By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

After a 40-year career in parks and recreation, former Great Bend
Recreation Commission Director Diann Henderson will be inducted into the Kansas
Recreation and Parks Association Hall of Fame. Henderson began working with the
Great Bend Rec in 1982 and served as the director for 16 years until her
retirement in 2022. 

She will be honored with her Hall of Fame induction on
Jan. 28, 2024 in Manhattan at the KRPA State Conference.


"I appreciate everyone," said Henderson. "No one does this work alone. It takes everyone to work together to accomplish big things. I appreciate the board's support and staff's support over the years. It was fun. It was a great journey."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/9397a772-501d-44c2-a0a8-0a214eff5719">RELATED STORY: Henderson reflects on Great Bend recreation as retirement arrives</a>

Along with serving on several local boards and committees, Henderson was the
KRPA President during 2015-2016 and served on the state’s board of directors
for three years.


Henderson is the third person from the Great Bend Rec to be inducted into the
KRPA Hall of Fame. Carl Soden was inducted in 1998 and Paul Keller was inducted
in 2007.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend’s Henderson to be inducted into KS recreation Hall of Fame

Enter the Bowl Pick'em Contest

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- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057397421328">Z's Liquormart</a>

- <a href="https://www.greatbendappliance.com/">Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source</a>

- <a href="https://www.boonesmaytag.com/">Boone's Maytag</a>

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- <a href="https://sutherlands.com/s/great-bend-ks/3702">Sutherlands</a>

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- <a href="https://jimloglass.com/contact/">Jimlo Glass Center</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ruherituals/">Ruhe Rituals</a>

- <a href="http://www.magnadrygb.com">Magna Dry Cleaning Services</a>

- <a href="https://www.millersofclaflin.com/index.html?ns=search&amp;utm_campaign=netsertive&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_source=bing&amp;nsxk=46269a2706b442bc9b047dd27cc49fc8&amp;msclkid=1e82b055b36f1f6182f3d751aa695747">Millers of Claflin</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100087373218375">Mattress Solutions</a>

- <a href="https://www.straubspowersports.com/">Straub's Powersports</a>

- <a href="https://memorialartcompany.com/">Memorial Art Company</a>

- <a href="https://www.hoisingtonvet.net/">Hoisington Veterinary Hospital&nbsp;</a>

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway Official Rules

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Make a Difference Contest 

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop ‘N Learn Session titled “Cooking for 1-2” on Wednesday, December 11, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at the Great Bend Rec Activity Center (2715 18th&nbsp;Street).&nbsp; Cooking for 1-2 can be a hassle, and it may seem easier to opt out for take-out or a frozen dinner.&nbsp; However, there are many ways to cook tasty, healthier meals for 1-2.&nbsp; Learn these methods with minimal food waste while maximizing your wallet!&nbsp; The speaker will be Karissa Winkel, K-State Research and Extension - Cottonwood District.

GBRC: Stop 'N Learn - Cooking for 1-2

It’s a challenging question of self-discovery, but those who can answer it tend to live longer, more satisfied lives.

Usually, physical health is the factor that comes to mind when considering life expectancy. However, a positive outlook, specifically, one that gets you out of bed in the morning can extend your life.

In the Okinawan culture, this is known as Ikigai, and it may be worthwhile to take notes from this group as a significant number of them live to see their 100th birthday. But, don’t just take it from lived experience, multiple studies have also discovered the longevity and life purpose connection.

While the relationship is fascinating, you may wonder, “What defines life purpose?”

Life purpose is broad and is defined differently by everyone. However, it generally indicates life aim and goals. One study found common themes of purpose related to:

Evaluating your beliefs and interests can help you find purpose and help you avoid the distractions of daily life. To capitalize on your personal mission, creating a list of goals can remind you about what is important in life, what you have done, and what you aim to accomplish.

In fact, having purpose extends life, but it can also be a coping mechanism that allows you to get through hard times.

Frank Martela, lead author of a recent study says it best, “A life of purpose can energize and give hope even during those moments when the conditions of one’s life leave one unsatisfied.”

