Hi Neighbor! to everyone who stopped by this week on business; Buzz Birney, Howard Wallace, Milton Achatz, Donna Byant, Becky Draney, and Kathy Reh. Jazz Festival Bierocks and Cinnamon Rolls Board of Trustees Meeting moved from Thursday to Monday, Feb. 6. Memory Makers Scrapbooking Annual Chili Challenge CPR Class and Re-Certification Dan and Nichole Lawrence to Speak at Aglow Pot Luck Meal Community Soup Supper Lenten Lunches |
Ellinwood Leader theellinwoodleadernews@yahoo.com Login to see the full versions of the stories on this page. Updated 2/3/12
NEW MOVE - National Billing celebrated the move to their new location at 105 N. Main by hosting the Chamber Coffee and a Ribbon Cutting on Friday, January 27. Pictured are, left to right, front row: Nancy Baird, Chamber Administrator, Justin Joiner, Chamber Board Member, Mayor Frank Koelsch, Mary Waite, National Billing Employees, Mel Waite, Manager, Christy Meyers, Diana Jackson, Debbie Wirtz, Patty Kirkpatrick, Joan Panning and Mitch Jones. Back row, left to right: Bob Peter, City Administrator; National Billing employees Tom Goetz and Darlene Jenisch and Becca Maxwell, Chamber Board Member, Jacque Isern, Chamber President. Login to see the full versions of the stories on this page. Annual Band Dinner set for Sunday The Ellinwood Middle School and High School Bands will be holding the annual Chicken Noodle Dinner on Sunday, February 5, 2012 in the Ellinwood High School Commons Area. You can enter through the main entrance at 300 N. Schiller or from the parking lot on the West side of the building. The dinner will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Login to see the full versions of the stories on this page.
Ashley Sheldon, Shawn Troyer, Sam Kline-Martin, Stephanie Troyer and Wyatt Smith from Ellinwood High School attended the 19th annual Concert Band Clinic at Kansas State University on January 20 - 22. The students had to audition for a spot in the band upon arriving. Students attend Concert Band ClinicFive Elllinwod High School band students recently attended the 19th annual Concert Band Clinic at Kansas State University on January 20-22. They all went through an audition process upon arrival at the event. From the audition the students were placed in six different concert bands. There was one “top” band with those students who scored the highest in their audition and 5 equal bands for all the other students. There were approximately 700 band students involved in the event. Conductors for the bands were: Dr. Jay Gilbert from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska; Dr Ron Hufstader from the University of Texas at El Paso; Dr. Shelly Jagow from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio; Mr. Donald Linn from Kansas State University (who filled in for Dr. Scott Teeple whose flight was canceled); Mrs. Jacquelyn Meunier from Southeast Polk High School in Pleasant Hill, Iowa; and ... Login to see the full versions of the stories on this page. Public invited to Historical Society program The public is invited and welcome to hear accounts from three drovers who traveled the Ellsworth Cox Cattle Trail 2011. This will be during the annual dinner meeting of the Ellinwood Community Historical Society on Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Club, 103 North Main in Ellinwood.
Ms. Hook and Mrs. Duncan’s first grade classes at Ellinwood Grade School spent last week learning about our great state of Kansas. To help celebrate Kansas Day on January 29, the classes invited Pam Martin, from the Kansas Wetlands Educational Learning Center, to our school to teach us about all of the Kansas symbols. Martin brought in a huge bison hide, a box turtle, a salamander, and cottonwood tree seeds along with other artifacts and pictures too. The students learned many new facts about Kansas. Do you know how to tell the difference between a male and female ornate box turtle? Eye color! Thank you Pam Martin! Pictured from the left are Austin Ragan, Samuel Brauer, Kendryk Turner, Shadow Meyers, Alexis Donovan, and Lauren Knop. Updated 1/27/12 Distinguished Citizen Award nominees sought It is that time again when the Ellinwood Rotary Club recognizes a citizen within our community as “Distinguished Citizen” each year. Ellinwood Rotary is looking for that special person who really exemplifies the spirit of Ellinwood. It is time again to select someone for this award for 2012. Login to see the full versions of the stories on this page. Former Ellinwood songster enjoying ‘Magic Holiday’
But something was missing, and with the aid of Kincaid’s musical partner David Taylor II, it was time for a “Magic Holiday,” Kincaid said. Login to see the full versions of the stories on this page. Area Agency On Aging
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| DECANI, KOSOVO - Despite the increasingly unstable and dangerous situation at national border crossings in the Balkans, Ellinwood, Kansas native J. Basil Dannebohm remains committed to visiting the region for a humanitarian relief visit. For 20 days in February, Dannebohm and Father Nektarios Serfes of Boise, Idaho are traveling to Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo and Switzerland on behalf of the Decani Monastery Relief Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding Kosovo. Father Nektarios Serfes is the President of the Board of Directors and Dannebohm is the fund’s Executive Director. According to Forum 18 News Service, on December 12th, in an attempt to enter Macedonia, the Archbishop of Ohrid, His Eminence, Jovan, was arrested and taken to prison. |
Former Ellinwood resident J. Basil Dannebohm. |
Dannebohm and Father Nektarios plan to visit Archbishop Jovan in the prison, meet with the United States Ambassador to Macedonia, and pray with Macedonian Christians.
On December 13th, “The Voice of Russia” reported that the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo prevented a convoy of Russian humanitarian supplies from entering northern Kosovo via the Jarinje checkpoint on the Serbian border.
On January 7th, Serbian President Boris Tadic visited Decani Monastery. During the trip his motorcade was attacked.
“Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ was not easy for the early Christian Church so we should have no expectation that the road will be ...
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Pictured is the 12-1 team. Back row from the left are Trista Wilt, Breckyn Rowley and Sarah Frakes. Middle row from the left are Baylee Beck, Jade Mountain and Taylor Oeser. in front is Camryn Dunekack. |
Area club volleyball teams, Six Pack, is in full swing with six teams participating in a total of nine tournaments. The 16 year old team started off the season on Dec. 18th in Maize finishing 3rd. The members on this team are: Sophie Hayes, Kelsea Ward, Delaney Beckwith, Marsena Irvine, Brandi Hanson, Liz Frakes, and Becca Parke. Then the 13-1 team traveled to Abilene on Jan 7th in a 10 team tournament and finished 3rd. They then traveled to Hutchinson on Jan 14 for another 10 team tournament and finished 1st. Their overall record is 20-6. The members on this team are: Cassie Dimmitt, Allison Panning, Keely Ireland, Kate Warren,... |
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The Kansas Wetlands Educati has the cure for boredom - winter nature programs! Kids will turn the birdhouse gourds grown in KWEC’s garden into homes for our feathered friends, make a feather bookmark, play games and of course learn more about the world around them and the creatures living there. So don’t delay, sign-up soon, as the maximum for each class is 20 children.
Designed for children ages 6 through 12, one-hour programs will be offered at no charge from 10-11 a.m. each ...
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Updated 1/13/12
Kansas State Treasurer Ron Estes talks with Ellinwood 5th and 6th graders Tuesday. Estes’ visit was sponsored by the Sunflower Bank Ambassadors with the goal of educating students on basic finance.
By Mike Gilmore
Out of the many duties that befall a state treasurer, Ron Estes likes giving back the most.
Estes, sworn in as Kansas’ 39th State Treasurer last January, was in Ellinwood Tuesday to talk to students about the importance of a budget, and answer questions about his job and his first year in office.
Estes spoke to students at Ellinwood High School, and then to fifth- and sixth-graders gathered in Lisa Reser’s classroom as part of an ongoing program sponsored by the Sunflower Bank Ambassadors.
Lynda Jamison, marketing director of Sunflower in Great Bend, said that the Ambassadors have regularly brought in speakers in arrangement with schools in Ellinwood and Great Bend to inform the students on basic finance. Through the past five years, the Ambassadors have each year invited the past three treasurers, including Lynn Jenkins and Dennis McKinnney. Speakers are brought in about once a month, on topics ranging from ...
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By Mary Jo Cunningham
At the January Ellinwood City Council meeting it was approved to purchase a used Kansas Highway Patrol 2009 Crown Victoria to replace the white police cruiser. Provisions have been in the budget the last two or three years for such a purchase but it has been put off until now. The car will cost $14,150 with the light bar. These cars have great maintenance and records according to Police Chief Art Keffer.
There was considerable discussion about replacing the Christmas decorations from 3rd to 7th streets. The current ones are at least 30 years old. It will involve 11 poles. At the current time decorations are on sale. A variety of designs were presented to council.
Council learned the Ellinwood Ambulance runs have increased 92 runs over the number the last two years. They need more personnel right now. Many are on call duty the crew is at all time low of personnel. In 2001, on call policy was adopted and pay was $15.00 for a 12 hour shift. Council approved a motion to raise that amount to $25 for a 12 hour shift. Claflin and Hoisington have this rate also. Irlan Fullbright abstained from discussion and voting.
Employee salaries were discussed. A comparison was made with ...
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Ellinwood Mu Kappa Sorority Vice President Jonell Niles recently presented a check to Jody Long, Child Development Center Director for $250. The donation will be used for a CDC preschool scholarship.
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Updated 1/5/12
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By Mike Gilmore The year 2011 saw a marked increase in oil leasing activity begun along the Kansas-Oklahoma border, and as the New Year approaches, that activity has been moving steadily northward. Since the beginning of summer, landmen in Commanche, Barber and Harper counties have been knocking on doors, offering to lease land from the hundreds of dollars to as much as $1,000 per acre. County registrar’s offices are reporting being swamped with requests for documentation, from the steady stream of 4-5 requests per week to as many as 400 per day. The rush of activity centers on an area known as the Mississippi oil play, a region that runs approximately 100 miles north and south along the Kansas-Oklahoma border. It is of interest to oil developers because it is of relatively shallow depth (between 5,000-6,000 feet) and is extremely ... |
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January 2011
- Kansas 150th Birthday Celebration begins
- Final Alan Fullbright Memorial Basketball Tournament
- EHS Future Business Leaders of America make and donate blankets to Star of Hope for “Helping Hands in Haiti” project.
- Middle School boys basketball A team take first place in MCAA tournament.
February 2011
- EMS girls basketball capture the A team and B team league titles.
- Ellinwood firefighters receive Rapid Intervention Training.
- St. Joseph Catholic School celebrates Catholic Schools’ Week.
- Area club volleyball team “Six Pack” place 1st overall at Topeka tournament.
- EHS Forensics place 1st in team sweepstakes in Greensburg.
- Gerald (Jerry) Menges receives Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award by Rotary Club.
