Barton Community College

December 11, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert

An article by Barton Coordinator of Adult Education Matt Connell was recently published in “Innovation Abstracts” magazine by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). NISOD is a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges.

Great Bend Tribune
Published December 8, 2019

December 6, 2019
Story and photo by Brandon Steinert

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.