Last Thursday afternoon, Fuller Industries Quality Control Laboratory technicians Pookie Blecha and Randy Liederbach removed small, pastel-colored bottles from a stack of boxes and carefully organized them on shelves in the QC lab.

The containers, marked with cryptic labels containing chemical formulas, joined those on other racks lining the walls and others stashed in second-floor rooms.

These are product quality control samples, known as retains, held in case customers have questions. They are kept for three years due to Federal Drug Administration guidelines.

The samples handled Thursday were of products made by the Canadian manufacturer whose operations were merged into the Great Bend facility.

“We are now retaining their retains,” Blecha said, noting there are glass and plastic vials stashed in several nooks and crannies.

But they don’t mind, she said. Assuring quality and consistency is a cornerstone of Fuller’s commercial and industrial cleaning product business.

The samples, organized according to their formulations, are used to track the viscosity (thickness), pH levels (acidity or basicity) and other aspects of each product, Liederbach said. They are shaken and tested periodically while in storage.

“There is a lot that goes into this,” said Joe Mann, Fuller’s vice president and general manager. “It is all pure science. There are extremely stringent regulations, but we also hold ourselves to a very high standard.”

But when people think about Fuller, they may not realize all that actually goes on at the plant west of Great Bend, he said.

“This is a highly technical business,” he said. “We employ chemists, chemistry technicians, robotics operators and other skilled team members.”

That is why the company is teaming up with Great Bend High School and Barton Community College to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) studies. They want to encourage students to pursue these fields and possibly find a career at Fuller.

“These areas are only growing in demand,” he said, adding Fuller is expanding and will need employees with these skills. “We want to be on the forefront.”

About Fuller Industries Inc. Based in Great Bend, Kan., with a rich heritage dating back over a century to the Fuller Brush Man, Fuller Industries is a leading American manufacturer of industrial products, including cleaning chemicals and supplies, as well as brooms, mops, brushes and more. Fuller serves manufacturing, commercial, institutional and agricultural clients across the Western Hemisphere. Call 620-792-1711 or visit Fullerindustriesinc.com.

Fuller’s quality control samples keep tabs on products

Check back to see your progress AND enter in additional rounds!

Enter the Bowl Pick'em Contest

- <a href="https://www.bauercomputers.com/">Bauer Computers</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayomoneymanagement/">Mayo Money Management</a>

- <a href="https://www.g-btires.com/#:~:text=G-B%20Tires%20has%20been%20offering%20tire%20repair%20services%20and%20quality">GB Tires</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057397421328">Z's Liquormart</a>

- <a href="https://www.greatbendappliance.com/">Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source</a>

- <a href="https://www.boonesmaytag.com/">Boone's Maytag</a>

- <a href="https://www.cornerstonegreatbend.com/">Cornerstone Automotive</a>

- <a href="https://yourstrulyks.com/">Yours Truly</a>

- <a href="https://sutherlands.com/s/great-bend-ks/3702">Sutherlands</a>

- <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/fiber/great-bend/#:~:text=With%20Nex-Tech%20fiber%20Internet,%20you%E2%80%99ll%20have%20all%20the%20bandwidth%20you">Nex-Tech</a>

- <a href="https://www.nex-techwireless.com/locations/location/great-bend#:~:text=Great%20Bend%20-%20Nex-Tech.%20Hours.%20Monday%20-%20Friday:%208:00%20a.m.">Nex-tech Wireless</a>

- <a href="https://jimloglass.com/contact/">Jimlo Glass Center</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ruherituals/">Ruhe Rituals</a>

- <a href="http://www.magnadrygb.com">Magna Dry Cleaning Services</a>

- <a href="https://www.millersofclaflin.com/index.html?ns=search&amp;utm_campaign=netsertive&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_source=bing&amp;nsxk=46269a2706b442bc9b047dd27cc49fc8&amp;msclkid=1e82b055b36f1f6182f3d751aa695747">Millers of Claflin</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100087373218375">Mattress Solutions</a>

- <a href="https://www.straubspowersports.com/">Straub's Powersports</a>

- <a href="https://memorialartcompany.com/">Memorial Art Company</a>

- <a href="https://www.hoisingtonvet.net/">Hoisington Veterinary Hospital&nbsp;</a>

