By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Run them into the dirt. Wendy Prosser joined the Barton
County Appraiser’s Office in 2008. Since then, the office has replaced just
three vehicles. Prosser said one of the three vehicles currently in the office
fleet is a 2014 Jeep Compass. Tuesday morning, Prosser went before the board of
commissioners for approval to purchase a replacement for the Jeep.

“We have utilized that vehicle,” Prosser said. “It has not
been the greatest vehicle for our department at all, but it is taxpayer money
and we have tried to be fiscally responsible and just deal with what we've had.
Unfortunately, this vehicle has been having numerous mechanical issues.”

Prosser told commissioners a replacement vehicle has been in
the works so money for a new vehicle is already budgeted. Mechanical issues
have been exacerbated by the wet spring that deteriorated road conditions, making
it even more difficult for staff to access farmsteads. In looking for a vehicle
with at least nine inches of ground clearance that also gave staff a
comfortable and practical working space, Prosser settled on a 2025 Ford Ranger
pickup.

“I just did want to say for the public, it is bright blue,
but it does have the black Barton County logo on the doors so that you can see
us,” Prosser said. “We did try to get a vehicle that stood out. So, if you see
a bright blue vehicle running around your rural properties, it is the county
appraiser.”

The commission approved the purchase from Marmie Ford in Great Bend for $35,165.

Barton Commission approves purchase of replacement vehicle for Appraiser's Office

Saturday Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 56. West northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Light south southeast wind becoming south 8 to 13 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Sunday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a south wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 34. South wind 5 to 8 mph.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.

Saturday's weather

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to Ty Masterson, president of the Kansas Senate on the Chiefs relocation to Kansas.

🎙 Forward Ever: Kan. Senate president Ty Masterson on Chiefs move to Kansas

Shortly before midnight on Dec. 29,&nbsp; an officer with the Great Bend Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 300 Block of 10th Street, Great Bend. Contact was made with the driver, Gerald James, 46, and front passenger, Terra French, 40. Three children were observed in the back seats. 

 During the stop, K9 Rem from the Barton County Sheriff's Office was deployed, indicating to the odor of narcotics. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found during a search of the vehicle.

James was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Interference, Child Endangerment, Driving while Suspended, and for multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. French was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Child Endangerment. Both were booked into the Barton County Jail in lieu of Bond. 

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department 620-793-4120 or 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%3DIwYnJpZBExY2tCYTh4aHJQbVFBTkE0OXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5FSvpFxZFnR_BAeeRROWDhW9_3KpQS4pYn8VENnc9cB2c0Xtogt9ehFomR7g%26brid%3DGhMfc2pJApHeYtiOnmxQ6Q&amp;h=AT2UE6ais8D_YxbhD_gxC_UJ4MadngCoPRyu5LONGyq9hhlUQdY76rW51iIFZPkPGIFFQpax7bFBSxThJGAh06P1XxAS9cBkz9JTyH8V2vPy6pfU6s8C3CAR6apPPbNYpycGZdzrrpEm&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1JxJMGse5yg4jmLYszXTVKCV2A-_4Z26KB34X-OEfkyJaX1a8AexyuZhMcpX9bACFcYhW8-o_htJ4sEj5kAyq40tndqPb70vD4s7CUi3e44xOi_AEMxgbxygtXOOnnpBq_sStiCjoGUkqaBFvGEgvfyDY3Wz4xiE9zUWVTEZBAvc4Xb-Sa8ZFKd6ms0cubOKf0hwi8_Arv6gw9oXw7JnmAsA" target="_blank">p3tips.com.</a>

Great Bend police make pair of arrests after finding drugs during traffic stop

Booked Galliart, Makenna on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-2173 for Domestic Battery. Bond set at $1000.00 cash or surety.

Released Galliart, Makenna on Great Bend Municipal Court case #25-2173 for Domestic Battery with a Surety bond of $1000.00 through Around the Clock bail bonds.

Released French, Terra N. on Barton County District Court case #25-2163 for Possession of opiate. Released per County Attorney.

Released Caruthers, Crystal R. on Barton County District Court warrant #20191M001182 for Failure to appear, on a 48 hour O.R. bond.

Booked Garrett, Cody R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR407 for Violation of Kansas Offender Registration act. Bond set at $40,000.00 cash or Surety.

Released Madden, Malachi A. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT24JV19 for Probation Violation. Released on Time served.

Booked Krom, Michael on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0078 for Violation of Kansas Offender Registration. Bond set at No Bond. And Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0569 for driving while suspended. Bond set at $500.00 cash or Surety.

