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

- <a href="https://www.bauercomputers.com/">Bauer Computers</a>

- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mayomoneymanagement/">Mayo Money Management</a>

- <a href="https://www.g-btires.com/#:~:text=G-B%20Tires%20has%20been%20offering%20tire%20repair%20services%20and%20quality">GB Tires</a>

- <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>

- <a href="https://www.cornerstonegreatbend.com/">Cornerstone Automotive</a>

- <a href="https://yourstrulyks.com/">Yours Truly</a>

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

- <a href="https://www.nex-tech.com/fiber/great-bend/#:~:text=With%20Nex-Tech%20fiber%20Internet,%20you%E2%80%99ll%20have%20all%20the%20bandwidth%20you">Nex-Tech</a>

- <a href="https://www.nex-techwireless.com/locations/location/great-bend#:~:text=Great%20Bend%20-%20Nex-Tech.%20Hours.%20Monday%20-%20Friday:%208:00%20a.m.">Nex-tech Wireless</a>

- <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

1. Limit One Entry Per Person Per Day Per Sponsor Location.&nbsp; 2. Complete entry form in full. Please Print. Must Be Present To Enter.&nbsp; 3. The $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway promotion is open to all Kansas residents at least 21 years of age except employees of Eagle Communications, Hull Broadcasting, Bauer Computers, Moeder Plumbing, Heating &amp; Air Conditioning, MAYO Money Management and their spouse/companion. Employees of other participating businesses and their families may enter; however, they may not register at their place of employment.&nbsp; 4. Listen to Eagle Radio Stations KVGB FM - B104.3 The Point... 100.7 Eagle Country - KHOK FM... 1590 AM 95.5 FM - KVGB... and Hull Broadcast Station Hits 106.9 - KBGL for details 5. Finalists for this promotion will be qualified from in-store registrations... and during special $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway Instant Finalist Days. Only one finalist per household may qualify. No purchase necessary to win.&nbsp; 6. Prize is non-transferable for any cash value. Winner is responsible for taxes and fees.&nbsp; 7. Signing this entry form allows Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting to use your name, likeness, image, character or voice for promotional purposes.&nbsp; 8. No sponsor or their affiliates assume any liability in connection with this giveaway.&nbsp; 9. Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting reserve the right to disqualify any entry for violation of contest rules. The decision of Eagle Radio of Great Bend and Hull Broadcasting is final.&nbsp;

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway

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

Make a Difference Contest 

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Great Bend High School basketball teams opened the season at home Friday against Salina South. The fifth-ranked Panther boys powered their way to a running-clock 71-44 win over the Cougars. But the unexpected star of the night was a new coat of white paint and some new lettering in the GBHS gymnasium. USD 428 Assistant Superintendent John Popp highlighted some of the changes during Monday's board of education meeting.

"For the longest time, I didn't think you could paint that tile," he said. "I didn't think it was even possible. Through discussions with McCownGordon over the last couple of projects, we've heard talk about them doing it. (GBHS Activities Director) Matt Westerhaus found a company that was willing to do it."

Mark and Kristine Hermansen with Kem-Tad did the painting and Mark's Custom Signs did the lettering that says "Welcome to Great Bend" above the student section and "Home of the Panthers" on the opposite side. USA Gymnastics created the new mats hanging behind both backboards.

"It has given the whole gym a much-needed facelift," Popp said. "It looks very bright. With the floors being redone, those are lighter as well. It's just so much brighter."

The beige color beneath the bench seating in the upper deck of the gymnasium will be repainted in the future. Superintendent Khris Thexton said the Booster Club helped pay for some of the paint and the Class of 2024 donated money to purchase the new mats.

GBHS gymnasium updates showcased during basketball openers

On Sunday, Dec. 8, at approximately 10:15 p.m., an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 3900 block of 10th&nbsp;Street for a moving violation. 

During the traffic stop, K9 Niko was utilized for a free air sniff around the vehicle, during which Niko alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle. During the search, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found on one of the passengers of the vehicle. 

