STORY AND PHOTO
BY KEITH LIPPOLDT
klippoldt@gbtribune.com
The Barton County Commissioners played host to several Great Bend High School students at Tuesday’s Agenda meeting. Part of the curriculum for the Jobs for American Graduates - Kansas (JAG-K) is learning the function of government, from the local level up to the federal level. The students in Danielle Ricklefs’ class received hands-on training at the meeting.
Commission Chair Barb Esfeld has spent time with this group in the classroom and came away with positive reactions to the course and the students.
“I had the privilege to go to the school, and Danielle invited me to come to the class,” Esfeld said. “I gave a quick overview of county government, but the students had good questions. They really surprised me with their questions and the interest. And I was impressed with what they’re learning. And I wanted to thank Mrs. Ricklefs for doing this. Her job is not to necessarily teach about county government. She could go right over that to state and federal, which you hear of more in government classes. But she’s taken the time to teach the students about local government, which is where you generally have your first experience with so I’m interested in you coming. They will learn from being here and watching how it really works. And then they’ll bring that back to the other students. So thank you so much; I think you’re doing a great job with these students.”
During this exercise, the students, Kenton Grauerholz, Trista Riley, McKayla Smith and Trason Stevens, along with Eli Hutchinson and Cambria Conrad, were tasked with a situation where they heard from several department heads about the use of personal cellphones during working hours in the workplace. The students heard spirited responses from Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Register of Deeds Glennda French. Treasurer Jim Jordan and County Appraiser Wendy Prosser.
Each Barton County representative made compelling arguments for why they should or why they shouldn’t allow personal cellphones in their respective offices.
The students asked questions before making their decision – which was for educational purposes only and is non-binding. By a vote of 6-0, the student commissioners would allow the use of cellphones in emergency situations only.
In other action, the commissioners:
• Approved the Township Treasure Bonds. County Clerk Bev Schmeidler reported that “pursuant to K.S.A 80-203, before entering office, the township treasurer shall execute a bond in an amount determined by the county commissioners. The amount and sufficiency of the bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful discharge of the treasurer’s duties, the bond shall then be filed in the office of the county clerk.”
Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson made a motion that was seconded by Tricia Schlessiger. The vote carried 5-0.
• Extended the Subaward Agreement with Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush. According to Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee, in 2021, Barton County sought grant data analysis, evaluation and reporting services for the Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grant award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush was contracted then. Woodmansee was asking for the contract to be renewed until September, 2025. The fee is set to not exceed $12,500. The money is available in the grant.
Commissioner Donna Zimmerman motioned to approve and it was seconded by Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger. The motion passed 5-0.
• Heard from County Engineer Barry McManaman on Resolution 2024-20 on establishing a speed limit of 30 miles per hour on all public roads inside the Barton Hills Subdivision, South Homestead Township, between Great Bend and Hoisington. With no speed limit signs currently in place, and the speed limit on unmarked county roads is typically 55 miles per hour. Unsafe speeds were being observed by the residents. After review, McManaman recommended 30 mile per hour signs be planted at the four entry ways into the subdivision.
Commissioner Duane Reif stated that since the subdivision was responsible for the request, he would make a motion to accept the 30 mph limit. Hutchinson seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
• Approved Resolution 2024-21, a Resolution authorizing the adoption of the Bylaws and Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP).
County Administrator Matt Patzner explained the county, through the interlocal agreement, agrees to participate in and form a municipal self-insurance pool for the insurance coverage for certain liabilities with KCAMP. Hutchinson made a motion, seconded by Zimmerman. The motion was approved 5-0.
• Heard from Patzner on the appointment of Special Deputy Coroners. Dr. Patrick Stiles, District Coroner of the 20th Judicial District, recommended the appointment of Special Duty Coroners as prescribed by Kansas Statutes and by Resolution 2006-11. The Special Duty Coroners serve one-year terms. Those appointed from Barton County are Dustin Daniels, Scott Fleming, Meghan Kern, Sheila Phillips, Melissa Prosser, John Stettinger and Laura Webster. From Ellsworth County, the appointees are Nathaniel Florian and Shawn McGowan. The appointees from Russell County are Chris Venters and Ashley Fowler and from Stafford County Jill Burbank, Melissa Dove and Doris Tompkins. Their terms will run through Dec. 31, 2025.
Zimmerman made a motion to approve the request. Schlessiger seconded and the motion carried 5-0.
• Approved the use of Capital Improvement Funds for completion of the elevator modernization work. As part of the HVAC project in 2023, the elevator was rebuilt with updated electrical components, power unit, wiring, hydraulic oil, piston and cylinder. What’s left is the remodeling of inside the cab, at a cost of $7,927.72. The work will be completed by Brentwood Builders LLC.
Zimmerman motioned to approve and was seconded by Schlessiger. The motion carried 5-0.
