By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The average chicken egg takes about 21 days to hatch. The
gestation period for a house cat is approximately nine weeks. The plants around
Kansas, however, are a little less predictable. The average February temperature
in Kansas ranges between 25 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Alicia Boor, agriculture
and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and
Extension, said a stretch of days with highs in the 70s and even 80s could
impact plant life across the region.

“A lot of it has to do with soil temperature, so if we keep
having these nice, warm days, and the soil warms up, some of your early
flowering plants may start coming up and trying to bloom,” she said.

Those same plants may then be impacted again if another cold
snap hits. Thin-barked trees are also susceptible to temperature changes. The
warm sun, especially hitting the west side of the trees, can cause the trees to
begin moving sap. Damage may occur if temperatures drop and the sap freezes.

“If your tree is otherwise healthy, they can usually grow
with it and it will just be a long-standing scar on the tree because the tree
will close it off,” Boor said. “If your tree is already suffering from something
else – lack of water, insect damage, or anything like that – it could be
something that would cause it to have significant damage. It just really
depends on the situation.”

Other living things are less likely to be impacted by the
unusually high temperatures. Boor said insects in Kansas are well-adapted to
the changes. They may come above ground on the warmer days, then return below
ground to survive the cold.

“Snakes are the same way,” said Boor. “If you get a couple
days of really nice weather, you might see some snakes out sunning themselves,
but then they’ll go underground when it gets cold.”

Abnormally warm weather could impact plants around Central Kansas

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a bridge replacement project on K-4 over Plum Creek east of Bushton in Rice County on Monday, Feb. 23, conditions permitting.

Initial work will consist of constructing a temporary road around the bridge to carry traffic through the project area. Traffic impacts should be minimal during this phase.&nbsp; Once the temporary road is complete, traffic will then be shifted to the detour while the new bridge is constructed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours.&nbsp;

King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor on the $2.5 million project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

KDOT bridge replacement project in Rice County begins this month

Clara Barton Medical Center (CBMC) is pleased to welcome Dr. John L. Allen, M.D., Interventional Radiologist, to the medical team. Dr. Allen will provide advanced interventional radiology (IR) services in Hoisington several days each month, expanding access to specialized, minimally invasive procedures for patients in the region.

Dr. Allen brings more than two decades of experience in both diagnostic and interventional radiology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, completed his Diagnostic Radiology residency in 1999, and went on to complete a fellowship in Interventional Radiology in 2000.

Dr. Allen is the President of Advanced Radiology, a company he founded in 2005. Through Advanced Radiology, he provides interventional radiology coverage across much of Nebraska and into Kansas, serving numerous hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging facilities throughout the region. In addition, he founded Midwest Imaging in Grand Island, Nebraska, in 2006. He was also the first interventional radiologist in the state of Nebraska to perform the ELVT procedure, reflecting his commitment to innovation and advanced patient care.

At CBMC, Dr. Allen will offer a wide range of interventional radiology procedures, including but not limited to:

· Other advanced minimally invasive IR procedures

These services provide patients with less invasive care, quicker recovery times, and fewer hospital visits, while allowing them to remain within their local healthcare system.

“I really enjoy traveling to different communities to provide interventional radiology services,” said Dr. Allen. “Clara Barton Medical Center is a strong community hospital with advanced technology and a highly trained team, which makes it a wonderful place to care for patients and offer high-quality procedures in a setting that supports both patients and providers.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Allen enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. His depth of experience, leadership in interventional radiology, and patient-centered approach make him a valuable addition to the CBMC team.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Allen to Clara Barton,” said Jay Tusten, CEO of CBMC. “Interventional radiology is an important service for our patients and providers, and having these services available locally helps ensure timely, high-quality care.”

CBMC is proud to continue expanding specialty services and enhancing access to high-quality care for the communities it serves.

Clara Barton Medical Center welcomes Dr. John Allen, interventional radiologist

A Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting was held for new Chamber Member, New Horizon Services, Inc., on Thursday, Feb. 5, at their newly expanded location at 1909 Lakin Avenue in Great Bend.

After five years of serving individuals and families in Salina, New Horizon Services has expanded into Barton County to meet the growing need for high quality, person centered supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Great Bend location offers both residential and day services, with immediate availability for clients.

New Horizon Services is a Kansas-based provider of home and community-based services, dedicated to empowering individuals to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Their approach focuses on true community integration by supporting individuals in building relationships, participating in everyday community activities, and pursuing personal goals based on their unique strengths and preferences.

