By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Customers at Dillons on 10th Street in Great Bend know pretty fast if Donald Robinson is working. For the past three decades, his boisterous laugh has been part of the grocery-shopping experience locally. Last week, he officially celebrated 30 years with the store...and of sharing laughs with customers.

"If I actually think about it, when I was a lot younger, I wanted to be a comedian like Richard Pryor," he said. "Now since I think about it, it's like the customers are my audience. That was the closest I could get to that dream, I guess."

A Great Bend native, Robinson began working at Dillons as part of a work program for high school students. He was one of eight kids in the program, and the only one that lasted.

"Of course, out of the eight of us, I was the only one that kept my job," he said. "That is funny because I was the laziest kid but still kept my job."

Robinson carried out groceries when he first started. A previous store manager tried to get him to check, but Robinson was not interested. For nearly two decades now, Robinson has helped run the U-Scan self-checkout lanes.

But his biggest asset to the company may be the laugh. Customers far and wide know the laugh, and many do what they can to get a chuckle out of the 47-year-old. For Robinson, the laugh is nothing new.

"The laugh started when I was in elementary," he said. "It was just something I got in trouble for a lot, boy, especially with Homer Kruckenberg. He didn't like my laugh when it was test time in class."

For one of his favorite store memories, Robinson goes all the way back to his starting days when a customer routinely came in and told the employees how to go about their jobs.

"I still, to this day, don't know his name," Robinson said. "He came into the store, and he also came into the little one. I called him the 'Dillons Monitor,' because he solely came in there, not to shop, but to tell you how to do your job. The first couple of weeks, I thought he was a corporate person."

In his downtime, Robinson enjoys playing video games, and he's up to speed on current TV shows. For his 30 years, Dillons celebrated with a cake, complete with Robinson's likeness on top. He also had the opportunity to shop from a gift catalog, going with an iGrill Bluetooth meat thermometer.

Great Bend Dillons employee celebrates 30 years...with a laugh

Calling all Monster Truck lovers! Start your new year off with a bang at Tony’s Pizza Events Center!

The MONSTER TRUCK NITRO TOUR&nbsp;will be invading Tony’s Pizza Events Center for one night only – Saturday, January 7, 2023 with one monster show at 7:30 pm.

&nbsp;Don’t miss your chance to see the MONSTER TRUCKS up close, meet the drivers and even take a ride in a real monster truck at the pre-event Pit Party.

VIP Tickets in the first 4 rows are $38.50 and include entrance to the Pit Party.

Reserved seating starts at $18.50 for kids ages 2-12, $23.50 for adults. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts

Win Tickets Tony’s Pizza Event Center-Monster Truck Nitro Tour January 7th 

Great Bend Post Bowl Pick 'Em presented by H&B Communications - WIN a 4K TV!

Holiday Lights Photo Contest with Waters Hardware 

Town and Country Supermarket-Turkey Day Dinner Giveaway Winner Heather Helvie

REGISTER DAILY AT: Sutherlands N Bloom Floral and Gifts Boone's Maytag Home Appliance

NexTech Wireless Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source Santa Fe Liquormart Eagle Tire Custom Rebath and My Kitchens Auto Body Repair Shop Dawson Jewelers Just Say it Though Millers of Claflin That New Place Yours Truly Gift and Floral Shop Magna Dry Cleaning Services Handle Bar and Grill Heavy Duty Diesel and Auto Outer Limits Liquor Store Memorial Art Company Eldrigde Fencing UPS Store West Side Market Johnson Electric Motor Winding NexTech Jimlo Glass Bauer Computers

Straub Powersports Doan's Outdoor and Gun Store

1.&nbsp;Limit One Entry Per Person Per Day Per Sponsor Location

2.&nbsp;Complete Entry Form in Full. Must Be Present to Enter

3.&nbsp;The Shop at Home for the Holidays Promotion is open all Kansas residents at least 21 years of Age except employees of Eagle Communications, Hull Broadcasting, Bauer Computer, Moeder Plumbing Heating and Air, and their spouse/companion. Employees of other participating businesses and their families may enter; however they may not register at their place of employment.

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

5.&nbsp;Finalist for this promotion will be qualified from in-store registrations…and during special “Shop at Home for the Holidays” Instant Finalist Days. Only ONE Finalist Per Household may qualify. No Purchase Necessary to win.

6.&nbsp;Prize in Non-transferable. Winner is Responsible for all applicable taxes.

7.&nbsp;Entering this Promotion allows Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting to use your Name, likeness, image, character or voice for promotional purposes.

8.&nbsp;No Sponsor or their affiliates assume any liability in connection with this giveaway.

9.&nbsp;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.

10.  $10,000 Grand Prize must be spent on merchandise at participating retailers.  Prize cannot be substituted for cash.

The Shop at Home for the Holidays $10,000 Shopping Spree Presented by Bauer Computers and Moeder Plumbing Heating and Air

Make a Difference Contest 

One of the simplest ways to define politics is as a struggle for power.

This power struggle has flared up again. The legislature began their 2023 session by introducing a bill that would further disrupt the current power division between state and local and also undermine Kansas voters.

