By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The June Jaunt outdoor festival in downtown Great Bend was going into
year 14 in 2025, but declining participation numbers recently called for a
rebranding of the event. The Big Bend Bash was created, a partnership with
Great Bend Economic Development and the City of Great Bend. 

The festival will
provide some of the staples of June Jaunt, including the kids zone at Jack
Kilby Square, according to CVB Director Amanda Gaddis.


"We'll have the bounce houses back," said Gaddis. "The big jumbo yard games will also be down there. We have a magician and balloon artist. There will also be a lady to provide spray-on tattoos for the kids."

Economic Development will oversee approximately 80% of the festival that will
take place on Saturday, June 7. 

Along with a parade, festival
goers will find music, food vendors and a car show. Eco Devo Director Sara
Arnberger said Bike Brew Q will bring their brew fest downtown for the event.


"Bike Brew Q is moving from the Expo Complex to downtown," said Arnberger. "We're excited to have a mash-up of several events. We think that will make for a really exciting weekend for the citizens of Great Bend and hopefully for those in surrounding areas as well."

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and live entertainment and other festivities
will wrap up at 6 p.m. 

June Jaunt covered three days the first weekend in June,
and Arnberger said Big Bend Bash will begin as one day and hopefully expand in
the future.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

June festival in Great Bend starting as one day, could grow 

Daily Registration Locations:&nbsp; - Ehler Chevrolet - INA Alert - Equity Bank - Kelly's Garden Sense - Reborn Renovations &amp; Disaster Services - Jimlo Glass - Center for Counseling - T&amp;L Fireworks - GB Tires - Fireworks for Less (Windshields for Less)&nbsp; - Boone's&nbsp; - Eldridge Fencing - Westside Market/ UPS Store - Nex-Tech Wireless - Cornerstone Automotive - Straub's Powersports - Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source - Nex-Tech - Hoisington Vet Hospital

LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY PER SPONSOR LOCATION

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

2. The “Reef Blue Summer” promotion is open to all Kansas residents at least 21 years of age except employees of Eagle Communication, Hull Broadcasting, I.N.A. Alert, Equity Bank, Kelly's Garden Sense, and Ehler Chevrolet and their spouse/companion. Employees of other participating businesses and their families may enter; however, they may not register at their place of employment.

3. Listen to Eagle Radio Stations KVGB FM - “B104.3 The Point”...KHOK FM “100.7 Eagle Country”...KVGB “1590 AM/95.5FM”...and Hull Broadcasting Station KBGL FM “Hits 106.9” for details. Find the latest contest information and appearance calendar at GreatBendPost.com

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

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

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

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

8. Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting reserve the right to disqualify any entry for violation of contest rules. The decision of Eagle Radio of Great Bend and Hull Broadcasting is final.

Reef Blue Summer

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

Make a Difference Contest 

On Saturday, April 26, at approximately 8:30 p.m., an officer with the Great Bend Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a bicyclist in the area of 3rd Street and Elm Street in Great Bend for a traffic violation. 

Upon initial contact, the subject, who was later identified as Kaden Stiles, age 22, provided the officer with a false name and other false information. Eventually, the officer was able to determine Stiles provided false information and learned his identity. 

Barton County Dispatch advised the officer that Stiles had a no bond warrant for his arrest out of Barton County. While the officer was placing Stiles under arrest for the warrant, Stiles attempted to discard a bag, later determined to contain methamphetamine. Stiles was also found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Stiles was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked in lieu of no bond for the warrant, and $10,000 bond for the narcotics violation.&nbsp;

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 charges for Great Bend man providing false name

USD 428 Board of Education luncheon Jefferson Elementary School, 2716 24th Street, Great Bend April 30&nbsp; -&nbsp; 12 p.m.

4. Building Report &nbsp; &nbsp;Principal Adam Niedens and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Jefferson Elementary School.

5. Approval of Grants and Contributions

Immediately following the meeting, the Board of Education may take an optional tour of the Washington school building.. There will be no board discussion or action during or after the tour.

USD 428 school board luncheon agenda (4/30)

Last week, the Barton County Commission approved a proclamation marking
April 24, 2025, as Drug Endangered Children Awareness Day in
Barton County. The proclamation was first introduced by Amy Ferguson, Rise Up
Central Kansas Coordinator. The designation sheds lights on the families
impacted by substance use disorder, the risks associated with early exposure
and the influence of intervention services.


