Local resident honored for supporting public health workers

Decades-long waitlist highlights state developmental disability crisis

County approves $58,800 contract for mandated bridge inspections

New stop sign approved for township intersection

Partial vacation of subdivision approved to clear deed

Nisly Brothers awarded county trash hauling contract

Commissioners express concern over state property tax bill

Commission honors local high school girls basketball team

Local resident honored for supporting public health workers

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The board presented a plaque to Evan Cushenbery in recognition of philanthropic support for the Barton County Health Department. Cushenbery provided financial contributions at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to support staff morale through meals and treats. More recently, Cushenbery funded a permanent photo backdrop for the department's reception area to create a more welcoming environment.

Decades-long waitlist highlights state developmental disability crisis

GREAT BEND, Kan. — A recent update from a regional developmental services board cited a roughly 10-year statewide waitlist for residents seeking developmental disability services. A county commissioner said that while local care providers continue to perform strongly in annual evaluations, adding new providers does not automatically unlock additional state funding, leaving many aging families struggling to secure long-term care for disabled relatives.

County approves $58,800 contract for mandated bridge inspections

GREAT BEND, Kan. — To comply with updated federal National Bridge Inventory specifications, the commission approved a $58,800 agreement with Kirkham Michael, an engineering firm, for engineering and inspection services. The contract covers data collection for 196 bridges east of U.S. Highway 281 at a cost of $300 per bridge. The county engineer said the inspections are federally mandated, and failure to comply could jeopardize eligibility for future federal bridge funding.

New stop sign approved for township intersection

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Following an engineering traffic study, the commission approved Resolution 2026-06 to install a stop sign at the intersection of NE 220 Road and NE 10 Avenue. County Engineer Josh Beckman recommended the installation due to significant sight obstructions for drivers approaching the paved road from the gravel road.

Partial vacation of subdivision approved to clear deed

GREAT BEND, Kan. — Commissioners approved an order to partially vacate the Cheyenne Estates II subdivision east of Great Bend. The move collapses six undeveloped lots and a cul-de-sac into a single deed, allowing a prospective buyer to purchase the roughly 6-acre property to build a home. Environmental manager Judy Goreham said the property will retain its original 1977 covenants and R1 residential zoning restrictions to preserve the neighborhood's character.

Nisly Brothers awarded county trash hauling contract

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The commission awarded the 2026 commercial trash hauling contract to Hutchinson-based Nisly Brothers Inc., a waste management company, for $583 per month, a roughly $63 monthly increase over the previous year. Facilities director Darren Williams said Nisly Brothers was the sole bidder after a three-week open bid period, reflecting a broader trend of local, independent haulers exiting the commercial trash business.

Commissioners express concern over state property tax bill

GREAT BEND, Kan. — During the meeting's closing remarks, the commission expressed strong opposition to House Bill 2745, a state property tax bill that is awaiting action from Gov. Laura Kelly. Commissioners warned that the legislation would create significant budget-setting challenges for county governments while shifting the tax burden rather than providing property tax relief for residents. The board said it plans to monitor Kelly's decision closely in the coming days.

Commission honors local high school girls basketball team

GREAT BEND, Kan. — The Barton County Commission issued a proclamation Tuesday honoring the Ellinwood High School Lady Eagles basketball team for its second-place finish in a state championship. Coach Greg Maxwell's team finished the 2025-2026 season with a 27-2 record. Several players received all-league and state honors, including Julia Schlessiger, who was named the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player after scoring 17 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. The Central Prairie League named Schlessiger and Brynn Widener to its first team, Alyvia Batchman and Mette Maxwell to its second team, and Avery Panning as honorable mention. Additionally, the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association named Schlessiger to its first team and Batchman to its second team, with Maxwell receiving honorable mention.

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