If you have an event that is open to the public, let us know at least one week in advance. **Paid promotions** are also available. Contact Susan Thacker at the Great Bend Tribune, 2012 Forest Ave., Great Bend, KS 67530; call 620-792-1211 or email sthacker@gbtribune.com.
FRIDAY, Jan. 9
Ellinwood Library Exhibit: Americans and the Holocaust
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ellinwood School/Community Library, 210 N. Schiller Ave. The exhibit is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The Ellinwood Library is one of only three libraries in Kansas to host the Holocaust exhibit. Ends Saturday.
KWEC Turtle Tot: Winter Warmth
10 a.m. at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center on K-156 between Great Bend and Claflin. A nature-based program for preschoolers 3-5 years of age. Pre-registration for this free event is required by Jan. 7. Call 877-243-9268 or email amkern2@fhsu.edu.
Girls Night Out
7-9 p.m. at the Heartland Center for Spirituality, 3600 Broadway Ave., enter through the west door. A night packed with games, laughter, tasty refreshments, and great company, with a 50/50 drawing at 8:50 p.m. Admission is free.
SATURDAY, Jan. 10
**Second Saturday Sale **
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Forest Avenue Antiques, 2025 Forest Ave. Storewide sales!
Ellinwood Library Exhibit: Americans and the Holocaust – Final Day
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ellinwood School/Community Library, 210 N. Schiller Ave. The exhibit is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The Ellinwood Library is one of only three libraries in Kansas to host the Holocaust exhibit.
Sunshine Community Gardens meeting
10 a.m. to noon at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. The Barton County Conservation District invites local garden enthusiasts to attend one or both of two information sessions (the next is Jan. 13) regarding Great Bend’s newest community garden.
SUNDAY, Jan. 11
Great Bend Community Theatre auditions for “Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa”
2 p.m. at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave.
Rush County Community Choir’s Christmas cantata, “The Ballad of Bethlehem”
2 p.m. at the La Crosse United Methodist Church in La Crosse and at 4:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 1243 CR 400 in rural Albert. Refreshments will be served. The cantata was rescheduled from December.
MONDAY, Jan. 12
Barton County Commission 2026 organizational meeting
9:30 a.m. at the courthouse. Note the change from the usual Tuesday meeting date.
Adult Education Orientation Session
Time determined by student choice, at The Center for Adult Education, 1025 Main St., Great Bend. Students must attend all four sessions (Jan. 12-15). Actual classes will start the following week on Jan. 20 or 21 depending on which schedule students prefer. Contact: Gina Owen, 620-786-7565.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Rose Auditorium, 1412 Baker Ave.
Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meeting
5 p.m. at the District Education Center, 1809 24th St.
Great Bend Community Theatre auditions for “Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa”
7 p.m. at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave.
TUESDAY, Jan. 13
Sunshine Community Gardens meeting
4:30-6 p.m.at the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St. The Barton County Conservation District invites local garden enthusiasts to attend this information session regarding Great Bend’s newest community garden.
Barton Community College Board of Trustees study session
4 p.m. in Room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building, 245 NE 30 Road.
THURSDAY, Jan. 15
Great Bend Chamber Coffee hosted by Landmark National Bank
9 a.m. at 1623 Main. Program at 9:30.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by United Way of Central Kansas
9:30 a.m. at First Kansas Bank
Larned Area Chamber Coffee hosted by Welcome Inn
9:30 a.m.
FRIDAY, Jan. 16
Ellinwood Chamber Coffee hosted by United Way of Central Kansas
10 a.m. at Sunflower Bank, 13 N. Main.
Shafer Art Gallery Exhibit Reception: “Go Figure”
4-6 p.m. at the Shafer Gallery, located in the Fine Arts Building at Barton Community College. The Shafer Gallery features a compelling exhibition drawn from its permanent collection, showcasing a range of figurative works that explore the human form in all its complexity. From classical studies to contemporary interpretations, these pieces highlight the expressive power of the body in art. Please note: this exhibition contains artistic nudity. Reception will feature light refreshments and a gallery talk. This exhibit was curated by Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner.
SUNDAY, Jan. 18
Bowls, Rolls and Power Poles
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Knights Building, 209 Main St., in Olmitz. The event will be offered as a freewill donation meal, with all proceeds benefiting the Olmitz Park Project. It is hosted by Western Cooperative Electric. Participants will have their choice of chili or chicken noodle, and a cinnamon roll.
MONDAY, Jan. 19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Great Bend City Council Meeting
6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. and livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/cityofgreatbend.
THURSDAY, Jan. 22
Great Bend Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Ambassadors
9 a.m. at the Chamber Board Room, 1125 Williams St. Program at 9:30.
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by K-State Cottonwood Extension District.
9:30 a.m. at the Chamber Office.
Writing workshop
6-7:30 p.m. at the Barton Community College Library, Cavanaugh Room. Contact: Justin Brown, 620-792-9202.
FRIDAY, Jan. 23
Military and First Responders Night Out
6-8 p.m. at 916 Williams St. This is a free evening of child care for children 6-12 years old, for all military and first responders. Snacks and games/activities provided. Preregistration is required; just shoot an email to Dropping22ks@gmail.com or call 620-786-0687.
MONDAY, Jan. 26
Ellinwood Food Bank and Commodities
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Commodities will be distributed at 4:45 p.m. at Ellinwood Community Church, 701 Friz Ave. The Ellinwood Food Bank will be open at that location from 3-4:45 p.m.
TUESDAY, Jan. 27
Barton Community College Board of Trustees meeting
4 p.m. in Room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building, 245 NE 30 Road.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 28
Great Bend USD 428 Board of Education meeting
Noon at Riley Elementary School, 1515 10th St.
THURSDAY, Jan. 29
Kansas Day
Hoisington Chamber Coffee hosted by Hoisington Floral at Chamber Office
9:30-10:30 a.m.