Booked Cerna-Carranza, Mainor on Barton County District Court case #26-1 for Driving with No Driver's License, and Speeding. Bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Booked Cerna-Carranza, Mainor on Barton County District Court Warrant #8T2024CR0109 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,500.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Cerna-Carranza, Mainor on Barton County District Court Case #26-1 for Driving with No Driver's License, and Speeding by posting a $1,000.00 Surety Bond through ACE Bail Bonding, and released on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2024CR0109 for Failure to Appear by posting a $2,500.00 Surety Bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking Activity (12/31-1/1)

The
world moved into a new year on Thursday, but not before Barton County
Administrator Matt Patzner delivered some good news to the board of
commissioners Tuesday morning. Before the regular weekly meeting, the county
held a special budget amendment meeting to handle more than $2.6 million in unanticipated
revenue from 2025. The revenue is unrelated to ad valorem, or property taxes. 

“Amending the general fund will increase budget authority by
$2,690,275 to allow for a transfer of unanticipated revenue into reserve funds
for future projects, if that’s deemed practical,” Patzner said. “A big piece of
that $2.6 million is the sale of tax credits earlier this year.”

In February, the county announced it had received
approximately 93 cents on the dollar for tax credits related to the HVAC Renovation
Project at the courthouse. The total project ended up costing $5.182 million,
but with the tax credits, came in $358,000 under the original bid of $4.182
million. In a brief back-and-forth with Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson Tuesday
morning, Patzner said the budget amendment does not mean a raise in taxes, nor does it mean the county is obligated to spend additional funds. 

“Essentially, we took in more revenue than we planned on taking
in for 2025,” he said. “This is basically just raising the budget authority to
meet what we actually took in, so it gives us the option, when it comes to
transfer time, do we want to make the transfer, do we want to keep it in cash carry
forward? Usually, it’s somewhere in between there.”

Tuesday’s budget hearing also involved $275,600 in the road
and bridge fund, which can be used to purchase aggregate and other consumable
goods, as well as for future road overlay projects. The amendment also include $660
in the special alcohol fund.

Commissioner Barb Esfeld explained it can be difficult to
know how much money is coming in based on how many people pay or do not pay
their taxes, as well as the various unforeseen circumstances a large entity may
encounter over the course of a year. County Counselor Patrick Hoffman said the
amendments are necessary and not uncommon.

“Accountants, every year, you bring them your statements and
they tell you what you did in the past,” he said. “When Matt makes a budget, he
has to do that in reverse, except he has to decide what’s going to happen in
the future. Obviously, that’s really impossible to know what we’re going to do.
He’s kind of like a future accountant.” 

Not a tax increase: Barton Co. amends budget for $2.6 million in unanticipated revenue

Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. East wind around 6 mph becoming calm.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 57. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35. South wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Partly sunny, with a high near 62. Breezy. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 60.

Friday's weather

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

In 2025, Fort Hays State University experienced a remarkable convergence of leadership, generosity, innovation, and partnership that reinforced its role as a driver of opportunity for students and communities across Kansas. From expanding guaranteed pathways to high-demand careers and celebrating philanthropic support to strengthening workforce pipelines and honoring service, these twelve stories capture the heart of what it means to be a Tiger.

FHSU and Kansas Community Colleges announce guaranteed admission program in psychology

The year began with a landmark agreement expanding access to higher education across the state. I was joined by Kansas Association of Community Colleges Director Heather Morgan and leaders from all 19 Kansas community colleges to sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a guaranteed admission pathway into FHSU’s clinical and school psychology programs.

Students completing an associate degree at a Kansas community college can now transition seamlessly into FHSU bachelor’s programs—and, uniquely, the guarantee extends through the master’s degree level for both clinical and school psychology, provided GPA requirements are met. The initiative directly addresses workforce shortages in mental health and education while removing barriers for students seeking advanced degrees in critical service professions.

Applied Technology achieves 100 percent graduate job placement

FHSU’s Department of Applied Technology has reached a milestone that speaks volumes about its hands-on approach to education: a 100 percent graduate job placement rate. Department Chair Kim Stewart credited the achievement to long-standing partnerships with industry and a robust internship requirement embedded in the curriculum.

With nine credit hours of internships, roughly equivalent to two summers of professional experience, students graduate not only with degrees but with practical skills, employer connections, and real-world readiness. For a department that has consistently hovered near a 98 percent placement rate, the milestone reinforced FHSU’s reputation as a workforce-driven institution.

Ben Schears named Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development

Leadership for economic growth took a major step forward when Ben Schears, president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, was named FHSU’s Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development. In this role, Schears leads efforts to align education, innovation, and workforce needs across the region.

