By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Great Bend City Council Tuesday night moved forward with the
purchase of a $1.59 million ladder truck for the fire department. Great Bend
Fire Chief Brent Smith said the current model is getting close to aging out and
its safety limitations are a concern for the future.


The department’s vehicle replacement plan scheduled the ladder truck to be
replaced in 2025. In 2022, staff recognized they would not have enough money
saved to replace the truck by 2025, so they extended the project date by two
years. Because of inflation, the department also found out they would not have
enough money to complete the purchase in 2027.


Smith stated with the department’s current 2004 model, they are starting to see
maintenance issues with the breaks, turbo and air leaks.


"That truck is scheduled for a 15-year life expectancy," said Smith. "At the end of 15 years, it can be completely rebuilt with a pump and ladder. That rebuild can give you 10 more years out of the truck until it officially has to be retired. This truck is a 2004, so we're 21 years into that, and it hasn't had its 15-year rebuild done, so we're three and a half to four years away of it being retired anyway."

The Fire Department’s apparatus committee found a Rosenbauer ladder truck to be
built that could be delivered by late 2026, tentatively in August, and save the
city two years of inflation, roughly 7% to 10% annually. 


Currently, with ladder truck’s 75' ladder, the Great Bend Fire Department
cannot get to the top of Holiday Inn hotel. Smith said staff struggles to get
to the fourth floor of the Zarah building downtown and if there are vehicles
parked on the side of the street it is difficult to reach a third floor of a
building. With a new hotel coming on 10th Street and downtown lofts
being constructed, Smith said the new truck will include a 109' ladder. 


"Especially with the new loft apartments going in downtown, my biggest fear is we would have people trapped inside and couldn't get them out," said Smith. "We can replace buildings but that's my biggest fear is not getting people out."

The council approved the bid from Hays Fire Equipment for the ladder truck
costing $1,590,023. Funds for the purchase will come from the half-cent sales tax, $1.25 million in reserves for the truck and $275,000 scheduled to be set aside for the truck in 2026.

Smith said rough estimates on selling the 2004 model could
garner $80,000.

Great Bend combating safety concerns with $1.59 million fire truck

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

Enter the Bowl Pick'em Contest

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 

The Russell Community Impact Award Committee is pleased to announce Jerry and Tara Suchy as the distinguished recipients of the January 2025 Russell Community Impact Award. This award recognizes individuals, businesses, or organizations whose exceptional contributions have significantly enriched the fabric of the Russell community.

Jerry and Tara Suchy have dedicated more than a decade to volunteering for the Russell Wrestling Club. Their work has enhanced the development of our local youth through building positive relationships and fostering a sense of community. Nominations provided describe Jerry and Tara as role models for our youth, teaching them discipline, respect, how to work with others, and how to be good role models for all. Together, they work to instill fundamental skills in our youth that are helping build strong and resilient leaders within our community. They have also been described as going above and beyond to ensure that every child interested in participating in the Russell Wrestling Club is provided an opportunity to do so.

Through Jerry and Tara’s leadership, the Russell community has benefited from the local financial impact of tournament hosting where hundreds pour into our community for a weekend of wrestling each year. These events help support our local establishments and with the proven track record that Jerry and Tara have built with the Russell Wrestling Club, the events they host have an immense following and great attendance. Jerry and Tara also ensure continued support of the USD 407’s wrestling programs through their financial contribution for the purchase of new singlets for the program.

Jerry and Tara’s continued investment and dedication to the youth of the Russell community support the future growth and development of Russell. Thank you for investing in our future! Jerry and Tara are grateful for the support of the many coaches, parents, and volunteers from the community that work together to ensure the success of the Russell Wrestling Club.

As the winner of the Russell Community Impact Award, Jerry and Tara received a $250 donation to the non-profit of their choice. Jerry and Tara chose the Russell Wrestling Club as the recipient.&nbsp;

If you know of someone like Jerry and Tara who are making a positive impact on Russell, you can nominate them for the Russell Community Impact Awards.

Nominations for the Russell Community Impact Awards can be submitted online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.russellcity.org//www.russellcity.org">www.russellcity.org</a>.

