Something unusual happened during the holiday season last year. The Great Bend Cookie Contest was held and perennial powerhouse Forever Young (Kids Resale), located at 1101 Main Street, was not among the top-three finishers. Up until that time, store owner Betty Hazlett prided herself on being among the top-three bakers, since entering the contest for the first time in 2020. She even reigned as champion two consecutive years when the unusual thing happened.

To set the baking universe right again, Hazlett re-introduced her winning cookie from two years ago, a Snickerdoodle with Cream Cheese Frosting, and she happily claimed the Great Bend Cookie Contest Champion crown, once again.

{image_1} “Last year, I didn’t think I was going to win, but I figured I’d surely be in the top three, so I was disappointed when that didn’t happen,” said Hazlett. “It feels really good to be back as cookie champion, especially by bringing back our crowd favorite. People want me to bake and sell more of these cookies to them; that’s how good they are.”

The 17th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest was held in downtown Great Bend on Nov. 29 during a windy and cold Small Business Saturday. Forever Young led the cookie judges voting with 53 votes. Rosewood Furniture Gallery finished runner-up with 29 votes, serving its Christmas Cookie. Third place with 23 votes went to Kustom Floor Designs, serving its Apple Fritter Cookie.

Around Halloween, Hazlett made her decision to bake her Snickerdoodle again for this year’s contest. She then snagged an extra advantage by bringing back her veteran baking team of daughters Rachelle Hapes and Tara Hazlett. They prepared and froze the dough a few weeks earlier, then on “Bake Friday” the skilled team baked and frosted Snickerdoodles for 5 1/2 hours.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s been really fun to do this every year,” said Hazlett. “It’s become tradition. My family enjoys getting together and baking. Some years it gets hectic when we don’t know what cookie we’re baking. It was much easier this year, though, because we’ve baked this cookie before.”

In what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition, more than 200 cookie judges donated at least $5 for a cookie bracelet, which allowed them to visit 10 Great Bend businesses and taste cookies before voting on their favorite one. This year, $1,020 was raised and went to the Community Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest with Forever Young, Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters) and Kustom Floor Designs were The Beauty Bar Salon; Buckle; Happy Girl Flower Shop; Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; Rosewood Bargain Barn; The Wright Place; and Rosewood Wine Cellar.

According to Great Bend Cookie Contest organizers, bragging rights for “best cookie” are a fun part of the event, but the true impact is reflected on the proceeds raised to help those in need, within the community.

“It was great seeing the variety of cookies baked for this year’s contest, and a special congratulations to Forever Young for earning the Cookie Champion title with their delicious Frosted Snickerdoodle, said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “I am very appreciative of all the businesses participating in the cookie contest this year. Despite the wintry weather, we had a great turn-out of judges and shoppers for this year’s contest. We are especially grateful to be able to donate all the proceeds to the Food Bank of Barton County during this holiday season.”

As part of activities wrapped into Small Business Saturday, cookie contest businesses also donated prizes, which were awarded to cookie contest participants that afternoon with a Facebook Live drawing following the contest.

Besides delicious cookie and fun prizes, Hazlett said the annual event always brings shoppers to Forever Young, with several of them visiting her store for the first time.

“It was stronger sales than usual for us this year,” Hazlett said about Small Business Saturday. “I imagine that crowds for shopping would have been sparse otherwise, because it was so cold and windy on that day. But people were in here shopping, as well as participating in the cookie contest. I like the contest because it’s always good for business on that day. And it always brings in people who haven’t been here before. We’ll definitely be doing the contest again next year, but with a different cookie.”

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

For more information, contact Anna Hammond, Rosewood Services, 620-793-5888

December 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, PR Director, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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The Santas Around the World exhibit, located at 1223 Main Street, is now open for the Christmas season. Twenty-five life sized Santas, representing countries and regions from around the world, appear in a winter wonderland of lighted trees and festive holiday décor in downtown Great Bend.

Additionally, the City of Great Bend provides a free opportunity for Santa Claus to visit with children at the exhibit location during the same regular hours that the Santas exhibit is open to the public.

