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KWEC offers winter kids programs - not too late to register!
The Kansas Wetlands Education Center has the cure for boredom - winter nature programs! Kids will investigate feathers, birds and tracks, learning more about the world around them and the creatures living there. So don't delay, sign-up soon, as the maximum for each class is 20 children.
Designed for children ages 6 through 12, one-hour programs will be offered at no charge from 10-11 a.m. each Saturday. Children age 7 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadlines in sequential order of the classes are Feb. 4 & Feb. 11 . To register for classes, or for more information, call 620-566-1456 or 1-877-243-9268. Although there is no program charge, donations for supplies are always appreciated.
Fabulous Feathers: Feb. 7
Take an up close look at feathers, from colors to function, discover what makes feathers special and make a feather star.
"Love" Birds: Feb. 14
Make an edible birdhouse feeder birds will love and participate in the national Backyard Bird Count, after learning about our winter birds and how to recognize them.
Join the New Cheyenne Bottoms Naturalists Program
You're invited to join the Cheyenne Bottoms Naturalists for an exciting opportunity to learn more about the natural world, participate in research opportunities, and enjoy hands on activities!
Who can join? Anyone! Programs will be geared towards adults, but interested teens are welcome to join in the fun as well!
What's going on? Once a month, CBN meets at the KWEC from 6-7 pm. Each meeting covers a different nature topic, and may feature a guest speaker, a presentation from KWEC staff, or a special short film. Every meeting will have at least one hands on activity, so don't worry that you'll be sitting around like a bump on a log!
Alright, how much is it? CBN is FREE! All you have to do is come to the meetings prepared to enjoy yourself!
February 10th - Barton County Birding
Birdwatching is a great hobby no matter your age! Learn the basics of birdwatching, some of the most interesting local birds, and enjoy a little friendly competition with your new found knowledge as we play, "Who Wants to Be a Birdwatcher?"
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Celtic Thunder Tour
Monday, February 16th, 2015 Salina Bicentennial Center
Bus Leaves at 4:30 p.m. Tickets only $60!
Boot Hill Casino February 18th, 2015 $15 per trip, Bus leaves at 8:15 from Hoisington Activity Center and
8:30 from Great Bend Library. Maximum 45 Persons.
Most of HRC's trips are day trips but allows you to enjoy a sporting event, concert, or other sorts of entertainment and leave the driving to us!
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Movies with a Message
On Friday, February 27th the movie, October Sky, will be showing at the Heartland Center for Spirituality for the Spring series of "Movies with a Message."
The movie begins at 6:15 in the Auditorium of the Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Peace.
Other movies in the series include: Life is Beautiful (March 27) and Powder (April 24).
A free will offering will be accepted to offset the cost of refreshments.
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This week we are mailing out the 2015 Retail Promotions Program invitation to all of our members. This program only costs $60 per year to be a member, and you will get to participate in several business promotions and contests throughout 2015. Retail Promotions members also will be the official sponsors of several Chamber programs, including the the 2nd Annual Hoisington Kids Entrepreneur Week.
Deadline to join the Program is March 2nd, and the first Promotion begins on March 9th!
If you have any questions about the 2015 Promotions Program, please call the Chamber office at 620-653-4311 or email [email protected]. | |
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Join Clara Barton Hospital and Clinics as they welcome Jeremy Howse, MD, general surgeon, at a Chamber Business After Hours & Welcome Reception on Wednesday, February 11th.
The reception will take place in the hospital's Turnbull Safe Room from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
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Hoisington Legislative CoffeeSaturday, February 28th
10 a.m. @ the Hoisington Activity Center meeting room
The Hoisington Chamber has scheduled a Legislative Coffee with Hoisington area legislators which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28th at the Hoisington Activity Center meeting room. Join invited legislative representatives for an informal "meet and greet" and a question and answer session where you will have the opportunity to discuss issues that may have an impact on you or your business - the economy, state budget, taxes, just to name a few.
The Legislative Coffee begins at 10 a.m. and legislative guests include Senator Mitch Holmes and Representative John Edmonds. The Legislative Coffee is hosted by Wilson State Bank and the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce and is free and open to the public. A light breakfast will be served.
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PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!
Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament
7:30 Sunday, February 8th
Hoisington Knights of Columbus Hall - 114 N Main
$25 DONATION FOR $200 IN CHIPS
NEXT TOURNEY SATURDAY, MARCH 7
EVERYONE 21+ WELCOME!