In the opening months that Schear has served in this role, he has worked with Strategic Affiliation partner Fort Hays Tech | North Central to assist High Plains Mental Health and Fort Hays Tech | North Central in addressing the workforce needs associated with their expanding operations. Now in the works is a new associate’s degree program at Fort Hays Tech | North Central that will help High Plains Mental Health staff entry-level positions. The goal of this partnership is to create seamless educational pathways that enable students to earn and learn as they advance in their careers.

Under his leadership, FHSU was selected to serve as one of six entities in the Heartland Rural Innovators Initiative hosted by the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI). Sponsored by the Patterson Family Foundation, the initiative aims to create local efforts that focus on closing the growing gap in tech sector jobs in rural America. The effort will consolidate existing assets across Ellis County to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports tech sector jobs.

Grace McCord Selected as a Finalist in Truman Scholar Competition

Fort Hays State University Political Science major Grace McCord was selected as one of just 200 finalists in the national competition for the Truman Scholarship, selected from 800 highly accomplished applicants nominated by their universities. Truman Scholars are college juniors chosen for their commitment to pursuing a career in public service. Truman Scholars receive a scholarship for graduate study funded by the Truman Foundation, which was created to honor the values of President Harry S. Truman.

Grace served her community through a number of service projects, including work with Jana’s Campaign and the Celebration Community Church Quilting Ministry, among other activities. In her career at FHSU, she has led the American Democracy Project and served as a senator in the Student Government Association, where she currently serves as the Legislative Affairs Director, as well as holding leadership roles in the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta.

Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk named athletic director

Dr. Lisa Goddard McGuirk joined FHSU as its new Athletic Director, bringing with her a national reputation for excellence in Division II athletics. Previously serving as athletic director at Gannon University, she was named NCAA Division II Athletic Director of the Year in 2024.

Under her leadership, Gannon achieved top national rankings in the Learfield Directors’ Cup, a benchmark of athletic and academic success. At FHSU, Goddard McGuirk’s arrival marked a new chapter for Tiger Athletics, one focused on competitive excellence, student-athlete success, and national visibility.

Business Retention and Expansion Program launches regional pilot

Professional and Continuing Education at FHSU launched an innovative pilot program designed to strengthen local economies through business retention and expansion strategies. This initiative was led by representatives from FHSU, Fort Hays Tech | North Central, and Fort Hays Tech |Northwest. Class cohorts were formed in Beloit, Goodland, and Hays, and participants included leaders from business, government, education, and economic development. The program curriculum focused on applying practical tools to support community growth. This initiative highlighted the power of regional collaboration and FHSU’s leadership role in rural economic development.

Corey Isbell named president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest

Corey Isbell, Ed.D., was named president of Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, succeeding Ben Schears. With more than 25 years of experience in technical education across rural Kansas, Isbell brought a deep understanding of workforce training, student success, and community engagement.

His appointment ensured continuity and momentum within the Fort Hays State system, reinforcing strong partnerships between FHSU and technical education institutions across the region.

FHSU Stroup Hall breaks ground to expand nursing program

On August 21, Fort Hays State University broke ground on a $15.4 million project to expand Stroup Hall. The project will add 30,000 additional square feet and unite the Departments of Nursing and Allied Health under one roof. This expansion will allow the two departments to collaborate more closely in training the next generation of students. Funded by the Kansas Legislature, the new Stroup Hall will include simulation labs, updated classrooms, and hands-on training opportunities, with completion expected in December 2026.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran helped secure an additional $400,000 in U.S. Department of Education funding that will be used to provide advanced technology and essential simulation systems

FHSU is currently serving 425 allied health students and slightly more than 725 nursing students. The University expects the expansion to enable enrollment in nursing programs to increase by more than 65% and in medical diagnostic imaging programs by 40%. Fall 2025 enrollment numbers anticipate expected growth in both disciplines with allied health experiencing a 22% increase in students this fall and nursing seeing a 9% increase.

Seven-Figure gift announced for campus library

Homecoming weekend brought a new reason to celebrate: a seven-figure gift from Stephen and Tatiana Tebo and their family to support the renovation of the campus library, now named the Tebo Library.

The gift marked one of the most significant philanthropic investments in campus infrastructure. The renovated library will serve as a hub for learning, collaboration, and discovery for generations to come.

Kansas SBDC Network earns renewed accreditation

The Kansas Small Business Development Center Network, headquartered at FHSU, achieved renewed national accreditation through 2029. The rigorous process affirmed the network’s commitment to high-quality advising and education for Kansas entrepreneurs.

Serving six regional centers statewide, the Kansas SBDC plays a critical role in strengthening small businesses and local economies - another example of FHSU’s statewide impact beyond campus boundaries.

Department chair honored with Patriot Award

Service and support took center stage when Dr. Richard Lisichenko, chair of the Geosciences Department, received the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The honor recognized his exceptional support of Dr. Jonathan Sumrall during Sumrall’s deployment to Kuwait.

