Barton County KS

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Barton County is accepting applications for Mechanic / Welder. This position maintains, services, repairs automotive and construction equipment as well as maintains Road & Bridge shop buildings and grounds. This position primarily performs mechanical work and welding as needed, but may assist Road & Bridge crews during storms, emergencies, or as needed. Work schedule M-F 7a-4:30p w/ 30-minute lunch and one hour mandatory overtime per day. Required: high school diploma or equivalent; Class A or Class B CDL driver’s license or obtain within six months of hire and ability to pass drug test. Starting wage negotiable DOQ. Apply online at www.bartoncounty.org, Employment Opportunities, or in person at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main St – Suite 108, Great Bend, Kansas, 67530. (620) 793-1800. EOE. Reasonable accommodation available.

06/01/2026

We can’t Drive 389 in just one day. Instead, we plan day trips throughout the County, meeting with business owners and listening for what is needed and new ideas for our community. If we have any programs that might help, we share. If not, we brainstorm. We want to make real change happen and build better tomorrows.

If you are interested in having the Commission visit your business, please contact us at 620.793.1800 or email [email protected].

While the June 2nd schedule has been determined, and with a planned break for budget meetings, we’re filling our schedule with Travel 389 visits. We want to hear from you!

05/31/2026

Field safety during harvest involves preventing fires, machinery accidents and fatigue-related injuries by daily equipment cleaning, managing fatigue and ensuring clear communication. Key practices include keeping fire extinguishers in cabs, maintaining a 10-foot distance from power lines and inspecting machinery for chaff buildup that can cause fire hazards.

• Fire Prevention: Regularly remove dust and crop residue from combines and tractors to prevent engine fires, especially during hot, dry conditions. Blow off machinery daily with compressed air or a leaf blower.

• Machinery Safety: Always turn off engines before refueling, clearing blockages, or servicing equipment. Keep safety shields and guards in place.

• Electrical Safety: Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. Use a spotter when operating large machinery and lower all equipment before moving.

• Transport and Visibility: Ensure all safety reflectors, lights, and slow-moving vehicle emblems are clean and functional for road transport.

• Personal Safety and Health: Take breaks to manage fatigue. Keep children and bystanders away from working machinery.

• Refueling: Never refuel when the engine is running and allow hot engines to cool for 15 minutes to avoid ignition

05/30/2026

The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southern Russell County in central Kansas...
Northern Barton County in central Kansas...

* Until 715 PM CDT.

* At 610 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Olmitz, or 6
miles northwest of Hoisington, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
Russell, Hoisington, Wilson, Claflin, Dorrance, Olmitz, Milberger,
Bunker Hill, Galatia, Susank, Russell Airport, Wilson State Park,
Wilson Lake, and Odin.

This includes Interstate 70 between Mile Markers 183 and 205.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

05/30/2026

Be weather aware

5:55pm Weather Update-Core of the storm in Barton county is now about a mile north of Albert and moving to the northeast. Large hail up to 1.25" in diameter and strong winds to 60 mph remain likely with that storm.

05/30/2026

Field safety during harvest involves preventing fires, machinery accidents and fatigue-related injuries by daily equipment cleaning, managing fatigue and ensuring clear communication. Key practices include keeping fire extinguishers in cabs, maintaining a 10-foot distance from power lines and inspecting machinery for chaff buildup that can cause fire hazards.

• Fire Prevention: Regularly remove dust and crop residue from combines and tractors to prevent engine fires, especially during hot, dry conditions. Blow off machinery daily with compressed air or a leaf blower.
• Machinery Safety: Always turn off engines before refueling, clearing blockages, or servicing equipment. Keep safety shields and guards in place.
• Electrical Safety: Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. Use a spotter when operating large machinery and lower all equipment before moving.
• Transport and Visibility: Ensure all safety reflectors, lights, and slow-moving vehicle emblems are clean and functional for road transport.
• Personal Safety and Health: Take breaks to manage fatigue. Keep children and bystanders away from working machinery.
• Refueling: Never refuel when the engine is running and allow hot engines to cool for 15 minutes to avoid ignition

05/30/2026

Weather update

05/30/2026

Remember to follow local reliable sources and to have multiple ways to receive weather updates.

Severe storms are likely this afternoon and evening, especially across portions of central and south-central Kansas. The strongest storms will be capable of hail up to tennis ball size, wind gusts up to 80 mph, and a tornado or two.