CEO Will Rains shared that the expansion reflects the organization’s continued commitment to providing meaningful, community based services that promote independence, dignity, and connection.

In addition to serving individuals and families, New Horizon Services is investing in the local workforce. The organization is currently hiring Direct Support Professionals and offers competitive wages beginning at $16.50 per hour. Employees also receive 75% employer paid Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance premiums, along with dental and vision coverage.

New Horizon Services is currently accepting referrals and welcoming new clients for both residential and day services.

For more information about services, employment opportunities, or referrals, contact New Horizon Services at (620) 282-6000 or visit www.newhorizonservices.com.

Great Bend Chamber celebrates New Horizon expansion with ribbon cutting

Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF) invites proposals for its competitive grant cycle focused on building the community around us. These funds support a wide-variety&nbsp; of needs in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford County that serve the community at large including but not limited to: quality of life improvements; arts and culture; enhancing community destination points; charitable economic opportunity; planning and development. Community projects can leverage grants and/or funds received from other resources with the Spring Community Building Grant from GBCF for greater community impact. This grant is for projects up to $8,000.

Applications now are being accepted from qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public institutions, including schools, government entities, and other charitable organizations in Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford counties. 

Applications are available online by clicking Receive, and then Grants on the foundation website at www.goldenbeltcf.org. Grant guidelines also are posted on the website. If you have any questions, please contact the GBCF office.

Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 1. Grants will be awarded by the middle of May. For questions about grants, please contact Teresa Powelson, Program Officer at 620-792-3000 or email teresa@goldenbeltcf.org. 

Golden Belt Community Foundation At over $36 million in total assets and more than 180 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org

Golden Belt Community Foundation now accepting applications for grants

Tonight's Western Athletic Conference basketball games between Great Bend and Liberal at the Panther Fieldhouse have been postponed.

According to GBHS Athletic Director Matt Westerhous, the concern about high winds today in Kansas caused the postponement.&nbsp;

A makeup date will be announced as soon as it is available.

Great Bend/Liberal basketball games postponed

Booked in Scott, Tristin M. on Barton County District Court case #26-148 for Aggravated Domestic Battery. Bond set at $20,000.00 cash or Surety.

Booked in Schwedes, Katana N. on Barton County District Court case #26-148 for Aggravated Burglary. Bond set at $75,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Corrasco, Horacio. Transferred to Kansas Department of Corrections.

Booked Lang, Ryan on Barton County District Court Case #26-150 for Driving While Suspended, Interference with LEO and Possession of Stolen Property. Bond set at $2,500.00 cash or surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/16)

Booked Kitchens, Stanley on Great Bend Municipal Court Case #26-222 for Driving with No Driver's License. Bond set at $500.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Zimmer-Pflughoeft, Zakary on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2025CR0438 for Contempt of Court. Released by Order of the Court to Corrections. Authorized by Judge Beran.

Released Mayer, Thaddeus on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2025CR0445 for Possession of Opium Narcotics and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia by Order of the Court to Corrections. Authorized by Judge Beran.

Released Kitchens, Stanley on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-222 for Driving with No Driver's License by posting a $500.00 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Released Campbell, Justin on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2025CR0050 and Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2023CR0392; Ordered to serve a 3 day sanction, credit for time served and is to be Released by Order of the Court.

Booked Trevino, Tucker on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202400274 for Serve Sentence with No Bond.

Released Brison, Antonio R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2018CR0239 for Probation Violation, with Time Served.

Booked Abbott, Michael E. on Rice County District Court warrants #RC2024CR0117, and #RC2025CR0007 for Serve Sentence; bond set at no bond.

Booked in Hick, Nicholas S. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2022CR0160 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.

Released Love, Jessica L. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0044 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana- 3rd or Subsequent Offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Interference with Law Enforcement; after posting a $10,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Templeton, Allen S. on Barton County District Court case #26-145 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Interference with LEO, No Drivers License, No insurance, No registration, No Display of License Plate, Failure to Signal 100ft, Possession of Fentanyl. Bond set at $10,000.00 cash or surety.

Booked Reeder, Blaine M. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0401 for Possession of Methamphetamine, and Endangering a Child; bond set at $10,000.00 cash or Surety.