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway Official Rules

1. Limit One Entry Per Person Per Day Per Sponsor Location.&nbsp; 2. Complete entry form in full. Please Print. Must Be Present To Enter.&nbsp; 3. The $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway promotion is open to all Kansas residents at least 21 years of age except employees of Eagle Communications, Hull Broadcasting, Bauer Computers, Moeder Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air Conditioning, MAYO Money Management and their spouse/companion. Employees of other participating businesses and their families may enter; however, they may not register at their place of employment.&nbsp; 4. Listen to Eagle Radio Stations KVGB FM - B104.3 The Point... 100.7 Eagle Country - KHOK FM... 1590 AM 95.5 FM - KVGB... and Hull Broadcast Station Hits 106.9 - KBGL for details 5. Finalists for this promotion will be qualified from in-store registrations... and during special $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway Instant Finalist Days. Only one finalist per household may qualify. No purchase necessary to win.&nbsp; 6. Prize is non-transferable for any cash value. Winner is responsible for taxes and fees.&nbsp; 7. Signing this entry form allows Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting to use your name, likeness, image, character or voice for promotional purposes.&nbsp; 8. No sponsor or their affiliates assume any liability in connection with this giveaway.&nbsp; 9. Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting reserve the right to disqualify any entry for violation of contest rules. The decision of Eagle Radio of Great Bend and Hull Broadcasting is final.&nbsp;

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway

Medical Park Pharmacy, Mayo Money Management, Hazmat Response, Protective Equipment Testing Lab, R&amp;R Roofing, Freedom Claims Management, Inc., Rosencrantz-Bemis Water Well Company, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Miller Plastics/Miller Warehouse, Nex-Tech Wireless, USD #431 Hoisington, Great Bend Redi Mix, Heavy Duty Diesel &amp; Auto, USD #428 Great Bend

Make a Difference Contest 

12/27 BOOKED: Michael Krom on Barton County District Court case for Stalking, bond set at $5,000 C/S; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Devon Keith on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery, bond set at $500,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Billy J. Johnson on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Running a Stop Sign, No Display of Tag, and Expired Tags, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Tyus Martez on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

BOOKED: Kenneth Lyon on Barton County District Court warrant, to serve sentence.

RELEASED: Payten Oxford on Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, after time served.

RELEASED: Billy J. Johnson on Hoisington Municipal Court case for Running a Stop Sign, No Display of Tag, and Expired Tags, after posting $500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

12/28 BOOKED: Luis Reza-Martinez on Barton County District Court case for Theft, bond set at $20,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Adalberto Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $1,441 cash only.

BOOKED: Jordon Willinger-James on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Fentanyl, bond set at $10,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Luis Reza-Martinez on Barton County District Court case for Theft, after posting $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Jordon Willinger-James on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Fentanyl, after posting $10,000 surety post through Ace Bail Bonds.

12/29 BOOKED: Vanessa Delgado on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Illegal Transportation of Liquor, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Barry Kearns on Claflin Municipal Court case for Criminal Damage &lt;$1,000, bond set at $500 C/S.

RELEASED: Vanessa Delgado on Barton County District Court case for Driving While Suspended and Illegal Transportation of Liquor, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Devon Keith on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery, on $300,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Michael S. Moore, Jr. on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery, on $300,000 OR bond.

RELEASED:&nbsp;McKinley Payne on Barton County District Court case for Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery, on $300,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Michael Krom on Barton County District Court case for Stalking, bond; and on Barton County District Court case for Possession of Marijuana, on total $6,000 OR bond.

RELEASED: Barry Kearns on Claflin Municipal Court case for Criminal Damage &lt;$1,000, after posting a $500 cash bond.

RELEASED: Richard Kerns on Russell County District Court case, to Russell Co.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/27 - 12/29)

Today Sunny, with a high near 57. Windy, with a west wind 10 to 20 mph becoming northwest 20 to 30 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Windy, with a north-northwest wind 22 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 17 to 22 mph decreasing to 8 to 13 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

New Year's Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. Light west wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Saturday Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

The Kansas Lottery last month announced its commitment as a Level 1 participant of the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncpgambling.org/">National Council on Problem Gambling&nbsp;</a>(NCPG) and supported by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.naspl.org/">the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries</a>&nbsp;(NASPL).&nbsp;

Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.&nbsp;

“The Kansas Lottery is pleased to once again be taking part in the Gift Responsibly campaign,” said Stephen Durrell, Executive Director of the Kansas Lottery. “Responsible gaming is incredibly important to all of us at the Kansas Lottery, and we always remind our players that while lottery tickets can make great gifts, they are for your 18 and older friends and family only.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Lottery has signed on to the 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a Level 1 participant. During November and December, the Kansas Lottery will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by social media, live streams, and raising awareness with players and retailers.&nbsp;

