Commission passes on backing youth basketball league

Oct. 26—Although Barton County commissioners applauded youth basketball coach Ethan Thomas' efforts to establish a countywide grade school-level basketball league, they couldn't support offering county funds to help sponsor it. However, they urged him to seek backing from service clubs and the business sector.

"I'm all for this, just not using county money," District 1 Commissioner Kirby Krier said during the commission's Wednesday morning meeting at the Courthouse. "You'll find your money. There are a lot of entities out there that would support this."

"This is an admirable project," said District 5 Commissioner Jennifer Schartz. But, with the commission cutting back on funding outside organizations and trying to watch spending, "we don't have the funds for it."

District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld suggested he approach groups like the Great Bend Kiwanis and Pilot clubs. "That's right up their alley."

Clad in his day job uniform as a Great Bend police officer, Thomas said he was from Ellinwood and played for a church league as a child. While those teams have faded, he wants to bring back youth basketball.

"I would like to form a new Barton County Elementary Basketball League so that we could collectively build all of our future athletes," Thomas said. "I am asking Barton County Commission to sponsor this league to give our kids an opportunity to play at an early age, for so many reasons and benefits."

He was seeking about $7,000 to help pay for referees (he'd pair high school kids with experienced refs) and trophies/medals. Ideally, between admission fees and support from school-based organizations, Thomas said the program would be self-sufficient and wouldn't require county support in the future.

Right now, he as commitments from Central Kansas Christian Academy and Holy Family schools in Great Bend, along with the grade schools in Great Bend's Unified School District 428. Schools in Hoisington and Ellinwood declined this year, but the door remains open for the future, he said.

The teams would feature grades three through six in an eight-week season that would culminate in a single-elimination tournament. Thomas said they hope to start this year's inaugural season Nov. 13 and conclude by Jan. 18.

Games would be on the weekends so students can participate in other extra-circular activities and there would be minimal drive time, he said. Games would be at CKCA, Holy Family and the USD 428 Panther Activity Center.

It would build relationships between players, coaches and school officials, he said. At the same time, "it is getting our younger level players more court time and experience, building our overall sports interest in Barton County."

"This will ultimately increase skill level for Middle school and high school basketball," he said. "It would allow for cheerleading to gain experience at a younger level."

In the future, they plan to start sooner so they will be done in the fall so they don't conflict with the Great Bend Recreation Commission's basketball season.

Commission Chairman Shawn Hutchinson, District 3, said he had spoken with Thomas a while back and tried to sway the commission. However, in the end, he understood the reluctance and told Thomas to tap other community resources.

Any business or organization interested in helping sponsor the league can contact Thomas at 620-566-7619.

Barton County Commission meeting at a glance

Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Wednesday morning:

—Declined a request for sponsorship of the Barton County Elementary Basketball League.

Coach Ethan Thomas is looking to establish an elementary league in Barton County to give community children an opportunity to play at an early age and collectively build all future County athletes. He asked the Barton County Commissioners to consider sponsoring this league through funding the cost of referees and trophies.

—Authorized applying for the Emergency Risk Management Fiscal Year 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program in the amount of $26,835.

The EMPG Program provides federal funding to assist states and local governments in developing and carrying out emergency management programs, said Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller. Passed through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, these federal funds are used to assist counties in enhancing and sustaining all-hazard emergency management programs for the protection of life and property.

—Approved a memorandum of understanding with Barton County and Great Bend Economic Development Inc. to administer $300,000 in financial support the commission approved to help the City of Ellinwood with its water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure project.

In August, Ellinwood City Administrator Chris Komarek said the project includes both the new hospital and new housing area. The Commission approved funding and directed County Counselor Patrick Hoffman to develop the MOU.

—Approved the full release of mortgage for CUNA Mutual.

In 2004, the commission authorized a $1.7 million loan to CPI Qualified Plan Consultants Inc. of approximately $1.7 million. The terms included a five year deferred-principal payment with interest paid annually on a 10-year note at 4% interest, Operations Director Matt Patzner said. The loan proceeds were to be used by CPI, in conjunction with money from other lending sources, the City of Great Bend and local investors, to purchase the business from A.G. Edwards.

In 2009, the loan was repaid following the purchase of the business by CUNA Mutual. The mortgage release is part of the sale of the building to USD 428 for use as a daycare.

—Approved a revised 2022/2023 authorized positions listing.

The update was needed due to changes at the Health Department relative to grants and COVID-19 authorizations. Due to a loss of a grant-funded position, the size of the department's staff will decrease by one position.

—Offered Kansas Association Of Counties Conference overview.

Commissioners Barb Esfeld, Shawn Hutchinson and Kirby Krier attended the Kansas Association of Counties Annual Conference Oct. 17-19 in Overland Park. Esfeld, who was the voting delegate, led the discussion.