The public can visit the international Santa display from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. People can schedule appointments outside of those hours by calling Mike at Rosewood Studio (620) 792-2536, info@rosewoodservices.com. The Santas exhibit will be on display and Santa Claus will be available through Dec. 23, which is a special Tuesday opening this year.

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The Santas Around The World exhibit is presented by Roots & Wings Foundation, which provides therapeutic, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need who have developmental disabilities.

There is no charge to visit the exhibit, but a freewill donation is suggested to provide funds to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation that go toward helping to maintain the ‘Santas Around the World’ exhibit. Also, a portion of the funds are donated to Great Bend’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program for helping to man the booth through the season.

The multi-cultural Santas are a collection that span mostly six years of work and artistry by Great Bend artist Loretta Miller, beginning in 1999. Then, in the fall of 2022, the community’s longtime Santa Claus, Randy Smith, donated his late wife Sandy’s Mrs. Claus outfit to be used for the new addition to the exhibit. Miller’s completed work of Mrs. Claus was her first to the exhibit in 17 years, and the new sculpture was introduced to the public during the Christmas 2022 season. Following that season, Randy donated his Santa suit to the exhibit and Miller infused new life into Santa Claus for the 2023 season. Sadly, Randy passed away in February 2024, but not before experiencing the joy of last holiday season, knowing his suit joined Sandy’s in “Santa Spirit” as part of the Santas Around The World exhibit.

People can find out more about the exhibit by visiting the website, SantasAroundTheWorld.com.      

-SATW-

Find more about Santas Around The World online, https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld

For more information, contact Michael Dawes, PR & Marketing, 620-792-2536

December 2, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

For more than two decades, Rosewood Gallery has been a trusted destination for heirloom-quality solid-wood furniture. Now, the Gallery is expanding its commitment to sustainability by offering a growing selection of eco-friendly cleaning and reusable household products, making it easier for the community to live and clean green. The new product lines are perfect for use during the Holiday season.

Located in downtown Great Bend, Rosewood Gallery now stocks nearly a dozen planet-friendly cleaning solutions that are tough on grime but gentle on the environment. In addition, the store features a wide array of reusable kitchen and laundry essentials designed to reduce waste and promote mindful living. The Gallery’s new products are produced by trusted brands in the eco-friendly manufacturing industry like Earthly, Therapy Clean and Once Again.

Products That Clean with a Conscience: ● stainless steel wipes ● granite & stone cleaner ● wood and cabinet cleaner ● dish soap ● all-purpose cleaner ● window and glass cleaner ● tub & tile cleaner.        

Reusables That Replace Disposables: ● “non-paper” towels ● washable sponges ● washable snack bags ● reusable and compostable bags, reusable cotton pads ● eco-clean sheets. ● wool dryer balls.

Whether you're updating your home furnishings or rethinking your green routine, Rosewood Gallery offers practical, cost-effective eco-conscious alternatives that help protect the planet — without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

“We’re definitely seeing interest with our new eco-friendly products,” said Kathy Thatcher, Rosewood Gallery Administrator. “Some of our all-purpose cleaners and reusable sponges have been brisk sellers. The reusable silicon bags, as well as the wood cabinet cleaner have also been selling over the past few months, since we began offering these products. I think it’s wonderful that we are introducing eco-friendly options to our community.”

Rosewood Gallery is a part of Rosewood Services which celebrates the unique abilities, successes, and choices of people with developmental disabilities. Rosewood Gallery is both a manufacturing and retail facility. Each furniture piece is made with high-quality wood and offers an exceptional value for customers.

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Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

For more information, contact Kathy Thatcher, Rosewood Gallery Administrator, Gallery@RosewoodServices.com, 620-793-8599.

November 24 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Great Bend Cookie Contest organizers are throwing it back for this year’s event, scheduled Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Great Bend. That is to say that contest organizers are reverting back to the old donation price of $5 per voting box and bracelet to enter, a decrease in price from the last two years.

