By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Last year, it was a 2024 Chevy Trax, then $20,000 just in time for Christmas. Eagle Media in Great Bend continues its tradition of giving away huge prizes next Friday night in Hoisington. Eagle Director of Promotions Becca said 81 finalists will have a chance to win a new car to close out the summer.

"I can't wait to see who wins the 2025 Chevy Equinox in Reef Blue," she said. "I think this is probably one of my favorite cars we've ever given away, so I can't wait to see who the big winner is going to be. It's Reef Blue Summer, brought to you by Ehler Chevrolet, INA Alert, Equity Bank, and Kelly's Garden Sense."

This year's contest began on April 14 with several instant finalist days and prize boxes spread across the contest's many sponsors. In years past, one additional finalist was picked just before the giveaway. Becca said that is not the case this summer.

"There's no last-chance drawing this year at Ehler Chevrolet during the giveaway, but we are going to actually have our last chance for a day," she said. "From 10 a.m. til 3 p.m., our last-chance drawing is going to be at Mike's Rent to Own, 1709 Main, here in Great Bend, on a last chance to get signed up to become an instant finalist."

Registration begins at 6 p.m. next Friday at Ehler Chevrolet in south Hoisington. Finalists can begin checking in with the letter that was mailed to them by Eagle Media. The giveaway begins at 7 p.m. The contestant with the last ping pong ball in the machine will drive away with a brand new 2025 Chevy Equinox.

Additional instant finalists will be picked from the following businesses next week: - Monday, Aug. 11 - Memorial Art Company, 2115 10th Street, Great Bend - Tuesday, Aug. 12 - Reborn Renovations, 716 Washington Ave, Great Bend - Wednesday, Aug. 13 - GB Tires, 2901 10th Street, Great Bend - Thursday, Aug. 14 - INA Alert, 108 W. Santa Fe Blvd., Ellinwood - Friday, Aug. 15 - Mike's Rent to Own, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1709 Main, Great Bend

Just five days left to become an instant finalist in Reef Blue Summer

Equipment Technologies, manufacturer of Apache Sprayers, presented Simpson Farm Enterprises (SFE) with the prestigious Dealer of the Year award during its annual Dealer Meeting—marking the ninth time SFE has earned the honor.

This award recognizes the dealership that not only leads in new Apache Sprayer sales but also upholds outstanding customer service standards. Simpson Farm Enterprises, with locations across Kansas including Great Bend, continues to set the bar for excellence in both performance and customer satisfaction.

In a historic moment at this year’s meeting, SFE was also presented with the inaugural Jim Bates Legacy Award, honoring dealerships that have sold over 1,000 new Apache Sprayers. As of June 30, 2025, SFE has delivered a remarkable 1,040 sprayers since joining the Apache Sprayer network 28 years ago.

Adding to the celebration, Equipment Technologies recognized top salesmen Jason Pavlu and Clayton Schenk, both of whom ranked in the Top 5 Apache Certified Expert (ACE) category for the past model year. Their leadership and dedication continue to drive the dealership's strong sales performance.

“Simpson Farm Enterprises is a vital part of the Apache Sprayer family,” said a representative from Equipment Technologies. “We take great pride in this partnership and look forward to many more years of shared success.”

Simpson Farm Enterprises honored with top awards at annual dealer meeting

Hutchinson Community College (HutchCC) and Barton Community College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new partnership aimed at expanding access to respiratory care education and addressing a growing workforce need in central Kansas.

Through this agreement, students from Barton will complete their general education requirements at Barton and then have the opportunity to transition into HutchCC’s Respiratory Care Program. The partnership was developed in response to an increased demand for respiratory care professionals in Barton’s service area, which includes nine regional hospitals."

This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to meeting the healthcare workforce needs of our communities," said Dr. Tricia Paramore, President of Hutchinson Community College. "By working together, we are creating clearer pathways for students and helping ensure that Kansas hospitals have access to the skilled respiratory therapists they urgently need."

Dr. Marcus Garstecki, President of Barton Community College, echoed the value of the partnership: “We’ve seen a significant increase in the demand for respiratory care professionals across our service area. Partnering with HutchCC allows us to provide our students with a high-quality, accessible path into this critical field, while also supporting the healthcare systems in our region.”

The collaboration aligns with both institutions’ missions to provide affordable, accessible, and relevant education while serving the needs of Kansas communities.

For more information about the Respiratory Care Program, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/rt">www.hutchcc.edu/rt</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton CC and Hutch CC announce new partnership

Released Mattox, Christopher W. on Barton County District Court case # 8T2025CR0023. Released by order of the court.

Released Galliart, Cori J on Barton County District Court Warrant 8T2025CR0256 for Distribute/possess w/ intent to distribute heroin/certain stimulants/fentanyl;3.5-100 grams by receiving a $100,000 O.R. bond through Judge Burgess.

Booked Reichenberger, Cameron M. on Barton County District Court case #25-804 for Driving While Suspended; 1st or Subsequent Offense. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or Surety.

