By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Great Bend Economic Development Director Sara Arnberger said Monday
night if you have driven by the 3000 block of 10th Street recently,
you have noticed the landscape changing drastically. The demolition of the
Great Bend Hotel &amp; Convention Center, or old Highland Hotel, is underway.


For more than six years, the hotel has been closed and deteriorating.


"We do recognize the demolition is bittersweet," said Arnberger. "There's a lot of fantastic memories that have been shared with us of the hotel in the past. We definitely recognize those, but with what it's become...it was a community safety hazard to keep that up. Demolition was the right path."

The Great Bend Economic Development purchased the vacant hotel in August 2022.&nbsp;The demolition of the 60,000-square-foot structure is being carried out by Stone Sand Company.


Arnberger told the Great Bend City Council Monday night there will be new life
on the property at 3017 10th Street. Economic Development is working
on new owners to construct a new hotel.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Demolition rolling through vacant Great Bend hotel

Bauer
Computers, Santa Fe Liquormart, Millers of Clafin, Nex-Tech, Handle Bar and
Grill, Eagle Tire, Memorial Art Company, Nex-Tech Wireless, Eldridge Fencing,
Sutherlands, Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source, Mattress
Solutions, Dawson Jewelers Designs by Dana, UPS Store/Westside Market, Heavy
Duty Deisel and Auto, Straub’s Powersports, Boone’s Maytag Home Appliance, Ehler
Chevrolet, and That New Place

Shop at Home for the Holiday $10,000 Spree 

Rosencrantz Bemis Water Well Company, Abbey Carpet &amp; Floor, HazMat Response, Miller Plastics/Miller Warehouse, USD 431 Hoisington, USD 428 Great Bend Schools, Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Mtg., Nex-Tech Wireless, Protective Equipment Testing Lab and Supply, Great Bend Redi-Mix, Freedom Claims Management, Medical Park Pharmacy, R&amp;R Roofing, Heavy Duty Diesel and Auto, Great Bend Coffee, Nex-Tech, Johnson Electric Motor Winding, USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools, and AllStaff Chartered&nbsp;

Make a Difference Contest 

Today Sunny, with a high near 67. South wind 9 to 18 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 37. West wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. North wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North-northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a north-northwest wind 16 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.

Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Blustery.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 47.

Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

The Wright Place Flea Market, 1913 Lakin, took the “Judges First Place” award in the fourth annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest in downtown Great Bend. With a theme of “Winter Wonderland,” Wright Place earns $1,500 in prize money for its win.

Bauer Pike Law, 1310 Kansas, earned the “Judges 2nd Place” award of $1,000. With a theme of “Holiday Cheer,” the two snowscape painted windows were decorated by the Great Bend High School Art Club.&nbsp;

A panel of community members judged the 19 windows in this year’s competition. Wright Place and Bauer Pike wound up in a tie-breaker with both collecting 108 points. The judges noted that there were six other windows close in the competition’s judging.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Decorators Deklyn Craven and Shari Karst, 1218 Main Street, earned the&nbsp; third-prize “People’s Choice” award of $500, with the theme of “Wandering Woodlands.”

For the fourth consecutive year, an anonymous donor provided $3,000 to conduct the free contest as a way to encourage businesses to decorate store windows for Christmas. Boundaries for the window-decorating contest covered 10th to 18th Streets, and from Williams to Kansas Streets in Great Bend.

The event was organized by the Rosewood Roots &amp; Wings Santa Committee that is associated with ‘Santas Around The World,’ the multicultural holiday exhibit, which is currently open for the season in downtown Great Bend.

Those interested in seeing this year’s contest windows online can view photos at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/2023-window-displays" target="_blank">https://www.santasaroundtheworld.com/2023-window-displays</a>, or access the images at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720313093331" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosewood_services/albums/72177720313093331</a>

Winners announced for Great Bend Christmas window decorating

Story by Joe Vinduska and Amanda Aliband Photos by Joe Vinduska

The Great Bend Prairie aquifer provides water to approximately 130,000 people through public water systems and an additional 33,000 people from private wells.&nbsp; The Clean Water Act is used to regulate public water systems, but the use of water from private water wells remains unregulated. In 2016, a research study showed that the nitrate levels were higher for 20 of 21 wells tested in the Great Bend Prairie aquifer during the 1970s and 1980s. The research study by Dr. Matthew Kirk, A Geology Professor from Kansas State University (KSU), showed increased nitrate levels, which was determined to be most likely from the use of fertilizers.

Knowing that additional groundwater testing would provide beneficial insight and being a longtime, passionate educator, Dr. Kirk found a way to not only conduct the much-needed research but also to create an opportunity for students from different colleges to collaborate while they learned.

Barton Community College students worked alongside students from KSU and Dodge City Community College on a grant funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the KSU Geology Department to evaluate well water in central Kansas.&nbsp; The collaborative effort is known as the Groundwater Geopaths project and, in addition to Dr. Kirk, the effort is led by Dr. Amanda Alliband, Dr. Helene Avocat, Ms. Sherry Rogers, and Mr. Richard Sloan.

At the end of August, the students met at KSU for a one-day training session and to tour the college campus.&nbsp; The students were introduced to the importance of evaluating the water quality in aquifers, and they were shown how to collect the water samples when they go out into the field.

In September, the students reached out to random well owners in five different counties requesting to sample their water for analysis.&nbsp; The students then split up into teams to take samples of the water, which were then analyzed for nitrate concentrations, pH levels, and other standard water quality parameters.

