By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Vacations can be expensive. The state of Kansas is giving families an affordable option with a reboot of its Sunflower Summer program. The program, which is funded by federal COVID-19 money, promotes learning and family engagement. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf calls it a great tool for families.

"It's a resource that's available to Kansas families in order to visit museums, zoos, and various other attractions for free," he said. "The funding is there to pay for admission for these Kansas families to attend these different locations. It's an impressive thing to look at the list of all the attractions on there that are available to families during the summer."

Since starting in 2021, Sunflower Summer has provided free learning opportunities for more than 164,000 Kansas students and more than 110,000 adults. Seventy-one sites across the state participated in the first year. That number bumped to 90 last summer, and more than 100 venues will take part this year. KWEC does not charge admission but is included in the list. 

"Even though we're already free, we're hoping it generates some more visitors, some awareness for them to come out and utilize our center as well," Wolf said. "It's a good opportunity for us to get our name out there along with the other attractions."

The program is available for Kansas children pre-K through 18 years of age, as well as students in 18-21-year-old programs. Up to two accompanying adults may also access tickets via the Sunflower Summer app. Funding is limited, and tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

More information, including a full list of 2023 participating venues and a frequently asked questions section, is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sunflowersummer.org/">sunflowersummer.org.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

Bonuses to the program this year include:

Story Adventures Dates and locations: Beginning in July. Clinton State Park in Lawrence. El Dorado State Park Milford State Park. What it is: Interactive adventures that combine the fun of reading with exploring. Story Adventures are based on three books that are part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library collection. During the entire month of June, families with children of all ages can access short trails – about one-quarter of a mile in length – with 16 signs that feature a children’s story related to nature and the outdoors. Signs have large-scale displays of actual pages from the three books, allowing children and/or families to read the stories as they progress along the trails. The signs also have activities that participants can do along the trail. At the end of each trail, as a part of the Sunflower Summer app, families can virtually “meet” a new friend and take a photo with the friend in a story-themed photo frame. The three featured books are: “As an Oak Tree Grows,” by G. Brian Karas “Miss Maple’s Seeds,” by Eliza Wheeler. “Where Butterflies Grow,” by Joanne Ryder. Families living throughout Kansas can also register to enroll children birth through age 5 in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library using QR codes on the signs and in the Sunflower Summer app.

Sunflower Summer Mini Camp Nights Dates and locations: June 2-3, Milford State Park. To register, contact the Milford State Park Office at 785-238-3014. June 9-10, Cheney State Park. To register, call the Cheney State Park Office at 316-542-3664. June 16-17, Historic Lake Scott State Park. To register, call the Historic Lake Scott Park Office at 620-872-2061. What it is: The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will offer one night of camping to Sunflower Summer participants. Up to five campsites will be available per park, per camp night (pre-registration is required). Camp nights include a one-night stay at a campsite, a tent (for up to six family members) and a day permit to access the park. Registration closes a week prior to the event. More information will be provided after registration.

Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Association 70th Annual Show Date and location: July 27-29, Bird City. What it is: Celebrate our rural heritage. The 70th annual show will feature 17 operating steam engines, wheat binding, threshing, sawmill, tractor pulls, gas engines, children’s activities, quilts, chuck wagon breakfast, and more.

Sunflower Summer Family Camp Date and location: July 13-14: Eisenhower State Park. What it is: Registration is full. However, families can be added to a waiting list. Tents are available for 30 families (up to six family members per tent). Dinner is provided for all registered families. Families must pre-register for this event. For more information, email riston.landwehr@ks.gov.

Wichita Wind Surge Sunflower Sundays Dates: June 25 and July 30 What it is: The Wichita Wind Surge, affiliated with the Minnesota Twins, plays home games at the Riverfront Stadium located just west of the Arkansas River. Tickets may be activated on the Sunflower Summer App on the day of the game only. No reservations or advanced purchases are accepted. Check the app for more information.

Summer Camps and Enrichment Various dates and locations. What it is: Learning experiences for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Connect with nature and take part in canoeing, archery, fishing, cooking, coding and more. Visit sunflowersummer.org for more information.

KWEC included as destination in reboot of Sunflower Summer program

1. LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY PER SPONSOR LOCATION

2. Complete entry in full. Please Print. Must Be Present To Enter.

3. The “Nitro Summer” promotion is open to all Kansas residents at least 21 years of age except employees of Eagle Communications, Hull Broadcasting,&nbsp;Doan’s Outdoor Store, Farmer’s Bank &amp; Trust, Northview Nursery, Ehler Chevrolet and their spouse/companion. Employees of other participating businesses and their families may enter; however, they may not register at their place of employment.

4. Listen to Eagle Radio Stations KVGB FM - “B104.3 The Point”...KHOK FM “100.7 Eagle Country”...KVGB “1590 AM/95.5FM”... and Hull Broadcasting Station KBGL FM “Hits 106.9” for details. Find the latest contest information and appearance calendar at GreatBendPost.com

5. Finalists for this promotion will be qualified from in-store registrations...and during special “Nitro Summer” Instant Finalist Days. Only one finalist per household may qualify. No purchase necessary to win.