March 2011
- Mrs. Lois Hammer honored as Teacher of the Year by Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools.
- Ellinwood Library hosts book signing and reception for Linda McCaffery and Dr. Bill Brenner who collaborated to produce the book “I’m Praying for You”, Love Letters to a Death Camp - The World War II Ordeal of Bill and Jo Brenner.
- Ellinwood District Hospital wins 1st place in Chili challenge.
- 7th grade math relay team wins MCAA Math Relays held in Hays.
- EHS Student Council present a check to EDH Auxiliary for improvements to chemotherapy outpatient room.
- Ellinwood Public School Site Council host “Meet the Candidates” forum for USD #355 BOE candidates.
- Ellinwood Municipal Swimming Pool receives donation from CPI Barton County Endowment to enhance the facilities.
- Daulton Doll Memorial provides canvas book bags to Story Hour children.
April 2011
- Ellinwood participates in Whistle Stop Bus Tour. Purpose of tour to highlight communities on the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway.
- Lone Wolf Restaurant and Catering host second annual fund raiser for Kans for Kids.
- Ellinwood Cub Scouts hold Pinewood Derby.
- EGS 6th grade students of Seresa Arndt earn money for Kans for Kids.
- EGS Parent Advisory Committee receive money from Golden Belt Community Foundation.
May 2011
- “Singing Ambassadors” of Kansas State University perform in EHS auditorium.
- “Prairiesta” participants visit Ellinwood to promote upcoming event in Russell, KS.
- Ellinwood Optimist Club presents donation to FBLA fund to attend national competition in Florida in June.
- Barton County 4H’ers complete in State 4H Air Rifle Match.
- EGS holds Family Fun Carnival.
- Derek Joiner is guest speaker at Athletic Banquet.
- EHS Forensics Team competes at State Championship.
- Homes and outbuildings northwest of Ellinwood receive extensive damage due to high winds.
- EGS students attend State Music Memory Competition in Manhattan, KS.
June 2011
- Ellinwood competes in State Track meet.
- 3rd annual Kans for Kids Golf Tournament a success.
- Mayor Frank Koelsch speaker for Memorial Day service.
- Joe Hickel, Community Leader dies.
- Calvary Baptist Church holds Block Party at Wolf Park.
- United Methodist Church hold Old Fashion Ice Cream Social.
- EGS receives North Central Association/AdvanceED accreditation.
July 2011
- Community Theater presents ‘Westward, Whoa’.
- Sts. Peter and Paul steeple reconstruction begins with feast.
- Ellinwood Chamber host 38th After Harvest Festival.
- Vernon and Marion DeWerff selected as 2011 AHF Grand Marshals.
- Wheatland School holds alumni reunion.
- Prize Patrol in Ellinwood to deliver $10,000 check to Rev. Delbert Walth and family.
August 2011
- Central Kansas Cruisers participate in Junior Olympic Track and Field Championship.
- Art Keffer competes in Powerlifting Championship.
- Mayor Koelsch presents Keys to the City to LABO students visiting here through an international 4-H Japanese exchange program.
September 2011
- Mayor Koelsch signs Proclamation for 150th Anniversary Kansas Cattle Drive.
- Golden Belt Community Foundation gives grants to St. John’s Child Development Center, St. Joseph Catholic School, EGS 1st grade classes and CRS Educational & Business Stratigies & Consultant Association.
- Ellinwood celebrates Kansas Sesquicentennial with 150th Kansas Cattle Drive and family activities.
- Sons of the American Legion hold Ranch Rodeo to benefit the S.O.A.L. Pediatric Fund.
- EHS received a National School of Distinction status from the Schools Fight Hunger Program.
- Gathering of the Eagles 2011 festivities held.
October 2011
- Seresa Arndt, EGS sixth grade instructor named a Region 1 Nominee for the Kansas Teacher of the Year.
- 2011 Girls State Tennis Champions!
- Cross Country boys win first place State title, girls win second consecutive runner up trophy at 2A State Championships.
- Meannerchor Hall, Ellinwood landmark, comes down.
November 2011
- Photo works of Richard Casagrande featured at Barton County Arts Center.
- Mayor Koelsch signs Veterans Day Proclamation.
- City Council gives special recognition to EHS Cross Country and Girls Tennis teams.
- Gingerbread Village opens Thanksgiving weekend.
- Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Club recognizes at Achievement Celebration.
December 2011
- Coach Lashley named 2A Cross Country Coach of the Year.
- Four EHS student selected to perform wit the KMEA Soutwest District honor groups.
- St. Joseph youth group attend the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- EGS awarded Certificate of Recognition in the Challenge Awards Program.
- Lover’s Moon, book by George O. Martin Jr. celebrated with readings at Barton County Arts Center.
- Brenda Lebbin winner of ‘Hi Neighbor!’ 2011 Christmas Gift Guide Word Search. __________________________________________________________________________________
Celebrate the rediscovery of the black-footed ferret, North America’s rarest mammal, and its return to Kansas during the program “Back from the Brink: Black Footed Ferret Reintroduction in Kansas” from 2-3 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.
Learn if ferrets really dance and discover insights to this elusive but curious creature and the amazing efforts to save and return the species to the wild. The survival of black-footed ferrets is irrevocably tied to prairie dogs. Ferrets survive almost entirely on one prey species - the prairie dog. As prairie dog populations declined, so too did the black-footed ferret, until it was thought to be extinct. A Wyoming ranch dog played a vital part in the ferret’s rediscovery 30 years ago, but that is all part of the amazing story you will hear during the program.
Presenter Dan Mulhern, US Fish and Wildlife Service, has led the effort to reintroduce black-footed ferrets in Kansas, with the first releases in December 2007. Working for USFWS since 1984, Mulhern has been primarily responsible for Kansas endangered species and migratory birds since 1988.
After the program, prairie dogs, and possibly a black-footed ferret, will be on display and children can make their own black-footed ferret to take home with them. For more information, call 1-877-243-9268 or 620-786-7456.
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Updated 12/30/11
The Lloyd Kurtz home at 620 North Main won first place in the Religious Category in the 2011 Christmas Lighting Display Contest.
The John Sturn home at 117 Pohlman, with a large lighted tree, was named as first place winner in the Outstanding category of the Ellinwood 2011 Christmas Lighting Display. The Lloyd Kurtz home at 610 North Main won first place in the Religious Category. Both will be recipients of $25. The winner in the commercial category is the Ellinwood Emporium with a corner nativity seen by the blue night. They will have their name engraved on the traveling trophy.
Many residents created a number of interesting displays in Ellinwood. The judges named some honorable mentions to include the following: Don Schlaht home at ...
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The winners of the Christmas Promo certificates are Sue Meier, Ellinwood; Theda Wendel, Great Bend; Jill Moore, Ellinwood; Robin Moos, Ellinwood, and Michele Martin, Ellinwood.
Each winner received a gift certificate good at any of the participating stores.
Thank you to the participating stores in the Christmas Punch Promo cards Kimples Furniture & Gift, Gunn’s Antiques & collectibles, Gifts of the Garden, Starr Antique, Draney’s Antique, Our Mother’s Treasurers, Lone Wolf Restaurant, Ellinwood Family Foods, & Rejuvenation Day Spa & Boutique. Judging by the number of filled cards that were entered into the drawing the promotion was a success.
Thank you to everyone who shopped the local stores this Holiday Season. Shopping local is so important to our Community!
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Holiday Riders – Bikers who delivered gifts to local hospitals on Sunday are left to right, front row on motorcycles: Randy Long, Mitch Urban and David Humphry. Back row: Dian Long, Mike Henderson, Rae Brack, Brad Brack, Randy Booze, Vickie Booze, Tom Drewel (Santa) and Marie Drewel (Mrs. Claus).
Local bikers teamed up with Santa and Mrs. Claus to bring at least a hint of holiday cheer to hospital patients in Barton County. Members from two area motorcycle clubs – Bikers of Central Kansas and Sidewinders of Kansas – spent Sunday afternoon delivering special Christmas ornaments to the three hospitals in the county: Clara Barton Hospital, Ellinwood District Hospital, and Great Bend Regional Hospital.
“Our clubs purchase the gifts every year and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus present them,” explained BCK member Rae Brack. “The patients really enjoy the visits and the gifts, and we enjoy doing this every year.”
It was the 10 th year that the clubs have combined to deliver gifts to those who are spending Christmastime in the hospital. This year, they handed out more than 40 Christmas ornaments to patients – 20 of those at Great Bend Regional Hospital. Members also donated and delivered a box of Beanie Babies to the Obstetric Unit at Great Bend Regional.
Filling in for Santa and Mrs. Claus were husband and wife Tom and Marie Drewel, who are also longtime BCK members. The couple said they have taken on their Santa roles at many events for the past 30 years.
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Young Professionals
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Chamber Office Manager Lacey Oetken boxes up the dozens of food items donated by members of the Barton County Young Professionals during their annual Christmas party earlier this month. |
Admission into the annual sweater party was a donation for the Barton County food bank, but the group of community-minded young professionals pulled out all the stops. “Most people who came didn’t just bring one item, as required,” Straub says. “Almost everyone walked in with ...
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Updated 12/23/11
Monday afternoon, Mrs. Metro’s and Mrs. Cherry’s Kindergarten classes along with Miss Hook’s and Mrs. Duncan’s 1st grade classes traveled to our local Ellinwood food bank to deliver items collected during a Christmas food drive contest. Kindergarten competed against 1st grade to see which class could collect more food items to give to those in need this holiday season. Kindergarten jumped out to a HUGE lead in the beginning (120 - 30), but 1st grade rallied back to close the gap. In the end, Kindergarten did win the contest and both groups together brought nearly 400 items! Combined with Mrs. Vink’s “Acts of Kindness” project and all of the items brought by other children in the school, we delivered over 600 items to our local food bank on Monday!
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GREAT BEND - The Central Kansas Partnership in collaboration with Golden Belt Community Foundation has been awarded a $25,000 planning grant through the Kansas Health Foundation’s Healthy Community Design initiative. Barton County is one of only seven communities in the state to receive this funding, which will help support the creation of a comprehensive Community Action Plan and Healthy Community Design Logic Model. The grant will also help to build relations with new and existing partners that support and promote healthy community design currently, or would like to get involved, and how these facilities can be better...
