Most governmental offices will be shut down Monday in observance of Presidents' Day. Offices will re-open on Tuesday, and the Barton County Commission will hold its regular meeting Tuesday morning.

NEW BUSINESS - INVENTORY OF COUNTY PROPERTY: &nbsp;-Bev Schmeidler, County Clerk; Chris Saenz, Deputy Clerk; and Dereck Hollingshead, Information Technology Director, will provide details. Per KSA 19-2687, each County officer and head of a department shall make an inventory of the personal property owned by the County and located in such office or department. The inventory, which shall be taken during the month of December of each year, shall be filed with the County Clerk on or before December 31 of each year. The inventory shall not include books, records, files, stationery, writing materials and blank legal papers. The information will be presented to the Commission during February of each year. Per Resolution 2005-22, the mandated duties have been assigned to the Information Technology Department.

 SHERIFF’S OFFICE:  Replacement of Certain Fleet Vehicles:  -Sheriff Brian Bellendir will present.  The Sheriff’s Office regularly replaces certain vehicles.  Some are replaced following accidents while others are replaced due to high mileage and / or mechanical issues.  The Sheriff’s Office personnel have identified four units available through the Kansas Highway Patrol that meet current operational needs.  These include three 2023 and one 2022 Dodge Durango Pursuits AWD.  Total cost of the vehicles is $152,650.00.

COUNTY WEBSITE: SOCS – Simplified Online Communication System: -Matt Patzner, County Administrator, will provide details. For several years, Barton County’s website, <a href="http://www.bartoncounty.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyVDV0UThLTjkxcmJleHZneHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4Z5VgcA3TshfU6VAsAO-sRNJvtDRpQ4qEFTfXEGeHh684UzpHJWVKsRFC-iA_aem_U9lAjpH0DafuOpjj0SGFKw" target="_blank">www.bartoncounty.org</a>, has been hosted by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES / SOCS). It is suggested that the Commission approve the one-year hosting fee of $5,225.00.

CDBG GRANT NO. 94-HR-196:   Release of Certain Liens:  -Mr. Patzner will provide details.  In the mid-1990’s, the then-Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing awarded CDBG Grant No. 94-HR-196, a housing rehabilitation grant, to Barton County.  With funding allocated to low to moderate income persons, work included the rehabilitation of 24 homes and the demotion of another four.  As a condition of financing, Barton County filed a passive lien on subject properties.  The $300,000.00 grant, that included a County match of $11,500.00, was closed out in December, 1998.  It is believed that all the conditions of the grant were completed, but the liens were inadvertently not released.  As such it is suggested that the Commission release any remaining liens filed as a result of this grant. 

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

The Commission meeting will be live-streamed through Microsoft Teams. Citizens may view the meeting through their own sign in or by signing in “anonymously”. Please follow this link: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4jJ7JzX%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyVDV0UThLTjkxcmJleHZneHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4Z5VgcA3TshfU6VAsAO-sRNJvtDRpQ4qEFTfXEGeHh684UzpHJWVKsRFC-iA_aem_U9lAjpH0DafuOpjj0SGFKw&amp;h=AT195UGsUMxq9IkoUW1X_G90JKqsGR2YpneoG0e66NIa59o1er1aFDWZEbdKfgcr4EtqjrXLVYd73fPUq0FdSKBPXE-itNT76mUylyyVLe9x6LB0MjpgqoYH1Xcm6elG8HKiLmQp4bHH&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT18vMQBYR8szJI_G4h0LzxjjoxXJqKVZV7sGW5Bov-NeZgTZgQ7kftMOWkkvLvQOCCn5hYQQciLjF-L3M4NALh8Y3v1pWk0GrWEeBJmMrHJGudak74io3A6H-s0zweEHDEJIctqJfJUBWSlW501N4OrgS-RuOWJE65CR6NoY-LsQJ_EIL8uUYoTGLI-LqKYzKumm2d_aTw2XDXjUE0Nodkihg" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/4jJ7JzX</a>. If you wish to participate in the discussion of any item, please call (620) 793-1800 for instructions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton Commission to consider purchase of used vehicles for sheriff's office

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce celebrated a sweet milestone on Thursday, Jan. 29 with a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting for Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company at its new location inside Fuller Industries, 15 SW 40 Ave in Great Bend.

The celebration was held just ahead of the company’s three-year anniversary, as owner Allie Cartwright entered an exciting new chapter that provides the space needed to meet growing demand and expand wholesale production across Central Kansas.

Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company now operates out of Fuller Industries’ commercial kitchen, a move made possible thanks to a connection facilitated by Great Bend Chamber President and CEO, Megan Barfield. While attending a Chamber Coffee at Fuller, Barfield toured the kitchen space and saw an opportunity, bringing the two organizations together in what has proven to be a natural fit.

The expanded space allows Cartwright to increase production capacity while positioning the business for continued growth. In October of 2025, Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company was awarded 1st Place in the Great Bend Economic Development Center’s IGNITE Competition, earning $50,000 to invest back into the business. The award further strengthened plans for expansion and long-term sustainability.

Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company serves handcrafted cheesecakes and cheesecake treats in a wide variety of flavors and sizes. In addition to retail sales at the new location, the business continues to travel throughout Central Kansas with its concession trailer and provides wholesale products to area restaurants and retailers.

Walk-in hours at the new location are: Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers may also order online 24/7 at www.FreakingDeliciousCheesecake.com or call/text 620-303-0350.

Ribbon cutting marks 3-year anniversary for Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company

Anyone who wants to enjoy a pancake-and-sausage dinner, while supporting children and adults with special needs, is encouraged to purchase tickets for this popular all-you-can-eat meal, said Cody Harris, director of planned giving and community support at Sunflower Diversified Services.

Sunflower is hosting this 23rd annual event from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Prince of Peace Parish Center, 4100 Broadway in Great Bend.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door for dine-in or carry-out. They can be purchased at Westside Market/The UPS Store, 5523 10th, or by contacting Harris, 620-786-0198.

“While this isn’t our biggest fundraiser of the year, it has always been a great way to raise awareness about the people we serve with our many programs,” Harris said. “We enjoy connecting with the community to share information about who we are and what we do.

“This is so important in the daily lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and delays,” he added. “These individuals and our great staff rely on the generosity of central Kansans whose donations help finance services that tax revenues don’t come close to covering.”

Proceeds go to the Sunflower Diversified Services Foundation to help people meet needs that include medical and dental care, and adaptive equipment.

Donald Hawes, deejay, will provide entertainment and add to the fun atmosphere, Harris commented.

Nex-Tech and Abbey Carpet &amp; Floor are co-sponsors of the dinner, along with Sunflower.

“We are so blessed to have the continued support of these two great local businesses,” Harris said. “The individuals we serve and our staff are grateful to them and everyone else who contributes in any way to this community gathering.”

Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 60th year.

Tickets available for Sunflower Diversified Services Pancake Feed

The Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program (HAPp) recently kicked off with a strong start, bringing community members together to learn practical ways to improve heart health and better manage blood pressure. The first session featured a special presentation by Dr. Travis Haneke, cardiologist, who shared valuable insight into hypertension, its risks, and the importance of early prevention and consistent management. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how high blood pressure affects the body and why even small lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

Dr. Haneke emphasized that hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because many individuals do not experience noticeable symptoms. Without regular monitoring, high blood pressure can quietly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and other serious health concerns. He encouraged attendees to know their numbers, monitor blood pressure regularly, and work toward gradual improvements through nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and medication when prescribed.

In addition to Dr. Haneke’s presentation, the program introduced participants to the supportive structure of the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program. The program is designed to provide ongoing education, practical tools, and encouragement to help individuals take control of their health in realistic and sustainable ways. Participants will continue learning about heart-healthy habits, including reducing sodium intake, improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and building routines that support long-term success.

While the program is already underway, there is still time for community members to join. Upcoming nutrition workshops will cover key topics such as healthy fats, reducing excess sodium, cooking with herbs and spices, and practical strategies for making healthier choices when eating out. These sessions include interactive discussions, food demonstrations, and simple tips that can be applied immediately at home. Individuals are welcome to participate in the workshops on their own or choose to enhance their experience through personalized health coaching.

Health coaching provides participants with one-on-one support, goal setting, and accountability throughout the program. Coaches work alongside participants to create realistic action plans tailored to individual needs, helping them stay motivated and make steady progress. This added support can be especially helpful for those who want guidance in building new habits, improving nutrition, or managing blood pressure more confidently. Karissa Frasier, Community Health

Worker will coach participants in Ellis County and Monique Koerner, Family and Community Wellness Agent will coach participants in Barton County.

As an added incentive, participants who enroll in health coaching will receive a free validated home blood pressure monitor. Having a reliable cuff at home allows individuals to track their blood pressure regularly, better understand patterns, and share accurate readings with healthcare providers. Regular monitoring is one of the most effective tools for managing hypertension and preventing complications.

The Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program continues to welcome new participants in Barton and Ellis Counties who are ready to take positive steps toward better health. Whether attending nutrition workshops alone or also participating in health coaching, individuals will gain practical knowledge, useful tools, and supportive encouragement along the way. Small, consistent changes—like improving nutrition, monitoring blood pressure, and building healthier routines—can lead to lasting improvements in heart health and overall well-being.

If you have any questions or would like to enroll you can call the office at 785-628-9430 or email Monique at moniquek@ksu.edu

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu

K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

KOERNER: Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program underway

Due to President's Day the Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking Report will return tomorrow. This will include information from 2/13 - 2/16.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity NO REPORT TODAY

President's Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South southwest wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South southeast wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Breezy, with a southwest wind 14 to 19 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Breezy.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 68. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 57. Breezy.

Monday's weather

Property matters will dominate the next Great Bend City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17, which was bumped a day due to the Presidents' Day holiday. The body will consider a pair of items relating to property use in the city.

Kevin and Jeff Keller have expressed interest in constructing a single-family residence on the lot located at 2261 Prairie Rose Drive. The property is within a Rural Housing Incentive District. The proposed dwelling will be consistent in design and character with existing homes in the neighborhood. The city of Great Bend will convey title to the buyers and will hold $10,000 in escrow, which will be returned once a certificate of occupancy is issued. Building permits must be obtained within 90 days of the closing date, and a certificate of occupancy must be obtained within 365 days of the permit issuance.

In other action, Great Bend Lodging has submitted a final plat for property located at 3017 10th Street, next to the Events Center, for the future development of a hotel and associated restaurant uses. The Great Bend Planning Commission heard about the plat during a Jan. 26 public hearing. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the final plat to the council. Proposed improvements of the final plat include the relocation of the existing sanitary sewer line further south on the property and extending it to the east. This will create a larger developable lot for the restaurant. To guarantee the completion of the improvements, the owners have submitted a letter of credit in the amount of $60,000, which will ensure installation of the new sewer line and removal of the existing line.

The Feb. 17 Great Bend City Council meeting will begin Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Great Bend City Council to consider pair of property-related items at Tuesday meeting

Sunday Patchy dense fog before 11am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Sunday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 42. South wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

President's Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. South southwest wind 7 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. South southeast wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Breezy. Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Breezy.

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy.

Sunday's weather

EDWARDS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Saturday in Edwards County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Honda Civic driven by Aaron JG&nbsp;Pineda, 29, Garden City,&nbsp;was stuck on the railroad tracks on 310th Avenue just north of U.S. 50.&nbsp; An eastbound Amtrak train struck the car.

Pineda was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;McKillip Funeral Home.&nbsp; The conductor, engineer and an additional 113 occupants on board the train were not injured.

Kan. man dead after Amtrak train strikes car stuck on the tracks 

PAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 2a.m. Saturday in Pawnee County&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Chrysler 300 driven by Jon Myles Woelk&nbsp; Blakely, 36, Rozell, was westbound on K156 Highway three miles west of the U.S. 183 Junction.

The car traveled off the roadway to the left and the driver corrected.&nbsp; The vehicle returned to the road and rolled into the ditch.

&nbsp;Blakely was pronoumced dead at the scene and was transported to Beckwith Mortuary. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Pawnee Co. man dies after rollover accident

Scholar's Bowl season is underway at Holy Family School. The team traveled to Chase on Feb. 9&nbsp; for a preseason competition and gained valuable experience.&nbsp; 

HFS will host a Scholars' Bowl on Monday, Feb. 23, beginning at 3 p.m.&nbsp; Teams who will participate in this 5th and 6th grade meet will be from Jefferson, Riley, Eisenhower, Lincoln, Park, CKCA, St. Joseph from Ellinwood, and Holy Family.&nbsp; The competition will be Round Robin with eight&nbsp;teams playing each other for a total of seven rounds. Questions will be from the areas of Social Studies, ELA, Math, Science, Fine Arts, Miscellaneous, Sports and Current Events.&nbsp; 

The public is invited to attend and decide for themselves if they are smarter than a 5th or 6th grader!

