By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Severe weather season has arrived in Central Kansas. Earlier
this month, small tornadoes touched down near Shawnee in the northeast corner
of the state, and in Sumner County south of Wichita. As severe weather becomes
more frequent, Barton County Communications Director Dena Popp encourages
residents to turn to various sources of reliable information, including local
radio and television, the Barton County Emergency Management Facebook page, or
weather radios.

“If there’s inclement weather, if it’s cloudy and overcast
and looks like it could storm, please rely on your resources,” she said. “We
just ask (the public) not utilize 911 for those things. We have two dispatchers
on at all times. If we are tied up on a non-emergency because somebody wants to
know what the weather conditions are, or why the tornado sirens sounded, you’re
relying on one dispatcher to handle emergency calls at that point.”

Popp said the same goes for electrical outages. Calls to 911
should be reserved for emergencies. Electric companies have their own pages
with outage information and contact information on how to report outages.

“If your area is already reported in an outage, there’s no
reason to call 911,” Popp said. “We are going to call the same number you are
to report those outages, so we really want the public to call themselves.”

Barton County Emergency Management Director Sean Kelly
reminds the public of the three storm distinctions: weather advisories are
generally issued 24-48 hours before an anticipated storm. A weather watch is
issued when the atmosphere is primed for significant weather. A weather warning
is issued when the story is actively happening. 

Rely on resources, not 911, as severe weather season begins in Central Kansas

Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign designed to promote informed food choices and healthy eating habits. This nationwide observance encourages individuals and families to focus on making small, realistic changes that support lifelong health.

Nutrition plays a powerful role in overall well-being. The foods we choose each day affect our energy levels, immune function, heart health, brain health, and even mood. During National Nutrition Month®, communities across the country highlight the importance of balancing nutritious foods with regular physical activity to support a healthy lifestyle at every age.

A key message of National Nutrition Month® is that healthy eating does not have to be complicated. Building balanced meals can be as simple as including a variety of food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or fortified alternatives. Aim to fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains such as brown rice or quinoa, and include lean protein sources like beans, poultry, fish, eggs, or nuts. Small adjustments—like swapping sugary drinks for water or choosing baked instead of fried foods—can make a meaningful difference over time.

Another focus of National Nutrition Month® is mindful eating. In today’s busy world, meals are often eaten on the go or in front of screens. Taking time to sit down, savor food, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues can improve digestion and prevent overeating. Planning meals and snacks ahead of time can also reduce stress and make it easier to stick to healthy choices.

Budget-friendly nutrition is an important part of the conversation as well. Healthy eating does not require expensive specialty foods. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables (with no added salt or sugar) are nutritious, affordable options. Buying in-season produce, comparing unit prices at the store, and cooking more meals at home can stretch food dollars while improving nutritional quality.

National Nutrition Month® also emphasizes the value of learning food skills. Cooking at home allows individuals to control ingredients such as sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. Trying new recipes, experimenting with herbs and spices instead of excess salt, and involving children in meal preparation can build confidence and encourage healthier habits for the entire family.

Physical activity complements good nutrition. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, while children and teens benefit from daily movement. Walking, dancing, gardening, or playing outside are simple ways to stay active without special equipment.

Most importantly, National Nutrition Month® reminds us that progress matters more than perfection. Healthy living is a journey, and every positive choice contributes to long-term wellness. Whether it is adding one extra vegetable to dinner, drinking more water, or preparing one additional home-cooked meal each week, small steps add up.

This March, take time to reflect on your eating habits and consider one or two changes that support your health goals. By making thoughtful food choices and staying active, you can fuel your body, nourish your future, and celebrate National Nutrition Month® in a meaningful way.

K-State Extension is here to support you with research based and meaningful information to help you and your family. Please visit our website to learn more about the nutrition and activity programs we offer in the Cottonwood Extension District. https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: National Nutrition Month: Fuel your body, nourish your future

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

As property taxes continue to frustrate Kansans, a tax policy expert says many of the relief options being discussed in Topeka have significant drawbacks.

Chris Courtwright, a member of Gov. Laura Kelly's Council on Tax Reform, spoke to Rotary attendees on Monday at the Venue in Hays. He is the author of "Kansas Tax Facts," a guide on Kansas state and local tax policy.&nbsp;

"There aren't any great solutions, regardless of what the politicians suggest," Courtwright said.

Courtwright retired after 34 years as the Kansas Legislature’s principal economist and a member of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group. He is an author with the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/chris-w-courtwright/">Kansas Reflector</a>.

He began his presentation by citing the Kansas Constitution, which requires the Legislature to provide adequate and equitable funding for public schools.

Courtwright said about 40% of all property tax revenue goes to schools. While he supports funding education, he said the overall property tax burden still needs to be addressed.

He also provided background on the history of property taxes and why they have long been unpopular with taxpayers.