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The sixth grade band students at Ellinwood Grade School recently performed their Christmas selections for residents at Woodhaven Care Center. They also serenaded younger students as they ate lunch at school. Pictured here are Shawn Simmons, Kassidy Pfluhoeft and Sarah Frakes as they performed “Jingle Bells” as a saxophone trio. |
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The Future Business Leaders of America members and advisor, Lorie Betts express their sincere appreciation to the community of Ellinwood for the gifts and cash donations for the Hope Tree. It was a tremendous success for families in need within the community and surrounding area. Gifts that were not selected were donated to the Family Crisis Center located in Great Bend. There was a greater need of gifts for the Crisis Center this year, due to a record number of families in need of assistance, “The project is successful because of the outstanding support of the Ellinwood community.” states Sam Kline-Martin, Hop Tree Project Chairman.
Photo of (L-R) Amanda Stevenson, Parent/Child Advocate of the Family Crisis Center, Rachel Morales, FBLA Vice President, Rachel Doll FBLA member, Sam Kline-Martin, Hope Tree Chairman, and Kayla Schartz, FBLA President.
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Updated 12/16/11
Community Bank of the Mid West in Ellinwood hosted the Friday, December 9 Chamber Coffee. Ellinwood High School Mystic Blues entertained the guests with several Christmas songs under the direction of vocal music instructor Meredith Duling.
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The Ellinwood District Hospital board meeting on November 30 contained reports that told the board the Physical Therapy Department had risen from 197 visits in 2010 to a total of 415 in 2011. The clinic visits so far for 2011 have shown a 24.8% increase.
Newer regulations are going to govern the ISB. A problem has developed with Networks Co. who allocates insurance claims from Medicare for hospitals. That company has installed an upgrade with their computer work and it is not working efficiently. Although there is a couple week backlog, claims ...
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| GREAT BEND - The works of two young Barton County artists, Petr Grigorev and Angela Waite, will be featured at the Barton County Arts Center, 1401 Main, Great Bend, through the month of December. A reception was held Friday evening, December 9th, beginning at 7:00 pm. The public was invited to attend and meet the artists. Angela Waite, from Ellinwood, also studied at Barton Community College, studying ceramics with Bill Forst and two-dimensional art forms with Steve Dudek. She is currently attending Fort Hays State University, where she is majoring in Art Education. Petr Grigorev is originally from Vladivostok, Russia. He came to the United States in hopes of getting a tennis scholarship at Barton Community College, but he received an art scholarship instead. Working closely with art instructor Steve Dudek, Petr discovered his talent and came to feel passionately about his art. Recently, he was honored to receive his first major patron award at the Kansas Watercolor Society’s national exhibition. This program is supported in part by The City of Great Bend and CPI Qualified Plan Consultants. The Barton County Arts Council is a non-profit charitable and educational organization, supported by individuals, organizations and businesses, who realize the value of The Arts in our communities. |
One of Angela Waite’s “Creatures” series, a ceramic and wire sculpture, will be on display at the Barton County Arts Center, 1401 Main in Great Bend, through the month of December. |
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Ellinwood Grade School teachers Sheri Holmes, left, and Lindell Redington are pictured with the Certificate of Recognition awarded EGS in the Challenge Awards Program. |
Ellinwood Grade School third grade teachers Sheri Holmes and Lindell Redington are shown with the Certificate of Recognition awarded to the Ellinwood Grade School in the Challenge Awards Program. The award recognizes schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on Kansas Assessment results from 2011 and other qualifying factors, specifically the sample size, ethnicity and socio-economic status of those taking the test. The testing is done at the third grade level but preparation begins in kindergarten and all steps are continued through first and second grade. The curriculum is aligned to the State of Kansas requirements with a specific set of standards for each grade. |
“It’s a unified effort that takes a lot of hard work and tracking from the staff and support from the parents”, states Mrs. Redington. “Teachers reinforce skills from the previous year and there is a lot of re-testing, re-teaching and prep work to prepare the students for the four day testing”. From August through March the third grade students reviewed and prepared with after school tutoring available for those needing extra help. At the end of the year, before they even knew their test results, 26 students were rewarded with a ...
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Updated 12/9/11
Ellinwood Grade School students, under the direction of vocal music instructor Debbie Lebbin, performed Christmas songs for family and friends during the Ellinwood Christmas open house Saturday December 3rd. The students participating volunteered and attended practice sessions before school began each morning prior to the performance.
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By Mike Gilmore
ELLINWOOD - Canadian journalist Cory Doctorow has said that it was always exciting to be recognized by your peers.
After the success of the Ellinwood Cross Country teams in the 2011 season, Coach Lyles Lashley would agree.
Lashley, whose boys, and girls’ teams finished first and second, respectively, in the Class 2A state championship meet at Wamego in October, has been named Class 2A Cross Country Coach of the Year by his fellows of the Kansas Cross Country and Track & Field Coaches Association.
For the boys, it was the Eagles’ first state title since 1967. The girls’ squad has finished runners-up twice in three consecutive team state appearances.
For Lashley it is a momentary highlight on a continuing journey. “You would hope,” he said, following his teams’ return bearing the Wamego hardware, “that kids would come out and be with us and train with us and realize that cross country isn’t such an awful thing. It’s fun to run, it’s fun to compete, and it’s really fun to be part of a successful team.”
While the team members returned to EHS to acclaim from both the school and city leaders, Lashley’s honor completes the picture.
His coaching honor will be presented at the KCCTFCA’s coaches clinic on Jan. 5-6, 2012 in Junction City.
“We will make sure that he gets there,” said EHS Activities Director Kip Wilson, upon learning of Lashley’s honor last week. “I bet there will be a contingent of people going. It’s a great honor for coach Lashley, it’s a great honor for the school.
“It was a great fall season for us,” Wilson continued, as the cross country teams join the girls’ tennis team as Class 2A state champion. “Two state championships and a state runner up. And then this (coach Lashley’s award). Just a great season.”
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| The public is invited to the Ellinwood Community Library to enjoy a wonderful series of holiday related exhibits, celebrating the season through Christmas tree fun, art displays and Christmas collectibles. The Hope Tree is an opportunity for people to share the Christmas spirit with those friends and neighbors who might need a little extra help this holiday season. Community members can use the Hope Trees ornaments to guide their purchase of gifts for children in need in our community. Patrons can then return those items to the library to be distributed through the local ministerial alliance. The Hope Tree is provided through the Future Business Leaders of America student organization On the art wall, the library has provided a collection of art prints of paintings representing the traditional Christmas story. On the opposite wall, a set of Norman Rockwell Christmas illustrations is displayed, with information provided about each print. In the display cases, the staff has exhibited a combination of . . . |
The annual “Hope Tree” project will be available at the Ellinwood High School/Community Library until December 13, 2011. Financial donations or gifts for children in Ellinwood may be delivered to the high school or dropped off at the library until December 13th. Gift tags are available for boys and girls from the ages of birth to 11. “This is the 12th year of the Hope Tree, sponsored by the Future Business Leaders of America chapter this year. “Each year the project grows in size, it is evident that Ellinwood is a giving community to those in need.” states Sam Kline Martin, FBLA chairman of the Hope Tree project. If there is a family in need of children’s gifts or you have questions concerning the project, contact Ellinwood High School or FBLA advisor Lorie Betts at 620-564-3136. |
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Four Ellinwood High School students were selected by audition to perform with the KMEA Southwest District honor groups on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Dodge City. Selected for the honor band was Shawn Troyer, trumpet. The honor choir included, Tiara Espinosa, Aaron Pike and Stephanie Troyer. Dr. Mark Norman, the Director of Bands at Washburn University, directed the band. Directing the choir was Connie Donatelli, Director of Choral Activities at Cowley College. Congratulations to these students for achieving this honor. Pictured are Stephanie Troyer, Tiara Espinosa, Shawn Troyer and Aaron Pike at their performance with the Southwest KMEA Honor Band and Choir.
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Updated 12/6/11
Lynda Jamison and Becca Maxwell with Sunflower Bank joined with the United Way for their Saturday Challenge to see which kettle could raise the most money! This team earned $194.00 during their shift. The United Way Challenge earned $1243.00 for Saturday. The Salvation Army is still looking for others to donate their time and volunteer! Pictured from the left are Lynda Jamison, Sunflower Bank Market Manager, Becca Maxwell, Sunflower Bank Customer Service Officer, Mya Maxwell and Julie Smith, United Way Director.
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With the winter months upon us and everyone shopping for the Christmas Holidays, I would like to remind the citizens of the City of Ellinwood to be safe and make sure that their property is safe. In recent months there has been a pattern developing, not only in Ellinwood, but through out the area, mainly that of person(s) entering into unattended vehicles and stealing property. Your property is only as safe as you make it. Leaving property in a vehicle, where it can be readily seen is only asking for trouble. So secure your property, lock your vehicles and have a great and safe holiday season.
I also want to remind everyone that the Barton County Crime Stoppers is up and running. If you happen to have information you want to pass along that involves criminal activity, but wish to remain anonymous, dial 620-792-1300. We don’t want your name, just your information.
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Colin Miller and Kyle Blakeslee received the Kansas 4-H Key award from the representative of the Farm Credit Association. This is the highest award that a 4-H’er can receive and is based on the members leadership, service and community involvement.
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Blue Jeans and Country Dreams was the theme for the 2011 Barton County 4-H Achievement Celebration held at Barton Community College. Ellinwood Energizers 4-H club was well represented and received a purple club seal. The following awards were given to our members:
Key Award: Collin Miller & Kyle Blakeslee
Cloverbud Member: Lauren Knop & Alaina Straub
First year Member pin: Emily Frakes, Sarah Hammeke, Isaac Mountain & Ryan Niles
Bronze Pin: Elizabeth Frakes, Sarah Frakes & Alexa Straub
Clover Pin: Luke Wondra
Silver Guard: Betsy Snell
Leadership Pin: Jenna Snell & Cody Wondra
Gold Guard: Kaitlyn Wondra & Kyle Blakeslee
Yearly Membership Pin: Kristi DeWerff, Jade Mountain & Jordan Mountain
Awards based on 4-H members Record Book:
Beef: Cody Wondra, Champion
Communications: Jenna Snell, Champion & Betsy Snell, Alternate
Dog Care & Training: Jade Mountain, Alternate
Fiber Arts: Alexa Straub, Champion
Foods & Nutrition: Kaitlyn Wondra, Alternate
Health & Wellness: . . .
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The Mystic Blues performed a medley of Holiday songs at the Sunflower Bank First Lady Luncheon on Nov. 18th. They Mystic Blues are under the direction of Mrs. Duling.
