News

November 11, 2026
Story and photo by Addison Crites

Barton Community College welcomed more than 200 high school students from 19 schools to campus for the Annual Jack Kilby STEM Day (JKSD) on Nov. 6.

Now in its 22nd year, the event is designed to encourage students to explore future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. JKSD continues to honor the legacy of Great Bend native and Nobel Prize-winning inventor Jack Kilby, whose development of the microchip revolutionized modern technology.

One of the most internationally renowned and iconic ballet productions will be brought to life as the Barton Dance program, in collaboration with Aly’s Dance Studio and dancers from around the region, presents “The Nutcracker for the Golden Belt” from Nov. 20-21 at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 22 in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Barton campus.

Four Barton Community College music students earned honors at the Kansas Music Teachers Association (KMTA) and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) State Competitions held recently at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, competing against collegiate musicians from institutions across the state.

Barton Community College will host student recitals at 5 p.m. Nov. 4, 18, and Dec. 2 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building.

The Barton Community College Library and editors of Barton’s “Prairie Ink” literary journal will host a Writers’ Workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Cavanaugh Room of the Learning Resource Center and via Zoom at https://bartonccc-edu.zoom.us/my/brownj.

The Barton Community College Music Department will host area music educators and their ensembles for the “KS 250 Music Project” concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Great Bend City Auditorium, 1214 Stone St.

Barton Community College hosted a President’s Forum Oct. 23, offering campus updates, a question-and-answer session with college leadership, and recognition of employees for their years of service.

Barton Community College faculty, staff, and students invite ghosts and goblins of all ages to celebrate the creative side of Halloween for free with the “Haunting on the Hill 6” event from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 24 in and around the Fine Arts Building.