The passenger was identified as Douglas Meredith II, age 45.&nbsp; Meredith II was transported to the Barton County Detention Center where he was booked in lieu of bond. 

Anyone with information on this case or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Drug arrest on 10th Street in Great Bend after traffic stop

Based on the premise of a Christian-based book, Matt and Dena Hiss, from
Great Bend, created the Gifting Forward Foundation. The Foundation’s premise is
simple, people can donate to non-profit organizations of their choice without
restrictions. 

Dena said the Foundation was created four years ago and is in a
position to start giving back before the Christmas holiday.


"It's about allowing people to give how they want to give, to the causes that are most important to them," said Dena Hiss. "With that thought, the name Gifting Forward seemed natural to do something special during the holiday season."

The Gifting Forward Foundation launched the first “12 Days of Gifting” this
year. During the event, 12 different non-profit organizations will receive
$1,000 leading up to Christmas.


Matt noted there are simple ways for you to give to causes that mean the most
to you.


"There is also a general fund people can donate to," said Matt Hiss. "Some of those funds would go toward the 12 Days of Gifting. The board also created a scholarship fund. That scholarship will go to a local student that is going to a technical school, whether that's at Barton Community College or another school."

The 12 Days of Gifting started Monday, Dec. 9 by presenting a $1,000 check to the USD 428 Education Foundation.&nbsp;

About Gifting Forward The Gifting Forward Foundation initially started in 2020 during the height of the pandemic as a way for people to give without restriction to the causes that they most care about. The Gifting Forward Foundation in its short time since being established has grown to over half a million dollars in assets and over ten million dollars pledged and is excited to start truly 'gifting it forward'.&nbsp;

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with gifting $1,000 to various nonprofits that are making a difference in the community? The campaign will reward $1,000 a day to 12 different charities the 12 business days leading up to Christmas Eve. Starting Dec. 9, a new winner will be announced each day on the radio (Eagle Media) and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569281397687">Gifting Forward Foundation Facebook page</a>. Stay tuned in each day for announcements of winners.

Great Bend couple starts foundation with 12 days of gifting

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: https://bit.ly/4exIA7J. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.

BOARD OF BARTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Agenda Meeting Dec. 10 9 a.m. Until Close

I. OPENING BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Call Meeting to Order. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. Consider Approval of the Agenda. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. Consider the minutes of the November 26, 2024, Regular Meeting. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. Any citizen wishing to make statements during the discussion of any item must first be recognized by the Commission Chair. After being recognized, that person should state their name and the name of any organization represented. Statements should be limited to five minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. Please silence all phones and electronic devices. Recording the meeting is allowed and the Commission requests that anyone using special recording equipment be seated in the back row to avoid creating a distraction during the meeting.

II. OLD BUSINESS - Items tabled, or scheduled, from previous Commission Meetings, will be heard at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;-There is no Old Business at this time.

III. APPROVAL OF APPROPRIATIONS: &nbsp; &nbsp;-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will present details. An Accounts Payable Register will be submitted to the Commission for the period of November 19, 2024, and ending December 3, 2024.

IV. NEW BUSINESS - All new business to be considered by the Commission will be heard at this time.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES: Conference Overview: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Barb Esfeld will lead the discussion. The Commission will ask those department heads that attended the KAC Annual Conference to provide a conference overview.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. GREAT BEND HIGH SCHOOL JAG-K EXPERIENCE: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Esfeld will provide details. Danielle Ricklefs, Jobs for America's Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) instructor, has four students attending today’s Commission meeting. They include Kenton Grauerholz, Trista Riley, McKayla Smith and Trason Stevens. At this time, the students will act as the Commission and have one item presented for consideration. Note, this item is intended for educational purposes only and any vote of the student Commission is non-binding.