“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “We applaud the Kansas Lottery for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling and for working to educate the community that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

About the Kansas Lottery In November of 1986, 64 percent of Kansas voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the creation of a state lottery. The Kansas Legislature passed the "Kansas Lottery Act" in 1987, and the Kansas Lottery was established. The mission of the Kansas Lottery is to produce the maximum amount of revenue possible for the State of Kansas while ensuring the integrity of all games.&nbsp;

The Kansas Lottery sells $1, $2, $3, $5, $10, $20, $30, and $50 scratch tickets and $1 and $2 instant pull tab games. In addition, Kansas Lottery players enjoy Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto America, Lucky for Life, Super Kansas Cash, Pick 3, 2by2, Keno and Racetrax draw games, as well as Fast Play games. Kansas Lottery products are sold at approximately 1,750 retail locations.&nbsp;

The Kansas Lottery is headed by an Executive Director who is appointed by the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

About the National Council on Problem Gambling The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit

Kansas Lottery wrapping up 2024 Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is back, and the 2025 contest is officially underway!&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS invites young writers from grades 1 through 5 to unleash their creativity, craft an original story, and submit it for a chance to win exciting prizes and recognition.

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest provides a platform for young storytellers to express their ideas, develop their writing skills, and bring their imaginations to life.&nbsp;&nbsp; Stories can take any form – adventurous, funny, magical, or heartfelt.&nbsp; Completed stories can be submitted by teachers, parents, grandparents, or even aunts and uncles.&nbsp; Submissions are accepted&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWWBi3ZZoZqa9NtpGLFZVJUK3YGufQkz3uniFVp0oNlz5U8A/viewform">electronically</a>&nbsp;or by mail, making it easy for everyone to participate.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Who Can Participate:&nbsp; Students in grades 1-5

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Submission Deadline:&nbsp; February 24, 2025

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How to Enter:&nbsp; Visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/kids/pbs-kids-writers-contest/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;for contest rules and a printable entry form

“We are thrilled to encourage creativity and celebrate the talents of our young writers,” said Haley Gagnon,&nbsp;Special Events Coordinator of Smoky Hills PBS.&nbsp; “Each story is a unique glimpse into the imagination of our future authors, and we can’t wait to see what they create this year.”

Winning stories in each grade level will receive prizes, celebrated on our website and social media, and be showcased on the&nbsp;Smoky Hills PBS Young Writers &amp; Illustrators Contest Award Show&nbsp;in May 2025.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smokyhillspbs.org/">SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>&nbsp;or contact Haley Gagnon at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hgagnon@shptv.org">hgagnon@shptv.org</a>.

Smoky Hills PBS is dedicated to inspiring, informing, and engaging our community through educational programming and outreach. We proudly support initiatives like the PBS KIDS Writers Contest to foster creativity and learning in children across our region.

Smoky Hills PBS serves 71 counties in Central and Western Kansas.&nbsp; Smoky Hills PBS is available over the air, on many cable systems, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and Dish Network, HULU + LIVE TV, and YouTube TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices and is also available to stream by clicking here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream">video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream</a>.&nbsp; More information on Smoky Hills PBS and its programs and projects are available at SmokyHillsPBS.org or by calling 1-800-337-4788.

Smoky Hills PBS announces return of annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Transfer portals and Name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have dramatically changed the college sports world in just a few short years. A recent court ruling involving junior colleges and NCAA eligibility could have an equally large impact. Jeremy Coombs, who coached the Barton Community College men's basketball team to a national title last winter, said the ruling could change the role of junior colleges role in the athletic landscape.

"There are a lot of kids that coming out of high school, they won't want to burn a year of eligibility or two years, so they go to prep school and try to become eligible for the NCAA and that doesn't count against them," he said. "I think that's what you're going to start seeing; a lot more kids, instead of going prep, they'll go the junior college route.

Diego Pavia, the quarterback at Vanderbilt, sued the NCAA in November for a violation of antitrust laws. In other words, counting his time at a junior college toward his NCAA eligibility would shorten his time in the NCAA and cost him NIL deals. Early this month, a federal judge in Tennessee agreed, granting an injunction which allowed Pavia to pursue another year of eligibility and all of the financial benefits that come with it.