Booked in Parr, Amber D. on a Barton County District Court warrant #8T2025TR0160 for Serve Sentence. Bond set at NO BOND.

Released Reichenberger, Cameron M. on Barton County District Court case #25-804 for Driving While Suspended; 1st or Subsequent Offense after posting a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (8/7)

Variety selection is one of the most important decisions that a grower can make to ensure success on their farm. Now is the time when wheat producers across Kansas are reviewing yield data and making decisions about the varieties they will plant in the fall. Although yield is always a top priority, disease, and insect resistance, along with appropriate agronomic traits, can buffer against crop losses. In addition, genetic resistance to diseases and insect pests can be the most effective, economical, and environmentally sound method for control.

The Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2025 from K-State Extension, will soon be released. Agronomic characteristics, disease, and pest resistance information are included, as well as profiles that highlight some more common or new varieties for the state of Kansas.

Ratings in this publication represent results from field and greenhouse evaluations by public and private wheat breeders and researchers at multiple locations over multiple years.

A few other resources available to assist farmers with wheat variety selection is the Kansas Wheat Variety Performance Tests that are conducted around the state at K-State Experiment Stations and in other locations. These variety performance tests are replicated, each variety is randomly planted in four different locations in the field to increase accuracy of the yield data. That information along with all the other resources referenced in this article can be accessed from our Cottonwood Extension District web site at www.cottonwood.ksu.edu click onto the Crops and Livestock tab and look under Hot Topics for any of these resources.

The Wheat Trials Database decision tool provides complete access to variety information and data from university variety trials in Colorado and several other Great Plains states including Kansas. The database also includes private company trial data (Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Syngenta-Agripro). The database may be used to find up-to-date wheat variety information, display data from individual trial locations, generate summaries across multiple trial locations and years, and generate head-to-head comparisons for varieties of interest. It is an easy tool to use and very helpful!

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Kansas Wheat Variety Guide and Selection

With the recent rainfall across Central Kansas, the mosquitoes are stealing most of the headlines. But a quieter pest is gaining strength beneath your feet. Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Extension, said past and current weather conditions have contributed to healthy weeds.

"If you've had thinner lawns due to the drought from the previous years, it's really allowing the weeds that are coming up to take hold and get ahead of what your regular lawn would look like," she said. "That's just because they take advantage of sparser areas or lawns that are not really thick and healthy."

Weeds can always be pulled but more general control of the plants may be difficult right now.

"A lot of the weeds we're seeing right now are almost too big and strong to try and control," Boor said. "You'd either want to notice where they are, know what they are, and put down pre-emergents in the spring, or spot treat them when they're smaller next year."

Knowing which weeds need controlled is important as not all plants are treated the same. Boor said homeowners can snap a clear photo of a weed and email it to aboor@ksu.edu. Extension staff can provide instructions on how and when to control that particular weed. Extension can also mail or email a publication on weed identification and control.

As with many situations, prevention also goes a long way. Boor said that starts with a thick and healthy lawn. Knowing when to fertilize is crucial.

"Coming up in September is the best time to fertilize your cool-season lawns, which would be your fescue and bluegrass. If you have Bermuda, it's getting to be too late. You may be able to get one last application on, but it's almost too late. You want to fertilize when it's actively growing."

Central Kansas rains leading to strong and healthy weed populations

You have an opportunity today to become the final instant finalist in the Reef Blue Summer Giveaway. It's presented by Ehler Chevrolet, INA Alert, Equity Bank and Kelly's Garden Sense.

Sign up today at Ehler Chevrolet, Hoisington. You can register from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/faa73a97-4e3c-405e-b18d-9148ea926a10">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Reef Blue Summer - Sign up today at Ehler Chevrolet

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement is investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Great Bend.

Just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a residence located at 217 Pine Street in Great Bend in reference to a domestic disturbance, according to a media release.

 Officers were advised that the suspect, 34-year-old Robert C. Amador, was damaging property inside the residence and making threats to harm others with a homemade hatchet. 

 Upon officers’ arrival, they were able to safely get two other occupants of the home out safely. Robert Amador barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to come out.  Officers tried talking Amador out of the residence for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes and were unable to get him to cooperate. 

Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in Great Bend.

Officers were advised that the suspect 34-year-old Robert C. Amador was damaging property inside the residence and making threats to harm others with a homemade hatchet.

Upon officers’ arrival, they were able to get the other two occupants out of the home safely. Amador barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to come out. Officers tried talking Amador out of the residence for approximately 75 minutes and were unable to get him to cooperate.

Officers used the department drone to help locate Amador in the residence, then using a distraction on the opposite side of the residence, officers made entry into the residence and took Amador into custody. Amador was transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked on requested charges of Aggravated Assault Domestic Violence and Felony Obstruction.

Officers used the department drone to help locate Amador in the residence, then, using a distraction on the opposite side of the residence, made entry into the residence and took Amador into custody. Amador was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated assault - domestic violence and felony obstruction.

