News from the Oil Patch, Jan. 27 By John P. Tretbar

Almost exactly two years ago, authorities were tracking a suspected shadow-fleet tanker called "Saint Nicholas." It was well after Christmas, after all, and it was being tracked into the Persian Gulf. This week, authorities announce another dampener of the Yuletide spirit of those who would violate sanctions. The French have seized an oil tanker sailing out of northwestern Russia. Maritime authorities off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea say they tracked, intercepted and seized a crude-oil tanker named "The Grinch." The vessel is suspected of sailing under a false flag.

Kansas crude reaches its second highest price this year. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $51.25 per barrel after jumping a $1.75 on Friday. That's a weekly gain of a $1.50 per barrel. The best price so far this year is $51.50, posted January 13.Near-month, NYMEX crude rose nearly two dollars Friday to settle over $61 for the first time in more than a week and the third-best price this year. Prices dropped below $61 by lunchtime on Monday. London Brent is fetching just under $66 per barrel.

The biggest producer in North Dakota says he's about to shut down drilling operations there. Harold Hamm of Continental Resources tells Bloomberg this will be the first time in thirty years he hasn't had drilling operations in North Dakota. Hamm is a pioneer in the Bakken formation, an oil-rich shale patch in western North Dakota, where he used horizontal drilling and fracking to access tens of millions of barrels. North Dakota is the third-largest oil-producer among US states. "There is no need to drill it when margins are basically gone," Hamm said.&nbsp; So the mastermind behind the crude-production revolution in North Dakota is shutting down production there.

The latest numbers from the #3 crude-producing state showed an increase in production with fewer active wells. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports November crude production rose to the state's 23rd highest monthly average ever, at 1,189,104 barrels per day. The number of active wells drops by nearly 200 wells from the all-time record set the month before.

Winter storm sweeping the country has taken about ten percent of US natural gas production offline. Bloomberg reports the outages on Monday began impacting industrial operations along the Texas Gulf Coast, including refiners, chemical plants and manufacturers. Frigid weather has frozen pipelines, choking off supply. Production has plunged by about ten BILLION cubic feet. Demand has surged about 18 BILLION cubic feet.

The administration continues its efforts to take over Venezuela's oil patch, &nbsp;and to rein in the so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers violating sanctions worldwide. The U.S. Southern Command said in a social media post they apprehended a seventh oil tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine. This vessel was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under an executive order related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The US sold confiscated Venezuelan crude for $500 Million, and gave $300 million back to Venezuela. Reuters reported last week that Venezuelan crude was being offered to traders at a discount compared to similar oil from other countries.&nbsp; The interim president of Venezuela says she has received the proceeds from the first sale, worth a reported $500 million.&nbsp; Delcy Rodriguez said she will use the $300 million she received to stabilize the the Venezuelan currency on the foreign exchange market, to, in her words, protect the income and purchasing power of Venezuelan workers.

Operators in Kansas completed 14 wells this week. That's 56 so far this year, compared to 122 a year ago. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports only 25 wells have been drilled to full depth this year, compared to 46 a year ago, down more than 45 percent. &nbsp;Regulators okayed two drilling permits in Kansas this week, one in Pratt County, and another in Rooks County. That's 18 new drilling locations so far this year, down from 46 a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one rig to eight in eastern Kansas, but down one to six active rigs west of Wichita. Drilling activity is down more than six percent from a month ago, and is more than 17 percent lower than a year ago.

Baker Hughes reports 544 active drilling rigs this week, up one rig from a week ago and down 32 from a year ago. Louisiana was down two rigs, while Texas gained one. Colorado was up two while Utah was down one.

EIA reports an additional 800,000 barrels added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, which are now over 414 million barrels, an increase of five percent in the last year. Commercial inventories rose by 3.6 million barrels to 426 million. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year seasonal average.

Crude production dropped slightly this week. Output surpassed 3. 7 million barrels per day for the second week in a row, after topping 13.8 million in each of the nine weeks before that.US Operators imported nearly 6.5 million barrels of crude per day this week. That's down more than 600,000 barrels a day from last week, and 300,000 from last year, but are up 1.1 million barrels per day from two years ago. The four-week average is down five percent last year at this time.

Crude exports declined by more than 600,000 barrels a day to drop below four million for the first time this year. The four-week average is up a hundred thousand barrels from a year ago.

Russia's oil-and-gas revenues are expected to drop by nearly half this month compared to a year ago. Revenue from the patch accounts for about one-fourth of Russia's federal budget, and is a big part of the Kremlin's military budget in Ukraine. Reuters reports revenue will like fall to about $5.4 BILLION in January, the lowest since August of 2020, when the COVID pandemic crimped demand around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574803826328.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, Jan. 27 By John P. TretbarAlmost exactly two years ago, authorities were tracking a suspected shadow-fleet tanker called "Saint Nicholas." It was well after Christmas, after all, and it was being tracked into the Persian Gulf. This week, authorities announce another dampener of the Yuletide spirit of those who would violate sanctions. The French have seized an oil tanker sailing out of northwestern Russia. Maritime authorities off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea say they tracked, intercepted and seized a crude-oil tanker named "The Grinch." The vessel is suspected of sailing under a false flag.Kansas crude reaches its second highest price this year. Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $51.25 per barrel after jumping a $1.75 on Friday. That's a weekly gain of a $1.50 per barrel. The best price so far this year is $51.50, posted January 13.Near-month, NYMEX crude rose nearly two dollars Friday to settle over $61 for the first time in more than a week and the third-best price this year. Prices dropped below $61 by lunchtime on Monday. London Brent is fetching just under $66 per barrel.The biggest producer in North Dakota says he's about to shut down drilling operations there. Harold Hamm of Continental Resources tells Bloomberg this will be the first time in thirty years he hasn't had drilling operations in North Dakota. Hamm is a pioneer in the Bakken formation, an oil-rich shale patch in western North Dakota, where he used horizontal drilling and fracking to access tens of millions of barrels. North Dakota is the third-largest oil-producer among US states. "There is no need to drill it when margins are basically gone," Hamm said.&nbsp; So the mastermind behind the crude-production revolution in North Dakota is shutting down production there.The latest numbers from the #3 crude-producing state showed an increase in production with fewer active wells. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources reports November crude production rose to the state's 23rd highest monthly average ever, at 1,189,104 barrels per day. The number of active wells drops by nearly 200 wells from the all-time record set the month before.Winter storm sweeping the country has taken about ten percent of US natural gas production offline. Bloomberg reports the outages on Monday began impacting industrial operations along the Texas Gulf Coast, including refiners, chemical plants and manufacturers. Frigid weather has frozen pipelines, choking off supply. Production has plunged by about ten BILLION cubic feet. Demand has surged about 18 BILLION cubic feet.The administration continues its efforts to take over Venezuela's oil patch, &nbsp;and to rein in the so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers violating sanctions worldwide. The U.S. Southern Command said in a social media post they apprehended a seventh oil tanker operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine. This vessel was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department under an executive order related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The US sold confiscated Venezuelan crude for $500 Million, and gave $300 million back to Venezuela. Reuters reported last week that Venezuelan crude was being offered to traders at a discount compared to similar oil from other countries.&nbsp; The interim president of Venezuela says she has received the proceeds from the first sale, worth a reported $500 million.&nbsp; Delcy Rodriguez said she will use the $300 million she received to stabilize the the Venezuelan currency on the foreign exchange market, to, in her words, protect the income and purchasing power of Venezuelan workers.Operators in Kansas completed 14 wells this week. That's 56 so far this year, compared to 122 a year ago. Independent Oil and Gas Service reports only 25 wells have been drilled to full depth this year, compared to 46 a year ago, down more than 45 percent. &nbsp;Regulators okayed two drilling permits in Kansas this week, one in Pratt County, and another in Rooks County. That's 18 new drilling locations so far this year, down from 46 a year ago.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one rig to eight in eastern Kansas, but down one to six active rigs west of Wichita. Drilling activity is down more than six percent from a month ago, and is more than 17 percent lower than a year ago.Baker Hughes reports 544 active drilling rigs this week, up one rig from a week ago and down 32 from a year ago. Louisiana was down two rigs, while Texas gained one. Colorado was up two while Utah was down one.EIA reports an additional 800,000 barrels added to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, which are now over 414 million barrels, an increase of five percent in the last year. Commercial inventories rose by 3.6 million barrels to 426 million. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year seasonal average.Crude production dropped slightly this week. Output surpassed 3. 7 million barrels per day for the second week in a row, after topping 13.8 million in each of the nine weeks before that.US Operators imported nearly 6.5 million barrels of crude per day this week. That's down more than 600,000 barrels a day from last week, and 300,000 from last year, but are up 1.1 million barrels per day from two years ago. The four-week average is down five percent last year at this time.Crude exports declined by more than 600,000 barrels a day to drop below four million for the first time this year. The four-week average is up a hundred thousand barrels from a year ago.Russia's oil-and-gas revenues are expected to drop by nearly half this month compared to a year ago. Revenue from the patch accounts for about one-fourth of Russia's federal budget, and is a big part of the Kremlin's military budget in Ukraine. Reuters reports revenue will like fall to about $5.4 BILLION in January, the lowest since August of 2020, when the COVID pandemic crimped demand around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: French dampen Yuletide spirit in Russia, raise yours

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will host its&nbsp;104th Annual Awards Ceremony&nbsp;presented by Spectrum Partners LLC and The University of Kansas Health System on&nbsp;Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Great Bend Events Center. This signature event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and community partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating the people and organizations who elevate Barton County.

