Justin Woods for more information.

Ag Systems is committed to offering the best Service, Parts, and Irrigation Design for years to come. They are located at 810 E 14th/U.S.

Additionally, the hospital has multiple support service areas, including laundry, purchasing and supply, financial services, safety/ security, and engineering, to name a few. LSH is also home to the popular Sunflower Grill and has an amazing greenhouse that offers bedding plants and crafts for sale to the general public

COURTESY

New manager, same great service

Big R in Larned growing role in community involvement

LARNED — Brandon Bennett credits the Big R organization for playing a big role in his life. Last Tuesday, Jan. 24, the organization rewarded him with the position of general manager at the Larned store. He was already versed in many aspects of the organization, being promoted from his position as assistant manager.

With the new job comes new responsibilities, which he will tackle as he gets accustomed to the manager’s desk. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” he said. “It’s only been a couple of days, so I need to get used to the chair behind the desk.”

The corporate commitment One thing that isn’t going to change is Big R’s commitment to its local citizens. “To us, they are more than just customers. They are people that we see often, people we know,

people who are our friends,” Bennett said.

From the head office Community involvement has always been a part of the Big R organization, since its beginnings in 1962 in the small towns of La Junta and Lamar, Colo. Today, the company operates more than 35 stores in Southern Colorado, with locations in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.

From its inception, Big R has strived to be the dominant farm, ranch, and home retail chain for each of the markets it makes home. Top brand clothing, footwear; farm implements, accessories, feed and tools are part of the inventory, as well as firearms, ammunition, fishing and camping gear, and giftables come with knowledgeable floor staff to help with the selection process. Big R always has been actively involved in community-based partnerships that enrich

the lives of its customers and communities. This commitment to our communities is a longstanding tradition at our company, and it forms the foundation from which we operate.

Big R measures its success not in dollars spent, but in the impact made in the community. If you represent a worthy cause, doing great work near one of our store locations, we appreciate the good work you are doing, and we thank you for thinking of us as a potential partner.

Ft. Larned USD 495, students impact the community

From the Elementary School to the High School, The Ft. Larned School District participates in constructive projects in all directions around the community.

Alissa Spain, the school district’s communication clerk, shared how schools help the community.

The elementary school students participate in commutative ways by donating goods to the Fort Larned Lions Club food drive.

“Over the winter holiday students collected 280 food items. There’s also an after school program from 3:30-5:30 p.m. that provides an educational spot for kids to go while parents are getting off work. This also helps daycare facilities in the area,” said Alissa Spain, Ft. Larned USD 495 communication clerk. “We are hoping this can make things easier on our families, and free up some daycare spots in our little town.”

The district is also making an impact with the pre-school. Larned has one pre-school in town and to ensure that everyone

has an equal opportunity to receive education, the district offers free enrollment for children 3-4 years of age.

The Community Connections Class at Larned Middle School organizes visits to local businesses offering assistance where needed, such as at the movie theater and the animal shelter. LMS students also can be found at the local retirement homes playing games and visiting with the residents. The student council at the middle school also participates and contributes to Lions Club activities. Spain noted that students at middle school help clean up the community parks, and grounds, enhancing the over-all appearance of

the community. “Students also rake leaves, plant plants, and help keep the school grounds clean,” she said.

The Larned High School also helps in organizing community projects. “The program JAG-K at the high school do community service projects such as: recycling, blood drives. SAFE program and volunteering at the state theater. The Career and Technical Education classes get real life experiences when making interactions with the public. Art and Business students producing clothing via Indian Ink, shop classes building and selling dog houses and chicken coups, AV classes producing content, FACS classes make hospitality for sporting events, etc,” said Spain. “Students have the opportunity to expand on community partnerships via applied business training and internships via our CTE pathways.” USD 495 doesn’t stop inside the school buildings when it comes to providing for the community. The district also organized a bus tour

for the Welcome Inn Senior Center , showing their dedication to serving all members of the community. USD 495 offers help with resources

for families with children

0-5. Val Marshall, the Parents as Teachers Director, offers home visits and outreach support. Spain explained, “This

could includes helping families file any kind of assistance

MIKE GILMORE Great Bend Tribune(Above

(Above) New Big R General Manager Brandon Bennett relaxes from his stack of paperwork as the store head into its third year of serving the Larned community. (Below) Big R is a family farm and ranch retail chain that focuses on its customers.asas ends.