Man armed with a homemade hatchet jailed after standoff

For the audio version, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Cb6VkhxoMOUgUBL-crjzIiWulkvy7-HudPcvRdGSKZfSx-vV6AbNeMS62YDQfUJf0GLNw8ewXB6N03b1qlmSOCepFl7OZfWmmbddtT28fE3JRX76IP0OFV1PcqUVZupGQ0YBZAdQlb4Wj4LuZQRudH5YgVbV28OZWnBWFpa23zY=&amp;c=RWOlVnIqKYaq5StitHF8PCP0IoqKorKECPMDgZzl8I-toue9w8mfsg==&amp;ch=4BXqcXMP3vk41rkX2ik8mzZLo3SIm3px5-aeP-BGHhj-UznpfbIUrA==">kswheat.com</a>.

Kansas wheat producers depend on USDA programs every year, but how those programs are delivered can make the difference between smooth support and frustrating delays. In Episode 316 of the&nbsp;Wheat’s On Your Mind&nbsp;podcast, Kansas FSA State Director David Schemm joins the show to explain what’s happening behind the scenes at the Farm Service Agency and how new efficiencies are being rolled out across the state.

This isn’t just a policy update. Schemm details how real structural changes, like regionalizing certain loan programs, have significantly reduced processing time for farm storage loans, freeing up local staff and reducing paperwork burdens for producers.&nbsp;

“We took that approximately 60 hours of employee time clear down to about 20 hours,” Schemm said, explaining how the switch to regional processing streamlined operations and helped county offices focus on core services. For Kansas wheat growers considering on-farm storage upgrades or grain handling improvements, this shift could make those investments more accessible and timely.

The podcast episode also addresses the challenges of staffing rural FSA offices, especially as many field offices operate with just one or two program technicians. Schemm outlines how internal restructuring and technology upgrades aim to relieve pressure on overextended staff while maintaining the same level of in-person service Kansas farmers expect.

The conversation digs into the evolving relationship between producers and USDA services. As a new generation of farmers begins managing operations, the demand for digital tools and remote access is growing.&nbsp;

“My son Clay is back on the farm, and he wants to do everything on his phone,” Schemm said. “That shift, younger producers wanting to engage differently, is why we’re modernizing how FSA serves farmers.” Kansas FSA is responding with more mobile-compatible options, streamlined sign-up processes and better integration with precision ag platforms, all designed to save time and improve access.

Farmers also get a clear rundown of often-overlooked FSA tools, including the Transition Incentives Program (TIP), beginning farmer loans and expanded uses for farm storage facility loans. These programs can support younger or expanding operations and are especially relevant in times of tight margins and increased interest rates.

Finally, the podcast explores the uncertain outlook for federal farm policy. With no formal farm bill yet in place, Kansas producers will want to pay close attention to how the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” could impact reference prices, revenue protections and disaster assistance in the months ahead.

From policy to programs to practical efficiency, Episode 316 offers Kansas wheat producers a rare look at the inner workings of the agency that shapes much of their operational risk and financial support.

Listen to Episode 316 of&nbsp;Wheat’s On Your Mind&nbsp;or one of our other episodes at&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Cb6VkhxoMOUgUBL-crjzIiWulkvy7-HudPcvRdGSKZfSx-vV6AbNeMS62YDQfUJfKsgUMQvihQzDIXRtd-Hn_6Alvs1ysAoa6wmYLdL_ySOXY1nN4Lelv9vrtZEu6PUc3ra-fgQyxBXRUxgyQH5-v0wcU7xQLGq4y6eVseJ-NOc=&amp;c=RWOlVnIqKYaq5StitHF8PCP0IoqKorKECPMDgZzl8I-toue9w8mfsg==&amp;ch=4BXqcXMP3vk41rkX2ik8mzZLo3SIm3px5-aeP-BGHhj-UznpfbIUrA==">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>&nbsp;or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Wheat Scoop - Inside the FSA: What Kansas farmers need to know now

Booked: Decker, James A. on Barton County District Court case 2025009965 for Driving While Suspended and Driving Without Headlights with bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety and on Montgomery County District Court case MGC2023TR0860 for Failure to Appear with bond set at $60.00 cash only.

Released: Decker, James A. on Barton County District Court case 2025009965 for Driving While Suspended and Driving With Headlights When Needed by posting a $1,000.00 cash bond and on Montgomery County District Court warrant MGC2023TR0860 for Failure to Appear by posting a $60.00 cash bond.

Booked in Ramirez, Norma L. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-796 for Contempt of Court, Indirect . Bond is set at $1,076.50 cash only.

Released Ramirez, Norma Linda on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202400403 for Contempt with a cash bond of $1,076.s0

Released Harrington, Jonnathen G. Jr. on Barton County District Court warrant #8T2025CR0056 for Identity Theft, Theft By Deception; 91,500 To $25,000. Bond set at $10,000.00 cash or Surety. Barton County District Court warrant #8T2024CR0319 for Failure to Appear. Transfer to another Agency..

