Community Progress 2022

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022 •

DEDICATION 2022 Community Progress

Special to the Great Bend Tribune Sunday, February 6, 2022

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

A lofty ambition

Great Bend downtown dwelling program gaining momentum

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

A coming together of dedicated community forces is leading to an effort to revitalizing downtown Great Bend.

The City of Great Bend and Great Bend Economic Development Inc. in August of last year launched a grant program to help property owners in the business district develop loft apartments and second-floor businesses.

Great Bend Economic Development Inc. President Sara Hayden said one grant has been awarded and they are working with three other projects to get their applications ready to submit. The applicant will be announced at the council meeting this coming Monday night.

“One thing that the public doesn’t see is that these property owners have to be ready to start swinging hammers, essentially, to be able to submit their application,” she said. “There are several pieces of due diligence to accomplish on the front end of a project.”

“Great Bend Economic Development, with support from the city, is thrilled to be able to offer this grant program to help enhance our downtown corridor and bring more opportunities for business and housing to the community,” Hayden said.

“This program allows us the chance to get a lot of work done in a short period of time, making Great Bend stand out as a

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

The effort continues to bring lofts to downtown Great Bend. Shown are some of the buildings that could be developed.

community that is ready for change and growth, and as a community that takes pride in our future.”

She said the purpose of the incentive program is to stimulate capital investment in the downtown core area to address housing shortages and the need for more downtown commercial space. It will also, create a recurring revenue to the city through valuation increase caused by the new capital investment.

Hayden brought Overland Park-based consultants Upstairs Downtown to Great Bend for a workshop Nov. 8 and 9. Present were lenders, architects, insurance and real estate professionals, and city officials to help owners get the ball rolling.

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Great Bend Economic Development Inc. President Sara Hayden addresses the Great Bend City Council last July on plans to use city COVID-19 stimulus funds for downtown loft development. This was the meeting where the council gave the goahead for the project.

“We’re getting noticed,” Hayden said. The project has received state and national attention, and folks are impressed.

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How they got here The council in July approved spending half of the city’s $2,271,654.71 in American Rescue Plan

Act funds for a downtown rehabilitation project to assist in sprinkler system installation and other improvements to down-

town lofts. This allowed up to $1 million for the effort, with half coming from each of the city’s two ARPA payments (the first came last spring and the second is coming in the spring of this year).

Grants would come from these funds. These are reimbursement grants that cover up to $5.50 per square foot for renovations.

“We’re seeing some momentum with that,” she said.

But, “this program can’t and won’t be a success without our downtown property owners diving in and taking a chance, so we are extremely thankful for their willingness to make it happen,” Hayden said.

See AMBITION, 3

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022 •

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AMBITION, from page 2

First loft grant awarded, more on the way She said the purpose of the incentive program is to stimulate capital investment in the downtown core area to address housing shortages and the need for more downtown commercial space. It will also, create a recurring revenue to the city through valuation increase caused by the new capital investment.

Hayden said there are 256,000 square feet of unused second-floor space available in the downtown core. This covers the area bordered by Williams Street on the west and Kansas Avenue on the east from 10th Street to 19th Street.

At that July meeting, the initiative didn’t garner unanimous council support.

Some, like Ward 1 Councilwoman Lindsey Krom-Craven had heard complaints wondering if this is a good use of the money. But, others like 4 Councilman Junior Welsch said he’d heard positive feedback. “They think we need to try something different, We can’t keep doing the same old, same old.”

Some on the council asked about other uses for the ARPA money and about whether or not this qualifies under ARPA. City Administrator Kendal Francis initially questioned the use of the funds for this endeavor, but after digging into the act’s details, he thinks it would work.

Eligibility Buildings eligible for grants are those multilevel buildings in an area bordered by Williams

County joins with GB for eco devo efforts Commission OKs funding for GBED

BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

In another display of dedication and cooperation, the Barton County Commission on Nov. 2 agreed to help fund Great Bend Economic Development Inc. in the amount of $250,000 in a decision hailed by commissioners as a historic cooperative effort between the county and the City of Great Bend.

“Today marks a special day in our community,” said District 3 Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson. “For the first time in recent history, Barton County is joining forces with the City of Great Bend and Great Bend Economic Development to develop a countywide initiative focused on growth.”

The city already funds GBED for $250,000. Now the county will jump in at the same level.

Due to the timing of the request, the first $150,000 will come out of the county’s current eco devo fund with the balance coming out of next year’s budget come January.

“I have been told ‘it can’t be done,’” Street on the west and Kansas Street on the east from 10th street to 19th street. The area shall include multi-level buildings on either side of streets included.

The grants will cover fire protection necessitated by city codes. Costs eligible for the grant will be the cost of labor and materials to connect the City’s main water line to the buildings and the cost of sprinkler system and

Hutchinson said. “I have heard ‘it’ll never happen.’ Well, guess what, today we did it.”

“No one is an island,” District 5 Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said.

Now, Great Bend, the county and all the communities in the county stand to benefit through this partnership.

“Our mission is to improve the economic quality of life for those in our area,” GBED President Sara Hayden said. “And we quickly recognized that mission extends beyond Great Bend.”

The saying a rising tide raises all ships really applies here, she said.

“What’s successful for Hoisington and Claflin and Ellinwood brings success to Great Bend and vice versa.

“So, GBED has expanded our efforts to make sure the programs that we put in place benefit the county as a whole.”

The funds will go toward such programs such as workforce initiatives, incentive programs helping businesses expand job creation, recruiting incentives, increased education and expanded marketing efforts.

With childcare, GBED is mimicking what Garden City and Finney County Economic Development have put in place, Hayden said. Her group is developing a self-sustaining childcare center in Great Bend, and

fire alarm installation.

Other construction costs that will enable the intended purpose will be eligible.

Half of the grant will be funded upon the completion of sprinkler installation and necessary approvals by city officials.

The final 50% of the grant shall be funded upon the substantial completion of the project and necessary approvals.

All funds must be ex-

hopes to break ground next spring.

But, “we don’t see that this would ever be an effort that stopped because the need will continue to grow as our community grows,” she said. This is just the start and they hope to continue with this model and establish centers in other county communities.

She stressed their goal is not to compete with existing childcare providers since they are needed as well. They want to provide a network “to make sure that any existing childcare providers can participate with us if they choose to and use our resources, utilize our teachers, utilize curriculum or whatever it may be that they need to make sure their programs are growing and sustainable.”

This project is already funded, Hayden said. So, the county’s contribution will go for other efforts.

“Sara, you’re doing wonderful and I really enjoyed working with the city on such a good thing for economic development and Barton County,” District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld said. “It benefits everybody.”

District 1 Commissioner Kirby Krier called Hayden “a shining light.”

The county is now involved in selection of GBED board members and has a seat on the board as well.

pended by Dec. 31, 2024, extensions can be made if delays are due to supply chain or other extenuating circumstances.

Property owners with eligible buildings in the downtown corridor will be eligible to receive grant funding in the amount of up to $5.50 per square foot. To receive funding, they must submit all required documentation, and funds will be distributed on the first of each

month.

The grants will be awarded on a first-comefirst-served basis.

Other funding In addition to the City of Great Bend’s downtown loft grant initiative, there was another funding opportunity available for those wishing to remodel their buildings, Hayden said.

