Ellinwood Leader theellinwoodleadernews@yahoo.com
Updated 9/3/10
USD 355 prepared for new school year
By Ben Jacobs, Superintendent
The 2010-2011 school year is upon us. There have been many exciting things happening in the Ellinwood Public School District. We have started some new initiatives that the staff and students created, and the district is already seeing the fruits of their work and dedication. We are creating an environment of excellence that will become the standard for students now and in the future.
We have enhanced our website (www.usd355.org) with a vivid perspective of our district. All teachers are working hard to update their pages with information to augment their instruction in the classroom. We are also making it more interactive to include live web-streaming and archiving of events. This will allow people from all over the world to follow the activities and successes of our students. We also now have a dedicated radio station for Ellinwood activities. The Star 107.9 will be broadcasting all football and basketball games and some volleyball and softball contests. These broadcasts can also be accessed on-line for anybody at any location. This, too, will serve as a way to introduce the public to the successes of our students and staff.
In cooperation with Barton Community College, we now offer over 20 dual credit college hours for every student, without ever having to leave to confines of EHS. This is over a semester’s worth of college credit that can be earned in our district, taught by our own highly qualified instructors as employees of both the district and BCC. We are looking at adding additional hours in the future. This is a great opportunity for our students to enter post-secondary institutions prepared and ahead of the game.
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Donita Zamarripa, left, assists Judy Daffern with her membership form at the Ellinwood Eagle Booster Club membership drive which was held Thursday, August 26th at the Ellinwood Sports Complex. Those attending the membership drive enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs before the start of the Ellinwood High School football scrimmage. (Photograph by Jacque Isern)
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District Governor to meet with Ellinwood Lions
Lions District Governor Rev. Kerry Hookstra will make an official club visitation to the Ellinwood Lions Club at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Sept 16, 2010, meeting at the Heritage Senior Center in Ellinwood. All club members are encouraged to be present for this important meeting with the District Governor and other visiting Lions leaders.
The Lions of Western Kansas elected Rev. Kerry Hookstra, of the Downs Lions Club, as the District Governor for the 2010-11 club year. Hookstra was installed in office while attending the 93rd International Lions Club Convention in Sydney, Australia in July.
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Back to School with Big Brothers Big Sisters
Barton and Pawnee Counties - This month as thousands of Kansas children return to school, Big Brothers Big Sisters reminds the community that it is the perfect time to get involved and become a mentor to a child in school.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barton and Pawnee Counties has a Bigs in School Program in the Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hoisington, and Larned school districts. For this program, mentors join their Little Brother or Sister for breakfast or lunch on school grounds once a week.
“It only takes one lunch or breakfast a week to make a huge difference in the life of a child in our community,” said Executive Director Stephanie Joiner “During that time you can eat a meal, play games, shoot hoops or just share stories of the day. Just that small amount of time can have a lifelong positive impact on a child.”
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The Ellinwood District Hospital Auxiliary held its annual appreciation breakfast on Wednesday, September 1st at the Education Building. Joyce Schulte, Hospital Administrator welcomes everyone to the breakfast. Employees of the hospital were introduced as well as members of the auxiliary board. (Photograph by Shelly Broce)
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The Ellinwood Eagles held their annual football scrimmage on Thursday, August 26th at the practice field located in the northwest corner of town. The Eagles begin the season this evening, Friday, Sept. 3, at home playing against Thomas More Prep. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
h(Photograph by Shelly Broce)
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Updated 8/27/10
The Ellinwood Chamber hosted a Fall Kick Off for all the Fall High School athletes and coaches On Thursday August 19th. The community was also invited to share in this event and enjoy a meal of hot dogs, chips and lemonade. Approximately 250 people were in attendance and were able to listen to the coaches introduce their teams and brief those in attendance of their goals for the upcoming season. The Ellinwood Chamber was very pleased with the turnout and excited to see the community and school work together to increase the enthusiasm for Eagle sports.
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Ellinwood graduate authors article for football magazine
Scheufler
By Wes Balun
Jeremy Scheufler, offensive coordinator at Bethany College and Ellinwood High School class of 2000 graduate is featured in the current issue of American Football Coaches Monthly.
Scheufler, the son of Lynette and the late Dave Scheufler, has a two-page spread in the magazine on the week-long process of game planning.
The article deals with how an offensive coordinator breaks down film of opponents, scripting and setting up practice, and setting up the week’s game plan.