Jerry & Tara Suchy selected as Russell Community Impact Award winners

BOOKED: Russell Coe on Rush County District Court warrant for possession with intent to sell, illegal registration, failure to have valid interstate registration and no insurance, bond of $75,00 C/S.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (2/19)

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Staying warm & winter safety tips from Kansas Gas Service

Thank you to Great Bend FFA Members Layne Soukup, Caitlyn Roach and Alex Grabast. And thank you to Ellinwood FFA Members Ty Hammeke and Cooper Profit.&nbsp;

This video is sponsored in part by: Great Bend Industries, Ellinwood Public Schools, Countryside Veterinary Associates, Cropworks, Crop Insurance Needs Agen Jerry Ney,&nbsp; KanEquip, Inc. and Ricker Seeds

FFA Week February 15 - 22

One of the more popular events each year at Party in the Park in Great
Bend is the mud volleyball tournament. The dirty, good time begins in the morning
and brings 1,000 to 2,000 extra people to the outdoor festival each year in
August. 

After the City of Great Bend installed a $680,000 splash pad on the
north side of Veterans Memorial Park last spring, there was concern of damaging
the splash pad and its filters from muddy citizens. Great Bend Public Lands
Director Scott Keeler said there was also the issue of the mud pits being an
eyesore the rest of the year even when the city tried to reseed the area for
grass.


"What we ran into was timing," said Keeler. "With Party in the Park being in August...with that area being heavy clay, by the time we get it drained down and level it, we're usually fighting the rains of September and October. We basically run out of time to plant warm-weather grass back in there. We've planted ryegrass a few times, but even the premium doesn't survive the winter and if it does survive the geese clean it off."

The mud volleyball tournament was moved to the fairgrounds last summer but
along with receiving several complaints, city officials saw a significant drop
in attendance for the festival at Vets Park. The Great Bend City Council
discussed moving the tournament to the vacant Amber Meadows subdivision lots,
just north of Vets Park. 
The council voted in favor of bringing back the mud volleyball to its original
location, just west of the splash pad. 

The city will install water irrigation
and hydroseed the area following the tournament to make the area look better.


"I think it is doable," said Keeler. "Water is going to be the bigger issue and continuing to build it up instead of digging it down. We want to be able to break the walls, drain it down and put it back together."

Party in the Park is held the second Saturday in August and also includes a car
show, wet/dry parade, inflatable water zones, entertainment and a concert.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mud volleyball tourney returning to Vets Park in Great Bend

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

A Jetmore radiologic technologist voluntarily surrendered his license on Monday in lieu of revocation after being convicted of sex crimes with a child.

Anthony R. Sherrill, a radiologic technologist, was convicted on Jan. 5, 2024, in Johnson County District Court of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. He was sentenced to 34 months in prison on each count to be served concurrently, according to the consent order from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

His sentences were suspended, and he was placed on 36 months of supervised probation, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.

On April 17, 2024, Sherrill was convicted in Edwards County District Court of one count of aggravated endangering a child, according to the consent order. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison with 36 months of supervised probation followed by 12 months of post-release supervision.

The felony convictions subject him to discipline by the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.&nbsp;

According to the consent order, Sherill waived his rights to dispute the proceeding before the board.

Sherrill had been a licensed&nbsp;radiologic technologist in Kansas since 2013.

Radiologic tech surrenders license after child sex crimes convictions

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 13. Wind chill values as low as -17. Light and variable wind becoming east southeast 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 0. Wind chill values as low as -11. South southeast wind around 7 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. South wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 10.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 45.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 56.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 66.

Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 63.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

USD 112 Central Plains - Delayed 2 hours, No Preschool

USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools - Delayed 2 hours

USD 431 Hoisington - Delayed 2 hours, No AM Preschool

USD 444 Little River-Windom - Delayed 1 hour

USD 496 Pawnee Heights - Delayed 2 hours, No AM Preschool

USD 502 Lewis -&nbsp; Delayed 2 hours, No AM Preschool

Fort Hays State University - Delayed - On Campus classes before 10:30 are canceled

**Check back at Great Bend Post for new and updated information

Send your Closing, Cancellations, and delays to:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gbnews@eagleradio.net">gbnews@eagleradio.net</a>

Area delays, cancelations & closures (Feb. 20)

From the Kansas Department of Insurance...