These were through the Historic Economic Asset

Lifeline (HEAL) grant program from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Like the loft grants, the HEAL grants also targeted downtown properties to put them to economic use. They provide $25 per square foot of the property up to $75,000.

“We have four properties that were able to submit for this grant. The deadline was Dec. 20.”

Projects submitted had to show potential as economic drivers in the community. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties.

“I got to see all the applications,” she said.

“There were some really strong ones, some really exciting ideas. So we’re very hopeful to see some success for our property owners on that.”

Awards were announced Jan. 10 and there was one local recipient.

Eligible properties had to be of historical or architectural significance and be in a downtown business district in cities of less than 50,000 population.

Four property owners were able to apply for the HEAL grant and one was awarded upwards of $40,000, she said. While the state has not officially released the amount of applicants and award recipients, they have heard that over 200 applications were submitted state wide, “so we are extremely grateful to be able to accept some of the limited funding here in Great Bend.”

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

A foundation for the future Next generation of leaders work for stronger Great Bend

BY DANIEL KIEWEL dkiewel@gbtribune.com

Great Bend is a proud rural community strongly rooted in its past. However, a new crop of passionate young leaders with deep roots is nurturing a new vision, committed to helping Great Bend both embrace its roots and flourish into the future.

Returning to their roots Two of those leaders, Sara Hayden, president of Great Bend Economic Development Inc., and Andrea Bauer, public information director for USD 428, chose to return to their home after years of seeing what other places had to offer.

Hayden, who was born and raised in Great Bend, has a foundation in the Great Bend business community going back multiple generations. Her great-grandfather, Harold Becker, and grandfather, Wayne Becker, owned multiple businesses, and her father Randy and grandfather Jim Hayden owned Alliance Insurance. She describes her family as, “woven into the fabric of Great Bend.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Friends University, she entered the management field, which had her living and traveling all over the country, eventually landing a career for several years with The Buckle.

But then, she said, she felt home calling her.

Now, after accepting the position with GBED in August 2020, she said, “I am now engaged, and ready to set down roots in my hometown.”

Bauer and her husband, Rob, made their way back here in 2013 after years of living in the Kansas City area, and she said that time helped her realize the importance of being involved in a small community.

“We have siblings that still live in the Kansas City area and they joke that we are busier than they are,” Bauer said. “There’s just, maybe, more of an opportunity (here) to jump into the areas where you’re passionate about or where you feel like you can contribute.”

Changing the small town narrative Both feel like there are a lot of negative stereotypes associated with the “small town narrative,” and are dedicated to changing that perception, especially when it comes to Great Bend.

DANIEL KIEWEL Great Bend Tribune

Great Bend Economic Development Inc. Director Sara Hayden, shown here in her office at the Great Bend Events Center, is one of several young leaders working to strengthen Great Bend for future generations.

“Often we hear the negative because it’s loud, but there are way more people who are really excited and really cheering on the efforts to really strengthen our community,” Bauer said.

“I have traveled and lived in many places in the U.S., but none compare to the people and the places that make up our community,” Hayden said.

“We have a region bursting with ideas and creativity, and very open minded to progress, but with the small town charm many people crave.”

“I feel like there’s a lot to be proud of and grateful for (here) and I want to share and maybe change that narrative with people,” Bauer said. “We have so much to offer and so many positives, so anything I can do to help boost community pride and morale, I want to do that.”

Part of the narrative, Hayden said, that rural communities are older and not open to new ideas, is just not true in Great Bend, as evidenced by the wealth of youth and new ideas in the community. “(People) are open to progressive thought and ready to think outside the box, and realize change and growth,” Hayden said. “ With an average age of 39, we are in a good position to realize that growth for years to come.”

With that, though, it is the shared small town values the offer one of Great Bend’s greatest strengths in preparing for the future, including a

strong local workforce. “(Workers here) are talented, loyal, and hardworking,” Hayden said.

“With our centralized location and our forward thinking, that’s what sets us apart.”

“What makes Great Bend Great Bend is the small town values,” said Jay Luerman, chairman of the Steering Committee for Barton County Young Professionals.

Community with pride and passion Luerman said the passion of the citizens is one of the community’s greatest strengths. “Great Bend in particular has a lot of passionate family (oriented) individuals who want to make this rural community really successful.”

Luerman, said, it fact, that with many younger individuals in key positions of leadership in both business and government in Great Bend, the city is in a strong position for the future.

Hayden said a community of individuals who share the region’s pioneering spirit has also helped, and will continue to help, Great Bend grow. “We are a region of some much ‘homegrown’ talent in our business community, and its inspiring to see all of the entrepreneurs who have created success for themselves right here in GBK.” Rolling up their sleeves Many of the younger

leaders wear many hats within the community, within both civic and business organizations, oftentimes spending a great deal of time volunteering outside of their regular jobs.

For example, in addition to her work with the school district, Bauer also serves as chairperson of the Great Bend Recreation Commission Board, as well as co-chair of the grassroots Barton Arts Movement, and as a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club.

Like many projects that have taken hold in Great Bend, the Barton Arts Movement, she said, is one where young leaders saw a need and desire to improve the community, and stepped up to make it happen. She cited the fitness trail at Veterans Park as another example of that.

Bauer said its about making the most of whatever you’ve been given for the good of the community. “It’s (just) about carving out some time and making it a priority to use whatever interests or talents you have to help the greater good.”

Though having her and her husband both routinely involved in several different boards and projects at any time makes for hectic scheduling, Bauer said seeing the fruits in the community, even in her own family, makes it worth the effort.

“When we can get up close to it and experience it, to meet the people that it impacts, that’s what drives me and keeps me doing it,” Bauer said.

Hayden, likewise, also serves an ex officio member of both the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau boards, the Business Advisory Board and other organizations, and is also a member of the Barton Arts Movement team as well as a leader of the Damn It, Do It movement, along with local business owner Ryan Fairchild.

Everyone plays a part And though growing Great Bend for future generations takes strong young leaders like Hayden, Bauer, Fairchild, Luerman and others, all say it is crucial for everyone, young and old, to play a part in strengthening the community.

We have to foster creativity and reward new ideas, it’s a completely new age for rural communities and every one of our residents plays an integral role in ensuring we welcome new opportunities - everyone working together presenting a united/ positive mindset will set us up for success for the present and future generations,” Hayden said.

Bauer said it begins with considering what you’re passionate about, perhaps what you’ve been critical about in the past, and taking the extra step to get involved.

“Consider what you’re passionate about, and find people doing the work,” Bauer said. “In some cases, its as simple as finding like-minded people and creating something to do the work. I think if we all do a little bit, it really creates a big impact for the community.”

Luerman noted there are countless networking opportunities and groups for those who want to get involved in the community, it just means taking the extra step to get out there and do it.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022 •

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TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

The Great Bend City Council and the Barton County Commission meet in joint meeting Monday night, March 29, at the Great Bend Events Center.

Council, commission hold first joint meeting Both entities feel relationship a positive one For the first time ever, the Great Bend City Council and the Barton County Commission held a joint meeting. They gathered Monday night, March 29, at the city’s Events Center in a show of unity and discussed a broad range of topics affecting both governing bodies, from COVID-19 to shared projects to budgetary concerns.