The local holiday tradition typically brings flocks of shoppers to downtown Great Bend during Small Business Saturday to sample and judge sweet treats served by Great Bend retail stores. The 17th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest is held in conjunction with the “Home for the Holidays Parade and Festival.” As in previous years, all collected proceeds go to the Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

“While we are motivated to raise as much money as possible for the Food Bank, we also want to balance the cost of the event for shoppers so that they choose to enjoy their Small Business Saturday with us in downtown Great Bend,” said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “We want to keep our event as fun and affordable as possible, while still raising much-needed funds for the Food Bank.” 

The cookie contest allows people to sample cookies from participating businesses and vote for the best cookie in town. A maximum 250 shoppers have participated in the event three of the past five years. Cookie contest organizers are anticipating large participation numbers again this year and encourage shoppers to get their voting bracelets by noon on Nov. 29, otherwise, they may already be gone.

To vote for your favorite cookie, stop by Cookie Headquarters on Saturday (Nov. 29) at Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 16th and Main in downtown Great Bend, to pick up a cookie box and voting bracelet. All votes to be counted must be returned to Cookie Headquarters by 4 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Besides getting to sample amazing cookies and having a say in which business bakes the best cookie, cookie contest judges have a chance to win prizes during drawings that will take place at Rosewood Gallery and recorded live at https://www.facebook.com/RosewoodFurnitureGallery. Drawing winners will be contacted to pick up their prizes the following week at Rosewood Gallery. Following prize drawings, the winner of the Great Bend Cookie Contest will be announced.

Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest are Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters); Buckle; Forever Young (Kids Resale); Happy Girl Flower Shop; Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; Kustom Floor Designs; Rosewood Bargain Barn; Rosewood Wine Cellar; The Beauty Bar Salon; and The Wright Place.

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com
Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

Learn more about Great Bend Cookie Contest, https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/cookie-contest
Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld

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For the sixth consecutive year, the public has the opportunity to take in the fun and merriment of the holiday season in Great Bend, while riding aboard the Dolly Trolley. Holiday Lights Tours are free to the public, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individual sponsors. And for the fourth consecutive season, there is a convenient online option to sign up for Dolly Trolley Holiday Lights Tours.

Hourlong rides depart in front of Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street, downtown Great Bend. They return to the same location. The Bargain Barn is offering hot beverages and cookies for sale to Dolly Trolley riders before heading out on their excursion. Once on board the trolley for the tour, riders will have a spectacular window view as they experience the dazzling Trail of Lights and splendor of the Holiday Season in Great Bend this season.

People can sign up for tours by going online to SantasAroundTheWorld.com/dolly-trolley, or at Eventbrite.com, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dolly-trolley-holiday-lights-tour-2025-tickets-1909782564059?aff=oddtdtcreator

Seating is limited to eight people per ticket order. People can also schedule their trolley rides during regular business hours by going to Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main, Great Bend.

The Holiday Lights Tour schedule begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 and runs through the 8 p.m. tour on Dec. 30. The Trolley does not run on Sundays through that period, nor will it run during Christmas Eve or Christmas.

Once ordered, those needing to cancel their tickets are asked to do so using the Eventbrite app, send an e-mail to info@rosewoodservices.com with contact information, or stop into Rosewood Bargain Barn to provide contact details for cancelation. Canceling online will automatically provide seat availability for others to tour.

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-SATW-

Find more about Santas Around The World online, https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/santasaroundtheworld

For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Rosewood Services Director of Public Relations, michaeld@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.

October 29, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of public relations, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Rosewood Miracle Workers AKTION Club’s 11th Annual “Coloring Book and Crayon Drive” is happening now through the month of November.

Upon completion of the drive on Nov. 30, club members will distribute the donated items to community charities that serve children.

“The Coloring Book drive is one of our club’s longest-running efforts to benefit the community,” explained Rosewood AKTION Club sponsor, Frankie Pelster. “Our club members take so much pride in being able to help area children; this drive is one of their favorite things to do each year. We appreciate the support that the community has given to helping us in carrying out our good-will effort for all of these years. We are hoping for continued community support this year.”

People can drop off coloring book and crayon donations, along with monetary donations for the purchase of coloring books and crayons to two locations in downtown Great Bend. Those locations are Rosewood Furniture Gallery, 1607 Main Street; and Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street.