"The last time we amended the Kansas constitution in a meaningful way when it came to property taxes was the early 1990s. The taxes on our residential houses were about a third of all property taxes. It's now two-thirds of the property tax base," he said.

Courtwright said that reducing property taxes for one group often shifts the burden onto others. He compared it to squeezing a balloon; when one side shrinks, another side expands.

There are more than 4,000 property tax subdivisions in Kansas. Courtwright said state and local taxes combined are $21 billion, with local governments contributing about 42% and property taxes about 34%. Property taxes are about 80% of local taxes.

"Property taxes have always been the workhorse of local finances," Courtwright said. "Locals get all their money from property taxes. ... They're the bread and butter."

According to Courtwright, the median residential sales price in Ellis County is $230,000 for a house. As of January, the mean residential value is about $160,000.

Courtwright said the two kinds of relief are under discussion right now.

Option one is to reduce the statewide school property tax that helps fund public schools. Lowering that rate would decrease property taxes for all property owners, but the state would have to replace every dollar lost with money from the state general fund.

Option two would reduce property taxes specifically for homeowners by increasing the amount of a home’s value that is exempt from the statewide school property tax. Businesses, agriculture and other properties would not be included.

In 2024, lawmakers gave property tax relief exclusively to homeowners by keeping the mill levy at 20 mills while increasing the residential exemption from about $44,000 to $75,000.

Courtwright said the change only provided about a $71 tax cut for every home in the state valued at least $75,000.

He also cautioned against valuation caps, saying those policies can create inequities and may lead to higher taxes elsewhere over time.

"There are generational equity issues. It makes it harder for young people to buy homes. We become the land of aristocracy," he said.

"Doing this makes it that much harder for younger people to stay in the state and find housing. There are a bunch of reasons not to do this. The right-of-center Tax Foundation says don't do this," he said.

Courtwright said lawmakers are discussing putting a valuation cap on the ballot in 2026.

He emphasized property tax cuts involve trade-offs and money used to reduce property taxes could instead go toward priorities such as education, Medicaid expansion or social services.

Courtwright's recommendation to cut property taxes would be to lower the residential assessment rate in the Kansas Constitution from 11.5% to 9%. However, he noted passing such a change would be difficult because other property groups would likely oppose it.

"If you put that on the ballot, homeowners would vote for it, but then the balloon would get squeezed in a different direction. Some of the other classes of property... those lobbies aren't gonna let that get on the ballot," he said in response to a question about possible legislation that can balance residential property taxes.

Other ideas, he said, lawmakers could consider are&nbsp;

• Expanding “circuit breaker” or programs that give property tax refunds to seniors, disabled residents and low-income homeowners.

• Give local governments more types of taxes, such as liquor, cigarette or fuel taxes, so they rely less on property taxes.

When asked about proposals by some lawmakers to eliminate property taxes, Courtwright called the idea “a cruel hoax.”

"There is no way in so many areas of the state that it would work," he said. "It's absurd. They're just doing it because it's an election year and because they can't afford to do any of the stuff I've been talking about."

Courtwright also suggested if the state has extra money available for tax cuts, lawmakers should consider other types of tax relief rather than focusing solely on property taxes.

Tax expert outlines challenges of property tax relief in Kansas 

Are you getting the most out of your Chamber membership?

Join the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce for&nbsp;Unlock Your Chamber Benefits, a hands-on Lunch &amp; Learn designed to help you better understand and utilize the tools available through your membership. Whether you’re a new member, a new employee at a member business, or simply looking for a refresher, this session will walk you through practical ways to increase your visibility and engagement through the Chamber.

During this informal session, we’ll explore the&nbsp;Member Information Center (MIC)&nbsp;and other marketing opportunities available to you as a member. You’ll learn how to update and manage your online business profile, post events and deals, enhance your SEO visibility, and take advantage of both free and paid promotional tools available through the Chamber.

This is a great opportunity to ask questions and receive&nbsp;hands-on guidance, so we encourage you to&nbsp;bring a laptop or tablet&nbsp;if you’d like help navigating your member account.

The event is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at the Chamber Board Room, 1125 Williams in Great Bend. No registration is required to attend.

Feel free to bring your lunch&nbsp;and join us for an hour of practical tips that can help you maximize your membership investment.

We also encourage&nbsp;business owners and managers to send staff members&nbsp;who handle marketing, communications, or customer engagement. The more your team understands the tools available, the more value your organization can gain from your Chamber membership.

Unlock your Chamber benefits: GB Chamber hosting information lunch today at noon

03-13-2026 Booked Norris, Allen C. on Barton County District Court on Warrant #BT2026JV0005, BT2026JV0006, BT2026JV0010, BT2026JV0012 for Probation Violations with a bond of NO BOND.

Released Contreras, Christy L. On Great Bend Municipal case #201800868 for Contempt of Court, Per Order of the Court.

Booked in Lang, Ryan D. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0154 for Probation Violation with a bond set at NO BOND &amp; Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0266 for Probation Violation with a bond set at NO BOND.