As Kansas faces yet another round of winter weather, it is a good time to remind yourself of some simple steps to help prevent damage to your home from the ice and snow. Homeowners and renters’ insurance policies could protect against common winter damage, so be sure to contact your agent to review your policy and ensure you are covered for potential winter-related damages to your home or property.“It is important to take precautionary steps and winterize your property to protect against freezing temperatures,” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “If you are a victim of winter weather damage, contact your insurance agent right away.”The Kansas Department of Insurance recommends taking the following precautions to help prevent winter weather damages:

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division at 785-296-3071 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOI.complaints@ks.gov">KDOI.complaints@ks.gov</a>.

Break the ice with steps to combat winter weather

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

This past Saturday, the Barton Community College Athletic Department welcomed three new members to its prestigious Hall of Fame in its annual induction ceremony held at the Kirkman Activity Center on Barton's campus.

Established in 2000, the 2025 inductee class included local natives Tim Weiser and Lacy (Frees) Draznik, along with Natchapol "Putter" Srinoon, in joining over eighty-four previous inductees.

Master of ceremonies and Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs, joined on stage by presenters and inductees, led the induction ceremony in front of family and supporters, former Barton athletes and coaches, booster club members, and current student-athletes and coaches.

Rolfs' opening remarks included his excitement of Hall of Fame Day. "We're able to see, we're able to hear, and we're able to share today in the incredible culture that developed these inductees." Later adding, "People is what makes this place special, and the people that we're going to meet today are going to make it very clear why that is."

Ken "Doc" Henderson, a 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee and current President of the Cougar Booster Club, introduced its Board of Directors while offering brief remarks.

"Each of these individuals have excelled in their chosen careers and have left an indelible mark on their respective Cougar teams and in our Barton Athletic Department."

The inductee portion of the program was kicked off by Barton Cheer Coach Amanda Schnoebelen.

"It is with much pride and honor to present, not only the first ever dancer into the Hall of Fame, but also a very talented, incredible, and all-around amazing human being that is Lacy Draznik."

Recalling her enduring history of friendship and Draznik's many accomplishments, Schnoebelen concluded, "I admire Lacy for all of her continued success in educating and sharing her love and passion with the world."

Formerly Frees of Ellinwood, Kansas, Draznik began her love of dancing at a young age, with mentors such as former Cheer/Dance Head Coach Debbie Warren and assistant Cheyla Clawson guiding her, leading into becoming a dance line performer at Oklahoma State University, Barton, and concluding her collegiate career graduating from Wichita State University.

"Being an athlete at Barton was an incredible feeling," Draznik recalled. "Every team here striving for excellence every day. We would come practice next to national championship basketball, volleyball, baseball, cheer, and Olympic runners all within this building. The passion was contagious."

Spending eight summers teaching hundreds of high school and college dancers through the National Dance Alliance, Lacy's extensive professional dance career led to Tulsa and eventually to San Francisco, where she also had the opportunity to share her knowledge and skill with underprivileged students in the Philippines.

"My college experience, where I've lived and traveled with all my jobs, practically every friend that I have, my network, and even my husband," said Draznik. "I met all because of dance."

In 2011, Lacy achieved another dream, owning the Miami County Dance Movement south of Kansas City, a thriving dance and acrobatics academy with two locations in Paola and Louisburg. Under her leadership, it has become an award-winning studio, catering to students of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to seniors.

Draznik concluded, "My time at Barton solidified what I knew in my heart was the right path for me. A life of consistently challenging myself every day to find my next level of excellence. Never giving up and always reaching higher."

Next up was the welcoming back of 2002 Barton Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Ray Bechard as Weiser's presenter.

"I do have the unique experience of being a former student-athlete here and also being able to coach here for 15 years. And the student-athlete experience for me was extremely valuable. I met people like Tim Weiser, like Rob Bowman, and Alan Clark."

Bechard, who recently retired as the winningest coach in the University of Kansas Volleyball history after 27 seasons, reflected on his appreciation for the relationships built and still exist today, with people met while at Barton.

"This place has allowed me to develop relationships that will be long-lasting. One that I'll cherish and cherish to this day is the one that developed with Tim Weiser."

Although each had separate paths, the friendship between the two has prevailed through time even though each represented rival colleges. Bechard at KU while Weiser spent seven years at Kansas State University as the Athletic Director before becoming Deputy Commissioner for the Big 12 Conference until retirement this past December.

Bechard remarked on Weiser's impact during his time with the Big 12 Conference during a dynamic time of history.