"Thank you for standing with us as we continue to build a safer and more responsive community than ever," said Ferguson. "I know you heard us all laughing earlier. I was thinking just what a gift that is. Today, everyone in this room is happy, joyous and free. We don't ever have to go back."

Members of the local Oxford House organization help read the proclamation. The first
Oxford House in Great Bend opened in 2016 to provide transitional living for
people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. 

Ferguson said Oxford House
residents are often the first step in getting families back together and help
address those children that are drug endangered. 


Ferguson added children are significantly affected by instability, trauma and
neglect that too often come with caregiver substance misuse. The goal is to
unite community partners to better identify and support these children.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Co. group trying to identify & support drug endangered children

The Kansas Water Office has announced a scheduled water release from Cedar Bluff Reservoir in Trego County will begin May 5 to support water supplies for the cities of Hays and Russell.

This release will help recharge the groundwater resources and increase streamflow in the Smoky Hill River, benefiting municipal water wells for both communities.

The decision to release water follows written requests by the City of Hays on March 31 and the City of Russell on April 2.

Both cities have dedicated water storage rights within Cedar Bluff Reservoir which allows them to request water releases when groundwater and river conditions require it.

Currently, groundwater levels along the Smoky Hill River near Hays and Russell have dropped significantly due to dry conditions. Low groundwater levels can limit the ability of cities to draw sufficient water for residents and businesses.

The upcoming release is strategically planned at a critical time before summer heat and vegetation growth further reduce groundwater recharge effectiveness.

Releasing water during late spring maximizes its benefit.

Cooler temperatures and lower levels of plant activity in May enable more of the released water to seep into the groundwater, replenishing the aquifer efficiently.

If the release were delayed until the hotter months, more water would evaporate or be used by plants before reaching underground reservoirs.

This timing ensures that the cities' wells and water infrastructure will have adequate supplies heading into the traditionally dry summer months.

The combined release from the Artificial Recharge Pool, water specifically stored for groundwater replenishment, and the City of Russell's reserved water supply will start May 5 and is expected to continue at least through May 16.

Residents living along the Smoky Hill River from Cedar Bluff Reservoir downstream to areas near Schoenchen and Pfeifer should be aware of higher water flows during this period. Increased water flow may affect low-lying areas or property located within or near the river channel.

Officials have emphasized that this scheduled release will have minimal impact on Cedar Bluff Reservoir’s overall water levels.

The amount released is carefully calculated and will not significantly affect recreational opportunities or other water uses at the reservoir.

The volume being released represents water already designated and reserved for municipal use by Hays and Russell, rather than additional water being drawn from other reservoir allocations.

The Kansas Water Office, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources and the cities of Hays and Russell, will closely monitor groundwater levels, streamflow, and weather conditions throughout the release period.

This proactive approach is part of a broader water management strategy designed to ensure long-term water availability for both cities.

Regular management practices like these help maintain a sustainable water supply during periods of drought or prolonged dry spells, which frequently impact western Kansas communities.

Officials advise the public to remain informed and aware of river conditions during the release period.

Updates and additional information regarding the release schedule and conditions can be obtained from the Kansas Water Office.

For additional information or questions regarding water management and local impacts, residents may contact their city water departments directly or visit the Kansas Water Office website.

Cedar Bluff Reservoir water releases to support Russell & Hays water supply

The Fort Hays State University Alumni Office has announced nominees for its three honorary commencement awards. Recipients of each award will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday, May 6, at 9 a.m. in the Memorial Union’s Peter Werth Black and Gold Room located on the second floor, with refreshments to follow. The public is welcome to join in celebrating these outstanding Tigers. A video recording of the press conference will be posted on the FHSU Alumni Office Facebook page after the event for those who are unable to attend in person.

Thirty-one seniors were nominated for the 2025 Torch Award, which acknowledges classroom excellence, leadership, participation in professional organizations, and student, civic, or research activities.

Six graduate students from the 2024-2025 academic year received Lighthouse Award nominations, honoring exceptional students completing graduate programs.

The graduating class of 2025 nominated eighteen faculty members for the Pilot Award, recognizing classroom excellence, ongoing research, and service activities.

The Torch and Pilot Awards, created in 1974, and the Lighthouse Award, established in 2018, are presented annually. The nominees listed below completed all requested information by the deadline specified by FHSU’s Alumni Office.

Nominees are listed alphabetically by state and hometown.