This is Scheufler’s third submission published on football. He has also been published in a 2005 KNEA education pamphlet for first-year teachers about classroom management and discipline.
Scheufler holds the Ellinwood High School record for most career catches with 92, his senior year at Ellinwood.
He played three years and helped on the sideline coaching one year he was injured. He started a three-year coaching stint at Bethany as a student assistant.
Sterling High School led the MCAA in passing when he served as passing game coordinator. Wichita South led the Wichita City League in passing during Scheufler’s two seasons.
Scheufler went back to his alma mater as offensive coordinator in 2009. The Swedes went 4-6 overall 3-6 in the KCAC, finishing the season third in passing and fifth in offense. He describes his offense as a very multiple, no-huddle spread.
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Move In Day
Mrs. Cherry, Ellinwood Grade School kindergarten teacher explains how to choose an activity from the “Free Center” to Madilyn Runnels, daughter of Paul and Jessica Runnels and Keaston Isern, son of Tim Isern and Anna Leon Isern, during Move In Day at the school on Wednesday, August 25. There are 24 students enrolled in kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year at EGS.
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This Place Matters: Barton County Arts Center
Friends of the Barton County Arts Council are encouraging everyone to participate in the “This Place Matters Community Challenge” by voting for the Barton County Arts Center. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, supported by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and National Trust Insurance Services, LLC, are proud to offer this activity to build the capacity of the preservation movement and to really start a national conversation about the places that matter in our communities.
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Updated 8/20/10
Hospital board passes budget
At their August meeting, the Ellinwood District Hospital Board passed the yearly budget as it was published. The mill levy remains the same.
It was reported the hospital continues to improve over last year. There was a 135% increase in patients, inpatient lab by 77%, physical therapy by 39% and out patient lab by 6%. There has been a 16% increase in clinic visits this year to date.
There has been some property changed, replacing some old items with new.
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Mary Frakes, right front and Gaila Nielson, right back, assisted parents at the Ellinwood grade school enrollment on August 11 and 12. A tentative count for enrollment at press time is 179 students at the grade school, middle school, 62, and 143 at the high school. Sitting at the table, left to right, John Ragan and his son Austin who will be in Kindergarten, Elizabeth Davis and her daughter Nicole, standing, 9th grade and son Jeremiah, 5th grade.
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Barton Community College Foundation names new members, elects officers
Members of the Barton Community College Foundation Board of Directors for 2010-11 are, left to right, back row, K.B. Bell, Dennis Call, Jim Vopat, Gary Burke, first vice chair, and Chad Premer, all of Great Bend, and Rob Dove and Chris Ringwald, chair, both of Ellinwood; front row, Darnell Holopirek, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement; Judy Fox, Lana Dietz, Sharon Mauler, immediate past chair, Dee Holman, Doris Spray and Debbie Niedens, second vice chair, all of Great Bend.
The Barton Community College Foundation Board of Directors welcomed five new members as they assumed their new positions July 1. In addition, the board elected new officers for the 2010-11 academic year.
Elected for three-year terms, the new board members are Dennis Call, Rob Dove, Dee Holman, Doris Spray and Jim Vopat. Three of those members have served in the past and are coming back for new terms. Dove served from 2002 to 2009 and is coming back after just one year of absence. Call served on the board from 1990 to 1996 and Vopat served from 2002 to 2005.
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A ribbon cutting was held Friday morning, August 13 at Tropical Sno on east Santa Fe in Ellinwood. Members and guests attending the ceremony sampled several ice cream flavors now available at the newly remodeled business. Pictured from the left, Kathy Hertel and Robin Doll, Chamber Board members; Jacque Isern, Chamber President; Jenna Snell, Tropical Sno employee; Ryan Mountain, Tropical Sno owner/operator; Hannah Maddy, Tropical Sno employee; and Nancy Baird, Chamber Administrator.
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Unauthorized individuals collecting for Christopher Schneweis Medical Fund
GREAT BEND – Organizers of the Christopher Schneweis Medical Fund are NOT going door to door soliciting donations. Anyone who solicits door to door is not acting on behalf of the medical fund. It’s advised that anyone who receives such a solicitation alert the authorities. For more information on the fund, it’s purpose and any authorized activities call Beth Schneweis at 620-639-1999. See page 4 of today’s Leader for the story about Christopher Schneweis.
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Updated 8/13/10
City Council passes 2011 budget
Ellinwood City Council passed the 2011 budget resolution at their August council meeting this week. The budget is based on a 39.942 mill levy consistent with the previous years. The valuations have increased making the tax revenue for the year higher. A small increase has been built into the budget for possible increases in insurance and employee raises.