For the seventh consecutive year, Rosewood AKTION Club is in a friendly competition with Rosewood Services employees to see which group can raise the most items. Rosewood AKTION Club receives the help of community donated items counting toward its numbers. Rosewood Day Services has won most times, but AKTION Club has proven victorious the past three years.

“The competition is fun, but the most important thing is that we bring a lot of coloring books and crayons to the children in need,” explained Pelster. “This community drive is always a labor of love for our members. They’ve brought thousands of smiles to children’s faces over the past decade and they are looking forward to continuing that tradition.”

For questions about Rosewood AKTION Club’s Coloring Book and Crayon Drive, contact Pelster at 620-792-2536; employmentspecialist@RosewoodServices.com.

Rosewood AKTION Club is an affiliate of the national Kiwanis organization that promotes service in action for people with developmental disabilities. The area club allows Rosewood clients to be actively involved in the community and to positively impact the lives of others.

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, http://rosewoodservices.com

Follow us at facebook.com/RosewoodServices

The 21st Annual Rosewood Rodeo went off without a hitch, galloping into Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena on Oct. 4 with heart, horsepower, and a whole lot of cowboy grit. From seasoned riders and tireless volunteers to tried-and-true therapy horses, this year’s Rodeo turned in a smooth ride from start to finish.

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Twenty-eight equine therapy riders displayed their horsemanship skills at this year’s Rodeo; skills they developed throughout the year by participating in equine therapy at Rosewood Ranch. Located five miles north of Pawnee Rock, Rosewood Ranch exists to help people with developmental disabilities. The Rodeo is the grand day annually that equine therapy participants get to showcase their abilities to family, friends and community members.

“No matter how many years the equine therapy riders have been involved, there’s always renewed excitement for the Rodeo,” explained Rosewood Ranch Manager Eric Hammond. “That’s the biggest thing that gets to me. They work toward it every year and there’s always the excitement for competition come Rodeo day. This year, our participants were really focused on their rides; our therapy horses stayed energized throughout; our seasoned horse-handler volunteers kept the flow moving smoothly; and the crowd showed up to support the riders. Overall, it was a great Rodeo!” 

Riding experience and abilities covered the gamut at this year’s Rodeo. Amy Wigren competed in only her second Rodeo, after her initial appearance eight years earlier. That was in contrast to Josh Trimmer, who has competed in every Rosewood Rodeo, since it began in 2005, along with Robin Bethel and Shaun Ledesma who have each missed only one Rodeo during that span.

Joining the most seasoned and novice riders were Rodeo teammates Crystal Alkire, Pam Babcock, Stacy Buchwald, Keith Boyer, Vance Cornwell, Chris Devine, Jonathan Folkerts, Logan Gregg, Codie Hardie, Taylor Hertach, DJ Johnson, Rita Mestas, Tyler Michaelis, Kaleb Nixon, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, Abbey Stanley, Debbie Wasinger, Jim West, and Jim Wonsetler.

In addition to the adult riders, Rosewood’s youth riders, involved in the Children’s Equine Therapy Program, participated in a trail pattern event at the beginning of the Rodeo. At the end of each of their rides, the youth riders received a ribbon for their participation and they were photographed with their award. Youth riders participating in this year’s Rodeo were Collin Duncan, Shawn Minor, Landon Titsworth, and Faith Schneweis-Trickey.

Therapy horses participating in this year’s Rodeo were Jordan, Harriet, Colonel, and MR. Red. All of them have at least four years of Rosewood Rodeo experience.

Rosewood’s Percheron wagon team of Dixie and Dolly made their appearance during the grand entry. The Honorable Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles provided the invocation during the Rodeo grand entry ceremony, which began the day’s events.

Other events throughout the day added to the Rodeo experience. They included two performances by the all-female horse-riding drill team, “The American Freedom Riders.” Day Services Team won a staff competition against the Residential Services and Administration Teams. A silent auction of items donated by local businesses was held to raise money, with proceeds from the auction going to Rosewood’s Roots and Wings Foundation. And a tack shop also provided items for sale, selling items made by Rosewood clients who work at Rosewood Studio and Retail locations. A photo booth, games and activities entertained children throughout the day. A pulled pork lunch, along with a variety of concession items, was available for purchase during the Rodeo.