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Updated 11/23/11
| By LouAnn Cobb Rhea Grandon, a professional artist, had an idea five years ago to do something for the children of Ellinwood, a tribute to their only child who died in 1999. With the help of her husband, John, they built their first gingerbread house. Now seven houses and other displays fill their yard with the spirit of Christmas. Thanksgiving evening, at the first sign of darkness, their residence, located at 213 Pembrook Lane in Ellinwood, will come to life for four hours. “We used to decorate both sides of our yard but an ice storm destroyed a good part of our displays several years ago,” said Grandon. “We moved everything to the west side of house where there is more protection.” Grandon comes up with the wild ideas. It’s the creative artist in her. This project takes a lot of imagination. Each gingerbread house has animated, moving figures that are fun, whimsical and guaranteed to bring a smile to both young and old. “John always says, anything I can dream up he can do,” Grandon said. “Once we start putting the displays up, the kids begin coming, sometimes several times in the same day.” Our train is colorful . . . |
Pictured is just some of John and Rhea Grandon’s Gingerbread Village at 213 Pembrook Lane in Ellinwood. |
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Santa Claus is coming to town! The Ellinwood Fire Department have made specials plans with Santa and he will be in the American Family Insurance office from 4pm-6pm on December 3rd during the Hometown Christmas Celebration. Santa will have sacks of goodies for all children stopping by to chat with him. Michael & Elizabeth Holdsworth of American Family Insurance will have free hot chocolate for those visiting Santa also.
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Everyone of all ages is invited to the Historical Society programs at 5 and 6:30 p.m. during “Hometown Christmas” on Saturday evening, December 3. At these times, “We Remember Christmas” will be presented by Mary Jo Cunningham. It will be a compilation of Christmases of years past as remembered by current and former area residents.
You will learn of Belsnickel, the fur clad Santa of Southwest Germany and how he appeared to the children of this area, the special cookie baking which happened weeks before the holiday and the Tannenbaum or Christmas tree along with what presents children received.
Many people shared their experiences to assist in bringing this program to “Hometown Christmas.”
The Ellinwood Community Historical Society will be at the Heritage Club at 103 N. Main from 4 to 8 p.m. They will have goodies and cider, hand made cutters by a master tinsmith, twined mats to be placed under hot dishes on the counter or table, a free cookie cutter and recipe for the children. A donation will gain you a chance to win a model train set from the Golden Belt Model Railroad Association on December . . .
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Normalee Isern, middle right, American Legion Auxiliary treasure, presents a check to Rev. Katrina Palin, Interim Pastor at Immanuel United Church of Christ, middle left, representing the Ellinwood Area Churches. The funds were collected at the annual Auxiliary Memorial Day free-will donation luncheon and designated for the Children’s Christmas Fund.
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Updated 11/18/11
It’s begining to look a lot like Christmas! City employees took advantage of the nice weather earlier in the week to check and replace the Christmas lights that outline the buildings on main street and along Santa Fe.
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The Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with local businesses to offer a Christmas Promotion Card.
For every $15 a customer spends at one of the participating stores, they get a punch. When the card is full they will write their name and phone number on the card and drop it in the marked boxes at participating businesses to enter into a drawing.
On Dec. 3rd, at the Hometown Christmas Celebration, all filled cards will be entered into a drawing and winners will be chosen that evening.
The more cards you fill, the more chances you have of winning!
Shop the following locations to start filling your promo cards - Kimples, Gifts of the Garden, Gunn Antiques and Collectibles, Ellinwood Family Foods, Rejuvenation Day Spa and Boutique, Starr Antiques, Draney Antiques, Our Mothers Treasurers & Lone Wolf Restaurant.
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GREAT BEND - Officials are investigating the shooting death of a 25-year-old man whose body was found Saturday alongside a road southwest of Great Bend as a homicide.
The Barton County Sheriff’s Department, Great Bend Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident together, according to a faxed release from the BCSO received Monday.
The release stated that Barton County Communications received a phone call of a body found on Southwest 60 Road between 20 and 30 Ave. at 8:47 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. The body was identified by BCSO officers as Damon L. Galyardt, 25, Great Bend.
According to BCSO reports, the body was found by hunters on the north side of the road between the pavement and a grove of trees. The standard offense report, also released Monday, lists the case being investigated as. . .
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With the assistance of the local Cub Scout Troop Pack 158 the Ellinwood Legion Post 320 held their annual Flag Disposal Thursday evening, November 10. Cub Scout Logan Strutz salutes Legion member Marlin Isern after presenting him with a flag to be burned. Members of the Legion, and Sons of the American Legion participated in the ceremony and the Ladies Auxiliary helped serve Chili and desserts to the guest afterwards.
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Beginning Monday, November 14, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge was closed to hunting until further notice due to the continued presence of Whooping Cranes.
This closure is necessary to give the Crane, an endangered species, protection from mortality.
Refuge personnel will continually be monitoring the Cranes’ locations. The Refuge may open, and then close, several times over the next few weeks as Whooping Cranes migrate through the area.
The most reliable source for the current status of Refuge hunting and Whooping Crane presence is our website, www.fws.gov/quivira.
Hunters on private land in the Refuge vicinity are reminded to be extra vigilant during this period, as Whooping Cranes frequently fly to feeding and roosting locations both within and outside of the Refuge.
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Richard Kimple, Commander of Ellinwood American Legion Post #320 welcomed everyone to the Legion for the Chamber After Hours on Friday, November 4. The Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion were the hosts for the event.
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updated 11/11/11
Ellinwood Mayor Frank Koelsch signed a proclamation to call upon all Ellinwood citizens to commend America’s veterans and observe with solemn pride November 11, 2011 as Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day has its origins in the November 11, 1918 armistice which brought World War I to a conclusion. Witnesses to the signing were Robert Fisher, left, Ellinwood VFW Post # 5657 Commander and Ellinwood American Legion Post #320 Commander Richard Kimple, right.
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By Mary Jo Cunningham
“Look at all the champions,” exclaimed Mayor Frank Koelsch at the beginning of the November City Council meeting, as he viewed those attending. “It is a pleasure to have you all here. We want to thank you and tell you how proud we are of all of you.” After the coaches introduced the winning teams Koelsch added, “Thank you for your hard work and keep up your good work.”
An hour long discussion commenced during the old business section of the meeting. The subject was the review of the parking ordinance. Council was given a review of various municipalitie’s ordinances . . .
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GREAT BEND - The photographic works of Richard L. Casagrande, Ellinwood, will be featured at the Barton County Arts Center, 1401 Main, Great Bend, through the month of November. A reception will be held Sunday afternoon, November 13th, from 2:00 to 4:00. The public is invited to attend and meet the artist.
Rick is currently the owner of the Ellinwood Emporium, which is an antique, art and consignment shop. Along with that, he operates the Ellinwood Underground and gives daily tours. A Certified Appraiser of Personal Property, he teaches the Appraisal of Fine Arts for the International Society of Appraisers at Northern Illinois University.
With a Bachelor of Arts (Art History) from the University of California (Berkeley) and a Masters in the same subject from San Jose State University, Rick has been actively engaged in the arts and working with museums for many years. He has worked with the. . .
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Ellinwood High School will present the musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Fri., Nov. 11 and Sat., Nov. 12 in the EHS auditorium. This revival version of the 1967 musical comedy features many of the original Peanuts cartoon characters created by Charles Schulz. The cast features Vaughn Jenkins in the title role along with his friends Lucy (Hannah Maddy), Sally (Stephanie Troyer), Patty (Tiara Espinosa), Schroeder (Aaron Pike), Linus (Connor Birzer), and Snoopy (Jesse Zamarripa). Chorus members include: Hannah Billinger, Emmi Clifton, Liam Clifton, Rachel Doll, Shiani Hughes, Sam Kline-Martin, Matt Niles, Danae Patten, Ashley Prescott, Kayla Schartz, Rachel Schloctermeier, Allen Templeton, and Shawn Troyer. The show is directed by Meredith Duling, with technical director Leon Sobba, costumer Mike Westerman, choreographer Jaclyn Dewey, and properties manager Sharon Sturgis. Providing accompaniment on piano and drums are Jeri Harder and Shawn Henderson. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door, at Kimple Furniture, Ellinwood Community Library, or at Community Bank of the Midwest.
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Coaches and students with the Ellinwood High School Girls and Boys Cross Country teams and Girls Tennis team received special recognition from Mayor Frank Koelsch, Robert Peter, City Administrator and the City Council Members at the November 8 meeting. There was standing room only as guest and proud parents watched and listened as Tennis Coach Lyle Stickney and Cross Country Coach Lyles Lashley introduced the athletes.
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updated 11/4/11
Employees of Southwind Drilling set up a table of spooks and treats for the Ellinwood Grade School 1st and 2nd grade students. The teachers and students paraded down main street stopping at participating businesses to get an early start on their Trick and Treating for Halloween.
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If you have an individual or business tax liability you may purchase tax credit from the State of Kansas on behalf of the hospital which will enable your money to be used locally for the Ellinwood District Hospital who has been awarded tax credits by the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. Tax credit allows you to determine where your state tax dollars go, which in this case, could be to your local community hospital.
In addition to receiving . . .
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| “A Teachable Moment” as stated by Shawn Henderson, Ellinwood High School and Middle School Principal during the school assembly Wednesday morning. Ellinwood High School students had the opportunity to see the mangled Dodge Durango that three of their own were in when it rolled twice before hitting a tree. A seatbelt safety session followed with State Trooper Steve Billinger stressing the importance of using seatbelts. Rebecca Strecker, Jenna Snell and Becca Elsen know first hand the importance of taking that one moment to buckle up before you drive. The girls were involved in a one vehicle accident on a bumpy dirt road Sunday, October 23, 2011. |  |
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The Golden Belt Community Concert Association will host Sean Jones singing rhythm & blues and soul classics in the association’s third concert of the season at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, in the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.
The concert is available to concert association members. Full-time students will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door. The auditorium will open at 6:30 p.m.
Jones takes his listeners on a musical journey through some of their favorite classic love songs. Magnetic, captivating and genuinely soulful are just a few of the accolades describing Jones, who garners praise from the critics and his audiences as well. His interpretive performances of R&B and soul classics have wooed fans from across Canada and the United States.
He has been singing since his formative years in high school, where he joined an R&B vocal group “In Essence,” a five-member vocal group renowned for spectacular harmonies and effortless ability to connect in both the R&B and soul music worlds. Legendary DJ/Producer FunkMaster Flex picked them up for management, and the song “You Will Never Have Another” became a mix show radio hit throughout America. This success led to a multinational record label deal with BMG Music.
In Essence’s first album garnered two hit singles and videos. The group won both R&B video of the Year at Much Music and R&B recording at the Juno Awards. But despite their success, Jones, an intensely focused performer, was hearing something more in his heart and something deeper in his music. Within a year, In Essence disbanded.