6. Prize is non-transferable. Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes.

7. Signing this entry form allows Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting to use your name, likeness, image, character or voice for promotional purposes.

8. No sponsor or their affiliates assume any liability in connection with this giveaway.

9. Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting reserve the right to disqualify any entry for violation of contest rules. The decision of Eagle Radio of Great Bend and Hull Broadcasting is final.

&nbsp;Great Bend Appliance Furniture &amp;
Sleep Source

The Center for Counseling
and Consultation

Memorial Art Company&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

Heavy Duty Diesel and Auto&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Outer Limits Liquor&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Nitro Summer 

Thanks for another awesome Season with the Make a Difference Contest!&nbsp; Enjoy the Summer and look for details soon for next Season!&nbsp;

Make a Difference Contest 

Story and photos by Joe Vinduska - BCC

Student, active-duty Army dental specialist, mom, and wife are all words that describe Glorys Gomez Ramos. After Barton Community College’s graduation ceremony Thursday afternoon in Manhattan, “college graduate” is also a way to describe her as she received her associate degree along with 63 other students, 40 of which participated in the ceremony alongside her.

Ramos said she’s just getting started, and Barton’s LSEC and online offerings have helped keep her educational and career dreams alive. LSEC courses are available entirely on scholarship for military members and their families.

“I’ve heard good stories about Barton at Fort Riley and had heard that they also have flexible online classes,” she said. “It was also a great way to meet some awesome people. I had excellent, professional instructors.”

After Barton, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree or project manager professional certification. Her ultimate goal is to become a dentist in the army, and when she retires, she wants to open a dental clinic with a special discount for members of the military and their families. Juggling all of her responsibilities was challenging, but she knew she would get through it.

“I’m the kind of person that will never give up, no matter what situation I’m facing,” she said.

Ramos has a newborn at home and has four other children. She said Barton was flexible and worked with her to help accommodate her schedule.

“I had a lot of support from all the staff, especially my advisor,” she said.

Barton recognizes graduates at Fort Riley Education Services Commencement

Ramos was one of 40 students who chose to walk as part of the larger celebration Thursday afternoon. More than 60 students completed associate in arts, associate in science, associate in general studies and associate in applied science degrees at the Fort Riley campus in 2022-23.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fr.bartonccc.edu/">FR.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information about Barton’s many programs and services to the public and Soldiers at its Fort Riley and Grandview Plaza campuses.

Army dental specialist graduates from Barton Community College at Fort Riley

The Great Bend Public Library is kicking off its summer programming. The library has a full list of events scheduled for June. All library events are free to the public and do not require a library card to attend. There are even more events available for you to see at by <a href="https://greatbendpl.info">CLICKING HERE</a>.

123 Andrés Thursday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family dancing and learning, in Spanish and English. Website: 123andres.com

Decades 60’s &amp; 70’s Trivia Night at Dry Lake Brewing Thursday, June 8th at 7 p.m. How well do you know the two grooviest decades? Get ready for our next trivia night at Dry Lake Brewery on June 8th. Grab a team or go it solo during our Decades Trivia Night. Sign up now at greatbendpl.info to add your team to the roster (limit of 4 per team).

Elsenpeter Marionettes presents: Sleeping Beauty Wednesday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. The Elsenpeter family's skillful manipulation of marionettes transforms the 2-foot tall, hand carved, wooden dolls into living characters with distinct personalities. This adaptation of Sleeping Beauty will delight the young and the young-at-heart alike.

Teen Open Mic Night Friday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m. Stop by the Teen Spot every month for a cup of joe and a fun activity! This month we are hosting an Open Mic night. Come and perform a song, poetry, or standup routine during our June Teen Café! Sign up at greatbendpl.info/teens.

Are You Smarter Than a Librarian Monday, June 19 at 4 p.m. Put your knowledge to the test as you face off against librarians in random trivia! The librarians took the championship last year, but can the teens win back their honor in 2023? Participants get pizza Spots are limited, so reserve yours with the Remind code @gblibtriv or go to remind.com/join/gblibtriv. Registration will be open from June 5 - June 16.

Women &amp; Jazz Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m. Women have been involved in jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalists, but as instrumentalists, composers and arrangers. The goal of this presentation is to provide an understanding of these women—particularly of their personal lives and their ability to read music, perform, and survive in a time when jazz was considered a "man’s world." It also covers the full spectrum of years, genre, recordings, and recognized achievements.

Great Bend Library gearing up for busy June

Governor Laura Kelly today announced this week more than $8.8 million from the Kansas High-Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program will go to 19 rural counties to improve the safety and efficiency of roads and local roadways.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"These investments will keep roads in rural areas safe and easy to travel, something that’s essential to supporting local businesses and making life better for Kansas families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.

The HRRR program is a federally-funded initiative designed to improve safety on rural roads through state and local partnerships. This year’s 19 HRRR projects were selected from 50 applications seeking $30.3 million in federal funds. Kansas HRRR funds cover 90-100 percent of the total project cost, with the counties making up the difference if necessary.