Barton student Quentin Bickham said he was excited to participate in this project because he understands the importance of the research.

"I believe this project is important because we are working to preserve our water quality, but it also promotes this type of research and studies to students,” he said. “We got a taste of what we can do to benefit our communities through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It inspired us and showed us the impact we can make.”

Bickham said the hands-on nature of the project was helpful to really understand how the research is conducted from start to finish.

“My favorite part was probably the collecting of the samples out in the field,” he said. “It was very nice to see how welcoming the well owners were to us and our cause. It was also pretty impactful to collect the samples ourselves instead of just running numbers for something we don’t get to interact with.”

Collaboration was a root priority for this project, and Barton student Katherine Bruning said rubbing elbows with other STEM students was a bright spot for her, and she was excited to participate in a project she knew had considerable implications in groundwater research and STEM activity overall.

“The research we did with water showed us an example of the water situation across the world and gave us the experience to do further research, even if it is in a different field,” she said. “I loved taking samples with my team. We had wonderful conversations and learned a lot together and from each other. STEM is the backbone of everything. We can't have anything without STEM, let alone any advancements in life. Geopaths was a wonderful experience, and I would strongly recommend to any college student to apply and gain experience.”&nbsp;

In addition to valuable experience, the students were awarded a $3,000 scholarship for their participation in the grant.&nbsp; This project also provides exposure to the STEM fields.&nbsp; This is an ongoing project, and interested students may apply in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more, please contact Barton Chemistry Instructor Amanda Alliband at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allibanda@bartonccc.edu">allibanda@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9330). To learn more about the project, how to get involved, or the results of the research, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://heleneavocat.wixsite.com/groundwater-geopaths" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://heleneavocat.wixsite.com/groundwater-geopaths</a>.

Barton Community College joins groundwater research

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, schools are still finding ways to combat learning loss. Districts have federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) dollars to assist with that cause. Last month, the USD 431 Superintendent Patrick Crowdis proposed a pay stipend for teachers who completed intensive Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. Monday night, the board approved Crowdis' proposal.

"What I'd like to propose is reallocating that money from ESSER III funds to setting aside funds to provide a $2,000 stipend for those teachers and administrators that we have go through LTERS training."

A certain percent of the funding must be used for learning loss, and the district has approximately $50,000 to allocate by September 2024, or risk the chance of losing it. Crowdis said that means teachers will likely be paid before the training is complete.

"It's free training," he said. "We're just paying them for the time they're putting into it. We're going to probably start it, then they have to show movement in the direction. All of that money also has to be spent by September 2024 so I need to see them making progress on it, then we'll allocate that money to them."

Approximately a dozen teachers in USD 431 are currently completing LETRS training, a 2-year program that requires 60 hours of work outside of the classroom. The goal of the program is to close the gap between the 35 percent of students who are proficient readers and the 95 percent of students that can learn to read.

Hoisington BOE approves stipend for teachers who complete LETRS

In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.&nbsp;

The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations.&nbsp;

Extension beef veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said the&nbsp;goals of the event are to increase knowledge and practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance. &nbsp;

The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.&nbsp;

“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff said. “We will demonstrate building a proper calving kit, then discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well, and how to care for the newborn calf. It’s an excellent program regardless of one’s experience level.”&nbsp;

Meetings scheduled include:• Thursday, Jan, 4, evening, Stafford County Annex, St. John, Kansas; RSVP to 21 Central District Extension Offices at Stafford County office, 620-549-3502; or the Kinsley office, 620-659-2149, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:baley@ksu.edu">baley@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

• Tuesday, Jan. 9, evening, Haskell County Fairgrounds, Sublette, Kansas; RSVP to Wild West Extension office at Stevens County Office, 620-544-4359, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:jsgreene@ksu.edu">jsgreene@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

• Thursday, Jan. 11, evening, Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, Holton, Kansas; RSVP to Meadowlark Extension Holton office at 785-364-4125,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cmcmanigal@ksu.edu">cmcmanigal@ksu.edu</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/ksucalvingschoolholton</a>.&nbsp;

• Thursday, Jan. 18, evening, West Elk School, Howard, Kansas; RSVP to Rolling Prairie Extension office at 620-374-2174, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rfechter@ksu.edu">rfechter@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

More information about the K-State calving schools is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/ranch-management-seminars.html" target="_blank">KSUBeef.org</a>.&nbsp;

To register for the calving school that will be held in St. John, you can also call me at 620-793-1910 or email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>.

&nbsp;Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Calving schools in January

The Barton County Treasurer's Office announced Tuesday morning that property tax statements would be mailed to residents on Friday, Dec. 8. Later that evening, County Clerk Bev Schmeidler issued a release stating some residents may receive incorrect statements.

"A utility company filed late, therefore the value of that was not included in the calculations of a portion of the 2023 tax levies," she said. "Our software limited us and prevented us from being able to go back and recalculate those levies."

Schmeidler added any errors would be very small numerically and affect only a portion of Barton County residents. Her office is taking steps to ensure future mistakes do not happen in the future. Anyone with questions or concerns about their tax statement is encouraged to call the county clerk's office at (620) 793-1835, or email clerk@bartoncounty.org. 