Lisichenko’s consistent communication and inclusion of Sumrall’s family exemplified FHSU’s culture of care, earning national recognition and reinforcing the university’s commitment to military-affiliated faculty and staff.

FHSU celebrates first Officer Candidate School graduate

The year concluded with a historic milestone as Jackson Piper became FHSU’s first Officer Candidate School graduate to walk across the commencement stage. Piper, a Kansas City native and Kansas Army National Guard member, joined the OCS program shortly after its launch in 2022.

His achievement symbolized perseverance and service, and highlighted the growing opportunities FHSU provides for students pursuing military and leadership pathways.

Take a Deeper Dive into Heart of a Tiger

In January 2018, I wrote the first Heart of a Tiger column to celebrate the people and culture that make Fort Hays State University special. More than 150 columns later, these stories continue to highlight the compassion, innovation, and determination that define Tiger Nation.

Every Heart of a Tiger column is available at <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/president/heart-of-a-tiger/">fhsu.edu/president/heart-of-a-tiger/</a>

Thursday's weather

Eagle Media welcomes you to 2026

Scrap Management Industries, Inc. (SMI), one of the Midwest’s leading ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling companies, today announced it has acquired Allmetal Recycling, a scrap metal recycling company based in Kansas.

The acquisition expands SMI’s presence across the region by adding Allmetal’s network of 10 locations in Kansas, including three yards in Wichita and additional facilities in Salina, Newton, Harper, McPherson, Great Bend, Kingman and Pratt. With this significant combination, SMI will operate 5 Automobile Shredders – including two Mega Shredders – across 19 yards in three primary regions across Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma with services spanning the surrounding states and communities.

“Allmetal is exactly the kind of company we want to grow with,” said Jerrit Burgess, CEO of Scrap Management Industries. “Both companies are family built and locally led. Allmetal has done an outstanding job serving Kansas communities and its industrial partners. Bringing their team into the SMI family allows us to offer more locations, more capacity and even better service while keeping decisions close to the communities we serve.”

Allmetal will continue to operate under its own name as part of the SMI family of companies. Allmetal customers and community partners will get the same great experience they have come to know while gaining access to the broader resources, relationships and operational support of SMI.

Allmetal Recycling was established in 2009 and is owned and operated by cousins Clint and Kolby Cornejo, who have built the company into a leading metal recycler in Kansas with a strong reputation for safety, service and community involvement. Both Clint and Kolby are remaining with the company in leadership roles as part of the combined organization and will continue to be actively involved in day-to-day operations.

“We have always believed that scrap metal recycling is a local business,” said Clint Cornejo. “SMI shares that belief. They are family owned, they understand the value of local teams and they are committed to investing in the people and facilities that make this business work.”

“Joining the SMI family allows us to keep doing what we do best for our customers and communities, while creating new opportunities for our employees as the combined business grows,” added Kolby Cornejo.

For industrial and commercial partners, the combined company can now provide a broader footprint, more container and transportation options and expanded capacity to handle complex scrap programs across multiple locations.&nbsp;

For walk-in customers at both SMI and Allmetal locations, the acquisition means more convenient options to recycle scrap with a larger company that is continuing to invest in facilities, equipment and overall customer experience.

About Scrap Management Industries (SMI) Founded in 1973, Scrap Management Industries is a leading recycler of ferrous and nonferrous metals with locations in Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, and multiple facilities across Kansas and Oklahoma. SMI focuses on transparent, ethical practices, clean and well-maintained facilities and community engagement, and continues to advance metal recycling technology and environmental stewardship. Learn more at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://smirecyclers.com/">smirecyclers.com</a>.

Great Bend's Allmetal Recycling acquired by Kansas City-based SMI

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway Official Rules

Daily Registration Locations and Sponsored in part by: - Cornerstone Automotive and Tire - Mayo Money Management - GB Tires - Great Bend Appliance - Boone's Maytag - Z's Liquormart - Nex-Tech - Sutherlands - UPS Store/Westside Market - Nextech Wireless - Hoisington Veterinary Hospital - Memorial Art Company - Dawson Jewelers - Eldridge Fencing - Jimlo Glass Center