Booked in Cromwell, Teshawn on Salina Municipal court warrant #2019TRMO3676 for Failure to appear, bond set at $50.00 cash only, Salina Municipal court warrant #2020TRMO1329 for Failure to appear, bond set at $50.00 cash only, Salina Municipal court warrant #2019CRMO1721 for Probation Violation, bond set at $388.00 cash only, Salina Municipal court warrant #2020CRMO0208 for Probation Violation, bond set at $403.00 cash only, Salina Municipal court warrant #2020CRM00373 for Probation Violation, bond set at $503.00 cash only, Salina Municipal court warrant #2020CRMO0373 for Probation Violation, bond set at $503.00 cash only, Salina Municipal court warrant #2020TRMO2812 for Probation Violation, bond set at $932.00 cash only.

Booked in Lingle, Tyler B on Stafford County District Court warrant SF2024CR10 for Probation Violation bond set at NO BOND.

Released Aumiller, Ryan A. on Barton County District Court warrants #BT2025CR0310 for Failure to Appear by posting a $10,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds and #BT2025CR0311 for Failure to Appear by posting a $10,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Cromwell, Teshawn on Salina Municipal Court warrants #2019TRM00376 for Failure to Appear by posting a cash bond of $50.00; #2020TRM001329 for Failure to Appear by posting a cash bond of $50.00; #2019CRM001721 for Probation Violation by posting a cash bond of $388.00; #2020CRM000208 for Probation Violation by posting a cash bond of $403.00; #2020CRM000372 for Probation Violation by posting a cash bond of $503.00; #2020CRM000373 for Probation Violation by posting a cash bond of $503.00; and #2022TRM002812 for Probation Violation by posting a cash bond of $932.00.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (3/16)

LYONS, Kan. — The Lyons City Council voted Monday to remove Police Chief Justin Holiday "for cause" following a weeks-long suspension and administrative review.

Following an executive session, the city council approved the decision in a 5–2 vote. Holiday had been placed on suspension on Feb. 17, with city officials stating at the time that the action was “based on the needs of the department and the community.”

City officials extended the suspension by an additional two weeks on March 2 to allow for further administrative review. No specific details regarding the reason for the suspension or removal have been released, with the city continuing to describe the situation as a “personnel matter.”

In the interim, Sgt. Cory Ryan has been appointed acting police chief. The city has also entered into an agreement with the Rice County Sheriff’s Office to assist with law enforcement coverage as needed.

Lyons city council removes police chief

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. South southeast wind 10 to 14 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northwest after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 48. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 82. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 49.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 87.

Tuesday's weather

By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

Monday felt a lot like winter but temperatures are expected to
rebound for the remainder of the week. That’s good news for students around the
area who are enjoying Spring Break. The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is
offering free programming all week to help keep those students occupied.

KWEC is hosting the drop-in activities from 1-4 p.m. each afternoon
this week. Today “All About that Bass.” Participants will learn all about fish
and craft their own paper fish with adaptations of their choice. On Tuesday,
participants can build their own terrariums to take home. Wednesday is all
about the fireflies. Students can learn about the insects and create a paper
lantern to take home. On Thursday, participants can learn all about the various
food sources for migrating birds who visit the area. The craft that afternoon
is a flapping bird. Finally, with temperatures ideal for outdoor activities,
students will learn about field journaling, then put their skills to the test
with a walk around the KWEC trail.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is located a few miles
northeast of Great Bend on K-156 Highway.

KWEC offering free Spring Break programming each afternoon this week

ELLSWORTH COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 GMC Denali driven by Rosemary&nbsp;Nuss, 73, Dorrance,&nbsp;stopped on the westbound outside shoulder of Interstate 70 near the Kansas 156 exit. The driver attempted to make a U-turn and and struck a westbound 2008 Chevy Silverado driven by Dyllon Knox, 34, Wichita, as it drove past. After impact the pickup overturned and came to rest in the center median.

&nbsp;The KHP reported Nuss had a serious injury but did not report where she was transported and whether Knox was injured.&nbsp; A passenger in the Silverado and a passenger in the Denali were not injured. All four were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman injured after crash during a u-turn

Power Hits 97.5 morning show DJ Rick Thomas (Scott Menzies) passed away Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack. Eagle Radio Operations Director Dan Engle confirmed that Thomas had collapsed while shopping at a Dillon's Store in Manhattan Saturday afternoon. Emergency personnel could not revive him. 

Rick Thomas was the Kansas Association of Broadcasters 2024 Medium Market Air Personality of the Year.&nbsp;

Engle stated, "It was a huge loss for both Eagle and Kansas broadcasting. He was well loved and we will miss him a lot."

Prominent DJ Rick Thomas passes away

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines community as a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area or a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.

We often think of our community as the people who live in proximity to us and that is certainly a valid definition. In this definition, we have common interests but may not all agree about how to accomplish tasks and ideals.

