Mold Remediation in Great Bend, KS

Hoisington pitcher/outfielder Lane French and second baseman Rhen Galla and Larned catcher Carson Shaver earned first-team All-Central Kansas League baseball honors. Larned (15-10, 11-5 CKL) and Hoisington (16-7, 10-6 CKL) finished behind CKL champion Pratt (23-5, 15-1 CKL).

Pitcher Shaver, pitcher Reece Morgan and utility Deacon Martin earned second-team All-CKL honors.

Earning honorable mention honors were Hoisington catcher Marcus Ingram, third bseman Aiden Hekele and utlity player Brodie Crites and Larned third baseman Reese Morgan.

CENTRAL KANSAS FIRST TEAM

PRATT—P/OF Owen Schmidt, 12; P Kyler Craft, 12; OF Caleb Strong; DH Josh Schmidt, 11

HAVEN—3B Brogan Wray, 10; SS Nash Wray, 12; C Chandler Ingold, Utility

HESSTON—P Brody Curran, P OF Keagen Shelite, 12

HOISINGTON—P/OF Lane French, 12; 2B Rhen Galla, 12

LARNED—C Carson Shaver, 12

SMOKY VALLEY—1B Ty Heitschmidt, 11

CENTRAL KANSAS SECOND TEAM

HESSTON—OF Andrew Huxman, 12; 1B Levi Flaming, 10; 2B Jacob Burkholder, 12

LARNED—P Carson Shaver, 12; P Reece Morgan, 11; Deacon Martin, 12, Utility

PRATT—SS Creston Pore, 11; 3B Madden Wilson, 11; C Chaz Teafitiller, 12

HALSTEAD—DH Zach Gavlak, 12; OF Noah Diehl, 11

HAVEN—OF Jaxson Wilder, 11; P Chandler Ingold, 12

SMOKY VALLEY—P Ty Heitschmidt, 11

HILLSBORO—OF Jaeten Loewen, 10

CKL HONORABLE MENTION

HESSTON—P Andrew Huxman, 12 Brody Curran, 12, Utility

HOISINGTON—C Marcus Ingram, 11; 3B Aiden Hekele, 12; Brodie Crites, Utility

SMOKY VALLEY—SS Kaleb Burgardt, 9; Jack Opat, 11, Utility

HALSTEAD—P Brock Odendahl, 11

HAVEN—C Tanner Loughrie, 11

HILLSBORO—P Nash Dickinson, 12

LARNED—3B Reese Morgan, 11

NICKERSON—1B Dale Smith, 10

PRATT—OF Kyler Craft, 12; DH Luke Gatlin, 11

CENTRAL KANSAS LEAGUE

Pratt 15-1 23-5

Hesston 12-4 18-7

Larned 11-5 15-10

Haven 11-5 16-9

Hoisington 10-6 16-7

Nickerson 4-12 4-21

Halstead 4-12 6-18

Hillsboro 3-13 7-17

Smoky Valley 2-14 4-18

PRATT (15-1, 23-5)—WW Halstead 15-1; 14-1; LL Great Bend 0-6; 5-7; WW Haven 9-2; 16-6; WL Hoisington 11-2; 0-7 (forfeit); WW Lyons 12-0; 15-1; WW Nickerson 15-0; 15-0; WW Smoky Valley 17-0; 13-2; WW Hesston 5-1; 6-5; WW Kingman 5-2; 6-1; WW Hillsboro 10-0, 10-0; WW Larned 6-0; 7-1; WW Andale 4-1; 7-6; W Rose Hill 6-0; L Abilene 2-4

HESSTON (12-4, 18-7)—L Life Prep 2-7; WW Hillsboro 19-0; 14-3; WW Halstead 13-6; 7-6; WW Smoky Valley 7-4; 22-15; WL Larned 12-2; 3-7; WW Hoisington 15-6; 15-3; WW Nickerson 15-2; 9-1; W Douglass 16-1; LL Pratt 1-5; 5-6; L Newton 1-12; WL Haven 8-7; 0-10; W Minneapolis 11-0; W Halstead 12-7; W Beloit 10-0; W Silver Lake 11-6; W Sabetha 7-2; L Wichita Trinity 3-10

LARNED (11-5, 15-10)—LL TMP 0-8; 4-11; WL Lyons 12-1; 4-5; LL Hoisington 1-2; 3-6; WL Hesston 7-3; 2-12; WW Smoky Valley 12-3; 2-1; WW Haven 8-6; 7-2; WW Hillsboro 9-3; 4-3; WW Halstead 7-3; 7-2; WW Hugoton 15-5; 12-10; WL Russell 8-6, 4-7; WW Nickerson 6-3; 20-2; LL Pratt 0-6; 1-7; L Buhler 0-2