Booked Yoran , Andrew T. on Rush County District Court warrant #RH2025CR000021 for Criminal Threat. Bond is set at $250,000.00 cash/surety.

Booked in Montoya, Mathyas E.A on Harvey County District Warrant #HV2022TRL227 for Failure to Appear, Bond set at $1,500 Cash or Surety.

Released Montoya, Mathyas E.A on Harvey County District Warrant #HV2022TRL227 for Failure to Appear, Bond $1,500 Surety posted by Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Booked in Hiner, Jonathan R, on Barton County District Court case #25-800 Contempt of Court Indirect, Bond set at NO BOND.

Released Delauder, Christopher on Barton County District Court warrant #8T2025CR0100 for Trafficking Contraband into Correctional Facility, Possession of Methamphetamine, and No Drivers License by receiving a $10,000.00 O.R. bond through Judge Burgess.

Released Looman, Jeremy M. on Barton County District Court Warrant 8T2025CR0114 for Serve Sentence. Time Served.

Booked in Strange, Janie M. on a Barton County District Court case #25-1304 for Aggravated Battery with Deadly Weapon. Bond set at $20,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Booked Rader, Tristan Hogan on Barton County District Court Warrant numbers #8T2024CR0126, #AT2022CRU62, #8T2023CR0130 for Failure to Appear. Bond was set at NO BOND.

Released Salas, Ronnie on a Texas warrant #225W10215912 for Hold for Another agency with Transfer to Another Agency

Booked Amador, Robert Cados on Barton County District Court case #25-1296 for Aggravated Assault and Interference with a L.E.O. Bond is set at $20,000.00.

Booked James, Eric Vincent on Barton County District Court warrant # 8T2024CR0403 on Probation Violation. Bond is set at no Bond.

Booked in Biggs-Zamarripa, Bryanne on Great Bend Municipal Court Case #25-1300 for Possession of Marijuana and Expired Registration, bond set at $500.00 Cash or Surety, and Barton County District Court Warrant #8TT2023CR0212 for Probation Violation, Bond set at NO BOND.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (8/5-8/6)

Last year's big summer finale hardly felt like summer. This year's Party in the Park in Great Bend should be a little warmer. Forecasts indicate highs near the century mark this Saturday. Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Amanda Gaddis said conditions should be great for the Kiwanis Wet-Dry Parade that runs through Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 10 a.m.

"That's the part of the parade where you can either stay on the east side of the railroad tracks and stay dry, or you can go to the other side, and it's like a big water fight over there."

The Oozefest Mud Volleyball tournament returns to Veterans Park this year with a 9 a.m. start. Near those same mud pits, Midwest Elite Wrestling also returns. The wrestlers will host a meet-and-greet from noon to 1 p.m., then take part in a Nerf war from 1-2 p.m. The Rumble in the Park is scheduled from 2-5 p.m.

Wristbands for the three concerts Saturday night are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate - cash only this year. Savanna Chestnut, a native of Valley Falls north of Topeka, opens the shows.

"Savanna Chestnut, she is from season 20 of 'The Voice," Gaddis said. "She was on Blake Shelton's team. She'll be kicking the night off at 6:30. We have a Queen tribute band who will be out there at 8, then Homebrew brings it home at 10 p.m."

The full day of events includes a vendor fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Optimist Kids Fun Zone from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Shifters Car Show from noon to 5 p.m., and a cornhole tournament at Al Burns Field. Registration for that competition begins at 5:15 p.m., with action to follow at 6.

Great Bend's 2025 Party in the Park has something for everyone

100.7 Eagle Country, B104.3 The Point, Hits 106.9, 1590 KVGB AM/95.5 FM and Eldridge Fencing present the Eldridge Fencing Jingle Showdown!

Each week, listeners will hear two different Eldridge Fencing commercials—one featuring Billy and one featuring Wally—each trying to sing the best jingle.

The goal? Bragging rights.
The winner? That’s up to YOU.

The grand prize winner will be announced Monday, July 28th at 7 PM

So who’s got your vote—Wally or Billy?
Cast your vote in-store!&nbsp;

Eldridge Fencing - 80 E. 10th St., Great Bend

Eldridge Fencing Jingle Showdown 

Daily Registration Locations:&nbsp; - Ehler Chevrolet - INA Alert - Equity Bank - Kelly's Garden Sense - Reborn Renovations &amp; Disaster Services - Jimlo Glass - Center for Counseling - T&amp;L Fireworks - GB Tires - Fireworks for Less (Windshields for Less)&nbsp; - Boone's Maytag - Eldridge Fencing - Westside Market/ UPS Store - Nex-Tech Wireless - Cornerstone Automotive - Straub's Powersports - Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source - Nex-Tech - Hoisington Veterinary Hospital - Z's Liquormart - Odin Store - Memorial Art Company - Big Bend Custom Engraving (Inside Magna Dry)&nbsp; - GB Car Care - Farley Machine Works - Barton County Health Department

LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY PER SPONSOR LOCATION

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

2. The “Reef Blue Summer” promotion is open to all Kansas residents at least 21 years of age except employees of Eagle Communication, Hull Broadcasting, I.N.A. Alert, Equity Bank, Kelly's Garden Sense, and 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.