The possible major projects for the coming year are a cooling tower for the power plant and the street sweeper which was purchased used 20 years ago.
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A large group of chamber members and guests attended a ribbon cutting held Friday morning, August 6th, at the Ellinwood Co-op in celebration for the completion of their new facility. Pictured left to right: Nancy Baird, Chamber Administrator; Robin Doll, Kathy Hertel, and Sharon Schartz, Chamber Board Members; Alan Schneweis, Co-op Area Branch Manager; Frank Riedl, Co-Op President/CEO; DJ Beals, Co-op employee; David Leroy, Co-op Chairman of the Board of Directors; Michelle McFarren, Co-op secretary; Craig Robl, Co-Op Board Member; Dennis Neeland, Co-op Operations Manager; Paul Fullbright, Co-op employee; and Jacque Isern, Chamber President.
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From the Desk of the Chief of Police
SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION!
Well, the summer is about to pass us by and school in Ellinwood is scheduled to start on August 26, 2010. So here is a reminder for everyone. Watch for children riding their bicycles to and from school. We all need to be observant of the children walking as they cross at the intersections through out the town. Also please watch for the buses. Remember to stop and wait when the buses have their lights and stop signs activated.
I hope you have all had a pleasant and uneventful summer and I hope you are looking forward to a new school year.
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Emily Debes and Ashley Razak pose for a quick photo near the starting line before the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (5K) held in Kansas City, MO on August 8, 2010. 27,000 people turned out Sunday morning to help raise more than $1 million. The annual event has raised more than $8 million since 1992 in support of breast cancer education, screening and treatment. Emily and Ashley grew up in Ellinwood and are graduates of Ellinwood High School. Their parents are Scott and Lisa Reser and Mark and Tracy Menges all of Ellinwood. (Photograph by Andria Menges)
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J. Basil Dannebohm to speak at Innovative Dealer Summit
J. Basil Dannebohm
DENVER – The Mile High City will play host to members of the automotive industry on September 8th, 2010 during the Innovative Dealer Summit at the Marriot Denver South. Entravision Communications is pleased to announce the Summit Committee has selected J. Basil Dannebohm, a native of Ellinwood, to speak at the event. His presentation is entitled, “Reaching Spanish Speakers Using New Media.”
In his presentation, Dannebohm will share with summit attendees the online habits of Spanish speaking individuals including their research and buying habits. Basil will also clear up some misconceptions about Hispanics online and share information that in some areas, Hispanics outpace the general market in their interactive habits.
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Updated 8/6/10
Pictured are members and guests attending the Tri-Circle 50th Anniversary celebration on July 17th. Seated in front is Mae Weaver, retired Home Economist. Front row from the left, Maxine Peter, Jeannie Strobl, Judy Jenisch, Karen Ringering, Lorene Schartz, Marlene Ernsting, Sue Ahrens, Lynda Wood, Rosemary Roble, and Dorothy Panning. Back row from the left, Lillian Tschopp, Jean Miller, Phyllis Miller, Rita Feist, Joanita Doll-Masden, Margaret Peter and Angie Hammeke.
Ellinwood’s Tri-Circle Club celebrates
50th anniversary
The Ellinwood Tri-Circle Club, formally Extension Unit, celebrated their 50th year anniversary Saturday July 17, 2010 at the home of Mrs. Larry (Dorothy) Panning. A gathering of 17 present and past club members enjoyed looking through scrapbooks and reminiscing about past meetings and projects. Mae Weaver, retired Barton County Economist Extension Agent was a special guest at the celebration. Weaver and the late Marian V. Hester are credited with helping in the organization of the club on June 2, 1960.
Four of the charter members still active in the club, Joanita Doll-Masden, Phyllis Miller, Maxine Peter and Dorothy Panning rode in the After Harvest Festival Parade on Saturday July 17, 2010.
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Chase Senior Center Tax Credits Now Available
Pictured from the left, Vern Boese, current owner of the building to be rehabilitated for the new Chase Senior Center, along with Elsie Sells, First Bank Chase Branch Manager and Randy Cobb, President of First Bank in Lyons
A new Senior Center for Chase is one step closer to reality after First Bank Branch Manager Elsie Sells and ESSDACK Grants Specialist Clelia McCrory attended the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Services Tax Credits meeting this week in Great Bend. Sells has agreed to be the Project Director for the new senior center project and she was instrumental in helping locate the building owned by Boese. Donors may now contact Sells to finalize their tax credit arrangements.