&nbsp; &nbsp;EMPLOYEE POLICY: Use of Personal Cell Phone During Work Hours: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Esfeld will lead this discussion. As the digital world becomes more complicated, the County will consider the adoption of a policy concerning personal cell phone use during work hours. It is suggested that the policy be inclusive of all employees, take into account departmental needs and allow for personal safety. Sheriff Brian Bellendir; Glennda French, Register of Deeds; Jim Jordan, Treasurer; and Wendy Prosser, County Appraiser, will join in the discussion.

&nbsp; &nbsp;C. COUNTY CLERK: Approval of Township Treasurer Bonds: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk, will provide a recommendation for such township official bonds. Pursuant to K.S.A. 80-203, before entering office, the township treasurer shall execute a bond in an amount determined by the County Commissioners. The amount and sufficiency of the bond shall be conditioned upon the faithful discharge of the treasurer’s duties. The bond shall&nbsp;then be filed in the office of the County Clerk.

&nbsp; &nbsp;D. 20th JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUVENILE SERVICES: Extension of the Subaward Agreement with Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Marissa Woodmansee, Juvenile Services Director, will provide details. In 2021, Barton County sought grant data analysis, evaluation and reporting services for the Drug-Free Communities Support Program Grant award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Learning Tree Institute at Greenbush was contracted at that time to perform needed services. It is suggested that the subaward agreement be extended to September, 2025. Monies are available in the grant for the $12,500.00 fee, which is set as a not to exceed limit for services provided.

&nbsp; &nbsp;E. RESOLUTION 2024-20: Establishing a Speed Limit of 30 miles per hour on all public roads inside of the Barton Hills Subdivision, South Homestead Township, Barton County, Kansas: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Barry McManaman, County Engineer, will provide details. Sheriff Brian Bellendir has requested the establishment of a 30 mile per hour speed limit on all public roads inside of the Barton Hills Subdivision. After reviewing the location and confirming that South Homestead officials support the proposed speed zones, it is recommended that a Resolution be adopted establishing the 30 mile per hour speed limit as requested.

&nbsp; &nbsp;F. RESOLUTION 2024-21: A Resolution Authorizing the Adoption of the Bylaws and Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. On November 26, 2024, the Commission awarded the County’s liability and property coverage bid to KCAMP. As a result of that award, the Commission has been asked to adopt a Resolution authorizing the adoption of the Bylaws and Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool. Essentially, the County, through the interlocal agreement, agrees to participate in and form a municipal selfinsurance pool for the insurance coverage for certain liabilities with KCAMP.

&nbsp; &nbsp;G. DISTRICT CORONER: Appointment of Special Deputy Coroners: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. Dr. Patrick Stiles is the District Coroner in the 20th Judicial District. Dr. Stiles has made recommendation as to the appointment of Special Deputy Coroners as prescribed by Kansas Statutes and by Resolution 2006-11, District Coroner. Special Deputies serve one-year calendar terms.

&nbsp; &nbsp;H. ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION: Brentwood Builders LLC: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Mr. Patzner will provide details. In 2023, the Commission, as a part of the HVAC project, opted to modernize the Courthouse elevator. Work included moving the mechanics to inside the Courthouse as well as updating electrical components, power unit, wiring, hydraulic oil, piston and cylinder. Brentwood Builders then provided additional services relative to the modernization, to include remodeling of the inside of the cab. It is suggested that Capital Improvement funds be used for the upgrade.

&nbsp; &nbsp;I. EXECUTIVE SESSION: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Chairman Esfeld will present. Any Commissioner may make a motion for the board to recess to executive session at this time as allowed by K.S.A. 75-4319. Any motion must contain the justification for the executive session, the subject matter to be discussed, any individuals in addition to the board who will attend the executive session and the time at which the regular session shall resume.

V. ENDING BUSINESS – After new items are heard by the Commission, the following items, including announcements, will be heard.

&nbsp; &nbsp;A. ANNOUNCEMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Following the close of the Agenda Meeting, the Commission will consider the authorization of personnel changes for classified positions, sign any documentation approved during the agenda meeting or sign any other documentation required for regular County business. Similar action may take place throughout the day.