The evening begins with a&nbsp;6 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by a&nbsp;7 p.m. dinner and awards program. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal and a sponsored cocktail hour.

Continuing the momentum of the Chamber’s&nbsp;ElevateGBK&nbsp;initiative, this year’s banquet will honor outstanding individuals and businesses across four award categories:&nbsp;NextGen Leader of the Year,&nbsp;Citizen of the Year,&nbsp;Business of the Year, and the prestigious&nbsp;Legacy Award.

Reflecting on Last Year’s Honorees

As the community looks ahead to this year’s celebration, the Chamber also recognizes the remarkable achievements of last year’s award recipients:

Their stories of leadership, service, and community impact continue to inspire Great Bend. Readers can revisit each of their award features on the Chamber’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbend.org/">www.greatbend.org</a>/annual-chamber-awards

Seating is limited, and payment is required at the time of registration. Reservations must be made by&nbsp;Feb. 20, 2026.

The Chamber invites the community to join in celebrating the individuals and organizations who are shaping Great Bend’s future. Sponsorships are still available.

For more information or to reserve seats, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbend.org/">www.greatbend.org</a>&nbsp;or contact the Chamber office at 620-92-2401.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769469170147.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce will host its&nbsp;104th Annual Awards Ceremony&nbsp;presented by Spectrum Partners LLC and The University of Kansas Health System on&nbsp;Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Great Bend Events Center. This signature event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and community partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating the people and organizations who elevate Barton County.The evening begins with a&nbsp;6 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by a&nbsp;7 p.m. dinner and awards program. Guests will enjoy a gourmet meal and a sponsored cocktail hour.Continuing the momentum of the Chamber’s&nbsp;ElevateGBK&nbsp;initiative, this year’s banquet will honor outstanding individuals and businesses across four award categories:&nbsp;NextGen Leader of the Year,&nbsp;Citizen of the Year,&nbsp;Business of the Year, and the prestigious&nbsp;Legacy Award.Reflecting on Last Year’s HonoreesAs the community looks ahead to this year’s celebration, the Chamber also recognizes the remarkable achievements of last year’s award recipients:<ul>
 <li>Legacy Award:&nbsp;Sheryl Cheely</li><li>Business of the Year:&nbsp;MPIRE Realty Group</li><li>Citizen of the Year:&nbsp;Paul Snapp</li><li>NextGen Leader of the Year:&nbsp;Dr. Ty Brunswig</li>
 </ul>Their stories of leadership, service, and community impact continue to inspire Great Bend. Readers can revisit each of their award features on the Chamber’s website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbend.org/">www.greatbend.org</a>/annual-chamber-awardsEvent Details &amp; RegistrationSeating is limited, and payment is required at the time of registration. Reservations must be made by&nbsp;Feb. 20, 2026.Admission:<ul>
 <li>Members: $85</li><li>Non-Members: $110</li><li>Corporate Table (8 seats): $1,000</li>
 </ul>The Chamber invites the community to join in celebrating the individuals and organizations who are shaping Great Bend’s future. Sponsorships are still available.For more information or to reserve seats, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.greatbend.org/">www.greatbend.org</a>&nbsp;or contact the Chamber office at 620-92-2401.

GB Chamber announces 104th awards ceremony presented by Spectrum Partners LLC

Booked in Furlong, Skyler G. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025LM0200 for Failure to Appear with bond set at $425.00 cash only.

Released Furlong, Skyler G. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT20251M0200 for Failure to Appear, after paying the $425.00 cash only bond.

Released Kuhn, Bonnie Barton County District Court warrant #BT2023CR0384 for failure to appear. Received a $10,000.00 O.R Bond from Judge Svaty.

Booked Reed, Eric w. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2018CR0525 for Failure to Appear, with a cash bond of $941.42 only.

Released Reed, Eric W. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2018CR0525 for Failure to Appear. Bonded by posting a cash bond of $941.42.

Booked in Lingle, Tyler B. on Stafford County District Court warrant #SF2024CR10 for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Lingle, Tyler B. on Stafford County District Court warrant #SF2024CR10 for Probation Violation, surety of $5,000.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>1/26</h2>Booked in Furlong, Skyler G. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025LM0200 for Failure to Appear with bond set at $425.00 cash only.Released Furlong, Skyler G. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT20251M0200 for Failure to Appear, after paying the $425.00 cash only bond.Released Kuhn, Bonnie Barton County District Court warrant #BT2023CR0384 for failure to appear. Received a $10,000.00 O.R Bond from Judge Svaty.Booked Reed, Eric w. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2018CR0525 for Failure to Appear, with a cash bond of $941.42 only.Released Reed, Eric W. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2018CR0525 for Failure to Appear. Bonded by posting a cash bond of $941.42.Booked in Lingle, Tyler B. on Stafford County District Court warrant #SF2024CR10 for Probation Violation, bond set at $5,000.00 cash or surety.Released Lingle, Tyler B. on Stafford County District Court warrant #SF2024CR10 for Probation Violation, surety of $5,000.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764168064649.png" alt="Your Ad Here! Call 620-792-3647" />
 <figcaption>Your Ad Here! Call 620-792-3647</figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (1/26)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Most people watch cartoons for fun. Barton Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek gets to call it work. As part of her preparation for the upcoming "SpongeBob SquarePants" musical at BCC, Bielek spent the winter break watching the popular Nickelodeon cartoon and various live performances to get some ideas to incorporate into the local production.

"After we pull together all of this research, then we start making our own decisions and making our own version of the musical, so it comes to life," Bielek said Monday morning on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Cougar Pause" program. "We think a lot of our community and what speaks to our community, what are good principles we hold in our area, and how do we highlight those within our production."

Auditions for the production were held in November. BCC Communications Instructor Denise Williams will direct the musical. She's working with Holly Johnson, drama teacher at Great Bend High School. Dr. Eric Foley will serve as music director. Bielek said many high school and college students make up the core cast of the program, including Anderson Luttrell, who brings a little bit of "whimsy" in the star role as SpongeBob.

"For his vocalization and movement, we've been developing this character in a way with him so he has his own version of SpongeBob," she said. "He's so invested and so fun to work with."

Tickets for the shows go on sale Feb. 1. General admission is $15, and tickets may be purchased up to an hour before showtime at the door, though Bielek expects large crowds and encourages online purchases at shows.bartonccc.edu. There will be three 7:30 p.m. performances on March 5, 6, and 7, then a 2 p.m. matinee performance on March 8 at the Fine Arts Building on the BCC campus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769471262960.jpeg" alt="Actors during a previous musical at Barton Community College. (photo from BCC)" />
 <figcaption>Actors during a previous musical at Barton Community College. (photo from BCC)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostMost people watch cartoons for fun. Barton Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek gets to call it work. As part of her preparation for the upcoming "SpongeBob SquarePants" musical at BCC, Bielek spent the winter break watching the popular Nickelodeon cartoon and various live performances to get some ideas to incorporate into the local production."After we pull together all of this research, then we start making our own decisions and making our own version of the musical, so it comes to life," Bielek said Monday morning on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's "Cougar Pause" program. "We think a lot of our community and what speaks to our community, what are good principles we hold in our area, and how do we highlight those within our production."Auditions for the production were held in November. BCC Communications Instructor Denise Williams will direct the musical. She's working with Holly Johnson, drama teacher at Great Bend High School. Dr. Eric Foley will serve as music director. Bielek said many high school and college students make up the core cast of the program, including Anderson Luttrell, who brings a little bit of "whimsy" in the star role as SpongeBob."For his vocalization and movement, we've been developing this character in a way with him so he has his own version of SpongeBob," she said. "He's so invested and so fun to work with."Tickets for the shows go on sale Feb. 1. General admission is $15, and tickets may be purchased up to an hour before showtime at the door, though Bielek expects large crowds and encourages online purchases at shows.bartonccc.edu. There will be three 7:30 p.m. performances on March 5, 6, and 7, then a 2 p.m. matinee performance on March 8 at the Fine Arts Building on the BCC campus.

Tickets for BCC spring musical 'SpongeBob SquarePants' go on sale Feb. 1

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as zero. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values as low as zero. West southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 26. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12.

Friday A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 31. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as zero. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight.Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values as low as zero. West southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.Thursday A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 26. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12.Friday A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 21.

Tuesday's weather

Barton Community College hosted a President’s Forum Thursday, offering campus updates, a question-and-answer session with college leadership, and recognition of employees for their years of service.