The two entities met in the large, main events room to accommodate all the members while allowing for social distancing.

Present were Mayor Cody Schmidt and council members Alan Moeder, Cory Urban, Kevyn Soupiset, Jolene Biggs, Davis Jimenez, Lindsey Krom-Craven and Junior Welch, and commissioners Jennifer Schartz, Chairman Jim Daily, Kirby Krier, Barb Esfeld and Shawn Hutchinson. Also

attending were City Administrator Kendal Francis and then-County Administrator Phil Hathcock, as well as a other city and county officials.

“When I got here, I heard it had not been good,” Francis said of what some saw as sour city-county relations.

“But, I don’t know it to have been anything but good.”

He and Hathcock already communicate regularly, and he hopes to have more such meetings in the future.

“It’s in our best interest to work together,” Daily said. “It will mean nothing but positive progress.”

The evening included the commission presenting a commemorative plaque to the council.

As for the discussion, the council and commission members touched on a variety of issues, from neighborhood revitalization plans to joint concerns with Airport Road to tax abatements to dealing with COVID-19.

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Pictured is the plaque the Barton County Commission presented to the Great Bend City Council marking the joint commission-council meeting Monday night, March 29, at the Great Bend Events Center.

An honorary plaque Also that night, the commission presented a plaque to the Great Bend

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City Council marking the landmark occasion.

The memorial was the

brainchild of Hutchinson who showed it off during the commission meeting that morning. “The point of the plaque is that it is just a symbol of the new beginning. It’s a fresh start here, not just because of COVID, but the relations between the county and the city are going to get better. They’re going to be as good as they’ve ever been if I have anything to do with it,” he said.

“That’s part of why I ran for this office,” he said. “I just had the plaque made to commemorate tonight’s event.”

He paid for the commemoration, but when the commission approved presenting it, it also approved reimbursing Hutchinson for the expense.

It reads: “This plaque is to commemorate the joint session of the Great Bend City Council and Barton County Commission. This joint session is graciously hosted by the Great Bend City Council in the newly renovated Events Center on this day, Monday, March 29, 2021.” It

includes both the city and county logos, as well as the names of council and commission members and administrators.

“This is great. This is awesome,” Krier said of the combined meeting.

Now, they may look to meet with other city councils throughout the county.

“Something that you don’t see very often is two governing bodies sitting down around the table together and discussing issues and coming up with solutions,” said Daily. “It is more than just lip service.

It is actually getting things done, and it’s certainly about time.”

“I’m excited about this as well,” said Esfeld.

“Meeting together will not only improve the services of the city and Barton County, it quite possibly could save tax dollars in the future.”

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Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis, far right, is flanked by his translator Venessa Favela as he addressed those gathered for his Kendal’s Koffee at Heizer Park on a Friday morning in August 2020. He addressed a variety of issues about the park.

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There is a project afoot that shows dedication to a part of Great Bend that oft gets overlooked.

The city and the residents in the southeast part of town are making a commitment to improve Heizer Park. From setting aside funding to voicing visions of the facility, they hope to make the park a rejuvenated focal point for the neighborhood.

Although a couple years in the making, there are still some snags, said City Administrator Kendal Francis, who along with the City Council has made this a priority.

“We are still awaiting word from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks regarding the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant,” he said. They were initially told there would be an answer by this past Thanksgiving, but that did not happen.

The city received an email from the KDWP on Tuesday, Jan. 25, informing them the application had been recommended and forwarded on to the federal level where the final approval will be made, he said “There is no guarantee of funding,” her said. “But, we’re very optimistic that we will at least get partial funding.”

Great Bend applied for $150,000 to build bathrooms and replace the playground equipment at Heizer. The city would have to come up with at least a 50% match.

“That’s really what’s holding things up,” he said. The city does have other funding options, but officials want to know how much they are going to have to come up with based on the grant results.

It has generated quite a bit of excitement from neighborhood residents, he said.

“There are some ideas out there on what can happen.”

However, “we don’t want to just piece things together,” Francis said. “We want to do this right the first time.”

It has been some time since anything extensive has been done to the park, and it has become a priority for the city.

“I’m excited,” Francis said during that event. “This is something I’ve kind of been pushing for.”

It was in August of 2020 that Francis held a Kendal’s Koffee at Heizer Park. It was a chance to highlight the coming changes to the park.

“There is a specific reason I chose Heizer Park,” he said of the facility at Eighth and Heizer streets that serves an area with a large Hispanic influence. To showcase this, Francis was flanked by his interpreter Venessa Favela who translated his remarks into Spanish.

“The city wants to make an effort to improve it for the community,” he said during the Koffee. “There is a plan in place to make some immediate improvements.”

Already, a new handicapped-accessible swing has been installed in the playground and there are new soccer goals on what is

Great Bend voters in the Nov. 2, 2021, general election approved three news sales taxes for the city. These would help fund quality of life improvements, pay off the city’s debt incurred for a new police station and cover the cost of changes to the benefit package for the Police and Fire departments.

These taxes include: • .10%- debt service construction of a new police station with a 20-year sunset. The estimated revenue comes to $377,752 per year.

The estimated $5.8 million, 25,000-square-foot facility at 12th and Baker on what is now a city parking lot and will also house the Municipal Court.

It should be paid off before the sunset. Any funds generated after that will roll into an account to pay off future debts.

Originally, this also included replacing City Hall by remodeling the remainder of the Events Center office complex. The cost was estimated at $8 million, but that idea was dropped due to the cost.

If all goes well, construction on this project will begin this spring.

• .15% - quality of life improvements with no sunset.

The estimated revenue comes to $566,628 per year.

This covers improvements to parks, such as Heizer Park, and other recreational facilities, as well as maintenance.

• .20% - pension for public safety personnel (police and fire) with no sunset. The estimated revenue comes to $755,504 per year.

While the tax was approved, how it will be spent remains unsettled. The city is wrestling with using the revenue to beef up its current public safety retirment plan or switching to the Kansas Police and Fire plan under the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.

now a baseball field. They are considering re-purposing the ball diamond and the sand volleyball court into practice soccer fields, and expanding the picnic area to accommodate larger gatherings.

Once they learn the application’s fate, the city can look at how much money is available and start laying out a phased approach to make improvements, he said.

Other ideas In fact, the topic was raised

by Auden Galindo, a neighborhood resident and parent who addressed the council during a meeting in December. He was wondering where the effort stood.

He suggested the addition of futsal courts to the facility.

With a tennis court-like surface, these are smaller than a regulation soccer field, or pitch, used for a scaled-down variation of soccer.

“We have chosen it as the most convenient spot because of where its located,” he said. The Hispanic community there is strong and many of these young athletes will never try any sport but soccer, and this is great for basic skills training.

“I grew up in that area. I started playing in that park,” he said. Soccer took him to college where he competed as well.

“I’m 30 now, so it’s been 24 years and that park looks the same,” he said. He and others just don’t want the improvements to get overlooked.

“As we do look to continue to look at improvements in Heizer, I think that’s something that we could take a serious look at,” Francis said.

At that time, Francis had to give the same response he gave now – they were waiting on the grant application results.

They are looking at American Rescue Plan Act money, some funding promised through the Harms Trust, a possible small grant through the Golden Belt Community Foundation, and maybe a partnership with the Great Bend Kiwanis Club.

Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc. announced in April that it had awarded a $1,000 Sharing Success Fund Grant to install additional lighting at the park.

A public commitment Great Bend voters in the Nov. 2 general election approved three new sales taxes, including a .15% sales tax for quality of life initiatives.

It translates into 15 cents for every $100 spent, and will bring in about $565,000 annually.

“It is intentionally broad,” he said. It encompasses such things as parks and recreation and events, and “anything that improves the quality of living here in Great Bend.”

“They City Council wants to see continuous improvements,” he said. This tax has no sunset.

Noting the high cost of large projects, like the estimated $200,000 for new playground equipment at Heizer Park, Francis said it may take a few years to build up funding for anything substantial. But, it is definitely part of the funding equation.

The city will form a citizens’ committee to make recommendations to the City Council, he said.

Seeking public input In August of 2020, the city in conjunction with the Great Bend Recreation Commission conducted a community survey regarding potential improvements of the park at Eighth and Heizer streets. That identified the four top priorities – new playground equipment, bathrooms, additional lighting for security and then picnic areas.

“There was talk about adding bathrooms out there, but I don’t think that should be the priority, right now,” Galindo said. “We just need to get people out there first.”

The survey received 420 responses, and some of the results were surprising, GBRC Executive Director Diann Henderson told her board.

“There is some nice input that we received from the community,” she said.

Other improvements receiving votes were irrigated grass, volleyball court improvements, wi-fi accessibility, a hiking/biking trail, a community garden, public art, open play spaces, baseball/softball field improvements, and pickleball courts.

GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022 •

7

DIDI Day encourages action

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

On June 12, 2021, dozens of volunteers converged on one block in Great Bend to paint houses, mow lawns and haul off trash. In effect, the 900 block of Jefferson Street received an extreme makeover.

That was Great Bend’s first “Damn It, Do It Day,” coordinated by Ryan Fairchild and Sara Hayden with a goal to make Great Bend a better place to live – one good deed at a time.

“In a short morning with a lot of people who care about the community, we can make a big difference,” said Hayden, who is president of Great Bend Economic Development Inc. “We hope this is not a onetime thing.”

Fairchild, co-owner of Dry Lake Brewing in Great Bend, said the idea behind the project was to fight apathy. “If you see trash, pick it up,” he said.

“We are basically taking that to another level.”

Volunteers In Action helped to recruit and organize volunteers that day. Linn Hogg, executive director of VIA, said about 50 people signed up, but others dropped by at some point in the day to help out.

The next DIDI Day Damn It Do It Day was definitely not a one-time effort, Hayden said.

“There are definitely still plans to continue the Damn It, Do It day movement this year,” she said recently. “We have shifted gears a little and our hope is to be able to build a community

PHOTOS BY SUSAN THACKER Great Bend Tribune

Volunteers work outside a house in the 900 block of Jefferson Street in this file photo from the first Damn It, Do It Day on June 12, 2021.

garden with this year’s large effort. This will require so many moving parts – acquiring land, creating a sustainable design, putting in place a system for continuation and, of course, generous donors to provide plants, etc. to make this a viable project.

“I think it’s no secret by now that Ryan and I are not known for doing anything small, so while this is a large undertaking, we feel that, if successful, this provides a service to the community that can continue on long after the initial effort,” Hayden continued. “We are looking for people to join this effort as volunteers, donors or experts and will look forward to releasing more information in the coming months.”

The origins of DIDI Day Other communities

across the country have tapped into civic pride and a willingness to volunteer with DIDI Days or similar events.

For the first one in Great Bend, organizers chose a block that was visible from 10th Street, which is also a highway, where volunteers could make a real difference and it would be noticed. It was a block where people who might not be able to do the projects themselves were willing to pitch in and were grateful for the help.

“There are some really great people on this block,” Hayden said before the big day arrived.

“You never know what caused people to get where they are at with their houses. Different things in life may have made them unable to keep up with their homes.

We can start to make a

A father and son deliver flowers to one of the homes toward the end of the day.

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trim on others, took care of overgrown trees and saplings, cleaned properties of clutter with the assistance of the owners, re-sided one house and replaced a front door. They mowed and weeded, repaired a ramp or two, worked on a deck and – to top it off – delivered pots of decorative flowers to the homes.

The DIDI organizers created a Facebook group (https://www. facebook.com/groups/ damnitdoitgbk), where Fairchild posted a triumphant report: “We did it. We dammit did it. ... We can do it every day.”

He added, “It’s a beautiful day today, so take the family for a walk.

Take some (grocery) sacks with you and pick up trash along your walk.

Everybody can do it, and hopefully, we’ve inspired people in the community to do the same.”

Fairchild and Hayden later posted a video where Fairchild said participants in the first DIDI “had a great sense of civic pride afterwards, and left there feeling great – and maybe a little sunburned.” The second DIDI Day was in the works.

Organizers chose a date in the fall, but finally had to scrap another 2021 project. But they didn’t abandon the idea entirely, which is why plans are being laid for a community garden.

A post on the group’s Facebook page reminds everyone: “Remember, DIDI is about helping the community. Little things make a big impact, even something as simple as picking up trash on an evening walk.”

8

• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

DANIEL KIEWEL Great Bend Tribune

An open sign welcomes visitors to Gather Coffee Shop on Main Street in Ellinwood on a recent afternoon. The shop is one of several small businesses lining either side of Main Street in Ellinwood. Also pictured below are several businesses on the east side and west side of Main Street between First and Second streets.

Ellinwood businesses work together to find success

BY JORDAN WAITE President, Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce

Ellinwood small businesses provide character and individuality to our community. It is neighbors helping neighbors – friends helping friends. However, Ellinwood small businesses are more than that. They benefit their local communities in many concrete, measurable ways.

Our Ellinwood small businesses are the backbone of our local communities. More specifically, if you spend $100 at a local business, roughly $68 stays within our local economy.

I think our thriving shopping district creates an impression of vitality and wealth, producing a positive impression of the community overall.

Small business owners live and work in our communities, taking pride in making our town a little nicer.

I feel like we have an active community with small businesses placed downtown where townspeople are more likely to shop around from one business to the next, as opposed to only going to one store for all their needs.

We have a small-town feeling when anyone walks into our local businesses - the staff is polite, the owner is present and friendly, and customers always feel welcome. Not only are our local businesses important for creating a culture for our community, but they also build connections and relationships with the people.

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9

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTOS

Main Street in Claflin is an artistic blend of history and modern commerce.

Claflin continues to hold its own in 2022

BY MIKE GILMORE mgilmore@GBTribune.com

CLAFLIN — The community of Claflin is holding its own.

Lifetime Claflin resident Mike Urban has been mayor of the community for the past 12 years. He’s noticed that while the community still boasts its small-town aura and its early 1900s-themed Main Street, “we apparently have been lucky enough to have some kids move back home,” he said.

“Claflin is a nice, friendly town,” Urban noted. “It’s a safe community. That’s a big draw to a lot of young families. We’ve got a swimming pool, two parks, all the residents tend to look after each other.”

The community also boasts a fitness center and the city bought the old grade school and turned it into a museum.

“We’ve annexed in some property on the east end of town, that will be good for folks to build on,” he said.

