Susan Thacker

The primary election will take place on Aug. 4. Unlike most primaries, which are runoff elections to narrow the playing field in a few races, this election is one in which all Kansans who are registered to vote can weigh in.

The Great Bend Alive Plaza was a popular spot on June 26, during Final Friday on Forest. The Great Bend Tribune, located on Forest Ave. between Williams St. and Main, is always right in the middle of the Final Friday action, where our street is closed to through traffic so people can enjoy music, food and drink vendors, and fun. The Tribune will be celebrating at the next Final Friday on July 31, offering special treats.

In the future, parents and other visitors entering Great Bend USD 428 school will need to show identification and be scanned by safety software. Then they will receive a sticker to show they have approved access to the building.

Great Bend USD 428 will serve free breakfast at all of its schools for the entire 2026-2027 school year. The school board met Tuesday and approved extending the program that began in January. It also approved a 5-cent increase to some lunch prices and a 5-cent increase in the price of milk.

The board of education for Great Bend Public Schools on Tuesday approved the purchase of 950 Yondr-brand bags that will be issued to Great Bend High School students this fall. Students will place their cellphones and other personal electronic devices in the bags and will not be able to open them during the school day.

HOISINGTON — Clara Barton Hospital plans to upgrade its processing area for sterilizing equipment and make better use of space through remodeling as part of a $2,933,500 federal grant. On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall (R-KS) toured the hospital to celebrate the grant awarded through the Rural Health Transformation Program.

HOLYROOD — A dozen protesters with signs stood outside the Holyrood City Hall on Wednesday, waiting for the anticipated arrival of Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., (R-KS). About 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival, the mayor told protesters that Marshall’s office had contacted them and canceled the visit.

ELLINWOOD — Jonell Niles, known around town for showing up with a camera in hand, will ride at the front of this year’s After Harvest Festival Parade on July 18.

Barton Community College can thank the band Metallica for a recent grant, said President Dr. Marcus Garstecki. In reviewing recent grants, he noted that the college has also received federal funding for the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program after a one-year funding cut.

ELLINWOOD — Grand Marshal Jonell Niles got her wish Saturday when the 53rd Ellinwood After Harvest Festival Parade opened with a flyover.