Regardless of your personal mission, taking ownership of it can improve life expectancy and help you through trying times. With increased awareness and intention, it also has the potential to boost your performance in each role you take to heart.

I encourage you to develop a personal mission and to make decisions based on it. After all, you only have one life, so literally (and figuratively) make the most of it!

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WINKEL: The longevity and life purpose connection

News from the Oil Patch, Dec. 9 John P. Tretbar

Crude prices resume their wobbly ways, down two percent Friday, and up two percent on Monday. NYMEX crude dropped a dollar and a dime Friday to settle at $67.20 per barrel, an 80-cent weekly loss. That marks the first time since mid-November, and only the eighth time this year, that the closely-watched futures contract has settled below $68.&nbsp; Prices were two percent higher by lunchtime Monday, with New York crude over $68 and London Brent trading over $72 a barrel.

The weekly Rig Count from Baker Hughes is 589 active drilling rigs, up five oil rigs and two gas rigs. The Texas tally is up five rigs. The breakouts for directional and horizontal wells were up nine rigs between them, &nbsp;with vertical wells dropping by two.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is down one rig in eastern Kansas at ten, and up two rigs west of Wichita at 21. The statewide total of 31 is up three percent from a week ago, but down nearly nine percent from a month ago, and down more than 16 percent from last year. Drilling continued Monday on leases in Stafford and Ellis counties.

Kansas regulators okayed 14 new drilling permits last week, with three in Western Kansas including two in Ellis County. That's 1,085 new drilling locations in Kansas so far this year, down 130 from a year ago at this time.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports operators completed 32 new wells statewide, with 12 in Western Kansas, including one in Barton County. Completions are down 347 wells from a year ago at this time.

Weekly crude production topped 13.5 million barrels a day for only the fifth time. The Energy Information Administration says domestic crude production for the week ending November 29th averaged 13,513,000 barrels per day. Output is just 22,000 barrels a day shy of the record, set in October. Cumulative production this year beats last year by more than five percent, at well over 13.2 million barrels a day.

The dip stick at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve on November 29 showed 391.8 million barrels of crude, up 1.4 million barrels from a week earlier.&nbsp; The reserve is down from about 630 million barrels when President Biden took office. The administration sold millions of barrels of SPR crude at around $95 a barrel two years ago to slow the rise in prices. In the last year, they've bought nearly 40 million barrels at roughly $70 a barrel.

EIA said commercial crude inventories dropped by more than five million barrels to just over 423 million. Stockpiles are about five percent below the five-year average for this time of year.US crude-oil production retreats from a monthly record set in August, but the annual average is on track for another record. The latest numbers from the Energy Information Administration show September output increased in most of the top-producing states, but a 12% drop in the Gulf of Mexico cut the national average by 157-thousand barrels per day, or 1.2%, down to 13.2 million barrels per day.

EIA says cumulative production through September averaged 13.1 million barrels a day. Weekly tallies from the EIA have been over 13.3 million ever since, and the government forecasts record annual production over 13.2 million barrels per day at the end of the year. The average in Kansas was 76,000 barrels a day in September, but EIA says the average through September is down to 74,000.The US imports more crude oil than we export, by more than three million barrels a day. Refined product exports top imports by about six million daily barrels.

The Energy Information Administration reports crude imports of 7.3 million barrels a day last week. That's up more than 1.2 million barrels a day from a week earlier and about a quarter million daily barrels short of last year at this time. The four-week average is up five percent over a year ago. US crude exports dropped by about ten percent to 4.2 million barrels a day. That's down more than 400,000 barrels from last week and 100,000 barrels less than a year ago. Four week average crude exports are down about 11 percent compared to a year ago.

The U.S. is ramping up sanctions on the "shadow fleet." &nbsp;The Treasury Department is targeting 35 entities and vessels it said carried illicit petroleum from Iran to foreign markets. The sanctions build on those imposed last month and come in response to Iran's attacks on Israel and its announced nuclear escalations. These sanctions target key sectors of Iran's economy with the aim of denying the government funds for its nuclear and missile programs. The move generally prohibits any U.S. individuals or entities from doing any business with the targets, and freezes any assets being held by the U.S. The government cites shipping reports noting eight of the 21 sanctioned ships are loaded with oil, while another was on its way to a Russian port to lift a cargo.