The following individuals were recognized during the ceremony: Cody Woods, Grounds Supervisor, 5 years Melissa Feist, Coordinator of Adult Education, 5 years Eric Foley, Director of Choral Activities, 5 years Jon Dannebohm, Senior Technology Architect and Media Specialist, 10 years Jenna Hoffman, Director of Human Resources, 10 years James Henderson, Instructor of Hazardous Waste Worker Training, 10 years Shelby Cunningham, Library Assistant, 10 years Courtney Metcalf, Coordinator of Online Student &amp; Faculty Services, 15 years Stephanie Joiner, Dean of Academics, 15 years Oleg Ravitskiy, Instructor of Life Science, 15 years Amanda Schnoebelen, Head Cheer Coach, 20 years Brian Howe, Instructor &amp; Coordinator of STEM, 25 years Walter Brown, Instructor of Military Programs, 30 years

Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki expressed his appreciation for the honorees.

“Barton’s culture is built on people who show up with purpose and heart,” he said. “Our service award recipients represent the best of who we are as an institution, dedicated professionals who care deeply about students, colleagues, and the community we serve.”

For more information about working at Barton, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://jobs.bartonccc.edu/">jobs.bartonccc.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769450938066.jpeg" alt="(From Left) Brian Howe and Dr. Marcus Garstecki." />
 <figcaption>(From Left) Brian Howe and Dr. Marcus Garstecki.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA BCCBarton Community College hosted a President’s Forum Thursday, offering campus updates, a question-and-answer session with college leadership, and recognition of employees for their years of service.The following individuals were recognized during the ceremony: Cody Woods, Grounds Supervisor, 5 years Melissa Feist, Coordinator of Adult Education, 5 years Eric Foley, Director of Choral Activities, 5 years Jon Dannebohm, Senior Technology Architect and Media Specialist, 10 years Jenna Hoffman, Director of Human Resources, 10 years James Henderson, Instructor of Hazardous Waste Worker Training, 10 years Shelby Cunningham, Library Assistant, 10 years Courtney Metcalf, Coordinator of Online Student &amp; Faculty Services, 15 years Stephanie Joiner, Dean of Academics, 15 years Oleg Ravitskiy, Instructor of Life Science, 15 years Amanda Schnoebelen, Head Cheer Coach, 20 years Brian Howe, Instructor &amp; Coordinator of STEM, 25 years Walter Brown, Instructor of Military Programs, 30 yearsBarton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki expressed his appreciation for the honorees.“Barton’s culture is built on people who show up with purpose and heart,” he said. “Our service award recipients represent the best of who we are as an institution, dedicated professionals who care deeply about students, colleagues, and the community we serve.”For more information about working at Barton, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://jobs.bartonccc.edu/">jobs.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Community College recognizes employees for years of service

Fort Hays State University’s upcoming Science Café is set for Monday, Feb. 2.

This month’s presentation, “Fossils, Museums, and 66 Million Years,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.

Dr. Amanda Peng, FHSU Assistant Professor of Geosciences and Curator of Paleontology and Geology at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, will discuss how the landscape of the Great Plains has shaped past and present life, as well as what museums contribute to the study of biodiversity.

Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase,&nbsp;NO FOOD WILL BE SERVED&nbsp;during Science Café.

Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:

<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DZS87_cOQXga6DQeSAkbfUu45CyqPe9athJpj56pFYgaFqkpcPvgqL1YSGxLdnzWi-2FgE03iXW1sCNa2SzmMys1WQa7mLdhKFWOe4217jnJBR9Jv2ACfwJBBOFHeBQ-2BUEc4-2BnitoPCeWF7UeZR4PmkzC5eh-2BE9AsWPyRvRNrhDPg-2FB6XdzMEj-2F5FfzIiGotieWLlTJqpajJlI3r3gJzF2jSEu2k1RIXooMZup0ltFZ-2Fr4xrNV4klfLkV4kcGxlcsEw79PRAlUi5N-2B-2BbeRsENSd-2B-2BeMN1PYPVVRC9TKp5MgiyuUGDtDjAGjmVw5VSa-2BbREPRyO6oKQj1wdLsaIHNtYkInKt89h0cCBJ0QdWucuXjytStik7b0DpP3eDcWHTbCtF1dptz">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769450536533.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Hays State University’s upcoming Science Café is set for Monday, Feb. 2.This month’s presentation, “Fossils, Museums, and 66 Million Years,”&nbsp;is sponsored by FHSU’s Science and Mathematics Education Institute (SMEI) and will begin at 7 p.m. at The Venue in Thirsty’s Brew Pub &amp; Grill, 2704 Vine.Dr. Amanda Peng, FHSU Assistant Professor of Geosciences and Curator of Paleontology and Geology at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, will discuss how the landscape of the Great Plains has shaped past and present life, as well as what museums contribute to the study of biodiversity.Please note, while drinks will be available for purchase,&nbsp;NO FOOD WILL BE SERVED&nbsp;during Science Café.Science Café presentations are free and open to the public. Questions can be directed to Cari Rohleder at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cbrohleder@fhsu.edu">cbrohleder@fhsu.edu</a>&nbsp;or 785-628-4743 or by visiting:<a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqhxD-2BcQjFgIRBovAML9-2BM4eClLu2fQOOHuiGSFsY2VCCfmx4_cOQXga6DQeSAkbfUu45CyqPe9athJpj56pFYgaFqkpcPvgqL1YSGxLdnzWi-2FgE03iXW1sCNa2SzmMys1WQa7mLdhKFWOe4217jnJBR9Jv2ACfwJBBOFHeBQ-2BUEc4-2BnitoPCeWF7UeZR4PmkzC5eh-2BE9AsWPyRvRNrhDPg-2FB6XdzMEj-2F5FfzIiGotieWLlTJqpajJlI3r3gJzF2jSEu2k1esMzUrQeRKoybA6LA-2F3ZMprhmXkTkEm0r8LKUkqyl0aqkKsHADl0-2Fs3zQli6uMdepp2LlEmHL-2BamWn936ALodYaPbyzG29bszM5L1Yc0hHiKWRzQopK-2BNswJCkvWZEsx7lh2kA8x-2BDsi0f8UfGxf30sAnbX4sCIPiKbIFufHQ-2F0">www.fhsu.edu/smei</a><a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.7LNxDHQVpzCjONIZ4OYIqgHG-2B9GDc8KXBqj4fLXNv8t-2BV6Hb4Q5M0d-2FSyU8hjsQrSc6LVzLLvmFtB9JY8b1rMg-3D-3DZS87_cOQXga6DQeSAkbfUu45CyqPe9athJpj56pFYgaFqkpcPvgqL1YSGxLdnzWi-2FgE03iXW1sCNa2SzmMys1WQa7mLdhKFWOe4217jnJBR9Jv2ACfwJBBOFHeBQ-2BUEc4-2BnitoPCeWF7UeZR4PmkzC5eh-2BE9AsWPyRvRNrhDPg-2FB6XdzMEj-2F5FfzIiGotieWLlTJqpajJlI3r3gJzF2jSEu2k1RIXooMZup0ltFZ-2Fr4xrNV4klfLkV4kcGxlcsEw79PRAlUi5N-2B-2BbeRsENSd-2B-2BeMN1PYPVVRC9TKp5MgiyuUGDtDjAGjmVw5VSa-2BbREPRyO6oKQj1wdLsaIHNtYkInKt89h0cCBJ0QdWucuXjytStik7b0DpP3eDcWHTbCtF1dptz">www.facebook.com/FHSUScienceCafe</a>

FHSU’s next Science Café set for Feb. 2

Cropping systems and cow herds go hand-in-hand, and it is increasingly important for producers to properly manage their crop rotations to determine how they fit together for both enterprises. To address the topic of forage management, K-State Extension, has scheduled six regional schools during the month of February 2026. These schools have been designed to help producers incorporate annual forages into dryland cropping systems to achieve the best investment especially in this farm environment.

February 3 – Wakeeney – 9:30 a.m. to NOON – Trego Co. Fairgrounds

February 3 – Sylvan Grove – 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.– Livestock Commission

February 4 – Stockton – 9:30 a.m. to NOON – Harding Hall 4-H Building

February 4 – Atwood – 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Rawlins Co. 4-H Building

February 5 – Sharon Springs – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (MT) – Community Activity Building

February 5 – Dighton – 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Lane Co. 4-H Building

The schools will be presented by Augustine Obour, K-State Soils Specialist (Hays) and Logan Simon, K-State SW Area Agronomist. Forages can fit in many operations so join us to learn about current research in winter and summer forages. Be sure and bring all your questions with you! 2.5 CCA credits have been applied for.

There is no cost for the schools, however, pre-registration is requested by Monday, February 2, for all schools either online, https://bit.ly/ForageSchools or at your local Extension Office. For the WaKeeney location contact Kelsi Luman at 785-673-4805. A minimum of 10 pre-registered producers are needed to hold each of the schools. Hope to see you there!