The community of 589, based on the 2020 Census, is known for its themed Main Street business district. It is also the home of 2001 WNBA Rookie of the Year Jackie Stiles.

“I think that our Main Street is one of the most unique-looking business districts in the State of

Kansas,” Urban noted.

Urban noted that Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington gets some credit for bringing Claflin kids back.

“When Clara Barton started its expansion project, that brought some of our kids home,” he said.

Claflin is home to Dr. P.J. and Dr. Roxanne Stiles, siblings of Jackie Stiles.

Their parents, Pat and Pam, still reside in Claflin and are employed by the Central Plains Unified School District 112.

“We’re 13 miles from Hoisington and that makes it a pretty good commute,” Urban noted. “Kids were able to move home.”

Urban said the city is looking to buy about 142 acres west of town to develop into a residential district.

“We’re just trying to keep up, stay as up-to-date as we can,” Urban concluded.

Claflin history The community located in northeast Barton County got its start when the Missouri Pacific Railroad made plans to come through the area.

By the spring of 1887, the railroad tracks were laid and a depot was built on the south side of the tracks. The station was then called Giles City after Stelle Giles, who lived nearby. A town company was organized which also

planned to build south of the tracks, however, W.A. Giles, who owned the land, would not sell the 40 acres that the company wanted.

The company decided to build north of the tracks and purchased land from J. H. Williamson. Judge O.P. Hamilton surveyed the site and laid out the town in a cornfield. The city was named after Judge Hamilton’s wife whose maiden name was Claflin. The Claflin Town Company, with Stelle Giles as President, filed the townsite with the Barton County Register of Deeds on March 31, 1887.

The first business building was erected by J.H. Cannon who opened a general merchandise store and a bank in the same building. The first school was also held in this building. Soon the railroad was unloading building mate-

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A schoolhouse for District 80 was erected in 1889 and the Farmers and Merchants State Bank was organized in about 1892.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Hoisington projects focused on community quality of life

BY MIKE GILMORE mgilmore@GBTribune.com

non-profit childcare enterprise.”

HOISINGTON — Ask a dozen different people what the phrase “quality of life” means to them and most likely what returns is a dozen different answers.

Urban or rural, professional or blue-collar, even young or old are factors that influence the interpretation of the phrase.

Hoisington’s Jonathan Mitchell has run into quality of life issues many times in his 13 years as city manager. Through that time, in dealing with quality of life in Hoisington, it isn’t something that’s just enjoyed or provided, or even expected.

To Hoisington residents, quality of life is something to work for.

“You can always find cool stories in any community, but I think the resilience of our community is one of the things that makes it unique,” Mitchell noted, as the community looks to the year 2022 and beyond. “Most people know about the tornado that we endured in 2001, but what they might not know, unless they experience it, is how the community’s come together and rebuilt stronger and more cohesive than they ever were. That’s pretty remarkable.”

The city had voted on building its community Activity Center prior to the tornado. The building was completed, along with a host of other community repairs, in 2002. “The tornado didn’t stop them,” Mitchell said. “What’s also cool about the Hoisington community is whenever we see a need, we come together and we address that. After the tornado response and the Activity center, we felt like we needed a pharmacy. The community rallied behind that. We needed a hotel, so community investors got behind that. It’s a common theme in Hoisington, if you see a need, you address the need.”

A more recent tangible example is the creation of a community endowment fund controlled by the city council that specifically addresses quality of life.

The fund, with more than $1 million in principal, is a perpetual endowment meant to fund quality of life projects, Mitchell noted.

Law enforcement and EMS Mitchell noted that the Hoisington police department is fully staffed. EMS, however, is a challenge due to its volunteer structure, Mitchell said. “We have been really creative in trying to incentivize people to consider a career as a volunteer first-responder, but it is a challenge,” he said. “I’m not going to say we’ve got that figured out, because we don’t yet.”

MIKE GILMORE Great Bend Tribune

Work on the Municipal Swimming Pool in Hoisington continues toward a Memorial Day completion deadline.

During the winter months, crews have shifted focus to completing renovations inside the bathhouse shell.

“Some generous individuals in our community started a foundation endowment fund,” Mitchell said. “The goal was to get to a million dollars and I’m pleased to report we are actually in excess of that today. If someone wants to really give back to the community when they pass on, they can do that knowing that the funds are going to stay. The city doesn’t have to contribute any more, it can just be driven by the community.

“When you think of quality of life, you think also about what an appropriate level of spending there is for it,” Mitchell said. “Golf courses, swimming pools, those are not revenuegenerating functions. But you still need them, because people want them. With an endowment like this, it’s a lot easier. No matter how tough the budget gets, there should always be some funds that you can reinvest in things like that.

“That’s what we’re excited about.”

2022 projects going forward In the meantime, Mitchell is taking note of several projects the city has going throughout the rest of the year that include infrastructure, building projects, renovations, city services, staffing and more.

At the forefront is the municipal swimming pool,

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which is proceeding on schedule toward a Memorial Day completion date.

“They’re working like crazy,” Mitchell said. “They’ve already made 12 of a total 16 concrete pours to the pool floor. With the weather as it is, they can’t do concrete so they’ve moved inside the bathhouse and taken out the floor and plumbing so they can put it back new.

“It’s really neat to see those guys working that stuff.” Mitchell said.

City expansion Leading to future city expansion, the city is working on developing an electronic service footprint for its 60-acre tract northwest of town. “There’s not too many places that Hoisington can actually grow its borders,” Mitchell said. “We were very fortunate when we were able to identify that parcel at that time, when the council was supportive in securing a future path for growth,” Mitchell said. “We do need it now. When we started, our hope was that a

business or industry would come along and develop it. We identified several prospects but none of those panned out,” Mitchell explained. “Now we’re kind of happy they didn’t, because we can utilize that full 60 acres just for housing.

“Obviously, you’re not going to fill that in tomorrow, but we can just start on the south end and continue to build north.”

A plan for growth Mitchell noted that city infrastructure has always had built-in room for additional population. “Our wastewater lagoons were built in the 1980s to accommodate a community of 5,000 people,” he said. “The water plant is designed to treat more water than we currently are using. We try to accommodate a bigger population than we have.

That will allow us to continue to grow,” he said.

The latest Census data indicates that while other communities are losing population, Hoisington is

holding its own. “It was not uncommon, historically, for Hoisington to lose 10% of our population every census period,” Mitchell said. “But this last time, we dropped less than 10 people. We had the lowest reduction in population percentage-wise of anyone in Barton County. Maybe that means we’re doing something right,” Mitchell said.

In addition to housing, Mitchell said, the city is looking to expand its child-care avenues. “We talked about housing but child care is a huge, huge thing,” Mitchell said. “One of our ideas there is to get some bridge lots through the housing in the short term, but also utilizing one of the apartment buildings as a childcare facility.

That would really address a significant need in Hoisington, and even the Barton County area.

“We wouldn’t operate a childcare facility, but we would likely partner with a

Other issues We’ve got a lot of things on our plate today,” he said.

We try to keep our transportation infrastructure where it needs to be and we have things coming up. None in 2022, but one will start in ‘23 and one in ‘24. Those should complement our existing infrastructure and one of them were trying to improve the area around Clara Barton Hospital because that is a huge driver of our local economy.”