Community can also be defined as an agriculture community across differing productions and practices. Or an education community or any number of other areas that bring people together with similar ideas. However, it still doesn’t mean that we will all agree on how to accomplish goals and ideals. Actually, I would challenge that we need to have differing viewpoints to make our community stronger. At the same time, we have to address those differences with respect and a willingness to truly understand another’s point of view.

I am blessed to be a part of a nationwide community related to our family’s cattle breed. It doesn’t mean that I am dismissive of other breeds but enjoy the people and activities in the particular one we support. I have wonderful friendships from coast to coast because of my willingness to be involved.

I am also a part of a state-wide community of extension agents with varying experiences, education, and goals. Working together across our program areas provides better research and information for the communities in which we live.

I am involved with a couple of church organizations that are part of my very local community. Having an investment in helping these organizations to make decisions and provide support for one another is an incredible blessing.

In all of my own communities, we don’t always agree! But I appreciate when we can step back from our personal focus and look at a bigger picture. What is best for this particular community? How does a decision that I or this group makes impact other related decisions? Is it easy – absolutely not! Is it necessary – you bet!

My challenge for you is to consider the communities of which you are a part. This might be the physical town or neighborhood that you live in or it may be a part of an organization or even your place of employment. How can your involvement make that community stronger? Is your involvement simply critical comment without solutions or a willingness to help?

I know that I am grateful for the many “communities” that I am involved in but each of these wouldn’t really matter if I wasn’t willing to listen, learn, and share ideas.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Building your community can mean many things

MAD BASKETBALL CHALLENGE - WIN A 50" TV

Now is the time to recognize those who go above and beyond! You can nominate a School Hero! On the fourth Tuesday of each month, Eagle Media will select a Hero to recognize! The winner will also receive $500! Nominate a School Hero is presented by: <a href="https://opikan.com/">OPI</a> (Office Products Incorporated) &amp; Golden Belt Printing.&nbsp;

Any adult who works at a school in Barton County is eligible to be nominated. Admin, Teachers, Para's, Coaches, Maintenance, Cafeteria, etc.

Nominate a School Hero! Presented by: OPI & Golden Belt Printing

Big Bend Custom Engraving, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Redi Mix, Francis Financial, Medial Park Pharmacy, R&amp;R Roofing, Allstaff Chartered, Miller Plastics, Rosencrants Bemis Water Well Service, Great Bend Rec, Jimlo Glass Center, Haz Mat Response

Make a Difference Contest 

- Carson DuBose, head coach of Barton CC Softball

- Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets have agreed to a trade that will send quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

The Jets will receive a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 for Fields and pick up $7 million of his guaranteed $10 million salary for this upcoming season, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams didn’t announce the trade.

The deal, first reported by ESPN, is pending a physical.

The 27-year-old Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal — with $30 million guaranteed — with New York last March and was the starter for most of the season until he was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor in Week 12 in November. He didn’t play another game for the Jets, ending the season by being placed on injured reserve in late December with a knee injury.

Fields went 2-7 as the Jets’ starter with seven touchdowns and only one interception for 1,259 yards. He threw for fewer than 55 yards in four games, including a season-low 27 in a loss to Buffalo in Week 2.

The Chiefs were searching for a veteran backup quarterback capable of filling in if two-time MVP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-7ee035951ec396a05f64a295641ed3fc?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Patrick Mahomes</a>, who is rehabbing after tearing knee ligaments late in the season, is not ready for the start of the season.

With the Jets’ trade for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jets-geno-smith-06beab61a1107846292998a410aaa712?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">Geno Smith</a>&nbsp;last week, it appeared Fields’ days with the team were numbered, whether by being released or traded. New York held onto Fields through the start of free agency and general manager Darren Mougey found a taker in Kansas City.

Fields was the No. 11 overall pick by Chicago in the 2021 draft and the Bears moved on after three seasons and traded him to Pittsburgh in 2024. With Russell Wilson dealing with a calf injury, Fields opened the season as the Steelers’ starter and had five touchdown passes and five TD runs with just one interception while leading the Steelers to a 4-2 start.

But with Wilson healthy again, Pittsburgh turned back to the veteran and Fields was sent to the bench.

After he was signed by the Jets last offseason to replace the released Aaron Rodgers, Fields insisted he was confident he could be a productive NFL starter. But it didn’t happen in New York.

After the Jets started 0-7 during what would be a 3-14 first season under Aaron Glenn, owner Woody Johnson blamed poor quarterback play by Fields as a primary reason for the team’s struggles.

“The defense is pretty good. If we can just complete a pass, it would look good,” Johnson said at the NFL’s fall owners meetings last October. “We’ve got to complete some passes. You’ve got to convince them that you can do something. Otherwise it’s hard to have a game that you can win.”

For his career, Fields is 16-37 as a starter and has thrown for 9,039 yards and 52 touchdowns with 32 interceptions. He has also run for 2,892 yards and 23 scores.