"There's been one consistent voice in that office and that's Tim Weiser. He's always done what's right for our conference, he's always done what's right for the student-athlete, and he's always done what's right for his coaches."

A workhorse member of the pitching staff for his hometown Cougars from 1976 to 1978 before moving on to Emporia State University, Weiser helped lead the Hornets to a pair of conference and NAIA District Championships. Following graduation, Tim then spent the next 41 years in athletic administration.

Weiser began using the analogy of a three-legged stool, that without one of the legs, the stool serves no purpose hence each leg has made his career possible.- Faith in God and thankfulness for the blessings.- Family. Beginning with his parents and mom in attendance recently celebrating her 96th birthday, his twin sisters who were part of the first class of cheerleaders at Barton, his wife and children, along with, the many extended family's support along the way.- Friends. Being fortunate to work with great coaches and really good people along the way.

"If you want to go fast, you go alone. But if you want to go far, you join with others," Weiser quoted in his closing remarks. "For me, you can tell which of those two choices I made. Because without question, I would not have had the opportunities to do and be part of many things that I've had without the support of all the people that are here today and have been in my career."

Weiser was previously inducted into the Emporia State University Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Great Bend High School Hall of Fame in 2009.

Srinoon, nicknamed "Putter" as youth by his father, was the last inductee of the afternoon, being introduced by his former and current Barton Golf Coach Doug Kaiser.

Kaiser recalled the late Thursday evening of picking up Srinoon from the Wichita airport and bringing him to Great Bend. Paraphrasing, 'I wondered what was going through his mind but he stuck to his commitment. Srinoon dressed like a professional and would play like a professional, setting a program two-round record of 9-under par.'

Srionoon captured the 2015 KJCCC Championship his freshman season, concluding his Barton career winning a pair of tournaments and being named to the 2016 PING All-District team presented by the Golf Coaches Association of America recognizing top NJCAA golfers.

Unable to attend the Induction due to still playing on the professional tour, Srinoon recorded a video that was played for the ceremony crowd.

Srinoon's list of appreciation began with Coach Kaiser and his family, Barton professors, and to his teammates.

"What a ride it has been. Golf brought us together, but the memories we made off the course are just as unforgettable."

Reflecting on the times, mostly off the course, regarding his teammates, Srinoon said, "They all made this journey one of the best times of my life. They were so nice and took really good care of me for those two years while I was at Barton. We are still keeping each other in touch. The bond we built will always be special to me, obviously."

Continuing at Arkansas Tech University, Srinoon helped the squad to consecutive berths in NCAA Division II Championship Tournament with multiple clutch performances along the way.

After earning his degree from ATU, Srinoon returned home to Bangkok, Thailand, in turning professional winning the first of his two tour championships in 2021, his second in 2023, and has three Top-10 finishes in nearly 25 professional events.

Srinoon concluded, "This honor isn't just about me. It's about every person who played a role in my U.S. journey in the first two years. It's about lessons learned through hard work, discipline, and the friendships that last a lifetime. I have so much good memories there in Barton. I'm so proud to be a part of it. I am so filled with gratitude, knowing that none of this would be possible without the people who I have mentioned before. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I really am. Once a Barton. Always a Barton."

In addressing the crowd in conclusion, Rolfs remarked, "The most important pillar to me is your development socially. Every year I am reminded why that pillar is so important seeing that in all three of these candidates that have spoken before you today. And that pillar of your social growth will remain, for me, the most important because this world needs good people.

The inductees were again honored and recognized later in the evening between the women's and men's basketball games versus Dodge City Community College.