Mitchell also said that the city is looking to develop a staff team trained in operating needed city services. “Previously we had relied on a small group of people that were certified as operators and we lost one of those operators that had been the head guy for a long time. It’s really dangerous to put that on one person, because if something happens to that one person you’re in trouble. This year we’re making an intentional effort to get more people certified than we’ve had before. in case we lose a team member, the next one can step in. Before we had three people that were water certified, and two that were sewer certified. We have four people water people certified and are working toward having 3-4 sewer certified,” Mitchell noted.

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11

BAM is dedicated to public art

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Last April, a new Facebook page announced that an initiative was underway with a goal of creating community pride through public art in Barton County.

The group was the Barton Arts Movement (BAM).

Andrea Bauer and Rachel Mawhirter serve as cochairs for the Barton Arts Movement’s volunteer action team. Others on the team are Regan Reif, Sara Hayden, Lindsey Bogner, Sergio Ramirez and Teresa Powelson.

“BAM is a grassroots, volunteer-driven group that really formed from a conversation on Facebook,” Bauer said. “After a few months of quiet planning, the group launched in May of 2021 under the umbrella of the Golden Belt Community Foundation (www. bartonartsmovement.com).

“We had a few small projects in the works, including a community sidewalk chalk contest and some other start-up ideas,” Bauer said. “Then our plans were fast-tracked when we met ARCY!” Internationally known artist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson from Connecticut painted two murals in Great Bend last year. The first, on the east wall of the building at Forest and Williams, is a tribute to the men and women who served at Great Bend’s airfield during World War II. Next came “Starting Line,” a mural on the north side of Golden Belt Bicycle Company at 1111 Main.

This mural pays tribute to the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association, which hosted the first National Rod and Custom Association drag races in 1955.

“We’ve learned that murals are kind of like putting a puzzle together,” Bauer said. “You have to have the right location, artist, funding, concept,

recently gathered for a brainstorming session, where we got some plans on paper for the coming year,” Mawhirter said. “We have no doubt it’ll be just as big and exciting as our first year was. Before the warm summer weather returns, we’ll be tackling a mosaic mural made of crowd-sourced photos from the area, so people can watch our Facebook page for instructions on how to submit photos for that project. The goal being to showcase the people and places that make Barton County a wonderful place to live and promote a feeling of inclusion and pride for those who see it. We’ll be installing several of the same digital print of this mosaic once it’s complete in all four of the main Barton County communities, featuring the message ‘One Community.’”

COURTESY PHOTO

A bundle of balloons lift Jace and Emmett Mawhirter on Main St. in Hoisington. Painted by Mindy Allen, the balloon designs represent symbols of community pride and tradition while encouraging those who pass to lift each other up during good and bad times. The mural is located at Mitchell’s Wood Furniture, 115 N Main St., Hoisington.

and time. We worked at a quick pace on our first big project, the B-29 tribute at Williams and Forest. There was a lot of energy from all sides on this project and it’s almost ironic to look back and think that in terms of the artist process for BAM, we were building the plane while it was in the air.”

Get involved “People can get involved with BAM in a few ways,” Mawhirter said.

• As donors - Donations are tax-deductible through the Golden Belt Community Foundation and people can give through the link on the BAM website (www. bartonartsmovement.com) at any time.

• As property owners

- “We are always looking for buildings that might make a great ‘canvas’ for future artwork,” Mawhirter said. “We’ve got a great list started, but would love to visit with property owners who would be interested in partnering with us to make public art happen.”

• As volunteers - There are a few things coming up that the community can engage in, by submitting photos or volunteering at an interactive art project, for example.

• As artists - BAM’s action team will be putting out a call to artists soon, to gather information about what artists are interested in working with BAM and learning more about their style, their experience, their

preferred mediums (spray paint, traditional paint, etc), and canvas they’ll work on. “That way, as we find the right building and the right subject matter, we can match that up with the right artists and put projects out for bid,” Mawhirter said.

Because BAM is under the auspices of the Golden Belt Community Foundation, the group requires that the artists it hires provide a W9 and proof of insurance. Artists can contact the group for more information.

the theme Rise Up were located near main roadways in Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington.

“The positive message in these murals acknowledges the real challenges of everyday life, while still encouraging those who pass by to hope, dream, support each other, and persevere,” Bauer said.

Regional artist Mindy Allen, owner of Mindy’s Murals in Junction City, designed and installed the murals in late October.

Other first-year projects BAM received a $5,000 grant from Central Kansas Partnership and Rise Above Central Kansas for a public art installation on the topic of “resiliency.” Murals with

Community photos wanted There are “exciting things” coming from BAM this year, sponsors said.

“The BAM Action Team

Looking back, and ahead “In the last nine months, we’ve installed 5,500 square feet of NEW public art in Barton County, and raised over $80,000 from over 100 donors,” Bauer said.

“We’ve learned a lot about the process of developing opportunities for public art and we’re already planning for our 2022 season.

Right now we’re focused on connecting with artists and building a ‘Rolodex’ of contacts for future projects.

Our action team has been meeting this winter and we hope to share our next project with the public in late March when the weather is a little more favorable.”

BAM plans to do more murals and “mini murals” around the county this year, Mawhirter said.

“We’re also going to organize an interactive project where members of the public can come help out with the painting! That will be organized as soon as warm weather rolls around, and details will be announced as soon as we can,” she said.

Drivers offer crucial rides too medical appointments But, more volunteers needed to make program work

BY STAFF REPORTS news@gbtribune.com

For many residents in Barton County, just getting to their crucial medical appointments, many of which are out of town, becomes a daunting prospect. They are isolated and don’t have access to a means to make the trips.

Enter a cadre of caring and dedicated volunteers who provide rides to these sometimes far-flung visits.

The service, technically known as RSVP Medical Transportation, is operated by Great Bend-based Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas - Americorps Seniors. VIA’s sponsor is Barton Community College.

“We take people of any age or gender or income level,” VIA Executive Director Linn Hogg said. The riders do have to be Barton or Pawnee county residents.

But, Hogg said she’s finding it more difficult to find anyone to step up and offer to drive.

“What I’ve seen is a drop-off in the number of volunteers,” she said. “This program isn’t sustainable without volunteers.”

With most of their drivers being seniors, some saw COVID as a reason to step back, and some are just retiring from the gig.

And this is a shame.

“For many of these people, the follow-through

To make an appointment for a ride to a medical appointment through RSVP Medical Transportation or to volunteer as a driver, call Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas Americorps Seniors at 620-792-1614.

care wouldn’t happen without these rides” and the patients would miss vital check-ups and therapy.

In many instances, these individuals are elderly or disabled, they don’t have access to a vehicle or have been ordered by their doctor not to drive.

Exacerbating the problem is that many of these folks don’t have family in the area to take them to appointment or, if they do, the family member can’t take off from work to help.

are more common and it is more challenging to find volunteers for the longer trips.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, rides remained pretty constant.

Many non-essential procedures were put off, but “there are always things that just have to happen.”

They offer between 2030 out-of-town rides per month, with the number depending on the season.

There is a limit on the number of rides per month.

Help wanted Most who utilize the service are from Barton County. They do get a few from Pawnee County, “but our ability to help there is limited due to a lack of volunteers.”

This is also a growing problem in Barton County.