“Local agencies often do not have the resources needed to adequately address safety problems on the roads they own and operate,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Acting Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Working together provides opportunities for communities to strengthen their local road network to improve connections across the state.”&nbsp;

Projects in this program fall into one of two categories: Systemic (encompassing a local roadway network) or Site Specific. Projects in the Systemic category are 100% federally funded, and Site Specific projects are 90% federally funded.&nbsp;

The distribution of the $8,809,000 in HRRR funds is listed below. Funds are for Federal Fiscal Year 2025:

Barton, Systemic, $171,000 Upgrade signing on all major collectors in the SW quadrant of the county.

Cherokee, Systemic, $400,000 Upgrade signing on all major collectors in the west half of the county.

Cowley*, Site Specific, $601,000 Widen driving lanes, flatten ditch foreslopes, and install 6-inch white edge lines on 3 miles of paved major collectors.

Crawford, Site Specific, $682,000 Add SafetyEdgeTM, flatten ditch foreslopes, and install 6” white edge lines on S. 200th&nbsp;Street.

Ellis, Systemic, $595,000 Determine passing zones: add “No Passing” pennant signs and appropriate centerline pavement markings and install 6-inch white edge lines on 126 miles of paved major collectors throughout the county.

Ellsworth, Systemic, $345,000 Upgrade signing on all major collectors west of K-156 in the county.

Finney*, Site Specific, $546,000 Add 2-foot shoulders with SafetyEdgeTM, eliminate fixed obstacles, and install 6-inch white edge lines on Maple Street.

Graham, Systemic, $310,000 Upgrade signing on 101 miles of unpaved major collectors in the west half of the county.

Harper, Systemic, $362,000 Upgrade signing on 90 miles of major collectors west of K-14 in the county.

Kearny, Systemic, $236,000 Upgrade signing on 78 miles of major collectors north of U.S. 50 in the county.

Leavenworth*, Site Specific, $1,151,000 Add 6-foot shoulders with SafetyEdgeTM, install edge rumble strips, and extend culverts to improve the clear zone on Tonganoxie Drive between 189th&nbsp;and 187th&nbsp;streets.

Linn*, Site Specific, $351,000 Install hazard/curve signage and 6-inch white edge lines on Route 1095 between 1650 Road and K-152.

Marion*, Site Specific, $750,000 Install turf shoulders and extend culverts to improve the clear zone for 6 miles of 290th&nbsp;Road.

Morris, Systemic, $365,000 Upgrade signing on 97 miles of major and minor collectors throughout the county.

Pottawatomie, Site Specific, $300,000 Install 4-foot aggregate shoulders and flatten ditch foreslopes on Flush Road between Kanon Ridge Lane and Elizas Road.

Pratt, Systemic, $420,000 Install 6-inch white edge lines on 71 miles of major collectors and local roads east of U.S. 281.

Rawlins, Systemic, $548,000 Upgrade signing on 109 miles of major collectors west of K-25 in the county.

Rice, Systemic, $243,000 Upgrade signing on 59 miles of major collectors west of K-14 and south of U.S. 56 in the county.

Sheridan, Systemic, $433,000 Upgrade signing on 272 miles of major and minor collectors in the county.

*&nbsp;As identified in the county’s Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP).

Barton, Ellsworth, Rice counties part of road-improvement program

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has announced that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is increasing the value of coupons for low-income seniors from $35 to $50. The coupons are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seniors can apply&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtkaGUua3MuZ292L0ltYWdlUmVwb3NpdG9yeS9Eb2N1bWVudD9kb2N1bWVudElkPTkyNjcmdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDUyMy43NzE2MDE1MSJ9.16cb9kD7q2nkwY9Doy5WAfkodrVxJdTUkWx0IZ61lmM/s/1305943097/br/203575332107-l" target="_blank">at local distribution agencies</a>&nbsp;between Thursday, June 1 and Friday, September 15, 2023, or until benefits are gone.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a2e759c4-2959-42b4-9d82-e22f935a87fd">RELATED: Barton Co. offers farmers market coupons</a>

The coupons will be sent at once and available in $5 increments. These coupons can be redeemed from authorized vendors at participating farmers' markets, which will be identified with signage showing they are authorized to accept the coupons.

Seniors are eligible if they complete an application and are 60 years or older or at least 55 years old and a member of an Indian Tribal Organization. Eligible seniors must also have an annual gross household income (before taxes are withheld) at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

Eligible foods to purchase with the KSFMNP coupons from authorized farmers at participating farmers markets are defined as fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, locally produced honey and cut herbs produced in Kansas under normal growing conditions.

“The KSFMNP helps support Kansas seniors and our local Kansas farmers at farmers markets,” said&nbsp;Courtney Koenig, KSFMNP coordinator. “The program is great because it brings new people to the markets, increases sales for farmers and provides nutritious foods to people who need it.” &nbsp;

Seniors can find more information on the KSFMNP coupons by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua2RoZS5rcy5nb3YvMTA1Mz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNTIzLjc3MTYwMTUxIn0.BKLw6s8Z4b0pZG53zCHlciDXd-9ryjt_L05NtcCwlhw/s/1305943097/br/203575332107-l" target="_blank">KSFMNP website</a>.