HAVEN (11-5, 16-9)—W Marion 20-2; W Chase 10-0; WW Smoky Valley 16-1; 10-4; WW Hillsboro 10-4; 12-3; LL Pratt 2-9; 6-16; WW Halstead 10-2; 10-2; WW Remington 12-2; 11-4; LL Larned 6-8; 2-7; WW Hoisington 7-5; 8-0; WW Nickerson 11-1; 10-0; LL Wichita Trinity 4-12; 9-10; W Andale 7-2; L Hutchinson 0-12; WL Hesston 10-0; 7-8; L WIchita Collegiate 4-8

HOISINGTON (10-6, 16-7)—WW Russell 15-14; 13-11; WW Ellinwood 8-3; 4-1; WL Nickerson 15-5; 7-21; WW Larned 2-1; 6-3; WL Pratt 7-0 (forfeit); 2-11; LL Hesston 6-15; 3-15; LL Haven 5-7; 0-8; WW Hillsboro 11-5; 10-7; WW Halstead 3-2; 10-0; WW Smoky Valley 8-2; 16-1; W Lyons 4-3; W Lyons 6-1; L Clay Center 2-10

HALSTEAD (4-12, 6-18)—L Kingman 2-5; L SE Saline 8-9; LL Sedgwick 0-6; 4-10; LL Pratt 1-15; 1-14; LL Hesston 6-13; 6-7; WW Nickerson 8-7 12-2; LL Haven 2-10; 2-10; WL HIllsboro 14-4; 1-6; WL Smoky Valley 6-5; 2-3; LL Larned 3-7; 2-7; WL Douglass 12-8; 1-11; LL Hoisington 2-3; 0-10; W Sylvan/Lucas 12-6; L Hesston 7-12

NICKERSON (4-12, 4-21)—LL Hutchinson Trinity 8-10; 0-5; LL Lyons 5-12; 2-10; LL Halstead 7-8; 2-12; LL Andale 3-18; 3-18; WL Hoisington 21-7; 5-15; LL Pratt 0-15; 0-15; LL Hesston 2-15; 1-9; LL Haven 1-11; 0-10; LL Kingman 3-22; 4-20; WL Hillsboro 4-1, 0-13; WW Smoky Valley 15-10; 11-5; LL Larned 3-6; 2-20; L Beloit 1-5

HILLSBORO (3-13, 7-17)—WW Canton 11-1; 13-7; LL Hesston 0-19; 3-14; LL Haven 3-12; 2-9; L Moundridge 6-8; WL Smoky Valley 11-10; 5-7; W Herington 16-1; WL Halstead 6-1; 4-14; LL Larned 3-4; 3-9; LL Hoisington 5-11; 7-10; W Marion 6-1; WL Nickerson 13-0; 1-4; LL Council Grove 1-10; 3-13; LL Pratt 0-10; 0-10; L Silver Lake 1-11

SMOKY VALLEY (2-14, 4-18)—L Abilene 1-7; LL Haven 1-16; 4-10; LL Hesston 4-7; 15-22; WL Hillsboro 7-5; 10-11; LL Larned 1-2; 3-12; WL Halstead 3-2; 5-6; LL Pratt 0-17; 2-13; WL Lyons 7-5; 0-11; WL SE Saline 8-5; 0-15; LL Nickerson 10-15; 5-11; LL Hoisington 2-8; 1-16; L Ellsworth 0-10

Memorial Stadium was the site of the 138th annual commencement for Great Bend High School graduates on Sunday, May 11.

The GBHS Band played “Pomp and Circumstance” by Elgar during the processional.

Seniors and audience members were welcomed by Principal Brock Funke and then Class President Jillian Reimer led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

There were speeches by co-valedictorians Reese King and Clarise Snapp, and final remarks by Funke before members of the USD 428 Board of Education presented the diplomas and the celebration began.

Snapp told her fellow graduates, “Before we go our separate ways, let’s take a moment to look back, appreciate the people who helped us along the way, the friends we’ve made, and celebrate how far we’ve come.”

She concluded, “Our best memories won’t come from today, and they might not even come from the big moments we always looked forward to when we were younger. They come from the connections and memories we’ve made on our way to the days we’ve anticipated all our lives. Approach life enjoying the little things because it really does go fast. ... Enjoy the little moments you find yourself in for the rest of your life, because that is what makes it so sweet. Life is really about the connections we make and what happens between “enjoy it, it’ll go fast” and “where did all the time go?” If for the rest of my life I make connections like the ones I’ve made here, and get to experience little moments like the ones I have in these last four years, then I know that will be enough for me."