Jets agree to trade quarterback Justin Fields to Chiefs to serve as Mahomes' backup

Teams coming off long runs in their league tournaments have a short window to regroup ahead of March Madness. Bigger conferences after waves of expansion have led to longer runs through league tournaments on the eve of the NCAA Tournament. Now it's common to see teams having to play four games in four days in conference tournaments. Then they have a few days for players to recover and recharge ahead of the NCAAs. Big Ten champion Purdue faces that challenge after playing four games in four days to win that title.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Iran’s Embassy in Mexico has suggested that the country is negotiating with FIFA to move Iran’s World Cup matches from the U.S. to Mexico after President Donald Trump discouraged the team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.It was unclear whether such talks are happening with FIFA, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Iranian officials have previously said it is up to FIFA and the U.S. to keep the team safe during the World Cup.The Embassy posted a statement attributed to Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj saying Iran wants to move its group stage matches from Los Angeles metropolitan area and Seattle to ensure the safety of players and officials.

MIAMI (AP) — Criticized for their cool, American players head into the World Baseball Classic championship also appreciating opponents’ flamboyant flair. U.S. captain Aaron Judge’s controlled composure has filtered through the clubhouse ahead of Tuesday night’s final against Venezuela. That’s not to say the Americans don’t appreciate the theatrics of Latin American players such as Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Nolan McLean, a 24-year-old rookie right-hander with eight games of major league experience, will start for the U.S.

MIAMI (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez hit run-scoring, two-out singles in a seventh-inning rally that led Venezuela over Italy 4-2 and into its first World Baseball Classic championship game. Venezuela overcame a 2-0, fourth-inning deficit after climbing out of a three-run hole to beat defending champion Japan in a quarterfinal and reached the final for the first time after losing to South Korea in its only previous semifinal appearance in 2009. It meets the United States for the title on Tuesday night and appears likely to start Eduardo Rodríguez against the Americans’ Nolan McLean.

MIAMI (AP) — Italy’s remarkable 2026 World Baseball Classic run is over after losing to Venezuela in the semifinals. The Azzurri stunned with a 5-0 start to reach their first WBC semifinal, putting a spotlight on a soccer-crazed country where baseball is less popular than in many of the other participating nations in the tournament and providing an exciting foundation to build on for the future. Italy blew a 2-1 seventh-inning lead Monday night when Michael Lorenzen allowed consecutive run-scoring singles with two outs to Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets have agreed to a trade that will send quarterback Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs, a person familiar with the deal has told The Associated Press. The Jets will receive a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 for Fields and pick up $7 million of his guaranteed $10 million salary for this upcoming season, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the teams didn’t announce the trade. The deal, first reported by ESPN, is pending a physical. The 27-year-old Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with New York last March. Fields was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor in November.

NEW YORK (AP) — Another marathon negotiating session between the WNBA and its players union didn’t end with a new collective bargaining agreement. For the seventh consecutive day the two sides met for over 12 hours and while they said progress was being made heading into Monday’s negotiationing session, there was still work that needed to be done when the sides ended discussions for the night around 3:30 a.m. EDT Tuesday morning. Revenue sharing continues to be the big sticking point between the sides.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama guard Aden Holloway has been arrested on a felony drug charge just days before the start of the NCAA Tournament. A Tuscaloosa County police spokesperson says the 21-year-old Holloway was arrested Monday after agents with the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force searched a residence near Alabama’s campus and recovered more than a pound of marijuana, paraphernalia and cash. The Crimson Tide’s No. 2 scorer, Holloway was arrested on a first-degree charge of marijuana possession. The charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. The university says it’s aware of the allegations and Holloway has been removed from campus pending further investigation.

There was a time when the NCAA men’s tournament was wildly unpredictable. Hard as it may seem to believe, there was one season where a No. 4 seed, two No. 5 seeds and a No. 9 seed all reached the Final Four. And a year later, a No. 11 seed got to the national semifinals as well. Ah, 2023 and 2024 feel so long ago. Last year's tournament saw four No. 1 seeds get to the Final Four and the way this bracket looks, it's not hard to envision the same thing happening this year. That's good news for Michigan, Duke, Florida and Arizona.

UConn looks like the safest pick to win the women’s NCAA tournament, but the real key in bracket pools is nailing early upsets. Brackets start to match by the second weekend, since lower seeds rarely reach the Sweet 16. For those looking to find some dangerous No. 11 seeds: Fairfield faces Notre Dame, Rhode Island plays Alabama, and South Dakota State meets Washington. But in the end, it's hard to not think the No. 1 seeds get to the Final Four.