&nbsp; &nbsp;B. APPOINTMENTS: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -Although subject to change, the following appointments have been scheduled:

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:15 a.m. or following the close of the Agenda Meeting – Program Update – Sara Arnberger, Executive Director, Great&nbsp;Bend Economic Development.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10:45 a.m. – Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan Proposal bids and the 826K Compactor Axel Clean Out Bids review – Jennifer Hamby. Solid Waste Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:00 a.m. – OS 156 RCB Extensions Project bids and the 2025 Biennial Bridge Inspections Proposal from Kirkham Michael – Barry McManaman, County Engineer.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:15 a.m. – City Management Update – Mayor Mike Urban and Bob Suelter, City Attorney.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11:45 a.m. – Microsoft 365 Licensing for 2025 – Dereck Hollingshead, IT Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1:00 p.m. – Bobcat Track Loader Buy Back – Chris Schartz, County Works Director.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1:30 p.m. – Personnel – Levi Morris, County Attorney.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1:45 p.m. – Regular Business Discussion – Matt Patzner, County Administrator.

THE COUNTY EDITION, KVGB-AM – Thursdays at 11:05 a.m. Brooke Haulmark, CKCC Director, is scheduled for December 12, 2024.

VI. OTHER BUSINESS: &nbsp; &nbsp;A. Discussion Items. &nbsp; &nbsp;B. Citizens or organizations may present requests or proposals for initial consideration at this time. &nbsp; &nbsp;C. The Commissioners are available to the Public on Tuesdays during regular business hours. &nbsp; &nbsp;D. One or more Commissioners may be present in the Commission Chambers conducting county business throughout the day on Tuesdays. &nbsp; &nbsp;E. The Commissioners may, individually, schedule personal appointments related to County business at their discretion. &nbsp; &nbsp;F. The next Regular Meeting will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Barton County Commission meeting agenda (12/10)

Great Bend Public Library events: December 2024

All library events are free to the public and do not require a library card to attend. There are even more events available for you to see at the library's website: <a href="https://greatbendpl.info/">https://greatbendpl.info</a>

Community Afghan Project All Ages Starting Dec. 1 Help us come together as a community to make a blanket one granny square at a time. Donate completed granny squares to the project or come to the library and make some here. Once completed, we will auction it off with all proceeds benefitting a local charity.

Winter Reading Challenge (All Ages) Dec. 16 - Jan. 11 All Ages Keep the cold weather blues away with our Winter Reading Bingo! Pick up your sheet starting December 16, then complete the cozy objectives to get a bingo and turn in your sheet by January 11 to enter into a prize drawing. There will be prizes for children, teens, and adults.

Taylor Swift Birthday Party Friday, Dec. 13&nbsp; &nbsp;4 - 6 p.m. (Tweens &amp; Teens Grades 3-12) ***Registration required*** Calling all Swifties! Shake it off and celebrate Taylor’s birthday with trivia, friendship bracelets, karaoke, and more! ***Spots are limited, so please register online at greatbendpl.info. Registration will be open through Dec. 11.

Holiday Story Time Monday, Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. All ages Join us for this special holiday story time with Santa and our favorite green friend. Listen to a wintry tale, sing songs, get crafty, enjoy a sweet snack, and visit with Santa just in time for Christmas.

Busy December planned at Great Bend Public Library

Story by: Michael Dawes, PR Director, Rosewood Services

A “No-No” in baseball terms means that a pitcher accomplished an amazing feat by recording a no-hitter. In the sport of cookie baking, however, a “No-No” resulted in a home run for Great Bend Coffee business owner LaResa Likes. She was crowned this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest Champion for serving her “No-No,” a caramel with chocolate chip cookie bar.&nbsp;

The 16th Annual Great Bend Cookie Contest was held in downtown Great Bend on Nov. 30 during Small Business Saturday. After many years of finishing in the top three, Great Bend Coffee, located at 2015 Lakin Ave., took the top prize this year by receiving 50 votes. Kustom Floor Designs finished runner-up with its Carmel Apple Cookie. A third-place tie went to Buckle (sugar cookie) and Rosewood Gallery (monster cookie), each finishing with 15 votes.