Immediately following the Rodeo, awards were presented. Tori Rose earned the medal for “Best Cowboy Spirit;” Keith Boyer was named “Most Improved Rider;” and Pam Babcock won the “Most Inspirational Leader” award.

Ribbons were presented to participants for Trails, along with Barrel and Horsemanship events. The clients competed in three levels, depending on their riding ability: rider with lead and side-walker, rider with lead, and independent rider.

During the awards ceremony, high point and reserve awards were presented to Horse Show participants. The adult therapy riders were recognized in front of their peers and spectators for earning the most points in their respective categories during Horse Show Days at Rosewood Ranch throughout this year. Sashes were awarded to winners, representing three divisions in the categories of trail and horsemanship. Awards were also presented for showmanship.

Winners in each respective category were: High Point Trail – Cierra Roberts, Debbie Wasinger, Crystal Alkire; Reserve Trail – Tori Rose, Keith Boyer, Shaun Ledesma; High Point Horsemanship – Amy Wigren, Robin Bethel, Jim Wonsetler; Reserve Horsemanship – Taylor Hertach, Codie Hardie, Chris Devine; High Point Showmanship – Chris Devine; and Reserve Showmanship – Crystal Alkire.

This year’s Rodeo was sponsored by 20 businesses. Sponsors were: Great Bend Appliance Furniture & Sleep Source; Heartland Homecare Services; Kustom Floor Designs; Office Products Inc.; Rosencrantz-Bemis Enterprises; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAS; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Fuller Industries; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; Marmie Auto Group; Miller Lawns; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; MPIRE Companies; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; G-B Tires; and Price & Sons Construction.

Approximately 50 people helped at this year’s event, which was organized by the Rosewood Rodeo Committee, led by Rodeo Chairman Anna Hammond.

“As the saying goes, this isn’t our first Rodeo,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “But each year, the success of our special day comes down to the commitment of so many people, from the riders to the volunteers; to friends, families and supporters; to donors and sponsors of our event that showcases the folks from our award-winning equine therapy program at Rosewood Ranch. Thank you to everyone who did their part this year to create cherished memories for our Rosewood Rodeo participants and their families. Your support means so much to them, and to all of us at Rosewood Services.”

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, rosewoodservices.com

Follow us: facebook.com/RosewoodServices/

For more information, contact Eric Hammond, EricH@rosewoodservices.com, 620-786-1693

October 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

Participating in Rosewood Rodeo’s Silent Auction is like celebrating Christmas in October. Here’s how: Come by Rosewood Rodeo Oct. 4, set a competitive price on cool auction items, then get notified for your winning bids. It’s a FUN opportunity to purchase quality items at under-market-value prices.

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The auction is part of the 21st Annual Rodeo, held at Barton County Fair Expo III Indoor Arena, two miles west on 10th and Patton Road, Great Bend. In conjunction with the rodeo’s grand entry, the Rosewood Silent Auction will begin at 10 a.m. Then bids will be accepted throughout the day until the auction closes at 2:45 p.m. Winning bidders will be contacted following the silent auction, so they don’t have to be present to win.

During the auction, there are more than 70 items to bid on, ranging in retail value from approximately $10 to more than $400. These items are all new products and most likely will sell for well under their retail value. Auction items include a wide variety of merchandise like a 32-inch LG Smart TV with a starting bid of $100. A DeWalt Impact Driver Kit has an opening bid of $30; a Browning Rechargeable Spotlight opens with a bid of $26; and a Halo Essential Griddle Kit has an opening bid of $20.  

Also included for bidding are multiple gift baskets, and many wonderful gift cards, certificates and passes. For a preview, bidders can access photos of the auction items at https://flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720329353665

All the auction items were donated by community businesses and individuals as a fundraiser to Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation. Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation provides unmet medical and therapeutic needs, legal assistance, along with educational opportunities to people who have developmental disabilities.