Jones began performing and recording as a solo artist in 2008. His popular EP, “This Is Love,” led to his first national tour. Currently he is working on his first full-length solo album, and like his show, it chronicles the ebb and flow of relationships.
For more information about the Golden Belt Community Concert Association and the 2011-12 concert season, go to www.goldenbeltcca.org
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Guests look over the selection of 20 different desserts at the 2nd Annual Delectable Delight Dessert Debut held by the United Methodist Women on Sunday, October 23. The proceeds from the event support local and surrounding area Mission work.
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Updated 10/28/11
The Ellinwood Eagle Cross Country team is kicking up the dust and leaving competitors at the back of the pack has they continue their winning streak. The team will travel to Wamego on Friday, October 28 to compete in the State Meet. Team members: front row, l-r, Ashley Reichuber, Jenna Snell, Morgan Feemster, Shawn Troyer, Pedro Montoya, Connor Birzer, Chelsea Kaspar and Rachel Schloctermeier. Back row, l-r, Becky Elsen, Derek Ward, Kyle Blakeslee, Becca Strecker, Brandom Coomes, Kane Clawson, Kyle Oglesbee and Brooke Panning.
Both Ellinwood Cross-Country teams won Regional Championships a week ago at Meade. Ellinwood’s boys cruising to a seventeen point victory over second place Johnson-Stanton County. Meanwhile Ellinwood girls successfully defended their regional title of a year ago, by a five point margin over the homestanding Buffaloes of Meade. Johnson-Stanton County and Sterling qualified their boys teams and Meade and Johnson-Stanton County, their girls teams.
“It’s a fun day when you both win, that doesn’t happen very often, with us” said head cross-country coach Lyles Lashley. “But we both won and survived, that’s what it’s all about survive the Regional Meet and carry on to State.”
When the Eagle. . .
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Four-year-old Noah Ringering is pictured with his best bud, Nody (Cody) Isern after the Friday, October 21 Eagle football game. A benefit tailgate BBQ was held before the game for Noah and his family. Friends of the family served 320 meals before running out of food. Noah was diagnosed with Hemolitic Uremic Syndrome, an infection that shuts down the kidneys. After six days in the Ellinwood District Hospital he was transferred to Wesley Hospital in Wichita where he spent over 3 1/2 weeks in Pediatric ICU and an additional five days in the pediatric care unit. After nearly losing him four times, blood transfusions and plasma treatments little Noah is back home and quickly returning to his playful self again!
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At the October Ellinwood Hospital Board meeting it was reported the hospital patient days rose 27% by reporting year en d, acute medical care by 19%, with clinic visits rising 24% over a two year period.
It was reported the 2012 schedule for doctors has been planned to keep it a flexible and working schedule for each week. Dr. Chris Brown will be in Ellinwood for four days every week. They are concentrating on the doctors being in the clinic with Docs Who Care doing the ER. The goal is to keep two doctors in the clinic at all times.
Deb Weaver of the finance department in Great Plains Health Alliance explained processes for billing: the guarantor statements vs the datamailers. She told the benefits and . . .
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Ellinwood Grade School Quivira Contest Winners received their prizes and certificates Monday afternoon from Jamee Dannebohm, Friends of Quivira volunteer and Barry Jones, Visitor Service Specialist. Fourth and fifth grade students from Macksville, St. John, Stafford, Sterling and Ellinwood grade schools each participated in the contest to see who could come closest to the date and time of the first official whooping crane sighting. Wednesday, October 19, 9:20 a.m. was the official sighting. Pictured are Dannebohm, Caleb Bookout, 3rd place with his guess of October 20, 4:23 p.m.; Faith Ringering, 2nd place, October 18, 1:00 p.m.; Jones; and Jonathan Whisnant, 1st place with October 18, 3:35 p.m.
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Updated 10/21/11
Ellinwood Recreation will once again host the Annual Halloween Party in the Park for children birth through 5th grade.
This year’s event will take place on October 29th at 2:30pm.
This activity has become a popular yearly tradition in our community. Children are to come dressed in their Halloween costumes and then they will have the opportunity to be introduced and walk across the Band Shell stage.
Activities will be offered all over the park, and include various crafts, games, inflatable jump house, trackless train rides, and the very popular Bash a Knight and medieval games.
Hotdogs and drinks will also be available. All activities are free.
Ellinwood Recreation welcomes all the children of the community to come and enjoy this Halloween fun filled event.
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Pictured from the left are Lynda Jamison, Sunflower Bank Market Manager, Stacy Hefley, Children’s Miracle Network local Director and Becca Maxwell, Sunflower Bank Customer Service Officer.
GREAT BEND - Sunflower Bank presented its annual donation - more than $200 - to the Barton County Children’s Miracle Network, an amount determined by customer usage of Sunflower Bank’s Health Care Professional debit card.
Specifically targeted for individuals working in the health care field - doctors, nurses, administrators, support staff and more - Sunflower Bank donates 5 cents to the Children’s Miracle Network each time a Barton County-area customer uses the Health Care Professional debit card. With each customer use of the Health Care Professional card, the bank’s donation rises.
According to Lynda Jamison, vice president - Sunflower Bank, the bank consistently focuses on providing new initiatives for important community initiatives.
“We recognize the long hours and tremendous amount of passion, effort and hard work that health care workers provide each year to our community,” said Jamison. “We’re pleased to present donation checks to health care organizations. as a result of our concerned, committed, customers.”
The Health Care Professional package is provided as a courtesy and a thank-you to anyone working in the health care field - and also helps give back to health care within the community. In each Sunflower Bank city, Health Care Professional cards help workers and professionals give back to their industry. In 2009, donations totaled more than $5000 to various causes and organizations throughout the state.
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| Whooping Cranes have begun leaving their breeding grounds to migrate south from Canada, and will soon be passing through Kansas on their way to Texas. Later this month, one of the best places to look for them will be Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in central Kansas. Annually each fall, a few dozen of these rare birds are sighted in or near Quivira. It is possible for visitors to view an average of 2-5 birds in or near Quivira from late October through early November, but these occurrences are sporadic and somewhat unpredictable. Whooping Cranes use Quivira’s open salt flats and wetlands to roost during their visits, but each group typically doesn’t stay more than a day or two, with many just stopping overnight. |
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Groups of more than 10-12 at a time are rare.
The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird species in North America, standing nearly 5 feet tall. Adults are pure white, with dark legs and bill, and a dark red cap and “moustache”. In flight, the trailing edges of the outer half of the wings are black. They do not swim nor perch in trees. Young birds, hatched the . . .
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Recent visitors to Olive’s Pumpkin Patch, south of Ellinwood, search for the perfect pumpkin. |
By LouAnn Cobb Pumpkin, pumpkin, who’s got the pumpkins! Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Olive’s Pumpkin Patch, south of Ellinwood, will have pumpkins available, from Jack-O-lanterns to Jack-be-Little’s. Since it opened earlier this month October, Jason and Harmony Winget have had lots of visitors. There is no charge to get into the pumpkin patch, Winget said, and the costs vary according to size of the pumpkin, from 50 cents for the smaller ones all the way up to $7 to $10 dollars for the really big ones. Kids will be also be able to enjoy the Bouncing House, Barrell . . . |
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Updated 10/14/11
The 38 ft. coach travels to 14 communities equipped with a DEXA scanner and a state-of-the- art digital mammography machine. The bus stops at Ellinwood District Hospital once a month.
BY LOUANN COBB
In the game of life there are no guarantees. For Teri Ellis, education was freedom, a welcomed interruption in her life, when a college professor encouraged her to enroll in a two-year x-ray tech program. In August 1989, when she was just about to graduate and head east to further her education, Ellis took a job to cover an x-ray tech on maternity leave at Central Kansas Medical Center. That experience changed her life.
Now this 22-year veteran travels across central and western Kansas to 14 communities in a 38-ft coach equipped with a . . .
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A retail committee meeting was held last Friday evening concerning the annual Christmas Open House.
The committee felt that the excitement had dwindled over the last couple years, and having it so early in November didn’t really give you a Christmas glowing feeling.
The committee voted to move the Christmas Open House to December 3rd from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with the idea to have more of a Home Town Christmas with activities that fit more with Christmas, and to hold it in the evening to show off the Main Street Christmas Lights.
A meeting is scheduled for October 20th and we would love to have ideas, input, and helpers. Please attend the meeting on the 20th at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber office if you would like to help in any way.
Fun ideas have already been presented but we want to make this a fun evening of shopping and activities for all ages so the more help the better!
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In observance of Fire Prevention Week the Ellinwood Fire Department treated the kindergarten classes to a ride on a fire truck Tuesday, October 11. Fire Chief Chris Komarek visited with the students about fire safety and with the assistance of several firemen gave demonstrations on the use of the fire truck equipment and fire extinguishers. The kindergarten students received a fire helmet and 9 volt battery for their home smoke detector.
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Ellinwood City Council approved the implementation of a sidewalk improvement program at the October 11th meeting.
After examining policies of a number of communities they voted to allow a sum of $5,000 a year toward cost sharing(50%) of needed replacement of residential sidewalks on the right-of-way. It will be by application and approved on a first come, first served basis. There will be a cap of $500 on tree removal and $500 cap on materials to replace damaged or destroyed sidewalk which will meet ADA standards.
The city will assist in removal of the sidewalk. A standard mix of 4,000 psi compression strength and thickness of four inches will be the standard with driveway crossings at six inches. The ordinance will outline any restrictions such as drainage, color, and alignment. The city will be responsible for construction of handicapped ramps and connectors on corner lots. Residents will need to contact the city office for details and an application for assistance.
Chris Komarek and Scott Reser received service awards for 30 years work,, since October 1, 1981, with the Ambulance Department and the Fire department respectively. Dan Hines received recognition for his retirement from the city as water operator from May of 1998.
Chris Komarek reported the sirens have sounded at . . .
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Updated 10/7/11
From the left are Brandon Coomes, Tiara Espinosa, Garrett Hayes, Kaitlyn Robl, Queen Darrien Beckwith, King Vaughn Jenkins, Kale Clawson, Bailey Schartz, Cameron Williams and Josee Roth. Attendants, Nate Hendersen and Callie Schartz.
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As part of the annual National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is holding a Bioblitz Friday evening, October 14, through Saturday, October 15. The Bioblitz is a scientific effort to find as many species of plants and animals as possible at Quivira over a 24-hour period. The event begins at 5:00 pm on Friday and ends at 5 pm on Saturday. Bioblitz is . . .
