(First published in the Great Bend Tribune on March 28th, 2026)3t In the 2026 Barton County Solid Waste Operating Budget, the Barton County Commissioners budgeted $15,000.00 to support community recycling activities. The Commissioners are now accepting proposals for developing or improving recycling activities in Barton County, Kansas. Eligible to apply include any department, agency, organization, recycling center, city, school district or community college located in Barton County. With no formal application, applicant should clearly and concisely state which allowable cost(s) applies, amount of grant funding requested and intent. Written applications to be submitted to the Barton County Clerk, 1400 Main Street, Suite 202, Great Bend Kansas, in a sealed envelope marked "Recycling Grant Application." Applications must be submitted by 2:00 p.m., April 28, 2026. Applications received after that time will be returned unopened. Barton County reserves the right to award or not award grant funds to any applicant(s) at the discretion of the Barton County Commissioners. Questions - Jennifer Hamby, Solid Waste Director, at 620.793.1898 or by email at jhamby@bartoncounty.org.