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway

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

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

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

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

Make a Difference Contest 

Saturday, January 3 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ UCF 5:15PM 1590/95.5FM - Cougar Basketball - Butler W&amp;M @ Barton Sunday, January 4 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Football - Indianapolis @ Houston 2:00PM&nbsp;B104 - Chiefs Football - Kansas City @ Las Vegas Monday, January 5 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, January 6 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104 - H.S. Basketball - Great Bend G&amp;B @ Salina South 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Smoky Valley G&amp;B @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9- H.S. Basketball - Ellsworth G&amp;B @ Colby 7:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Jayhawk Basketball - TCU @ Kansas Wednesday, January 7 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day&nbsp; 5:15PM 1590/95.5FM - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Independence Thursday, January 8 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day&nbsp; 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - College Football Playoffs - Miami vs Ole Miss Friday, January 9 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104 - H.S. Basketball - Great Bend G&amp;B @ Garden City 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Beloit G&amp;B @ Hoisington&nbsp; 5:45PM Hits 106.9- H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Lyons 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - College Football Playoffs - Indiana vs Oregon&nbsp; Saturday, January 10 10:30AM 1590/95.5FM - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ West Virginia 1:45PM 1590/95.5FM - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Seward County Monday, January 12 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, January 13 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington G&amp;B @ Hesston 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Nickerson G&amp;B @ Larned 7:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Iowa State @ Kansas

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

Colby Boys 75 Larned 51; Colby Girls 36 Larned 35

LARNED SPORTS ON HITS 106.9 BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY... EQUITY BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, SMITH DENTAL CLINIC, CLOCK REALTY &amp; INSURANCE, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENTISTRY, PROGRESSIVE THERAPY &amp; SPORTS MEDICINE, DOERR'S ACE HARDWARE, FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES - LEIGH ANN SEEMAN, PAWNEE PLAZA, HEART OF KANSAS FAMILY HEALTH, COMFORT PRO, EAKIN ENTERPRISES, FRICK VETERINARY, USD #495 LARNED, CARR AUCTION &amp; REAL ESTATE, AG SYSTEMS, FUSION BANK, PICKET FENCE REAL ESTATE, AND BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

Hoisington Boys 52 Russell 43; Hoisington Girls 53 Russell 34

HOISINGTON SPORTS ON 100.7 EAGLE COUNTRY SPONSORED BY... EQUITY BANK, USD #431 HOISINGTON, EHLER CHEVROLET, CARDINAL PHARMACY, TOWN &amp; COUNTRY SUPERMARKET, SUPERIOR ESSEX, FIRST KANSAS BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, MPIRE REALTY NIKKI HENDERSON, CLARA BARTON MEDICAL CENTER, HOISINGTON VETERINARY HOSPITAL, HOISINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB, AMERICAN LEGION POST 286, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENISTRY, HOISINGTON RECREATION COMMISSION, CENTRAL CHIROPRACTIC, DR. TYLER SCHREMMER, AND BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — For a game between teams with losing records to end the regular season, there is quite a bit at stake — especially for the Raiders.

Las Vegas is&nbsp;in position for the top pick&nbsp;in next year's draft, a potentially franchise-altering selection the Raiders would clinch with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The Raiders are guaranteed at least the No. 2 choice and could get the top pick even with a victory.

That's not at the top of coach Pete Carroll's mind nor his players, and regardless of the outcome this weekend, there figures to be plenty of change in Las Vegas (2-14), which brings in a 10-game losing streak. That change could include Carroll after just one season in charge.

He is a noted optimist and speaks about the future of the club as if he's going to oversee where it goes from here, and owner Mark Davis hasn't spoken publicly about his intentions in recent weeks.

“We’re playing Kansas City. They won the freaking division for 10 years straight or whatever it is,” Carroll said. “It’ll be fun to play them. Fun to go against (Chiefs coach) Andy (Reid). There’s no reason for us to think about anything other than playing ball. So, from the locker room, that’s what I said to them afterward, that we got one week to do something special.”

This is new territory for the Chiefs (6-10), who not only have ruled the AFC West since 2016, they have appeared five of the past six Super Bowls, winning the Lombardi Trophy three times during that span as the decade's dominant franchise.

The 67-year-old&nbsp;Reid ended any speculation about his future&nbsp;this past week, saying he plans to return next season. He'll have to find a way to get Kansas City back into contention, and getting a healthy Patrick Mahomes back early next season will be a good place to start.

The Chiefs will have a top-15 pick in the draft to assist general manager Brett Veach in his efforts to put talent around their star quarterback.

“Something to look forward to,” Reid said. “It’s not where you want to be, but it is where we are, and we’ve got good people doing the picking, headed by Brett.”

Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun will make his second NFL start. The backup to Mahomes and former Raider Gardner Minshew, both out with torn knee ligaments, was just 13 of 22 for 66 yards with a touchdown last week against Denver, though he did make a couple of nice plays with his legs.

Oladokun got only a couple of days to prepare for the Thursday night matchup, so perhaps 11 days to get ready for Las Vegas will help.

“We’ll get the normal week in of work and look forward to seeing what he does with that,” Reid said. “He did a nice job last week of getting everything together and organizing and was able to manage the game well."