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| Seresa Arndt, Ellinwood Grade School sixth grade instructor, was recently named a Region 1 Nominee for the Kansas Teacher of the Year. All regional nominees were honored at a luncheon held at the Salina Country Club on Saturday, September 17. Arndt, who was nominated for the award by EGS Principal Eric Sjogren, was recognized at the luncheon for her many contributions to both the school and the community. The award presenters also cited her passion for science and academic rigor when introducing her as a nominee. |
Pictured from the left are Dr. Diane DeBacker, Seresa Arndt, Dale Dennis, and Brad Neuenswander. |
The Kansas Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, identifies, recognizes, and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. The Kansas Teacher of the Year and state finalists serve as ambassadors for education in Kansas, making public appearances across the state. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is also nominated to represent Kansas in the National Teacher of the Year Program. In November, all nominees are invited to attend a leadership conference in Wichita and to attend the Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet.
Arndt has been a teacher in Ellinwood since 2006.
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By Mike Gilmore
A jobs fair was conducted Tuesday at the Larned State Hospital, as part of a multi-state “hiring blitz” sponsored by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in an on-going effort to fill vacant positions in several departments.
On Friday of last week, SRS confirmed 104 vacant full-time positions and is committed to filling them. LSH is actively working to fill half immediately, with the remaining half filled at a later time, owing to the difficulties involved in both recruitment and training.
While a breakdown by department was not immediately available by press time, SRS confirmed the majority of the vacancies were care technicians.
“We are committed to staffing Larned State Hospital at the appropriate level and are hoping that the jobs fair will get us well on our way,” Kansas SRS Secretary Rob Siedlecki said Friday. “These new hires will help us to decrease the tremendous amount of overtime we are asking of our staff now, which will go a long way toward reducing the stress they are . . .
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Updated 9/30/11
Barry Jones, refuge manager of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, visited the 4th and 5th grade classes at Ellinwood Grade School Tuesday, September 27 to talk to them about Whooping Cranes. Selected students performed a skit about the bird and then the group learned the Whooping Crane dance. The students will also participate in a contest to see who will have the closest guess to the official date and time of the first whooping crane to arrive at Quivira. There will be a first, second and third place winner with prizes donated by H&B Petroleum Corporation. Jamee Dannebohm assisted Jones with the classroom activities.
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Ellinwood High School recently received a National School of Distinction status from the Schools Fight Hunger program. Fewer than 2,000 schools nationwide earned this level of distinction in the 2010-2011 school year.
The National School of Distinction status is awarded to schools that demonstrate notable enthusiasm, creativity or dedication in getting involved with the hunger cause. Whether its activating students around a school-wide food drive, organizing volunteers for a local pantry or food bank or cultivating a school garden to provide fresh produce for the cause, schools all across the country have been playing a larger and larger role in helping to fight hunger nationwide.
“The students, staff and families of our School of Distinction schools should be very proud of their efforts and the impact they’re making on the hunger cause,” points out Schools Fight . . .
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The Barton Co. 4-H Senior FACS judging team placed 24th for State judging which was held at the 2011 Kansas State Fair. The questions covered such topics as: Recycling, Finances, Making the right decisions, Foods & Nutrition, Clothing & Cell Phones. The members are, from the left, Kayla Reisner, Jenna Snell, Kyle Blakeslee and Colin Miller.
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Second Nature: Art from Reclaimed Objects hosted by Kansas Wetlands Education Center and Fort Hays State University’s Department of Art and Design opened Sept. 23 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, K-156 Highway, northeast of Great Bend.FHS Senior Bambi Freeman, Ellinwood, is one of twelve local artists with works in the show.
“Students were encouraged to create an art object from ceramics that could be partnered with some type of discarded or found object,” said Linda Ganstrom, professor of art and design.
“Learning to incorporate writing into their professional practice, students created a label that included their name, title of their artwork and a paragraph explaining how their work related to the theme,” she said.
The exhibit is designed to promote recycling in the community. All 17 art pieces are made by FHSU students. The art was selected by Eric Giesing, KWEC educator, Whitney Giesing, Hays, Ganstrom and graduate students Ned Day, Miller, Neb., and Katrina Florell, Hays.
Ganstrum said that many of their pieces “are intimate in scale” and will sit on pedestals. However, she said, two of them are large pieces that will sit at the end of the display cases, one hanging from the ceiling and the other sitting on the floor.
“This exhibition began with the hopes of inspiring people to re-imaging and re-purpose used items in the world around them,” she said. “The content of the art addresses topics ranging from . . . .
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After covering a Unit on Early American Indians, 5th graders in Reser/Feist Social Studies class created Indian Homes studied in class. The homes were selected by the student and choices varied from Pueblos, Long House, Stilt houses, Inuit homes and others. First place went to Marlo Hosler with a Pueble home. Second place to Nick Werhahn and third place to Jenna Caspers. Runner up students were Joel Kasselman, Macy Munson and Jalyn Lear.
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Updated 9/23/11
The 2011 Great American Cattle Drive, in conjunction with Kansas’ Sesquicentennial moved their herd of 400 Texas Longhorns through Ellinwood over the weekend. The drive, which started two weeks ago at Caldwell, expects to be in Ellsworth by the end of the week. (photo by Jacque Isern)
By Mike Gilmore
RICE COUNTY - The mood was relaxed, tranquil, as the hands gathered around under the pole tent to fill their plates after a day’s work.
A short distance away, the object of their daily focus gathered around a steel water tank for a short drink and rest.
A mixture of the old and the new - modern pickups and trailers parked next to wooden covered and open work wagons, setting up camp for the final leg, some 50 miles from their northern destination after three weeks on the trail.
Mike Clover, trail boss, sat in the shade of the modern work trailer that accompanied himself, his drovers and some 400 head of Texas Longhorn cattle up the historic Ellsworth-Cox Cattle Trail in re-enactment of the drive made while the state of Kansas was still a teenager.
Between mouthfuls of barbecued beef and roasted corn - the Sunday evening fare - he recounted the trip and . . .
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By Jacque Isern
A calm silence came over the thousands of spectators as wagons, horses, drovers and 400 head of cattle paraded through Ellinwood Saturday September 17. People lined the road from south of the river bridge, down the full length of Main Street, along east 7th street and on out to the north on NE 110 Ave. What a sight! Longhorn cattle of various sizes and colors expertly guided by drovers from all over the state and further away!
As the chuck wagons came in view crossing the bridge, the parade began with local cowboys on horseback carrying the American flag, Kansas flag and Sons of the American Legion flag. Kids walked carrying a banner advertising the Ranch Rodeo scheduled for that evening followed by more horse riding cowboys. Judy Coder, the evening entertainer, followed seated in a classic 64 1/2 Ford Mustang. It was time, a little late, but it was time! The clatter of the heavy hoofs hitting the brick streets sent chills down your spine. You wanted to get up close for a good look but yet there was still that little bit of hesitation. Better safe than sorry but well worth it!
Residents and visitors had the morning to enjoy special activities, events, merchandise and food up until the time of the . . .
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L-R Joe Curtis, local MC; Judy Coder, performer, Jacque Isern, Chamber President, Victoria Ward, Flying W Productions, Dennis Katzenmeier, Cattle Drive event promoter, and Geff Dawson, cowboy poet and MC gathered for a photo after the Saturday evening concert.
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Larry Dannebohm visits with Alyssa Morrison, Miss Kansas Rodeo, and enjoys a cup of coffee Sunday evening at the Cow Camp southeast of Ellinwood
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Updated 9/16/11
Yee-haw!! The excitement of 400 head of longhorn cattle and drovers parading through Ellinwood is nearly here! The festivities begin at 10 AM Saturday in the Wolf Park area with plenty of things to do, see and eat while you wait for their arrival at 1:30. Find your viewing spot along Main Street from the South Ball Fields to the Child Development Center and be a part of the celebration of the 150th Birthday of Kansas along the Cox Cattle Trail. (Photo by Susan Shank)
The Drovers with the 150th Kansas Cattle Drive invite everyone to take time and come out to one of the cow camps while they are in the Ellinwood area to visit and experience first hand the life of a cowboy on the rugged frontier.
The first two camps, Thursday and Friday evenings will be located South of Ellinwood then move Northeast on Saturday and Sunday. Cow Camps are open to the public each evening from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Directions from Ellinwood:
South Cow Camp 2, Sept. 16: Take SE 100 Ave. south to 50 Road. Turn east. Go 2 miles to SE 120 Ave. Turn North, go 1/2 mile. Camp is on the right.
North Cow Camp 3, Sept. 17; From stop light at 56 Hwy and Main Street in Ellinwood. Go east 5 blocks to SE 110 Ave. (LK’s Liquor), turn north. Go 1 1/2 miles to NE 10 Rd., turn east, go two miles to NE 130 Ave., turn North, go two miles to camp.
North Cow Camp 4, Sept. 18: From stop light at 56 Hwy. and Main Street in Ellinwood go east 5 blocks to SE 110 Ave. (LK’s Liquor) and turn North, go 5 1/2 miles to NE 50 Rd. by St. Peter and Paul Church, go east 5 miles to intersection of NE 160 Ave. and NE 50 Rd (Barton/Rice County Line). Continue East 1 1/2 miles East to Cow Camp on left side of road.
Check out the Ellinwood Chamber website at www.ellinwoodchamber.com for a print out of the directions to the camps in the Ellinwood area.
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The Barton County Health Department will begin doing seasonal flu shots daily starting on Monday, September 19, during regular clinic hours for anyone age 6 months and older. No appointment is necessary. Persons under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, no physician’s order needed. Pregnant women may receive the traditional inactivated influenza vaccine. Cost for influenza vaccine shots will be $24.00 or Medicare/Medicaid Card or Insurance assignment. Intradermal flu shots will also be available at the health department for people 18 to 64 years of age at $24.00.
The high-dose influenza vaccine shot is an alternative that is available for anyone age. . .
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Four Ellinwood students, two from St. Joseph Catholic school and two from Ellinwood Grade School, were winners of a poster contest held by the United Way of Central Kansas. Representatives from UWCK visited with fifth grade students in Ellinwood, Great Bend and Larned about the agencies they help and giving back to your community. The students designed their poster based on the information provided by UWCK. The winning posters were presented to local businesses and community leaders. Ellinwood poster winners were recognized at the Ellinwood Chamber Coffee Friday, September 9 hosted by United Way of Central Kansas. Students, Front row, l-r, Katelyn Reh, Keaton Robl, Kayanna Hammeke and Sarah Frakes. Back row, Richard Kimple, Kimple Furniture;Kathy Hertel, Sunflower Bank; Nancy Baird, Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce and Mike Morries, Kansas Sidewinders.
