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Barton County Quality of Life Endowment announces 2015 awards
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Updated: Sep 13, 2015, 5:00 AM
Published: Sep 9, 2015, 4:03 PM

Employees from CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions in Great Bend recently presented checks to grant recipients of the Barton County Quality of Life Endowment, a donor advised fund at the Golden Belt Community Foundation. After submitting a letter of inquiry and presenting the needs for their funding requests, awards were given to: Central Kansas Dream Center for their cafe, Great Bend Zoological Society for the Butterfly House Accessibility Project, and USD 428 - Park Elementary for Park Elementary Playground Equipment.  
“CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions is committed to improving the quality of life in Barton County. These projects will provide a boost to a variety of people in the area, and we’re very pleased to be able to help with funding for these very worthy efforts,” said Erika Brining, member of the endowment committee. Other members of the committee include: Linda Sherman, Marge McGee, Erika Brining, Megan McKenna, Geralyn Wegener, Chris Calhoun and Teri Richardson.
Since the Barton County Quality of Life Endowment Fund was established in 2009, the endowment has awarded over $61,000 to charitable projects in Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hoisington and Claflin. With each grant awarded, CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions will further its corporate philanthropy and community involvement. CUNA Mutual Retirement Solutions hope other firms in the area will take the initiative to establish their own donor advised fund to help provide future funds for charitable giving.
For questions, call Golden Belt Community Foundation at 620-792-3000 or email gbcf@goldenbeltcf.org. 
Western Cooperative Electric welcomes Christina Hayes as new manager of member services
Christina Hayes
Christina Hayes
Published: Mar 10, 2025, 5:00 PM

WAKEENEY — Western Cooperative Electric announced the appointment of Christina Hayes as the new Manager of Member Services. Christina joins the team with over a decade of experience in communications and community engagement, bringing valuable expertise that will enhance Western Cooperative Electric’s commitment to member satisfaction and ability to support community needs.

Nolan Numrich, CEO and General Manager of Western Cooperative Electric, shared his excitement about the new addition: “Christina’s background and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our goals. We are thrilled to welcome her aboard to help us build stronger relationships with our members and ensure Western Cooperative remains a trusted partner within the communities we serve.”

In her new role, Hayes will focus on community engagement, program management, and communications. She will promote reliable, affordable energy solutions while fostering stronger connections with cooperative members. Her leadership will be vital in advancing initiatives that drive Western Cooperative Electric’s growth and uphold its commitment to innovation.

“I am truly honored to join such a wonderful team,” said Hayes. “I am passionate about community promotion, and I can’t wait to build relationships and contribute to the cooperative’s mission of exceptional service and support.”


About Western Cooperative Electric

Western Cooperative Electric provides reliable, affordable energy to communities across its service territory. The cooperative is dedicated to supporting community development, promoting energy efficiency, and delivering exceptional member service. Western Cooperative Electric is a member-owned cooperative headquartered in WaKeeney. Established in 1945, Western now serves more than 12,000 meters and maintains over 4,000 miles of power lines across thirteen Kansas counties. For more information about Western Cooperative, visit www.westerncoop.com.