Booked Pekarek, Kevin on Ellinwood Municipal Court case #26-15 for Driving Under the Influence and Possession of Paraphernelia with a bond of $2,500.00.

Booked in Lira, Jordan on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-227 for Driving while suspended and Failure to Yield, bond set at $500.00 cash or surety or 48 hour O.R.

Released Lira, Jordan on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-227 for Driving while suspended and Failure to yield, surety of $500.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds.

Released Reeder, Blaine M. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0401 for Possession of Methamphetamine, and Endangering a Child; Surety of $10,000.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds.

Released Templeton, Allen S. on Barton County District Court case #26-145 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Interference with Law Enforcement Officers, No Driver's License, No Insurance, No Registration, No Display of License Plate, Failure to Signal within 100ft, and Possession of Fentanyl; after posting a $10,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Hernandez, Alexis on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0203 for Failure to appear, bond set at NO BOND, Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0299 for Failure to appear, bond set at NO BOND.

Booked Hastings, Devlin W. A. Sr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-230 for Possession of Marijuana, and Domestic Battery; bond set at $2,500.00 Cash or Surety or 48 Hour O.R.

Released Hastings, Devlin W. A. Sr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-230 for Possession of Marijuana, and Domestic Battery; after posting a $2,500.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked Hernandez, Ricardo on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-232 for Interference LEO and Pedestrian under the influence. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Hernandez, Ricardo on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-232 for Interference LEO and Pedestrian under the influence by posting a $1,000.00 surety through ACE Bail Bonds.

Released Hicks, Nicholas S. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2022CR0160 for Serve Sentence. Released for Time Served.

Released Trevino, Tucker on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant #202400214 for Serve Sentence. Released on Time Served.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/13-2/15)

Tuesday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Windy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 22 mph increasing to 26 to 31 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 23 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 68. South southwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 52. Breezy. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Tuesday's weather

While the manufacturing of professional cleaning products can seem like magic, the true power lies in the precision of chemical compounding. Fuller Industries Inc. is pulling back the curtain on its complex manufacturing process, highlighting how high-tech engineering and chemistry transform raw elements into industry-leading solutions.

At the heart of the Great Bend facility are cavernous compounding rooms, where a sophisticated network of pipes directs myriad chemicals into massive vats. According to Production Manager Cory Gros, the process is an intricate dance of timing and chemistry.

“Following the formulas is like following a recipe,” he said. But the stakes can be high.

“Attention to detail is important,” Gros said. “There is a lot of pressure. Ome small mistake can ruin an entire batch,” a costly error.

The Fuller compounding team juggles hundreds of formulas through the three inside and two outside compounding chambers. They blend the raw materials that come in totes, barrels, bags and drums, and there are most often four different products mixed at any given time.

"The scheduling is crucial," Gros said. "Our tanks must be meticulously flushed and cleaned between products. To make the most effective use of our time, we have to be strategic about what we are making and when."

Unlike simple chemical blending - which merely mixes ingredients together - chemical compounding involves a fundamental transformation, Gros said. It is the process of chemically bonding two or more different elements to create an entirely new substance with unique properties. Every formula relies on exact ratios to ensure consistency and safety across every batch.

Through the intense mixing, the molecular structures of raw materials are altered to form inseparable new compounds. This precision ensures that Fuller’s products consistently achieve specific quality control benchmarks, such as enhanced durability and performance properties, Gros said.

“Fuller is leader in the commercial cleaner industry,” said General Manager Joe Mann. “By mastering the transition from raw elements to finished compounds, Fuller Industries continues to set the standard for efficiency and chemical integrity in the industrial cleaning sector.”

About Fuller Industries Inc. Based in Great Bend, Kan., with a rich heritage dating back over a century to the Fuller Brush Man, Fuller Industries is a leading American manufacturer of industrial products, including cleaning chemicals and supplies, as well as brooms, mops, brushes and more. Fuller serves manufacturing, commercial, institutional and agricultural clients across the Western Hemisphere. Call 620-792-1711 or visit Fullerindustriesllc.com.

More than magic: Science, precision power Fuller’s cleaning products

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce celebrated a sweet milestone on Thursday, Jan. 29 with a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting for Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company at its new location inside Fuller Industries, 15 SW 40 Ave in Great Bend.

The celebration was held just ahead of the company’s three-year anniversary, as owner Allie Cartwright entered an exciting new chapter that provides the space needed to meet growing demand and expand wholesale production across Central Kansas.

Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company now operates out of Fuller Industries’ commercial kitchen, a move made possible thanks to a connection facilitated by Great Bend Chamber President and CEO, Megan Barfield. While attending a Chamber Coffee at Fuller, Barfield toured the kitchen space and saw an opportunity, bringing the two organizations together in what has proven to be a natural fit.

The expanded space allows Cartwright to increase production capacity while positioning the business for continued growth. In October of 2025, Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company was awarded 1st Place in the Great Bend Economic Development Center’s IGNITE Competition, earning $50,000 to invest back into the business. The award further strengthened plans for expansion and long-term sustainability.

Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company serves handcrafted cheesecakes and cheesecake treats in a wide variety of flavors and sizes. In addition to retail sales at the new location, the business continues to travel throughout Central Kansas with its concession trailer and provides wholesale products to area restaurants and retailers.

Walk-in hours at the new location are: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers may also order online 24/7 at www.FreakingDeliciousCheesecake.com or call/text 620-303-0350.

Ribbon cutting marks 3-year anniversary for Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company

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

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

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

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

Make a Difference Contest 

Class 6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Olathe North 3. Mill Valley 4. Blue Valley Northwest 5. Wichita Heights 6. Blue Valley High 7. Maize 8. Derby 9. Olathe East 10. Blue Valley North Class 5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Maize South 3. Bonner Springs 4. Topeka West 5. Topeka Seaman 6.&nbsp;KC Piper 7.&nbsp;Emporia 8. Bishop Carroll 9. Hays 10. Salina South Class 4A Boys 1. Rock Creek 2. Atchison 3.&nbsp;Pratt 4. Hugoton 5. Concordia 6. Bishop Miege 7. McPherson 8. Andale 9. Santa Fe Trail 10. Baldwin Class 3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Hesston 3. Beloit 4. Burlington 5. Holcomb 6. Hiawatha 7. Silver Lake 8. Chaparral 9. Riverton 10. Neodesha Class 2A Boys 1. Sterling 2. Berean Academy 3. Moundridge 4. Salina Sacred Heart 5. Classical School of Wichita 6. Ell-Saline 7. Topeka - Cair Paravel Latin School 8. Thomas More Prep 9. St. Mary's 10. Neodesha Class 1A-DI Boys 1. Little River 2. Olpe 3.&nbsp;Central Plains 4.&nbsp;Burden-Central 5. Pleasanton 6. Meade 7. South Central 8.&nbsp;St. John's/Tipton 9. Spearville 10. Lawrence-Bishop Seabury Academy Class 1A-DII Boys 1. Axtell 2. Hanover 3. Hartford 4. Lebo 5. Wallace County 6. Victoria 7. Wheatland/Grinnell 8. Thunder Ridge 9. Deerfield 10. Linn -------------------------------- Class 6A Girls 1. Wichita Heights 2. Olathe South 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Blue Valley North 6. Olathe North 7. Manhattan 8. Wichita East 9. Liberal 10. Topeka High Class 5A Girls 1. Andover 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 3.&nbsp;Maize South 4. Hays 5.&nbsp;St. James Academy 6. Shawnee Heights 7. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 8. Basehor - Linwood 9. Goddard Eisenhower 10. KC Piper Class 4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Eudora 3. Wamego 4. Independence 5. Bishop Miege 6. Rock Creek 7. Topeka Hayden 8. Clearwater 9. Andale 10. Ottawa Class 3A Girls 1. Silver Lake 2. Halstead 3. Holcomb 4. Osage City 5. Hiawatha 6. Burlington 7. Goodland 8. Frontenac 9. Beloit 10. Southeast of Saline Class 2A Girls 1. Eureka 2. Ellinwood 3. Moundridge 4. Hoxie 5. Salina Sacred Heart 6. Pitt-Colgan 7. Hillsboro 8. Oakley 9. Remington 10. Conway Springs Class 1A-DI 1. Little River 2. Wabaunsee 3. Centralia 4. Olpe 5.&nbsp;Hodgeman County 6. Rock Hills 7. South Gray 8. Quinter 9. Pretty Prairie 10. Decatur Community Class 1A-DII 1. Hutch-Central Christian 2. Bucklin 3. Hanover 4. Linn 5. Dighton 6. Ashland 7. Argonia 8. Marais des Cygnes Valley 9. Wheatland/Grinnell 10. Lebo

Final KBCA High School BB Rankings (Feb. 17)

- Jade Winter, head coach of Great Bend Girls Basketball

- Wyatt Thompson, the Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Dolphins released star receiver Tyreek Hill on Monday, ending the All-Pro's four-year tenure in Miami.