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Hoisington Knights of Columbus present a
Prime Rib Valentines Day Dinner
Valentines Day
6-8 p.m.
$ 20.00 PRIME RIB
INCLUDES: SALAD, BAKED POTATO, DRINK
@ the Hoisington K of C Hall
ALL PROCEEDS TO AREA CHARITIES.
Tickets are available at the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce.
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Barton County's Got Flavor & Encore Comedy Show
Valentines Day @ 6-9:30 p.m.
Crest Theatre - Great Bend
Habitat for Humanity has made a name for itself by hosting an annual dinner theater known as "Barton County's Got Talent" every year since 2010. However, several factors have led the nonprofit organization's board to take a new direction for this year. The first ever "Barton County's Got Flavor" event will be held Saturday, February 14th, catering to those who want a unique Valentine's Day experience.
The new fundraiser will feature a food and beverage pairing competition followed by a professional improv comedy show. Guests will serve as judges for the tasting competition, sampling ten different pairings of food and drink. Tasting stations will be split between the Legends Gallery above the Rosewood Wine Cellar, 1901 Lakin, and the lobby of the Crest Theatre next door, 1905 Lakin, from 6-7:30 p.m. Once they have cast their vote for the best pairing, they will make their way to the auditorium for a comedy show at 8 p.m. that will surely have them rolling in the aisles.
"We are excited to bring a professional comedy duo known as The Foolish Toms to Great Bend for this Valentine's Day event," says Rachel Mawhirter, fundraising volunteer for Habitat. "If you enjoyed the television show 'Whose Line is it Anyway?' then you'll love this hilarious improv comedy show."
Proceeds from the event will be used to fund rehabilitation and Brushed with Kindness projects in Barton County in the coming months. "We are actively working on securing our next rehab project that will be started in the spring of 2015," says Kim Vink, Habitat Board Member. "Once we purchase a home, we will find a family in need who qualifies to purchase it through a zero-interest loan and then begin working side-by-side to help them put in enough sweat equity hours on the project."
Tickets are now available for this special Valentine's date night for just $60 per couple, which includes the tasting competition and the comedy show. Tickets may also be purchased for the comedy show by itself for $15 per person. For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Mawhirter at 620-786-4896 or email [email protected].
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Young Professionals Group Announces Positive Community Impact Projects in 2015
The Barton County Young Professionals group will hang their hats on several Community Impact projects in 2015. One of these projects was the Charity Supply Drive that took place last Saturday at Walmart, where Young Professionals and Rotary Club volunteers collected donations of non-perishable food and household supplies from shoppers at the retail store. Nearly 20 members of the growing networking group gave of their time to help three area food banks. In addition to thousands of donated items, they also collected cash donations for the food banks.
"This is one of the staple projects BCYP takes on each January," says YP Steering Committe member Candice Moeder who spearheaded the 2015 event. "Right after the holidays, food bank donations drop off significantly, so this helps families in need make it through the cold winter months."
 
Caption for Charity Photo 2015: Young Professionals Steering Committee members Brandon Steinert, Candice Moeder, and AJ Chrest pose for a picture with Barton County Food Bank representative Beverly Frizell and Hoisington Food Bank representatives Jan Morganstern and Connie Lueker.
The Young Professionals group partnered with the Great Bend Rotary Club to collect thousands of nonperishable food and household supply items and cash donations last Saturday at Walmart.
The group is also actively partnered with the Great Bend Rotary Club on another project. The two organizations are currently raising private funds to implement a new playground for children under five years of age that will be known as The Tot Spot. This musically themed playground will feature a solid rubber surface material that will not get carried off in the shoes of its visitors, and a wheelchair ramp that will allow children with disabilities to enjoy the features near the ground, including a xylophone panel and bongo drums.
"We are very excited about this project, as it represents the Young Professionals' group's commitment to giving back and will be a permanent way for us to do that," says YP Steering Committee member AJ Chrest. "Once this is implemented in 2015 with the help of the City of Great Bend Parks Department, we will plan to help maintain and promote the playground as an ongoing service project. It's good for our group, but more importantly it's good for the children of our area to have a safe place to play."