“We’ve been so close for so many years that it felt amazing to finally win this year,” said Likes. “Our No-No Cookie is actually called something else, but I can’t call it that, so I just renamed it. No matter what we call it, I knew this year’s cookie was a winning recipe.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

As is her usual process of selecting the year’s contest cookie, Likes began her quest two months earlier by baking contending recipes and having her friends, family and employees taste and evaluate them.

“I’ll admit that my husband (Eugene) has a strong influence on my choice of cookie to present,” explained Likes. “If he really likes the cookie, then I know I have something good.”

Choosing the No-No cookie from three finalists this year, Likes set to work two weeks ahead of the competition, baking small batches of the caramel and chocolate chip cookie bars and then freezing them. She had to plan precisely to account for the time she needed to run her busy restaurant and serve 73 family members during the Thanksgiving holiday.

In what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition, nearly 230 cookie judges donated at least $10 for a cookie bracelet, which allowed them to visit nine Great Bend businesses and taste cookies before voting on their favorite one. This year, record proceeds went to the Community Food Bank of Barton County to help feed those in need during the holiday season and beyond. This year’s contest resulted in $2,285 being donated to the Food Bank. That’s $800 more than last year’s previous record.

Businesses participating in this year’s Great Bend Cookie Contest with Great Bend Coffee were Rosewood Furniture Gallery (Cookie Headquarters); Kustom Floor Designs; Buckle; Rosewood Bargain Barn; Forever Young (Kids Resale); Heart of Kansas/Ms. Pretty Pickles; The Wright Place; and Rosewood Wine Cellar.

According to Great Bend Cookie Contest organizers, bragging rights for “best cookie” are a fun part of the event, but the true impact is reflected on the proceeds raised to help those in need, within the community.

“We’re so happy for Great Bend Coffee to win this year; they put so much work into every year in baking delicious cookies for the judges,” said Anna Hammond, business development director for Rosewood Services. “We appreciate all the businesses who continue to participate in this holiday tradition for Great Bend shoppers. Because of them and our participating judges, representatives at the Food Bank were overjoyed to receive the much-needed funds, when we donated the proceeds. They were so thankful for the donation, and so are we. Thank you to Great Bend businesses and cookie judge shoppers for another successful and fun event.”

As part of activities wrapped into Small Business Saturday and the Home for the Holidays Festival, cookie contest businesses also donated prizes, which were awarded to cookie contest participants that evening during a drawing, following the Home For The Holidays Parade.

For Likes, the work to bake 250 cookies for the contest, even in years when she has not won, has been worth the effort that goes into planning, preparing and presenting her cookies to Small Business Saturday shoppers.

“We have a lot of people that day who come in for coffee and hot chocolate, especially when it’s cold,” explained Likes. “A lot of them come in and sort out their cookies so they can sit down with a hot beverage and do their tastings.

By far, it’s more traffic that day than a normal Saturday, so we are always happy to participate in the contest. A lot of people stop and eat lunch too, following their cookie outing, so it always turns into a very busy day for us.”

'No-No' earns Great Bend Coffee 'Cookie Champion' award

Hear this month's Kansas Wetlands Education Center show with Eagle Media's Steve Webster and KWEC Director Curtis Wolf that aired Dec. 2, 2024.