The Chase project got off the ground thanks to the initiative of McCrory and the enthusiastic response of two major donors. First Bank directors, led by Chairman Carl Dudrey voted in April to support the project in a big way. Their commitment of “at least” $58,000 was given to McCrory when the project was still just a dream.
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August 3rd Primary Voting
Tuesday, August 3rd, the St. Joseph Parish Center was busy with citizens casting their ballots. As of 10:30 a.m. that morning about 180 people had already voted for their candidates of choice. The election results locally for 4th District Barton County Commissioner in the republican race was Don Cates winning with 548 votes compared to Catherine Strecker’ s 298 votes. Mr. Cates will now face Frank Kolesch. Frank was the only democrat on the ballot for the Ellinwood voters for the 4th District Barton County Commissioner.
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The Salvation Army launches School Supply Drive for kids in need
GREAT BEND - School bells will soon be ringing again! Help the Salvation Army provide supplies to needy children in Barton County.
The Salvation Army School Supply Drive will run from July 24th thru August 14th, 2010. Donations may be dropped off at The Salvation Army Family Store, 2545 10th, Great Bend and at Credit Union of America, 4708 10th, Great Bend.
All types of school supplies are needed, particularly backpacks, but also three ring notebooks, spiral notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, paper, colored pencils, erasers and school boxes.
If you don’t have time to shop, we’ll do the shopping for you! Send financial donations, earmarked “School Supplies” to 2545 10th, Great Bend, KS 67530.
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Updated 7/30/10
Members of the Ellinwood Eagle 15 and Under Babe Ruth team included Easton Hirsch, Jared Oelke, Kyle Jenks, Jackson Randall, Marc Waite, Johnny Rodriguez, Gavin Vink, Ryley Ney, Colton Churchill, Bryon Young, Zakary Pflughoeft, Kyle Blakeslee, Tanner Swank, Ricky Pray, Matt Niles. Coaches were Mel Waite, and Kenny Vink.
Ellinwood Eagle 15 & Under Babe Ruth Team ends season
The Ellinwood Eagle 15 and Under Babe Ruth team concluded their season on July 1st in a double header against Galva at Ellinwood’s Worman Field. This was the first year in several seasons that Ellinwood has fielded a Babe Ruth team. The young, developing team struggled in the early season, and ended with an overall record of 6-11-1. They finished their season strong, winning 5 of their last 7 games. Coach Mel Waite remarked that other coaches and umpires had commented to him that his team showed tremendous improvement throughout the season. The coaches were pleased with the effort of the players, their hard work in learning the fundamentals, their team work and positive attitudes. They are looking forward to another successful season next year.
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Ellinwood mayor files for commission seat
BY JIM MISUNAS
Ellinwood Mayor Koelsch has filed an application for 4th District Barton County Commissioner.
Koelsch, a Democrat, has served eight years as Ellinwood mayor and six additional years on the city council. He works as an associate with John Jaco Financial Services and Realty.
He had thought about running for county commission for several years.
“The county commission has done a good job keeping taxes down and they’ve got a decent cash reserve,” he said. “I want to make sure they are making progress and working together.”
The 4th District comprises the cities of Ellinwood and Claflin. The general election is scheduled Nov. 2. He’ll run against either Republican challenger Catherine Strecker or Don Cates.
“I’ve got experience dealing with budgets and I know the roles of state are federal government,” Koelsch said. “Local government should run like a business.”
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New Superintendent expects ‘excellent’ year
Ben Jacobs, (L) new USD 355 Superintendent, Amanda Schaffer, District Secretary, and Mark McQuade , USD 355 Financial/Board Clerk are looking forward to the 2010-2011 school year.
I am Ben Jacobs, the new Superintendent of Schools for the Ellinwood Public School District. I would like to take this time to introduce myself and talk about my vision and philosophy for the district. I’m very excited to be here and feel like this district is positioned to do great things going forward. I am going to work diligently in cooperation with the community to insure that our students maximize success. My theme for the 2010-2011 school year is “Achieving Excellence”. It is my belief that the culture of the district should be one of excellence and that will be the standard of expectation.
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‘Ghost Bird’ to be shown at Kansas Wetlands Education Center
HAYS - Sightings and a video a few years ago gave ornithologists hope that a bird believed extinct since the 1940s was still alive. But no one since has found an ivory billed woodpecker in the swamps of Arkansas, and much debate has developed over the fuzzy photos and video evidence.