The winter heating season is underway and United States is well stocked with propane, thanks to a pair of mild winters.&nbsp; EIA says U.S. propane inventories totaled 103 million barrels at the end of the week of October 11, the most since government reporting started in 2015. In the week ending November 1, inventories decreased to slightly more than 100 million barrels, about 11 percent more than the five-year average.

The government says global natural gas markets are well supplied, with prices only slightly higher than last year going into the winter heating season. If weather remains mild this winter as in the past two winters, EIA forecasts similar prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Treasury ramps up sanctions on 'Shadow Fleet'

Thanks to the combined efforts of our members, businesses, and community partners, the 2024 Power the Pantry campaign has raised an incredible $110,287 in cash and food donations for a dozen local food banks! Over the past decade, WEC has facilitated the collection of nearly 214 tons of food donations — an astounding 427,980 pounds ($1 = 1 lb.)! Every fall since 2014, Wheatland Electric has rallied communities across southwest and central Kansas to support local food banks through CRAM THE VAN, an annual food drive featuring community gatherings, school competitions and collection events. The program was named for its signature red passenger van which played a prominent role transporting donations to food banks across WEC’s service territory. In 2023, WEC shifted our efforts (and retired our van) to better meet the needs of community food banks by launching the Power the Pantry initiative, PLEDGING $50,000 annually.

This past fall, we worked to DOUBLE THE IMPACT of our cash donation, with a goal of raising $100,000 for the food banks that serve as a safety net across the communities we serve.

Through an online fundraising campaign where donors were entered to win Chiefs/Broncos tickets, monetary donations from co-op members across our seven districts, a friendly school competition in Great Bend, a food drive partnership with students in Conway Springs, and our sixth annual Co-ops Care Charity Golf Tournament (held Sept. 6, 2024), we exceeded our $100,000 goal!

As our campaign and the outpouring from our communities has grown, our focus has shifted to maximizing our impact through CASH DONATIONS, which are preferable to food items as they eliminate waste, reduce storage needs, and offer flexibility by allowing food banks to

purchase perishable items such as meat and cheese, and provide vouchers to food bank patrons to use at local groceries.

In addition to the monetary donations, food items from our Great Bend Schools Competition sponsored by Gifting Forward (7,365 lbs.) and Cardinals Care Challenge in Conway Springs (1,517 items) were delivered to area food banks. We also extend a special thanks to Tyson Fresh Meats, which generously contributed $17,500 worth of honey deli ham, providing high-quality, protein-rich meat for distribution to families in need.

“We are thrilled to share that this year’s Power the Pantry campaign not only met but surpassed our goal, enabling us to make a meaningful difference for our local food banks,” shared Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications. “This success reflects the incredible generosity and unwavering support of our members, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this contribution possible.”

As we continue to embrace the Seventh Cooperative Principle: Concern for Community, we’re inspired by the outpouring of support from our members and partners. Together, we’re helping to ensure every family in our service area has access to the essential food resources they need.

The following monetary donations were delivered to the following food banks just before Thanksgiving:

· Caldwell – United Methodist Food Pantry ($3,167) and Caldwell Food Bank ($5,762)

· Conway Springs – Conway Springs Mission Mart (Cardinals Care partnership $6,996) plus 1,517 food items

· Finney County – Emmaus House ($6,007) and Genesis Family Health ($5,667)

· Great Bend – Community Food Bank of Barton County ($13,938), plus 7,365 lbs. of food

· Harper – Harper Mission Mart ($6,742)

· Holcomb – Horns for Hope - USD 363 ($3,055)

· Leoti – Wichita County Ministerial Alliance ($6,937)

· Scott City – Hope’s Closet/Ministerial Alliance ($12,742)

· Syracuse – Hamilton County Food Pantry ($6,594)

· Tribune – Greeley County Food Bank ($6,374)

Power the Pantry: $110,287 in donations for food banks

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Barton County is not leaving the speed limit at the Barton Hills subdivision north of Great Bend up for debate. During Tuesday's county commission meeting, Engineer Barry McManaman proposed placing speed limit signs in the subdivision based on requests from Sheriff Brian Bellendir and Sheriff's Office Lt. David Paden.