Often, in Topeka, this is a struggle between parties — Republicans versus Democrats — or between branches — the legislature versus the governor. But more and more often over the past few years we have seen the struggle for power play out as state government versus local government.

As you may recall, following the outbreak of COVID-19, the state legislature restricted localities’ ability to respond to the pandemic.

Last year, the state legislature also banned cities from declaring themselves “sanctuary cities” and from restricting single-use items such as bags, cups, and other packaging made of plastic — Governor Kelly signed the former and vetoed the latter.

Now, under current Kansas law, localities cannot regulate abortion services. That power is left to the state alone. This law was originally put in place to prevent certain cities from making access to abortion easier than could be found under state law.

Now however, following the state Supreme Court’s 2019 Hodes decision and the failure of the “Value Them Both” amendment last August, it effectively prevents cities from restricting access to abortion services in opposition to the statewide constitutional protection.

Legislation has been introduced that would repeal this law, allowing localities to ban abortion.

On August 2, 2022, Kansans spoke loud and clear about their desire to protect access to abortion services in our state. The “Value Them Both” amendment was a resounding failure.

Not only does this bill show a lack of respect for the large number of voters who made their voices heard last August, but also for Home Rule, which is protected in the state constitution.

Should it pass it would further establish a precedent that localities can be used as political pawns at the whims of the legislature.

Any restrictions would still be unconstitutional under the state constitution, but would set the stage for localities to challenge the state and create yet another power tug of war.

Kansans made their position clear twice last election cycle, in both the primary and the general election. They don’t want to increase the legislature’s power.

Across our country and our state, trust in government is at an all time low precisely because of actions such as these.

In the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, a mere thirty-one percent of Kansans expressed satisfaction with the performance of the state legislature.

And yet, legislators are supposed to be representing our voice in government.

As we celebrate Kansas Day on January 29, let’s not forget the long struggle for home rule and popular sovereignty that led to our statehood.

Alexandra Middlewood, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of political science at Wichita State University.

Kansas Day 2023: Let’s not forget home rule and popular sovereignty

Medical Assistants are vital to the operation of any medical facility and now people wanting to pursue a career in this exciting field can now do so completely online through Barton Community College and complete their clinical work at local medical facilities in their area.

There is an associate degree option as well as a certificate option and textbooks are offered at a low cost for this program.

Medical assistants perform important tasks:

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income is up to $38,000 and projected growth for this profession is 16 percent from now through 2031.

For more information, contact Medical Assistant Instructor Cathy Smith at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:smithc@bartonccc.edu">smithc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9326 or visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://bartonccc.edu/programs/medical-assistant?utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=medassistspring23&amp;utm_id=19594420011">information page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Medical Assistant Program available fully online

Doctors on Call, a local production of Smoky Hills PBS, will feature Dr. Bell Razafindrabe with Pain, Spine, &amp; Rehab in Great Bend.&nbsp; This episode will air&nbsp;Tuesday, January 31st at 7 PM&nbsp;and will focus on PAIN MANAGEMENT.

Doctors on Call&nbsp;is a program that provides medical information on a variety of different topics. Medical professionals from throughout the state travel to Bunker Hill to provide information and answer questions from the viewing audience. The doctors presenting each week have expertise in the topic chosen for that program.&nbsp; Questions can be called in during the show or emailed prior to the broadcast.&nbsp;

The program airs LIVE on Smoky Hills PBS at 7 PM on Tuesdays.&nbsp; You can also stream each episode LIVE on the Smoky Hills PBS YouTube channel:&nbsp;<a href="http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/StreamSmokyHillsPBS</a>

A schedule of programs and past episodes are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.smokyhillspbs.org/" target="_blank">www.SmokyHillsPBS.org</a>.&nbsp;

To submit questions electronically on a specific topic, viewers can send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:doctors@shptv.org" target="_blank">doctors@shptv.org</a>. Questions submitted through email must be received by noon on the day of the show. During the program, viewers can call I-800-337-4788.

Doctors on Call show to feature Great Bend doctor

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The
drought monitor report as of Tuesday, January 24 indicates no change even with
the precipitation received.&nbsp; The western
half of the state is in extremely rough shape.&nbsp;
Interestingly, with some of the recent moisture there is a small hole
surrounded by abnormally dry conditions of good soil moisture from just east of
Salina to just northwest of Manhattan.&nbsp; Again,
there is little hope for any change in our area’s conditions in the short or
even long term.&nbsp; The six to ten-day
outlook (January 31 to February 4) indicates a 70 to 90% chance of below normal
temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (February 2
to 8) indicates a continued 50 to 60% chance of below normal temperatures and a
continued 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation.&nbsp; Not much but much more active weather than
last year at this time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As of today, the long-range forecast
isn’t promising for summer 2023 row crops.&nbsp;
Average timely precipitation might allow producers to obtain acceptable
grain yields but not enough to recharge the soil profile and eliminate drought
conditions.&nbsp; And we know those timely
rainfall events tend to be few and far between when we need them most – July
through August and for soybeans into early September.&nbsp; What can producers do to obtain an acceptable
yield in terms of quality, yield, and economically?&nbsp; One possible answer, depending on the operation,
is producing forages, especially grass forages.&nbsp;
This can be pasture, hay, or even silage.