KDHE announces increase for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

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

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/5531ed6e-355b-453c-9d44-499e90015be8">Central Plains BOE discusses upcoming disorganization vote</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/7814af9e-6d4b-4053-9b18-61bd280007c7">New director: Shafer takes on top role at Great Bend Public Library</a>

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/57ddc35d-a775-4337-96bf-efc4ba14efc0">Great Bend Public Library installs solar charging station</a>

Eagle Radio's News Week in Review

A large wildfire swept through Pawnee County in late March 2022. The fire destroyed a residence and several other structures, and also damaged a pair of Larned Fire Department firetrucks. Senator Jerry Moran's office visited Larned shortly after the fire to survey the damage. Fourteen months later, last Monday, Moran was in Larned to announce a federal allocation of $1.142 million for the purchase of two new firetrucks and a mobile command center.

"They asked what they could do to help, and we kind of explained the processes that were out there with the match and the cost of the equipment," said Larned Mayor William Nusser. 'It's just really difficult financially for our city to put those pieces together to replace these items because trucks can get to $6-7-800,000."

The city has two new trucks picked out from Hays Fire and Rescue Sales and Service, but Nusser said it will take more than two years to get the trucks delivered.

"We've got that specced and ready," he said. "We know what we're going to replace. We've picked a model and everything. Even though it's been federally allocated, there is still a process. You have to go through quite a bit of paperwork to get the funds. We've got until Aug. 31 the price is held on the trucks to order. Then the lead time to even get the trucks is like a two-year build time."

Along with his stop in Larned on Monday, Moran also made a stop in Ellinwood to check progress on the new Ellinwood Hospital &amp; Clinic.

Sen. Moran announces federal allocation for new Larned firetrucks

If you have a child interested in theater, make sure to get them registered for the Great Bend Recreation Commission’s summer theatre production, “The Adventures of Rikki-Tikki Tavi.”&nbsp; The play was written by Tim Kelly, and is the Great Bend Recreation Commission’s 28th&nbsp;annual summer theatre production. Practices will be held Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. starting June 5. The performance will be held on Friday, July 5, at 7 p.m. at the Great Bend High School Auditorium.

Charm, comedy, and enchantment are rolled into one to create children’s theatre at its best. Start with an empty stage, then add in jungle sounds, a few props, and simple snippets of animal costumes. Our storyteller from India sparks the audience’s imagination to see the jungle and its creatures as he weaves the magical tale, and the actors interpret the roles of cobras, monkeys, wolves, a crocodile, a camel, an elephant, and the wily mongoose, Rikki-Tikki Tavi.&nbsp; 

A British family in old India is in jeopardy from marauding cobras in league with Shere Khan, the arrogant tiger. Only Rikki can save them, and he does so in a surprising way. The opportunities for visual comedy and improvisation are endless in this gem of a play.

A complete list of programs and class details can be found at the GBRC website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.greatbendrec.com/" target="_blank">www.greatbendrec.com</a>.&nbsp; Online enrollment is now available on the website.&nbsp; Please contact the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755, ext. 110, or stop by the office located at 1214 Stone Street for more information or with any questions you may have.

Great Bend Rec taking registration for summer theatre production

What began as an idea to update the sign on the western side of Ellinwood has turned into something a little more. Ellinwood Rotarian Justin Lear said the group was looking for a community service project and the sign at the "Y" was a good candidate. The project has evolved into purchasing an electronic billboard for the main intersection within Ellinwood city limits.

"What we'd like to do is put in a 6x8 (foot) electric sign with good enough visibility that we can do some imagery and well as wording on that," Lear said. "It'll be on the southeast side of the intersection where the stoplight is here in Ellinwood."

Rotary contacted American Legion Post 320 about putting the sign on their property. The Ellinwood Chamber would handle maintenance and booking for the sign. The goal would be to maximize visibility for all passersby through the intersection. An unofficial sign committee was created with members from Rotary, the Legion, and the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce with Lear as the de facto head of the group. Now the fundraising begins.    

"We set a goal for the project to raise $50,000," said Lear. "We expect the sign to cost about $30,000. In our research, we found that electric signs have a limited lifespan and they also require some maintenance along the way. We didn't want to raise money for a sign, dump it on the chamber, and have a sign that, two or three years down the road, had to have some maintenance and they didn't have money for it."

Businesses that make a certain donation toward the purchase will be rewarded with advertising on the sign over the next two years. Anyone interested in making a contribution can contact the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce at 110 1/2 N. Main in Ellinwood, or by calling (620) 564-3300.

Ellinwood group raising funds for new electronic sign

City of Great Bend crews will begin working in the southwest part of the intersection of 17th&nbsp;and Adams on Tuesday, May 30. A damaged storm box has caused a sinkhole to appear in the street adjacent to it. There should be minimal interference with traffic in the area. Please be attentive while in the vicinity and we thank you for your patience.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact&nbsp;Jason Cauley, Public Works Director (620) 793-4150, jcauley@greatbendks.net.

Great Bend crews to begin sinkhole work on May 30

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Eber Phelps about the Habitat for Humanity program.