The judge's ruling only address NCAA bylaw concerning junior college player eligibility, and all other eligibility rules remain the same. On Dec. 23, the NCAA appealed the injunction. Coombs said the Pavia decision may be a positive for junior colleges as more athletes choose them over prep schools, but it will likely not benefit high school students.

"I think this is really going to hurt a lot of high school kids because there are just going to be people staying at the four-year level," he said. "At the end of the day, the kids that are the 2-stars, that's going to really hurt them because they won't be recruited by NCAA schools."

Some top NCAA coaches have also come out against the decision. Steve Sarkisian, head football coach at the University of Texas, said not counting time at a junior college will result in 28 and 29-year-old men playing against incoming teenagers. 

Junior college eligbility case could change recruiting landscape at Barton, beyond

Good food, good conversation, and lots of learning. The 20th Judicial District's Juvenile Services offers its Parent Project classes each September and January. Family Engagement Advocate Casey Rowland said the classes are available to all parents in the five counties served by the 20th Judicial District: Barton, Rice, Russell, Ellsworth and Stafford.

"We do it twice a year," she said. "It really brings parents together and lets them talk with each other, build a bond with each other. It's a 10-week class. We're going to start Jan. 21, and we go from 6-9 p.m."

The classes are held each Tuesday. There is no cost to attend and attendees received a homecooked meal and class materials. Parents can learn about the court system, how to improve relationships with their children, and how to better manage stress and conflicts. Juvenile Services Director Marissa Woodmansee said the payoff for parents has been huge.

"This is really tough stuff, trying to meet families at their point of crisis, trying to get them engaged, and trying to get them connected to the class," she said. "Ten weeks is a big commitment, but I will tell you we very rarely have anybody who is not a hard push to get them out the door once it's done. They want to stay. They want to keep coming back."

Parent Project classes are held in person at 1800 12th Street in Great Bend, but are now available via Zoom. Rowland said 15-20 parents typically attend each session, and she's seen an uptick in fathers participating in the program.

"I do have some Zoom parents who said they've taken the class via Zoom and now they're coming back in person because they think there's some stuff they've missed," Rowland said. "That's really cool, too. If you've come once, it doesn't mean you can't come again. There's a lot to learn."

Anyone interested in attending Parent Project classes can reach Rowland at Juvenile Services by calling (620) 793-1930.

Juvenile Services begins 21st session of Parent Project in January

It’s a two-minute recap of the headlines that broke this past week in the Golden Belt. For the full stories, click the links below.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/b6b6a6ae-7bfb-475a-8471-8f9a8c5af2aa">Barton County Health Department adding availability in 2025</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/dc241465-3c40-4acc-a666-277488a4c3a6">Great Bend zoo renews contract with vet with 40+ years of experience</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/0febd4d8-7ce5-4ad1-9a2e-b6f48e85c9eb">Jobless rate down slightly in Barton County</a>

Eagle Media's news week in review

High temperatures around Barton County reached the 50s on Monday, Dec. 16. That likely played a role in this year's Cheyenne Bottoms and Barton County Christmas Bird Count. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said the good weather was good for volunteers and led to some all-time high numbers for the area's 50th count.

"With the Christmas Bird Counts, weather plays a huge part just in the differences we see year to year," Wolf said. "Obviously, if we're totally iced over in the wetlands that's going to very much limit the number of waterfowl we see here. If we don't have open water, most of those waterfowl are going to be heading south."

The 269,077 snow geese counted was an all-time high, as were the 15,145 green-winged teal, 199 mourning doves, and 182 white-crowned sparrows. The 13 volunteers also counted an all-time high 10 spotted towhees - a bird that could be confused for a robin.

"Towhees can definitely be one of those birds that is a little bit inconspicuous and they like to hide a little bit," said Wolf. "For whatever reason, we were able to get into a couple of places where they really came out and showed themselves, so we were able to get them counted. I don't know that that really says there's a lot more of them in the area or anything like that. It's just one of things by chance we were in the right place to see them this year."

In all, 83 species and 304,662 individuals were counted in the Cheyenne Bottoms region, which covers a 15-mile radius and touches most communities in Barton County. Seventy-seven species were counted last year and 61 species were documented in 2022.

Other notables this year include: 21 species of ducks and geese and 10 species of sparrows. Savannah sparrows and Lincoln's Sparrows were observed for just the sixth time. 

Missing in the count this were were great horned owls, rough-legged hawks, loggerhead shrikes, cedar waxwings, northern mockingbirds, eastern bluebirds, and grackles.