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Cropping systems and cow herds go hand-in-hand, and it is increasingly important for producers to properly manage their crop rotations to determine how they fit together for both enterprises. To address the topic of forage management, K-State Extension, has scheduled six regional schools during the month of February 2026. These schools have been designed to help producers incorporate annual forages into dryland cropping systems to achieve the best investment especially in this farm environment.The schedule is the following:February 3 – Wakeeney – 9:30 a.m. to NOON – Trego Co. FairgroundsFebruary 3 – Sylvan Grove – 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.– Livestock CommissionFebruary 4 – Stockton – 9:30 a.m. to NOON – Harding Hall 4-H BuildingFebruary 4 – Atwood – 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Rawlins Co. 4-H BuildingFebruary 5 – Sharon Springs – 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (MT) – Community Activity BuildingFebruary 5 – Dighton – 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Lane Co. 4-H BuildingThe schools will be presented by Augustine Obour, K-State Soils Specialist (Hays) and Logan Simon, K-State SW Area Agronomist. Forages can fit in many operations so join us to learn about current research in winter and summer forages. Be sure and bring all your questions with you! 2.5 CCA credits have been applied for.There is no cost for the schools, however, pre-registration is requested by Monday, February 2, for all schools either online, https://bit.ly/ForageSchools or at your local Extension Office. For the WaKeeney location contact Kelsi Luman at 785-673-4805. A minimum of 10 pre-registered producers are needed to hold each of the schools. Hope to see you there!Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: K-State Extension hosting forage schools throughout NW Kansas

Panther Sports Powered by:&nbsp;Equity Bank. Sponsored in part by:&nbsp;GB Tarp Company, Advance Truck &amp; Diesel, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, The Fieldhouse, Marmie Auto Group, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Chris Ramsey - Shelter Insurance, Mitch Haney &amp; Associates, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Scott's Welding Service, Kern Floor Service, Nex-Tech, Comfort Pro, The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, People's Bank &amp; Trust, Sutherlands, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Damm Pipe Testing, Great Bend Redi Mix, Insurance Planning, Edward Jones, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Mpire Realty, American Plains Coop, Cody Crook - Red Cedar Land Company, GB Tires, Animal Medical Center, Barton Community College, Dr. Chad Ohnmacht DDS, &amp; Watkins Calcara Chartered.

Additional Information: Great Bend Panther fans have a new way to follow their teams this year.&nbsp; The service features a live video stream of every home and away game, complete with the familiar B1043 The Point radio play-by-play patched in. Fans will be able to watch the action live from anywhere or go back and re-watch games at their convenience.

Cost: Fans may purchase access for $10 per game or buy a $100 season pass for the entire school year. A portion of the proceeds from the video stream will be donated back to USD 428, helping support Panther students and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764703291123.png" alt="Login to Watch the Panther Video Stream OR Listen Live below for Free!" />
 <figcaption>Login to Watch the Panther Video Stream OR Listen Live below for Free!</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/3566325?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div><div><script>function openPlayer(s){window.open("https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/"+escape(s),"Player","height=630,width=940,modal=yes,alwaysRaised=yes")}</script><img src="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/images/listen-live.png?1767912705476" width="200" height="116" border="0" style="cursor:pointer;" onClick="openPlayer('KVGBFM');"></div>Panther Sports Powered by:&nbsp;Equity Bank. Sponsored in part by:&nbsp;GB Tarp Company, Advance Truck &amp; Diesel, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, The Fieldhouse, Marmie Auto Group, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Chris Ramsey - Shelter Insurance, Mitch Haney &amp; Associates, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Scott's Welding Service, Kern Floor Service, Nex-Tech, Comfort Pro, The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, People's Bank &amp; Trust, Sutherlands, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Damm Pipe Testing, Great Bend Redi Mix, Insurance Planning, Edward Jones, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Mpire Realty, American Plains Coop, Cody Crook - Red Cedar Land Company, GB Tires, Animal Medical Center, Barton Community College, Dr. Chad Ohnmacht DDS, &amp; Watkins Calcara Chartered. Additional Information: Great Bend Panther fans have a new way to follow their teams this year.&nbsp; The service features a live video stream of every home and away game, complete with the familiar B1043 The Point radio play-by-play patched in. Fans will be able to watch the action live from anywhere or go back and re-watch games at their convenience.Cost: Fans may purchase access for $10 per game or buy a $100 season pass for the entire school year. A portion of the proceeds from the video stream will be donated back to USD 428, helping support Panther students and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH: Panther Boys vs. Salina South in S.I.T. Championship (7:30 PM)

A frigid weekend did not slow down the Great Bend Fire Department. From Friday, Jan. 23 through Monday, Jan. 26, the department responded to several structure fires.

Sunday afternoon, GBFD and EMS units were dispatched to The Doghouse Bar, 5609 Oil Center Road South, for the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival crews, found heavy smoke coming from the eves of the structure. Crews entered the building and made an aggressive interior attack and were able to extinguish the fire. Due to multiple Fire and EMS units already on calls in the city, Ellinwood Fire Department was requested for mutual aide. The interior of the structure sustained substantial fire, smoke, and water damage. A portable heater being used to thaw pipes caused the fire.

Also on Sunday, fire and EMS crews responded to 811 Grant Street, which is a multi-unit apartment building.&nbsp;Initial callers reported a fire in the kitchen with sprinkler activation. Upon arrival, crews found a smoldering fire that had been mostly extinguished by the sprinkler system. Investigation determined that a grease fire had started, then quickly spread to items around the stove. Luckily the sprinklers then activated and extinguished the fire.

Last Friday, Fire and EMS units were dispatched to 404 Plum&nbsp;for the report of a structure fire.  Upon arrival, crews found an outbuilding fully involved and the fire had spread to a nearby trailer house.  Crews quickly deployed multiple lines to begin fire attack.  Crews simultaneously searched both buildings to make sure there were no occupants in the structures.  The fire was quickly knocked down.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

This morning, fire and EMS were dispatched to the 2300 block of Main Street for a&nbsp;report of a vehicle on fire.  Upon arrival, crews found a full-size pick-up truck with heavy fire showing from the engine compartment.  The fire was quickly extinguished.  

Assisting GBFD on the above calls were the Great Bend Police Department, Barton County Sheriffs Office, Ellinwood Fire Department, Kansas Gas, Wheatland Electric, Mid-West Energy, and the Kansas State Fire Marshalls Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769450125099.jpeg" alt="Great Bend Fire and EMS crews responded to a vehicle fire in the 2300 block of Main Street during the early hours of Jan. 26. (photo by Great Bend Fire and EMS)" />
 <figcaption>Great Bend Fire and EMS crews responded to a vehicle fire in the 2300 block of Main Street during the early hours of Jan. 26. (photo by Great Bend Fire and EMS)</figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostA frigid weekend did not slow down the Great Bend Fire Department. From Friday, Jan. 23 through Monday, Jan. 26, the department responded to several structure fires.Sunday afternoon, GBFD and EMS units were dispatched to The Doghouse Bar, 5609 Oil Center Road South, for the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival crews, found heavy smoke coming from the eves of the structure. Crews entered the building and made an aggressive interior attack and were able to extinguish the fire. Due to multiple Fire and EMS units already on calls in the city, Ellinwood Fire Department was requested for mutual aide. The interior of the structure sustained substantial fire, smoke, and water damage. A portable heater being used to thaw pipes caused the fire.Also on Sunday, fire and EMS crews responded to 811 Grant Street, which is a multi-unit apartment building.&nbsp;Initial callers reported a fire in the kitchen with sprinkler activation. Upon arrival, crews found a smoldering fire that had been mostly extinguished by the sprinkler system. Investigation determined that a grease fire had started, then quickly spread to items around the stove. Luckily the sprinklers then activated and extinguished the fire.Last Friday, Fire and EMS units were dispatched to 404 Plum&nbsp;for the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found an outbuilding fully involved and the fire had spread to a nearby trailer house. Crews quickly deployed multiple lines to begin fire attack. Crews simultaneously searched both buildings to make sure there were no occupants in the structures. The fire was quickly knocked down. The cause of the fire is under investigation. This morning, fire and EMS were dispatched to the 2300 block of Main Street for a&nbsp;report of a vehicle on fire. Upon arrival, crews found a full-size pick-up truck with heavy fire showing from the engine compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished. Assisting GBFD on the above calls were the Great Bend Police Department, Barton County Sheriffs Office, Ellinwood Fire Department, Kansas Gas, Wheatland Electric, Mid-West Energy, and the Kansas State Fire Marshalls Office.

Great Bend Fire and EMS respond to several fires over frigid weekend

Transferred Norris, Allen to Pawnee County on Pawnee County District Court Warrant #PN2024JV000021 for Probation Violation.

Booked Rocha Perez, Emma on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-114 for No Driver's License, and Expired License Plate. Bond set at $500 Cash or Surety.

Released Rocha Perez, Emma on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-114 for No Driver's License, and Expired License Plate. Bonded with a $500.00 cash only bond.

Booked Hicks, Nicholas on Barton County District Court Serve Sentence #BT2022CR0160 starting 1/23/2026 @ 16:00 ending at 01/25/2026 @ 04:00.

Booked ln Sherwood, Daylan K, on Barton County District Court case #26-115 for Aggravated Domestic Battery. Bond is set at $20,000.00 cash/surety.

Released Sherwood, Daylan K. on Barton County District Court case # 26-115 for Aggravated Domestic Battery. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $20,000.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Galliart, Trinity S. on Barton County District Court case #26-117 for Robbery. Bond set at $50,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Booked in Prieto, Juan M. on Barton County District Court case #26-117 for Robbery. Bond set at $50,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Prieto, Juan M. on Barton County District Court case #26-117 for Robbery. Bonded through a $50,000.00 surety bond.