🎤 Forward Ever: Eber Phelps discusses Habitat for Humanity

2023 Phillips 66
Big 12 Baseball Championship Schedule

Wednesday Scores No. 4 TCU 16, No. 5 Kansas State 5 (7-innings) No. 8 Kansas 6,&nbsp; No. 1 Texas 3 No. 7 Oklahoma 9,&nbsp; No. 2 Oklahoma State 5 No. 6 Texas Tech 6,&nbsp; No. 3 West Virginia 2

Thursday Schedule&nbsp; Kansas State 6, Texas 0 (Texas eliminated) Oklahoma State 3, West Virginia 2 (WVU eliminated) TCU 14, Kansas 4 Texas Tech 10, Oklahoma 7 Friday, May 26 Kansas State 7, Kansas 1 (Kansas eliminated) Oklahoma State 8, Oklahoma 3 (Oklahoma eliminated)

Saturday, May 27 TCU 6, Kansas State 3 (KSU eliminated) Oklahoma State 8, Texas Tech 1 Oklahoma State 6, Texas Tech 5 (Texas Tech eliminated Sunday, May 28 5 p.m. Championship Game – TCU vs Oklahoma State

Big 12 Baseball Tournament Scores and Schedule

Great Bend and Kapaun Mt. Carmel. The drama worked in favor of the Lady Panthers last year. A split-second, come-from-behind win in the final race of the 2022 season propelled Great Bend past the Crusaders for second place in Class 5A. That was not the case in 2023. After beating Kapaun by a single point last year, Great Bend came up a point shy of the Crusaders for a third-place finish at the KSHSAA State Track and FIeld Championships Saturday in Wichita.

Kapaun led Great Bend by four points Saturday evening. The Crusaders, however, did not advance to the 4x400m finals. A top-four finish for Great Bend would have again secured the second-place trophy. The team of Sadie Spray, Eliana Beckham, Daizy Gomez, and Makenzie Premer ran its best time of 4:04 in Friday's prelims. Saturday, the team ran a 4:07.32 for sixth place, picking up three points. The girls finished 0.02 seconds behind fifth-place Blue Valley Southwest that would have garnered another point. Only two teams in the finals field ran under 4:06.

The weekend did have its highlights, however. Early Saturday morning, senior Valarie Luna won the 5A title in the high jump by clearing the bar at 5-6. The school-record holder at 5-7, she just missed her final attempt at 5-8. Two big points were lost on a single jump at 5-4 when Spray missed her first attempt and Hays sophomore Katie Linenberger made it over. The pair stayed at 5-4 and Spray finished third. Cassie Ellegood finished 10th in the field.

Premer and Spray did all they could in the 300m hurdle finals. Hutchinson's Annalisa Cullens was denied a third-title in the 100s after an ugly fall, but was still a favorite in the 300s. She won in 45.43, followed by Premer in 46.66 for the silver, and Spray in 47.34 for the bronze.

The junior Beckham picked up crucial points in the 800m run with a fifth-place finish. She ran a personal best of 2:21.52 to miss fourth place by half a second. Freshman Sienna Smith ran 13th in the field.

The 4x800m relay proved extra crucial with Kapaun in the mix for big points. The Crusaders ran third in 9:36.99, followed by Great Bend's team of Premer, Beckham, Smith, and Addy Nicholson in 9:41.88 for fourth, even after breaking a 25-year-old GBHS record.

The 1600m race featured two of the top-10 all-class times this spring. Nicholson ran seventh in 5:22.16. Kapaun freshman Taylor Barringer secured fourth place by less than half a second to keep that extra point. Nicholson ran her best time of the season in Friday's 3200m run to place fourth in 11:38.38, six seconds out of third place.

The javelin proved to be another crucial event for Great Bend with no Kapaun throwers in the mix. Junior Macy Nachtigal finished seventh at 124-10 to miss another point by just six inches. Senior Kyndall Blessing placed 12th on a throw of 113-1.

Great Bend's 4x100m relay team of Premer, Gomez, Spray, and Luna finished 11th in Friday's prelims in 50.71, missing a spot in the finals by less than half a second.

St. James Academy won the 5A team title with 81 points. Kapaun followed with 52 points, and Great Bend brings home hardware with 51 points. DeSoto scored 41 points for fourth.

Luna wins state title, Lady Panthers finish hard-luck third at state track meet

With just a handful of athletes at the 2023 KSHSAA Track and Field State Championships in Wichita Friday and Saturday, the Great Bend boys were in no contention for team hardware. But the Panthers did make the most of their contention by bringing home several state medals.

Senior Kaiden Esfeld kicked off action Friday night in the Class 5A 3200m run finals. He ran a personal best of 9:33.73, which was good for seventh place. Esfeld missed sixth place by a quarter of a second.

Senior Mathew Moeder also picked up a medal in the javelin Friday. His first throw of 164-2 proved to be his best of the day, good enough for sixth place. He missed fifth-place by 19 inches. Even with top-seeded Jackson Daniel of Kapaun fouling on his three throws, the event still featured two of the top-50 throws in the U.S. this year.

Esfeld picked up another medal in the 1600m run Saturday afternoon. He ran sixth in 4:24.38 to miss fifth place by half a second. Kapaun senior Luke Brock set a 5A meet record with the win by 0.23 seconds in 4:15.03. The race featured three top-10 all-class performances in Kansas this spring.

Esfeld closed out his decorated career as a Panther with his best finish of the state meet in the 800m run. He placed fifth in 1:57.85 to miss fourth place by just 0.35 seconds, and miss the bronze by 1.38 seconds. The event featured two top-10 all-class times in Kansas this spring.