Barton Co. Clerk: small error may be included in 2023 property tax

The Barton Community College basketball teams host Northwest Kansas Technical College on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

You can listen to the broadcast on 104.3 FM or online by clicking <a href="https://b1043.net/">HERE</a>.

The Cougar women tip-off at 5:30 p.m. with the men's game to follow. The pregame show begins at 5:15 p.m.

🎧Listen LIVE: Barton 🏀 vs Northwest Tech

Twenty-eight scholarship winners for the 2023-24 school year were recognized during the annual Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Convention November 29 in Wichita. A total of $31,000 was presented by the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) and its partners.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Five students attending the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University each have been awarded a $1,500 Cartridges for Cash (CFC) scholarship from Merck Animal Health and KLF.&nbsp;Mallory Beltz&nbsp;of Sterling is the daughter of Daren and Shawna Beltz.&nbsp;Mackenzie Birney, the daughter of Kevin and Bev Birney, is from Bucklin.&nbsp;Laura Carpenter&nbsp;of Wamego is the daughter of Joe Carpenter and Barb Downey.&nbsp;Caleb Hildebrand, the son of Jason and Carrie Hildebrand, is from Stafford.&nbsp;Jerilyn Nelson&nbsp;of Soldier is the daughter of Jerry and Jo Ann Nelson. This award recognizes K-State veterinary school students with a career goal of being a large animal veterinarian.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regan Ast&nbsp;from Ingalls,&nbsp;Rayleigh Wittman&nbsp;of Garnett and&nbsp;Adison George&nbsp;from Holcomb each received $1,000 CFC scholarships through KLF. Ast is the daughter of Tom and Karla Ast. She is a senior at K-State majoring in animal sciences and industry (ASI). Wittman, daughter of Rod and Kim Wittman, is a junior at K-State majoring in ASI. George is a sophomore at Garden City Community College majoring in agribusiness. She is the daughter of Darren and Jill George. This scholarship is presented to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field. CFC scholarships are funded by Merck’s donation of 25¢ for each used Ralgro wheel and Revalor cartridge turned in to KLA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two students were awarded $1,500 Douglas A. Laue Memorial Scholarships.&nbsp;Caleb Eilert&nbsp;is the son of Joe and Kari Eilert from Jewell. He is a junior majoring in agricultural technology management at K-State.&nbsp;Logan Ohlde, son of Curtis and Winda Ohlde from Winchester, is a junior majoring in ASI at K-State. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agriculture.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saul Vargas Rojas&nbsp;of Goodland has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from GoBob America’s Ranch Equipment and KLF. Rojas is the son of Manuel Vargas and Ofelia Rojas. He is a sophomore at Northwest Kansas Technical College majoring in precision agriculture. This scholarship is awarded to a student entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture or a related field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Two $1,000 Hampel Oil Scholarships have been presented to K-State students.&nbsp;Courtney Clinesmith, daughter of Bill and Stephanie Clinesmith of Cimarron, is a junior majoring in agribusiness.&nbsp;Jarek Meyer&nbsp;is the son of Jeffrey and Dawn Meyer from Athol. He is a senior majoring in agricultural economics. This scholarship is awarded to students entering their junior or senior year at K-State or Fort Hays State University and pursuing degrees in agronomy, agribusiness or agricultural economics. Preference is given to applicants with a career goal of being actively engaged in a farming or feedyard enterprise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The $1,000 Scott Johnson and Family Scholarship was awarded to&nbsp;Ava Perrier&nbsp;of Eureka. She is the daughter of Matt and Amy Perrier, and is a junior majoring in ASI at K-State. This scholarship is awarded to any student attending K-State and pursuing a degree in ASI, agricultural communications and journalism, agribusiness or agricultural economics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dylon Harris&nbsp;was awarded the $500 Fred H. Woodbury Memorial Scholarship through KLF. Harris is the son of Delvin and Keri Harris from Overbrook. He is a freshman at K-State majoring in agricultural technology management. This scholarship is presented to a student attending a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing a degree in agriculture. Preference is given to students residing within Chase, Franklin, Lyon, Osage or Wabaunsee counties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Six students from across the state have received $1,000 “Youth in Agriculture” scholarships from KLF.&nbsp;Jade Chambers&nbsp;is the son of Wade and Angie Chambers from Centerville. He is a freshman majoring in ASI at K-State.&nbsp;Preston Dunn&nbsp;of St. John is the son of Brian and Carolyn Dunn. He is a sophomore at K-State majoring in ASI and agricultural economics.&nbsp;Bryce Hoeltzel, Olsburg, is the son of Hans and Jenny Hoeltzel. He is a freshman majoring in animal science and natural resource management at Allen Community College.&nbsp;Cally Miller&nbsp;is the daughter of Cory and Charlene Miller of El Dorado. She is a freshman majoring in animal science and agribusiness at Butler Community College (BCC).&nbsp;Coy Stamm, son of Curtis and Marlene Stamm from Washington, is a sophomore at K-State majoring in agronomy.&nbsp;Calley Stubbs&nbsp;of Wallace is the daughter of Becky Vandike and Adam Stubbs. She is a sophomore majoring in agriculture at BCC. Funded by the KLF Club Calf Sale held during the Kansas Junior Livestock Show, these scholarships recognize students entering or returning to a Kansas junior or senior college and pursuing degrees in agriculture or a related field.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Kansas CattleWomen (KCW) awarded seven $1,000 scholarships.&nbsp;Katherine Bruning&nbsp;from Geneseo is the daughter of Wade Bruning and Ginger Webb. She is a freshman majoring in animal science and veterinary science at Barton Community College.&nbsp;Rachel Donaldson, the daughter of Stephanie Donaldson of Berryton, is a freshman majoring in ASI at K-State.&nbsp;Carly Dreher&nbsp;is the daughter of Jerry and Cathy Dreher from Iola. She is a freshman majoring in agribusiness at BCC.&nbsp;Riley Showalter, daughter of Troy and Mary Beth Showalter of Wakarusa, is a freshman majoring in agribusiness at K-State.&nbsp;Carissa Sohm&nbsp;from Rolla is the daughter of Gregory and Rebecca Sohm. She is a freshman at K-State majoring in agronomy.&nbsp;Kena Sterling, daughter of Sam and Shannon Sterling of Pratt, is a freshman at K-State majoring in agribusiness.&nbsp;Sage Toews&nbsp;from Canton is the daughter of Flint and Alice Toews. She is a freshman majoring in agricultural economics at K-State. This scholarship, funded by the KCW silent auction, is awarded to students entering or returning to a Kansas community or senior college and pursuing degrees in dietetics, food safety, agriculture or a related field.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KLF was established in 1983 to operate solely and exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. For information about KLF scholarship opportunities or to receive an application, contact the foundation at 6031 SW 37th St., Topeka, KS 66614 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shelbi@kla.org">shelbi@kla.org</a>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KLA is a 5,700-member trade organization representing the state’s livestock business on legislative, regulatory and industry issues at both the state and federal levels. The association’s work is funded through voluntary dues dollars paid by its members.