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HAYS - At Mad about Monarchs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 24, visitors can capture monarchs at the Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center, northeast of Great Bend on K-156.
The program will include presentations on the migration of monarchs, kid crafts and the raffle of a butterfly quilt that was made and donated by Central Kansas Thread Benders Quilt Guild. All proceeds will go to Monarch Watch’s “Bring Back the Monarchs” habitat restoration campaign.
Visitors can walk through the new wildflower/butterfly garden to view the butterfly-friendly plants and learn more about them from master gardeners James and Betty Taylor of . . .
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Jane Fertig reviews the Hospital Auxiliary Yearbook with members at a breakfast celebrating 35 years as the reorganized Ellinwood District Hospital Auxiliary Tuesday morning, September 13, 2011.
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Updated 8/12/11
Chelsey Clawson Doll receives an award of appreciation from Mayor Frank Koelsch at the Tuesday evening City Council meeting. Doll has been on the Ellinwood Ambulance Department for five years.
Two individual patrons approached Ellinwood City Council at the beginning of their August monthly meeting. Bruce Bryant had a concern about a 28 foot trailer he parks at his residence overnight between jobs. A neighbor has complained about this numerous times. Police Chief Art Keffer clarified the ordinance concerning such matters and suggested two possible solutions to him. Council will discuss the matter.
Gordon Eggers came to complain about abandoned vehicles. Keffer told him numerous letters are sent out and there are steps spelled out on how such matters are to be dealt with and the first step is a letter. City Administrator Bob Peter said Ellinwood does not have as many abandoned vehicles as you might think. If you look at the situations, some people do not have any other place to park their vehicles. Keffer added that many you may think are abandoned are tagged and have current insurance.
Chelsey Clawson Doll was presented an award of appreciation for five years on the Ambulance Department, beginning on August 7 of 2006. She was part of the first class of EMT taught through the Ellinwood High School by Ambulance Director Debbie Glenn. She is the only one of the class to . . .
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A state of local disaster emergency was extended by the Barton County Board of County Commissioners on August 8, 2011. The proclamation states that due to extremely dry weather conditions an extreme fire hazard continues to exist in Barton County. The Board of County Commissioners expressed concern of fire danger although precipitation has fallen in the County during the last week.
Barton County was declared as a Drought Warning county in the State of Kansas Executive Order 11-27 which was signed by Governor Brownback on August 4, 2011. County drought stages declared in the Executive Order remain in effect until revised or rescinded by a subsequent Executive Order.
Any questions concerning local burning, should be directed to the Fire Chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place. The fire chief may or may not issue a burning permit.
Violation of this state of emergency may result in fines of up to $2500.
This state of emergency will be in force until August 15, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. At that time it may be extended if weather conditions do not improve.
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By Mike Gilmore
It won’t take a thundering herd down Ellinwood’s Main Street to let them know something special is coming to town.
They’ll be ready.
At approximately 1 p.m. Sept. 17, a herd of Texas longhorns will be chuted down the main Ellinwood thoroughfare, as part of the 150th Anniversary Kansas Cattle Drive.
The Drive, one of the premier celebrations of the Kansas Sesquicentennial, commemorates the drive of Texas cattle along the historic Cox Cattle Trail, which was established by Pacific Railway officials in Ellsworth as an alternate to the vaunted Chisolm Trail route to Abilene in 1873.
The Ellsworth-Cox Trail connected Caldwell on the southern Kansas border, passing through Kingman and just east of Ellinwood en route to Ellsworth, which was making a bid to rival Abilene as the top Kansas cowtown.
The 2011 version features special events at each of the four Kansas communities while drovers follow the trail up the “ladder of rivers” between in three main, week-long legs from Sept. 3-24. Drive organizers at each stop have planned western music concerts, while residents can come out to campsites to view the herd.
The Ellinwood Cattle Drive Committee has planned a day of events, with everything from vendors’ booths at Wolf Park, to kids’ games and concessions, beginning at 10 a.m. Also planned are a petting zoo and pony rides and old-fashioned costume and beard/moustache contests with prizes.
Belinda Adams, who specializes in vintage and historic photography, will also be on hand to catch visitors to the Ellinwood celebration in period dress.
Also featured will be a living-history stage presentation of a circa-1880s German immigrant farmer by Nolan Sump of Beattie, Kan.
Sump, a special education instructor in the Beattie school district, has gained renknown at events such as the Kansas Sampler Festival for his portrayal of Kansas historic characters, including Nehemiah Green, Kansas Governor in 1868.
The evening concludes with a concert at the Ellinwood High School gymnasium, with local vocalist Shelly Ramsey opening for country singer Judy Coder.
Coder began as a classical musician and elementary music teacher in Missouri.
She was “introduced” to yodeling at a performance in the Elmont, Mo. Opry in the late 1990s, and soon left her teaching position behind for a career as a professional country singer. Touring with her band “The Pride of the Prairie, she has sung at Silver Dollar City and overseas on BBC-TV.
She is still active writing and performing music as a solo artist.
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Trisha Ricker and Richard Kimple, Ellinwood Rotary members, are holding one of eleven bags of trash collected from ditches along the non-residential area of Park Street, 7th and Hirsch Street. Eight members participated in the clean up project which is done twice a year. The local organization has been doing the volunteer work for the past six years.
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Updated 8/5/11
Pictured from the left are Kerby Depenbusch, Mason Doll, Anthony Oberle and Sam Ringering, participants in the 11-12 year old 4x400 relay.
Twenty-five athletes from the Central Kansas Cruisers participated in the Junior Olympic National Track and Field Championships in Wichita, KS on July 26-31st. The girls 11-12 yr old 4x800 relay placed 17th (Bailey Bangert, Sydney Bangert, Hannah Showalter, Jade Mountain), the boys 11-12 yr old 4x800 placed 10th only 17 seconds from a medal (Anthony Oberle, Kaleab Wilson, Gavin Dunn, Peyton Schwartz), the girls 8&under 4x400 placed 13th (Keely Wolf, Tiyani Rollins, Isabel Mai, Alaina Straub), the boys 8&under 4x400 placed 10th (Isaac Mountain, Reagan Dunn, Xander Phillips, Luke Womack), the boys 9-10 yr old 4x400 relay placed 19th (Dayne Yott, Jordan Mountain, Peyton Schwartz, Luke Wondra), and the boys 11-12 4x400 placed 22nd (Kerby Depenbusch, Mason Doll, Sam Ringering, Anthony Oberle).
Individuals participating were Kate Warren 16th in the disc (70’8”), 17th in the shot put (28’10.25”), Isaac Mountain 14th in the 1500 (5:54), 29th in the 800 (3:01), Keely Wolf 31st in the 400 (1:36), 29th in the 800 (3:30), Kaleab Wilson 27th in the 1500 (5:19), Regan Dunn 26th in the 800 (3:00), 18th in the 1500 (6:08).
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A state of local disaster emergency was extended by the Barton County Board of County Commissioners on August 1, 2011. The proclamation states that due to extremely dry weather conditions an extreme fire hazard continues to exist in Barton County. Although measurable precipitation fell in northern parts of Barton County during the last seven days, open burning is still prohibited.
Barton County has seen more acres move into Extreme drought during the last week, as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor. The intensity of the drought has expanded in the county, and areas of Exceptional Drought in Stafford County continue to move northward to the Barton/Stafford County line. Individuals seeking more drought information should go to the U.S. Drought Portal at www.drought.gov and the Wichita office web site of the National Weather Service at www.crh.noaa.gov/ict.
Barton County fire departments have indicated that they are not issuing burn permits at the present time due to the extremely dry conditions. Any questions concerning local burning, should be directed to the Fire Chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place.
Violation of this state of emergency may result in fines of up to $2500.
This state of emergency will be in force until August 8, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. At that time it may be extended if weather conditions do not improve.
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Leonard Bunselmeyer, former director of the BCC Medical Laboratory Technician program, helps a student on the Barton Community College Campus. Bunselmeyer, who retired this summer, was instrumental in creating the MLT program in 1977.
By Brandon Steinert and Michael Dawes
As Leonard Bunselmeyer celebrates the end of an era with his recent retirement from a 41-year career, 34 of which were at Barton Community College, he looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren and taking advantage of volunteer opportunities.
Free time might be something of a new concept to Bunselmeyer, as he has become accustomed to a fast-paced environment.
“The first thing I’m going to do is decompress,” he said. “With a lot of programs in the healthcare area, there were always things to do and things to react to.”
Bunselmeyer’s hard work over the years has paid off and his legacy. . .
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Teachers and administrators will be preparing to return to class starting on August 25th. Enrollment for Middle School and High School this year is scheduled to August 10th and 11th from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Grade School enrollment will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Packets were mailed out on Wednesday, August 3rd. |
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Updated 7/29/11
Over 110 runners participated in the 2011 After Harvest Festival 5-K/10K run early Saturday morning July 16. The group started their run on the corner of 7th and Fritz Avenue going east finishing on the east side of the City Park. See page 7 of today’s Leader for the results of the run.
The 38th Annual AHF will probably go down in the record books as one of the hottest After Harvest Festivals, but the heat did not hamper the wonderful 3-day event. The Ellinwood Community theatre group put on a wonderful performance of Westward Whoa on Wednesday and Thursday night with great attendance each evening.
The barbeque on Thursday evening was well attended with approximately 650 . . .
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A state of local disaster emergency was extended by the Barton County Board of County Commissioners on July 25, 2011. The proclamation states that due to extremely dry weather conditions an extreme fire hazard continues to exist in Barton County.
During the last even days, Barton County fire departments have responded to fires in ditches, a CRP field fire started by lightning, and a large hay shed fire.
For information on local burning, contact the Fire Chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place. The Fire Chief may or may not issue a burning permit.
Violation of this state of emergency may result in fines of up to $2,500.
This state of emergency will be in force until August 1, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. At that time it may be extended if weather conditions do no improve.
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| The Wheatland school bell, silent for over 45 years, rang again, as Lorrayne Eveleigh called her extended class of nearly 175 in attendance to take their seats for the beginning of an afternoon full of Wheatland school memories, sharing, and congratulating at the 2011 Wheatland Reunion in Ellinwood. Typical of how every school morning started, she lead the gathering in the flag salute before kicking off a memorable and eventful program. A blazing hot Saturday morning found Wheatland alums scurrying from the After Harvest Parade to the haven of the United Church of Christ to escape the heat and enjoy the AC, iced tea, and get a jump-start on . . . |
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Updated 7/22/11
The 38th annual After Harvest Festival took place in Ellinwood last weekend. Among the many popular events is the AHF parade, which took place on Saturday morning. Pictured is the Ellinwood District Hospital float which took 1st place winner in the All Around category. See page 8 of today’s Leader for more pictures from the After Harvest Festival.