Local products enshrined into Barton Sports Hall of Fame

SCHOOL&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CONF&nbsp; &nbsp;ALL Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-2&nbsp; 23-3 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 17-3&nbsp; &nbsp;23-3 Coffeyville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 16-3&nbsp; &nbsp;21-3 Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-5&nbsp; &nbsp;19-5 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp;12-7&nbsp; &nbsp;17-8 Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12-9&nbsp; &nbsp;17-9 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10-10 15-10 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9-11&nbsp; &nbsp;14-12 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-11&nbsp; &nbsp; 11-13 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-12&nbsp; &nbsp;12-14 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3-17&nbsp; &nbsp;8-18 Independence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-19&nbsp; &nbsp;2-24 FHSU Tech NW&nbsp; &nbsp;1-20&nbsp; &nbsp;1-24 Wednesday, February 19 Pratt 60, Independence 54 Dodge City 83, FHSU Tech NW 36 Cowley 70, Hutchinson 60 Thursday, February 20 Butler @ Coffeyville Garden City @ Cloud County Colby @ Seward County Saturday, February 22 Barton @ FHSU NW Tech Coffeyville @ Pratt Cowley @ Garden City Dodge City @ Colby Butler @ Hutchinson Seward County @ Independence&nbsp; Wednesday, February 26 Colby @ Barton Independence @ Dodge City Garden City @ Butler Cloud County @ Cowley Seward County @ Coffeyville Pratt @ Hutchinson &nbsp; &nbsp;

Jayhawk Women Standings/Scores/Schedule

SCHOOL&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;CONF&nbsp; &nbsp;ALL Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;19-2&nbsp; &nbsp;24-3 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;15-5&nbsp; &nbsp;21-5 Coffeyville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-5&nbsp; &nbsp;18-7 Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13-6&nbsp; &nbsp;18-7 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13-7&nbsp; &nbsp;17-9 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-10 15-11 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9-10&nbsp; 14-11 FHSU Tech NW&nbsp; 9-12&nbsp; 11-14 Independence&nbsp; &nbsp; 7-13&nbsp; &nbsp;11-15 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7-13&nbsp; &nbsp;10-16 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7-13&nbsp; &nbsp;11-15 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5-15&nbsp; 11-15 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp;2-17&nbsp; 3-21 Wednesday, February 19 Pratt 112, Independence 96 Cowley 87, Hutchinson 71 FHSU NW Tech 87, Dodge City 84 Thursday, February 20 Butler @ Coffeyville Garden City @ Cloud County Colby @ Seward County Saturday, February 22 Barton @ FHSU NW Tech Coffeyville @ Pratt Cowley @ Garden City Dodge City @ Colby Butler @ Hutchinson Seward County @ Independence&nbsp; Monday, February 24 Bethany JV @ FHSU Tech NW Wednesday, February 26 Colby @ Barton Garden City @ Butler Cloud County @ Cowley Seward County @ Coffeyville Pratt @ Hutchinson Independence @ Dodge City

Jayhawk Men Standings/Scores/Schedule

STILLWATER, Okla.
(AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 14 of his career-high 25 points in the
second half and Oklahoma State beat UCF 104-95 despite 34 points from
Keyshawn Hall on Wednesday night. Thompson made 10 of 15 shots in
leading the Cowboys (13-13, 5-10 Big 12). Abou Ousmane added 17
points despite sitting out much of the second half before fouling
out. Arturo Dean scored 16 points, Khalil Brantley 15 and Marchelus
Avery 10. Hall made 9 of 20 shots and was 14 of 17 from the line.
Darius Johnson added 23 points — 19 in the second half — and
Mikey Williams 14 for the Knights (13-13, 4-11), who lost their
seventh straight.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.
(AP) — Amani Hansberry scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and
West Virginia pulled out a 62-59 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday
night after nearly blowing a nine-point lead in the final seconds.
Trailing by six midway through the second half, the Mountaineers went
on a 21-6 run to lead 62-53 with 7.9 seconds left. But Dan Skillings
Jr. hit two 3-pointers and a turnover gave the Bearkats a chance at a
tie but a final shot missed. Jizzle James and Day Day Thomas each
scored 13 points for Cincinnati.

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) —
Johni Broome had 16 points and 13 rebounds and No. 1 Auburn overcame
a rough offensive performance to beat Arkansas 67-60 on Wednesday
night. After winning at Alabama on Saturday in a game between the top
teams in the poll, Auburn (24-2, 12-1 Southeastern Conference)
avoided its second straight home loss. Chad Baker-Mazara added 15
points for the Tigers, and Chaney Johnson had 14. Adou Thiero led
Arkansas (15-11, 4-9) with 16. Johnell Davis had 14. The teams
combined to hit seven of 43 3-point attempts.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) —
After Missouri basketball fans stormed the court following a victory
over then-No. 1 Kansas on Dec. 8, Tigers coach Dennis Gates made sure
there wouldn’t be an encore after No. 15 Missouri beat No. 4
Alabama 110-98 on Wednesday night. Gates called a timeout with 1.5
seconds remaining, and grabbed the public address microphone to
emphatically tell the capacity crowd of 15,061 to stay off the court.
“Please, do not rush the court! Please, do not rush the court!”
Gates said to the fans. Missouri was fined $250,000 after the Kansas
game, and faces a $500,000 fine for a second offense. In Southeastern
Conference play, the fine is paid to the opposing school.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) —
The Big Ten and Southeastern Conference will push for changes in the
way College Football Playoff teams are seeded next season to coincide
more with how teams are ranked by the CFP selection committee. Big
Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey say
both leagues support such a change. Their comments came following
joint meetings on Wednesday in New Orleans involving all athletic
directors from both leagues. Last college football season was the
first under the expanded 12-team CFP format. A decision to give byes
to the four highest-ranked major conference champions drew scrutiny
after all four of those teams lost in the quarterfinals.