Hill, who turns 32 on March 1, is recovering from a&nbsp;season-ending injury&nbsp;suffered in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29 that required surgery to repair significant damage to his left knee, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

It is one of several major roster cuts the Dolphins made on Monday. Miami also cut offensive lineman James Daniels and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and will release two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb.

The Dolphins acquired Hill in a trade with Kansas City ahead of the 2022 season and gave him a $120 million, four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid player at his position at the time.

His contract, which runs through 2026, would have represented around $51 million against Miami's cap.

“These past few years have been some of the most meaningful of my life and career,” Hill said in an Instagram post Monday afternoon.

Hill had consecutive 1,700-yard receiving seasons in his first two years with Miami, including a league-leading 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. The five-time All-Pro entered the 2025 season aiming to regain that elite form after a relatively down year in 2024, when he had 81 catches for 959 yards — his lowest totals in both categories since 2019.

He had 21 receptions for 265 yards before he was hurt while making a catch in Miami’s Week 4 win against the Jets. Hill was running toward the sideline and planted his left foot, and his knee twisted as he was getting pulled down. He was carted off the field and placed on season-ending injured reserve on Oct. 1.

Hill’s Dolphins tenure was characterized by tremendous production on the field coupled with numerous rocky moments off the field,&nbsp;including an altercation&nbsp;with police outside of Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the 2024 season opener, and pulling himself from that season’s finale and&nbsp;later indicating&nbsp;he wanted to play elsewhere.

In&nbsp;an October podcast interview,&nbsp;Hill, who has played 10 NFL seasons, said he was undecided on whether he plans to retire when he's done rehabbing his injury, but on Monday he indicated on social media that he's not done playing yet.

“The Cheetah don't slow down. Ever,” Hill said in the post. “So to everyone wondering what's next...just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back...Born Again.”

Bradley Chubb is another star Dolphins player on the move

Chubb spent the past three seasons with the Dolphins after being traded to Miami from Denver in 2022.

He suffered a gruesome knee injury late in the 2023 season that required surgery to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament, meniscus and patellar tendon in his right knee and sidelined him all of 2024. Chubb had 11 sacks — the most he had in a season since getting 12 as a rookie in 2018 — in 2023 before the injury.

Last season, Chubb’s 8 1/2 sacks led the team. He represented a $31 million cap hit for 2026.

New general manager Jon Eric Sullivan, who was hired by the Dolphins last month along with head coach Jeff Hafley, was expected to begin making moves to overhaul Miami's roster.

“We will move with responsible aggression here,” Sullivan said when the Dolphins introduced him on Jan 22. “We will utilize every avenue of player acquisition to bolster this roster.”

Dolphins still appear undecided on QB Tua Tagovailoa

Sullivan still faces the question on whether to move on from 2020 first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched by former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel toward the end of last season because of poor play.

Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024, but has since shown a decline in accuracy and mobility. Tagovailoa finished 2025 with 15 interceptions, second most in the NFL and a career high.

He is guaranteed $54 million for 2026, and the Dolphins would incur significant hits to the salary cap by releasing him. Cutting him would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges are split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.

Sullivan said last week at a fan event that he doesn't know “what the future holds right now.”

“And I told Tua that,” Sullivan&nbsp;said. “We're working through some things. What I can tell you is that we're going to infuse competition into that room — whether Tua is part of the room, whether he's not part of the room.”

Dolphins releasing star receiver Tyreek Hill in major roster cuts

MILAN (AP) — The United States and Canada will face off for Olympic gold for a seventh time since women’s hockey debuted at the 1998 Nagano Games in a border rivalry that never gets old. And this time, the Americans are the favorites at the Milan Cortina Games. The U.S. clinched its berth with a 5-0 win over Sweden in semifinal play. And the defending champion Canadians followed with Marie-Philip Poulin scoring twice to set the Olympic career goal record in a too-close-for-comfort 2-1 victory over Switzerland. The outcomes set up the latest showdown between the sport’s global powers in the gold medal final on Thursday.