Great Bend's Holy Family School hosting Scholars' Bowl on Feb. 23

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 

Western Athletic Conference Liberal @ Great Bend Dodge City @ Garden City Central Kansas League Monday Clearwater @ Pratt Tuesday Haven @ Larned Hillsboro @ Hoisington Hesston @ Nickerson Smoky Valley @ Halstead Central Prairie League Monday St. John @ Ness City LaCrosse @ Chase Pawnee Heights @ Otis-Bison Tuesday Russell @ Ellinwood Ness City @ Central Plains Macksville @ Otis-Bison Kinsley @ Victoria Chase @ Pawnee Heights Other Area Games Monday Fairfield @ Kiowa County Tuesday Cunningham @ Stafford Ellsworth @ Southeast of Saline TMP @ Oakley Minneola @ Kiowa County Satanta @ Hodgeman County Norwich @ Skyline Inman @ Little River

Tuesday Area High School Basketball Schedule

- Water Cooler Monday with Garrett Fitzpatrick

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

- Carson Dubose, head coach of Barton CC Softball

- Conor Nicholl of Sunflower Sports Solutions

Friday on Sports Day(Watch)

Competing across two venues Friday and Saturday, the Barton Community College men's track and field team took part in one of the nation's most anticipated indoor showcases at the Tyson Invitational while additional Cougar entries competed at the Ichabod Invitational hosted by Washburn University.

Across the two meets, the Cougars produced one new national qualifying mark and ten combined personal and season-best performances, highlighted by record-book movement and continued depth across the sprints, middle distance, jumps, and throws.

The final regular-season test sets the stage for the remaining two indoor meets of the year beginning next Saturday at the two-day KJCCC/Region 6 Championships held at Pittsburg State University's Plaster Center. Two weeks later, the Cougars return to Topeka for the NJCAA Indoor National Championships scheduled for March 6-7.

Inside Arkansas' Randal Tyson Track Center, the 2026 Tyson Invitational featured 2024 Olympic 100-meter gold medalist Noah Lyles, 2025 Bowerman Award winner Jordan Anthony, and World Indoor champion Jereem Richards among a 50-school field that included thirteen nationally ranked NCAA Division I programs led by No. 1 Kansas State and No. 2 Tennessee.

Barton's men delivered multiple program list shifts against elite company.&nbsp;LaMont Johnson&nbsp;surged to a personal best 46.48 in the 400 meters to place 12th overall, climbing from sixth to fourth on Barton's all-time indoor list while already holding a national qualifying standard.

In the 800 meters,&nbsp;Shavan Jarrett&nbsp;secured his first national qualifying mark, clocking 1:52.61 to place 38th in a loaded field while finishing just outside the program's all-time top ten.&nbsp;Aragorn Straker&nbsp;added a season-best 6.90 in the 60 meters.

The Cougars' 4x400-meter relay quartet of&nbsp;Trevoy Smith,&nbsp;Emmanuel Adams,&nbsp;Simeon Adams, and&nbsp;LaMont Johnson&nbsp;continued its steady ascent, placing second overall in a season-best 3:07.57 performance that now ranks as the second-fastest indoor time in program history.

Back in Topeka at the Ichabod Invitational, the Cougars showcased depth across event groups.

Dejuan Colbert&nbsp;placed second in the 60 meters with a season-best 6.87 after finishing 11th in Friday's 200 meters in 22.05.

The quarter-mile group continued its strong indoor showing as&nbsp;Taigon Peterkin&nbsp;delivered a personal-best 48.91, while&nbsp;Furious Trammel, already nationally qualified, followed in 49.01 as the duo placed 12th and 13th, respectively.

The middle-distance crew stacked competitive efforts in the 800 meters, led by&nbsp;Sergi Gonzalez's personal-best 1:52.82 performance, finishing just outside Barton's top-ten list while already holding a national qualifying mark.&nbsp;Macdonald Jansen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Keandro Gordon, also nationally qualified, finished 12th and 16th in 1:54.22 and 1:55.07, respectively, with additional depth provided by&nbsp;Da'Marcus Brutus' 1:59.81.

In the field events,&nbsp;Chavez Penn&nbsp;cleared a personal-best 2.13 meters (6-11.75) in the high jump to place second, moving into seventh on Barton's all-time list by an inch.&nbsp;Jaylon Calder&nbsp;improved his qualifying mark with a personal-best 16.51 meters (54-02.00) to place fifth in the shot put, then followed on Saturday with a 10th-place finish in the weight throw at 16.63 meters (54-06.75), shy of previous qualified season best.&nbsp;Ilia Ciui&nbsp;placed eighth in the weight throw, improving his qualifying mark with a personal-best 17.75 meters (58-03.00), while&nbsp;Gabe Daugherty&nbsp;added a personal-best 14.59 meters (47-10.50) to finish 28th overall.