"I went up and took a look at it and, sure enough, there were no speed limit signs posted, which kind of surprised me," McManaman said. "Statutorily in the state of Kansas, if you have a rural roadway that is not otherwise posted, it's a 55-mile-an-hour speed limit. Technically, you could have interpreted that to mean it's 55 in Barton Hills."

McManaman said the statute further establishes speed limits, unless otherwise marked, at 30 miles per hour in residential areas. New signage will be placed in the subdivision just east of US-281 Highway and north of NE 60 Road.

"I felt like it was a reasonable request and it just brings that area into line with state statutes to establish a 30-mile-per-hour speed limit," said McManaman. "My proposal would be that, if it passes, we put up speed limit signs in the four locations where you can enter the subdivision."

Commissioner Duane Reif questioned if even 30 miles an hour is too fast for some areas in the subdivision but as 30 miles an hour was the recommended limit, the commission voted 5-0 to approve the signage.

New 30-mile-per-hour speed limit signs to be posted within Barton Hills

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monthly Study Session Tuesday, Dec. 10 – 4 p.m. F-30, Fine Arts Building/Zoom

1. FY24 College Audit – Danielle Hollingshead, Adams Brown Strategic Allies

2. November Financial Statement – Mark Dean

3. Board of Trustees Self Evaluations – Mike Johnson

4. KACC Donuts with Legislators, Topeka Capitol – Dr. Garstecki

5. Dr. Garstecki approved the following: &nbsp; &nbsp; Adult Healthcare &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Leisure Homestead Association, Stafford, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; MLT and Phlebotomy &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Holton Community Hospital, Holton, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Nursing &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Interim HealthCare of Pratt, Pratt, KS &nbsp; &nbsp; Medical Assistant &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; • Cancer Center of Kansas-Manhattan, Manhattan, KS

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tuesday, Dec. 10 following the Study Session Room F-30/ZOOM, Fine Arts Building

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will call the meeting to order.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will invite public comments.

4. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND NEW EMPLOYEES &nbsp; &nbsp;Marcus Garstecki, President will provide introductions for recognition of new personnel and guests.

5. FOUNDATION UPDATES &nbsp; &nbsp;Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement will give updates.

6. PHYSICAL EDUCATION BUILDING PROCUREMENT BID &nbsp; &nbsp;Trevor Rolfs, Athletic Director and Dr. Garstecki, President will present this information for the Board’s consideration of approval.

7. CONSENT AGENDA &nbsp; &nbsp;Routine items are presented for action in one motion. Any Trustee may remove an item from the consent agenda for individual discussion and action. It is recommended that the Board approve the consent agenda as presented. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; a. FY24 College Audit &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b. Personnel &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; c. BOT Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2024 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; d. BOT Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2024

8. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS &nbsp; &nbsp;a. President’s Report of Monthly Activities &nbsp; &nbsp;b. KACC/Board Chair Report by Mike Johnson, Board Chair &nbsp; &nbsp;c. KBOR Update by Marcus Garstecki, President &nbsp; &nbsp;d. Upcoming Events &nbsp; &nbsp;e. Miscellaneous

9. EXECUTIVE SESSION &nbsp; &nbsp;In compliance with KSA 75-4319, the Board will recess to executive session, if needed, in compliance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

10. PUBLIC COMMENT &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Johnson, Board Chair will again invite public comments.

Barton CC Trustees meeting agenda (12/10)

Following declining attendance numbers at the 13th annual
June Jaunt this past summer, City of Great Bend officials and the Convention
and Visitors Bureau Board discussed possible changes for Great Bend’s summer
festivals. One of those changes included possibly ending the outdoor festival
in June. 

Last week, City Administrator Logan Burns said the city council will
discuss the future of both June Jaunt and the August festival, Party in the
Park.


"The June Jaunt and Party in the Park work session...we'll be looking to have the work session for those events at our first meeting in January," said Burns. "We've met with vendors, volunteers and staff last week going through the pros and cons. We'll have some recommendations for the council."