This playground will be installed in Brit Spaugh Park near the existing playground equipment for elementary age children. Last year, the YP group helped United Way install the "Born Learning Trail" inside the zoo.
The Barton County Young Professionals group is operated under the Chamber of Commerce, and strives to accomplish three goals: 1) facilitate networking, 2) give back to the community, and 3) develop young leaders. The group's next event will be a networking mixer at Eldridge Fencing on Friday, February 27th from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
To join BCYP, email [email protected].
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Thousands of items donated at Young Professionals' charity supply drive
The 3rd Annual Charity Supply Drive held on Saturday, January 24, was deemed a success. Barton County Young Professionals and the Great Bend Rotary Club teamed up to collect donations at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Great Bend.
The six-hour event allowed the two organizations to give back to the Barton County, Ellinwood, and Hoisington Food Banks. Volunteers handed out lists of items to customers and received an overwhelming response from the community.
"Everything went fabulous," said Candice Moeder, member of the YP Steering Committee. "We had several donations including money, gift cards, and supplies."
All the food and supplies were boxed up Monday, January 26, and prepared for the three food banks to pick up at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development office. In addition to the supplies, each food bank received a $70 cash donation.
Barton County Young Professionals group is a program of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development, designed to foster business and social networking among young working individuals in the Barton County area.
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Young Professionals Networking Mixer at Eldridge Fencing
Friday, February 27th @ 5:30-8:30 p.m.
80 10th St, Great Bend
It's that time again! Once every quarter, the Barton County Young Professionals group gathers at a sponsoring business for a casual networking event designed to give people the opportunity to sign up as new YP members, volunteer for community projects, and meet new people in a fun, laid back environment.
Eldridge Fencing, Inc. will host a Young Professionals mixer event on Friday, February 27th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at their shop at 80 E. 10th Street in Great Bend. They will be serving pulled pork and potato salad, along with beer and wine coolers while supplies last.
Drawings for a Traeger grill, accessory pack, and other door prizes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Must be present to win.
Join the event on Facebook HERE.
Anyone 21 to 40 years of age who lives in the Barton County Area is welcome and encouraged to attend this free event! So bring a friend! No RSVP's required. If you'd like more information about the YP group, visit the Great Bend Chamber website.
And join the Barton County Young Professionals Facebook group!
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The City of Hoisington had an eventful 2014 from start to finish and is looking to build on those accomplishments in 2015. Aside from dealing with the usual year-end closeout there were a lot of things happening in Hoisington.
In January, the governing body took action to change the zoning on two parcels of land that will help to clear the way for a new housing project in our community. Housing Opportunities Inc. is trying to develop another round of duplexes in the Hoisington community. If their application for funding is approved, the project will bring six new duplexes to the Hoisington community. The six duplexes would provide 12 housing units spread out between three sites that will be located at 7th and Cedar, Fourth and Maple, and Third and Pine. The governing body took action on several other items related to this project in January.
The governing body also discussed access to the city hall gymnasium. Due to some recent vandalism, the governing body agreed to make some changes to reservation policies. Anyone hoping to utilize the gym or the municipal building should get a form from City staff prior to the date they want to use the facility. The City is also moving forward with plans to purchase security cameras to help keep the facilities and their patrons safe and secure. The governing body also elected to make changes to facility usage to accommodate core City operations.
The City is planning to make the former Cardinal's Nest into an EMS lodging facility for emergency medical technicians assisting from other communities. The City is also working with Barton County to facilitate a continuity of operations partnership. These changes are going to make it necessary for the softball program, batting cage and equipment to move out of the municipal building following the 2015 season. The City is also working to upgrade the HVAC systems at the municipal building to reduce operating cost moving forward.
The governing body was not the only group of public officials that was busy in January. The planning commission also met to refine and update the City's comprehensive development plan. Among the top priorities of this group include accommodating orderly development, growth, and housing. The group is contemplating changes to the plan that will help facilitate these goals.
Looking ahead to various projects in 2015, it is clear Hoisington's Main Street will look much different in 2015 if things continue to progress as planned. The old Office Tavern is continuing to see improvements and is expected to house a new restaurant by the end of 2015. The former Gambino's and VFW sites will soon become home of a Casey's General Store. There is a significant amount of progress at the former Lucky's location at Third and Main Street. The Chamber, City and Hoisington Area E-Community are working with USD 431 to provide young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their wares in a real-world retail environment on Main Street in late 2015. All of these changes will have a significant impact on the business landscape but the transportation infrastructure on Main Street is slated to change in 2015 as well. In late 2015, the City and the Kansas Department of Transportation are going to be replacing the portion of Main Street between 6th Street and 9th Street (K-4/US-281). This project is expected to take eight weeks to complete and is currently slated to commence in September of 2015.