Barton Tyson Invitational Results 60m: 39th&nbsp;Aragorn Straker&nbsp;(SB 6.90), DNP&nbsp;Simeon Adams&nbsp;(DQ) 400m: 12th&nbsp;LaMont Johnson&nbsp;(PB 46.48 *Already Nationally Qualified **4th Program Best) 800m 38th&nbsp;Shavan Jarrett&nbsp;(NQ 1:52.61 *1st Time) *Just outside top ten 4x400m Relay: 2nd 3:07.57 SB *Already NQ **2nd Program Best (Trevoy Smith,&nbsp;Emmanuel Adams,&nbsp;Simeon Adams, and&nbsp;LaMont Johnson)

Barton Ichabod Invitational Results 60m: 2nd&nbsp;Dejuan Colbert&nbsp;(SB 6.87) 200m: 11th&nbsp;Dejuan Colbert&nbsp;(22.05) 400m: 12th&nbsp;Taigon Peterkin&nbsp;(PB 48.91), 13th&nbsp;Furious Trammel&nbsp;(49.01 *Already NQ) 600yd: 13th&nbsp;Craig Prendrgast&nbsp;(1:14.25) 800m: 8th 8th&nbsp;Sergi Gonzalez&nbsp;(PB 1:52.82 *Already NQ *Just outside top ten), 12th&nbsp;Macdonald Jansen&nbsp;(1:54.22 *Already NQ), 16th&nbsp;Keandro Gordon&nbsp;(1:55.07 *Already NQ), 43rd&nbsp;Da'Marcus Brutus&nbsp;(1:59.81) High Jump: 2nd&nbsp;Chavez Penn&nbsp;(PB 2.13m, 6-11.75 *Already Nationally Qualified **7th Program Best) Long Jump: 7th&nbsp;Skylan King&nbsp;(6.99m, 22-11.25), 18th&nbsp;Devon Williams&nbsp;(6.81m, 22-04.25) Shot Put: 5th&nbsp;Jaylon Calder&nbsp;(PB 16.51m, 54-02.00 *Already NQ), DNP&nbsp;DeAndre Bristol&nbsp;(Foul) Weight Throw: 8th&nbsp;Ilia Ciui&nbsp;(PB 17.75m, 58-03.00 *Already NQ), 10th&nbsp;Jaylon Calder&nbsp;(16.63m, 54-06.75 *Already NQ), 28th&nbsp;Gabe Daugherty&nbsp;(PB 14.59m, 47-10.50), DNP&nbsp;DeAndre Bristol&nbsp;(FOUL)

Cougars build postseason momentum with record-book movement at Tyson, Ichabod Invitationals

Competing across two venues Friday and Saturday, the Barton Community College women's track and field team tested itself on one of the nation's premier stages at the Tyson Invitational while the remainder of the squad delivered depth and qualifying performances at the Ichabod Invitational hosted by Washburn University.

Across the two meets, the Cougars produced five new national qualifying marks and twelve combined personal and season-best performances, continuing their upward trajectory as the indoor postseason approaches.

The final tune-up sets the stage for the remaining two indoor meets of the season beginning next Saturday at the two-day KJCCC/Region 6 Championships held at Pittsburg State University's Plaster Center. Two weeks later, the Cougars return to Topeka for the NJCAA Indoor National Championships scheduled for March 6-7.

Inside the University of Arkansas' Randal Tyson Track Center, where eleven nationally ranked NCAA Division I programs and Olympic gold medalist Julien Alfred headlined a 50-school field, Barton's select entries made their presence felt.

Asharria Ulett&nbsp;matched her personal best in the 60-meter hurdles at 8.29 to place seventh overall, solidifying the third-fastest indoor time in program history.&nbsp;Camoy Binger&nbsp;followed in 11th at 8.40 while already holding the fourth-fastest mark in Barton history from her 8.30 performance earlier this season, as the Cougar duo continued to establish one of the region's strongest hurdle pairings.&nbsp;Thomphang Basele&nbsp;added a personal best 56.51 national qualifying time in the 400 meters against a loaded field.

Back in Topeka at the Ichabod Invitational, the Cougars stacked performances across the sprints, jumps, and throws.

Narissa McPherson&nbsp;highlighted the track efforts with a personal best and national qualifying time of 57.17 in the 400 meters, placing eighth overall.&nbsp;Takeila Williams&nbsp;turned in a personal best 25.24 to place eighth in the 200 meters, while&nbsp;Maya Maldonado&nbsp;contributed in both events, including a personal best 58.25 in the 400.&nbsp;Natasha Fox&nbsp;added a 58.09 performance in the quarter.

In the hurdles, already qualified&nbsp;Alexia Walker&nbsp;placed 28th in a time of 10.55.