3. 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

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

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

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

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

8. 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.

Reef Blue Summer

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

Make a Difference Contest 

Kansas redshirt senior&nbsp;Bryce Foster&nbsp;was one of 40 centers to be named to the Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Friday. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.

Foster, of Katy, Texas, started all 12 games at center for the Jayhawks in 2024, paving the way for 211.4 rushing yards per game and allowing just 10 sacks as a unit. Foster recently was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List on July 29, awarded to college football's premiere interior lineman.

Following the end of the 2024 season, Foster was named Second Team All-Big 12 and earned All-America honors in track &amp; field at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Foster arrived at Kansas following three seasons at Texas A&amp;M, starting 28 games and being named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team, 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team and the 2021 The Athletic Freshman All-America First Team.

The Rimington Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football's most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935.Dave Rimington, the award's namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman.

The Kansas Jayhawks will kick off the 2025 football season on August 23, 2025 as they debut the new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium vs. Fresno State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bryce Foster Named to Rimington Trophy Preseason Watch List

D. Scott Fritchen KStateSports.com&nbsp;

There are simply so many ways to begin a story about&nbsp;Austin Romaine. He is technically sound. He is mean. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound junior is everything you want in a linebacker. He smiles as he thinks back to his early days as a child from Hillsboro, Missouri, and how he became one of the best all-around players in the state. He played with passion. He played hungry. He received a scholarship offer from Harvard. He thought that was cool. But he knew that he was going to Kansas State, the only Power 4 school to offer him a scholarship. That's all he needed — a golden ticket, a chance to live out his dream in this purple-and-white world, the happiest place on earth.

We can start the story from the beginning. Google "Hillsboro High School" and the accompanying image isn't the academic building that houses more than 1,000 students on 123 Leon Hall Parkway in Hillsboro, Missouri. No, Google the high school and the image that pops up is the school's football field. It's a beautiful sight, really, with the sun dropping below the trees and large stadium lights towering over the game played below.

The field is where Romaine dominated as one of the nation's top-50 inside linebackers, and it's where he rushed for more than 3,000 yards and scored 45 touchdowns during a remarkable career. There's a part of Romaine who always thought he'd play baseball — Jason, his father, put a baseball into Austin's hand before he could walk — but Romaine's strides and devastation between the lines demanded the attention of college football scouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Romaine came to K-State. That was a no-brainer. He arrived at K-State as a three-star recruit and the 49th-best inside linebacker in the Class of 2023 by ESPN after earning first-team all-state honors.

Hillsboro High head coach Bill Sucharski was understandably aghast over Romaine's on-field exploits — and where they could lead him someday.

"When you watch football games there are players who are game changers," Sucharski says. "Austin was that type of player. I watched several players who became NFL players, and you could tell they were different than other kids on the field.

On Wednesday, inside the team theater room at the Vanier Family Football Complex, Romaine appears, dare we say, a little bit bashful at the heaping praise that has been laid at his feet over the summer of 2025, and as he grinded, and watched film, and watched more film, and worked out, and hit the ice tubs, and took moments now and then just to hang out with his teammates.&nbsp;

Sometimes his teammates will say, "Congratulations." But Romaine, without playing a single down this fall, often doesn't know the reason behind his teammates' praise. Romaine hears nice things about his play, but he tries to stay away from it all. Romaine even deleted his Twitter account.

"The preseason accolades can come out," Romaine says, "but they don't mean anything unless they're after the season. I want to keep my head down and grind."

One day, Romaine is on watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Butkus Award. The next day he's named the best defensive player in the Big 12 Conference by Pro Football Focus. And the next day he's listed as the highest-graded returning linebacker among Power 4 schools.

"I'm excited because I think he's going to have an All-American type season," K-State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;says.

Romaine has started 17 games over the last two seasons, including 12 starts during the Wildcats' 9-4 campaign in 2024. Romaine finished with 96 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass breakups over his 621 defensive snaps en route to All-Big 12 Second Team honors.&nbsp;

"I think he's one of the best linebackers we've had to play in this system, whether it's been here or at other jobs that I've had," Klieman says. "This kid is a great leader, great tackler, he's got a great base to him, and he's very athletic."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Romaine has already shown that he's a quick learner. For all the I-remember-when stories old men will swap in donut shops across small Kansas towns years from now, this story might not be in the conversation, but it's a critical piece to what we're seeing now.

Here's the story: Romaine was thrust into action as a true freshman due to an array of injuries that plagued the linebacker position in 2023. He played in 12 games with five starts while earning votes from the league's coaches for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. His five starts were the most by a K-State freshman linebacker since at least 1988. He had 22 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and one sack over his 320 defensive snaps while also seeing time on 67 special teams plays.