Volunteers are vetted through a state motor vehicles records check conducted by BCC as well as a background check done

by VIA. Drivers must have valid vehicle insurance, although VIA does offer a supplemental accident policy.

Drivers are reimbursed via gas voucher to cover their fuel expenses.

They offer rides to any health-care center. These range from Hoisington to Hays to Hutchinson to Wichita to Kansas City.

The closer destinations

A lot of benefits The service is a “win, win, win,” Hogg said.

“The biggest benefit to the community is that there is no other entity out there that will take people to their medical appointments,” Hogg said. Without these rides, options are limited. The next choice could be a costly ambulance ride, so, the rides help hospitals as well.

Beyond this, those who volunteer to drive benefit as well. “It gives them a chance to get out of town, maybe run some errands, and have their gas paid for,” Hogg said.

“There also are intangibles,” she said. “It gives them a feeling that they have helped someone, and had the opportunity to meet and interact with others. People usually don’t want to give it up.

“The biggest fallacy in volunteering is that once you sign up, you’re committed,” Hogg said. “That isn’t so.”

They have volunteers from all walks of life who drive a couple of times per year and they have some that drive weekly. “It depends on the volunteer’s schedule. We will work with them,” she said.

A crucial option “We know our program

is important,” Hogg said. It is funded largely through Barton County, and the County Commission has routinely voiced strong support for the countywide service.

They also get funds from the Barton County Emergency Aid Association and the Great Bend Commission on Aging. United Way of Central Kansas offers funding for the program in Pawnee County.

The cost to provide the

rides varies from month to month, and from year to year, she said.

Monthly expenses run about $800 to $1,700, plus some administrative costs.

In general, the annual price tag comes to about $23,000.

They also ask the riders to make a donation if they can, although it is not required.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Businesses and organizations share their stories This year, the Great Bend Tribune invited area businesses and organizations to take part in the annual Progress Edition.

Several representatives from businesses, churches and other organizations took time to share information about what they do, how long they’ve been doing it, and how things have changed over the years.

TeleTeachers offers remote education

A Great Bend Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held January 6 when the Cottonwood Extension District - Great Bend Office, moved to its new location at 3007 10th St.

TeleTeachers, a remote education organization, will be three years old in April.

“We provide remote special education and related services to school districts and charter schools across the United States,” said Shannon Rouff at TeleTeachers.

“Our mission is to ensure that all students have equitable access to the services they need and deserve.”

Students usually follow a typical school day schedule.

“For the 2021-22 school year, we have had the privilege of partnering with the Tri-County Schools and are currently providing remote speech and language therapy and remote physical therapy to students attending Tri-County schools.

“With COVID, our district parnters are seeing higher rates of teacher and therapist vacancies, so they are reaching out to us for assistance,” she continued. “We have learned that as long as you have an amazing teacher or therapist on the other end of the screen, that’s all that matters! We have seen students make incredible progress through remote learning and therapy opportunities.”

TeleTeachers wants to help and support students, families, schools and districts in any way it can.

For more information contact Rouff at shannon@ teleteachers.com or call 401-375-0471.

Cottonwood Extension District office moves to new location

Trinity Lutheran Church meets spiritual needs

The Cottonwood Extension District - Great Bend Office has only been at its new location, 3007 10th St., for a couple of months, but Barton County has had some form of K-State Research and Extension Office for decades.

Extension Educators provide unbiased research based information to the residents of Kansas. Programming areas include: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H and Youth Development, and Community Development.

“It is rewarding to serve the public!” said Donna Krug, director. “We have kept up with technology and do our best to provide educational resources that meet the needs of our public.”

Contact Krug via email at dkrug@ksu.edu or call the Extension office, 620-793-1910.

With its iconic steeple, Trinity Lutheran Church, 2701 24th St., Great Bend has been a landmark building since 1967, but when asked how long the church as been in business, interim pastor Merle Brockhoff answered 2,000 years.

The church offers worship, prayer, social services, baby-tochildren’s care packages, Bible study, and fellowship.

“Trinity Lutheran is a church active in the community, meeting the needs of generations of those who seek the grace, love, and mercy of God,” Brockhoff said.

“Churches rise and fall with the involvement of their people. These are times when people are seeking spiritually, but not necessarily in institutional ways,” he said. “God is faithful, even when people are changeable. God finds a way into the hearts of God’s people.”

When asked, “is there any advice you’d like to offer,” he answered, “Never be afraid to ask questions.” Also, “God is always bigger than your imaginations, wiser than your wisdom, and more loving and open that human hearts can ever be.”

Office hours at the church are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday worship is at 5 p.m. and Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m.

For more information email trinitychrch@hotmail.com or call 620-793-7894.

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Find it all at Ellinwood School-Community Library Ellinwood School-Community Library, a joint library for the City of Ellinwood and USD 355, has been located at 210 N. Schiller Ave. for 53 years.

Prior of the city and school combining their collections and services, there were two separate locations for the libraries, said Sheri Holmes, director.

“The Ellinwood School-Community Library works to serve all of its patrons from birth to adult,” she said. “It promotes the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, provides services like a 3D printer and Inter-Library Loan, and brings in a variety of exhibits and displays for all to enjoy.”

Services include copies, faxing, laminating, scanning, computer use and wireless internet. The library also provides digital reading/audio materials through Hoopla and Libby, and much more.

Hours during the school year are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Summer hours at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, and the library is closed on weekends.

For more information contact Holmes at sholmes@ usd355.org or call the library, 620-564-2306.

The exterior of the new extension office is shown.

Do It Youself Expungements services available Cheryl Tidwell at Do It Yourself Expungements has 14 years of experience preparing court-authorized documents for individuals to file for themselves. During that time, she has expanded her services.

“Many documents such as Divorce, Chapter 7, Bankruptcy, Expungements and more can be filed with the Court yourself,” she said. “We aren’t attorneys but prepare the same court-authorized documents, saving you thousands.”

Contact Tidwell by calling 316-210-0773 or email Expungements4u@yahoo.com.

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Trinity Lutherans Church is located at 2701 24th St. in Great Bend.

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Ellinwood School-Community Library, 210 N. Schiller Ave., has served the city and school district in Ellinwood for 53 years.

First United Methodist Church has long history in Great Bend For nearly 150 years, First United Methodist Church has served Great Bend. The church at 2123 Forest Ave. was built in 1924 and was the third building for the congregation.

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.

Sunday services include traditional worship at 9 a.m. and “Revival” contemporary worship at 11 a.m. Discovery Hour is at 9:45 p.m.

For more information call 620-792-2148 or email secretary@gbfumc.org.

Kindscher’s Mule Barn is family-owned Kindscher’s Mule Barn, located at 157 South Main in Hoisington, is in its ninth year in business. Owner Brian Kindscher says the retail store sells hardware and farm supplies, as well as winter clothing.

Products have changed quite a bit over the years as the store supplies what the customers want. After all, one thing Brian has learned over the years is, “it is hard to sell what you don’t have.”

The store is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 620-292-6080 or email bakcon1@sbcglobal.net.

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A sign for Do It Yourself Expungements is shown.

LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Pilot Club focuses on brain safety, health and service Pilot Club of Great Bend’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our community. The Great Bend chapter of this nonprofit charity has been here since Dec. 6, 1987.