Booked in Taylor, Gavin R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0071 for Probation Violation with bond set at $10,000.00 cash/surety &amp; Rice County District Court warrant #2023TR37 for Probation Violation with a bond set at NO BOND.

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

Released Byrant, Duncan A. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500259 for Serve Sentence. Time served.

Booked Ochs, lack Daniel on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0017 for Probation Violation. Bond set at $1,138.00 cash Only.

Booked in Davis, Jessica L. on Barton County District Court case #BT2025LM0576 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $200.00 cash or 48 hr. O.R Bond.

Released Davis, Jessica L. on Barton County District Court case #BT20251M0576 for Failure to Appear. Bonded by posting a $200.00 Cash Bond.

Booked in Boyer, Jordan T. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0020 for Vehicular Burglary, and Theft. Bond set at $50,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Booked Campbell, Justin on Barton County district Court Warrant #BT2025CR0050 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at NO BOND also booked in on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2023CR0392 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at NO BOND.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639765862512.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>1/23</h2>Transferred Norris, Allen to Pawnee County on Pawnee County District Court Warrant #PN2024JV000021 for Probation Violation.Booked Rocha Perez, Emma on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-114 for No Driver's License, and Expired License Plate. Bond set at $500 Cash or Surety.Released Rocha Perez, Emma on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-114 for No Driver's License, and Expired License Plate. Bonded with a $500.00 cash only bond.Booked Hicks, Nicholas on Barton County District Court Serve Sentence #BT2022CR0160 starting 1/23/2026 @ 16:00 ending at 01/25/2026 @ 04:00.Booked ln Sherwood, Daylan K, on Barton County District Court case #26-115 for Aggravated Domestic Battery. Bond is set at $20,000.00 cash/surety.Released Sherwood, Daylan K. on Barton County District Court case # 26-115 for Aggravated Domestic Battery. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $20,000.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.Booked in Galliart, Trinity S. on Barton County District Court case #26-117 for Robbery. Bond set at $50,000.00 Cash or Surety.<h2>1/24</h2>Booked in Prieto, Juan M. on Barton County District Court case #26-117 for Robbery. Bond set at $50,000.00 Cash or Surety.Released Prieto, Juan M. on Barton County District Court case #26-117 for Robbery. Bonded through a $50,000.00 surety bond.Booked in Taylor, Gavin R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0071 for Probation Violation with bond set at $10,000.00 cash/surety &amp; Rice County District Court warrant #2023TR37 for Probation Violation with a bond set at NO BOND.<h2>1/25</h2>Released Hicks, Nicholas S. on Barton County District Court case #BT2022CR0160 for Serve Sentence. Time Served.Released Byrant, Duncan A. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500259 for Serve Sentence. Time served.Booked Ochs, lack Daniel on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0017 for Probation Violation. Bond set at $1,138.00 cash Only.Booked in Davis, Jessica L. on Barton County District Court case #BT2025LM0576 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $200.00 cash or 48 hr. O.R Bond.Released Davis, Jessica L. on Barton County District Court case #BT20251M0576 for Failure to Appear. Bonded by posting a $200.00 Cash Bond.Booked in Boyer, Jordan T. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0020 for Vehicular Burglary, and Theft. Bond set at $50,000.00 Cash or Surety.Booked Campbell, Justin on Barton County district Court Warrant #BT2025CR0050 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at NO BOND also booked in on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2023CR0392 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at NO BOND.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764168064649.png" alt="Your Ad Here! 620-792-3647" />
 <figcaption>Your Ad Here! 620-792-3647</figcaption>
 </figure>

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (1/23-1/25)

When sixth-graders at Lincoln Elementary School in Great Bend became graduates of All Stars recently, they shared their “commitment letters” with classmates and others.

A few examples of the written comments and their authors were:

· All Stars taught me to make the right choices, even when it is difficult: Emmett Mawhirter

· I will always make the effort to seek a trusted adult when I am faced with challenges: Hope Bosley

· I know I have to work hard, be disciplined and have goals for life. All Stars helped me with that: Wyatt Holguin

“All Stars focuses on topics that affect students such as their habits, reputations, judgments and forward-thinking,” said Tyler Morton, prevention advocate at Juvenile Services. “The program also provides guidance about how decisions lead to consequences.

“Other topics include leadership, giving back to others and working with your family as a unit. In addition, All Stars brings to light the changes coming with middle school. This information can alleviate the concerns and pressure that come with a new school, new peers and a lot more opportunities.”

The All Stars curriculum is presented to all sixth-grade classes in the Barton County area.

20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769434065317.jpeg" alt="Wyatt Holguin presents his commitment letter to All Stars graduates at Lincoln Elementary." />
 <figcaption>Wyatt Holguin presents his commitment letter to All Stars graduates at Lincoln Elementary.</figcaption>
 </figure>When sixth-graders at Lincoln Elementary School in Great Bend became graduates of All Stars recently, they shared their “commitment letters” with classmates and others.A few examples of the written comments and their authors were:· All Stars taught me to make the right choices, even when it is difficult: Emmett Mawhirter· I will always make the effort to seek a trusted adult when I am faced with challenges: Hope Bosley· I know I have to work hard, be disciplined and have goals for life. All Stars helped me with that: Wyatt Holguin“All Stars focuses on topics that affect students such as their habits, reputations, judgments and forward-thinking,” said Tyler Morton, prevention advocate at Juvenile Services. “The program also provides guidance about how decisions lead to consequences.“Other topics include leadership, giving back to others and working with your family as a unit. In addition, All Stars brings to light the changes coming with middle school. This information can alleviate the concerns and pressure that come with a new school, new peers and a lot more opportunities.”The All Stars curriculum is presented to all sixth-grade classes in the Barton County area.20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake &amp; Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.

Lincoln Elementary sixth-graders graduate from All Stars program

Monday Sunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -16. Southwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Monday Night Clear, with a low around 11. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph becoming west northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 9. Wind chill values as low as zero. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 39. West southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Monday Sunny, with a high near 28. Wind chill values as low as -16. Southwest wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Monday Night Clear, with a low around 11. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph becoming west northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph.Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 9. Wind chill values as low as zero. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph after midnight.Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 39. West southwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 30.

Monday's weather

See a full list of area Closings &amp; Cancellations&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/pages/closings-cancellations-and-delays">HERE.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769111765434.png" alt="To submit an entry email: GBNEWS@EAGLERADIO.NET" />
 <figcaption>To submit an entry email: GBNEWS@EAGLERADIO.NET</figcaption>
 </figure>See a full list of area Closings &amp; Cancellations&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/pages/closings-cancellations-and-delays">HERE.</a>

Closings & Delays for Monday

The
drought monitor as of Tuesday, January 20th indicates continued marked
improvement, with a sliver of moderately dry conditions in extreme Northwest
Kansas.&nbsp; The NOAA outlook was unavailable
but the forecast for now through February 1st indicates below normal
temperatures with slow warming during the week and not much of a chance for
precipitation.

This
is being written on Thursday.&nbsp; The
weather forecast is for bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills below zero
for the weekend with slow warming into next week.&nbsp; Depending on the storm track and model used
up to six or more inches of snow. Starting sometime Friday afternoon into
Saturday.&nbsp; Drivers and others aren’t
thrilled with the snow but at least it will be a light fluffy snow as opposed
to last Friday.&nbsp; While many aren’t
thrilled, it does benefit agriculture more than simply covering wheat.&nbsp; So, what are these benefits?

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It
does protect the wheat growing point below the soil surface.&nbsp; Snow is insulating and keeps the soil warmer,
and it experiences less day/night temperature fluctuations.&nbsp; And a dry, fluffy snow is better at
insulation than a wet snow.&nbsp; Especially
with the warmer than normal winter so far, this should alleviate winterkill fears
here.&nbsp; Northwest and North Central Kansas
may have a little more to worry about as currently they are expecting little if
any snowfall.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Slowly
melting snow is better able to infiltrate into the snow with less chance of
runoff and we need all the moisture possible.&nbsp;
And it will protect cool season crop above ground tissues.&nbsp; Winter canola, mostly planted in South
Central Kansas has a growing point at the soil surface and the snow will help
protect it.&nbsp; It will also help protect
many native plants and some early spring flowers that in some areas have
already started to grow.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In
general, we are expecting extreme cold starting Thursday night.&nbsp; If we receive three or more inches of snow
that not only benefits the winter wheat crop but many native plants, bulbs and
a variety of landscape plants.&nbsp; While
helping to protect insect pests in the ground, it also protects beneficials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682025352095.jpeg" alt="Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin" />
 <figcaption>Barton Community College Agriculture Instructor Dr. Vic Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The
drought monitor as of Tuesday, January 20th indicates continued marked
improvement, with a sliver of moderately dry conditions in extreme Northwest
Kansas.&nbsp; The NOAA outlook was unavailable
but the forecast for now through February 1st indicates below normal
temperatures with slow warming during the week and not much of a chance for
precipitation.This
is being written on Thursday.&nbsp; The
weather forecast is for bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills below zero
for the weekend with slow warming into next week.&nbsp; Depending on the storm track and model used
up to six or more inches of snow. Starting sometime Friday afternoon into
Saturday.&nbsp; Drivers and others aren’t
thrilled with the snow but at least it will be a light fluffy snow as opposed
to last Friday.&nbsp; While many aren’t
thrilled, it does benefit agriculture more than simply covering wheat.&nbsp; So, what are these benefits?·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It
does protect the wheat growing point below the soil surface.&nbsp; Snow is insulating and keeps the soil warmer,
and it experiences less day/night temperature fluctuations.&nbsp; And a dry, fluffy snow is better at
insulation than a wet snow.&nbsp; Especially
with the warmer than normal winter so far, this should alleviate winterkill fears
here.&nbsp; Northwest and North Central Kansas
may have a little more to worry about as currently they are expecting little if
any snowfall.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Slowly
melting snow is better able to infiltrate into the snow with less chance of
runoff and we need all the moisture possible.&nbsp;
And it will protect cool season crop above ground tissues.&nbsp; Winter canola, mostly planted in South
Central Kansas has a growing point at the soil surface and the snow will help
protect it.&nbsp; It will also help protect
many native plants and some early spring flowers that in some areas have
already started to grow.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In
general, we are expecting extreme cold starting Thursday night.&nbsp; If we receive three or more inches of snow
that not only benefits the winter wheat crop but many native plants, bulbs and
a variety of landscape plants.&nbsp; While
helping to protect insect pests in the ground, it also protects beneficials.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - The benefits of snow for agriculture