Naturally, this depends on your
operation.&nbsp; If you aren’t set up for hay
you either have to obtain the equipment or hire it done.&nbsp; Both options aren’t cheap.&nbsp; Grazing eliminates the need for swathing and
baling and might be a good option for those with cattle or can lease pasture
out.&nbsp; The expenses, if not already in
place would be fencing and water.&nbsp; For
some, ensiling especially with forage sorghums or even corn, might be a good
option if the costs of chopping and ensiling aren’t prohibitive.&nbsp; Why would this make sense?&nbsp; Several reasons.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The
costs for seed, fertilizer, etc. are lower than for corn, milo, and soybeans.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hay
is short throughout this region of the country and prices are high, especially
if you can transport it a distance.&nbsp; And
many are, and will have to continue to supplement their lack of pasture with
hay.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While
total herd numbers are down, there are still good numbers out there.&nbsp; From cow-calf to stockers they need
forage.&nbsp; Many annual forages can provide
good relative feed value as hay.&nbsp; True
forage sorghums are an excellent feed source when ensiled properly.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Think
about the climate, native vegetation, and our row crops.&nbsp; Our climate is well-suited for producing
vegetation but often struggle for good seed/grain production.&nbsp; So, with timely planting, proper
fertilization, and good management, quality forages can be produced with
acceptable yields, and there is an excellent market.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally,
there is a wide variety of available options for summer – Sudan grass, sorghum
X sudan hybrids, forage sorghums, and even pearl millet.&nbsp; Hybrid pearl millet is an excellent forage
under drought conditions, compensates well for spotty stands, and has a high feed
value as it is predominately leave material with relatively little stem
materials and lignins.&nbsp; &nbsp;

This won’t solve
everyone’s challenge and hopefully our weather pattern will improve, but it’s
worth considering.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Planting More Forages In 2023?

Courtney Burger is relying on her extensive nursing background as she takes on her new position at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates (PVMA), 713 W. 11th.

As the new clinic nurse manager, Burger’s responsibilities include “helping the clinic run smoothly, while supporting a great team of medical professionals. One priority is to encourage open communications with nurses and physicians so that we can better serve our patients.”

Even though Burger has been on the job only a short time, she is already impressed with the personnel and services at PVMA, which is part of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll.

“Pawnee Valley Medical Associates is a trusted medical clinic that I highly recommend,” Burger commented. “The healthcare providers and staff members here are truly knowledgeable, and care for and treat their patients like family.

“I have enjoyed getting to know each of them, and appreciate the opportunity to expand my nursing skills in this management position.”

Burger is originally from Haviland and graduated from high school there in 2005. She then graduated from Barton Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing in 2009.

In May of this year, Burger earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rasmussen University in Florida.

Previous employment included approximately nine years in a clinic setting. For the past 17 years, Burger worked at the hospital in Great Bend.

“Most recently, I was the House Supervisor and Emergency Department nurse,” she said. “Throughout my tenure there, I cared for patients in Med-Surg, Special Nursing, the Intensive-Care Unit, Pre-op/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and Pediatrics.

“I will use this varied background to serve our patients and their families. I am so glad to be part of the PVMA clinic.”

Burger now lives in Larned with her husband, Travis, and son, Kenden. She also has two adult stepsons and one adult stepdaughter.

Jewel Davis, PVMA clinic manager, said she and her colleagues “are fortunate to have Courtney join our team. Her nursing skills and caring personality are valuable assets to our clinic.”

Burger joins team at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates in Larned

On December 29, 2022, the following federal bills were signed into law, expanding federal protections for both pregnant and breastfeeding workers.

PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act: PUMP stands for Providing Urgent Maternal Protections. The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act expands the legal right to receive pumping breaks and private space to nearly 9 million more workers, including teachers, registered nurses, farmworkers, and many others. The PUMP Act makes several important changes to the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law that you may already be familiar with. The Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, required employers since 2010 to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for lactating employees to pump milk during the workday. The 2022 PUMP act closed some of the loopholes in the original law. The legislation’s requirement to provide lactation break time and space to previously uncovered workers (teachers, registered nurses, farmworkers, and others) went into effect on December 29, 2022. The law’s expanded enforcement provision goes into effect on April 28, 2023. More information can be found here: https://worklifelaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PUMP-Act-Explainer.pdf

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Gives pregnant and postpartum workers, including breastfeeding employees, a right to reasonable workplace accommodations, including lactation accommodations. PWFA guarantees workers the affirmative right to receive reasonable accommodations for known limitations stemming from pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions unless the requested accommodations would pose an “undue hardship” to the employer. The PWFA goes into effect on June 27, 2023. This act closes a gap that left pregnant and postpartum workers without remedy if they needed accommodations in order to prevent health complications and keep working. More information about the PWFA can be found here:

https://www.abetterbalance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PWFA-Explainer-_-Final.pdf

Both of these pieces of legislation have been in the making for about 10 years. It is exciting to see the hard work by many in the pregnancy and lactation fields see this come to fruition. I enjoy supporting employers and employees to make these accommodations work for everyone. There are two programs in Kansas that support employers in becoming breastfeeding friendly. They include the Business Case for Breastfeeding and the Breastfeeding Welcome Here program both supported by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. Part of a healthy community is supporting mothers and families in reaching their breastfeeding and mothering goals. Please let me know if you have any questions about the new legislation or helping your business become more breastfeeding friendly.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu. K-State Research &amp; Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: New legislation supporting nursing and pregnant mothers

Hear this month's Kansas Strong show with Eagle Radio's Scott Donovan and Executive Director of the Kansas Oil and Gas Producers Association Warren Martin that aired Jan. 25, 2023.