There is no preliminary race for the 4x800m relay. Great Bend's team of Ramiro Rocho, Pedro Enriquez, Braylon Moore, and Alex Galindo placed 16th in Saturday morning's finals in 8:41.42, eight seconds out of 15th place.

Private schools took four of the top-five spots in the team standings, led by St. James Academy with 68.5 points. Kapaun scored 66 points for second, and Hays broke up the sweep with 51.5 points in fourth.

Esfeld, Moeder bring home state medals for Panther boys

Sunday May 28 12:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Washington @ Kansas City 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - MLB- Philadelphia @ Atlanta&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday May 29 12:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ St. Louis 7:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA Playoffs Game 7- Miami @ Boston Tuesday May 30 6:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ St. Louis Thursday June 1 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA Finals - Game 1 Friday June 2 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Colorado @ Kansas City Saturday June 3 2:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Colorado @ Kansas City Sunday June 4 12:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Colorado @ Kansas City 6:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA Finals - Game 2&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday June 5 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Miami Tuesday June 6 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Miami Wednesday June 7 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Miami&nbsp; Friday June 9 5:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Baltimore Saturday June 10 2:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Baltimore Sunday June 11 12:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Baltimore 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - MLB- Boston @ NY Yankees&nbsp; Monday June 12 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Cincinnati @ Kansas City&nbsp; Tuesday June 13 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Cincinnati @ Kansas City Wednesday June 14 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Cincinnati @ Kansas City&nbsp; Thursday June 15 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA Finals - Game 6 (if necessary)&nbsp; Friday June 16 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - LA Angels @ Kansas City Saturday June 17 2:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - LA Angels @ Kansas City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sunday June 18 12:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - LA Angels @ Kansas City 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - MLB- NY Yankees @ Boston OR 6:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA Finals - Game 7 (if necessary) Monday June 19 5:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit&nbsp; Tuesday June 20 5:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday June 21 11:30AM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Detroit Thursday June 22 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Tampa Bay Friday June 23 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Tampa Bay Saturday June 24 2:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Tampa Bay&nbsp;&nbsp; Sunday June 25 12:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Tampa Bay 5:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - MLB- TBA&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday June 27 6:30PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - Royals Baseball - Cleveland @ Kansas City&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — CJ Abrams hit a two-run double in Washington’s four-run sixth inning, Corey Dickerson got his 1,000th career hit and the Washington Nationals defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2. After Josiah Gray gave up two runs and four hits in four innings, Mason Thompson, Carl Edwards Jr., Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan held the Royals scoreless. Finnegan earned his 11th save of the season. The Nationals have scored a combined 12 runs in the sixth inning through the first two games of the three-game series. Washington’s Lane Thomas hit a double in the fifth to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 23 straight games. Salvador Perez homered for Kansas City.

DENVER (AP) — Ryan McMahon hit a go-ahead homer in the seventh inning and the Colorado Rockies outslugged the New York Mets 10-7 on Saturday night after blowing an early six-run lead. Charlie Blackmon’s two-run double in a five-run second helped the Rockies race out to a 6-0 advantage against Justin Verlander after three innings. Pete Alonso’s major league-high 20th homer started New York’s comeback in the fourth, and the Mets tied it 6-all when rookie Francisco Álvarez capped a five-run sixth with a three-run homer off reliever Jake Bird. Starling Marte’s two-out RBI single in the seventh put New York in front, but Elias Díaz doubled leading off the bottom half against Jeff Brigham (0-1) and McMahon followed with a two-run shot to right field that traveled a projected 439 feet.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Brendan Donovan scored on a passed ball in the 10th inning after homering in the second, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals to a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Automatic runner Donovan began the inning on second, stole third base and came home when third-string catcher David Fry mishandled a pitch by Nick Sandlin to Oscar Mercado. St. Louis won for the 14th time in its last 20 games despite managing just two hits against Guardians starter Tanner Bibee and four relievers. None occurred after Alec Burleson singled in the third. Ryan Helsley pitched 1 1/3 innings for the win and Giovanny Gallegos earned his sixth save with a scoreless 10th.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kurtis Byrne homered and TCU took advantage of every opportunity to defeat Kansas State 6-3 to advance to the championship game of the Big 12 Conference Tournament. The Horned Frogs had only three hits but took advantage of three errors, five walks and a hit batter by the Wildcats. TCU will play the winner of Texas Tech-Oklahoma State in Sunday’s championship. Sam Stoutenborough and Ben Abeldt (2-3) combined to allow 12 hits but came up with key outs as Kansas State stranded 10 runners. The game was tied at 3 after five innings . A hit batter, walk and Tre Richardson beating out a sacrifice bunt loaded the bases for the Horned Frogs in the sixth. Brayden Taylor scoring the winning run when Anthony Silva grounded into a double play.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Aidan Meola hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth and No 7 seed Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech 6-5 to eliminate the Red Raiders and advance to the championship game of the Big 12 Tournament. Oklahoma State has won four games in three days — including an 8-1 win earlier in the day over Texas Tech — since losing its opening game of the tournament. The Cowboys play No. 4 seed TCU for the title. Texas Tech scored five runs in the top of fifth, capped by Hudson White’s ’three-run home run. Beau Sylvester's two-run homer sparked a five-run bottom of the eight that tied that game at 5-all.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma defeated Clemson 8-7 in nine innings to set the NCAA Division I record for consecutive softball victories. Kinzie Hansen hit a tying three-run homer in the seventh inning after the Sooners were down to their last strike. Tiare Jennings hit a solo homer in the ninth for the winning run. Oklahoma's 48th straight win clinched a Women’s College World Series berth. Oklahoma will play Stanford in its World Series opener. Tennessee and Washington also clinched World Series spots with wins.