Kelsi White, Communication Sciences and Disorders

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isaiah Russell, English (Writing)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor Bynum, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; David Solis-Enriquez, History

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Noah Erichsen*, Environmental Geosciences and History

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Margaret Savage, English (Writing) and Spanish

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Isabella Ostmeyer, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emilee Augustine, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

Joanna Carrillo-Maldonado*, Business Administration (Management), Political Science, and Spanish

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jessica Saunders, Accounting (Public) and Finance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kiley Whipple, Agriculture Education and Secondary Education

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaylah Hurley, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kinley Brown, Elementary Education

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Josie Gage, Technology and Engineering Education

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gracie Vontz, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Megan Jones, Accounting (Public) and Finance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kirsten Evans, Marketing

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alyssa Mikkelson, Communication Studies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Miriam Benavides-Ortega, English (Writing)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ella Burrows*, Political Science

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stephanie Miller, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Claire Olson, Communication Sciences and Disorders

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Parker Opat, Agriculture

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nevaeh Copenhaver*, Psychology

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Morgan Barba, Agriculture Education and Secondary Education

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lee Darte, Business Education (Corporate Communication)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kathryn Dilsaver, Accounting

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sierra Blackburn, Medical Diagnostic Imaging

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jenna Schmit*, Speech-Language Pathology

Callyn Anderson, Business Administration (Digital Marketing)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chelsea Kiefer, Public History

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Allyson Baloga*, Education Specialist (School Psychology)

Nominees are listed alphabetically by last name.

Dr. Kevin Amidon*, professor, Modern Languages and Philosophy; director, Honors College

Dr. Christa Beiker, professor, chair, Allied Health

Erica Bittel, instructor, Visual and Performing Arts - Art and Design

Grant Coffman, instructor, Communication Studies, Law and Political Science

Dr. Kelly Cole, associate professor, Nursing

Eric Deneault*, professor, Applied Technology

Dr. Reade Dowda, associate professor, Advanced Education Programs

Dr. Marco Macias, associate professor, History and Philosophy

Dr. Marcella Marez, assistant professor, Communication Studies, Law, and Political Science

Hollie Marquess*, lecturer, History and Philosophy

Dr. Iryna McDonald, assistant professor, Agriculture

Ellsworth student a finalist for FHSU commencement award

Retirement time has arrived for Barton County Sheriff’s Office
Lieutenant David Paden. A day before his official retirement, the Barton County
Commission took time to honor Paden’s 32-plus years with the county’s law
enforcement. 

Sheriff Brian Bellendir said Paden started with the Sheriff’s
Office in 1992.


"I think my first conversation with David Paden was go get a hair cut," joked Bellendir. "He then became patrol officer, K-9 officer, detective, detective sergeant and then I promoted him to lieutenant. On behalf of the Sheriff's Office and Barton County, we want to thank you for your years of service. Thank you for your dedication to the county."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/53895b0b-7df5-4aed-88d8-b9c09295388c">RELATED STORY: Lieutenant Paden retiring after 32 years with Barton Co. Sheriff's Office</a>

In late 2021, Paden was promoted to lieutenant. 

After receiving his plaque honoring
his years of service, Paden wanted to think Barton County and the Commission.


"I knew law enforcement was never going to make me rich money wise, but I'm rich family wise more than anyone could ever think," said Paden. "I want to thank you guys for the benefits. I'm able to retire. I'm able to have money for the rest of my life. Because of you guys, I can provide for my family."

Prior to his law enforcement career, Paden worked for an upholstery business,
learning how to do car interiors. He plans on getting back into the upholstery
field upon his retirement.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A retirement reception will be held Tuesday, April 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Barton County Sheriff's Office administrative building.

Hear below the entire discussion honoring Paden's service from the Barton County Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

🎧Barton Co. honors retiring Lieutenant Paden’s 32+ years

United Way of Central Kansas is hosting Laundry Love, April 30 from 3-5 p.m. at Santa Fe Laundry Co,&nbsp;1309 Broadway in Larned. Up to five loads of laundry per family is allowed, and the last load must go in by 4:45 p.m.&nbsp; Laundry Love is sponsored by Picket Fence. Want to sponsor Laundry Love?

$200 = one powerful month of Laundry Love. That’s clean clothes, fresh starts, and real dignity for over a dozen local families. You can help make it happen—detergent, quarters, and a whole lot of love included.

Contact UWCK to sponsor a month at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com">unitedwaycentralks@hotmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 620-792-2403.

Laundry Love this Wednesday in Larned

BOOKED: Devin T. Keith on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation, no bond. BCDC warrant for probation violation, no bond.

BOOKED: Devin T. Keith on Barton County District Court warrant for probation violation, no bond.