Stafford Co. students recognized with Kansas Livestock scholarships

The Barton County Fair announced that they are the 2023 fourth quarter recipients of $10,000+ in charitable donations from members of the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County group.

Established in 1899, the Barton County Fair has played a part in promoting agricultural and the community, providing competitive venues for youth and adults to showcase their interests and talents, and attracting visitors through entertainment and educational activities. The fair has also been recognized by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions with 34 awards for their creative themes and programming. 

The Barton County Fair moved to the Expo complex in 1992, and recently undertook the responsibility of caring for this complex. Staffed by a small group of dedicated volunteers, the Barton County Fair began brainstorming events and activities which will provide funds for the upkeep and monthly maintenance fees for these buildings. They have updated electrical hook ups for camping on the fairgrounds and have refreshed buildings with paint using their own minimal funds. 

The monetary gift provided by the 100+ People Who Care in Barton County will allow the fair to purchase updated tables and chairs for personal and family events held in Expo 1 and 2. Funds generated by renting the facilities for weddings, class and family reunions, graduation parties, and professional meetings and events, will allow the fair to lease and make needed repairs and updates to the complex.

To learn more about the Barton County Fair please visit their website at https://www.bartoncountyfair.com/ and be sure to like the organization’s Facebook page.

The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from the Barton County Fair will return to provide an update on how the organization is utilizing the $10,000+ gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on their Facebook page.

$10K donation to help Barton Co. Fair with events at Expo Complex

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to be a threat to poultry providers around the Midwest. A dead duck found at the Sedgwick County Zoo two weeks ago tested positive for the virus, resulting in the shutdown of most bird exhibits. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said HPAI is one possible cause of several dead geese at Cheyenne Bottoms, where thousands of migratory birds remain.

"When you have that many of anything together, disease can run rampant," he said. "That's kind of the limiting factor with big numbers of any living things. With the huge numbers of geese here, there's definitely some disease that's going to be expected."

The dead birds are visible throughout the shoreline of Pool 1A. One concern is that birds of prey, such as bald eagles, that eat the dead birds may become infected themselves.

"Eagles are much more of a scavenger species than they are just a predator," Wolf said. "They do kill their own prey but they like to scavenge off of dead things. You have these dead geese out there, that's an easy meal for them. It can get contracted through that means."

Right now, there's little staff can do. Some of the birds have been sent off for testing, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks does have a protocol for handling infected birds.

"It looks bad," said Wolf. "I get that. No one wants to go out there and see a bunch of dead birds floating. The other part, though, is it's very difficult. How do you get out there, especially when you have this water that's very shallow and everything else?"

Wolf said picking up the birds would also mean human contact with the birds, though it is unlikely any avian influenza would be transmitted to humans. Still, he said it pays to be cautious around waterfowl.

"Hunters should take precautions, especially when cleaning birds, wearing gloves and maybe even a mask is a good idea," he said. "Typically, for consuming those birds, if you cook them correctly, it shouldn't be a problem."

Wildlife officials investigating cause of dead birds at Cheyenne Bottoms

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting injured linebacker Nick Bolton back just in time after they lost his replacement, Drue Tranquill, and several other key players to injuries during last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Tranquill was still in the concussion protocol on Wednesday, when the Chiefs resumed preparation for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

But coach Andy Reid said that Bolton would continue to practice after they opened the 21-day window in which they must decide whether to activate him or put him on season-ending injured reserve.

Bolton has been out since having surgery for a dislocated wrist sustained during a Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

“Nick is a great player, a significant impact player,” Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna said. “Just having his presence back there is going to be huge for us.”

The Chiefs also lost starting safety Bryan Cook to what appeared to be a significant ankle injury in Green Bay, though most of the tests on it have revealed encouraging results. Reid called it “a sprain” and said that he was still being evaluated.