The Kansas Strong program airs the fourth Wednesday every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎤Kansas Strong show - Oil & gas education

Delivered to your virtual porch every Monday through Friday — on time and free :-)

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The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is proud to present “Beyond the Horizon” at the 101st Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 25th, at the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th Street. The evening will celebrate accomplishments of 2022 and announce the chamber’s annual award winners. Among the awards to be given include the NexGen Leader of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, and Legacy Award.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors, Spectrum CPA Partners, the University of Kansas Health System, and Barton Community College, the evening will highlight the wins of the past year that have significantly impacted the business community and local economy.

Chamber President and CEO, Megan Barfield, encourages businesses to register, “We are so eager to bring the business community together at this annual event. It is our largest event of the year and allows the Chamber to continue working towards being a catalyst, convener, and champion of the Great Bend area.

We hope businesses will consider extending the opportunity to attend to their staff. This event is truly special and is meant celebrate the accomplishments of the entire business community.” The annual chamber banquet draws in about 400 chamber members and dignitaries every year.

Introduced in 2022, the now coveted “Chamby” awards will return to showcase the high energy of a few select Chamber Ambassadors. There are 30 men and women serving as Chamber Ambassadors and their hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed. New this year, for the entire crowd, will be the “Best Dressed” award making its debut. Attendees are invited to have fun with their cocktail attire and come dressed to impress. All those in attendance will be eligible to win and voted on by the crowd via an anonymous online voting program.

“We’ve had a great committee working together to create a fun evening for our membership. As Board Chair, I’m excited to see their efforts come to fruition and to see my business peers enjoying a fun evening,” comments Shelly Peacock, owner of TCI Answering Service and 2023 Chairwoman of the Board for the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. In addition to Peacock, planning committee members include board member and Ambassador Jessica Milsap (MPIRE Realty Group), and Ambassadors Laura Blankenship (Yo Dog Wieners), Cody Harris (Sunflower Diversified Services), Lindsey Bogner (Barton Community College), and Shawn Powelson (Landmark National Bank).

Special thanks to this year’s Chamber Ally Sponsors: First Kansas Bank, Equity Bank, and Nex-Tech. To reserve a table or seat, visit greatbend.org, stop by the Chamber office at 1125 Williams (Mon-Fri; 9AM-3PM) or call (620) 792-2401. Non-chamber members are also invited to attend.

Great Bend Chamber to host 101st annual awards Feb. 25

Western Athletic Conference Dodge City @ Garden City Hays @ Scott City Hooker, OK @ Liberal Central Kansas League Hoisington @ Hesston Nickerson @ Larned Hillsboro @ Haven Halstead @ Pratt Lyons @ Smoky Valley Central Prairie League Victoria @ Ellinwood Otis-Bison @ Central Plains Macksville @ LaCrosse South Central @ Kinsley Ness City @ Hill City

Other Area Games Chase @ Lincoln Pawnee Heights @ Ashland Stafford @ Skyline Russell @ Plainville Trego @ TMP Remington @ Sterling Kiowa County @ Spearville South Gray @ Hodgeman County Tescott @ Wilson

Tuesday Area High School Basketball Schedule

While the Panther boys were facing off against top-competition from five state in Garden City, the Lady Panther wrestlers had their own battle at the third-annual Washburn Women's Invitational. Great Bend finished 12th overall out of 33 teams in competition.

Third-ranked Daizy Gomez finished second at 125 pounds. She pinned both pool opponents in under a minute. She pinned her quarterfinal and semifinal opponents in the first period to reach the finals against second-ranked Addison Broxterman of Washburn Rural. Broxterman was able to hang on for a 6-1 decision for the title.

Kirra Stevens made a big splash at 155 pounds with a fifth-place finish. She pinned a pool opponent and won another match by forfeit. Stevens made it into the second period against top-ranked Allison King of Oskaloosa (4-1A) before being pinned. She rebounded with a sudden-victory win against Burlington, then defeated Gardner-Edgerton 4-3 in the fifth-place match.

Kaylea McMullen placed sixth at 120 pounds. She went 2-0 in pool matches with a pin and decision. After an 11-1 loss to Shawnee Mission West in the quarters, McMullen won a 5-3 decision against Olathe Northwest to advance to the fifth-place match. There she was pinned by her opponent from Olathe West.

Haylee Holinde wrestled just three matches for sixth place at 235 pounds. She was pinned in her first match against Washburn Rural, then won a 2-1 decision against Basehor-Linwood. Holinde lost due to injury time in the fifth-place match against Olathe West.

Senior Karley Stukey placed seventh at 105 pounds. She went 1-1 early on with a win by fall and a loss to top-ranked Holly Thacher of Oskaloosa (4-1A). Stukey was pinned by Burlington, but pinned her Washburn Rural opponent in the seventh-place match.