RELEASED: Ryan A. Aumiller on Great Bend Municipal Court case for serve sentence. Time served.

RELEASED: Theresa D. Lemuz on BCDC warrant for permitting a dangerous animal to be at large after posting a $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

RELEASED: Bradley A. Shumate on BCDC case for time served.

RELEASED: Mafaranga Nsengimana on Stafford County District Court case for driving under the influence, max speed, no insurance, driving while suspended and driving on laned roadway, released by order of the court.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (4/28)

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

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

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

Recent obituaries

Hear this week's Cougar Pause show with Eagle Media's Shannon Stafford-Towns and Barton Community College President Dr. Marcus Garstecki that aired April 28, 2025.

The Cougar Pause program airs every Monday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.

🎙Post Podcast: Barton CC President Dr. Garstecki

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs exercised their fifth-year options Tuesday on cornerback Trent McDuffie and pass rusher George Karlaftis, two of the young pillars of a defense that has helped them to reach three consecutive Super Bowls.

The deadline to pick up the option year is Thursday.

The 24-year-old McDuffie, who was the 21st overall pick in 2022, has started all 43 games that he has played over the past three seasons. McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team All-Pro this past season, when he picked off the first two passes of his career and had a career-best 13 pass deflections while also forcing a fumble.

Karlaftis, who is also 24, was the 30th overall pick in the same draft, and has developed into one of the NFL's top-tier defensive ends. He had six sacks as a rookie, 10 1/2 sacks the following year and eight last season.

The Chiefs' draft three years ago is certain to go down as one of the best in club history.

Second-round pick Bryan Cook started every game at safety last season. Third-round pick Leo Chenal has started 32 games at linebacker over his first three seasons. Fourth-round pick Josh Williams has appeared in 50 games, and seventh-round selections Jaylen Watson, Isiah Pacheco and Nazeeh Johnson have started games or been role players.

Chiefs exercise 5th-year options on Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis

- Barton softball coach Carson Dubose joins the show to discuss the end of the regular season that ended with a split with conference co-champ Hutchinson Sunday. Carson will also preview the Region 6 Tournament that begins Friday in Dodge City.

- The "Voice of the Cougars and Cardinals" Cole Reif settles in his Tuesday slot to talk all things sports and more.

Tuesday on Sports Day (Watch)

CHARLOTTE, NC – Ahead of the final week of regular season play for Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference baseball teams, league-leading teams once again used last week’s results to move up the latest NJCAA Division 1 Baseball top 25 poll as four conference schools are ranked with two inside the top 10 of the poll released on Monday, April 28th.

Matching their highest ranking of the season, Cowley College is back up two spots to number three in the Week 10 poll after taking a trio of games last week with road wins over Seminole State College and Butler Community College before closing out their week with a home win over Butler. The Tigers enter the final weekend of KJCCC East Division play with a one-game lead over Johnson County Community College who is ranked sixth this week as the Cavaliers made a two-spot move up the rankings after winning five games last week with a sweep of Baker University JV before taking three of four games in a conference series over Coffeyville Community College.

After dropping a road doubleheader at Dodge City to open their final four-game conference series of the season, Barton Community College bounced back with a home sweep to secure their 12th KJCCC West Division title in program history as the Cougars went 3-2 last week and fell three spots down to 20th in the latest rankings while Cloud County moved up one spot to 23rd. The T-Birds picked up three wins last week as part of a 3-1 week after having their second game of a four-game series with Colby suspended due to weather with the resumption set for Monday afternoon. CCCC heads into the final week of the regular season with a 37-13 overall record and is locked into the number two seed in the KJCCC West Division for the upcoming NJCAA Plains District Tournament.

Barton Cougars No. 20 in latest NJCAA Baseball poll

Jayhawk West Standings Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Conf&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All * Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;26-6&nbsp; &nbsp; 39-10 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 21-7&nbsp; &nbsp; 38-13 Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-13&nbsp; &nbsp; 24-23 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;15-13&nbsp; &nbsp;34-18 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 27-24 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12-14&nbsp; &nbsp;28-20 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp; 12-16&nbsp; &nbsp;25-26 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8-20&nbsp; &nbsp; 22-29 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5-23&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12-38 * Conference Champion Monday, April 28 Cloud County 13, Colby 7&nbsp;(Completion of suspended game from last week) Cowley 17, Hutchinson 3 McCook @ Colby ppd Tuesday, April 29 SE Nebraska @ Cloud County (1) Wednesday, April 30 Barton @ Coffeyville Thursday, May 1 Garden City @ Cloud County Colby @ Butler Seward County @ Dodge City Pratt @ Hutchinson Friday, May 2 Coffeyville @ Barton Saturday, May 3 Cloud County @ Garden City Butler @ Colby Dodge City @ Seward County Hutchinson @ Pratt End of Regular Season