The horizontal jumps turned into a Barton showcase.&nbsp;Celine Riddle&nbsp;produced a season best 6.01 meters (19-08.75) to place second in the long jump, with Walker just centimeters behind in third at a personal best 6.00 meters (19-08.25).&nbsp;Makiya Mosley&nbsp;added a personal best 5.30 meters (17-04.75). Riddle doubled back in Saturday's triple jump to place second with a season best 12.07 meters (39-07.25).

Already nationally qualified,&nbsp;Jahmeka Brown&nbsp;cleared 1.61 meters (5-03.25) in the high jump to place eighth.

The throws group delivered one of the weekend's strongest statements.&nbsp;Shamoyea Morris&nbsp;posted a personal best and national qualifying mark of 15.72 meters (51-07.00) in the weight throw to place ninth.&nbsp;Zadie Mackey&nbsp;followed with a personal best and national qualifier of 15.20 meters (49-10.50) in the weight, after previously setting a personal best and national qualifying shot put mark of 12.83 meters (42-01.25) to place eighth overall.&nbsp;Shamoye Morris&nbsp;placed 34th in the weight throw (12.34m, 40-06.00) and 27th in the shot put (10.23m, 33-06.75).

Barton Tyson Invitational Results 60m Hurdles: 7th&nbsp;Asharria Ulett&nbsp;(T-PB 8.29 *Already NQ **T-3rd Program Best), 11th&nbsp;Camoy Binger&nbsp;(8.40 *Already NQ **Already has 4th Program Best) 400m: 57th&nbsp;Thomphang Basele&nbsp;(PB NQ 56.51)

Barton Ichabod Invitational Results 60m Hurdles: 28th&nbsp;Alexia Walker&nbsp;(10.55 *Already NQ) 200m: 8th&nbsp;Takeila Williams&nbsp;(PB 25.24), 22nd&nbsp;Maya Maldonado&nbsp;(25.94) 400m: 8th&nbsp;Narissa McPherson&nbsp;(PB NQ 57.17), 13th&nbsp;Natasha Fox&nbsp;(58.09), 15th&nbsp;Maya Maldonado&nbsp;(PB 58.25) High Jump: 8th&nbsp;Jahmeka Brown&nbsp;(1.61m, 5-03.25 *Already Nationally Qualified) Long Jump: 2nd&nbsp;Celine Riddle&nbsp;(SB 6.01m, 19-08.75 *Already Qualified), 3rd&nbsp;Alexia Walker&nbsp;(PB 6.00m, 19-8.25 *Already Qualified), 16th&nbsp;Makiya Mosley&nbsp;(PB 5.30m, 17-04.75) Triple Jump: 2nd&nbsp;Celine Riddle&nbsp;(SB 12.07m, 39-07.25 *Already NQ) Shot Put: 8th&nbsp;Zadie Mackey&nbsp;(PB NQ 12.83m, 42-01.25), 12th&nbsp;Shamoye Morris&nbsp;(11.93m, 39-01.75), 27th&nbsp;Shamoyea Morris&nbsp;(10.23m, 33-06.75) Weight Throw: 9th&nbsp;Shamoyea Morris&nbsp;(PB NQ 15.72m, 51-07.00), 14th&nbsp;Zadie Mackey&nbsp;(PB NQ 15.20m, 49-10.50), 34th&nbsp;Shamoye Morris&nbsp;(12.34m, 40-06.00)

Barton women shine across split-squad weekend at Tyson, Ichabod Invitationals

Sophia Bauer (23-15) placed 3rd and scored 20.0 team points.

Keira Leyva (21-11) placed 3rd and scored 19.5 team points.

Camdyn Post (28-11) placed 1st and scored 28.0 team points.

Kayle Baldwin (19-18) placed 4th and scored 17.5 team points.

Kinsly Stukey (13-18) scored 4.0 team points.

Brooklynn Kelly (17-7) placed 3rd and scored 21.0 team points.

Micah Ellegood (25-17) placed 2nd and scored 22.0 team points.

Shatarah Newton (5-16) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.

Flor Rios (2-26) and scored 0.0 team points.

Rydlie Swanson (22-19) placed 4th and scored 13.0 team points.

KSHSAA Girls 5A West Regional Results for Great Bend HS

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — If you still didn’t like the NBA’s newest All-Star Game format, you probably just don’t like All-Star games. That seemed to be the sports sphere’s consensus after the U.S.-against-the-world, round-robin tournament produced an entertaining show. Something about the setup compelled these stars to play their exhibition at a level much closer to real competition than usual. But not everything was rosy at the NBA's annual midseason showcase. The dunk contest was widely criticized for lacking excitement and star power. Damian Lillard won his third 3-Point Contest in impressive fashion.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 in a car owned by Michael Jordan when Chase Elliott crashed as he and Reddick were battling for the win. Reddick, in a Toyota for 23XI Racing, led only one lap: the one to the checkered flag for the team owned by the NBA Hall of Famer and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. Jordan was the face of the December federal antitrust lawsuit that NASCAR settled on the ninth day of trial. The settlement changed the revenue-sharing model in the United States’ top motorsports series.