June Jaunt has provided downtown Great Bend with live music, games, food vendors and entertainment on the first weekend in June.&nbsp;

The CVB Board discussed the possibility of no longer conducting June Jaunt and
instead reverting resources to bolster the Party in the Park festival.


The discussion Jan. 6 will be conducted in a work session for
the city council with no action taken.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend council to discuss future of summer festivals

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (12/9)

At 12:36 a.m. a traffic arrest was reported at 1109 Main.

At 5:19 a.m. a structure fire was reported at 250 W. 9th
Street.

At 6:32 a.m. an accident was reported at NW 230 Road &amp;
NE 70 Avenue.

At 2:47 p.m. a structure fire was reported at 622 S. US 281
Highway.

At 3:06 p.m. a burglary was reported at 817 NW 40 Avenue in
Hoisington.

At 5:24 p.m. a missing person/runaway was reported at 416 E.
4th Street in Hoisington.

At 6:10 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 800 block
of Coolidge Street.

At 8:27 p.m. a traffic arrest was reported in the 400 block
of SW 60 Avenue.

At 10:03 p.m. a report of cattle out was made at W. K-4
Highway &amp; NW 100 Avenue.

Great Bend Police
Department incident log (12/9)

At 12:49 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2012 32nd
Street.

At 6:11 a.m. a report of a deceased animal in the roadway
was reported at 200 10th Street.

At 6:51 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 2314 31st
Street.

At 7:32 p.m. a possible fight in the parking lot was reported
at 3503 10th Street.

Cop Shop (12/9)

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the most recent obituaries and service times from Eagle Media's funeral home partners.

﻿Funeral homes and families can send notices to <a href="mailto:obitsgb@eagleradio.net">obitsgb@eagleradio.net</a>.

Obituary listings are a paid service. Contact Eagle Media for more details.

Recent obituaries 

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Plainville Boys 40 Larned 31; Larned Girls 59 Plainville 27

1. Larned Sports on 106.9 brought to you in part by USD #495, Beckwith Mortuary, Equity Bank, Smith Dental, Eakin Concrete, Santa Fe Liquor Mart, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust in Larned, Farm Bureau Financial Services Leigh Anne Seeman, Clock Realty &amp; Insurance, Pawnee Plaza, Innovative Livestock Services, Titan Building Systems, Pawnee County COOP, Progressive Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Frick Veterinary, Services, H&amp;H Roofing, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Fusion Bank, Doerr's Ace Hardware, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned Veterinary Clinic, Heart of Kansas Family Health, Barton Community College, and Off Broadway Boutique.

Hoisington Boys 73 Kinsley 29; Hoisington Girls 59 Kinsley 19

1.Hoisington Sports on 100.7 Eagle Country sponsored  by...USD #431 Hoisington, Ehler Chevrolet, Cardinal Pharmacy, Equity Bank, Donald E Reif Jr. Attorney at Law, Town &amp; Country Supermarket, Superior Essex, First Kansas Bank, Innovative Livestock Services, Mpire Realty Jessy Kirmer/Nikki Henderson, Clara Barton Medical Center, Hoisington Veterinary Hospital, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Hoisington Recreation Commission, Central Chiropractic, Dr. Tyler Schremmer, Bobcat Backhoe Service, and Barton Community College.

Great Bend Boys 62 Sterling 61; Great Bend Girls 54 Sterling 36

1. Great Bend Sports on 104 3 the Point sponsored by USD #428, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance Agency, Equity Bank, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, People's Bank and Trust, Comfort Pro, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Great Bend Rec, Edward Jones, Damm Pipe Testing, University of Kansas Health System, The Fieldhouse, Scott's Welding Service, American Plains COOP, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Innovative Livestock Services, Marmie Auto Group, Mpire Realty, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, GB Tarp Company, Freedom Claims Management, Coldwell Banker - Megan Wells, Advanced Truck &amp; Diesel, Nextech, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Rosenberg Family Denistry, Sutherlands, Great Bend Redi Mix, Kern Floor Service, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Shelter Insurance - Chris Ramsey, and Mitchell K Haney and Associates.