Third-ranked freshman Natalee Daniels pinned her lone opponent in pool matches. She lost a 5-2 decision against Olathe North in the quarterfinals, then was pinned by her Blue Valley Southwest opponent. Daniels placed eighth after a 3-2 loss against Manhattan.

Danica Cline opened at 2-0 with a pair of pins at 145 pounds. She went the distance with second-ranked Avari Johnson of Leavenworth but lost that quarterfinal match 11-5. She lost her final two matches to drop to eighth place.

Lea Nokes went 1-1 in pool matches at 170 pounds, winning a 10-3 decision and losing an 8-0 match to third-ranked Val Galligan of Olathe Northwest. Nokes went scoreless in her next two decision losses before pinning her Manhattan opponent for 15th. Hannah Crathorne lost both of her matches at 115 pounds, and Jaydon Davis finished at 0-2 at 140 pounds.

Gomez leads Lady Panther grapplers at Washburn Invite

Thirty-two teams from five states. The Rocky Welton Invitational, celebrating its 65th year, is always one of the premiere wrestling events in the state of Kansas. Battling Friday and Saturday, Great Bend scored 118 points to finish fifth among Kansas schools and eighth overall. Pine Creek, Colo. scored 198 points for the win, followed by Andale with 190 points, and Garden City with 164.5 points.

Third-ranked Cooper Liles made it all the way to the finals at 150 pounds. The junior pinned each of his first four opponents in 66 seconds or less, including a 65-second win against fourth-ranked Rhett Briggs of Rose Hill (4A) in the semifinals. Scott City's top-ranked junior Collin McDaniel (4A) was able to beat Liles 11-4 in the championship match. McDaniel also pinned his way to the finals.

Keyven Schroeder placed fourth at 215 pounds in a bracket that featured teammate Brody Schnoebelen. Schroeder pinned his first two opponents before losing a 7-5 decision against Newton's sixth-ranked Marcel Gonzalez, who wrestled in the finals. Schroeder pinned his next three opponents to reach the consolation finals against second-ranked Riley Marx of Andale (4A). Marx was able to secure the pin to win the bronze.

Sixth-ranked Skyler McMullen battled to a fifth-place finish at 138 pounds. After a bye win, he pinned his first opponent before being pinned by top-ranked Cael Alderman of Olathe North (6A), who finished second in the bracket. McMullen won a pair of decisions before getting pinned in the consolation semifinals. He rebounded by pinning his Kearney, Neb. opponent in the fifth-place match.

Fourth-ranked sophomore Jace Schartz also pulled out a fifth-place finish at 144 pounds. He won a pair of matches in the championship bracket before getting pinned by top-ranked Jacob Goodwin of Goddard. Schartz won his next two matches before suffering another loss to top-ranked Wyatt Gardner of Wichita County (3-1A). Schartz won an 8-1 decision against Kearney, Neb. to capture fifth. The bracket also featured the top-two wrestlers from Class 4A with Andale's Owen Eck beating Abilene's Tucker Cell for the title.

Matthew Johnson had another fifth-place finish at 175 pounds. The junior pinned his first two opponents before getting pinned by a Pueblo East, Colo. senior who advanced to the finals. Johnson won his next two matches with a pin, then was pinned in the consolation semifinals. He pinned his Scott City opponent in the fifth-place match.

Freshman Trenton Kern pulled out a ninth-place finish the hard way at 190 pounds. After a round-one loss to an eventual semifinalist from Scottsbluff, Neb., Kern won his next three matches with a pair of pins. A 4-3 loss against Garden City put him in the seventh-place match where Kern lost a 4-2 decision against third-ranked Justin Degallodo from Ulysses (4A).

Fifth-ranked Triston Tomlinson placed 10th at 106 pounds. The freshman opened against top-ranked Griffin Rial of Pine Creek, who went on to win the bracket. He won his next four matches with a pair of falls and two tech falls, before losing a 5-4 decision to fourth-ranked Taylor Rickard of Newton in the 10th-place match.

The sophomore Schnoebelen moved down to 215 pounds where he was able to secure a first-round upset against Pueblo East. After an 8-2 loss to Ulyesses, Schnoebelen needed just 14 seconds to pin his Garden City opponent. After another loss to Hutchinson, Schnoebelen pinned his final two opponents to secure 13th place.

Ambrose Kramer lost both of his matches at 113 pounds. Zaiden Burkes finished with an 0-2 record at 120 pounds, and Hayden Kelly dropped two matches at 126 pounds. His first loss came against second-ranked Damon Ingram of Rose Hill, who advanced to the finals. Trevin Maciel finished at 0-2 in the 157-pound bracket, and Michael Montoya went 0-2 at 165 pounds. Maciel's first loss came against sixth-ranked Ethen Allen of Garden City, and Montoya dropped his first match to third-ranked Alan Flores of Dodge City.