MILAN (AP) — The three U.S. women who will be going for Olympic gold when their figure skating competition begins Tuesday night are role models for a whole new generation. They call themselves the “Blade Angels,” but they are hardly the innocent ice princesses of yesteryear. Amber Glenn is 26 and speaks candidly about LGBTQ+ rights, politics and mental health. Alysa Liu retired at 16, spent two years of self-discovery, and made a comeback while becoming a hero to the alt, punk and emo crowd. Isabeau Levito may portray an ice-princess image, but her searing sarcasm comes through away from the cameras. Together, they also will be trying to rescue what has been a largely disappointing Olympics for the American figure skating team.

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid will have Kylian Mbappé back when it returns to Portugal looking for some payback against José Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League. The two teams meet again at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday in the first round of the knockout stage. It comes three weeks after Mourinho’s team stunned his former club in a 4-2 win that allowed Benfica to qualify and kept Madrid from automatically reaching the round of 16. The rematch highlights a knockout round that also includes defending champion Paris Saint-Germain against Monaco and Inter Milan facing Norwegian outsider Bodø/Glimt.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Collin Morikawa had to wait more than two years to win again on the PGA Tour. First he had to wait 20 minutes on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach to try to make birdie. He delivered in the clutch for a 67 to win by one shot over Sepp Straka and Min Woo Lee in the cold wind at the AT&amp;T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He also had to respond to a Sunday charge by Scottie Scheffler. The world's No. 1 player made three eagles in his round of 63. He settled for an 18th consecutive top 10.

MILAN (AP) — Sweden has an incredibly difficult path through the Olympic men's hockey tournament. The seventh-seeded Swedes play Latvia in the qualification round Tuesday with the winner of facing off against the U.S. in the quarterfinals. Switzerland beating Czechia in overtime set up a qualification matchup against winless Italy. Czechia and Denmark play with the winner next going up against the machine that is Canada. Germany set itself up nicely with France up first and a matchup in the quarters against Slovakia.

MILAN (AP) — Who says there's no fighting in hockey at the Olympics? Tom Wilson dropped the gloves late in Canada's game against France to go after the player who delivered a forearm to the head of teammate Nathan MacKinnon. Wilson fought Pierre Crinon, who was given a two-minute minor penalty and apologized to MacKinnon after the hit. Unlike the NHL, where it is a five-minute major penalty, fighting is a game misconduct under international rules, so Wilson and Crinon were ejected.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James still hasn’t decided whether his unprecedented 23rd NBA season will be his last. The 41-year-old James again confirmed he is not on a farewell tour this season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 41-year-old James again confirmed he is not on a farewell tour this season with the Los Angeles Lakers, even tough he teared up during a tribute to his career in Cleveland last month. James repeated his regular declarations that he hasn’t made a decision and he is focused on the final 28 games of the regular season with the Lakers. James could be a free agent this summer.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Controversy is swirling in curling at the Winter Olympics. The Canadian men’s and women’s teams, as well as the British men’s team, have now been accused of the same infraction: double-touching the curling stone after it is released. It comes as Canada, a historic curling powerhouse, finds its ego bruised. Its mixed doubles team didn’t even play for a medal, and the women's team can't afford to lose more matches if it wants to reach the medal round.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans showed up with bags over their heads for a home blowout. Athletic director Gene Taylor announced the move in a statement, saying: “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university.” The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started. Kansas State is 10-15 overall and 1-11 in the Big 12. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference.

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(8)Illinois	71	Indiana	51

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fired basketball coach Jerome Tang on Sunday night, four days after many Wildcats fans showed up with bags over their heads for a home blowout.

Athletic director Gene Taylor announced the move in a statement.

“This was a decision that was made in the best interest of our university and men’s basketball program,” Taylor said. “Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program’s overall direction, have not aligned with K-State’s standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university. We wish Coach Tang and his family all the best moving forward.”

The school said an interim head coach will be announced soon, and that a national search for a replacement has started.

“I am deeply disappointed with the university’s decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination,” Tang told ESPN in a statement. “I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as head coach.”

On Wednesday night at home in a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, many fans wore bags over their heads in disgust.

“This was embarrassing,” Tang said after that game. “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is just ridiculous. We’ve got practice at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, and we will get this thing right. I have no answer and no words.”