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On July 18, 2011, the Barton County Commission signed a resolution extending a state of local disaster emergency. This proclamation states that due to extremely dry weather conditions an extreme fire hazard exists in Barton County. As a result of the current drought and fire conditions, open campfires and fires are prohibited.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of Barton County is experiencing Severe Drought. Drought is determined by a lack of water and drought conditions are . . .
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FIRST APPLICATION - Darren Dale, og Star Enterprises and the manager of Great Bend’s new annual farm expo, accepts the event’s first application from Ron Straub of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce at Friday’s news conference announcing the event. (photo by Mike Gilmore) |
By Mike Gilmore GREAT BEND - Thanks to a host of volunteers and an energetic promoter, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development will have an annual farm show expected to not only draw on a quarter-century of biennial success, but also provide a growing annual outlet for the area’s agricultural community into the future. In a mid-morning press conference Friday, July 15, Chamber President Jan Peters announced that the community would be moving in “a different direction” with its own annual event and introduced Darren Dale, Bird City, as the show’s new promoter. The inaugural Great Bend Farm and Ranch Expo has been slated for April 11-13, 2012 at the Expo Center, sponsored by the Chamber and promoted by Dale, who lists two successful shows in Texas and one in Nebraska to . . . |
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Rev. Delbert Walth and his family, wife Sherry, daughter Victoria, and son Forrest gather at the front door of their home with Dave Sayer, middle back row, for the presentation of the $10,000 check from Publishers Clearing House.
Prize Patrol (finally) delivers check to Ellinwood pastor
By Mike Gilmore
Dave Sayer, head of the Publisher’s Clearing House Prize Patrol, is used to giving out surprises.
Last Friday, for a while at least, the surprise was on him.
The Prize Patrol was in Ellinwood to deliver a $10,000 check to the Rev. Delbert Walth and his family over the lunch hour at the Walths’ home in traditional fashion, with flowers, balloons and a television camera crew.
No one was home.
Neighbors told Sayer and the Prize Patrol that the Rev. Walth, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, was at lunch with his wife Sherry and two children, Victoria and Forrest. After a short search, the Patrol returned to the Walths’ home to wait.
“I’m usually at the church all day long, but my wife wanted to have a lunch appointment with somebody,” Rev. Walth explained. “So I took the kids to Pizza Hut. A neighbor caught ‘em (the Prize Patrol) and said that he works at this church south of town, so they came to the church and I wasn’t there.”
Walth’s insurance agent just happened to be at the church when the Prize Patrol appeared, and added his own bit of subterfuge. “He called, and said I have to meet with you on some of the things we talked about, and that he’d meet me at home,” Walth said. So I said sure, come on over and they all showed up.
“It was a great setup, it was pretty fun,” Walth said. “The roses, the balloons, the camera crews.”
The Walths came to Ellinwood in roundabout fashion, after he had been laid off from a church in Grass Valley, Calif., about an hour northeast of Sacramento. Ironically, Grass Valley is the site of the historic Empire mine, the beginning of California’s gold rush in the 1840s. “Our church actually butted up against the Empire mine property,” Walth noted. “There’s a huge history of the gold rush and stuff, but all of the gold mines were closed when we were there.”
The family then moved in with his wife Sherry’s parents in Hutchinson, where they lived in the basement for seven months, before securing a position as associate pastor at the First Baptist Church. They rented for a while in Great Bend, and then moved into their current residence in Ellinwood last December.
The prize money will go to expenses on the house after a tithe to the church, he said. “Last week we had to buy a new water heater, it will help pay for that, and the rest we will sit on,” he said.
Rev. Walth claimed the prize through participating in one of PCH’s online games, at PCH.com. He plans to continue the practice, as Sayer told him he was still eligible for the big prize.
“My dad, who lives in Arizona, made a joke that I should get with the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce,” Walth said. “We could say “Move in (to Ellinwood) and win,” he said, laughing.
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Updated 7/15/11
Rod and Brenda Schuler, left, owners of Culligan Water in the Ellinwood area, received a basketball from (l -r), Kyle Blakeslee, Dari Beckwith and Linda Duncan, Eagle Booster Club president. The basketball is signed by the boys and girls Eagle basketball teams. Culligan Water has provided the booster club with regulation basketballs to be given away to a lucky winner at Ellinwood home basketball games. The Eagle Booster Club hosted the Chamber Coffee Friday, July 8 at the Community/School Library.
On Friday, July 8, Ellinwood Eagle Booster Club hosted the Chamber Coffee at Ellinwood School/Community Library. Booster Club is a non-profit group that has been supporting the middle school and high school in the Ellinwood community for many years. Booster Club’s goal is to provide financial support to help meet the needs of competing teams and clubs, students, and faculty at EMS and EHS, while at the same time promoting school spirit and pride within the community.
Last year, Booster Club had 108 total memberships, including 33 business memberships. Memberships have increased over the past few years, and Booster Club president, Linda Duncan, attributes the increase to hard working volunteers and a supportive community. “Booster Club’s success is based solely on community volunteers who strive to promote eagle pride and spirit throughout the school and community,” says Duncan. “We have very dedicated board members who have put forth extra effort to try and encourage community support, and our wonderful town of Ellinwood has responded positively.
Throughout the year, Booster Club shows their support in many different ways. The group fulfills requests made by coaches and sponsors, gives out at least 4 . . .
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Ellinwood District Hospital to receive Community Service Tax Credits from Kansas Department of Commerce
The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Tax Credits to 22 nonprofit organizations around the state.
Ellinwood District Hospital, doing business as Great Plains of Ellinwood Inc., received $192,500 in credits, to be used to construct a new rural health clinic for the underserved populations of central rural Kansas. The current clinic is unable to meet demand for services.
These future Kansas income tax credits are a major fundraising tool for community organizations engaged in services for children and families, health care or crime prevention. Businesses and individuals who contribute to the awarded organizations are eligible for a 70 percent tax credit in rural areas or a 50 percent tax credit in urban areas.
“I want to congratulate these very deserving organizations and the work they do to make our state a better place to live,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “This program helps attract investment in community improvement projects throughout the state.”
The Community Service Tax Credit Program is a way for charitable organizations and public health care entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital fund-raising drives for . . .
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Michell Conner, Site Director at Daniel R. Trickey Memorial Life Giving Center of Great Bend was a guest speaker at the Heritage Club Monday, July 11, 2011. The Life Giving Center is a privately funded transitional living facility for single women with or without children who are experiencing homelessness. Located in the former Roosevelt Junior High building at the corner of Broadway and Stone streets, the facility has a capacity of 15 residents. For more information on the facility, donations, or volunteer work call (620) 603-6283. |
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Updated 7/8/11
Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ellinwood, with its partially-restored bell tower. The framework for the steel and the reconstructed cross have yet to be reworked. (photo by Mike Gilmore)
By Mike Gilmore
History has its subtle ironies, where associations are made as the result of dramatic events - some as complex as the aftermath of a natural disaster, or as simple as the restoration of a church.
Stephen Clayton, who has overseen the restoration of Sts. Peter and Paul Church since its near-destruction by tornado four years ago, has a different and more heartfelt term for the project that brought his business, Trinity Restoration MoKan, Inc., and family to Ellinwood.
“It’s a blessing, really,” he said, as he and the members of this small but historic parish cleared away tables and chairs after their annual outdoor celebration of the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, in the shade of the red-brick building that bears the same name.
“We’ve been blessed to have a group of professionals come together on this that are really tops in their field,” Clayton said. “That makes the whole thing go smoother.”
Clayton estimated that the restoration of the church bell tower and steeple - the final phase of a four-year restoration project - would be complete in the next four months, depending upon . . .
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Entries for the After Harvest Festival Parade deadline is Monday, July 11, 2011. The Ellinwood Rotary Club, in cooperation with the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce, is in the process of organizing the parade to be held Saturday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. To commemorate Kansas’ 150th anniversary of statehood, the Rotary Parade Committee has selected the theme, “Kansas 150 - Beyond the Yellow Brick Road’ and encourage participants to incorporate the theme into their entry. Line-up will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Park Street on the west edge of town.
Awards will be given in the following categories: All-Around, Antique Tractor, Antique/Classic Vehicle; Commercial: Most Original; Religious Float, Theme, and Youth Entry.
Nothing is to be thrown from an entry, however, individuals may walk alongside and hand out items such as candy, to spectators.
Additional information and entry forms may be obtained online www.ellinwoodchamber.com, or by calling 620-792-2428 or 620-566-7353.
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On Saturday, July 16th the After Harvest Committee has scheduled several events for all ages to enjoy. Starting at 7:30am there will be the 5K/10K AHF run at the City Park as well as a fun run for children 12 & under that begins at 8am. The run is sponsored by Sunflower Bank, Bank of the West, Community Bank of the Midwest and CenturyLink.
Also at 7:30am grab your fishing pole and head on down to Wolf Pond for the 34th annual fishing derby sponsored by Home Lumber and Supply.
The After Harvest Festival Parade starts at 10 am on Main Street, sponsored by The Ellinwood Rotary Club. The theme this year is “Kansas 150th- Beyond the Yellow Brick Road.” Immediately following the parade there will be a Free Kids Fair located at Wolf Park on Main Street. Inflatable’s, trackless train rides and games for the kids and young at heart. Food Vendors will be available throughout the park. These events are sponsored by Dove Buick Chevrolet, Office Products Inc., Straub International, Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball, Hi-La Engine and Jensen Insurance.
From 11am-Midnight you can cool off at the air-conditioned beverage tent located just north of the city park sponsored by the Kansas Sidewinders MC.
Lone Wolf Restaurant opens at 11am to serve lunch and will have whole Hog BBQ along with their full menu available. The American Legions opens at 11am and will be featuring Sue’s BBQ. The Wheatland All-School Reunion will be located at the United Church of Christ at 11:00am.
New this year to the AHF celebration is the . . .
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The Ellinwood Fire Department responded to two separate small grass fires in road ditches Monday, July 4. The late afternoon fires were 1/2 mile east of town on the East Barton County Road with the second fire one mile west and one mile north of Ellinwood. Both fires were caused by improper use of fireworks, apparently being tossed from vehicles. Fire Chief Chris Komarek reported this year was much quieter than expected possibly due to the high humidity plus the lack of wind. He also feels people were more cautious of the extremely dry conditions. The County Commissioners approved a burn ban to be in place immediately and will be reviewed again on Monday.
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