Jayhawk West Baseball Standings, Scores, Schedule

Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; All *Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 27-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;35-9 *Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;27-5&nbsp; &nbsp; 38-6 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 25-7&nbsp; &nbsp; 32-14 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 26-26 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;17-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 25-20 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-21&nbsp; &nbsp;30-25 Seward County&nbsp; 10-21&nbsp; &nbsp; 18-29 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-24&nbsp; &nbsp; 12-36 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp;0-32&nbsp; &nbsp;0-44 * Conference Champions Monday, April 28 Pratt 11, Fort Hays Tech 3 Pratt 15, Fort Hays Tech 1 Garden City 11, Colby 5 Colby 11, Garden City 8 End of Regular Season

Final Jayhawk Softball D-I Standings

Western Athletic Conference Baseball Standings

Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;WAC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-6 Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13-4 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6-12 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6-9 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-6&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4-9 Tuesday, April 29 Liberal @ Great Bend (1) Garden City @ Dodge City Thursday, May 1 Liberal @ Hays Cimarron @ Liberal Dodge City @ Wichita South Friday, May 3 Dodge City @ Great Bend Garden City @ Hays (1)

WAC Baseball Standings, Scores, Schedule

Western Athletic Conference Softball Standings

Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;WAC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-4 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-2 Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9-7 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5-7 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-13 Monday, April 28 Great Bend 13, Hays 7 Tuesday, April 29 Garden City @ Great Bend (1) Dodge City @ Pratt Thursday, May 1 Great Bend @ Garden City TMP @ Hays Monday, May 5 Southwestern Heights @ Liberal

WAC Softball Standings, Scores, Schedule

HAYS - Great Bend raced out to an early 8-0 lead then held off a late Hays High comeback bid and beat the Indians softball team 13-7 Monday at the Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex, handing Hays their sixth-straight loss. The game was the conclusion of a doubleheader which started on Thursday but was postponed due to weather.

The Panthers (15-4) scored three in the first and five in the second and built an early 8-0 lead. The Indians (9-7) answered with two in the bottom the second on an Avery Solida home run and Brynlee Rupp groundout, but the Panthers struck for two more in the top of the third then added another run in the fourth to go up 11-2.

Down 13-2, the Indians rallied with five in the bottom of the seventh. 

The Panthers host Garden City Tuesday for one game at the Great Bend Sports Complex.

Great Bend Lady Panthers complete 3-game sweep of Hays

The Tampa Bay Rays
host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game series.

Kansas City Royals
(14-15, third in the AL Central) vs. Tampa Bay Rays (14-14, third in
the AL East)

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Royals: Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.90 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 24
strikeouts); Rays: Taj Bradley (2-1, 5.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 27
strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
LINE: Rays -156, Royals +131; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Tampa Bay Rays host the Kansas City Royals to start a three-game
series.

Tampa Bay has gone
9-10 at home and 14-14 overall. The Rays have the fifth-ranked team
ERA in the AL at 3.46.

Kansas City has a
3-10 record on the road and a 14-15 record overall. The Royals have
the fourth-ranked team ERA in the AL at 3.40.

The matchup Tuesday
is the first meeting this season between the two clubs.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Jonathan Aranda has eight doubles and four home runs for the Rays.
Jake Mangum is 12-for-30 with two doubles over the last 10 games.

Maikel Garcia has
seven doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI while hitting .274 for the
Royals. Bobby Witt Jr. is 13-for-40 with five doubles over the past
10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Rays: 6-4, .230 batting average, 3.48 ERA, even run
differential

Royals: 6-4,
.259 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored by two runs

INJURIES:
Rays: Shane McClanahan: 60-Day IL (tricep), Jake Mangum:
10-Day IL (groin), Jonny Deluca: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Richard
Palacios: 10-Day IL (knee), Alex Faedo: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Kevin
Kelly: 15-Day IL (glute), Josh Lowe: 10-Day IL (oblique), Ha-Seong
Kim: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Nathan Lavender: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Royals: Cole
Ragans: day-to-day (groin), Hunter Harvey: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Sam
Long: 15-Day IL (elbow), Dairon Blanco: 10-Day IL (achilles), Kyle
Wright: 15-Day IL (shoulder), James McArthur: 15-Day IL (elbow), Alec
Marsh: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

Rays begin 3-game series at home against the Royals

CINCINNATI (AP) —
Nick Martinez pitched six sparkling innings, and the Cincinnati Reds
beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 for their fifth straight win.
Martinez allowed one run and five hits in the opener of a seven-game
homestand. Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan each got three outs
before Emilio Pagán finished the five-hitter for his eighth save.
Jose Trevino homered for Cincinnati, and Noelvi Marte drove in the
go-ahead run with his first career triple. St. Louis right-hander
Andre Pallante allowed three runs and six hits in six innings.