MIAMI (AP) — Derrick White scored on a putback as time expired and the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of the greatest comeback in NBA playoff history, holding off the Miami Heat 104-103 to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals. Jayson Tatum scored 31 points, Jaylen Brown scored 26 and Marcus Smart added 21 for the Celtics. Jimmy Butler made three free throws with 3.0 seconds left for a one-point Heat lead. Smart missed a 3-pointer, but White grabbed the rebound and scored as time expired. Butler scored 24 points and Caleb Martin scored 21 for the Heat.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ty Dellandrea scored twice in a 1:27 span midway through the third period and the Dallas Stars beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on Saturday night to stay alive in the Western Conference Final. The Stars escaped elimination for the second game in a row and head to Dallas for Game 6 on Monday night down 3-2. Dallas is attempting to become the fifth team in NHL history win a series after being down 3-0. Dellandrea had the first multigoal game of his playoff career, and it helped back a 27-save performance from Jake Oettinger. Jason Robertson and Luke Glendening also scored, and Thomas Harley had two assists. Chandler Stephenson and Ivan Barbashev scored for the Knights, and Jonathan Marchessault had two assists to extend his points streak to four games. Adin Hill made 30 saves.

MONACO (AP) — Formula One champion Max Verstappen’s lights-to-flag victory win at the Monaco Grand gave the Red Bull driver his fourth victory of the season and extended his championship lead. Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso was a season’s best second for Aston Martin as he collected a fifth podium in six races. Frenchman Esteban Ocon secured third place and a rare podium for Alpine. For most of the race Verstappen coasted on a dry and narrow track where overtaking is the hardest in F1. But an incident-free race in Monaco is rare and heavy rain played havoc with about 20 of the 78 laps left. Some drivers pitted for the wrong medium tires and slid around on a wet track.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There are plenty of clear favorites heading into the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. At the top of the list is Alex Palou, the pole sitter, whom FanDuel Sportsbook lists as the betting favorite. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver has three capable teammates in defending winner Marcus Ericsson, 2008 winner Scott Dixon and two-time champion Takuma Sato. Arrow McLaren has four contenders led by Pato O'Ward. Felix Rosenqvist and former winners Alexander Rossi and Tony Kanaan also drive for the team. But there also are off-the-radar drivers planning to play spoiler. They include Argentine star Agustin Canapino and Santino Ferrucci, who along with rookie Benjamin Pedersen has turned around long-struggling A.J. Foyt Racing.

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Cup Series points leader William Byron will start on the pole for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 after qualifying was rained out at Charlotte Motor Speedway. NASCAR also announced the Xfinity Series race scheduled for Saturday has been moved to Monday at noon ET. The Coca-Cola 600 is still scheduled to run on Sunday night but a forecast calling for more rain could move NASCAR’s longest race to Monday, too.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — CJ Abrams hit a two-run double in Washington's four-run sixth inning, Corey Dickerson got his 1,000th career hit and the Washington Nationals defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Saturday.

Dickerson sparked the Nationals’ big inning with his milestone hit on an RBI double. He became the 12th player to reach the milestone in a Nationals uniform and the first since Brian Dozier in 2019.

“With how much failure there is in this game, getting 1,000 is cool,” Dickerson said. “We just keep grinding as a team and trust each other which helped us rally like we did.”

After Josiah Gray gave up two runs and four hits in four innings, Mason Thompson (3-2), Carl Edwards Jr., Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan held the Royals scoreless — with Finnegan earning his 11th save of the season.

The Nationals have scored a combined 12 runs in the sixth inning through the first two games of the three-game series.

“The sixth inning in this series has been good for us,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “We got a big hit by (Dickerson) to break the ice, and then we started hitting the ball and staying in the middle of the field.”

Washington's Lane Thomas hit a double in the fifth to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 23 straight games.

Brady Singer tossed five innings and gave up two runs and four hits with six strikeouts and three walks. He was sent out for the sixth with the Royals holding a 2-0 lead, but gave up back-to-back hits, including Dickerson's RBI double. Josh Taylor (1-3) came in and allowed two runs and three hits with a walk without recording an out.

″(Singer) was good, but he battled his command a little bit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He was pretty efficient in the early going when he worked around those walks, but he gave us five solid innings. ... I thought Brady was in control (in the sixth inning). He had the weapons to get their hitters out.”

Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch slider 382 feet in the third for his 12th home run of the season to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead after Nick Pratto scored from third on a wild pitch in the first.