- The "Voice of the Cougars" Cole Reif will discuss what ails the defending National Champion Barton Cougars who dropped their third straight game with a home loss to Pratt Saturday.

- Mike Courson sits down with the "Voice of the Basketball Panthers" Steve Webster to discuss the Panther Boys and Girls home opener Friday against Pratt and discuss this week's Kingman Eagle Classic that begins Tuesday afternoon when the Panthers take on Sterling.

- Mike Courson goes "On the Prowl" for Panther Sports with Great Bend wrestling coach Lars Lueders.

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

DALLAS (AP) — Shortly after striking a record $765 million, 15-year contract for Juan Soto with the New York Mets, agent Scott Boras walked into Nick &amp; Sam's, a restaurant near the winter meetings hotel, with about a dozen of his staff.

They were given a bottle of celebratory champagne and dined on deviled eggs, crab, shrimp and a New York strip steak — appropriate given that the Mets had stripped the All-Star outfielder from the rival Yankees.

“Scott is coming with his army of personnel. It was kind of like the `Gladiator,'” said Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who watched from across the steakhouse Sunday night.

Soto's deal, the largest and longest in baseball history, was pending a physical. The agreement reverberated across the winter meetings and stung the Yankees, who on Sunday morning had raised their offer to $760 million over 16 years from $712.5 million for 15 years.

“My first thought is that my oldest kid is going to be 28 when he’s done playing. That really puts it in perspective for me,” San Francisco president of baseball operations Buster Posey said.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone learned of Soto's decision when his flight arrived in Dallas.

“Literally that the wheels hit the runway and the alert hit my phone that he had signed with the Mets,” Boone recalled.

He texted an emoji of a face to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, a former Yankees coach. Mendoza wasn't sure what Boone meant.

“I sent him another face,” Mendoza said Monday, shrugging his shoulders.

Soto's deal, which includes a $75 million signing bonus, would rise to $805 million if the Mets exercise their right to void Soto's ability to opt out after the 2029 season.

“I was shocked when I saw the bonus. My goodness,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, thinking about the implications for prices other teams will have to pay for players. “I think it makes it harder, but I certainly don’t begrudge teams for doing it if they can. They’re not breaking the rules. We’re going to have to make really good decisions, and we’re not going to be able to outspend on mistakes, so we have to limit those.”

Soto's deal sparked even greater expectations in a free agent market that includes pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, first basemen Pete Alonso and Christian Walker, third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielder Anthony Santander.

“I think everybody’s intent is hopefully to land their planes as soon as possible, whether it’s trades or free agency,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

Some teams have feared the economic might of Mets billionaire owner Steve Cohen, whose team has been baseball's biggest spender during the last two years.

“We want to win and we have an owner that is willing to do whatever it takes,” Mendoza said.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns wouldn't discuss Soto because the deal wasn't finalized.

“Every year I’ve ever been around the game at some point in the offseason there is a cry of inflationary free agency," he said. “And then at some point in the offseason there’s this worry that a bunch of players aren’t going to either get paid what they deserve or aren’t going to have jobs.”

Many small-market teams have long sought a salary cap but the consensus since the 1994-95 strike has been not to propose a hard limit, knowing it would provoke another lengthy work stoppage. The current labor contract expires in December 2026.

Most teams were priced out of the Soto market.

“We have to be creative. We have to put the best 26 guys on a roster or the best 40 guys on a roster, not the best one or two,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “I still think at the end of the day you have a chance to compete against those guys. Soto is going to hit four to five times a night. Those are impactful at-bats, but there’s other ways to combat that with a full 26-man roster.”

Soto, 26, helped Washington win the 2019 World Series and in 2022 turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer from the Nationals, who then traded him to San Diego.

“I can sit here and say that I’m the only manager that won a World Series with him,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “How about that?”

San Diego traded Soto to the Yankees last December.

“I’m not sure there’s anything we could do any different,” Cashman said. “Outside of winning the World Series, it played out perfect.”

Combining with Aaron Judge, Soto helped the Yankees win their first AL pennant since 2009 before they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

Boras asked Saturday night for final offers in the morning.