Hundreds of Christmas Bird Counts are conducted by the National Audubon Society each winter to help track bird activity. Approximately 40 of those counts are spread out across Kansas.

All-time highs observed during 2024 Cheyenne Bottoms Christmas Bird Count

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has release the names associated with the murder and subsequent suicide in Great Bend Friday morning. Just after 9:10 a.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to Los Compadres Mexican Store, 1516 7th Street, in reference to an unknown disturbance call.

While officers were en route to the call, Barton County Communications dispatchers updated officers that the call involved a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, officers learned that 32-year-old Mario Martinez-Garcia had entered the workplace of 32-year-old Esmeralda Torres-Lopez, forcing her outside before shooting her. Torres-Lopez was transported to the University of Kansas Health Systems - Great Bend Campus, where she later died of her injuries.

Upon arrival, Great Bend police officers also observed a white Chevrolet pickup leaving the scene at a high rate of speed. Law enforcement officers from the GBPD and Barton County Sheriff's Office pursued the suspect vehicle south down U.S. 281 Highway into Stafford County. 

Near St. John, officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks to deflate the suspect vehicle's tires. The suspect vehicle continued west from 281 Highway onto U.S. 50 Highway. A deputy with the Barton County Sheriff's Office conducted a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver, which cause the pickup to leave the roadway and hit a barbed-wire fence. The truck came to rest in a field near mile marker 191 on Highway 50, just west of Southwest 5th Avenue. 

Officers carefully approached the vehicle to gain sight of the driver. Martinez-Garcia was found deceased inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound to his head. He was also holding a handgun. Martinez-Garcia was pronounced deceased at 9:45 a.m., approximately 10 minutes before Torres-Lopez was pronounced deceased at the Great Bend hospital.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will continue to investigate the case with findings presented to the Stafford County Attorney for review. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Great Bend Police Department was assisted in this case by the Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, and the St. John Police Department.

KBI releases names of two people involved in Great Bend murder-suicide

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Every two years, Barton County is required to have bridge inspections.
With the last inspection occurring in 2023, Barton County Engineer Barry
McManaman recommended Kirkham Michael to perform the 2025 inspections following
the Kansas Department of Transportation’s “Scope of Services for Local Routine
Bridge Inspections.”


"KDOT is going to a new bridge inspection system," said McManaman. "I really feel like Kirkham Michael would behoove us to hire them again with their familiarity with our bridges and willingness to help us when we have issues."

Barton County is required to have all 372 bridge-length structures inspected.


The Barton County Commission accepted the bid from Kirkham Michael for $40,960.
Commissioner Tricia Schlessiger felt the bid was a good price.


"I thought it was interesting to point out that it's only $108 a bridge," said Schlessiger. "That does not seem like that much considering how much time they have to spend at each bridge."

McManaman said the engineering firm will be doing the inspections next March.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Co. chooses bid to inspect the county’s 372 bridges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/minnesota-vikings">Minnesota Vikings</a>&nbsp;were ready to start their postgame ritual in honor of a ninth consecutive victory before realizing Sam Darnold was still missing from the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Vikings/status/1873532425785192727" target="_blank">raucous locker room</a>&nbsp;because he was finishing his interview with the TV broadcasting crew. He was well worth the wait, on so many levels. Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Vikings hung on to beat the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/green-bay-packers">Green Bay Packers</a>&nbsp;27-25 on Sunday and moved tantalizingly close to the NFC’s top seed for the playoffs. “Just to see how he’s ultimately been able to maximize everything about his opportunity, our football team loves him for it,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “I’ve had an absolute blast coaching him.” The Vikings (14-2) set up a final-week showdown in Detroit next Sunday night for both the NFC North title and the first-round-bye-plus-home-field-advantage package that comes with the best record in the conference, finishing 7-1 at U.S. Bank Stadium where their blitz-fueled defense has fed well off the deafening crowd.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen reflected on Buffalo’s many offseason critics and doubters when asked about the Bills achieving their latest milestones while sewing up the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the unraveling and undisciplined New York Jets on Sunday. It was a the Bills quarterback’s “I told you so moment,” even though Allen elected not to use those exact words. “It speaks to the staff that we’ve got here, the guys that we’ve got in this locker room, how this team is put together and the culture that we have,” Allen said. “We didn’t really pay attention to the preseason notions, but we heard them and we saw them and we knew what people were saying. “But it had no effect on us.” Well, that might be a stretch when it comes to motivation. What’s unquestioned is how Allen and the Bills (13-3) overcame a young, patchwork roster following the offseason departure of six of eight team captains — including Stefon Diggs being traded to Houston — to run away with their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/buffalo-bills-analysis-week-13-7a511eef0289f7a7bcb3b090b6b48930">fifth consecutive AFC East title</a>&nbsp;and win a franchise-best 13 games for the fifth time in team history, and third since 2020.