Finals INTERLEAGUE Final	Toronto	5	Miami	4	 Final	Atlanta	11	Tampa Bay	2	 Final	Minnesota	5	Pittsburgh	1	 Final	Detroit	13	Philadelphia	6	 Final	Chicago Cubs	5	Cleveland	2

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Athletics	3	L.A. Angels	0	 Final	Texas	3	Chicago White Sox	2

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	San Diego	3	San Francisco	1	 Final	Arizona	11	Cincinnati	6	 Final	Milwaukee	24	L.A. Dodgers	9	 Final	Washington	12	N.Y. Mets	6

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Los Angeles	4	N-Y Rangers	1	 Final	Detroit	5	Calgary	2	 Final OT	New Jersey	4	Boston	3	 Final	Utah	6	Dallas	3	 Final	Pittsburgh	7	Colorado	2

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Duke is the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and No. 1 in the final AP Top 25 of the regular season. The Blue Devils received 50 first-place votes from a 57-person media panel in The Associated Press men’s basketball poll, a day after they were named the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. No. 2 Arizona received the other seven first-place votes, with Michigan, Florida and Houston rounding out the top five.

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, and total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking.

Others receiving votes: Miami (Ohio) 100, BYU 62, UCLA 38, Utah St. 28, TCU 17, High Point 14, VCU 12, Clemson 9, Ohio St. 5, Kentucky 4, Saint Louis 3, Akron 3, Santa Clara 2, McNeese St. 1.

Duke heads into March Madness ranked No. 1 in AP Top 25

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The 17th ranked Barton Community College men's basketball team received an at-large bid and the No. 15 seed for the 2026 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I National Tournament, as announced during the NJCAA Division I Selection Show late this afternoon.

The KJCCC regular season co-champion Cougars take a 24-9 record into the tournament's opening day, facing fellow at-large selection and 18th seeded New Mexico Junior College (26-6) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22.

Barton, which leads the NJCAA in both free throws attempted and made, compiled an impressive résumé throughout the season, going 4-2 against ranked competition, 5-1 against the top four teams in the KJCCC standings, and 8-2 against the conference's top six squads. The Cougars carried a 12-game winning streak into the Region 6/Plains District Championship game before falling to No. 19 Butler.

New Mexico, making its first national tournament in over a decade, features a tall and athletic roster, ranking among the NJCAA's top five in three-point attempts and turnovers forced. The Thunderbirds own notable victories over top-seeded Howard College and 12th seeded South Plains College, along with early season wins over Barton's Region 6 counterparts Fort Hays Tech Northwest (by 13 points), Pratt (39), and Seward County (13), as well as a 24-point victory over common opponent NOC-Tonkawa.

Barton most recently made its fourth straight appearance in the Region 6/Plains District Championship game, coming up short against Butler after defeating the Grizzlies twice during the regular season. The lone other Region 6 representative in the national field, Butler received the No. 8 seed and a first-round bye, advancing directly to Tuesday's 12:00 p.m. contest against the winner of ninth seeded Snow College and 24th seeded Trinidad State College.

In the tournament's win-or-go-home format, a Barton victory Saturday would advance the Cougars to Monday's 2:30 p.m. second-round matchup against second seeded College of Southern Idaho (31-2).

Barton's Game Schedule&nbsp;(Win-or-go-home format): Saturday – 2:30 p.m. (First Round) Monday – 2:30 p.m. (Second Round) Wednesday – 2:30 p.m. (Quarterfinals) Friday – 8:00 p.m. (Semifinals) Saturday – 3:00 p.m. (Championship)

All 2026 Tournament games are being streamed live via ESPN+, with the Championship game available on ESPNU. *Streaming service and/or subscription required.

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION:Official NJCAA Championship website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index">https://www.njcaa.org/championships/sports/mbkb/div1/index</a>Tickets:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/tickets">https://www.njcaa.org/tickets</a>- Note: Higher seed is the home team and will be seated on the east bench- $83 All-Session- $17 Session- Children age 3 and under are fee

Conference co-champion Barton men receive at-large National Tournament bid

Tuesday, March 17 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Wednesday, March 18 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - LA Lakers @ Houston Thursday, March 19 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Friday, March 20 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Saturday, March 21 2:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City vs Colorado Rockies 2:15PM B104 - NJCAA National Tourney - Barton Men vs New Mexico J.C. Monday, March 23 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Texas Rangers Tuesday, March 24 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 1:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Texas Rangers Wednesday, March 25 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - Atlanta @ Detroit

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

- Water Cooler Monday with Garrett Fitzpatrick and Special Guest Lyles Lashlee

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

The Barton Community College baseball team completed a four-game Jayhawk Conference series sweep of Pratt Community College this weekend, earning a pair of victories Thursday afternoon at Stanion Field in Pratt before finishing the series Saturday at Jimmy-Lawson-Danny Biggs Field.

The Cougars opened the series with a 9-5 and 10-6 road sweep Thursday before returning home Saturday to finish the four-game set with a 6-2 victory and an 18-8 seven-inning run-rule decision. Across the four-game series, the Cougars produced 43 runs on 58 hits including eight home runs.