Mike Edwards and rookie Chamarri Conner are likely to replace Cook in the lineup.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Chiefs are preparing to play without left tackle Donovan Smith because of a neck stinger, and they are unsure whether running back Isiah Pacheco will be available because of a bruised shoulder.

Pacheco ran 18 times for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Packers. If he is unable to play against the Bills, the Chiefs would lean on Clyde Edwards-Helaire and potentially Jerick McKinnon, who returned to practice Wednesday after a groin injury.

Wanya Morris, a third-round pick in April's draft, played well in Smith's place against the Packers. He had been earning a few spot reps even before the injury, and that left him prepared to take over when Smith had to leave the game.

“Your preparation should never change,” Morris said Wednesday. “I just have to make sure I'm focused on the details.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes certainly has faith in his backup blindside protector.

“He's played well. If you watch the tape, he's done a great job in the run game and the pass game,” Mahomes said, “and I think now it's about getting him prepared for a great defensive line. As far as playing the position, he's done a good job.”

NOTES: Mahomes was chosen as the Chiefs' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award this week. “It's amazing, the group and fraternity of guys that have come before me that have won that award,” he said. “It's got to be hard to pick. There's so many guys that do so much for the community. I'm just glad I was able to be honored in that group.”

Chiefs missing several starters to injury as they begin preparing for visit from Bills

Barton Men 71 Northwest Tech 48; Barton Women 93 Northwest Tech 38

1. Barton Community College basketball on 104 3 the Point sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless, Damm Pipe Testing, Mpire Overhead Door, Best Western Angus Inn, Marmie Auto Group, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, The University of Kansas Health System, Venture Corporation, Nex-Tech, Cougar Booster Club, The 10th Street Eye Care Center, Freedom Claims Management and Kansas Fishing Tools

Thursday December 7 2:45PM B104 - Eagle Classic - Great Bend Girls vs Conway Springs 4:30PM B104 - Eagle Classic - Great Bend Boys vs Conway Springs 6:15PM KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Boys vs Ellis Friday December 8 4:45PM KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Girls vs St. John 5:15PM Hits 106.9- Keady Classic - Larned Girls vs Bucklin 5:45PM B104 - Eagle Classic - Great Bend Girls vs Kingman 7:00PM Hits 106.9- Keady Classic - Larned Girls vs Bucklin 7:30PM B104 - Eagle Classic - Great Bend Boys vs Kingman Saturday December 9 TBA - B104 - Great Bend Boys &amp; Girls @ Kingman Eagle Classic TBA TBA - KHOK - Hoisington Boys &amp; Girls @ Keady Classic - TBA TBA - Hits 106.9 - Larned Boys &amp; Girls @ Keady Classic - TBA 3:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Jayhawk Basketball - Missouri @ Kansas TBA B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton M&amp;W @ Seward County 7:00&nbsp;1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA Tournament Championship Sunday December 10 2:00PM B104 - Chiefs Football - Buffalo @ Kansas City 3:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NFL - Minnesota @ Las Vegas

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Chiefs were missing two starters on each side of the
ball to injuries Wednesday as they began preparing for Sunday's game
against the Buffalo Bills. Strong safety Bryan Cook hurt his ankle
and linebacker Drue Tranquill sustained a concussion in last week's
loss in Green Bay, and neither is expected to be available this week.
Left tackle Donovan Smith was out with a neck injury and running back
Isiah Pacheco is nursing a bruised shoulder. However, the Chiefs are
hopeful that linebacker Nick Bolton could return from a dislocated
wrist and that running back Jerick McKinnon is available after
dealing with a groin injury.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.
(AP) — Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane is disappointed
in the allegations of domestic violence made against Von Miller,
while stressing he and the team are waiting for the legal process to
play out rather than rush to judgement. Beane says Miller will
participate in practice and is expected to play on Sunday when the
Bills travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs. Beane spoke for the team
as the Bills returned from their bye week off. Miller turned himself
in to police in a Dallas suburb after being charged in a warrant with
domestic violence against the mother of his children, who is
pregnant.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.
(AP) — The Kansas City Royals have swapped pitchers with the
Astros, sending right-hander Dylan Coleman to Houston in exchange for
minor league right-hander Carlos Mateo. The Royals announced the
trade Wednesday during the winter meetings. Mateo puts the Royals’
reserve list at 39. He turns 20 on Dec. 16. Mateo played seven games
in the Gulf Coast League this year where he struck out 12 in 8 2/3
innings. Mateo made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer
League Astros Orange in 2022. Coleman is 27 and played with Kansas
City over parts of three seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) —
The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star slugger Juan Soto in a
blockbuster trade with the cost-cutting San Diego Padres. San Diego
received right-handed pitchers Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy
Vásquez and Drew Thorpe along with catcher Kyle Higashioka. In
addition to Soto, the Yankees get Gold Glove center fielder Trent
Grisham. It’s the second blockbuster deal involving the 25-year-old
Soto in less than two years. The three-time All-Star has one season
of team control left and is likely to get a salary around $32 million
after batting .275 with 35 homers, 109 RBIs and a .930 OPS in his
only full season with the Padres. San Diego acquired Soto from
Washington on Aug. 2, 2022, after he turned down a $440 million,
15-year offer from the Nationals.