HOUSTON (AP) — Rockets forward&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/FanDuelSN_Heat/status/1873556587761312077" target="_blank">Amen Thompson threw Heat guard Tyler Herro to the floor</a>&nbsp;to trigger an altercation that resulted in six ejections in the closing minute of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-rockets-score-ejections-b2113c125b10a2cd491f6d1a8c2d90c3">Miami’s 104-100 victory</a>&nbsp;over Houston on Sunday. Thompson and Herro became entangled with Miami about to inbound the ball leading 99-94 with 35 seconds left. Thompson grabbed Herro by the jersey and tossed him, with referee Marc Davis describing it as Thompson&nbsp;<a href="https://official.nba.com/pool-report-on-ejections-in-fourth-quarter-of-tonights-miami-at-houston-game/" target="_blank">“body slams Herro</a>.” “I didn’t see it live, but I re-watched it,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “They were in each other’s face, bumping chests a little bit, and one guy’s stronger than the other.” Herro, Thompson, and Udoka were ejected, as were Heat guard Terry Rozier, Rockets guard Jalen Green, and Rockets assistant coach Ben Sullivan.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins scored 31 points, making 13 of 14 free throws, and No. 4 Southern California beat No. 23 Michigan 78-58 on Sunday night in the Trojans’ Big Ten home opener. Watkins had five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks. Kiki Iriafen added 18 points for the Trojans (12-1, 2-0). The duo combined to score USC’s first 16 points in the fourth when the Trojans outscored Michigan 21-9. Jordan Hobbs scored 19 points for Michigan (10-3, 1-1). Greta Kampschroeder added 14 and Olivia Olson had 11.

SUNDAY SCORES National Football League Philadelphia 41, Dallas 7

Monday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Monday, December 30 1:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Music City Bowl - Iowa vs Missouri Tuesday, December 31 10:30AM 1590/95.5FM - Relia Quest Bowl - Alabama vs Michigan 12:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - West Virginia @ Kansas 2:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Citrus Bowl - So. Carolina vs Illinois 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP-Fiesta Bowl - Boise State vs Penn State Wednesday, January 1 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP-Peach Bowl - Arizona St. vs Texas 4:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP-Rose Bowl - Oregon vs Ohio State 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP-Sugar Bowl - Georgia vs Notre Dame Friday, January 3 5:45PM B104 - H.S. Basketball - Great Bend @ Liberal Saturday, January 4 3:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Mineral Area College @ Barton Men Sunday, January 5 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Football - TBA 2:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ UCF TBA B104 - Chiefs Football - Kansas City @ Denver Monday, January 6 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, January 7 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington @ Smoky Valley 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned @ Ellsworth Wednesday, January 8 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - NW Tech M&amp;W @ Barton&nbsp; 7:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Arizona State @ Kansas

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LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jayden Daniels connected with Zach Ertz in overtime for his third touchdown pass of the game to get the Washington Commanders into the playoffs by beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on Sunday night in a back-and-forth&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/falcons-commanders-preview-daniels-penix-c0f12ab956e76da549645f9274cc5ae7">prime-time showdown</a>&nbsp;between highly drafted rookie quarterbacks.

Daniels ran for a season-high 127 yards and completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards and had two TD passes to Ertz and another to Olamide Zaccheaus to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-playoffs-vikings-lions-falcons-buccaneers-commanders-eagles-e783b976a0259653cd42b51ba590ef96">the playoffs</a>&nbsp;in his rookie year.

In his latest comeback performance&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-commanders-jayden-daniels-185612a07fc60cc16356c01a46474a6e">in a season full of them</a>, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft in April shook off an interception and a 10-point halftime deficit and led the winning drive in overtime that was capped with the 2-yard pass to Ertz.

The Commanders (11-5) could move up to the sixth seed in the NFC and set up a wild-card round game at Tampa Bay or the Los Angeles Rams if they win their regular-season finale at Dallas next weekend. They otherwise would be seventh and visit division-rival Philadelphia unless Green Bay loses to Chicago.