MILAN (AP) — Olympic hockey knows all about big hits. That includes “Heated Rivalry” a gay hockey romance TV series in which two players from opposing teams carry out a secret relationship. The steamy connection between the characters — Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov — has attracted fans to both the show and the sport itself. The show’s impact was evident even before the Winter Olympics when co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carried the Olympic flame. And it hasn’t stopped there. Athletes and fans from Canada and the U.S. are feeling the show’s impact.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Elana Meyers Taylor has won her first Olympic gold in women’s monobob, and she made history as the oldest American woman to do it at the Winter Games. She rallied in the final heat at the Milan Cortina Games and dropped to her knees in tears. Germany’s Laura Nolte took silver. Kaillie Humphries Armbruster took bronze for the United States. Meyers Taylor already owned five Olympic medals, but she had never won gold. Her sixth medal ties Bonnie Blair for the most by a U.S. woman at the Winter Games. Kaysha Love finished seventh.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Nate Heise hit a go-ahead 3-pointer and Tamin Lipsey came up with an offensive rebound in the final seconds to cap No. 6 Iowa State’s rally in a 70-67 victory over Big 12 leader and second-ranked Houston on Monday night. Heise was 3 for 3 from 3-point range hours after sister Taylor Heise scored to help the U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team beat Sweden 5-0 to reach the gold-medal game in Milan. The Cyclones (23-3, 10-3) closed with a 17-4 run to take down a second top-10 team in three days. Iowa State topped No. 8 Kansas 74-56 on Saturday. The Cougars (23-3, 11-2) had their six-game winning streak snapped and their lead in the conference was cut to a half-game over No. 4 Arizona.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Dolphins are releasing star receiver Tyreek Hill, ending the All-Pro’s four-year tenure in Miami. Hill is recovering from a season-ending injury suffered in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 29 that required surgery to repair significant damage to his left knee, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It is one of several major roster cuts the Dolphins made on Monday. The Dolphins acquired Hill in a trade with Kansas City ahead of the 2022 season and gave him a $120 million, four-year contract extension.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Michael Jordan celebrated a Daytona 500 win as a team owner when Tyler Reddick won NASCAR's season opener. The victory comes after Jordan led the federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR that NASCAR settled in December. If there are hard feelings, it was not evident Sunday. NASCAR chairman Jim France congratulated Jordan in victory lane. Jordan and partner Denny Hamlin say the relationship between teams and the sanctioning body have been good since the settlement. They say both sides want progress.

Geno Auriemma has tied Tara VanDerveer for most appearances in the AP women’s basketball Top 25 poll when UConn remained No. 1. Auriemma has led the Huskies to 654 appearances in the poll during his 41-year Hall of Fame career to match VanDerveer, who retired from Stanford in 2024. UConn has been ranked for the past 621 consecutive weeks, dating to the preseason 1993-94 poll, and once again was a unanimous choice at No. 1 from the 31-member national media panel. Monday was the 900th poll in the 50-year history of the rankings.

Michigan is No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for the first time in 13 years, ending Arizona’s nine-week reign. The Wolverines claimed 60 of 61 first-place votes in Monday’s new poll to climb one spot and supplant the Wildcats. Arizona had been unbeaten entering last week before falling at Kansas and at home to Texas Tech. It marks Michigan's first No. 1 ranking since January 2013. Houston, Duke, Arizona and UConn rounded out the top five. No. 24 Wisconsin and No. 25 Alabama were the week's new additions. They replaced Clemson and Kentucky.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge says he felt frustrated watching top free agents sign elsewhere during much of the offseason, but likes New York's late additions, After the first full-squad workout, he says the slow offseason felt “brutal.” Judge spent time describing his right elbow injury from last season and worried whether he would need surgery. He says tests after the postseason cleared him, and his arm now feels at full strength. He also talked about his MVP season and facing a hard-throwing young pitcher in camp.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets owner Steve Cohen likes the vibe in a revamped clubhouse, and says he’ll never have a captain in charge of that scene. Cohen says, “As long as I’m owning the team, there will never be a team captain.” The Mets said goodbye to popular slugger Pete Alonso, star closer Edwin Díaz and two other Mets stalwarts before Christmas. But they added free agent Bo Bichette and traded for All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta. Cohen says he likes the clubhouse energy going into manager Carlos Mendoza's third season.

