May 8, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy Photo Submitted

Barton Community College’s 49th commencement is set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 10, in the Barton Gymnasium. The ceremony will be following a shorter format this year. There will be no official speaker.

After brief comments from President Dr. Heilman, Vice President of Student Services Angie Maddy will present the 2019 Outstanding Graduate awards to Kieora Nichols and Nolan Riley.  

May 7, 2019

Law enforcement may be in Keaton Goering’s blood, but family history isn’t the only factor that influences his new career. Goering’s grandfather was in law enforcement for five decades and his father was a detective. However, his experiences at Barton Community College have kept him motivated.

The new Barton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) patrol deputy successfully completed Barton’s Criminal Justice curriculum and is scheduled to attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center this summer.

May 7, 2019
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska

Sophomore art student Jada Whiterock is no slouch as an artist. She’s proficient in drawing and has become more skilled with other mediums throughout her journey through the Barton art department. While she knows she will always create art, her time at Barton has led her to discover her dream career focused on the conservation and curation of art and artifacts.

May 6, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska and Julie Munden
Photo by Joe Vinduska

First, you go to High School. Then, you go to college. That’s how it’s been done for years, but that’s not how it has to be done in this day and age, and Hoisington High School senior Taylor Schwartz is living proof. Thanks to a combination of online and summer class options at Barton Community College, she is graduating high school in May and five days later she will graduate from Barton with her associate degree in science.

May 6, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska

Sophomore art student Brodie Owens’ work was accepted into the 50th Annual Smoky Hill Art Exhibition. His piece won a $100 prize. The exhibit will be at the Hays Arts Council Gallery 112 E. 11^th St. in Hays and will be on display through June 8.

Owens’ entry was a black and white photograph titled “Old Timey.”

May 4, 2019
Story and photos by Brandon Steinert

Barton Community College Criminal Justice, Medical Assistant, Nursing and EMS students get a taste of reality before they begin their careers.  Field Ops Day is the college’s annual day-long set of intense, realistic scenarios designed to test students’ knowledge and ability to respond in-the-moment. The 2019 Field Ops Day was Saturday on campus.

May 2, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy Photo Submitted

The 10th annual Barton Community College Foundation Sporting Clay Shoot registered 195 shooters who turned out on April 14 to help the Foundation exceed its fundraising goal by $3,000, raising almost $14,000. Proceeds from the shoot are used to fund mini-grants for classroom enhancements.

May 2, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photos submitted

Students from area high schools came to Barton Community College to engage in hands-on workshops from art professionals and participate in a juried art exhibit Wednesday as part of the annual Vortex Day, which is sponsored by the Barton County Arts Council (BCAC) and is underwritten by the Bill J. McKown Endowment/Golden Belt Foundation.

April 25, 2019
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photo by Brandon Steinert

Barton Dance Theater will host a spring concert titled “Beyond Words” at 7 p.m. on April 30 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Admission is $5 per person. Barton students get in free.

The concert will feature the Barton Dance Theater dance company, Barton dance technique classes, Barton Ballroom Dance class students and guest dancers from area studios including Danceography, Euphoria and Just Dance.