With the sweep, Barton improves to 5-3 in Jayhawk West play and 19-5 overall while Pratt falls to 0-8 in league action and 5-19 on the season. The Cougars will return to action Thursday afternoon hosting Garden City Community College in a 1:00 p.m. conference, opening doubleheader before concluding the four-game set Saturday in Garden City.

Barton offense produced throughout the four-game series, scoring 43 runs on 58 hits including 20 doubles and eight home runs.&nbsp;Rhett Winchester&nbsp;paced the Cougars from the No. 2 spot in the lineup with a monster series, batting .765 (13-for-17) with four doubles, three home runs, nine runs scored and nine RBIs.&nbsp;Kyle Walker&nbsp;added seven hits and seven runs scored while&nbsp;Jaxon Case&nbsp;drove in seven runs behind six hits including three doubles and a home run.

On the mound,&nbsp;Antonio Mendez,&nbsp;Landon Ritchey,&nbsp;Brian Justice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Landon Haines&nbsp;each earned victories in the series while&nbsp;Jake Field&nbsp;added a save out of the bullpen with 2.1 scoreless innings and four strikeouts.

Game 1 Recap Barton opened Thursday's twinbill at Stanion Field with a 9-5 victory behind a decisive five-run third inning.&nbsp;Kyle Graves&nbsp;delivered a two-RBI double to open the scoring before Case followed later in the frame with a three-run home run for his second of the campaign to put the Cougars firmly in front.

Barton added insurance in the sixth as&nbsp;Hayden Oviatt&nbsp;launched a two-run home run for his second of the season and&nbsp;Jack Jewell&nbsp;followed with a solo blast, his second of the year, to extend the advantage. &nbsp;Winchester paced the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 afternoon at the plate while sweeping four bases as Barton finished with 12 hits in the opener.

On the mound, Mendez (1-1) earned the victory working five innings allowing three runs on four hits with four strikeouts. Field collected his first collegiate save with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Game 2 Recap The Cougars completed Thursday's road sweep with a 10-6 victory in the nightcap, rallying from an early deficit with runs in four different crooked innings. Barton erased a 4-2 deficit in the fifth as Winchester delivered an RBI double before stealing home to even the contest at 4-4.

The Cougars seized control in the sixth inning as Walker's RBI double brough home&nbsp;JJ Spafford&nbsp;before Winchester launched a two-run home run to left, putting Barton in front for good. The Cougars added three insurance runs in the eighth highlighted by Graves' RBI double and&nbsp;Kyler Horsman's run-scoring single.

Winchester finished with four RBIs to lead the offense while Graves added three hits in the victory. On the mound, Ritchey (3-0) earned the win in relief tossing four innings allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts while Horsman worked the final two frames to close out the sweep.

Game 3 Recap Barton returned home Saturday afternoon and opened the twinbill with a 6-2 victory behind a strong outing on the mound from Justice. The Beavers struck first with two runs in their first at-bat before the Cougars answered immediately, plating a pair in the bottom half before taking control with runs in the third and fourth innings.

Winchester led the offensive effort going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs while Case added two hits and two RBIs, highlighted by a run-scoring triple. Barton finished with 10 hits in the victory.

Justice (3-2) earned the win working six innings allowing two runs on six hits while tying a career-high eight strikeouts. Field struck out two in a scoreless seventh to close out the opener.

Game 4 Recap The Cougars completed the four-game sweep with an 18-8 seven-inning run-rule victory behind a 25-hit barrage. The Cougars set the tone early, plating three runs in the first before erupting for seven in the second inning to quickly build separation.

Winchester paced the offensive explosion with a perfect 5-for-5 afternoon at the plate, launching his third home run of the season and sixth of the season while scoring five runs and knocking in two. Walker added four hits including his fourth home run of the year with three RBIs, while Horsman drove in four behind his team-leading seventh long ball of the season.

Starter Haines (2-0) earned the victory working 4.2 innings allowing six runs on six hits with three strikeouts before&nbsp;Patrik Ludviks, and&nbsp;Drew Koch&nbsp;combined to finish out the contest.

Barton bats erupt in four-game sweep of Pratt

The Barton Community College softball team produced early fireworks Saturday afternoon at Cougar Field, but Butler Community College answered with plenty of power of its own, rallying for a 17-12 extra-inning victory in the opener before completing the twinbill sweep with an 11-3 nightcap decision in Jayhawk Conference play.

The results move Barton to 5-3 in conference play and 13-11 overall, while Butler improves to 4-2 in the Jayhawk and 6-8 on the season. The Cougars will look to rebound Wednesday traveling to Seward County for a 1:00 p.m. conference doubleheader.

Game One – Butler 17, Barton 12 (9 innings) Barton appeared firmly in control early in the opener, erupting for eight runs in the bottom of the first inning.&nbsp;Laney Wood&nbsp;opened the frame with a single before&nbsp;Kahli Fields&nbsp;followed with a base hit and&nbsp;Carly Erpelding&nbsp;reached on an error to load the bases.

