News

The Kiowa County commissioners convened in regular session on Monday, January 3. After approving a consent agenda, the Commissioners received a report from Sheriff Lothman. Lothman presented payroll changes for Terry Neal and Clay Parkin resulting from their annual performance evaluations. He also reported that the New Years' weekend was uneventful throughout the County. The Department is down two deputies at this time. Lothman has one, possibly two jail workers ready to move to highway work, but he must hire new jail workers before the changes can occur. The jail and dispatch positions are critical positions for the County because both are around-the-clock positions and must remain filled at all times. The Sheriff is reaching out to local community colleges for new recruits. Unfortunately, the number of recruits is low nationwide, and the County's pay is not competitive with surrounding communities.

The Pratt Pilot Club International was on the receiving end of a December Giving project when members of the Pratt High Plains Credit Union presented the club with a check for $1,000 recently. The Pratt Pilot was chosen for this unexpected gift because their mission is to influence positive change in communities throughout the world, a High Plains Credit post on Facebook said.

Youth Core Ministries held their annual Kiowa County Soup Supper on December 19, 2021 and happily reports it was a smashing success. Many area youth will be able to go to the upcoming Winter Youth Camp because of donations and funds raised at the event.

On Martin Luther King Day, January 17, area community colleges are celebrating with different plans. Pratt Community College has called off classes in recognition of the national holiday.

Hello there, my name is Josanna Henry and I will be meeting and greeting many of you in the coming weeks and months as I work as a freelance reporter for the Kiowa County Signal. My editor thought it a good idea to introduce myself, so here we go

Kansas Wesleyan University announced its fall honor rolls on Jan. 7, a listing of 314 students across two separate honor rolls.

At the January 3 meeting of the Pratt County Commission, Pratt Area Economic Development Director Heather Morgan brought to light details of the state’s Rural Opportunity Zone program. The program offers up to $15,000 in student loan repayment over 5 years to residents who relocate to designated areas. The burden of repayment is shared equally by the state and a local sponsoring business or other entity. While a county endorsement of the program is necessary, no county dollars have been pledged. Those wishing to utilize the program must have a business sponsor.

MENUS FOR THE COMING WEEK: Monday, Jan 17: Chicken Alfredo, Fettuccini Alfredo, Broccoli, French Bread, Fruit Cup Tuesday, Jan 18: Chili, Mixed Vegetables, Cinnamon Roll, Fruit, Crackers Wednesday, Jan 19: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Green Beans, Fruit, Roll Thursday, Jan 20: Pizza Casserole, Mixed Vegetables, Vanilla Pudding, Garlic Bread Friday, Jan 21: Enchilada, Cheese dip, Side Salad, Pineapple, Tortilla Chips The menu is subject to change even more so in these uncertain times with shortages for supplies. Please remember the menu is subject to change.

The hemp industry is new in Kansas, and if you have concerns and questions, you’re not alone. Even crop scientist Melissa Nelson-Baldwin had reservations about it when her husband, Aaron, approached her about growing it on their farm south of Great Bend.

A SPECIAL shipment has arrived in Australia, direct from the United States. It is a working chute for cattle – but not just for any cattle: This is a chute designed for Texas longhorns. Now, customers are discovering the chute is excellent for handling other types of animals as well.