Panthers wrestlers place eighth at Rocky Welton in Garden City

Jayhawk Men's Standings (CONF-OVERALL) #14 Coffeyville 12-4 18-4 #13 Dodge City&nbsp; 11-4&nbsp; 15-6 #16 Butler 11-5&nbsp; 17-5 Barton&nbsp; 9-6&nbsp; 14-7 Garden City 9-6 14-6&nbsp;&nbsp; Pratt 9-7&nbsp; 12-9 Hutch 8-8&nbsp; 14-8 Cloud County&nbsp; 8-7&nbsp; 12-9 Seward 7-9&nbsp; 11-11 Cowley 7-9&nbsp; 13-9 Independence 5-10&nbsp; 7-14 NW Tech&nbsp; 4-12&nbsp; 8-13 Colby&nbsp; 1-14&nbsp; 4-17

Men's Schedule and Scores Saturday January 28 Barton 97, Hutchinson 89 Dodge City 78, Seward County 65 Coffeyville 91, Colby 68 Butler 80, Pratt 69 Garden City 78, Independence 63 Cowley 85, NW Tech 68 Monday January 30 Independence @ Colby Wednesday February 1 Barton @ Independence Cowley @ Hutchinson Coffeyville @ Butler Colby @ Garden City Cloud County @ Seward County Dodge City @ NW Tech Saturday February 4 Coffeyville @ Barton Garden City @ Dodge City Independence @ Seward County Pratt @ Cloud County NW Tech @ Colby Butler @ Hutchinson Jayhawk Women's Standings (CONF-OVERALL) #12 Dodge City&nbsp; 14-1&nbsp; 19-2 #23 Butler 13-3 17-3 #17 Barton&nbsp; 11-4&nbsp; 17-4 Hutchinson 11-5&nbsp; 17-5 Coffeyville 11-5&nbsp; 15-7 Seward&nbsp; 9-7&nbsp; 11-11 Cowley 7-9 12-11 Cloud&nbsp; 8-7&nbsp; 13-8 Independence 6-9&nbsp; 10-10 Pratt 5-11&nbsp; 10-11 Garden City&nbsp; 3-12&nbsp; 7-14 NW Tech&nbsp; 3-13&nbsp; 7-14 Colby&nbsp; 0-15&nbsp; 1-19

Women's Schedule and Scores Saturday January 28 Barton 78, Hutchinson 74 Dodge City 75, Seward County 64 Coffeyville 81, Colby 50 Butler 84, Pratt 56 Independence 65, Garden City 57 Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp;93, NW Tech 77 Monday January 30 Independence @ Colby Wednesday February 1 Barton @ Independence Cowley @ Hutchinson Coffeyville @ Butler Colby @ Garden City Cloud County @ Seward County Dodge City @ NW Tech Saturday February 4 Coffeyville @ Barton Garden City @ Dodge City Independence @ Seward County Pratt @ Cloud County NW Tech @ Colby Butler @ Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jayhawk Conf. Basketball Standings, Scores and Schedule

WAC Boys (conference-overall) Garden City&nbsp; 3-0&nbsp; 13-1 Great Bend 2-1&nbsp; 7-6 Dodge City 1-1&nbsp; 5-7 Hays&nbsp; 1-2&nbsp; 6-6 Liberal 0-3&nbsp; 2-10 Tuesday January 24 Garden City 63, Goodland 55 Friday January 27 Great Bend 57, Dodge City 53 Guymon, OK 54, Liberal 33 Tuesday January 31 Dodge City @ Garden City Hays @ Scott City Hooker, OK @ Liberal Friday February 3 Liberal @ Great Bend Dodge City @ Hays Garden City @ Guymon, OK

WAC Girls&nbsp;(conference-overall) #3 Liberal 2-1&nbsp; 10-2 Hays 2-1&nbsp; 8-4 Dodge City 1-1&nbsp; 5-8 Great Bend 1-2&nbsp; 6-7 Garden City&nbsp; 1-2&nbsp; 4-10 Tuesday January 24 Goodland 67, Garden City 45 Wednesday January 25 Bishop Carroll 57, Garden City 24 (Newton Invitational)

Thursday January 26 Blue Valley 61, Great Bend 41 (Firebird Classic-Lawrence) Clearwater 49, Dodge City 38 (Mid-America Classic-McPherson)

Friday January 27 Topeka West 46, Great Bend 40 (Firebird Classic-Lawrence) S.M. Northwest 40, Garden City 36 (Newton Invitational) Dodge City 49, Olathe South 37 (Mid-America Classic-McPherson) Liberal 43, Guymon, OK 42

Saturday January 28 Great Bend 69, Lawrence Free State 14 (Firebird Classic-Lawrence) Newton 40, Garden City 30 (Newton Invitational) 
Manhattan 46, Dodge City 35 (Mid-America
Classic-McPherson)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday January 31 Dodge City @ Garden City Hays @ Scott City Hooker, OK @ Liberal Friday February 3 Liberal @ Great Bend Dodge City @ Hays Garden City @ Guymon, OK&nbsp;&nbsp;

Western Athletic Conference Basketball Standings and Schedule

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — So much for all that worry over No. 9 Kansas falling toward a low point under Bill Self.

Especially given the Jayhawks' cool, poised response to several gut checks against fellow basketball royalty.