'Hal Steinbrenner really stepped up to find a way to retain Juan Soto," Cashman said. “He is one of one. He is a unique guy with a unique age."

Boras called Cashman on Sunday night to inform him Soto was signing elsewhere. Cashman then contacted Steinbrenner and team president Randy Levine to deliver the news to both jointly.

Cashman said the Yankees had a Zoom meeting with pitcher Blake Snell before he agreed to a $182 million, five-year deal with the Dodgers. The GM remains interested in Boras' other clients, which include Burnes and Bregman.

“When you get a chance, give me a slot and we’ll talk about who’s remaining on the board,” Cashman said he told Boras during their Sunday night conversation.

Soto's record $765 million contract with Mets reverberates through MLB

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals finally got a break. The Dallas Cowboys had flashbacks to one of the most painful moments in franchise history. Burrow threw a tiebreaking 40-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase after&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1866334970567970921" target="_blank">Dallas botched a blocked punt</a>&nbsp;to give the ball back to Cincinnati in the final two minutes, and the Bengals beat the Cowboys 27-20 on Monday night. The Cowboys were about to get the ball back with the score tied on the first play after the two-minute warning when Nick Vigil blocked a punt by Cincinnati’s Ryan Rehkow. Amani Oruwariye tried to field the bouncing ball when leaving it alone would have given Dallas possession. Oruwariye couldn’t hold on, and the Bengals’ Maema Njongmeta recovered at the Cincinnati 43-yard line with 1:53 remaining. Three plays later, Burrow threw to Chase,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1866335678558056941" target="_blank">who evaded DaRon Bland and ran untouched</a>&nbsp;the rest of the way for the lead with 1:01 to go as the Bengals (5-8) stopped a three-game losing streak.

Former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick said Monday he had “a couple of good conversations” with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/north-carolina-tar-heels-football">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;Chancellor Lee Roberts amid his discussions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-belichick-interview-unc-coach-72f4126e3fad4134e8c8c28f26d48aba">about the Tar Heels’ head-coaching job</a>. Speaking on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” Belichick said he had spent the 11 months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bill-belichick-patriots-4c4e5422842ee489b99c6f9d17e4dc6e">since his departure from the Patriots</a>&nbsp;taking a “longer look” at college football throughout the season as opposed to during the spring lead-up to the draft as a pro coach. “So it’s been, it’s been a good year for me. I’ve learned a lot,” Belichick said. “So I’ve had the opportunity to talk to Chancellor Roberts and we’ve had a couple of good conversations. So we’ll see how it goes.” Belichick opted not to go into more detail when asked by McAfee. Instead, Belichick offered a quip about his reputation for giving terse responses during news conferences with the Patriots.

Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Miami’s Cam Ward were announced as the Heisman Trophy finalists on Monday night. The Heisman has been given to the nation’s most outstanding college football player since 1935. This year’s winner will be announced Saturday in New York. The top four vote-getters determined by more than 900 voters are selected as finalists. The voting panel includes members of the media and former Heisman winners.

DALLAS (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers expect Shohei Ohtani to be ready to hit when the reigning World Series champions open their season in Japan against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-schedule-2025-opening-day-98b6bceb6de5915fb5c911933cdfbb5a">the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19</a>. “I don’t think he’d have it any other way,” manager Dave Roberts said Monday of the NL MVP who had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-surgery-shoulder-injury-dodgers-74a9dd825e15cd5a11dabbd94baf3734">left shoulder surgery</a>&nbsp;last month. “That’s our expectation.” Coming off his third MVP award, Ohtani is doubtful to pitch while recovering from right elbow surgery in September 2023. Roberts said a mound appearance for the two-way star in his home country is “very unlikely.” “I just don’t see us starting the clock in March to then think that we would keep that continuously going through October,” Roberts said during the winter meetings. “Then that would call for a break or reprieve in the middle of the season, so I don’t know. I still think unlikely.”