The KWEC Show airs the first Monday of every month at 8:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: KS Wetlands Ed Center Director Curtis Wolf

Great Bend Recreation Commission Board meeting Dec. 9, 4 p.m. Carl Soden Recreation Center

1. Call to Order &nbsp; &nbsp;1.1 Adoption of Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;1.2 Introduction of Guests

2. Consent Agenda &nbsp; &nbsp;2.1 Minutes: November 11th, 2024 &nbsp; &nbsp;2.2 Bills Payable &nbsp; &nbsp;2.3 Financial Reports

3. Communications &nbsp; &nbsp;3.1 Liaison Report USD#428/City of Great Bend &nbsp; &nbsp;3.2 Board Members’ Comments

4. Old Business Reports &nbsp; &nbsp;4.1 Enrichment Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.2 Fitness-Heath-Wellness Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.3 Sports Report &nbsp; &nbsp;4.4 November Attendance Report

5. New Business &nbsp; &nbsp;5.1 Diann Henderson KRPA Hall of Fame &nbsp; &nbsp;5.2 Spring Timeline &nbsp; &nbsp;5.3 2025 KRPA State Conference Meeting Dates &nbsp; &nbsp;5.4 Board and Staff Goals

6. Other Business: &nbsp; &nbsp;6.1 GBRC Foundation Annual Meeting in January

Great Bend Rec Board meeting agenda (12/9)

You have an opportunity today to become the next instant finalist in the $20K Christmas Cash Giveaway! It's presented by Bauer Computers, Mayo Money Management and Moeder Plumbing Heating &amp; Air, Your Bryant Dealer - Whatever it takes.

Sign up today at Eldridge Fencing. You can register from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/48c5c560-0a08-486a-b6b9-c86c56f04063">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway - Sign up Today at Eldridge Fencing

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

📨 Sign up for the Great Bend Post news update

- 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>

Mader's 5th place leads Barton Wrestling at Bob Smith Open

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ROB%20MAADDI%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer</a>

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ROB%20MAADDI%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest"></a>A thunderous doink helped the Kansas City Chiefs gain some breathing room in the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC after the Buffalo Bills fell short despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bills-allen-rams-b5bc06f9441ecd1b38e714b320f565c5">Josh Allen’s spectacular performance</a>.

The fight for the top spot in the NFC stayed close as the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles kept pace with the Detroit Lions.

Four weeks remain in the NFL regular season to determine the playoff picture.

There’s a clear leader in the fight for the AFC’s bye. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (12-1) are in excellent position to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs after Matthew Wright drilled a 31-yard field goal off the left upright and through the goal posts as time expired for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chargers-chiefs-score-329fa4446f99a14bba8c5b4bbdd4e3fd">19-17 win</a>&nbsp;over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night.

Patrick Mahomes again made all the big plays when the Chiefs needed them most and they rallied for their 15th straight one-score victory.

Kansas City has a two-game lead over the Bills (10-3) and Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3). Buffalo holds the tiebreaker over the Chiefs after handing Kansas City its only loss in Week 11. The Chiefs and Steelers face off in Pittsburgh on Christmas.

Russell Wilson improved to 6-1 this season, tossing two touchdown passes to help the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/browns-steelers-score-b15503c16fa74ded1a7ac39898690d20">Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 27-14</a>.

Allen became the second player in NFL history to throw three touchdown passes and run for three scores in the same game — Otto Graham did it for the Cleveland Browns in the 1954 NFL championship game — but Buffalo’s defense couldn’t stop Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and the Los Angeles Rams in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rams-bills-score-allen-stafford-b71d13e2b51e270ee210a72abcbc06ef">44-42 loss</a>&nbsp;on Sunday.

The Bills had won seven in a row. They visit the Lions next week while the Steelers go to Philadelphia.

The Eagles barely held on for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/panthers-eagles-score-9cbb439c6e2901a4a43867e9af005f91">22-16 victory</a>&nbsp;over the feisty Carolina Panthers. The ugly win left some of Philadelphia’s players in a sour mood.

Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith weren’t thrilled with the offense’s performance. The Eagles (11-2) again relied on Saquon Barkley, who had 124 yards rushing on 20 carries.

That meant Jalen Hurts didn’t have to do much. He threw for just 108 yards with two TDs passing and one more rushing.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/philadelphia-eagles-saquon-barkley-c63476fcea2b94c91157dea42a9e9704">Barkley broke LeSean McCoy’s single-season franchise record</a>&nbsp;for yards rushing. He’s up to 1,623 yards, moving closer to Eric Dickerson’s NFL record of 2,105 set in 1984.

