Council approves design contract for $9.1 million pool project

Protest period initiated for pool general obligation bonds

Split vote passes motion to request changes to tax bill graphics

Council member demands answers on Innovation Center shortfall

Insurance premiums rise nearly 10 percent amid high property claims

City forgives $124,000 loan to SRCA Dragstrip

NHRA official announces major events for 2026 track reopening

Tourism report shows $53 million economic impact

Holiday festival and parade draw crowds despite cold

Sheriff's office to purchase four used vehicles from Highway Patrol

Sheriff seeks to acquire historical weapon of county's first sheriff

Commission considers historical display for courthouse foyer

Council approves design contract for $9.1 million pool project

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The city council unanimously voted to approve a design contract with JEO Consulting Group for a new municipal swimming pool, a project estimated to cost approximately $9.15 million. The council authorized $705,000 for the design phase, along with a $150,000 allowance for project representation. The concept design features a 215-foot lazy river, a "fly time" slide, a 31-foot tall open body slide, diving boards and eight competition lanes, with construction slated to begin in September 2026 for a May 2027 opening. While supporting the measure, one council member noted public concerns regarding spending millions on a pool rather than street infrastructure, though City Administrator Logan Burns clarified that the project is funded by the specific Quality of Life sales tax, which cannot be diverted to road repairs.

Protest period initiated for pool general obligation bonds

GREAT BEND, Kan. - To fund the upcoming pool renovation, the council unanimously approved a resolution initiating a statutory notice and protest period. This legal step allows the city to issue general obligation bonds, expected to result in an annual payment of approximately $566,000 over 20 years, paid for by the existing 0.15 percent Quality of Life sales tax. If 5 percent of the electors who voted in the last general election file a protest petition within 30 days, the bond issue would be forced to a public vote; otherwise, the funding mechanism will proceed as planned.

Split vote passes motion to request changes to tax bill graphics

GREAT BEND, Kan. - In a 4-3 split decision, the council voted to formally request that Barton County adjust the pie charts included with annual tax statements to explicitly separate the city of Great Bend's portion from other townships and entities. One council member argued the current format is misleading and fails to reflect the city's efforts to keep the mill levy flat. The discussion sparked a heated exchange with a county representative present at the meeting, who defended the county's process and criticized the city's request as inconsistent.

Council member demands answers on Innovation Center shortfall

GREAT BEND, Kan. - Following a session regarding Great Bend Economic Development, a council member issued a stern rebuke regarding the stalled Innovation Center project. The member highlighted a reported $4 million funding shortfall and the current state of the unfinished building. The council member called for immediate transparency from the GBED board to explain to taxpayers why the project is over budget and how the funds were managed.

Insurance premiums rise nearly 10 percent amid high property claims

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The council approved the 2026 property and casualty insurance renewal with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., accepting a 9.84 percent premium increase. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. representative Mike Minton explained that while the municipal market is stabilizing, Great Bend's premiums are driven by a difficult property market and a specific loss history, noting that over the last five years, the city has had a 300 percent loss ratio—meaning carriers paid out $3 in claims for every $1 in premiums collected. The renewal includes an increase in cyber liability coverage from $1 million to $2 million.

City forgives $124,000 loan to SRCA Dragstrip

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The council voted 8-0 to forgive the remaining balance of a loan previously issued to the SRCA Dragstrip for the construction of concrete crash walls. The original loan totaled roughly $156,000, with SRCA making annual interest-free payments; however, with the major reconstruction of the track currently underway, the city moved to wipe the remaining $124,195 debt. This administrative step clears the financial slate as the facility prepares for a major relaunch following significant bond-funded improvements.

NHRA official announces major events for 2026 track reopening

GREAT BEND, Kan. - Nick Duty, West Central region director for the National Hot Rod Association, addressed the council to express gratitude for the city's support of the SRCA Dragstrip renovations. Duty announced that following the track's reconstruction, SRCA will host a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in 2026—one of only 30 tracks nationwide to do so—as well as a Nostalgia Heritage Series race on July 4 weekend. Duty highlighted the historical significance of the venue, noting that SRCA hosted the very first NHRA national event in 1955.

Tourism report shows $53 million economic impact

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The Convention and Visitors Bureau presented its annual report, revealing that visitor spending in Barton County reached $53 million in 2024. The data indicated that tourism supported 677 jobs in the area and generated $5.5 million in state and local taxes. Bureau staff also noted they are working on updated promotional materials, including a refresh of the "Great People, Great Places, Great Bend" cinema advertising campaign.

Holiday festival and parade draw crowds despite cold

GREAT BEND, Kan. - Public Relations Director Addison Crites reported on the 20th annual Home for the Holidays Festival, noting that despite strong winds and cold temperatures, the event was a success. The "Holiday Movie Madness" parade featured 38 entries, with Barton Community College taking "Best in Parade" and Encounter Church winning "Best Theme." The Trail of Lights has already seen over 1,000 cars pass through, and the downtown ice skating rink drew hundreds of residents.

Sheriff's office to purchase four used vehicles from Highway Patrol

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The Barton County Commission approved the purchase of four used Dodge Durango Pursuits for the sheriff's office at a total cost of $152,650. The Sheriff's Office recommended purchasing the vehicles from the Kansas Highway Patrol, which retires units after 49,000 miles, rather than leasing new vehicles. The purchase includes three 2023 models and one 2022 model, all of which come equipped with lights and sirens, significantly reducing installation costs. To fund the purchase, the commission authorized the use of $116,750 from the equipment replacement fund. The Sheriff's Office noted this funding was available after the department declined to pursue a vehicle lease program the previous year. The remaining balance of roughly $35,900 will be paid from the sheriff's office current vehicular equipment budget.

Sheriff seeks to acquire historical weapon of county's first sheriff

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The Sheriff's Office announced a campaign to acquire the Model 1860 Colt revolver that belonged to George N. Moses, the first appointed sheriff of Barton County in 1872. The firearm, currently located in New Jersey, has a value estimated at over $10,000 due to its strong provenance. The Sheriff's Office stated that no tax dollars will be used for the purchase, with the intent to raise the necessary funds through private donations to bring the historical artifact back to the county. Specific details regarding how the public can contribute to the fund were not immediately available.

Commission considers historical display for courthouse foyer

GREAT BEND, Kan. - In conjunction with the potential acquisition of the George N. Moses revolver, a proposal was introduced to create a secure display case in the courthouse foyer using original courthouse doors. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman discussed the concept of restoring the doors to create a shadow box for historical items. The Sheriff's Office expressed support for the idea, noting that displaying the weapon in the public foyer would offer greater community exposure than keeping it in the sheriff's office conference room. Clarification was not provided regarding whether the display would utilize the building's original exterior doors or interior doors removed during previous renovations.

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