“Ghost Bird,” a documentary to be screened at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE Kansas 156 Highway, Great Bend, explores the debate over the evidence and some surprising angles of the story. Admission is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms.
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Updated 7/16/10
Pictured are members of the Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Club who particpated in the Bucket Calf Show at the Barton County Fair. From the left, James Schlessiger and Jeremiah Davis, Champion Bucket Calf; Luke Wondra, Reserve Champion Jr. Bucket Calf Showman; Zeb Huges, Champion Jr. Bucket Calf Showman; and Tyler Knop, Grand Champion Jr. Small Animal Showmanship.
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Board of Education met Monday
The Ellinwood USD 355 Board of Education met on Monday, July 19th at the School/Community Library. The meeting was called to order, and Mark McQuade was appointed temporary board clerk. Alan Schneweis was elected as board president and the agenda for the evening was approved.
Mark McQuade was then appointed as board clerk and Lori Thomas was elected as Vice-President with Amanda Schaffer being appointed board treasurer.
There were no patron reports; board reports included a discussion about having Health Wave forms available at enrollment for parents. Under staff reports Mr. Jacobs reported that the custodians will be attending training on July 28th in Hoisington.
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Advance voting is now available in the office of the Barton County Clerk
Now is the time for registered voters in Barton County to apply for advanced ballots for the August 3rd Primary Election.
Any registered voter who has declared a party may contact the County Election Officer of Barton County either by mail, by phone or in person for an application for an advanced voting ballot.
Applications may also be downloaded from the County Clerk’s web site at www.bartoncounty.org/clerk/advvote.htm.
Signed applications may be delivered or mailed to the County Clerk, or faxed to (620) 793-1990. Upon receipt of such completed and signed application, the County Election Officer shall provide said elector with an advanced ballot for the General Election.
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After thorough inspection by ultra-sound equipment it was determined that the only failed pins in the bridge south of Ellinwood are in the outside beams. The task was accomplished Tuesday, July 13 with specialized trucks from Bucher Willis and Ratliff engineers and the Kansas Department of Transportation. The traffic will remain one lane until the pin and hangers can be permanently repaired with next spring as the best estimate. Traffic signals at the Ellinwood Bridge will be in place by the end of the week.
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Bradyn, Jayce, and Jaxon Christiansen sold lemonade, bottled water and homemade cookies to help residents survive the extreme heat and make some cash to go to the D & J Shows Carnival held during the annual After Harvest Festival in Ellinwood.
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Ellinwood City Council meeting
At the July Ellinwood Council meeting, Larry Kleeman of Cooper Malone McClain, Inc. provided Council with information pertaining to refinancing the City bonded indebtedness. He pointed out it would reduce the amount of payment paid by the city without extending the length of the debt. This involves the Certificates of Participation (COP) and the General Obligation Bonds (GOB).
Each year the city will pay a little lower amount on both giving a savings of $30,638.31 on the COP and $18,465.67 on the GOB. Actual savings is $49,103.98 as presented by his figures.
Council passed the ordinances to make this possible. The COP were for the installation of the switchgear and its building. These payments are made from the Electrical Department revenue, not from taxes. The GOB were for street and infrastructure improvements, including 11th Street and North Kennedy, with money for these coming from at-large property tax and special assessments of those directly benefitted.
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Updated 7/9/10
Nancy Baird, left, Ellinwood Chamber Administrator and Jacque Isern, Chamber President, inspect the first shipment of After Harvest Festival T-Shirts. Shirts can be purchased at all the banks in Ellinwood and at the Chamber office during normal business hours. The shirts are available in two different colors this year- a blue shirt with white printing & a white shirt with blue printing. The back of the shirts proudly lists all the sponsors of After Harvest Festival 2010. The shirts are $10 a piece for S-XL and $13 a piece for 2X & 3X. Show your After Harvest Festival spirit and purchase a shirt.
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School Board to meet Monday morning
The USD 355 Board of Education will hold a meeting on Monday, July 12th, at the School/Community Library beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Items on the agenda include: Adopt the board policy manual; name official depository and newspaper; adopt the 1116 instructional hours policy; appoint board attorney and a purchasing agent; approve federal programs and the federal free and reduced food service program; adopt early payment request policy; establish mileage rate for reimbursement; petty cash limits; establish BOE meeting dates, locations and times; adopt home rule resolution and the resolution to destroy records; make appointments for various officers’ positions, board committee, food service representative and hearing officer for free and reduced meals; KPERS representative and approval of organizational chart and inclement weather dates.