Jalen Wilson scored 22 points, including one in a series of huge 3-pointers down the stretch, and held off Kentucky 77-68 on Saturday night in an SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

“We had some good, short runs and kept them from going on like a 10-2 run,” Self said. “We kept them out of transition and off the glass.”

The Jayhawks (17-4) seized the lead for good midway through the first half before withstanding every Wildcats challenge in this tense marquee matchup of college basketball blue bloods. Gradey Dick and Wilson provided two of their biggest shots with consecutive 3-pointers for two-possession edges, with Wilson's 3 making it 70-64 with 4:13 remaining.

Oscar Tshiebwe made two free throws to get Kentucky within four, but Kevin McCullar Jr. sank another 3 for a 73-66 advantage. Wilson then answered Jacob Toppin's jumper with one of his own to make it 75-68 with 1:52 left. Kansas, which won the national championship last season, avoided its first four-game losing streak under Self.

Not to mention, avenging a blowout home loss to Kentucky a year ago.

“We didn't think about it like that,” Wilson said about Kansas' recent losses to No. 5 Kansas State, No. 11 TCU and No 17 Baylor.

“It was three games against three really good opponents like tonight. It was important to get the train going again. It was important knowing what they did to us on our home court last year,” Wilson said.

Tshiebwe had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Jacob Toppin and Cason Wallace each added 14 for Kentucky (14-7), which had won its previous four.

The Wildcats certainly had their chances despite shooting 2 of 13 from long range and starting off 4 of 11 from the free throw line. They seemed to have grabbed momentum when Antonio Reeves hit two free throws and Toppin followed a jumper to twice get within a basket.

Dick, Wilson and McCullar then followed with 3s to snatch it away for good.

“It was a hard-fought game,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “They deserved to win the game. They hit three 3s, and you have to do that to win games like that.”

Wilson made 9 of 18 from the field and grabbed eight rebounds for Kansas, which finished even with Kentucky at 49% shooting. K.J. Adams Jr. added 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting, Dick had 13 despite making just 4-11, and McCullar 11 with 12 rebounds as the Jayhawks edged Kentucky 34-29 on the glass.

That included limiting Kentucky to just four offensive rebounds while shutting out the Wildcats 11-0 in second-chance points.

“We were physical, but not physical enough,” Toppin said. “Every game we won, we dominated on the boards and we didn't do that tonight.”

Kansas certainly needed this win with more league challenges ahead in the next week. After facing K-State, the Jayhawks play No. 12 Iowa State, No. 10 Texas and Oklahoma, which blew out No. 2 Alabama 93-69 in its Challenge matchup.

“Our league is such a monster,” Self added. “Our next three games are top-10, top-10, top-10, so it doesn't get any easier.”

Kansas: The Jayhawks were outshot by Kentucky much of the night but consistently made crucial baskets and big defensive plays to keep an edge. It was just what they needed after their slide amid a seven-game Big 12 gauntlet featuring five ranked teams.

Kentucky: Poor first-half free-throw shooting dug another hole that the Wildcats managed to overcome. They got close, but couldn't get even, and finishing 16 of 23 from the line ultimately hurt them even with making all 12 attempts after halftime.

Kansas hosts No. 5 Kansas State on Tuesday, seeking to avenge its 83-82 overtime loss on Jan. 17.

Kentucky visits Mississippi on Tuesday night in search of its fifth consecutive SEC win.

Wilson's 22 points help No. 9 Kansas survive Kentucky 77-68

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Keyontae Johnson gathered with a few of his old Florida teammates after leading No. 5 Kansas State to a 64-50 win over the Gators on Saturday night, the group smiling for some cameras for a picture he'll no doubt cherish.

Not only because of what Johnson had been through but how the Wildcats had performed.

Johnson had 13 points and 11 rebounds in a sentimental matchup with the Gators, while Markquis Nowell flirted with the first triple-double in Kanas State history, helping the Wildcats to a dominant 64-50 victory in the Big 12-SEC Challenge.

Johnson struggled mightily from the field, going just 5 of 16 and even getting stuffed by the front of the rim during a windmill dunk on a second-half fast break. But it was nevertheless a special night for the senior forward, who collapsed on the Gators’ sideline during a game against Florida State just over two years ago.

Johnson spent 10 days in the hospital and never played another meaningful minute for Florida, whose medical staff would not clear him. He wound up at Kansas State, where doctors gave his heart the green light, and he has emerged as the Big 12′s third-leading scorer and rebounder while helping the Wildcats to their highest ranking in more than a decade.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime memory. You’ll never get that moment back,” he said. “Just trying to embrace that moment.”

Wildcats coach Jerome Tang spoke to Johnson throughout the week about what was undoubtedly an emotional night.

“It was really cool. As a fan, I wanted to see him have a good game. I wanted him to get the win. I think the team wanted him to get the win,” Tang said. “We knew it was important to him, even though he didn't make a big deal of it.”

Nowell finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, and Nae'Qwan Tomlin also had 11 points. The Wildcats improved to 18-3 to match the 1972-73 team for the best start through 21 games in school history.

"I was aware the second half," Nowell said of the triple-double. “I tried to get it but the cards didn't allow it to happen.”

Colin Castleton scored 13 points for the Gators (12-9). Myreon Jones and Will Richard had 11 apiece.