NEW YORK (AP) —
The NFL salary cap will be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million
for the 2025 season, rising as much as $26 million from last year.
The bump is great news for Cincinnati, which is hoping to sign
receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term contract. It also means more
money for Minnesota to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold or Kansas City
to bring back guard Trey Smith or Super Bowl champion Philadelphia to
keep linebacker Zack Baun. It’s also significant for teams
projected to be over the cap when the new league year begins in
March.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP)
— Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki threw 27 pitches over two innings of
live batting practice at Camelback Ranch in front of hundreds of fans
and several teammates. It also seemed like the entire Los Angeles
Dodgers organization was watching behind home plate. Sasaki wasn’t
particularly fazed by the attention Wednesday and looked much more
comfortable than last week, when he was a little wild during a
bullpen session in chilly weather. He recorded two strikeouts,
including one on back-to-back splitters to Eddie Rosario.

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Thursday, February 20 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned @ Haven Friday, February 21 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104 - H.S. Basketball -Dodge City @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington @ Larned 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington @ Larned Saturday, February 22 2:30PM 1590/95.5FM - College Basketball - Virginia @ North Carolina 2:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Oklahoma State @ Kansas 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton M&amp;W @ FHSU NW Tech 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - LA Lakers @ Denver Sunday, February 23 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - New York Knicks @ Boston Monday, February 24 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 9:00PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ Colorado Tuesday, February 25 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104 - H.S. Basketball -Hesston @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Halstead @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Smoky Valley @ Larned Wednesday, February 26 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Colby M&amp;W @ Barton

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Seven men from Chile have been charged in Florida federal court with orchestrating burglaries at the homes of prominent professional athletes around the country, according to a criminal complaint.

The FBI complaint doesn't name the athletes, but lists burglaries already made public involving the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, as well as players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies.

According to the complaint, the defendants are part of a burglary ring that “is known to target high-profile professional athletes when they are known to be away from home.” The men allegedly stole about $2 million in watches, jewelry, cash and other valuables, including a safe they later cracked.

Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. It wasn't clear Wednesday whether they are in custody, and Tampa federal court records don't list attorneys for any of them.

The defendants are listed as Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24; Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20; Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27; Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22; Bastian Orellano Morales, 23; Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24; and Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38. Although the FBI identifies them as Chilean in the charging documents, it doesn’t say whether any or all of them are also U.S. citizens or are legally in the country.

Some were arrested in January after a traffic stop in Ohio on state charges for allegedly breaking into the home of Burrow, the Bengals' quarterback. The federal charges in Tampa were filed Jan. 30.

Much of the evidence outlined in the FBI complaint is from cellphone data, surveillance video and license plate readers that allegedly place the defendants in the vicinity of the burglaries. They typically used crude methods such a breaking windows or prying open sliding glass doors with crowbars.

The burglars, according to the FBI affidavit, “will approach the residences from cover such as, but not limited to, a wooded or dark area" before breaking into the homes. One unnamed Tampa Bay Buccaneers player had about $167,000 in property stolen, including a Rolex watch, a Luis Vuitton suitcase, jewelry and a gun.

The group also took photos of themselves with some of the loot, which the FBI included in the criminal complaint. In one case, a suspect is seen wearing a Kansas City Chiefs shirt. The groups often will separate into smaller units to commit multiple burglaries, according to the FBI.