On Jan. 21, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 3800 block of 12th Street in Great Bend in reference to a recover property call. Upon arrival at the residence, officers observed a male subject, later identified as Adrian Lemuz, 44, outside the residence. 

While the Officers were exiting their vehicles, Lemuz forced his way inside of the residence. Officers made entry into the residence and were able to safely get the two female occupants out of the residence. Lemuz then barricaded himself in a bedroom with a knife. After a period of time, Lemuz surrendered and was taken into custody. 

The Great Bend Police Department was assisted by the Barton County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol. Lemuz was arrested for Aggravated Burglary, Interference with LEO and Criminal Deprivation of Property.  He was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and held in lieu of these charges. 

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident or any other incident is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120, Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fp3tips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMHllaldoZHQwNHhKWHNwa3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7MAdcTO01zLObPsYDBm_GkIZ0-8spBGSXx4Uxxt2zh-eB1928tMWGhSRV13w_aem_sXvXE2ICGse_skXOjFXTUg&amp;h=AT18WKMEKGReCiQnM8dogFyvwVqSt01J4lETVi7vd7rv4aviomqXA3oqLQjFRnhY3wJMtX07pytyzwO931O3NATpMGAgmxZzGoAwtWLD84nl_JJt0VrPsrrGRKgEM_82xeCEfPpKoyPo&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0UpxnYKGGeLgvtB9niknUF51eOTdGaHOaZ-qmsyWl5kVkpcJqe0EdEkBOkD7jB1DtAKRkdTc3FKPdR7fFZ5sP2qfNerdL8lIbBIeS0tN_5oIiXsJQb2u_5hbFFCBUZiovVS4DP70JR7nRaCZxNpE7vYAnL_LdrGOLty1mTmPbPkua8NCTlLCAjHdPaJzDw6CLCZPREqdh5dnJqg4rAEQLldw" target="_blank">p3tips.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769356060310.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On Jan. 21, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to the 3800 block of 12th Street in Great Bend in reference to a recover property call. Upon arrival at the residence, officers observed a male subject, later identified as Adrian Lemuz, 44, outside the residence. While the Officers were exiting their vehicles, Lemuz forced his way inside of the residence. Officers made entry into the residence and were able to safely get the two female occupants out of the residence. Lemuz then barricaded himself in a bedroom with a knife. After a period of time, Lemuz surrendered and was taken into custody. The Great Bend Police Department was assisted by the Barton County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol. Lemuz was arrested for Aggravated Burglary, Interference with LEO and Criminal Deprivation of Property. He was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and held in lieu of these charges. This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information on this incident or any other incident is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120, Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fp3tips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExMHllaldoZHQwNHhKWHNwa3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7MAdcTO01zLObPsYDBm_GkIZ0-8spBGSXx4Uxxt2zh-eB1928tMWGhSRV13w_aem_sXvXE2ICGse_skXOjFXTUg&amp;h=AT18WKMEKGReCiQnM8dogFyvwVqSt01J4lETVi7vd7rv4aviomqXA3oqLQjFRnhY3wJMtX07pytyzwO931O3NATpMGAgmxZzGoAwtWLD84nl_JJt0VrPsrrGRKgEM_82xeCEfPpKoyPo&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0UpxnYKGGeLgvtB9niknUF51eOTdGaHOaZ-qmsyWl5kVkpcJqe0EdEkBOkD7jB1DtAKRkdTc3FKPdR7fFZ5sP2qfNerdL8lIbBIeS0tN_5oIiXsJQb2u_5hbFFCBUZiovVS4DP70JR7nRaCZxNpE7vYAnL_LdrGOLty1mTmPbPkua8NCTlLCAjHdPaJzDw6CLCZPREqdh5dnJqg4rAEQLldw" target="_blank">p3tips.com.</a>

Great Bend man arrested after barricading himself in bedroom with knife

Troy Prosser has built a program in Richmond, a 2A town near
the Missouri border. Since the Ellinwood native took over the Central Heights
High School cross country programs in 2015, and the track and field teams in
2020, his teams and athletes have won numerous state championships. For the
continued success, Prosser was recently named Kansas Cross Country and Track
and Field Coaches Association Class 2A Boys Coach of the Year in both sports.

The road to the top has not been a given. Prosser trained
his way into a successful high school and collegiate career, but he took over a
struggling Central Heights program in 2015.

“The year before I took over in 2015, there were five kids
on the team, and there hadn't been a state qualifier for several years,” he
said. “The school had previously won state titles in boys cross country under
the late John Schultze in 1988 and 1990. Building that first team was a lot of
fun because they didn't know me, and I didn't know them since I was new to the
school. Learning what worked and what didn't was extremely valuable for all of
us. 

“We had a single state cross country qualifier in Kyle
Cardin that year. The boys team qualified in year two, were 3A state runners-up and only missed a state title by two points in year three. We won the state
title in year four. In track, I was lucky enough to have almost all of those
same kids, plus I coached Kinsey Laird to fifth and third-place finishes in the
pole vault my first two years at Central Heights.”

Prosser made a name for himself on the track for Ellinwood
High School, setting school records in the 100m (10.80) and 200m (22.10) dashes
as a junior. He finished as state runner-up in both of those events and ran
third in the 400m dash in 1997. He said growing up in Ellinwood played a key role in his life of
running, and his reputation for speed started as early as kindergarten.

“The mom of one of my best friends&nbsp;still tells a
story&nbsp;that when her son and I were in kindergarten, he came home from
school the first day and she asked him if he made any new friends,” Prosser
recalls. “He said, ‘Yeah, there is this boy named Troy, and&nbsp;he's&nbsp;really
fast.’ I guess that&nbsp;kind of stuck.

“My parents were both sprinters,&nbsp;and my brother was a
hurdler in high school, &nbsp;so I guess I got
some of that fast twitch. I remember on the way back from church on Sunday
mornings, my dad, brother, and I would race the last little bit to the house. I
don't remember exactly when I finally beat both of them, but it seemed like
racing and loving the feeling of top speed was always in me.”

Prosser missed the majority of his senior season of high school due to
illness but still managed a third-place finish in the 200m dash at state. He won
200m league championships in all four years of high school.

“That was pretty cool because I really wasn't a favorite my
freshman year but had a great race that kind of solidified my love for that
distance,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That success landed him a scholarship at Ottawa University,
where he competed from 1999-2003, mostly as a relay specialist. He cut his 200m
time to 21.79 and his 400m time to 47.66, but most of his success came in the
relays. In 2000, Prosser was on the 4x400m relay that posted a 3:17.06, a
school record that still stands today. He was also a member of the 4x100m relay
team that set a school record that was recently broken. 

Prosser made running big part of his life from an early age.
He’s proud to be sharing his love of the sport with the next generation.

“Running is human nature,” he said. “I tell all of my
athletes exactly that. After we're born, we learn to crawl, then we learn to
stand and walk on our own, and soon we start running. I don't know why we run,
but we do. Maybe we get in a hurry, or we love the feeling of going fast, or we
just have to keep up, but it really is the most natural and freeing experience
you can have as an athlete.”

Prosser began competing at the age of eight. He runs for
different reasons 36 years later – mostly chasing his athletes around the cross
country course – but the sport has never left him. 

“Five knee surgeries on the right knee and several doctors
along the way telling me I shouldn't run anymore will catch up to me eventually,
but I still have to show my athletes that it can be a lifelong love, and if I
give all I have for them, they can do the same without worrying about the
outcome,” said Prosser.

Prosser is earning the coaching accolades now, but that’s a
byproduct of having his own coaches for nearly four decades. Prosser has taken
something from each of them to develop his own style.

“I've run for some incredible coaches: Larry Drees, Jackie
Cook, Jeff Tanner, and Monty Doll in high school; Kirk Wren and Robert Johnson
in college, and I learned a ton from Lyles Lashley as well. Looking back, I was
definitely influenced by their styles.”