Brown, who slammed his helmet out of frustration on the sideline after a three-and-out in the third quarter, responded bluntly when asked where the offense needs improvement.

“Passing,” Brown said, without elaborating.

Brown was targeted just four times, catching all four passes for 43 yards. Hurts didn’t throw him the ball a couple of times when he was open, including on a TD pass to Smith.

Brown said it’s “incredibly tough” for receivers to get into a rhythm because the offense is so run-heavy.

The Eagles have won nine straight games and trail the Lions (12-1) by one game for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Detroit currently has the tiebreaker edge.

The Vikings stayed hot on the Lions’ heels thanks to a career day from Sam Darnold in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/falcons-vikings-score-cousins-155dde9358e9c5c35e41f1363cd07cfb">42-21 rout</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/falcons-vikings-kirk-cousins-88c638742f1955ee155d15b747cb9c1e">Kirk Cousins</a>&nbsp;and the Atlanta Falcons.

Darnold had a career-best 347 yards passing and five touchdowns, leading Minnesota (11-2) to its sixth straight win. The Vikings finish the season in Detroit in a matchup that could determine the NFC North and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

But there’s a long way to go until Jan. 5.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC South with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/raiders-buccaneers-score-7ad7ac0a9778a4e117c1311b91fdb45e">28-13 win</a>&nbsp;over Las Vegas coupled with Atlanta’s fourth straight loss. The Buccaneers are 7-6 following their third straight win over a last-place team. The Falcons (6-7) swept the Buccaneers, so they own the tiebreaker.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seahawks-cardinals-score-f90237a04dcf0d9ae7f7352b9a8dfe12">Seattle Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-18</a>&nbsp;on the road to maintain their hold on first place in the NFC West. It’s a tight race involving the Seahawks (8-5), Rams (7-6), Cardinals (6-7) and San Francisco 49ers (6-7). The division could come down to the Seahawks-Rams game in Los Angeles in Week 18.

Another final-second victory puts the Chiefs in prime spot to secure AFC's No. 1 seed

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams had to pile up a veritable mountain of points, yards and time-of-possession advantage early on to give themselves even a chance against the Buffalo Bills’ ferocious fourth-quarter rally and a historic six-touchdown performance by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/josh-allen">Josh Allen</a>. The Rams (7-6) just barely had enough to hang on for a victory that might change their season. Stafford passed for 320 yards and hit Puka Nacua for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:54 to play, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/los-angeles-rams">Rams</a>&nbsp;overcame Allen’s three TD passes and three TD runs to snap the Bills’ seven-game winning streak with a 44-42 victory Sunday. Allen passed for 342 yards and rushed for 82 yards for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/buffalo-bills">the Bills</a>&nbsp;(10-3), who hadn’t lost since Oct. 6 in Houston. He became the first player in NFL history with three passing TDs and three rushing TDs in a game during his league-record fifth career outing with at least two of each — but it wasn’t enough to overcome Buffalo’s 17-point deficit entering the fourth.