PHOENIX (AP) — The
Arizona Diamondbacks and pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez have agreed to an
$80 million, four-year contract, according to a person with direct
knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on
condition of anonymity Wednesday night because the team had not
announced the move. Rodriguez gives the National League champions
another quality starter for their rotation. The 30-year-old
left-hander spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Tigers and
went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 2023. He spent his first six seasons
with the Boston Red Sox and had his best year in 2019, going 19-6
with a 3.81 ERA in 34 starts.

MILWAUKEE (AP) —
Tyler Kolek had 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists as No. 8
Marquette drubbed No. 12 Texas 86-65 in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.
Kam Jones added 17 points for Marquette, which rebounded from a 75-64
loss Saturday at in-state rival Wisconsin and gave coach Shaka Smart
an emphatic win against his former team. Smart faced the Longhorns
for the first time since spending six seasons at Texas, where he went
109-86 from 2015-21 but did not win an NCAA Tournament game. Max
Abmas led Texas with 25 points. After closing out the first half with
a flurry, Marquette left no doubt in the second, building a 32-point
lead.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.
(AP) — Blake Hinson scored a career-high 29 points, including a
school-record nine 3-pointers, to lead Pittsburgh to a 80-63 win over
West Virginia. Pittsburgh broke a two-game losing streak, along with
a six-game losing streak in the Backyard Brawl series with the
Mountaineers. Carlton Carrington added 16 points and Guillermo Diaz
Graham scored 15 for the Panthers. Pittsburgh made a season-high 16
3-pointers. Hinson broke the record of eight that he had shared with
several others. Quinn Slazinski scored a career-high 22 points and
Jesse Edwards had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Mountaineers.
West Virginia's 3-5 record is its worst start since opening the
2012-13 season 4-5.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— Reserve Kerwin Walton scored 22 points on a near-perfect shooting
night Joe Toussaint scored 18 points and Texas Tech beat Omaha 87-58.
Chance McMillian, Kerwin Walton and Darrion Williams each made
3-pointers in a four-possession span and the Red Raiders turned an
8-5 deficit into a 14-8 advantage and they gradually pulled away from
there. Marquel Sutton scored 15 points, Frankie Fidler 12 and reserve
Jaeden Marshall 10 for Omaha.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) —
hierno Sylla had career highs with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Jaylin
Sellers scored 16 points and UCF rolled to a 94-52 victory over
Jacksonville. Sylla was 7-of-11 shooting from the field and Sellers
made 4 of 10 shots. The pair combined for five of the Knights’ 15
3-pointers and nine of their 17 free throws. Marchelus Avery added 12
points for UCF (6-2). Avery’s 3-pointer with 10:17 to play
stretched the Knights’ lead to 40 points. UCF opened on a 19-2 run
and led 48-18 at the break. Robert McCray V scored 12 points for
Jacksonville (6-3), which had its four-game win streak end.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A
day after NCAA President Charlie Baker made an aggressive and
potentially groundbreaking pitch to allow some schools to pay their
athletes, his proposal was met with praise, caution and questions
from around college sports. Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg
Sankey says any attempt to reform college sports will be addressed in
five arenas: the courts, Congress, state legislatures, conferences
and the NCAA. Some in college sports wonder how Baker's proposal will
be received by those who believe college athletes should have
employee status and others worry if schools will sponsor fewer teams.

LAS VEGAS (AP) —
Schools paying athletes has been banned by the NCAA for decades, but
a new proposal by the head of the largest college sports governing
body in the United States aims to change that. NCAA President Charlie
Baker earlier this week sent a letter to Division I members
suggesting the creation of a new subdivision in which schools would
be required to compensate at least half of their athletes yearly with
at least $30,000 each in a trust fund. Baker’s idea is an
aggressive first step toward what could be a revolutionary change.
There are many steps to come.

UNDATED (AP) —
Former Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough says on social media that
he will transfer to Louisville after a three-year stint with the Red
Raiders highlighted by a victory in last season’s Texas Bowl.
Shough wrote “Let’s Play Football. #GoCards” with a photo of
himself in a black Louisville jersey on X. He will turn 25 late next
September during his seventh and final season of college eligibility
in a career that includes three seasons at Oregon. Shough completed
67 of 111 passes for 746 yards and seven touchdowns with four
interceptions in four games this season before sustaining a broken
fibula against West Virginia.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — A former financial manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars has
been accused of stealing more than $22 million from the franchise
through its virtual credit card program between 2019 and 2023,
according to a seven-page court filing. Amit Patel, who worked for
the Jaguars for five years beginning in 2018, is charged with one
count of wire fraud and one count of illegal monetary transaction in
documents filed in U.S. District Court in Jacksonville. He is accused
of using the money to buy vehicles, a condominium, a designer watch,
cryptocurrency and other items.

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

MANHATTAN —Kansas State senior forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin is no longer a member of the basketball program.&nbsp;

A statement from K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor released late Wednesday said, “We have heard the concerns and the questions from K-State fans and friends around Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s indefinite suspension from the men’s basketball team. 

“Situations like these are difficult. We know you want answers, but federal privacy laws largely prohibit the University and K-State Athletics from publicly discussing specific information around circumstances like this. Those laws are in place to protect our student-athletes, and more specifically in this instance, to protect Nae’Qwan as he is working through a process designed to support him and lift him out of a difficult time."

"Allowing for that space and time is critical, but in today’s digital age, that unfortunately can lead to the spread of rumors and misinformation — and in this case, much of the information on social media is incorrect."