In 2003, Coach Wren saw something else in Prosser and asked
him to be an assistant cross country and track and field coach at Ottawa University.

“It was a no brainer,” Prosser said. “He made every single
athlete feel important, made all of us a part of the OU Braves family. That opportunity
gave me a bonus six years to be around him, learn from him, and coach the only
women's cross country conference championship team in OU history. Being his
assistant gave me belief that I might be able to instill that winning culture
in future athletes.”

Perhaps Hemingway best describes Prosser’s success at
Central Heights: gradually, then suddenly. His boys went from five runners in
2015 to a ninth-place finish in 2016 (3A), to the runner-up finish in 2017 (3A).
With a move to Class 2A in 2018, Central Heights won the title that year,
finished second in 2019 and 2020, then won two more titles in 2023 and 2024.
Despite graduating several of the top runners in school history, the Vikings placed third in
Class 2A last fall.

The girls have also progressed. Ellinwood claimed the Class
2A title in 2018, just as Central Heights freshman Lily Meyer and junior
Madison Bridges earned a pair of all-state medals for Prosser. The Vikings
placed third in 2019, fourth in 2021, fifth in 2024, and sixth in 2025. Two
individuals claimed all-state medals in the 2023 season.

Since 2015, Prosser’s cross country teams have piled up 11
regional titles and three regional runner-up finishes. They’ve won 17 league
championships between middle and high school, and his runners have earned a
combined 1,577 medals. 

Last spring, Prosser’s stable of track athletes put together
some of the most dominating performances in Kansas history to win a 2A state
championship. A 4-headed monster of Cody Hammond, Connor Burkdoll, Owen Miller,
and Christian McCord scored 78 points in four events to make that happen.

In 2024, the boys helped the Vikings to an undefeated cross
country season. The 34 points at state was a new record. That spring, the group
posted a 7:57.31 4x800m relay, a 2A state meet record and the fastest Class 2A
time in state history. Hammond posted a 1:52.57 in the 800m run to rank No. 15
all-time in Kansas. He won the cross country individual title, won golds in the
800m and 1600m runs, and set school records in three events. Burkdoll won the
3200m 2A title, and set school records in five events. Miller and Hammond ran behind
Burkdoll in the 3200m run at state to complete the medal sweep for the Vikings.

“The reality is, I've been lucky enough to coach some
incredibly talented athletes, so my job is to try my best to feed their
strengths rather than constantly address weaknesses,” said Prosser. “I
regularly lean on my own background as a sprinter and make speed a frequent
focus no matter what events they are in. Having great assistant coaches has
been a blessing too. Knowing they understand what we are trying to achieve as a
program, and that they will also put kids into positions of success has been
extremely necessary.&nbsp;

“Another huge part of it is constantly giving and getting
feedback on how they are feeling, what I'm seeing, and adjusting workouts all
the time. No matter how perfect our workout might look on paper before
practice, there are an infinite number of factors that will require things to
change every day.”

Losing a group of seniors like that can decimate a
successful program, especially at the Class 2A level. The Vikings’ third-place cross
country finish in 2025 is an example of how Prosser has established a program.

“Kids are the greatest recruiters and salesmen when it comes
to sports success,” he said. “When you get one to buy in, they will get two
more to follow, and it tends to multiply as more of them find their own voice
and place in it all. Specifically as a running coach, the basis of it all has
been this: I want them to enjoy doing this running thing for the rest of their
lives. I have to make it fun first because, when they enjoy showing up, working
hard becomes easier for everyone. 

“We learn a lot about each other and ourselves - life
lessons - from creating the habits that make us successful and finding meaning
in difficult tasks. Being able to see this day after day, year after year is a
testament to the ones that laid the work before.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769290847592.jpeg" alt="Ellinwood native Troy Prosser raises the state championship trophy after a successful 2023 cross country season. Prosser, who was recently named Class 2A Coach of the Year, has won four team championships at Central Heights." />
 <figcaption>Ellinwood native Troy Prosser raises the state championship trophy after a successful 2023 cross country season. Prosser, who was recently named Class 2A Coach of the Year, has won four team championships at Central Heights.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostTroy Prosser has built a program in Richmond, a 2A town near
the Missouri border. Since the Ellinwood native took over the Central Heights
High School cross country programs in 2015, and the track and field teams in
2020, his teams and athletes have won numerous state championships. For the
continued success, Prosser was recently named Kansas Cross Country and Track
and Field Coaches Association Class 2A Boys Coach of the Year in both sports.The road to the top has not been a given. Prosser trained
his way into a successful high school and collegiate career, but he took over a
struggling Central Heights program in 2015.“The year before I took over in 2015, there were five kids
on the team, and there hadn't been a state qualifier for several years,” he
said. “The school had previously won state titles in boys cross country under
the late John Schultze in 1988 and 1990. Building that first team was a lot of
fun because they didn't know me, and I didn't know them since I was new to the
school. Learning what worked and what didn't was extremely valuable for all of
us. “We had a single state cross country qualifier in Kyle
Cardin that year. The boys team qualified in year two, were 3A state runners-up and only missed a state title by two points in year three. We won the state
title in year four. In track, I was lucky enough to have almost all of those
same kids, plus I coached Kinsey Laird to fifth and third-place finishes in the
pole vault my first two years at Central Heights.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769291029405.jpeg" alt="Prosser set school records in the 100m and 200m dashes while running for Ellinwood High School." />
 <figcaption>Prosser set school records in the 100m and 200m dashes while running for Ellinwood High School.</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosser made a name for himself on the track for Ellinwood
High School, setting school records in the 100m (10.80) and 200m (22.10) dashes
as a junior. He finished as state runner-up in both of those events and ran
third in the 400m dash in 1997. He said growing up in Ellinwood played a key role in his life of
running, and his reputation for speed started as early as kindergarten.“The mom of one of my best friends&nbsp;still tells a
story&nbsp;that when her son and I were in kindergarten, he came home from
school the first day and she asked him if he made any new friends,” Prosser
recalls. “He said, ‘Yeah, there is this boy named Troy, and&nbsp;he's&nbsp;really
fast.’ I guess that&nbsp;kind of stuck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769291073238.jpeg" alt="Prosser was part of 4x4 and 4x1 teams that set school records at Ottawa University. He spent six years as an assistant coach with the school." />
 <figcaption>Prosser was part of 4x4 and 4x1 teams that set school records at Ottawa University. He spent six years as an assistant coach with the school.</figcaption>
 </figure>“My parents were both sprinters,&nbsp;and my brother was a
hurdler in high school, &nbsp;so I guess I got
some of that fast twitch. I remember on the way back from church on Sunday
mornings, my dad, brother, and I would race the last little bit to the house. I
don't remember exactly when I finally beat both of them, but it seemed like
racing and loving the feeling of top speed was always in me.”Prosser missed the majority of his senior season of high school due to
illness but still managed a third-place finish in the 200m dash at state. He won
200m league championships in all four years of high school.“That was pretty cool because I really wasn't a favorite my
freshman year but had a great race that kind of solidified my love for that
distance,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;That success landed him a scholarship at Ottawa University,
where he competed from 1999-2003, mostly as a relay specialist. He cut his 200m
time to 21.79 and his 400m time to 47.66, but most of his success came in the
relays. In 2000, Prosser was on the 4x400m relay that posted a 3:17.06, a
school record that still stands today. He was also a member of the 4x100m relay
team that set a school record that was recently broken. Prosser made running big part of his life from an early age.
He’s proud to be sharing his love of the sport with the next generation.“Running is human nature,” he said. “I tell all of my
athletes exactly that. After we're born, we learn to crawl, then we learn to
stand and walk on our own, and soon we start running. I don't know why we run,
but we do. Maybe we get in a hurry, or we love the feeling of going fast, or we
just have to keep up, but it really is the most natural and freeing experience
you can have as an athlete.”Prosser began competing at the age of eight. He runs for
different reasons 36 years later – mostly chasing his athletes around the cross
country course – but the sport has never left him. “Five knee surgeries on the right knee and several doctors
along the way telling me I shouldn't run anymore will catch up to me eventually,
but I still have to show my athletes that it can be a lifelong love, and if I
give all I have for them, they can do the same without worrying about the
outcome,” said Prosser.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769291143916.jpeg" alt="Four athletes collected 78 points at the state track meet last May to give Prosser his first team title in that sport." />
 <figcaption>Four athletes collected 78 points at the state track meet last May to give Prosser his first team title in that sport.</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosser is earning the coaching accolades now, but that’s a
byproduct of having his own coaches for nearly four decades. Prosser has taken
something from each of them to develop his own style.“I've run for some incredible coaches: Larry Drees, Jackie
Cook, Jeff Tanner, and Monty Doll in high school; Kirk Wren and Robert Johnson
in college, and I learned a ton from Lyles Lashley as well. Looking back, I was
definitely influenced by their styles.”In 2003, Coach Wren saw something else in Prosser and asked
him to be an assistant cross country and track and field coach at Ottawa University.“It was a no brainer,” Prosser said. “He made every single
athlete feel important, made all of us a part of the OU Braves family. That opportunity
gave me a bonus six years to be around him, learn from him, and coach the only
women's cross country conference championship team in OU history. Being his
assistant gave me belief that I might be able to instill that winning culture
in future athletes.”Perhaps Hemingway best describes Prosser’s success at
Central Heights: gradually, then suddenly. His boys went from five runners in
2015 to a ninth-place finish in 2016 (3A), to the runner-up finish in 2017 (3A).
With a move to Class 2A in 2018, Central Heights won the title that year,
finished second in 2019 and 2020, then won two more titles in 2023 and 2024.
Despite graduating several of the top runners in school history, the Vikings placed third in
Class 2A last fall.The girls have also progressed. Ellinwood claimed the Class
2A title in 2018, just as Central Heights freshman Lily Meyer and junior
Madison Bridges earned a pair of all-state medals for Prosser. The Vikings
placed third in 2019, fourth in 2021, fifth in 2024, and sixth in 2025. Two
individuals claimed all-state medals in the 2023 season.Since 2015, Prosser’s cross country teams have piled up 11
regional titles and three regional runner-up finishes. They’ve won 17 league
championships between middle and high school, and his runners have earned a
combined 1,577 medals. Last spring, Prosser’s stable of track athletes put together
some of the most dominating performances in Kansas history to win a 2A state
championship. A 4-headed monster of Cody Hammond, Connor Burkdoll, Owen Miller,
and Christian McCord scored 78 points in four events to make that happen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769291373050.jpeg" alt="Central Heights' runners Connor Burkdoll, Cody Hammond, and Owen Miller went 1-2-3 in the 2A 3200m at state. The group was joined by Christian McCord for the fastest 4x800m relay run by a 2A program in state history. (photo by Mike Courson)" />
 <figcaption>Central Heights' runners Connor Burkdoll, Cody Hammond, and Owen Miller went 1-2-3 in the 2A 3200m at state. The group was joined by Christian McCord for the fastest 4x800m relay run by a 2A program in state history. (photo by Mike Courson)</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2024, the boys helped the Vikings to an undefeated cross
country season. The 34 points at state was a new record. That spring, the group
posted a 7:57.31 4x800m relay, a 2A state meet record and the fastest Class 2A
time in state history. Hammond posted a 1:52.57 in the 800m run to rank No. 15
all-time in Kansas. He won the cross country individual title, won golds in the
800m and 1600m runs, and set school records in three events. Burkdoll won the
3200m 2A title, and set school records in five events. Miller and Hammond ran behind
Burkdoll in the 3200m run at state to complete the medal sweep for the Vikings.“The reality is, I've been lucky enough to coach some
incredibly talented athletes, so my job is to try my best to feed their
strengths rather than constantly address weaknesses,” said Prosser. “I
regularly lean on my own background as a sprinter and make speed a frequent
focus no matter what events they are in. Having great assistant coaches has
been a blessing too. Knowing they understand what we are trying to achieve as a
program, and that they will also put kids into positions of success has been
extremely necessary.&nbsp;“Another huge part of it is constantly giving and getting
feedback on how they are feeling, what I'm seeing, and adjusting workouts all
the time. No matter how perfect our workout might look on paper before
practice, there are an infinite number of factors that will require things to
change every day.”Losing a group of seniors like that can decimate a
successful program, especially at the Class 2A level. The Vikings’ third-place cross
country finish in 2025 is an example of how Prosser has established a program.“Kids are the greatest recruiters and salesmen when it comes
to sports success,” he said. “When you get one to buy in, they will get two
more to follow, and it tends to multiply as more of them find their own voice
and place in it all. Specifically as a running coach, the basis of it all has
been this: I want them to enjoy doing this running thing for the rest of their
lives. I have to make it fun first because, when they enjoy showing up, working
hard becomes easier for everyone. “We learn a lot about each other and ourselves - life
lessons - from creating the habits that make us successful and finding meaning
in difficult tasks. Being able to see this day after day, year after year is a
testament to the ones that laid the work before.”