DALLAS (AP) — Star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets agreed Sunday to a record $765 million, 15-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press, a deal that could escalate to $805 million and is believed to be the largest pact in team sports history. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. While there are no definitive records in sports beyond the United States, Soto’s deal is thought to eclipse those in all other team sports. The deal, spurning the New York Yankees’ attempt to retain the star who helped them reach the World Series, was reached on the eve of the first full day of baseball’s annual winter meetings.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia. As for the exact moment Barkley hit the milestone, he wasn’t sure — until the “MVP!” chants echoed throughout the Linc after&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1865858273397645704" target="_blank">a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter</a>. “The records are great, they put a smile on your face,” Barkley said, “but the season is far from over.” Needing 109 yards to break LeSean McCoy’s record, Barkley rushed for 124 yards and pushed his season total to 1,623 in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/panthers-eagles-score-9cbb439c6e2901a4a43867e9af005f91">a 22-16 victory over Carolina</a>. Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. He also overtook Wilbert Montgomery, who had 1,512 yards in 1978. “I never wrote the goal down to break it,” Barkley said. “You’re always aware of it. That’s how I train. That’s how I operate in the offseason. I want to be great.” Barkley also maintained his pace to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Ashlyn Watkins had her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/watkins-dunk-south-carolina-women-2a98dca4d6332e1787156529b1a858c5">third career dunk</a>, MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 20 points and third-ranked South Carolina overwhelmed No. 9 TCU 85-52 on Sunday night. Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson each added 11 points, and Chloe Kitts had 12 rebounds for the Gamecocks (9-1). Hailey Van Lith had 21 points and six assists for the Horned Frogs (9-1), who finished their first week ever as a top 10 team with a lopsided loss against the reigning national champion. They had their second 9-0 start since coach Mark Campbell’s arrival after going 8-23 the year before that.&nbsp;Watkins now has a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/1865920507083727136" target="_blank">dunk in each of her three seasons</a>&nbsp;with South Carolina.

SUNDAY SCORES National Football League Pittsburgh 27, Cleveland 14

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

Monday, December 10 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 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

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a north wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Tonight Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 27. North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 43. Breezy, with a northwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 24. West-northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 21.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 52.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monday's weather

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matthew Wright kicked a 31-yard field goal&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865975221012099433">that banked off the left upright</a>&nbsp;as time expired, and the Kansas City Chiefs survived another close game, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 on Sunday night to win their ninth straight AFC West title.

Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (12-1) on a clock-killing 4 1/2-minute drive to set up Wright’s fourth field goal. It looked routine until the ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which has won 10 games by a one-score margin.

Kansas City's nine straight division titles are two short of the New England Patriots' NFL record of 11.

The Chiefs led 13-0 at halftime after the Chargers (8-5) punted on their first five possessions, but Justin Herbert and LA woke up in the second half, scoring on each of their three drives. Cameron Dicker's 37-yard field goal put the Chargers ahead 17-16 with 4:35 left.

Mahomes then went to work, hitting Xavier Worthy for 14 yards on third-and-10 and scrambling for another first down. After the two-minute warning, Mahomes scrambled, dodged a would-be tackle and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1865974106522611871">lobbed a throw to a kneeling Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;that allowed the Chiefs to run the clock down to zero.

Mahomes was 24 of 37 for 210 yards and threw a 9-yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins late in the first half for Kansas City's only touchdown.

Herbert went 21 of 30 for 213 yards and a TD.

Mahomes was sacked three times and has taken 13 sacks over the past three games, the most of any three-game stretch in his career.

The Chargers opened the second half with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that concluded with Gus Edwards' 3-yard touchdown run. Following a Chiefs punt, the Chargers then went 74 yards on four plays, aided by 39-yard pass interference penalty on Justin Reid, to take a 14-13 lead. Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown, the Chargers' first TD pass in 13 quarters.

The Chiefs responded with Wright’s third field goal, this one from 50 yards after an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty against Trey Smith pushed Kansas City back.

The Chiefs settled for Wright's 47-yard field goal on their opening drive, during which Mahomes passed Dan Marino for the most passing yards in the first eight years of a career.

Late in the second quarter, Herbert was hit by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton, forcing him to miss a play and leading to the Chargers' fifth punt. The Chiefs responded with a 9-play, 77-yard drive that ended with Hopkins' TD catch.

Kansas City's halftime lead was its largest of the season and it shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time.

Kelce finished with 45 yards receiving and has 12,010 in his career, trailing only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten among tight ends.

Herbert missed only one play after the hit by Bolton after trainers looked at his left leg. Taylor Heinicke replaced him. ... TE Will Dissly left the game with a right shoulder injury in the third quarter. ... WR Jalen Reagor was hurt in the third quarter.

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