He was forced into action when sixth-year senior Deuce Green, the heartbeat of the defense, went down with a season-ending injury. Daunting? For sure. But Romaine held his own — despite playing part of the season with a broken left hand.

"It's crazy just being thrown in there," Romaine says. "I didn't know much. It pushed me along a lot faster, being next to&nbsp;Austin Moore&nbsp;and Deuce Green, and having Deuce behind me all the time, helping me. It pushed my development a lot faster."

That's a big part of the&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;story.&nbsp;"We never anticipated him playing as a true freshman and all of the sudden he gets thrown in there," K-State linebackers coach&nbsp;Steve Stanard&nbsp;says. "Austin has made tremendous gains."

Last season, in his first season as a full-time starter, Romaine posted the most tackles by a K-State player since Jayd Kirby had 99 stops in 2017. Romaine had a career-high 12 tackles at West Virginia, Houston and Iowa State. Two of his forced fumbles led to game-winning scores. One was returned 60 yards for a touchdown at Tulane in a seven-point win and another forced fumble led to a 51-yard field goal against Kansas in a two-point victory.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

There was a moment that Wildcat Nation didn't see. It came as Romaine quietly stood outside the locker room at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. K-State had just battled to a 44-41 come-from-behind victory over Rutgers. Senior&nbsp;Austin Moore, who seemingly forever was a standout linebacker and team leader, in his final words before disappearing into the locker room for the last time, pointed at Romaine, turned to reporters, and said, "This guy is going to be a pro!"

"Ever since I got here, I looked up to&nbsp;Austin Moore," Romaine says. "He did everything right on and off the field as a player and leader. To get that compliment from him felt really good. To play and learn from him for two years really helped me."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Now, Stanard chuckles. Some guys, behind their experience and playmaking ability and leadership capability, simply become a pillar of the program. That's Romaine.

"Austin is going into his third year, and it feels like he's been here for five," Stanard says. "He sees the game at a different speed. He's ahead of the shifts and motions and recognizes formations and what plays are coming out of formations. He's always trying to get better and hone the craft. That's what I really, really respect."

Romaine is taking second-level and third-level steps as he prepares for the fall. He's a demon on the field. He's a nuisance for the offense. At times, in scrimmages, it appears that he's probably almost too good in the eyes of K-State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Matt Wells.

"Matt Wells&nbsp;is saying, 'How's he seeing this?'" Stanard says. "Austin is a really good zone cover linebacker right now. He knows routes and what routes are coming out of formations. He spends a lot of time up in the meeting room doing the 'unrequired' — stuff we don't ask him to do. And he's asking questions all the time. He wants to know what's going on around him with the defensive ends and safeties. Then he understands concepts and pieces things together. It's easy to coach Austin."

Seems that Romaine is doing some sort of preparation all…the…time.&nbsp;

"I'm not really sure how much time I'm up here, but I'm always asking coaches questions about what I can see, and what can get me better pre-snap and post-snap," Romaine says. "I'm always in the film room trying to understand backfield sets and formations of what is coming out of different plays so when I get onto the field, I feel like I can see better and see what's happening better. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and now I can understand why. I've grown a lot in that part. I was just flowing around as a young guy, and I didn't know where to go when my keys went certain ways. I've grown a lot."

The last K-State linebacker to study like this: Probably Mark Simoneau.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

And again, there was a time when football was on the backburner and baseball was the buzz for Romaine in Hillsboro. That changed when a coach approached Jason Romaine about possibly having Austin play little league football. Austin was 12. As his football career took off, college interest grew as well. Romaine carried a 4.3 GPA and received interest from all the Ivy League schools. He had 17 scholarship offers in all. But he had a soft spot for K-State, which was the only Power 4 school to offer him a scholarship. He loved that Stanard chose to attend his high school football games. It was while participating in a K-State camp on June 27, 2022, that Romaine received his official offer from the Wildcats.

Today, the national spotlight shines upon the pride of Hillsboro. And it'll assuredly follow him when No. 20 K-State opens its season against No. 21 Iowa State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, on August 23. And it'll follow him on through the October and November and into the Big 12 Championship Game, if the Wildcats reach that goal. And if things work out, the lights will absolutely follow Romaine into the College Football Playoff.

In this day in age in college football in which some star players seemingly arrive — and then leave — Romaine has apparently planted roots in the Little Apple. Sometimes he thinks back to simpler times, when this dream began, and it was him, a football, and an opportunity.

Now he has the opportunity to be regarded as one of the best linebackers in college football. But that stuff, he insists, doesn't matter until the season and body of work has been fully digested.

In that sense, the&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;story is just getting started.

And he wouldn't want to finish his story anywhere else.

"I love this place," Romaine says. "I've loved it ever since I stepped on campus. When I was in high school, I knew it was home. It was the only Power 4 school to offer me and give me a shot. I've taken full advantage of that, and I've dug in here. Our coaches say to dig in where you're at. I've dug in here, into this culture, and into my teammates and coaches and support staff."