Kansas City dropped to a 3-14-0 in series this season and fell to 1-8-0 at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals: Kansas City requested the unconditional release waivers on INF/OF Hunter Dozier. The 31-year-old was designated for assignment on May 22.

LHP MacKenzie Gore (3-3, 3.88 ERA) will take the mound for the Nationals on Sunday. LHP Daniel Lynch will make season debut for Kansas City.

Abrams, Dickerson spark rally in Nationals' 4-2 win over Royals

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kurtis Byrne homered and TCU took advantage of every opportunity to defeat Kansas State 6-3 on Saturday to advance to the championship game of the Big 12 Conference Tournament.

The Horned Frogs (36-22) had only three hits but took advantage of three errors, five walks and a hit batter by the Wildcats (35-24).

TCU will play the winner of Texas Tech-Oklahoma State in Sunday's championship. The fourth-seeded Horned Frogs beat the fifth-seeded Wildcats 16-3 in the tournament opener.

Sam Stoutenborough and Ben Abeldt (2-3) combined to allow 12 hits but came up with key outs as Kansas State stranded 10 runners.

The game was tied at 3 after five innings with Raphael Pelletier of K-State and Byrne contributing solo home runs.

A hit batter, walk and Tre Richardson beating out a sacrifice bunt loaded the bases for the Horned Frogs in the sixth. Brayden Taylor scoring the winning run when Anthony Silva grounded into a double play.

Taylor drew a one-out walk in the eighth, stole second and continued to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Following an intentional walk to Cole Fontenelle, Richardson's squeeze bunt scored Taylor and Fontenelle raced around to third, scoring when the first baseman threw the ball away.

Abeldt entered the game with two outs in the sixth and went the rest of the way, scattering three hits and striking out seven.

Byrne homers, TCU advances to Big 12 championship with 6-3 win over K-State

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson's three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10 on Friday night.

The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals' history and came against Kansas City's Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Lyles (0-9) allowed five earned runs in five innings, giving up six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

“There was a lot of back-and-forth, up-and-down or whatever terminology you want to use,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Being down 9-2 certainly didn’t feel good, but the guys came back and we felt like we have a shot.”

The 34-year-old Dickerson, in his 11th big league season, has eight hits and has two homers and seven RBIs since being called up on May 17.

Washington (22-29) led 9-2 when its half of the sixth was over, helped by RBIs from Garcia (two RBIs) and Joey Meneses off of Staumont, who gave up four earned runs in one-third of an inning.

“It feels great, especially when the team is battling every at-bat and we never got down and stayed focused so it’s a great feeling,” Garcia said. “My whole approach every at-bat is to stay up the middle and go the other way as well.”

The Royals (15-37) scored the next six runs, highlighted by a Bobby Witt Jr.'s three-run homer off Erasmo Ramirez in the seventh, cutting the lead to 9-8. Witt also homered in the sixth inning for his second career multi-homer game and a career-high with five RBIs.

“He's got all the tools, couple infield hits, the double down the line and two homers,” Quatraro said. “Big night for him all around, very happy for him.”

Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple and later scored in the eighth to extend the Nationals lead to 12-8.

Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.

“I would've like to have finished the seventh there, but that's the one thing looking back,” Corbin said. “I felt good and in games like this you always try to give your bullpen a break, but the guys that came in kept the lead and the offense tonight was amazing. To come away with a win like that is truly a team win.”

Garcia hit two doubles in the sixth inning, marking the first time a Nationals' batter has had two hits in an inning. That was part of his career-high six hit performance. He is just the third Washington player to have that many hits in a game.

The Royals called up OF Drew Waters and optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton to Triple-A Omaha.

Washington sends RHP Josiah Gray (4-5) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (3-4) on Saturday afternoon.

Nationals outscore Royals 12-10

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kaelen Culpepper went 4 for 5 with five RBIs — including a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning — and German Fajardo allowed five hits over 7 1/3 innings to help Kansas State beat Kansas 7-1 Friday in an elimination game at the Big 12 Tournament.

No. 5 seed Kansas State (35-23) plays fourth-seeded TCU — which beat the Wildcats 16-3 in the tournament’s opening game — in the semifinals Saturday.

Nick Goodwin led off the bottom of the second inning with a walk and Brady Day followed with a single before Culpepper hit a shot to left that made it 3-0.

Goodwin drew a two-out walk in the seventh before Day hit a 0-2 pitch down the line in left for a double. Culpepper drove in both runners with a single to make it 7-1.

Fajardo (4-4) had a season-high nine strikeouts.

Jake English went 2 for 3 with a solo homer in the third for No. 8 seed Kansas (25-32).

K-State reaches Big 12 semis with win over Kansas

Class 2-1A - Great Bend Sports Complex Thursday Scores Pittsburg-Colgan 12, Little River 5 Onaga 8, Medicine Lodge 7 (10-innings)&nbsp;&nbsp; Elkhart 2, Kansas City Christian 0 Marion 10, Sedgwick 5 &nbsp; Friday Scores Semi-Finals Pittsburg-Colgan 10, Onaga 0 Marion 16, Elkhart 8

Championship Pittsburg-Colgan 13, Marion 3 ** Colgan wins state championship with a record of 15-11 &nbsp; &nbsp;

Local

Region

Sports

Contests