MONDAY SCORES National Football League Cincinnati 27, Dallas 20

NCAA Women Top 25 No. 16 Kentucky 87, Queens University 45

Tuesday's Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Tuesday, December 9 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Jimmy V Classic - Miami vs Tennessee 2:45PM B104 - Kingman Eagle Classic - Great Bend B&amp;G vs Sterling 5:00PM KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Girls vs Kinsley 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Jimmy V Classic - Miami vs Tennessee 5:30PM Hits 106.9 - Keady Classic - Larned Girls vs Plainville 6:30PM KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Boys vs Kinsley 7:00PM Hits 106.9 - Keady Classic - Larned Boys vs Plainville 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Jimmy V Classic - Michigan vs Arkansas Wednesday, December 10 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton M&amp;W @ Seward County Thursday, December 12 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104 - Kingman Eagle Classic - Great Bend B&amp;G vs Clearwater TBA KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Boys/Girls vs TBA TBA Hits 106.9 - Keady Classic - Larned Boys/Girls vs TBA Friday, December 13 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day TBA KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Boys/Girls vs TBA TBA Hits 106.9 - Keady Classic - Larned Boys/Girls vs TBA Saturday, December 14 12:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton M&amp;W @ Dodge City 1:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - N.C. State @ Kansas TBA B104 - Kingman Eagle Classic - Great Bend Boys/Girls vs TBA TBA KHOK - Keady Classic - Hoisington Boys/Girls vs TBA TBA Hits 106.9 - Keady Classic - Larned Boys/Girls vs TBA Sunday, December 15 11:00AM B104 - Chiefs Football - Kansas City @ Cleveland 3:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Football - Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia Monday, December 16 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, December 17 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104 - H.S. Basketball - Emporia @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Sterling @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9- H.S. Basketball - Stafford @ Larned Wednesday, December 18 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 4:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Boca Raton Bowl - Western Kentucky vs James Madison 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - LA Bowl - Cal vs UNLV

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas

- Barton wrestling coach Nathan Broeckelman

- Barton Women's basketball coach Alan Clark

Monday on Sports Day (Watch) 

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College wrestling team participated Sunday in the annual Bob Smith Open held at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kansas.

Action packed with nearly 300 wrestlers from 23 different colleges, eight Cougars picked up victories as the squad compiled a 14-24 record in the double-elimination format.

Barton is back on the mat this Sunday, December 15, to wrap up the pre-holiday slate in hosting the Cougar Open held at the Great Bend High School Panther Athletic Center with action slated to get underway at 9:00 a.m.

Leading the Cougars was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/mader_jarret_ixfh">Jarret Mader</a>'s 5th placing in the 149-division going 4-2 on the busy afternoon. Mader began his day with a first period 2:13 fall over York College's Conner Thursday before advancing to the quarterfinal round by defeating unattached Fernando Dominguez on a tight 10-9 decision.

Mader rolled up a 23-10 major decision over Adams State College's Cael Figueroa in the championship side final eight before getting derailed in the ensuing semifinals on a first period fall to eventual runner-up Ayden Dolt of Central Missouri.

Bounced to the consolation semifinals, Mader would eventually capture the 5th place match after dropping a tech fall decision to unattached Kaden Fetterolf.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/agudzi-addo_nathan_04nx">Nathan Agudzi-Addo</a>&nbsp;picked up three wins in the 285-division, earning a pair of a first-period and third-period pins with the other victory coming on a 7-3 decision.

Dropping his opening 141-division match to the eventual champion,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/mcmullen_skyler_jz53">Skyler McMullen</a>&nbsp;went 2-1 in the rest of his bouts with victories coming on a second-period fall and a medical forfeit.

Picking up a victory each were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/little_colin_v1sv">Colin Little</a>&nbsp;(141),&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/blake_kayden_5gzt">Kayden Blake</a>&nbsp;(157), and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/buchanan_logan_2r5s">Logan Buchanan</a>&nbsp;(285) each with first-period pins,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/yott_deryk_gs6u">Deryk Yott</a>&nbsp;(157) rolling up a 17-2 technical fall, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/bios/schroeder_keyven_opoq">Keyven Schroeder</a>&nbsp;(285) earning a major decision.

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wrest/2024-25/files/BobSmithOpen120724.pdf">Complete Barton Results</a>

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