"I've dug in," he says, "and I will continue to keep digging in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘I Want to Keep My Head Down and Grind’

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is glad that coach Andy Reid is sending him onto the field with the rest of their starters when Kansas City visits the Arizona Cardinals for their preseason opener Saturday night.

“I don't necessarily look forward to getting hit,” Mahomes added with a smile Thursday.

Getting hit is exactly why some teams have eschewed playing starters at all in the preseason. When coaches finally decided it wasn't worth the risk to their most valuable players, they began sitting them for one or two games, and last year, teams such as the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles sat them for the entirety of their exhibition slate.

That has never been Reid's preference, though. Nor has it been that of Mahomes, who believes it does him some good to get hit — once, at least — so that he can get into the right mindset for the rest of the preseason and ultimately the regular season.

“There's always a little shock,” Mahomes said.

Now, don't get any misconceptions. The Chiefs might only have those starters on the field for a single series in Arizona, especially if it goes well. But the plan, at least after their final practice before their opener, was that each quarterback will get a full quarter — Mahomes the first, Gardner Minshew the second, Bailey Zappe the third and Chris Oladokun the fourth.

The rest of the offense would presumably follow suit.

There are certainly things that the three-time defending AFC champions want to see out of their preseason opener. Tops on the list is their new-look offense line, where first-round pick Josh Simmons has already turned some heads as the new left tackle and Kingsley Suamataia has the inside track on replacing two-time All-Pro Joe Thuney at left guard.

The Chiefs have invested heavily in their offensive line, both in draft capital and financial resources, over the past couple years, and the need to upgrade the left side in particular became evident in their Super Bowl loss in February.

There is also some competition for the final spots at wide receiver, and some different names could get some extended looks with the first-team offense. That's because Rashee Rice is sidelined with a groin injury and Marquise Brown with an ailing ankle.

“I think (my advice) is go out there and do what they're doing this camp,” Mahomes said. “It's going to be a bigger stage going up against another team, but I think Coach Reid prepares us better than anybody else in the league to go out there and play your best football. We practice hard and we practice fast so when it gets to the game, it's not that huge step up.”

It's still a substantial one, especially given Arizona is taking the same approach as Kansas City this year.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, who held out quarterback Kyler Murray and others his first two years and barely played any starters in the preseason last year, said this week, “I told them (Monday) night that they are going to play.”

“It’s the best thing for our team this year, honestly," Gannon explained. "We are at a good point with our health, we’re at a good point with our development, and I think this year with our team it’s the best thing to do for our guys.”

NOTES: Hall of Fame WR Terrell Owens watched the Chiefs practice at Missouri Western on Thursday. He played two seasons for Reid in Philadelphia. “Just watching people grow, I'm in a great position to see that,” Reid said. ... Former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce also has been in camp, helping longtime friend and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “Maybe we'll ask him about some Las Vegas Raiders stuff,” Spagnuolo said with a smile. ... CB Kristian Fulton (knee) came off the PUP list and took part in individual drills Thursday. LB Drue Tranquill (back) also returned to practice.

Mahomes, Chiefs starters to play in preseason opener against Cardinals

The WNBA is still struggling with a string of sex-toy disturbances. In the past week and a half, sex toys have been thrown on court during games in Atlanta on July 29, Chicago on Thursday night and Aug. 1 and Los Angeles on Aug. 5, with the most recent object nearly hitting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during Indiana’s game against the Sparks. Sex toys were also thrown at games in New York and Phoenix last Tuesday and at a second game in Atlanta last Friday, but didn’t reach the court. The distractions have created unexpected challenges for the league, the teams and the players, but also for arena security. Here’s what to know.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles continue to use the controversial tush push play, which remains legal despite attempts to ban it. Even with key players like Jalen Hurts sitting out the preseason opener against Cincinnati, the Eagles used the play successfully. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee scored on a fourth-and-1 in the first quarter. In May, NFL owners narrowly failed to pass a proposal to ban the play, keeping it in the rulebook. The proposal, supported by health and safety committees, fell short by just two votes. Commissioner Roger Goodell focused on encouraging discussion rather than taking a stance.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon in practice Thursday and will miss the upcoming season. The team says he’ll undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve. Slater got hurt less than two weeks after signing a multi-year contract extension last month. He has started all 52 career games at left tackle since being drafted 13th overall by the Chargers in 2021. Slater has been a key protector for quarterback Justin Herbert, allowing him to set several league-wide passing records.