“I thought we got some looks. I thought we should have shot the ball a little better than we did,” first-year Gators coach Todd Golden said. “It’s been a little bit of an Achilles heel for us on the road.”

Most of the Wildcats' offense against the Gators flowed through the 5-foot-8 Nowell, who had eight points, eight assists and six boards by the break. By that point, Kansas State had built a commanding 37-16 advantage.

The Gators, meanwhile, had no offense whatsoever.

They missed five of their first six shots and were 6 of 29 from the field at halftime. In fact, Florida shot it so poorly that Alex Fudge wedged a free throw between the rim and backboard, and that came one possession after the Gators' Kowacie Reeves clanked an open dunk off the back of the iron.

Florida managed to regroup, scoring the first 10 points of the second half, before Nowell answered with a jump shot and Johnson added a bucket and a couple of free throws to halt the Gators' momentum.

The Wildcats stretched the lead back over 20 with about 5 1/2 minutes to go before coasting to the finish.

"Listen, I like competing, man, and an opportunity to go up against a really good team like Kansas State on the road was a really good challenge for us," Golden said. “It was a good opportunity for us.”

Florida: Golden had been 5-0 against fellow first-year coaches. But his Gators had no answer for Tang's bunch, which became the third Big 12 team to beat them this season. They lost to West Virginia at the Phil Knight Legacy in November and to Oklahoma at the Jumpman Invitational in December.

Kansas State: David N’Guessan, who had played just four minutes since Dec. 21 because of a foot injury, was back on the court. He got the start and had nine points in 11 first-half minutes, though he did not score in the second half. “I don't think I'm close to where I was when I got hurt,” he said, “but a couple more practices and I'll be there.”

Florida's brutal stretch continues with No. 5 Tennessee on Wednesday night, then trips to Kentucky and No. 2 Alabama.

Kansas State heads down Interstate 70 for a rematch with ninth-ranked Kansas on Tuesday night.

Johnson, Nowell lead No. 5 K-State to 64-50 win over Florida

Sunday January 29 4:00PM B104 - Chiefs Football - Cincinnati @ Kansas City&nbsp; Tuesday January 31 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington @ Hesston 5:45PM KBGL- H.S. Basketball - Nickerson @ Larned 6:30PM&nbsp;1590KVGB/95.5 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas State @ Kansas Wednesday February 1 5:15PM B104 - College Basketball - Barton M&amp;W @ Independence Thursday February 2 6:00PM&nbsp;1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA - Memphis @ Cleveland&nbsp; Friday February 3 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Liberal @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Pratt @ Hoisington 5:45PM KBGL- H.S. Basketball - Halstead @ Larned&nbsp; Saturday February 4 10:30AM KBGL - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ Iowa State 1:45PM B104 - College Basketball - Coffeyville M&amp;W @ Barton 7:00PM 1590KVGB/95.5 - NBA - Dallas @ Golden State Monday February 6 7:30PM KBGL - Jayhawk Basketball - Texas @ Kansas Tuesday February 7 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Great Bend @ Buhler 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington @ Smoky Valley 5:45PM KBGL- H.S. Basketball - Larned @ Hillsboro&nbsp; Wednesday February 8 5:15PM B104 - College Basketball - Cloud County M&amp;W @ Barton Friday February 10 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Great Bend @ Garden City 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Lyons @ Hoisington 5:45PM KBGL- H.S. Basketball - Larned @ Hesston

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

Barton Men 97 Hutchinson 89; Barton Women 78 Hutchinson 74

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)
— Jalen Wilson scored 22 points, including one in a series of huge
3-pointers down the stretch, and No. 9 Kansas held off Kentucky 77-68
Saturday night in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. The Jayhawks seized the
lead for good midway through the first half before withstanding every
Wildcats challenge in this tense marquee matchup of college
basketball blue bloods. Gradey Dick and Wilson provided two of their
biggest shots with consecutive 3-pointers. Kansas avoided its first
four-game losing streak under coach Bill Self. Oscar Tshiebwe had 18
points and nine rebounds for Kentucky.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP)
— Keyontae Johnson had 13 points and 11 rebounds against his former
team, and No. 5 Kansas State beat Florida 64-50 in the Big 12-SEC
Challenge. Markquis Nowell finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and
eight assists for the Wildcats. They improved to 18-3 to equal the
1972-73 team for the best start through 21 games in school history.
Colin Castleton scored 13 points and Myreon Jones had 11 for the
Gators. They dropped to 0-3 against the Big 12 this season.

STARKVILLE, Miss
(AP) — Tolu Smith had 27 points, 13 rebounds and five assists to
lead Mississippi State to an 81-74 overtime victory over No. 11 TCU
on Saturday. Dashawn Davis added 16 points to help Mississippi State
(13-8) snap a five-game losing streak. Shakeel Moore had 11,
including six in overtime, while Cameron Matthews had 10 points and
10 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Tyler Stevenson also added 10 points
off the Bulldogs’ bench. Damion Baugh led TCU (16-5) with 19 points
and Emanuel Miller had 13. Shahada Wells and Jakobe Coles each had 12
for the Horned Frogs and Chuck O’Bannon had 10.

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