Seven Chileans charged with burglarizing the homes of Mahomes, Burrow and other star athletes

The Division I baseball season is less than a week old, and coaches already are planning for 2026 when it's all but certain scholarship limits will be removed, rosters downsized and players will have opportunities to make more money.

They expect the fallout to be fewer opportunities for high school recruits at the top level of the sport, especially if the NCAA adopts a proposal that would extend eligibility from four to five years. They also predict a greater imbalance in competition.

All is contingent on a federal judge approving the settlement of antitrust allegations against the NCAA and the nation’s biggest conferences. A hearing is set for April 7 and changes would go into effect July 1, a few days after the baseball season.

The framework for baseball would cap rosters at 34 with no scholarship limit for schools that opt in to the revenue-sharing model tied to the so-called House settlement. Currently there’s a 40-man limit during the season and a maximum of 11.7 scholarships that can be spread among up to 32 players.

“I still think the majority of teams are going to be giving partial scholarships to at least part of their roster,” Nebraska coach Will Bolt said. “Reading the tea leaves, it doesn’t look like anyone is going to come up with 34 fulls.”

Auburn athletic director John Cohen, previously head coach at Mississippi State and Kentucky, doubted the new rules would shake up college baseball's power structure. Only about half of the more than 300 Division I programs currently award 11.7 scholarships, and many of the ones that do could at least double that number next year. Programs that don't award 11.7 now still might struggle to offer that many going forward.

With just a handful of programs generating a profit, financial constraints preclude big scholarship increases at most schools without additional fundraising. Even for schools where increasing scholarships is feasible, Title IX guidelines requiring proportional opportunities for men and women would have to be considered.

The House settlement also would allow athletic departments to share up to $20.5 million in revenue among athletes across all sports starting next school year. Football and men's basketball players would be expected to receive the lion's share. How much is available to baseball players likely would be a fraction of what athletes in revenue-producing sports get and could amount to little or nothing for programs outside the Power Four.

Most players now receive partial scholarships and try to capitalize on opportunities allowing them to make money on their name, image and likeness. According to Opendorse's 2024 annual report, the top 25-earning baseball players could expect to make just under $48,000 per year, based on deals tracked by the NIL platform from 2021-24.

“What I know about NIL currently is there is no accurate way to illustrate who’s doing what,” he said, “so it’s hard to speak intelligently about NIL because what you’re relying on is third-party information. You hear things and you just aren’t sure what to believe.”

Clemson coach Erik Bakich said he thought the $48,000 figure seemed high. Either way, he said, NIL money is not lucrative for the vast majority of baseball players.

“The majority of NIL in college baseball has been about paying your bills, not play for pay,” Bakich said. “College baseball players are using NIL dollars to pay for cost of attendance. I’m for anything that reduces out-of-pocket cost for parents and anything that eliminates the need for any college kid to take out any type of loan debt.”

Coaches said an often-overlooked consequence of roster reductions would be the squeeze it puts on high school prospects, especially at the top end of Division I.

Bolt, the Nebraska coach, said he had honest and difficult conversations with some of his players last fall about where they fit in and whether they should consider transferring, perhaps to a lower division. Bolt typically has carried 45 or 50 players in the fall. The NCAA fall roster limit remains fluid but coaches have recommended it be 38 with the cutdown to 34 on Dec. 1.

Bolt said it takes the typical freshman about three semesters to show whether he can be successful in Division I. The window of opportunity probably will shrink after this year.

“Unless you’re a top-100 (high school) prospect or unless you’re turning down significant money in the draft to go to college and it’s a no-brainer you can play at the Division I level as a freshman, the junior college route does become a very desirable option," Bolt said.

The shortening of the Major League Baseball amateur draft from 40 rounds to 20 beginning in 2021 has kept more players in college longer. The transfer portal has allowed teams to fill immediate needs rather than roll the dice with young players. And teams would get older yet if there's passage of a proposal now under consideration to extend athlete eligibility from four to five competitive seasons.

There also is some question about how junior college years will be counted against NCAA eligibility following the federal court injunction that gave Vanderbilt football player Diego Pavia an extra season after he argued his junior college years limited his ability to capitalize on NIL.

Oregon State coach Mitch Canham said all those factors mean promising high school players who don't project to be an immediate starting position player or key member of the pitching staff will be passed over in coming years.