The Falcons (8-8) lost control of their chances of winning the NFC South and ensuring a home playoff game. They now need to beat Carolina and for the Buccaneers to lose to New Orleans to qualify altogether.

Atlanta was in control for the first half of the game, gashing Washington’s defense with the running game until abandoning it. Bijan Robinson had 82 yards and two touchdown runs on 13 carries until a minute was left in the second quarter — but had just 8 yards the rest of the way.

Penix did his best to try to carry the Falcons back after they fell behind 24-17 late. The eighth pick in the draft made his second professional start and finished a 12-play, 68-yard drive with a touchdown pass to Kyle Pitts to tie it with 1:19 left.

A throw from Penix to Drake London drew a pass interference penalty with 2 seconds left in regulation and gave Riley Patterson a chance at a go-ahead field goal. But Patterson’s 56-yard attempt fell short as time expired and Atlanta never got the ball back.

Daniels has 30 combined touchdowns and tied Russell Wilson for the third most by a rookie QB and passed Robert Griffin III for the most yards rushing with 864. ... Ertz became the ninth tight end in league history to eclipse 8,000 yards receiving. ... London had seven catches for 106 yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career.

Daniels dazzles again as Commanders clinch a playoff spot with win over Falcons

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Snoop Dogg climbed to top step of the bandstand and raised his arms, setting off a roar from the crowd. The marching bands fired up a version of “Who Am I,” the celebrity drum major grooving to the beat of his own tune.

Forget your mayo baths, edible Pop-Tarts or even a national championship.

Bowls don’t get much better than Snoop Dogg directing the halftime show of the game bearing his name.

“What an amazing experience,” Miami of Ohio coach Chuck Martin said.

Snoop Dogg has seemed to become omnipresent the past few years through a massive entertainment empire.

He’s a rapper first, but also a movie and TV actor, video game character, pitchman, record company owner, vintner and Gin &amp; Juice salesman.

Snoop Dogg also has been involved in football for years; as a youth coach, guest analyst, with his own Snoop League for inner city youth in Southern California. He followed Jimmy Kimmel and Rob Gronkowski into the celebrity bowl sponsorship arena and, true to his brand, created quite a spectacle — along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-bowl-nil-snoop-dogg-81f2a7f80a80479efd9332e87ae28ba9">NIL opportunities for the players</a>&nbsp;— at the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin &amp; Juice by Dre and Snoop.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-ohio-colorado-state-arizona-bowl-score-ba4b4e8146444d9ec21fb5ee12d7cb49">Martin’s RedHawks beat Colorado State 43-17</a>&nbsp;in the game, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction.

The field at Arizona Stadium dazzled with signature Snoop sizzle, the image of a black low-rider in front of a desert scene painted in one end zone, the Snoop Dog logo in the other.

Once game day rolled around, it seemed to be all Snoop all the time.

<a href="https://x.com/JavierJMorales/status/1873071826743771536" target="_blank">Snoop Dogg caught a few passes</a>&nbsp;from Miami’s equipment manager during warmups and stopped by a tailgate outside for a few sips of gin &amp; juice. He generated a huge roar walking out of the tunnel for the coin toss, decked out in a green-and-gold Arizona Bowl sweatsuit, sunglasses, gray Snoop Dogg sneakers, a black Gin &amp; Juice hat and, of course, a bit of bling draped around his neck.

Snoop Dogg shook hands with captains from both sides, flipped the coin — with a little flair - and posed for a photo with two of the officials before jogging to Colorado State’s sideline, where he donned a headset to do a little play calling.

Between quarters, Snoop Dogg tried to fire the T-shirt cannon — the shirts only flew a few feet so he waved it off — and stopped by to bop his head to a circle of Native American performers before heading up to the booth to&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MACSports/status/1873137481996222618" target="_blank">join the TV broadcast</a>.

“This is a seven-day-a-week thing with me, man,” Snoop Dogg said during the broadcast. “I guess I’m the people’s champ because I love the people as much as they love me.”

Snoop Dogg went back down to the field for&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MACSports/status/1873147331782320634" target="_blank">the halftime interview</a>&nbsp;with Martin, then climbed the bandstand to lead both schools’ bands, hitting the high notes in a medley of his songs. After stint in a suite, Snoop Dogg was back in the booth for the fourth quarter, a small Snoop Cam in the corner of the screen to catch his reactions during the action.