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com

Follow us on Facebook, facebook.com/RosewoodServices/

For more information, contact Frankie Pelster, EmploymentSpecialist@rosewoodservices.com, 620-796-2242.

September 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Early signs of autumn mean that Rosewood Rodeo is nearly here! The 21st annual equine-therapy rodeo will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Barton County Fair Grounds Expo III Arena, located two miles west on 10th and Patton Road, Great Bend.

Throughout the Rosewood Rodeo, the public is invited to come out and experience family-friendly fall fun. There is no admission charge.

The annual rodeo is a highlight of the year for equine-therapy riders from Rosewood Services, who practice their riding skills at Rosewood Ranch on a weekly basis throughout the year. Rosewood Ranch is a full-working horse ranch near Pawnee Rock, where people with developmental disabilities learn to ride and care for approximately 75 horses.

“We absolutely love this time of the year,” said Rosewood CEO Tammy Hammond. “With the changing of the season comes our Rosewood showcase where our therapy riders get to show their stuff in front of the home crowd. They take pride in their accomplishments and it’s also such a special day for family members, friends and Rosewood staff who come out to enjoy the Rodeo festivities.”

Rodeo-day fun includes children’s activities and games, a photo booth, and face painting. It’s a come-and-go event for spectators, so people can choose the times they wish to attend. Reasonably priced Chuck Wagon Concessions are also available, which includes a pulled pork lunch.

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In between the day’s rodeo events, there are two performances by the “American Freedom Riders” horse riding drill team. “American Freedom” will perform at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., featuring different programs during each performance (All performance times are approximate.)

The 21st Annual Rosewood Rodeo’s grand entry and flag ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Then, throughout the day, therapeutic rodeo events will be held for Rosewood Services riders, including an event for children riders, followed by the award ceremony at approximately 3 p.m.

During the rodeo, the public can participate in a silent auction, where they can expect to find excellent deals on merchandise, with all bids closing at 2:45 p.m. Proceeds from the auction go to Rosewood’s non-profit Roots & Wings Foundation. The foundation provides therapeutic, medical, educational and recreational opportunities to people in need, who have developmental disabilities.

Plan to attend any or all of the day’s events while browsing tack-shop merchandise, which will be available throughout the day.

Below is a listing of events slated for this year’s Rosewood Rodeo:
Family Fun! Free Admittance!
● Kids’ Games and Activities, including Face Painting
● “American Freedom Riders” Drill Team Performances
● Tack Shop with Novelties and Rosewood Client-Made Items
● Photo Booth
● Silent Auction
● Chuck Wagon Concessions
● Two Rodeo Events by Rosewood Services Adult Riders
● One Rodeo Event by Rosewood Services Children Riders
● Staff Races
● Award Ceremony for Rodeo Participants

Sponsors of this year's Rosewood Rodeo are: Great Bend Appliance Furniture & Sleep Source; Heartland Homecare Services; Kustom Floor Designs; Office Products Inc.; Adams Brown Strategic Allies and CPAS; AlternaCare Home Medical Equipment; Animal Medical Center; Fuller Industries; Marmie Auto Group; Miller Lawns; Moeder Plumbing, Heating & Air; Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency; MPIRE Companies; Peoples Bank & Trust; University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend; Wheatland Electric; Zip Stop Inc.; G-B Tires; and Price & Sons Construction. 

-RW-

Find more about Rosewood Services online, RosewoodServices.com

Follow us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RosewoodServices/

For more information, contact Michael Dawes, Director of PR, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com, 620-792-2536.

September 12, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com

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Storm Special Olympics Team marked a busy 2024-25 athletics campaign, consisting of bowling in early fall, basketball and cheerleading last winter, then finishing with track and field in the spring. The athletics season began with bowling balls rumbling down hardwood lanes last September, gained momentum with strong showings by Storm Team members at State basketball and cheerleading last winter, then surged across the finish line in early June with the anchor of the 4x100 meter relay team at the state track and field championships.