In 2015, the City is also looking to enhance its wastewater infrastructure with the installation of a new lift station on the west side of town. The City is continuing its work with the EPA and engineers from Schwab Eaton to develop an acceptable plan to remediate environmental issues related to our wastewater treatment lagoons. This project will keep the City's staff busy for the next couple of years. Another long term project that has kept City staff busy is the installation of new street signs to meet federal reflectivity standards. City staff will continue these efforts in 2015 and will finish replacing all of the signage by the end of 2016.
Some other activities keeping our staff busy include monitoring the current legislative session, recruiting EMTs to serve our community and looking for a part-time janitor to keep our public facilities clean. If you have any additional questions or concerns about Hoisington or the City of Hoisington's operations, please contact Jonathan Mitchell at [email protected].
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Jobs Report December 2014
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TOPEKA, Kan. - The state's December seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, unchanged from the November revised unemployment rate and down from 4.9 percent in December 2013.
Seasonally adjusted figures show Kansas gained 12,800 private sector jobs since last year, or 1.1 percent. Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 12,800 jobs, a 0.9 percent increase since December 2013. Since last month, Kansas added 2,300 seasonally adjusted private sector jobs, or 0.2 percent. The state gained 1,700 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs, a 0.1 percent increase since last month.
"2014 marked a strong year of low unemployment rates of under 5 percent, with December representing the lowest rate of the year at 4.2 percent," said Lana Gordon, Secretary of Labor.
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Not seasonally adjusted figures show Kansas gained 12,700 private sector jobs since last year, or 1.1 percent. Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 12,600 jobs, a 0.9 percent increase since December 2013. Since November, private sector jobs decreased by 2,200, or 0.2 percent. The state declined by 4,800 total nonfarm jobs over the month, a 0.3 percent decline. "December's cold weather did not seem to bother the construction industry as it posted a seasonally adjusted gain of 1,100 jobs over the month while employers also increased workers' average weekly earnings, continuing substantial over-the-year improvement for this sector," said Justin McFarland, Director, Labor Market Information Services. The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in December was 4 percent, up from 3.9 percent in November and down from 4.6 percent one year ago. There were 18,577 initial claims for unemployment benefits in December 2014, up from 12,003 in November and down from 19,749 in December 2013. There were 97,398 continued claims in December, up from 68,018 the previous month and down from 124,370 in December 2013. These numbers include all available programs. Information on procedures for producing Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) estimates is available on the BLS website here and procedures for producing Current Employment Statistics (CES) estimates is available on the BLS website here. PLEASE NOTE: The January 2015 Labor Report will be released on Friday, March 6. |
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Western Kansas Human Resource Management Association (WKHRMA) will hold their February meeting on Wednesday, February 11th at Thirsty's Banquet Room, 2704 Vine St., Hays. Registration is between 11:15am - 11:30am with a short business meeting starting at 11:30am. The program for the February meeting will be on "Healthcare Updates" presented by Chris Hipp, AFLAC.
If you are interested in attending as a guest, please RSVP to [email protected] no later than Monday February 9th by noon.
WKHRMA is an affiliate chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), a local professional organization for persons engaged in personnel or human resource management. For more information on WKHRMA please check out the web site at www.wkhrma.org.
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ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR
SUPERIOR ESSEX of Hoisington has an immediate opening for Accounting Coordinator. Primary job duties include processing accounts payable and weekly payroll, accounting for freight invoices, assisting with the month-end inventory process and reporting requirements, and coordinating all records retention activities.
Successful applicant shall have a knowledge of basic accounting principles, data processing, and payroll concepts. An Associate or Bachelor's degree in a business-related field is preferred. If non-degreed, 2 to 4 years of experience in the areas of Accounts Payable and/or Payroll is required.
Superior Essex offers excellent wages and benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, holiday pay, vacation, 401(k) with company match, and more!