“With a roster of 34, you don’t have room to keep a whole bunch of guys around to develop, which is tough because that’s something we’ve done a lot of,” Canham said. “It's almost as if, am I going to trust an 18-year-old who has never played Division I baseball to come in and do this? You better make sure. Or are you going to get a 21-year-old (transfer) who has hundreds of at-bats and experience against older competition?”

College baseball future may see greater imbalance in competition, high school prospects squeezed out

3	Trinity Valley
Community College	14	23-2	323

6	Indian Hills
Community College		22-5	280

8	Cowley County
Community College		23-3	263

12	Moberly Area
Community College		22-4	192

13	Barton
Community College		21-5	176

16	Eastern Florida
State College		22-3	131

21	Coffeyville
Community College		18-7	65

22	Northwest Florida
State College		18-7	54

23	Columbia State
Community College		22-3	43

2024-25 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Poll | Week 12 - 02-18-25

- Great Bend Lady Panther basketball coach Jade Winter will join us in the Mayo Money Management Studio to preview Friday's game with Dodge City at the Panther Fieldhouse.

- The "Voice of the Cougars" Cole Reif will have a re-do after he had to miss Tuesday's show. Cole will have the latest on Barton Cougar basketball.

Wednesday on Sports Day(Watch)

2	Northwest Florida
State College		23-1	240

4	Three Rivers
Community College - MO		23-2

6	Shelton State
Community College		24-3	200

7	Dodge City
Community College		22-3	190

8	Hutchinson
Community College		23-2	180

13	Florida
Southwestern State College		19-4	130

14	Pearl River
Community College		21-2	120

15	Trinity Valley
Community College		19-4	110

16	Coffeyville
Community College		21-3	100

20	Eastern Florida
State College		20-6	60

21	Western Nebraska
Community College		21-5	50

2024-25 NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Poll | Week 12 - 02-18-25

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime in southwest Kansas.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to the north part of Garden City where offices observed a vehicle in the roadway. Officers made contact with the driver who told Officers that an occupant inside the vehicle had been kidnapped at knifepoint by someone known to them.

 The investigation revealed that the victim was being driven home when the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Augustin Beronvil began following their vehicle. 

Beronvil then confronted the vehicle at an intersection and pulled out a pocketknife. The victim ran from the vehicle, but Beronvil grabbed them from behind, forced them into his vehicle and drove off. 

Officers quickly located Beronvil and the victim at his residence, and Beronvil was taken into custody on requested charges of Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, and other violations.

Man accused of kidnapping victim in southwest Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of federal government employees have been shown the door in the first month of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump’s administration</a>&nbsp;as the White House and its Department of Government Efficiency fire both new and career workers, tell agency leaders to plan for “large-scale reductions in force” and freeze trillions of dollars in federal grant funds.

It is affecting more than just the national capital region, home to about 20% of the 2.4 million members of the civilian federal workforce, which does not include military personnel and postal workers. More than 80% of that workforce lives outside the Washington area.

There is no official figure available of the total firings or layoffs. The Associated Press tallied how agencies are being affected based on AP reporting and statements from lawmakers and employee unions.

Here is a look at some of the broad and specific ways federal agencies and employees are being affected by the administration’s reductions, as of Wednesday:

‘Deferred resignation’ proposal for federal workers

The White House offered a “deferred resignation” proposal in exchange for financial incentives, like months of paid leave,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-buyouts-to-all-federal-employees-f67f5751a0fd5ad8471806a5a1067b5e">to almost all federal employees</a>&nbsp;who opted to leave their jobs by Feb. 6.

But just before that deadline, a federal judge blocked Trump’s plan, wanting to hear arguments from the administration and the labor unions, which said the offer was illegal.

According to the Office of Personnel Management, about 75,000 federal employees had accepted the offer as of Feb. 12.

There have also been wide-ranging layoffs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-layoffs-doge-406752da1614755b8fabe9c94e0c71a8">probationary employees</a>&nbsp;— those generally on the job for less than a year and who have yet to gain civil service protection. Potentially hundreds of thousands are affected.

On Feb. 13, the administration ordered agencies to lay off nearly all such workers. According to government data maintained by OPM, 220,000 federal employees had less than a year on the job as of March 2024.

On Feb. 13, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced the dismissal of more than 1,000 employees who had served for less than two years. According to Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., that included researchers working on cancer treatment, opioid addiction, prosthetics and burn pit exposure.

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