NEW YORK (AP) — A
federal judge has dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought against the
NCAA by several former college basketball players. They claimed that
the NCAA has enriched itself off their name, image and likeness
during the promotion of March Madness. U.S. District Judge Paul
Engelmayer of New York pointed to a four-year statute of limitations
for federal antitrust violations. He noted that their case was not
demonstrably different from other settled cases involving the
athletes.

MIAMI (AP) —
Cleveland left no doubt on its way to Round 2 — and finished off
the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history. Donovan Mitchell
scored 22 points, De’Andre Hunter added 19 and the Cavaliers rolled
past the Miami Heat 138-83 on Monday night to sweep their Eastern
Conference first-round series in four games. Ty Jerome had 18 points,
Evan Mobley added 17 and Jarrett Allen had 14 points, 12 rebounds and
six steals for the Cavaliers — who led by as many as 60 points.
Cleveland won the four games by a combined 122 points. The previous
record: a 121-point combined win by Denver over New Orleans in 2009.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) —
Jimmy Butler converted three free throws with 58.7 seconds left,
grabbed the game-clinching rebound with 4 seconds to go and then made
two more free throws on the way to 27 points in his return from a
pelvic injury, sending the Golden State Warriors past the Houston
Rockets 109-106 in a heated Game 4 to take a 3-1 lead in the
first-round playoff series. Fred VanVleet missed a 3-pointer under
pressure at the buzzer. The teams return to Houston for Game 5 in the
best-of-seven series on Wednesday night as seventh-seeded Golden
State tries to close out the No. 2 seed Rockets on their home floor.

WASHINGTON (AP) —
President Donald Trump hosted the 2025 Super Bowl champion
Philadelphia Eagles at the White House, but several players,
including quarterback Jalen Hurts, skipped the event. Hurts and other
players cited scheduling conflicts as the reasons for their absences.
That's according to a White House official who was not authorized to
comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump in 2018
invited the Eagles to the White House after the franchise’s first
Super Bowl title but later canceled it after it became clear most
players weren't going to show up. He instead threw his own brief
“Celebration of America" event.

DALLAS (AP) —
Wyatt Johnston scored 9 seconds in for the quickest goal ever to
start a playoff game for the Dallas Stars. He then added another goal
and an assist as the Stars beat Colorado 6-2 in Game 5 of heir
first-round series Monday night. Mikko Rantanen, who was with the
Avalanche in the playoffs the past seven seasons, scored his first
postseason goal and had two assists for the Stars as they took a 3-2
series lead. Game 6 is Thursday night in Colorado. Artturi Lehkonen
and Nathan MacKinnon scored 2 1/2 minutes apart for the Avalanche in
the second period to get them within 3-2. Johnston then scored on a
power play.

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Firefighter/paramedic Graham Hoffman’s Funeral will be held on Friday, May 2, at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. A public visitation will take place from 11a.m.-1p.m. followed by the funeral service and procession. Firefighter Hoffman will be cremated so there will not be a graveside service.

Early Sunday, while transporting a patient to the hospital, the patient stabbed Hoffman in the chest.&nbsp;

Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital in critical condition.&nbsp;“KCFD crews worked tirelessly to save Firefighter Hoffman's life en route to North Kansas City Hospital. Lifesaving efforts continued in the emergency room before Graham was moved into surgery. Despite the heroic efforts of KCFD paramedics, the hospital medical team, Firefighter Hoffman, succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit," according to&nbsp;Fire Chief Ross Grundyson.

Hoffman was 29 years old and was a member of the Kansas City, Missouri FIre Department for three years.

"Graham was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community. He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion."

"The Kansas City Fire Department grieves with Graham’s family, friends, and loved ones. This is a senseless act that has taken a great young man from his family, friends, and coworkers, and deprived our city of a dedicated firefighter, and a leader on and off the job who only wanted to serve and protect those in his community."

Clay County prosecutors have charged the suspect in the attack.

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