In her reflection on high school and looking to the future, King’s speech recalled a classmate who passed away in 2020:

“The way Devin Randolph could make an entire class laugh with just one silly comment – a voice that, even five years later, still echoes in the quiet moments when we least expect it. Grief teaches you that some sounds never fade. They just change shape. Devin’s story didn’t end when we lost him; it became part of ours,” she said.

“Devin’s legacy isn’t just in our memories; it’s in our choices moving forward. So as we scatter to new places, let’s carry this lesson: The future belongs to those who know what to ignore ... and what to amplify. Let’s go be those people.”

Funke reminded everyone, “We only get one life, and what we will do with it is the question. The beautiful thing about life is choosing what you will do with it. I’m not here to tell you what to do with your life, but I wanted to share things I have learned that have helped me along the way.”

Those things were to control what you can (your attitude and work ethic); don’t wait for the perfect time; own your choices; and live your life.

“I want you to take a moment and look at all these people here today, sharing this day with you and celebrating you—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and community members. I can speak for everyone here today when I say we are so proud of each and every one of you. We love you, care about you, and wish you nothing but the best.”

LARNED — John Henry Albert, 93, passed away May 3, 2025 at his home in Larned.

He was born Sept. 3, 1931 in Glen Elder, Kan., the son of John R. and Lois M. Muck Albert.

He grew up on the family farm south of Glen Elder, farming there until going to work for Southwestern Bell in 1956. Moving to Larned in 1961, farming continued to be his favorite pastime. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Larned, where he served as deacon and usher; 45-year member of the Ft. Larned Noon Lions Club and a Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient; Good Sam’s Camping Club and Card Club. He enjoyed family outings at the lake and the company of his beloved dog, Jake.

On Aug. 17, 1952 he married Marlene Betty Tonne at Beloit, Kan.; she preceded him in death on Nov. 12, 2020.

Survivors include two sons, John D. “JD” (Janet) Albert, Costa Rica, Duane G. (Deanna) Albert, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; two daughters, Cheryl M. (Kim) Beckwith, Melonie K. (Richard) Myers, both of Larned; brother, Ron (Nena) Albert, Victoria, Texas; two sisters, Darlene (Clayton) Lyne, Lincoln, Kan., Carolyn (Merlin) Lyne, Beverly, Kan.; two sisters-in-law, Nadine Albert, Plainville, Judy Albert-Kresin, Beloit; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene; son, Loren D. Albert; four brothers, Max Albert, Tom Albert, Charles Albert, Kendal Albert; sister, Virginia Tidwell.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned. Burial will be in Larned Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Ft. Larned Noon Lions Club or Children’s Teddy Bear Fund in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary

P.O. Box 477

Larned, Kansas 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 6, 2025

The Prairie Godmothers group announces a fun and savory way to support local women in need while enjoying a fun evening out. The public is invited to a Sip ‘n Savor Supply Drive & Social event on Thursday, May 1, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Crest Theatre, located at 1905 Lakin Ave. This come-and-go event will feature local, women-owned vendors serving up delicious appetizer, dessert, and wine samples.

Enjoy appetizers from Flavored Celebrations (Kat King), dessert from Freaking Delicious Cheesecake (Allie Cartwright), and wine samples from Rosewood Wine Cellar.

There is no admission fee to enter, but the purpose of the event matches the Prairie Godmothers’ mission of “Women Helping Women,” so guests are asked to bring donations of personal hygiene items for women in need – or a cash donation. Items will go to partner agencies of the Prairie Godmother Funds of the Golden Belt Community Foundation and the cash will help those agencies stock their supply pantries.

Participants can also register for door prize drawings, which will be drawn at the end of the event. They do not have to be present to win.

All past and future donors for The Prairie Godmother Funds at the Golden Belt Community Foundation are considered godmothers, and new godmothers are always welcome to stop by and learn about what this nonprofit group does and how the endowment works.

Donations to the Prairie Godmothers Funds go to a permanent endowment fund. Checks for tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Prairie Godmother Funds, Golden Belt Community Foundation, 1307 Williams St., Great Bend, KS 67530. Make checks payable to GBCF and note Prairie Godmothers in the memo line.

Any woman experiencing an emergency hardship who meets eligibility requirements may reach out to an area non-profit agency, school, church or government entity and ask if they are willing to complete an application for Prairie Godmothers Fund on her behalf. Learn more at goldenbeltcf.org/grants. or the Prairie Godmother Funds webpage https://goldenbeltcf.org/prairie-godmothers/, or send a message through their Facebook Page.