Barton County Health Department

06/16/2026

⚠️ BLUE-GREEN ALGAE ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR KANSAS LAKES ⚠️

Before you swim, boat, fish, or let pets near the water, be sure to check current blue-green algae advisories. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can cause illness in people and animals.

🚫 Warning – Avoid Water Contact
• Marion Reservoir (Marion County)
• Gathering Pond (Geary County)
• Jewell State Fishing Lake (Jewell County)
• King Lake (Lyon County)
• Chisholm Ridge Ponds (Sedgwick County)
• Lake Afton (Sedgwick County)

⚠️ Watch – Use Caution
• Herington City Lake (Old) (Dickinson County)
• Wellington Lake (Sumner County)

🐾 Keep pets away from water that appears bright green, scummy, or resembles spilled paint.

💚 When in doubt, stay out!

Learn more and view current advisories:
🔗 https://kdhe.ks.gov/HAB

06/14/2026

** EXPIRED POST **

7:00pm Weather Update-
Wheatland is working outage issue in Great Bend.
Cell west of Great Bend moving east is still capable of hail up to ping pong

Cells near Cheyenne Bottoms and Claflin may be producing hail as well.

06/05/2026

Public Health Nurse Definition – Highly motivated, self starting RN interested in autonomy in the workplace, utilizing a variety of clinical nursing skills, helping to improve the overall health of the community, one patient at a time. At the Barton County Health Department, our RNs work a 4 ½ day week, with no weekend or holiday hours, in a family friendly setting. With competitive pay, quality health insurance and accrued benefits at the start of employment, don’t you think you need to give us a shot? Work schedule is Monday – Thursday, 8a – 6p (with one hour for lunch) and Friday, 8a until noon. If you have the skill set and want to be part of an amazing team, apply today. Requires an active RN license and passing a physical assessment and drug screen. The application and job description available at the Barton County Administrator’s Office, 1400 Main, Suite 108, Great Bend, Kansas 67530. 620-793-1800 Applications available at www.bartoncounty.org. EOE.

06/05/2026

PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR/DIRECTOR - Barton County, Kansas, is accepting applications for Public Health Administrator/Director. Under direction of the County Administrator, manages budget, staff, daily operations of the Barton County Health Department. Bachelor’s degree in nursing, public administration, business administration or related field, or master’s degree, preferred. Interest in being a regional Director partnering with neighboring county preferred. Salary – $80,000 - $105,000 DOQ. Application and job description available at Barton County Administrator's Office, 1400 Main St, Room 108, Great Bend, Kansas, 67530, and www.bartoncounty.org. (620) 793-1800. EOE.

06/04/2026

Check out our June Newsletter!

06/04/2026

05/30/2026

Just like during pregnancy, eating healthy and nutrient-dense foods while breastfeeding or pumping is important! WIC offers specialized food packages for parents who are breastfeeding or combo-feeding their child up to 12 months old. 🥗🥑🍳
Your local WIC clinic may also provide breastfeeding and pumping supplies, and many parents can access free lactation support from peer counselors and certified lactation providers.

05/28/2026

Iodine is an essential mineral during all stages of life! ❤️ Iodine supports the thyroid by producing hormones necessary to regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. 🌡️ Iodine is also important during pregnancy! Regular iodine intake helps form the cerebral cortex, neural pathways, and hippocampus, helping your baby’s cognitive development! 🧠
The body cannot store iodine for long periods of time, so try to incorporate iodine regularly into your diet! Dairy, seaweed, and seafood are all plentiful sources of iodine. 🐟

05/26/2026

🫛 Peas are the WIC-approved food of the month! Peas are packed with health benefits, and they’re a highly versatile kitchen staple that can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, roasted, or pan-fried 💪
Peas are packed with antioxidants that help build your immune system. They also contain carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which can protect your eyes from chronic diseases! 👀 Peas are also a great source of protein and fiber, helping your body break down carbohydrates and manage your blood sugar! 🌟
This month, try incorporating peas in your family's diet. You can even experiment with different methods of cooking them. Let us know your favorite way! 💭

05/25/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the Barton County Health Department will be CLOSED on Monday, May 25th.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. ❤️🤍💙

We will resume normal business hours the following business day.

Thank you to all who have served.