“I have been monitoring this situation and overseeing Nae’Qwan’s suspension with Coach Tang’s involvement. While we cannot share the specifics that have led to this outcome due to the reasons stated above, K-State Athletics can now share that Nae’Qwan Tomlin will no longer be able to continue with the K-State men’s basketball team."

"This decision was not made lightly by me, but it is the decision warranted by the circumstances that brought it to bear, according to Taylor.

Just before 2a.m. October 29, police arrested 22-year-old Nae'Qwan&nbsp; Tommy Nicholas Tomlin at Tubby's Sports Bar, 1127 Moro Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomlin&nbsp;averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds and started all 36 games for the Wildcats last season.

🏀 Nae’Qwan Tomlin dismissed from the K-State basketball team

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will hit the road tonight for the first of two final regular season games in 2023.

The Coyotes will square off with Ottawa on Tuesday evening before returning to Salina to face Saint Mary on Saturday.

Team Records - Kansas Wesleyan WBB (5-5, 3-1 in KCAC) - Ottawa WBB (4-4, 1-3 in KCAC) - Kansas Wesleyan MBB (6-3, 3-1 in KCAC) - Ottawa MBB (5-5, 2-2 in KCAC)

The Series On the women's side the Coyotes have won eight of the last ten meetings with Ottawa. KWU won both regular season match-ups last season, 72-55 on December 7 at home; and 70-68 on February 4 in Ottawa. Ottawa won the KCAC quarterfinal match-up 74-70. KWU is 46-45 all-time against Ottawa.

On the men's side, the Coyotes have won three in a row against Ottawa and are 5-5 in the last 10 games. KWU swept last year's meetings, December 7 in Salina 78-77; and February 4 in Ottawa 87-76. This will be the 196th meeting between the teams. Ottawa leads the all-time series 107-88.

KWU Basketball Travels to Ottawa for Doubleheader on KINA

Class 5A Boys Team rankings 1. Goddard 2. Newton 3. Valley Center 4. Andover 5. Great Bend 6. St. Thomas Aquinas 7. Bishop Carroll 8. Salina Central 9. Basehor-Linwood 10. Ark City

Great Bend Boys rankings 120- 5. Triston Tomlinson 132 - 2. Kaiden Hoffman 150 - 3. Cooper Liles 157 - 2. Jace Schartz 190 - 2. Trenton Kern 215 - 4. Matthew Johnson

Great Bend Girls rankings (Team not ranked in top 10) Class 6A-5A 105 - 5. Camdyn Post 125 - 4. Kaylea McMullen 130 - 2. Daisy Gomez

Class 3-2-1A Team Rankings 1. Hoxie 2. Phillipsburg 3. Norton 4. Sabetha 5. ACCHS 6. Hill City 7. Minneapolis 8. Haven 9. Hoisington 10. West Elk

Area ranked wrestlers 106 - 4. Xzephen Donner - Russell 113 - 5. Jai Sean George - Larned 138 - 1. Josiah Ball - Hoisington 165 - 5. Teagen Pfeifer - Russell 175 - 3. Brayden Suchy - Russell 190 - 3. Teron Kraft - Hoisington 215 - 1. Luke Fisher - Larned

Area ranked girls wrestlers (No area teams ranked) 120 - 4. Reese Watkins - Larned 125 - 6. Daijah Jones - Hoisington 145 - 1. Jaden Ney - Russell 145 - 5. Lyrica Orosco - Hoisington 235 - 6. Amerie Hinz - Hoisington

KWCA releases first regular season rankings

The Panther swimmers returned to the friendly confines of Barton Community College Tuesday. Several Great Bend swimmers cracked the top-10 in their respective events. Garden City won the invited with 476 points, followed by Hutchinson with 397 points, Hays with 351 points, and Great Bend with 212 points.

Junior Jordan Sander placed fourth in the 500 free in 7:36.22 to miss the bronze by 28 seconds. Hutchinson's Logan Most, a 16th-place finisher at state, won the race by 49 seconds in 5:59. Great Bend senior Andrew McQuade placed fifth in 7:51.34. McQuade also placed seventh in the 200 free in 2:48.09, 25 seconds from the bronze. 

Senior Joshua Sharpe had a fourth-place finish in the 100 back in 1:25.68, missing the bronze in a photo finish by just 0.2 seconds. Freshman Kale Mermis placed 10th in 1:34.78.

The 400 free relay team of Sander, Joshua Sharpe, Mermis, and junior AJ Thurman, placed sixth in 5:22.24, 36 seconds behind the bronze winners from Hays. The 200 free relay of McQuade, seniors Adam Hall and Kasey Kennedy, and junior Matthew Williams finished fourth in 1:54.30, just 1.14 seconds behind third-place Garden City. 

Kennedy finished fifth in the 50 free in 25.92 to miss the bronze by just half a second. Hall hit the wall in 26.97 for 10th. Williams placed seventh in the 100 breast in 1:29.03, just nine seconds behind the bronze. Mermis placed seventh in the 100 butterfly in 1:43.33, 20 seconds off the bronze. Hall finished ninth in the 100 free in 1:05.20. Four swimmers finished under a minute in that race.