The board will also meet in executive session to discuss personnel and negotiations.
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H&B Communications bringing high speed broadband to Ellinwood, Claflin
By Jim Misunas
HOLYROOD -- The RUS Broadband Initiatives Program approved H&B Communication’s grant/loan application on July 2.
The package involves a $4.5 million grant, a $1.9 million loan and $1.6 million of private investment by H&B. This fiber-to-the-home project will deliver high speed broadband, telecommunications and video services to the underserved rural communities surrounding Claflin and Ellinwood.
The grant and loan, which is repaid over 16 years, helps the company purchase the equipment and pay for the installation of the fiber cable.
H&B Communications will be responsible for tying customers into the service and providing future maintenance.
“It’s a great opportunity to expand services in a new area,” said Robert Koch, H&B president and general manager. “It will give these businesses and companies in rural areas the opportunity to compete on a world-wide basis with high-speed Internet.”
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The Ellinwood Energizers 4-H Club were co-chairs of the 2010 4-H Fashion Revue, and also had several members participate in the event. This years theme was “Fashionoply: Play the game to win the Fashion Fame.” Pictured are the 4-H club members and placings. Back row from the left, Marc Waite, Grand Champion Boys Buymanship; Kyle Blakeslee, Reserve Grand Champion Boys Buymanship; Jenna Snell, Purple Girls Buymanship; Betsy Snell,Reserve Grand Champion Fiber Arts; and Elizabeth Frakes, Fiber Arts. Front row from the left, Shaini Hughes, Construction Fashion Revue; Alaina Straub, Alexa, Reseve Grand Champion Construction; and Sarah Frakes, Reserve Champion Level II Fiber Arts. 4-H families helping but not pictured include Kristin and Kaitlyn Wondra, Alicia Straub, Jolene Snell, Chelsea Day, Terri and Kristi DeWerff.
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Updated 7/2/10
It’s official! The Tropical Sno business owned and operated by Ryan Mountain is now open! Mountain serves Mayor Koelsch, his first customer, a lemon lime flavored cup of snow Wednesday afternoon. You can choose from four different sizes, including a flower cup, and 28 base flavors resulting in countless flavor mixtures. The concession is located on east Santa Fe in front of Mountain Veterinary Services.
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Celebrate the 4th of July in Ellinwood
Ellinwood residents have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of music and colorful night fireworks Sunday, July 4th thanks to Nick Strecker, the City of Ellinwood and numerous local contributors. The fireworks display will be held at the football practice field, north of the swimming pool, at approximately 9:30 p.m.
“We have a few new fireworks this year, changed the layout and it will be more choreographed ” said Strecker. “I’m glad to be a part of the different activities the City offers the Ellinwood community.”
Family members 18 years of age or older will help with the event, all having at least two years experience working with Nick, as the family has been responsible for the fireworks display in Ellinwood for the past 7 years.
Footage from the past years fireworks displays can be found on YouTube by searching, “Ellinwood, KS, 4th of July.”
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St. John Lutheran Church to celebrate addition and renovation
St. John Lutheran Church of Ellinwood will be celebrating the completion of a new addition and their organ renovation with a Dedication Service and Organ Recital at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 11th.
The members of St. John Lutheran Church, Ellinwood, Kansas, will celebrate the completion of the new addition to the church and the organ renovation with a Dedication Service and Organ Recital, at 3:00 p.m, on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Rev. Jeff Frakes is pastor of the church and together with the members of St. John’s, they extend a cordial invitation to the community to share in the celebration.
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Ellinwood AHF Parade Entries Due
According to the Ellinwood Rotary Club, there is still time to enter the Ellinwood After Harvest Festival Parade, which will be Saturday, July 17, at 10:00 a.m.
Entry forms may be obtained on the web at www.ellinwoodchamber.com, or by calling 620-792-2428 or 620-566-7353. Entries should be submitted by Monday, July 12. The categories of the Parade include All-Around, Antique Tractor, Classic/Antique Vehicle, Commercial, Most Original, Religious Float, Theme, and Youth Entry.
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Jane Fertig, left, with the Ellinwood District Hospital Auxiliary presents Joyce Schulte, Ellinwood District Hospital Administrator with a check on Tuesday, June 29th. The check was given to the hospital to help defray the cost of a new stove that was recently purchased for the hospital kitchen. Money raised came from memorials given to the auxiliary by the Matilda Prosser Family, the Mary Loewenthal Family and other fundraising efforts.