Jerry Jones is known for dragging contract negotiations so it’s no surprise Micah Parsons is just the latest Dallas Cowboys star player to have to wait on a new deal. Dak Prescott had to play on the franchise tag in 2020 after being unable to reach agreement on an extension, and he didn’t get another new deal last season until hours before the Week 1 opener. Jones eventually caved and made Prescott the highest-paid player in NFL history with an average of $60 million per year. CeeDee Lamb held out into late August last year following an All-Pro season before Jones gave him a four-year, $136 million deal.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady left his imprint all over the New England Patriots’ record books during his stellar two-decade run with the team. Now, he is set to become the first player in franchise history to be honored with a statue. The bronze statue will be unveiled Friday before New England’s exhibition game against the Washington Commanders. Brady will be on hand for the ceremony, which is scheduled to include an address to fans. Fans are being allowed into the plaza in front of Gillette Stadium four hours before the game to accommodate what is expected to be a large crowd.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson left the Colts' preseason game against Baltimore after taking a sack from David Ojabo. Richardson is competing with Daniel Jones for the starting quarterback position. After the sack, Richardson jogged to the sideline and was replaced by Jones. He'd dislocated the pinky on his throwing hand. Coach Shane Steichen also said rookie cornerback Justin Walley had a torn ACL. He didn't play in the game. The Ravens ended up beating the Colts 24-16.

SEATTLE (AP) — Pete Carroll played a new role in familiar territory Thursday night, with his first preseason game as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders coming against the Seattle Seahawks. The former Seattle coach clearly felt at home before the 23-23 tie, talking with many Seahawks players on the field during warmups and generally being his outgoing, energetic self. Carroll spent 14 seasons in Seattle, going 137-89-1. He was at the helm for some of the most memorable moments in team history, including the 2013 Super Bowl championship with the dominant “Legion of Boom” defense, before the Seahawks parted ways with him after the 2023 season. Las Vegas starting quarterback Geno Smith also made a return to Seattle.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jen Pawol is set to make history as the first female umpire in more than 150 years of Major League Baseball. She received the long-awaited call while in her hotel room in Nashville, Tennessee, and will debut Saturday during Miami's doubleheader at Atlanta. Pawol, who began her umpiring journey in high school, has worked more than 1,200 minor league games. She expressed gratitude for the support of her predecessors and colleagues. Pawol will join Chris Guccione's crew in Atlanta, where she expects to have about 30 family and friends in attendance.

MONTREAL (AP) — Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko completed a dream run to the National Bank Open title Thursday night, overcoming a slow and swollen right wrist start to beat Japanese star Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. The 18-year-old Mboko — who will jump from 85th to 25th in the world — won her first WTA Tour title and joined Faye Urban in 1969 and Bianca Andreescu in 2019 as the only Canadians to win the home event in the open era. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Congolese parents, Mboko grew up in Toronto. She upset top-seeded Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals. Osaka is winless since the 2021 Australian Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion gave birth to daughter Shai in July 2023.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Akshay Bhatia had a great finish to get his PGA Tour postseason off to a great start. Bhatia closed eagle-birdie-birdie for 62 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. That's the low round of his PGA Tour career and gives him a one-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood. Two shots back was a group that included Bud Cauley and Harry Hall. They're both on the bubble to be among the top 50 who advance in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Scottie Scheffler shot a 67 in his first tournament since winning the British Open. It was his 10th consecutive round in the 60s.

INTERLEAGUE Final Athletics 6 Washington 0

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final Seattle 4 Chicago White Sox 3

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final Pittsburgh 7 Cincinnati 0 Final Atlanta 8 Miami 6

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON Final Baltimore 24 Indianapolis 16 Final Philadelphia 34 Cincinnati 27 Final Las Vegas 23 Seattle 23

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Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;Jen Pawol&nbsp;is set to become the first woman to umpire in Major League Baseball when she works games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves.

Pawol will work the bases in Saturday’s doubleheader at Truist Park and the plate on Sunday, MLB told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

“This historic accomplishment in baseball is a reflection of Jen’s hard work, dedication and love of the game,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “She has earned this opportunity, and we are proud of the strong example she has set, particularly for all the women and young girls who aspire to roles on the field.”

Pawol, a 48-year-old from New Jersey,&nbsp;worked spring training games&nbsp;in 2024 and this year. She will become the fifth umpire to debut this year.

“Baseball’s done a great job of being completely inclusive,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I’ll be watching. It’s good for the game.”

MLB’s move comes 28 years after the gender barrier for game officials was broken in the NBA, 10 years after the NFL hired its first full-time female official and three years after the men’s soccer World Cup employed a female referee. The NHL still has not had any women as on-ice officials.

"I think if she is a good enough umpire, obviously she deserves to be here,” Toronto pitcher Kevin Gausman said.

Pawol in 2024 became the first woman to umpire big league spring training games since Ria Cortesio in 2007. Cortesio spent nine years in the minor leagues, including the last five in the Double-A Southern League, then was released after the 2007 season.

“We had seen her in spring training a lot," Philadelphia Phillies star Trea Turner said. “I don’t know much about her or statistics or anything like that, but if she’s doing a great job, I love seeing the opportunity for her, and I’m happy for her. I talked to her a little bit in spring training and she seems like a great person and I wish her all the best.”

Pawol was an all-state softball and soccer player in New Jersey for three seasons in each sport at West Milford High School. She went to Hofstra on a softball scholarship and became a three-time all-conference pick and was on the USA Baseball women’s national baseball team in 2001.

Pawol got a master’s degree and was living in the Binghamton area of New York and taking teacher certification classes at Elmira College while still playing on the side.

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