Panther swimmers finish fourth at home

- Great Bend Lady Panther Basketball coach Cindy Beck who will be joined by Senior Sadie Spray

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther Sports with GBHS Swim coach Kari Carper

- "Voice of the Tigers" Gerard Wellbrock talks everything Fort Hays State

Wednesday on Sports Day

Pool Play #1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Pool Play #2 Kingman&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Haven Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sterling Conway Springs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sunrise Academy

Tuesday 12/5 Haven Girls 50, Sterling 30 Sterling Boys 52, Haven 49 Conway Springs Girls 55, Kingman 47 Kingman Boys 46, Conway Springs 42

Thursday 12/7 3:00 Great Bend Girls vs Conway Springs 4:30 Great Bend Boys vs Conway Springs 6:00 Haven Girls vs Sunrise Academy 6:30&nbsp;Haven Boys vs Sunrise Academy

Friday 12/8 3:00 Sterling Girls vs Sunrise Academy 4:30 Sterling Boys vs Sunrise Academy 6:00 Great Bend Girls vs Kingman 7:30 Great Bend Boys vs Kingman

Saturday 12/9 12:00 Girls 5th Place Game 1:30 Boys 5th Place Game 3:00 Girls 3rd Place Game 4:30 Boys 5th Place Game 6:00 Girls Championship Game 7:30 Boys Championship Game

Kingman Eagle Classic Scores and Schedule

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are seeking information on the whereabouts of 3 wanted suspects who have been indicted as a part of a conspiracy to distribute $7.9 million in fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 All three were last seen in Kansas City, but have strong ties to the Chicago, Illinois area.

Zamewick McCray aka "Buck" is described as a black male, 31 years old, approximately 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds.

Devion Miles aka "Rooster, Ru, Ruben, GuRu” is described as a black male, 28 years old, approximately 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds.

Jermon McCray aka "Crowe" is described as a black male, 29 years old, approximately 5-foot-7 and 130 pounds.

All three fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are cautioned not to confront any of these individuals, but to contact law enforcement immediately.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Zamewick McCray, Devion Miles or Jermon McCray should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers at 816-474-TIPS or report a TIP online at <a href="https://t.co/ZFyNY84nVy" target="_blank">https://tips.fbi.gov</a>.

FBI: 3 accused in fentanyl distribution ring last seen in KC

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Four Republican presidential candidates were given several opportunities Wednesday to criticize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">former President Donald Trump</a>, who was absent from the debate again. But they mostly targeted each other, with former United Nations Ambassador&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nikki-haley">Nikki Haley</a>&nbsp;taking the brunt of the attacks as she gets more interest from donors and voters.

With just over a month before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">2024 primary calendar</a>&nbsp;begins, the debate demonstrated how firm Trump's grip remains on the party.

But the focus on Haley reflected how other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-desantis-trump-alternative-republican-donors-president-8cb080d3f236f77347d592200041c3b2">candidates perceive her as a threat</a>&nbsp;to their chances of taking on Trump directly. Aside from former New Jersey Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/chris-christie">Chris Christie</a>, most the candidates have spent more time in debates going after each other than taking aim at Trump, reflecting the former president’s popularity among Republicans and what many see as diminishing returns in attacking him.

The last scheduled debate before Iowa's GOP caucuses on Jan. 15 may have limited impact on the race, airing on a lesser-known television network, NewsNation, from a state Republican presidential candidates have carried since 1980.

Trump remains dominant in national and early-state polls. And after holding counterprogramming rallies during the first three debates, he didn't bother this time and instead went to a closed-door fundraiser. His campaign posted an ad during the debate focusing on President Joe Biden as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-trump-biden-rematch-labor-day-c84d0905fd5d238e088618c5ed41c2e7">both parties head toward a potential rematch</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election Trump lost.

Christie repeatedly tore into Trump on Wednesday and challenged Florida Gov.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-desantis">Ron DeSantis</a>&nbsp;to answer directly if he believed Trump was fit or unfit to be president again. The crowd at the University of Alabama booed him at one point as he attacked Trump.

“His conduct is unacceptable. He’s unfit. And be careful of what you’re going to get,” warned Christie, who has been alone among leading Republicans in his focus on the race's clear front-runner.

“There is no bigger issue in this race than Donald Trump,” he said earlier.

DeSantis suggested Trump, who is 77, is too old for the job.

“Over a four-year period, it is not a job for someone that’s pushing 80,” DeSantis said. “We need someone who’s younger.”

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy again raised his hand as a candidate who would support Trump even if he were convicted in any of the four felony indictments he faces. Ramaswamy accused his other opponents of bowing to Trump for years to secure political posts or financial gain, but the closest the 38-year-old ever came to criticizing Trump was to call for a new generation of leadership.

Haley stood silently during the extended discussion, and neither the moderators nor her rivals asked for her opinion.

The debate's brief focus on Trump was a reprieve for Haley, who spent most of the debate on the defensive.

DeSantis accused Haley of backing down from media criticism and Ramaswamy suggested she was too close to corporate interests as she gets new attention from donors. He touted his own willingness to pick high-profile fights with his critics and went after Haley just moments into the debate, reflecting the rivalry between the two candidates reflected in dueling early-state television ads.

They also tussled over China, long an animating issue for conservatives worried about Beijing’s influence. Later in the debate, Haley credited Trump for taking a hard line with Beijing on trade but said he was too passive on other fronts, including allowing China to capture American technology for its own military use and purchase American farmland.

Interrupting Haley, DeSantis accused her of allowing Chinese investment in South Carolina when she was governor and suggested her corporate donors would never allow her to be tough on Beijing.

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