Meetings are at noon at Perkins on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

The club’s focus is two-fold, said Rhonda Knudson. First, members encourage brain safety and health, and they also support those who care for others.

“Our Club has found over the last 34 years that our friendship and service in the community is always welcome and needed,” Knudson said. The Pilot Club credo to “Do More - Care More - Be More” hasn’t changed over the years.

Members encourage everyone to look for and find ways to show kindness.

For more information contact Knudson at landisrah@ yahoo.com or call 620-617-0149. The mailing address is Pilot Club of Great Bend, P.O. Box 503, Great Bend, KS 67530.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022 •

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Dedicated volunteers join VIA

BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbatribune.com

Volunteerism started long before Damn It, Do It Day rallied dozens of people to clean up a block in Great Bend last summer (see story on page 7). Volunteers in Action of Central Kansas is a grant-funded volunteer service organization that manages the AmeriCorps (RSVP) program and is administered through Barton Community College.

VIA’s mission is to fill the unmet needs in the community by mobilizing the time and talents of area volunteers, said Linn Hogg, director of VIA. She has worked for the agency since 2013.

“I have been volunteering all my life,” Hogg said. Many of those who sign up through her organization can say the same.

Of course, many people do volunteer work on their own without going through VIA. But working with the organization has its benefits, Hogg said.

“A perk of being a registered volunteer is the supplemental insurance,” she said. “This is a nice added benefit for the volunteer as well as the organization utilizing the volunteers.”

In 2021, VIA received Points of Light Service Enterprise Certification, a designation that means it is among the top 11 percent of volunteer management organizations in the nation.

Meals On Wheels VIA organizes the Meals on Wheels food delivery and several other volunteer projects.

“We have some very dedicated volunteers that

have helped with this volunteer opportunity for 10 years or more,” Hogg said, naming Alice Walter, Kathleen Armatys, Susan Bauer, Merle and Vivian Evers, Jeannie Girton, Karen Naylor, Dave and Ginny Tinker, Karen Kramp, Lylas Schultz, and Ron Vratil.

Other volunteers serving 10 years or more “These volunteers have served since 2011 or longer,” Hogg continued: Kathy Ahlvers: Tax preparation Bernice Aylward: Hoisington Food Bank Mary Bayer: Cancer Center, other

Mattie Begg; Blood Drives Eleanor Bell: Blood Drives, Food Pantry Reta Brack: Advisory Council, Fundraisers Kathy Collicott: Food Pantry LaRea Cravens: American Legion, RiverBend Assisted Living

Carol Danielson: American Legion Diane Deines: Medical Transportation Donna Donovan: Food Pantry Carole Edwardson: Grocery Shopping, Special Olympics, other Aleta Ehrlich: Blood Drives, Food Pantry Marlene Ernsting; Blood Drive, Barton County Historical Society Robert Essmiller: Food Pantry Judy Fox: Food Pantry, other Dee Anne Grummon: Food Pantry Normalee Isern: American Legion, Food Pantry, Blood Drive, other Ann Lessor: Blood Drive, Historical Society, Fundraisers, other Laverne Lessor: Blood

Drives, Historical Society, fundraisers, other Constance Leuker: Food Pantry Deon Lupton: Beautification Committee, Advisory Council, chamber, other Sharon Mauler: Food Pantry, Historical Society, Chamber, United Way Jennie Munsch: American Legion Karen Naylor: Historical Society Janice Rose: Medical Transportation Toni Schneweis: Food Pantry Arlan Schroeder: Food Pantry, Advisory Council, Chamber Mary Lou Stewart: Medical Transportation Janice Walker: Blood Drives, Meals On Wheels Allan Walker: Meals On Wheels

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Volunteers In Action (VIA) Administrative Assistant Victoria Garza-Reyes (from left), VIA Director Linn Hogg, and Meals On Wheels Support Staff Susan Gibson pose in the VIA office after receiving the Points of Light Service Enterprise Certification in 2021.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Eakin Enterprises provides all kinds of concrete, excavation and demolition work Eakin Enterprises, Inc. has been in business for 71 years, with 26 years at its present location of 111 Main St. in Larned.

Owner Chad Eakin presides over the familyowned business, with the motto: “No job too big or too small; we do it all.”

Eakin specializes in demolition and excavation, concrete construction, trucking,

concrete pumping, dirt work, sand & gravel and all sizes and types of rock.

They also provide storage containers and equipment rental.

Eakin notes: “we have evolved with new technology and new equipment. Your local support is important and appreciated.”

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

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Eakin Enterprises has the ability to get the job done, whether it’s excavation or other dirtwork (top left photo); slab concrete pouring including street work (top right photo) or foundations & basements (bottom left photo).

through Friday. For more information contact Shabree Eakin at 620-2852097 or email shabree@ eakinenterprises.com.

Leading Rural Health in Our Local Community.

Always.

Carr Auction & Real Estate has decades of experience Carr Auction & Real Estate, located at 909 Auction Ave. in Larned, has been moving assets since state champion auctioneer Larry “the Colonel” Carr founded the business in 1965.

Owners Jim and Tammy Froetschner have been with the business for 33 years, providing customers with multifaceted, versatile and experienced auction, real estate and appraisal services.

Auctioneer Chris Froetschner notes: “Technology and the internet have changed the industry more than anything, but people still come first, as does the process by which you take care of their needs.”

The office’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 620-285-3148 or email chris@carrauction.com.

SANTA FE TRAIL CENTER MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTER

(Photo courtesy Janet Fleske)

Dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the historic trade route known as the Santa Fe Trail and the settlement era of Pawnee County Events this year include: t (VO 4NPLF )FSJUBHF %BZT JO .BZ t #PPUT BOE #SFX JO +VOF t #JFOOJBM 3FOEF[WPVT 4ZNQPTJVN JO 4FQUFNCFS t 5JSFE *SPO 4IPX JO 0DUPCFS For more information, visit our Facebook page, or call 620-285-2054. We are located 2.5 miles west of Larned on Highway 156.

As we return to our roots as Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, a HaysMed partner, excitement is building about the future. With our focus on high-quality healthcare that supports vibrant health and wellness, there are no limits to our ability to lead rural health in our local community.

From solid providers to enhanced care and services, we’re giving you every reason to choose Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.

Learn more at pawneevalleyhospital.com.

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THE CITY OF LARNED

“Be A Part of the Progress”

Pawnee County Area All Veterans Memorial Ft. Larned Ave. & Vernon Dr., Larned Dedicated to all service men and women who served their country. located in Doerr-Vernon Park.

Doerr-Vernon Park Splash Pad Ft. Larned Ave. & Vernon Dr., Larned A water tower and other water spray features.

The park includes a Fort Playground, General Store, Log Cabin and Covered Wagon.

Schnack-Lowery Park West 1st and Carroll Ave. Larned Municipal Swimming Pool Schnack Park Fountain Duck Pond and Playground John Schnack Express (Mini-train runs Independence Day, Halloween, and Special Events) Skateboard Park Memorial Rose Garden Ballfield

Larned Golf Course 681 E. 14th Street 620-285-4955 W maintained course features small & Well sloped Bentgrass greens with bluegrass & perennnial rye fairways. Includes ssloping, dog legged fairways & tree-lined water hazards. 9 hole, par 35 course, course rating is 35.9 and it has a slope rating of 106.

620-285-3161