Program in Progress: Ellinwood native building a running powerhouse in Richmond

United Way of Central Kansas will be hosting Reality U in Ellinwood next week, bringing an engaging, hands-on learning experience to 8th and 10th grade students from Ellinwood, Hoisington, Chase, Central Plains, and St. Joseph’s.

Reality U is an interactive financial literacy and life-skills simulation that allows students to step into their future at age 26. Based on their education plans and career choices, students will navigate real-life financial decisions such as housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, utilities, and everyday expenses—helping them better understand how today’s choices impact tomorrow’s opportunities.

The event will be made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor Sunflower Bank, whose commitment to financial education helps strengthen students and communities across the region. Booth sponsors for this event are TriAg, Ellinwood Hospital &amp; Clinic, People’s Bank &amp; Trust, and the Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation. Without their support, UWCK would not be able to bring this program to over 250 local students.

In addition to the financial simulation, students will participate in breakout sessions led by local organizations and professionals, including:

· Cost of Delinquency – Ellinwood &amp; Hoisington Police Departments

· Entrepreneurship – Great Bend Economic Development

· Stress &amp; Anxiety Management – The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation

· Banking &amp; Finance – Sunflower Bank

· Volunteering &amp; Goal Setting – Golden Belt Community Foundation

· Youth Crew – Barton County Juvenile Services

· College 101 – Barton Community College

Reality U plays a critical role in preparing students for adulthood by connecting education, career paths, financial responsibility, and community involvement. By experiencing the realities of budgeting and decision-making in a supportive environment, students will gain practical knowledge, confidence, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to build a stable future.

United Way of Central Kansas looks forward to partnering with area schools, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers to make this impactful event possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769238597027.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From UWCKUnited Way of Central Kansas will be hosting Reality U in Ellinwood next week, bringing an engaging, hands-on learning experience to 8th and 10th grade students from Ellinwood, Hoisington, Chase, Central Plains, and St. Joseph’s.Reality U is an interactive financial literacy and life-skills simulation that allows students to step into their future at age 26. Based on their education plans and career choices, students will navigate real-life financial decisions such as housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, utilities, and everyday expenses—helping them better understand how today’s choices impact tomorrow’s opportunities.The event will be made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsor Sunflower Bank, whose commitment to financial education helps strengthen students and communities across the region. Booth sponsors for this event are TriAg, Ellinwood Hospital &amp; Clinic, People’s Bank &amp; Trust, and the Ellinwood Public Education and Library Foundation. Without their support, UWCK would not be able to bring this program to over 250 local students.In addition to the financial simulation, students will participate in breakout sessions led by local organizations and professionals, including:· Digital Safety – Nex-Tech· Cost of Delinquency – Ellinwood &amp; Hoisington Police Departments· Job Interviewing – KANSASWORKS· Entrepreneurship – Great Bend Economic Development· Stress &amp; Anxiety Management – The Center for Counseling &amp; Consultation· Banking &amp; Finance – Sunflower Bank· Volunteering &amp; Goal Setting – Golden Belt Community Foundation· Youth Crew – Barton County Juvenile Services· College 101 – Barton Community CollegeReality U plays a critical role in preparing students for adulthood by connecting education, career paths, financial responsibility, and community involvement. By experiencing the realities of budgeting and decision-making in a supportive environment, students will gain practical knowledge, confidence, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to build a stable future.United Way of Central Kansas looks forward to partnering with area schools, sponsors, speakers, and volunteers to make this impactful event possible.

Reality U in Ellinwood will empower area students with real-world skills

Friday Night Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -17. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Saturday Snow. High near 3. Wind chill values as low as -18. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Saturday Night Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -13. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 13. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -9.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767795210108.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Friday Night Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -17. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.Saturday Snow. High near 3. Wind chill values as low as -18. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Saturday Night Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -13. North wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Sunday A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 13. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around -9.Monday Sunny, with a high near 27.

Friday Night's weather

Editor's note: The Kansas Department of Labor did not publish separate reports for the October and November due to the government shutdown.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in December, according to a media release from KDOL.&nbsp; This is unchanged from 3.8% in November and unchanged from 3.8% in December 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.5% in December.

The unemployment rate in Barton County rate is up slightly from 3.4 percent in November to 3.7 in December. The rate is also up in Ellsworth in. Pawnee and Ellsworth County.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,500 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 5,000 over the month, while government increased by 500. The largest job gains in the private sector were in&nbsp;financial activities&nbsp;(+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities&nbsp;(-2,100 jobs).

Since December 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have decreased by 1,400. This change is due to an increase of 400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,800 government jobs.

Technical Note:This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for December 2025, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including December 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769180655958.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: The Kansas Department of Labor did not publish separate reports for the October and November due to the government shutdown.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in December, according to a media release from KDOL.&nbsp; This is unchanged from 3.8% in November and unchanged from 3.8% in December 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.5% in December.The unemployment rate in Barton County rate is up slightly from 3.4 percent in November to 3.7 in December. The rate is also up in Ellsworth in. Pawnee and Ellsworth County.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,500 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 5,000 over the month, while government increased by 500. The largest job gains in the private sector were in&nbsp;financial activities&nbsp;(+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities&nbsp;(-2,100 jobs).Since December 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have decreased by 1,400. This change is due to an increase of 400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,800 government jobs.Technical Note:This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for December 2025, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including December 12.

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