An ankle injury probably will keep quarterback Geno Smith on the sideline, meaning he might have played his final game for the Raiders.

Kenny Pickett has been ahead of Aidan O'Connell on the depth chart, but Carroll said he expected both to play. Pickett will start.

“I don’t think that (Smith's) going to be able to make that recovery,” Carroll said. “We wish that he could, and I hate closing the door on any opportunity, but it’s going to be really hard for him.”

Raiders defensive end&nbsp;Maxx Crosby wasn't pleased about being shut down&nbsp;last week, leaving the facility on Friday.

He returned on Monday, and while he still isn't thrilled about not playing anymore this season, Crosby said on the “Let's Go” podcast with Jim Gray that he's looking ahead to his upcoming knee surgery.

“You can look at it as, ‘Damn, I got to do this again and it’s getting old,’” Crosby said. “Or you can say, ‘No, this is an opportunity. I can improve.’”

The Chiefs expect to start Esa Pole, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Mike Caliendo and Chu Godrick from left to right along the offensive line on Sunday. That would be their fifth and sixth offensive tackles and the backup right guard. And that brings the total games missed because of injuries by their starting offensive line to 35 this season.

Top draft pick could be on the line for Raiders when they host the Chiefs

Kansas Jayhawks (10-3) at UCF Knights (11-1)

BOTTOM LINE: UCF hosts No. 17 Kansas after Themus Fulks scored 24 points in UCF's 85-80 victory against the Florida Atlantic Owls.

The Knights have gone 8-1 in home games. UCF is sixth in the Big 12 with 17.3 assists per game led by Fulks averaging 7.2.

The Jayhawks are 1-1 on the road. Kansas scores 75.8 points while outscoring opponents by 12.5 points per game.

UCF scores 88.3 points, 25.0 more per game than the 63.3 Kansas gives up. Kansas averages 75.8 points per game, 0.9 more than the 74.9 UCF allows to opponents.

The Knights and Jayhawks face off Saturday for the first time in Big 12 play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Fulks is averaging 13.3 points and 7.2 assists for the Knights. Jordan Burks is averaging 14.1 points over the last 10 games.

Flory Bidunga is scoring 14.7 points per game and averaging 9.2 rebounds for the Jayhawks. Melvin Council Jr. is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knights: 10-0, averaging 88.5 points, 38.6 rebounds, 17.6 assists, 6.9 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 71.6 points per game.

Jayhawks: 8-2, averaging 74.1 points, 37.2 rebounds, 15.3 assists, 5.1 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.9 points.

Fulks leads UCF against No. 17 Kansas after 24-point game

BYU Cougars (12-1) at Kansas State Wildcats (9-4)

BOTTOM LINE: No. 10 BYU faces Kansas State after AJ Dybantsa scored 33 points in BYU's 109-81 victory over the Eastern Washington Eagles.

The Wildcats are 7-2 in home games. Kansas State ranks ninth in the Big 12 in rebounding with 34.2 rebounds. Nate Johnson leads the Wildcats with 5.3 boards.

The Cougars play their first true road game after going 12-1 with a 6-1 record in neutral-site games to start the season. BYU ranks eighth in the Big 12 shooting 37.1% from 3-point range.

Kansas State makes 49.4% of its shots from the field this season, which is 9.2 percentage points higher than BYU has allowed to its opponents (40.2%). BYU has shot at a 50.3% rate from the field this season, 6.9 percentage points greater than the 43.4% shooting opponents of Kansas State have averaged.

The Wildcats and Cougars square off Saturday for the first time in conference play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: PJ Haggerty is averaging 22.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Wildcats. David Castillo is averaging 13.1 points over the last 10 games.

Dybantsa is shooting 59.1% and averaging 23.1 points for the Cougars. Richie Saunders is averaging 18.3 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 6-4, averaging 86.0 points, 35.4 rebounds, 18.8 assists, 6.7 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.8 points per game.

Cougars: 9-1, averaging 88.2 points, 35.6 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 10.2 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.9 points.

Dybantsa leads No. 10 BYU against Kansas State

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Trinidad Chambliss passed for 362 yards and two touchdowns, and Lucas Carneiro kicked his third field goal of the game with 6 seconds left to put No. 6 Mississippi in front for good in a 39-34 victory over third-ranked Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal in the Sugar Bowl. In an unusual twist, Ole Miss was awarded a safety on its final kickoff when Georgia’s return team tried a cross-field lateral that hit the pylon. Gunner Stockton ran for two TDs and rallied Georgia from a 10-point, fourth quarter deficit before Chambliss drove the Rebels for Carniero's decisive 47-yard kick in less than a minute.