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Updated 6/25/10
Wheat Harvest near Ellinwood got underway on Thursday, June 17th. Rick Hiss and his crew began cutting shortly after lunch on Thursday northwest of Ellinwood, and then later moved southwest of Great Bend. The harvest will take about a week to ten days to be completed but so far everything is looking good.
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Hoisington Labor Day Baby Contest entry deadline July 14
Once again there will be a Labor Day Baby Contest in conjunction with the Annual Labor Day activities. A Labor Day Baby will be named during the Labor Day Weekend and the winner will receive a cash award of $100, a $100 Savings Bond, and Memento.
The rules, which apply to the candidates, are:
Candidates may be either boy or girl.
Baby candidates must by 24 months old or younger.
Parents must be bonafide residents of Barton County.
Contestants will be judged on Stage Appearance in “Festive Wear”, stage presentation, a 5 X 7 photograph, ticket sales and cash contributions.
Points are accrued in each category. Judging will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets for the judging session will be $2.00.
Registration deadline is set for Wednesday, July 14. To register your baby, contact the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce office at 123 N. Main in Hoisington or call 620-653-4311 for more information. Information is also available on our web site www.hoisingtonkansas.com.
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Hospital board met Tuesday
The Ellinwood District Hospital learned the Domicel is in and programmed for each medication. This new piece of equipment is to insure that each patient will receive the appropriate medication they need in the appropriate dosage. Each over-the-counter and prescription medicine has its own lockable drawer. Only the appropriate drawer will be unlocked to dispense the medicine.
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Ellinwood’s James Schlessiger plays basketball at Camp Hope
Ellinwood residents attend Camp Hope
By Jim Misunas
Ellinwood featured a camper and a volunteer at Camp Hope.
Camper James Schlessiger caught two catfish and said he was enjoying his time at the camp Tuesday. He enjoys seeing his friends every summer. He’ll be a fourth-grader this school year.
“I like the fishing,” he said. “But my favorite part is when we go to the water park in Great Bend.”
Tara Haddon of Ellinwood is starting her first year at Camp Hope as a volunteer.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” she said. “The time goes by fast. You get to help the kids enjoy their time here. You’re doing something different all the time.”
Camp Hope is designed for children with cancer held annually at Camp Aldrich in Barton County. Camp Hope is open to children ages seven to 18 years, who have or have had cancer.
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Friday morning, June 19, Ellinwood Lions and Rotary Clubs presented checks for the earnings from their April 24 Wii gaming night and donations from the individual clubs to Ellinwood District Hospital. Money will be used to purchase a new stove. Pictured from the are: incoming Lions President Frank Cortez, Lions Treasurer Tom Starns, current Lions President Chris Rippel, Ellinwood District Hospital Cook Kristen Stout and Chief Financial Officer Penny Stephenson, current Rotary President Brian Rowley and incoming Rotary President Justin Lear.
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Updated 6/18/10
Ellinwood Community Theatre
In this scene from the Ellinwood Community Theatre’s production of ‘Check, Please,’ Guy (Josh Greer) is surprised to find out that his blind date (Sharon Sturgis) is old enough to be his grandmother. Sturgis plays four different bad dates in the show. Performances will be in the EHS Auditorium this evening, Friday, June 18th, and Saturday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Ellinwood Community Theatre
production begins this evening
Which is better -- staying single the rest of your life, or suffering through a series of the worst dates in history?
The Ellinwood Community Theatre will explore that question in their upcoming production of “Check, Please,” a comedy play about blind dating.
Written in three parts by contemporary playwright Jonathan Rand, the show centers around a single Guy (Josh Greer) and Girl (Sara Hayden) who are encouraged by their best friends (Connor Birzer and Carli Newkirk) to try to find true love through blind dating.
The dates are played by Jean Doll, Mason Doll, Jordan Klima, Brett Lyman, Hannah Maddy, Kelsey Menges, Megan Post, Sharon Sturgis, and John Sturn. Each plays multiple roles in the show as the blind dates progress from bad to worse.
The production is directed by Julie Ann Jacobs with technical direction by Leon J. Sobba.
Admission to the show is $5. Tickets are on sale now in Ellinwood at Kimple Furniture, Community Bank, and at the School-Community Library. They can also be purchased from cast members or at the door the nights of the show.
