News

December 6, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert

Starting in February 2020, new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations will require those wishing to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) attend an FMCSA registered training facility. Students will need to earn both theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) certifications before taking the driving test.  Barton is ready to help future drivers get the credentials they need by offering a 6-week online theory course in addition to the 8-week BTW course.

December 5, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska

Barton Community College’s Center for Adult Education will soon begin its nine-week GED Preparation Class. Orientation classes are the first step to obtaining the Kansas State High School Diploma through the GED Prep Program. Students must attend all orientation classes Jan. 13-15 to qualify for classes. The first day of actual classes is Jan. 20. The center is located at 1025 Main St. in Great Bend.

Great Bend Tribune
Published December 1, 2019

November 26, 2019
Story and portrait by Brandon Steinert

Yota Kamikawa came to Barton Community College from Japan knowing only a little English, but in less than three months he is able to competently carry on a conversation in his second language. Kamikawa has been taking English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Barton, and he said it has made all the difference.

“My English has improved quite a bit,” he said. “I hope to one day work as an analyst for a professional baseball team.”

November 20, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska

The Shafer Art Gallery will hold its annual Holiday Open House from 1-3:30 on Dec. 1. A comedic juggling performance by “Jay & Leslie” will be from 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. Holiday-themed refreshments and crafts and a visit from Santa will follow. The Friends & Acquaintances exhibit will also be on display.

Gallery Director Dave Barnes said everyone will enjoy the magical setting of the Gallery during the holidays.

Great Bend Tribune
Published November 24, 2019

November 21, 2019
Story and photos by Brandon Steinert

David Marcus is 30 years old. He has been incarcerated at Ellsworth Correctional Facility for his entire adult life, since he was 18. And like most inmates in correctional facilities, he has a release date and it is only four years away.

When that date comes, the difference between Marcus successfully assimilating as a productive member of society or winding up incarcerated again, a well-researched cycle known as recidivism, could be the education he pursued through Barton Community College while behind bars.

November 19, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska

The Barton Community College Performing Arts Department will hold auditions for the 2019 Spring Musical, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” Auditions are open to everyone and will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on December 8 and 9 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The show will be presented March 6-8.

Barton Theatre Director Miller James said he is excited to cast the show.

November 21, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska

Barton Community College will be closed for Thanksgiving break Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Friday, Nov. 29. The college will resume its regular schedule on Monday, Dec. 2.

November 19, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy Photo Submitted

Barton will host a reception for the unveiling of the League of Women Voters of Kansas (LWVK) mobile-museum titled “Learning from the Past, Imagining the Future,” from 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Barton Library. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit brings to life the history of the women’s suffrage movement.