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes, Indiana’s defense thoroughly throttled Alabama, and the top-seeded Hoosiers roared into the College Football Playoff semifinals with a 38-3 victory in the 112th Rose Bowl. Mendoza passed for 192 yards in his first game since winning his school’s first Heisman Trophy, but the hard-nosed Hoosiers won the Rose Bowl for the first time in school history by dominating the Crimson Tide at the line of scrimmage. Indiana scored the game’s first 24 points before pouring it on with fourth-quarter rushing TDs from Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby, wrapping up a jubilant win in the 112th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Oregon dominated Texas Tech with a 23-0 victory in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl. Matayo Uiagalelei caused a fumble that set up a touchdown, and Jordon Davison rushed for two scores. Dante Moore threw for 234 yards, and Atticus Sappington kicked three field goals. Oregon, now 13-1, will face either Indiana or Alabama in the Peach Bowl on January 9. Texas Tech, which finished 12-2, struggled offensively, turning the ball over four times. This win marks Oregon's first shutout of an AP-ranked opponent since 2012.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — When Indiana met Oregon in October, the game served as the best test yet of whether the Hoosiers were a one-year wonder or a program that was here to stay. They met that challenge with a double-digit win that snapped Oregon’s 18-game home winning streak. Next week comes a rematch with a trip to the national title game at stake. A pair of Big Ten blowouts — Indiana 38, Alabama 3 and Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0 — set up Oregon-Indiana, Part 2 in the national semifinals at the Peach Bowl next Friday. Miami will play Ole Miss, a 39-34 winner over Georgia.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Presidents often find solace in golfing, and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland is a favorite spot because it's close to the White House and has built-in security. Known as "the president's course," Andrews has hosted presidents dating back to Gerald Ford. Barack Obama played it more than 100 times. Then there's Donald Trump. He's an avid golfer but doesn't play Andrews, preferring courses his family owns. Now, he's planning a major renovation project for the golf courses at Andrews with legendary champion Jack Nicklaus serving as architect. The White House says the project's cost, and when work will start, hasn't been determined — nor has who will pay for it.

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that right-hander Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros have agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract. Imai gets a $2 million signing bonus and salaries of $16 million this year and $18 million in each of the final two seasons. He can earn an additional $9 million in escalators based on innings. A 27-year-old righty, Imai went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA last season for the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions. He struck out 178 batters in 163 2/3 innings. He is a three-time All-Star.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin attended the No. 5 Tigers’ women’s basketball game on Thursday night as his former team — Mississippi — was taking on Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Sugar Bowl. Kiffin and women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey emerged from the tunnel holding hands before the Tigers faced No. 11 Kentucky. Kiffin and Mulkey’s appearance on the court drew a roar from the crowd, and Mulkey raised her left hand to point at Kiffin while the pair responded by raising their joined hands in the air. Kiffin’s appearance at the LSU game came at just about the same time as his old team, Ole Miss, was kicking off its CFP game. LSU lost the game 80-78.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Lamar Jackson says he’s expecting to play when the Baltimore Ravens take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh for the AFC North title Sunday night. Jackson returned to practice Wednesday and was a full participant, but he didn’t talk with reporters at the podium until Thursday. He said he’s feeling good after missing last weekend’s game at Green Bay because of a back injury. That was the fourth game this season Jackson has missed, the first three because of hamstring problems. The Ravens need a win this weekend to make the playoffs after they entered the season as a popular Super Bowl pick.

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson says a cracked rib sidelined him in the second half of the Crimson Tide’s 38-3 loss to top-seeded Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Simpson got hurt when an Indiana player’s helmet hit him in the torso and caused a fumble after he made a courageous scramble through the Hoosiers’ defense for a first down late in the first half. He had an X-ray at halftime that revealed the injury, Simpson said after the College Football Playoff quarterfinal ended. Simpson acknowledged that he might have tried to do too much on that play after he came up one yard short of a first down on an earlier run.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs say an MRI showed center Victor Wembanyama sustained no ligament damage in his injured left knee, and their All-Star center will not play Friday in Indiana. The Spurs said Thursday that Wembanyama’s status is day-to-day. He did not travel with the team to Indiana, and instead will rehabilitate the injury in San Antonio. Wembanyama hyperextended his left knee with just under 11 minutes remaining in San Antonio’s 134-132 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Wembanyama said he felt fine after the game and expected to play Friday against the Pacers, but said San Antonio’s medical staff could decide otherwise depending on tests.