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Ex-appraiser files for commission
RADENBERG
GREAT BEND -- A Republican challenger has filed for a Barton County commission seat currently held by Kenny Schremmer.
Kyle Radenberg, a Republican from South Homestead Township, is seeking the First District position for the County Commission in Barton County. Schremmer, is a Democrat from Hoisington.
Radenberg served as Barton County appraiser from 2002 until June 2007. She worked eight years in county government in Butler County prior to moving to Barton County.
“My experience as an employee of county government allows me to bring a unique perspective to the commission,” Radenberg said. “As an employee you often view the workings of the county from a different angle than the commissioners do and this added dimension could result in overall better governance.”
As county appraiser, she supervised an office budget of $350,000 annually. She said the budget finished with surplus funds each year and $80,000 was returned to the county general fund during her tenure.
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Tara Haddon will help Camp Hope’s mission
Chance Haddon, a cancer survivor, joins his sister Tara.
By Jim Misunas
Tara Haddon of Ellinwood will write the next chapter for her family when she works as a volunteer for Camp Hope, a free summer camp for children and teenagers who are battling cancer.
Tara Haddon’s brother, Chance, attended Camp Hope after he was diagnosed with leukemia in high school. It was during that time that Tara learned to appreciate her brother’s courage and determination. He continued to live a regular life despite all the difficulties and sickness.
“Chance’s experience is an inspiration,” she said. “His experience brought our family closer together, and thinking about that always makes me smile. Thinking of him and his experience motivates me every day, and makes me excited about attending camp knowing that I will be helping others.”
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Updated 6/11/10
Ellinwood High School once again hosted the annual Camp of Champs. Several kids attended the camp and learned ball handling skills, dribbling techniques, and how to work together as a team. Several high school students helped with the camp and awards were given out on Friday,s June 4th.
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Wetlands Center offers summer star gazing program
Enjoy the experience of Cheyenne Bottoms at night, learn more about the stars that sparkle above and view them during the Kansas Wetlands Education Center’s continuing series of star gazing programs on June 17.
Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area Manager Karl Grover, an amateur astronomer, will provide telescopes and lead the free program, which begins at 10 p.m. There is a maximum limit of 15 for this program, with preregistration required. Register by calling the Center at 620-786-7456 or 877-243-9268. Registration deadline is June 15.
Each season brings a change in the heavens. Participants will view the moon, Mars, Saturn and search out galaxies and nebulas.
Be sure to bring comfortable chairs for viewing. You are also welcome to bring your own telescope. The program will be postponed if the weather is cloudy.
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Komarek recognized at June City Council Meeting
Chris Komarek received a pin and certificate of appreciation at the June City Council meeting for his 30 years work with the Electric Department, beginning June 25, 1980. Komarek said, “It has been good. I worked the first couple years with the Police Department, then transferred to the electric. There have been a lot of changes, usually for the best. I worked 26 years under Daryl Nielsen, four mayors, and five city managers.” As he sat down there was a round of applause. Spencer Proffitt received a commendation for ten years with the Fire Department.
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Primary Seatbelt Law
Starting June 10, 2010, the Primary Seatbelt Law will start to be enforced throughout the State of Kansas. On June 10th through June 30th, if you are seated in the driver or front passenger seat area of a car, truck or van and are observed by law enforcement not wearing or improperly wearing a seatbelt you can anticipate being stopped and warned for violating the primary seatbelt law. During this time period you will only received a warning for the violation. But, starting July 1, 2010, citations will be issued for the violation. The fine for the violation will be $5.00. There are exceptions to this law, mainly concerning mail carriers and newspaper delivery.
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Educational consultant will run for commission
 Catherine Strecker
By Jim Misunas
An educational consultant who resides in Ellinwood has applied for the Barton County Commission.
Catherine Strecker will run in the Republican primary Aug. 3 against Don Cates for 4th District Barton County Commissioner.
Commissioner Kirby Krier has not filed for re-election.
The 4th District comprises the cities of Ellinwood and Claflin. The general election is scheduled Nov. 2.
She serves as president of Catherine Strecker Educational Strategies. Her client base includes school districts, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and various private groups.
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The Ellinwood Chamber held a ribbon cutting and coffee on Friday June 4th at Gunn’s Antiques. Pictured are (l to r) Nancy Baird, Chamber Administrator; Robin Doll, Chamber Board Member; Fred Gunn, owner of Gunn’s Antiques, Cynthia Gunn, Fred’s wife and Kathy Hertel, Chamber Board Member.
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