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(6)Iowa State	70	(2)Houston	67	 Final	(3)Duke	101	Syracuse	64

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Oklahoma State takes
on the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks after Parsa Fallah scored 27 points in
Oklahoma State's 95-92 overtime loss to the TCU Horned Frogs. The
teams meet Wednesday for the first time this season. Oklahoma State
is 4-8 against the Big 12, and Kansas is 9-3 against conference
opponents.

Kansas Jayhawks
(19-6, 9-3 Big 12) at Oklahoma State Cowboys (16-9, 4-8 Big 12)

Stillwater,
Oklahoma; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE:
Oklahoma State faces No. 8 Kansas after Parsa Fallah scored 27 points
in Oklahoma State's 95-92 overtime loss to the TCU Horned Frogs.

The Cowboys are 13-3
on their home court. Oklahoma State averages 12.0 turnovers per game
and is 6-4 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents.

The Jayhawks are 9-3
against Big 12 opponents. Kansas has a 2-0 record in one-possession
games.

Oklahoma State makes
46.8% of its shots from the field this season, which is 8.3
percentage points higher than Kansas has allowed to its opponents
(38.5%). Kansas averages 7.4 made 3-pointers per game this season,
2.1 fewer made shots on average than the 9.5 per game Oklahoma State
allows.

The Cowboys and
Jayhawks square off Wednesday for the first time in conference play
this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Fallah is averaging 14.3 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Cowboys.
Anthony Roy is averaging 17.7 points over the last 10 games.

Flory Bidunga is
averaging 14.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for the Jayhawks.
Darryn Peterson is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10
games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Cowboys: 3-7, averaging 76.5 points, 30.2 rebounds, 15.1
assists, 7.7 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from
the field. Their opponents have averaged 83.7 points per game.

Jayhawks:
8-2, averaging 76.3 points, 35.1 rebounds, 13.9 assists, 5.4 steals
and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. Their
opponents have averaged 69.6 points.

Oklahoma State hosts No. 8 Kansas Wednesday

Monday Boys scores from the Associated Press

Heritage Christian 88, Christ Preparatory Academy 68

KIPP KC, Mo. 60, Saint Mary's Academy &amp; College 58

------------------------------------------------------------

Monday Girls scores from the Associated Press

Stanton County 66, Deerfield 14

Monday Statewide Scores

Baylor visits the Kansas State Wildcats after Isaac Williams scored 20 points in the Bears' 82-71 loss to the Louisville Cardinals. The teams play Tuesday for the first time this season. Kansas State is 1-11 against the Big 12, and Baylor is 3-9 against conference opponents.

Baylor Bears (13-12, 3-9 Big 12) at Kansas State Wildcats (10-15, 1-11 Big 12)

BOTTOM LINE: Baylor faces Kansas State after Isaac Williams scored 20 points in Baylor's 82-71 loss to the Louisville Cardinals.

The Wildcats are 8-7 on their home court. Kansas State ranks second in the Big 12 with 17.8 assists per game led by Nate Johnson averaging 4.4.

The Bears are 3-9 in conference games. Baylor ranks sixth in the Big 12 shooting 35.4% from 3-point range.

Kansas State averages 9.9 made 3-pointers per game, 2.5 more made shots than the 7.4 per game Baylor allows. Baylor averages 8.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 more makes per game than Kansas State gives up.

The matchup Tuesday is the first meeting this season between the two teams in conference play.

TOP PERFORMERS: PJ Haggerty is scoring 23.3 points per game with 5.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists for the Wildcats. Johnson is averaging 10.2 points, 5.6 assists and 1.9 steals over the past 10 games.

Cameron Carr is shooting 50.9% and averaging 19.2 points for the Bears. Obi Agbim is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 1-9, averaging 70.6 points, 27.7 rebounds, 16.0 assists, 6.4 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 42.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 82.4 points per game.

Bears: 3-7, averaging 75.9 points, 29.8 rebounds, 13.5 assists, 5.9 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 78.8 points.

Kansas State hosts Baylor Tuesday

Tuesday, February 17 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hillsboro G&amp;B @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Haven G&amp;B @ Larned&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, February 18 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Butler 7:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ Oklahoma St.&nbsp; Thursday, February 19 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Friday, February 20 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Great Bend G&amp;B @ Dodge City 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Hoisington Saturday, February 21 11:30AM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Cincinnati @ Kansas 1:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Independence W&amp;M @ Barton 7:00PM&nbsp;1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - Houston @ NY Knicks Sunday, February 22 2:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - Denver @ Golden State Monday, February 23 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 7:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Houston @ Kansas Tuesday, February 24 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington G&amp;B @ Halstead 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Smoky Valley Wednesday, February 25 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Seward County W&amp;M @ Barton

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

Others receiving votes: Clemson 55, Utah St. 45, Tennessee 36, Villanova 29, Kentucky 15, Miami 10, Saint Mary's 3, VCU 1.