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Ottawa	4	Washington	3	 Final	Utah	7	N-Y Islanders	2	 Final	Toronto	6	Winnipeg	5	 Final	Tampa Bay	5	Los Angeles	3	 Final	Montreal	7	Carolina	5	 Final OT	Pittsburgh	4	Detroit	3	 Final	Chicago	4	Dallas	3	 Final	Seattle	4	Nashville	1

TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Final	(5)Oregon	23	(4)Texas Tech	0	 Final	(6)Mississippi	39	(2)Georgia	34	 Final	(1)Indiana	38	(11)Alabama	3

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Western Athletic Conference Cimarron @ Dodge City Saturday Kingman @ Dodge City Garden City @ Holcomb Central Kansas League Russell @ Hoisington Larned @ Colby Nickerson @ Cheney Hillsboro @ Pratt Halstead @ Augusta Saturday Wamego @ Hesston Central Prairie League St. John @ Central Christian Other Area Games Skyline @ Sublette Norwich @ Little River Beloit @ Lyons

Friday Area High School Basketball Schedule

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Trinidad Chambliss passed for 362 yards and two touchdowns, and Lucas Carneiro kicked his third field goal of the game with 6 seconds left to put No. 6 Mississippi in front for good in a 39-34 victory over third-ranked Georgia in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night.

In an unusual twist, Ole Miss was awarded a safety on its final kickoff when Georgia’s return team tried a cross-field lateral that hit the pylon.

Georgia then recovered an onside kick and ran one more play in which they executed numerous laterals before the play fizzled, sending Ole Miss (13-1, CFP No. 6 seed) on to a semifinal against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl next Thursday.

Kicking off on the heels of two lopsided CFP quarterfinals at the Orange and Rose bowls, the Sugar Bowl provided drama until the end.

Chambliss responded by setting up the winning kick with a 40-yard pass to De’Zhaun Stribling on third down from Mississippi’s own 30-yard line. A few plays later, Carneiro, who’d already broken Sugar Bowl records with field goals of 55 and 56 yards, hit from 47 and sprinted triumphantly toward the Ole Miss sideline as the Rebels jubilantly swarmed around him.

Harrison Wallace III caught nine passed for 156 yards and one TD, Stribling finished with seven catches for 122 yards, Kewan Lacy rushed for 98 yards and two TDs, and the Rebels outgained the Bulldogs 473 yards to 343.

Stockton passed for 203 yards and one touchdown, and also ran for two scores.

Both quarterbacks made big plays under duress.

Twice, Chambliss appeared to be running for his life to avoid sacks, retreating well behind the line of scrimmage and changing direction before finding back-yard-type completions during a 75-yard scoring drive that ended with Lacy’s second touchdown of the game.

Stockton twice completed passes moments before absorbing heavy hits, both of which took him off his feet and one of which looked like unpenalized head contact that left him flat on his back.

Both also converted high-pressure fourth-down passes in the fourth quarter to keep alive scoring drives when their team trailed.

In the third quarter, Chambliss found Wallace over the middle for a 36-yard gain on fourth down to the Georgia 8, setting up Lacy’s 7-yard scoring run around the right end to cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 21-19.

Stockton completed a 16-yard pass to Zachariah Branch on fourth and 9 near midfield in the waning minutes, setting up the tying field goal.

Georgia also converted a fake punt from its own 30 with a reverse pass from Landon Roldan to Lawson Luckie in the third quarter, sustaining a drive that culminated with Woodring’s 37-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 24-19 lead.

But after Ole Miss had taken a 27-24 lead, Georgia again ran an offensive play on fourth down in its own territory and Stockton was sacked. Chambliss cashed in soon after with a back-should touchdown pass to Wallace to make it 34-24.

Ole Miss led 6-0 after Carneiro’s two longer field goals in the first quarter.

Georgia took its first lead at 7-6 on Stockton’s 12-yard run.

Chambliss quickly led Mississippi back in front, hitting Stribling for 39 yards down the left sidelined before finding Luke Hasz crossing the back of the end zone for a 3-yard TD.

Stockton put the Bulldogs back in front on a short keeper — one play after being flatted by what appeared to be an illegal hit to the head by linebacker Tahj Chambers as the quarterback released a 26-yard completion to Cash Jones.

Lacy fumbled on Mississippi’s next series, and the ball bounced straight to Daylen Everette, who ran 47 yards untouched for his first-career touchdown to make it 21-12.

Ole Miss: While Lane Kiffin put this Rebels team together and led it to an 11-1 regular season, his departure for LSU — traumatic as it may have been for Ole Miss fans — hasn't stopped the team from forging ahead under newly promoted coach Pete Golding. The former Rebels defensive coordinator is now 2-0 in his head coaching career, with both victories coming in the CFP.

Georgia: This marked the second straight year the Bulldogs earned a bye in the two-year-old 12-team CFP format, only to fall in a quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl to a team that had played in the first round. Last season, Georgia’s season ended in the Superdome at the hands of Notre Dame.

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