Qualified applicants can send a resume to [email protected], or can apply at the KansasWorks Center, located at 1025 Main in Great Bend. A detailed position description is available for review.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Superior Essex is an equal employment employer and is committed
to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans,
and disabled individuals.
COMBINATION SERVICE TECHNICIAN
Wilson Telephone Company has an immediate opening for a Combination Technician. This position is located in Wilson, Ks. The primary duties of this position include: installing and maintaining wireline, broadband services, and video services; performing preventative network maintenance; and providing technical network assistance on a copper/FTTH network. Other responsibilities may include: locating buried plant, providing local software/IT support and responding to various customer service needs. Telecommunications network installation and repair skills, effective communication and interpersonal skills, and computer skills are required along with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a team-oriented environment.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Wilson Telephone Company Inc, Attn Human Resources, PO Box 190, Wilson KS 67490-0190; drop it by the office at 2504 Avenue D in Wilson; or email to [email protected]. Wilson Telephone Company Inc offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.
IT ADMINISTRATOR
Wilson Communications has an immediate opening for an IT Administrator. This position is located in Wilson KS. The primary duties of this position include: System administration engineering, provisioning, maintenance and support; Network administration, provisioning and support of interrelated networks for voice, video and data service offerings; and maintaining server based networks. Other responsibilities may include: hardware/software upgrades or replacements, network wiring, and responding to various company and customer needs.
Technical repair skills; efficient knowledge of routers, switches and firewalls; and effective communication and interpersonal skills are required along with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a team-oriented environment.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: Wilson Telephone Company Inc, Attn Human Resources, PO Box 190, Wilson KS 67490-0190; drop it by the office at 2504 Avenue D in Wilson; or email to [email protected]. Wilson Telephone Company Inc offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer.
ASSOCIATE FACULTY - Medical Support Programs - Healthcare Documentation & Transcription (Online)
Barton Community College is seeking applications for Associate Faculty for the Healthcare Documentation & Transcription Specialist Certificate, specifically teaching Fundamentals of Transcription I and Healthcare Documentation & Transcription II, Healthcare Professional Development and Medical Style & Grammar. Teaching assignments are for online coursework; successful applicants will be required to participate in an E-certification training program. Three to five years of experience as a Medical Transcriptionist is required. An industry certification in Medical Transcription is preferred. Review of completed applications begins immediately.
To apply go to: jobs.bartonccc.edu Persons with a hearing or speech impairment please use the Kansas Relay Service at 1-800-766-3777 or dial 711. Position is open until filled. EEO/AA.
ASSISTANT CARE PROVIDER Barton Community College seeks an Assistant Care Provider. This part-time, replacement position is responsible for assisting the Child Development Center Lead Care Providers in all aspects of child care, educational programming, general center upkeep and housekeeping. Required qualifications: a high school education or GED and up to six months of similar or related experience. Preferred qualifications: preference will be given to applicants with an earned Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or to applicants willing to begin an education plan resulting in an Associate's degree. Review of completed applications begins immediately.
To apply go to: jobs.bartonccc.edu Persons with hearing or speech impairment please use the Kansas Relay Service at 1-800-766-3777 or dial 711. Position is open until filled. EEO/AA.
RODEWAY INN & SUITESTaking applications for someone to work 2 nights a week, open up on weekends twice a month. Must be 21, need experience in bartending and good with the public. May have more hours if needed. Please apply at the Rodeway Inn and Suites Hotel, located at 57 West Ks Hwy 4 & 281, Hoisington, Kansas. Must apply during hours 7a.m. - 2:00 p.m. SUBWAY
Now taking applications for a dynamic individuals to join our team as a part-time Sandwich Artists in Hoisington. Interested applicants can visit the Hoisington Subway and pick up an application.
JENSEN ASSOCIATES, INC. is looking for a Insurance Sales Professional for our Hoisington branch office. Call Rob Fisher @ 620-564-2020 with inquiries. Send resumes to PO Box 118, Ellinwood, KS 67544.
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Call for Content eBlasts and Newsletters
If you have exciting news that you would like to share in our monthly newsletter or weekly eBlasts with nearly 200 individuals in our business community, please send it to the Chamber office at [email protected] three business days prior to the 1st of the month.
If you would prefer to get a printed copy of the monthly newsletter, please let the office know.
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The Hoisington Chamber of Commerce
123 N Main St.
Hoisington, KS 67544
620-653-4311
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