Michigan No. 1 in AP Top 25 men's hoops poll for 1st time since January 2013

Western Athletic Conference Liberal @ Great Bend PPD-High winds Dodge City @ Garden City Central Kansas League Haven @ Larned Hillsboro @ Hoisington Hesston @ Nickerson Smoky Valley @ Halstead Central Prairie League Russell @ Ellinwood Ness City @ Central Plains Macksville @ Otis-Bison Kinsley @ Victoria Chase @ Pawnee Heights Other Area Games Cunningham @ Stafford Ellsworth @ Southeast of Saline TMP @ Oakley Minneola @ Kiowa County Satanta @ Hodgeman County Norwich @ Skyline Inman @ Little River

Tuesday Area High School Basketball Schedule

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Officers arrested a person with a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Tuesday afternoon, according to an online statement from the U.S. Capitol Police.

Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, while officers investigated

At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, Capitol police asked the public to stay away from the area while they investigate and collect evidence.&nbsp;

🎥Man with loaded shotgun arrested after running toward the US Capitol

Both sides agree 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, needs regulation, but opponents say kratom shouldn’t be included

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A bill heard Monday would list kratom as a Schedule 1 drug, moving the previously unclassified substance into the same category as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb497/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 497</a>&nbsp;classifies both Kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, as controlled substances. Proponents and opponents Monday before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee agreed that 7-OH — the opioid-like compound derived from kratom — is hurting Kansans, but opponents argued the bill wrongly equates the two substances.&nbsp;

Several proponents came from state organizations. One was Sara Hortenstine, youth services division chief for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.&nbsp;

“If we continue to allow widespread retail access to substances that act like opioids, we will see opioid-type consequences that include more addiction and overdoses and preventable deaths in our state,” Hortenstine said.&nbsp;

David Kuntz works for the Clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa. He said he’s seen more 7-OH recently than oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl combined.&nbsp;

If the bill passes, Kansas would join a&nbsp;<a href="https://stateline.org/2025/08/11/kratom-faces-increasing-scrutiny-from-states-and-the-feds/" target="_blank">growing number of states</a>&nbsp;in banning kratom or 7-OH. Kratom and 7-OH aren’t considered a controlled substance in Kansas, but there have been regional bans.&nbsp;

On Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2026-02-13/kansas-city-kratom-ban-7oh-addiction-gas-station-drugs" target="_blank">Kansas City, Missouri barred</a>&nbsp;the sale of synthetic kratom — known as 7-OH — and restricted kratom sales to adults older than 21.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2230_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">House Bill 2230</a>&nbsp;from last session would have taken a similar path in Kansas, but was never heard by the House.&nbsp;

Kratom&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171" target="_blank">is marketed as</a>&nbsp;a stimulant if used in low dosages, and a sedative at higher ones. It’s also been used to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from opioids. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom" target="_blank">Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;</a>said 7-OH naturally occurs in trace amounts in kratom, but when synthesized it acts more like an opioid, and increases the chance of addiction.&nbsp;

Kelly Gray owns two shops that sell kratom in Salina and Derby. He broke his back 10 years ago, and was prescribed opioids. He became addicted and decided to quit.&nbsp;

“I was still going through daily pain with my back as well as my hips being bone on bone when I heard about and tried kratom, after much research. It completely changed my life for the better,” Gray said.

Jason Todack runs a similar business in Topeka. He also uses kratom.

“I’ve seen addicts from fentanyl. I’ve seen alcoholics use it. I’ve seen people hooked on pain pills,” Todack said. “This is an all-natural, whole leaf product, this product gives people choices and options to be able to get off of these other heinous drugs that are out there. I see this literally every day.”&nbsp;

Nearly every opponent asked legislators not to lump kratom and 7-OH in the same group.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers" target="_blank">FDA recommended</a>&nbsp;scheduling 7-OH as a controlled substance, and specified they are “not focused on natural kratom leaf products.”&nbsp;

Mac Haddow, a senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association based in Virginia, said the bill should be amended to focus solely on 7-OH.&nbsp;

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