All total, Storm Special Olympics was represented by 57 athletes competing in at least one sport; exceeding last year’s total participation number by 13 athletes. And the team’s geographic reach expanded beyond Barton County this year, bringing in athletes from Pawnee and Stafford counties. Participation numbers have progressively increased over the last several years, since the program took two years off from 2020-21 because of the COVID Pandemic.

“To watch participation climb is motivation for us coaches and volunteers,” said Storm Local Program Coordinator Amanda Hammond. “It lets us know we are doing things right. More than medals, we strive to create a fun and inclusive program where our athletes take pride in participation. I feel like we are moving in the right direction, especially with our numbers increasing so much over the past few years.”

During its most recent season last spring, 35 athletes competed in track and field. Thirty-three Storm Athletes competed in the Summer Games June 6-8 at Maize High School in activities ranging from field events like long jump, softball throw and turbo javelin, to walking and running events. Storm Athletes competing in state track were: Kaleb Beckham, James Boehnke, Tammy Boele, Darren Brown, Michael Burress, Sarah Burrill, Chris Devine, David Edwardson, Auggie Estrella, Logan Gregg, Roger Guthals, DJ Johnson, Audrey Koester, Austin Levingston, Donnie Lewis, Rian Lewis, Ronnie Lewis, Michael Manka, Beth Mattocks, Rita Mestas, Cole Morin, Kaleb Nixon, Trace Ritterhouse, Cierra Roberts, Tori Rose, Curtis Schneweis, Elisa Shores, Steve Smolik, Abbey Stanley, Josh Trimmer, Debbie Wasinger, Wain Waymaster, and Jim Wonsetler.

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The spring season started just mere days after Storm’s participation in the state basketball tournament and cheerleading championships in Hays. The spring season wasn’t without challenges. Inclement weather and a scheduling conflict for the practice facility meant that Storm Team missed two weeks of practices. Then, inclement weather in late April caused cancelation of the regional meet. Rainey weather leading up to the state meet meant that some events were delayed or moved, and shot put at the state meet was cancelled because of soggy field conditions. However, none of that deterred Storm Athletes from giving their best efforts and recording stellar performances at the state championships.

“Certainly, we had to overcome adversity this year,” explained Hammond. “Going out there with the chaos of the season, with the chaos of weather, with the chaos of competing among 1,000 other athletes, Storm Athletes did exceptionally well and they took everything in stride.

They were proud of themselves for how they did and achieving their own personal bests, in many cases. They put in the work needed to improve during the season, and by the end of the season, they could see the outcome. It may not be that they always got first place, but most of them improved from where they were at the start of the year.”         

During the meet, Hammond said anxiety set in for some of the athletes because of schedule changes, but she credited the coaching staff of Bri Saunders, Emily Komarek, Andrew Rush, and Denice Whetham for helping to bring order and calm to the evolving situations. She also credited volunteers Jim Boehnke, Carole Edwardson, and Boe Levingston, along with attending family members and staffing of Storm Athletes for providing invaluable help during the three-day event.

“The athletes really trusted our coaches and our coaches did such a tremendous job with the time-and-location changes to get our athletes where they needed to be,” said Hammond. Beyond coaches’ efforts, we benefited with help from athletes’ family members, along with staff during the three-day event. It really does take a village to have so many athletes participating in a meet that lasts several days. We are so fortunate to have their support.”

{image_3} A Storm Team highlight of the Summer Games happened during the opening ceremony on June 6 when Hammond read the “Coaches Oath” to attendees. She earned the honor by being recognized as “Coach of the Year” by Special Olympics Kansas last winter. Additionally, James Boehnke represented Storm Athletes during the “Walk of Champions” to open the Summer Games.

Following the hustle and bustle of the successful track meet, it was a quiet ride back to Great Bend for the team. For many, the end of track season marked nine months of practice and competition.

“At the end of track, I think they were ready for a summer break,” said Hammond, who has coached Storm Team for 15 years. ”But, then, they’ll be eager to get back into it, starting with bowling in September. The start of a new season always brings excitement.”

-STORM-

For more information, contact Amanda Hammond, Storm Team Local Program Coordinator, AmandaH@rosewoodservices.com, 620-793-5888.

July 2, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com