Peyton McCormick's fielder's choice plated the first run before&nbsp;Addison Jones&nbsp;delivered an RBI single.&nbsp;Karter Alvord&nbsp;then ripped a two-run double to center field and&nbsp;Ella Pomme&nbsp;followed with a two-run single. The inning's exclamation point came moments later when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/spears_shaylee_13n0">Shaylee Spears</a>&nbsp;launched a two-run homer to left field for her first collegiate home run, staking the Cougars to an 8-0 lead.

Butler began chipping away in the third as Lizzy Lasey connected for a two-run homer before the Grizzlies struck again in the fourth. After a double by Lasey, Emillee Stofferahn belted a three-run homer trimming Barton's lead to a single run.

The Cougars answered in the bottom half of the fourth with three runs of their own as Alvord, Pomme, and Spears each delivered RBI singles, pushing the margin back to four at 11-7.

Butler again answered, cutting the deficit in the sixth before tying the contest in dramatic fashion in the seventh. A sacrifice fly brought the Grizzlies within three before Tatum Steiner launched a three-run homer to center field, evening the score at 12-12.

The visitors seized control in the ninth as Addison Chapman connected on a two-run homer before Butler added three more runs on a pair of long balls to complete the comeback victory.

Spears paced Barton's bottom third of the lineup, combining for three of the group's seven hits and driving in three runs including her first collegiate home run. Alvord finished 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while Pomme also produced a pair of hits and drove in three runs.

Ellie Crawford&nbsp;worked the first 5.2 innings, striking out four while allowing eight runs.&nbsp;Trista Rogers&nbsp;handled the final 3.1 frames, taking the loss to fall to 0-1 on the season.

Game Two – Butler 11, Barton 3 The nightcap began with Butler capitalizing on Barton miscues, scoring four runs in the second inning aided by a pair of errors.

Barton answered in the bottom half as&nbsp;Morgan Thatcher&nbsp;and&nbsp;Grace Hembree&nbsp;each singled before Alvord blasted a three-run homer to left field, her second of the season, pulling the Cougars within a run at 4-3.

Butler slowly rebuilt its lead in the middle innings, plating two runs in the fourth before breaking the game open with a four-run sixth inning highlighted by a solo homer from Haely Hagemann and a string of RBI singles.

Lizzy Lasey added another long ball in the seventh as Butler closed out the 11-3 victory.

Thatcher led Barton with two hits, while Alvord's three-run homer provided the Cougars' biggest offensive highlight of the nightcap.

Charley Wheeler&nbsp;took the loss to fall to 6-5 on the year, allowing ten runs on ten hits with seven earned as defensive miscues added to the damage. McCormick hurled the final 1.2 innings, surrendering one run while striking out two.

Barton softball jumps early but falls twice to Butler in conference twinbill

MIAMI (AP) — Aaron Judge says the World Baseball Classic has become baseball’s biggest stage. Speaking after the U.S. beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in semifinal, Judge said: “It’s bigger and better than the World Series.” Junior Caminero's second-inning homer off winner Paul Skenes put the Dominicans ahead but the U.S. rebounded on fourth-inning drives by Gunnar Henderson off Luis Severino and Roman Anthony against loser Gregory Soto. U.S. relievers pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in a game that ended with a controversial called third strike to Geraldo Perdomo from Mason Miller on a slider that appeared to be low.

Duke is the top overall seed in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament, with Arizona, Michigan, and Florida also landing on the No. 1 line. Miami (Ohio), which opened the season 31-0 before a loss early its conference tournament, got in as an 11 seed despite a weak schedule. They play a First Four game on Wednesday against SMU. The tournament begins Tuesday with other play-in games, including Texas versus North Carolina State.

UConn is the No. 1 overall seed in the women’s NCAA Tournament and enters March Madness needing six more victories to complete the seventh undefeated season in school history. The Huskies (34-0) are looking for their 13th national title and becoming the first team to repeat as champions since the Huskies won four in a row from 2013-16. They are joined by UCLA, Texas and South Carolina as the other No. 1 seeds.

There's nothing quite like March Madness to remind people of what college sports is all about. Yes, the 2025-26 season contained its share of headlines about money, pro players returning to college and coaches behaving badly. But now, the payoff. A three-week, 68-team hoops celebration where anything from a Miami (Ohio) miracle to a dominating Duke performance could happen. At its best, the NCAA Tournament is a needed reminder about what's right in a rapidly changing landscape.

MIAMI (AP) — A work stoppage that leads to canceled games during the 2027 Major League Baseball season could disrupt plans under discussion to have big league players participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Major League Baseball Players Association is negotiating on the six-nation baseball event, scheduled for Dodger Stadium from July 15-20 during what could be an extended All-Star break. MLB and the union also are preparing for the start of bargaining in April or May for a labor contract to replaced the current five-year agreement that expires Dec. 1. A management lockout is expected to start Dec. 2.

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