With Miami’s players gathered around a makeshift stage, Snoop Dogg rolled out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. After the ceremony, Snoop Dogg handed out gold chains to the players and took a few pictures before a wave of security helped usher him out of the stadium like the rock star he is.

“Thank you Tucson,” Snoop said. “Thank you for welcoming me.”

Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name

Ray Bechard knew how to win volleyball matches. Bechard won better than 90 percent of his matches in 13 seasons as head coach at Barton Community College where his teams posted a 716-60 record from 1985-97. In his 27 years at the University of Kansas, Bechard posted a 496-313 record - the most wins for any coach in school history. His Jayhawks made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to the Final Four in 2015. He was named Big 12 Coach of the Year five times, most recently in 2023. Friday, Bechard announced he was retiring.

“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to fulfill the role as head volleyball coach at the University of Kansas for the last 27 years,” he said via a press release. “This professional journey was made possible by a supportive administration, a coaching staff that worked tirelessly and together and by countless young women who competed with grit and demonstrated grace, while representing the university with class.”

A Grinnell-native and Fort Hays State University graduate, Bechard began his coaching career as a volleyball and boys' basketball coach at Lewis High School in Lewis from 1980-83. As a basketball player at Barton, he helped the Cougars to a 45-13 record in two seasons before later returning as the volleyball coach. 

Thirteen years after his start in Barton, his 716 wins at the school were fourth all-time among junior college coaches, and his .923 winning percentage was the highest ever among two-year college coaches. He was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1998. He's also a member of the BCC Sports Hall of Fame and the Kansas Volleyball Association Hall of Fame.

Bechard's teams at Kansas reached the Sweet Sixteen three times, the Final Four once, and claimed the 2016 Big 12 Championship. The Jayhawks qualified for six consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 2012-17.

Former Barton volleyball coach Bechard retiring after 27 seasons at KU

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga insists he still loves the University of Miami, still loves the game of basketball, still loves mentoring players, still loves coaching.

He doesn’t love what college basketball has become. And with that, he’s leaving.

The 75-year-old Larrañaga stepped down Thursday, effective immediately, and will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of his best friends for the past three decades — for the remainder of the season.

“I’m exhausted,” Larrañaga said. “I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.”

Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches — Virginia’s Tony Bennett and Villanova’s Jay Wright among them — who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the name, image and likeness era of college sports.

For Larrañaga, those changes began presenting themselves when he had eight players — all of whom said they were happy at Miami — enter the transfer portal after the Hurricanes went to the Final Four in 2023.

“The opportunity to make money someplace else created a situation that you have to begin to ask yourself as a coach what is this all about,” Larrañaga said. “And the answer is it’s become professional.”

The decision by Larrañaga ends a 14-year run as coach of the Hurricanes — and, presumably, a 41-year college head-coaching career that saw him win 744 games at Miami, American International, George Mason and Bowling Green. He took Miami to the Final Four in 2023 and took George Mason to the Final Four in 2006.

“Jim Larrañaga is a tremendous man who has left a mark as not only the most accomplished coach in Miami basketball history, but as one of the premier coaches in ACC history,” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said. “His coaching record speaks for itself with over 700 career wins, but he always has led his program with the utmost integrity and class.”

The Hurricanes are 4-8 this season and only 5-19 in their last 24 games, a stunning freefall for a program that went to the Final Four just two seasons ago. Injuries and roster turnover have taken a clear toll, and Larrañaga is one of many coaches who has expressed some level of frustration with the lack of regulation and transparency that comes with NIL.

“They’re a great group of kids,” Larrañaga said. “It’s not their problem. It’s the system or the lack of a system. I didn’t know how to navigate through this.”

Larrañaga was under contract into 2027 and had some school officials try to get him to rethink the decision in recent days. Larrañaga said he came to the decision over the weekend, reconsidered at the school’s request, and finalized the decision Monday.

“It seems clear to me that coaching in 2024 is a much different profession than it was just a few short years ago,” Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich said.

Larrañaga is the second prominent coach to step down unexpectedly this season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Bennett did the same at Virginia back in October, less than three weeks before the Cavaliers played their season-opener.

Bennett, when he stepped down, said NIL has simply changed the game for coaches and not in a good way.

“College athletics is not in a healthy spot. It’s not,” Bennett said in October. “And there needs to be change. It’s not going to go back. I think I was equipped to do the job here the old way — that’s who I am and that’s how it was.”

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