Kansas State (10-15, 1-11 Big 12) fell 78-64 on Saturday at No. 3 Houston, the Wildcats' sixth straight loss. In four seasons at the school, the 59-year-old Tang was 71-57 overall and 29-39 in the conference. He led the Wildcats to a 26-10 mark in his first season.

The Wildcats' next game is Tuesday night at home against Baylor, where Tang was an assistant coach for 19 seasons with Scott Drew, including the Bears’ national title in 2021.

Kansas State fires basketball coach Jerome Tang for cause

Jayhawk Conference Men's Standings Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CONF&nbsp; &nbsp;ALL Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 14-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18-7 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18-8 Independence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-11 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;16-9 Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 16-8 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;16-9 Coffeyville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-9&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;17-9 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11-10&nbsp; &nbsp; 16-11 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9-10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-11 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9-10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-11 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6-14&nbsp; &nbsp; 11-15 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-16&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5-20 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3-17&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6-19 Saturday, February 14 Barton 124, Garden City 108 Coffeyville 76, Colby 72 Dodge City 88, Pratt 77 Cloud County 75, Hutchinson 55 Butler 94, Seward County 93 Neosho County 86, Independence 79 Sunday, February 15 Fort Hays Tech 89, Seward County 82&nbsp;&nbsp; Wednesday, February 18 Barton @ Butler Colby @ Hutchinson Garden City @ Cowley Cloud County @ Pratt Independence @ Seward County Dodge City @ Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; Saturday, February 21 Independence @ Barton Butler @ Cowley Fort Hays Tech @ Cloud County Colby @ Pratt Hutchinson @ Coffeyville Dodge City @ Garden City &nbsp;

Jayhawk Men's Standings, Scores, Schedule

Jayhawk Conference Women's Standings Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CONF&nbsp; &nbsp; ALL Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;24-1 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 16-3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;21-3 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;16-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 21-5 Coffeyville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;19-7 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;17-9 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11-8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 14-11 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-9&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-9 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-10&nbsp; &nbsp;12-14 Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8-11&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-13 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6-13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10-14 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-17&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-23 Independence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-17&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5-20 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-18&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6-19 Saturday, February 14 Barton 80,&nbsp; Garden City 76 2OT Colby 65, Coffeyville 46 Dodge City 82, Pratt 56 Hutchinson 89, Cloud County 62 Butler 86, Seward County 65 Sunday, February 15 Cowley 88, Fort Hays Tech 66 Wednesday, February 18 Barton @ Butler Colby @ Hutchinson Garden City @ Cowley Cloud County @ Pratt Independence @ Seward County Dodge City @ Fort Hays Tech Saturday, February 21 Independence @ Barton Butler @ Cowley Fort Hays Tech @ Cloud County Colby @ Pratt Hutchinson @ Coffeyville Dodge City @ Garden City &nbsp;

Jayhawk Women's Standings, Scores, Schedule

NEW YORK (AP) —<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/barack-obama">Former U.S. President Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;said he did not see evidence that aliens “have made contact with us,” after sending social media abuzz by saying aliens were real on a podcast over the weekend.

During a lightning round of questions with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama was asked, “Are aliens real?”

“They’re real,” he answered, continuing: “But I haven’t seen them. And, they’re not being kept in Area 51.”

On Sunday, the former president released a statement on Instagram, appearing to clarify what he meant by his comments that have since gone viral.

“I was trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round, but since it’s gotten attention let me clarify. Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!”

Secrecy around Area 51, a top-secret Cold War test site in the Nevada desert, has long fueled conspiracy theories among UFO enthusiasts.

In 2013, the CIA acknowledged the existence of the site, but not UFO crashes, black-eyed extraterrestrials or staged moon landings.

Declassified documents referred to the 8,000-square-mile (20,700-square-kilometer) installation by name after decades of U.S. government officials refusing to acknowledge it.

The base has been a testing ground for a host of top-secret aircraft, including the U-2 in the 1950s and later the B-2 stealth bomber.

Obama clarifies alien comments after telling podcast ‘they’re real’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the first two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95.

Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his publicist and from a statement posted on his Facebook page by his wife, Luciana Duvall.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Duvall wrote. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.”

The bald, wiry Duvall didn’t have leading man looks, but few “character actors” enjoyed such a long, rewarding and unpredictable career, in leading and supporting roles, from an itinerant preacher to Josef Stalin. Beginning with his 1962 film debut as Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall created a gallery of unforgettable portrayals. They earned him seven Academy Award nominations and the best actor prize for “Tender Mercies,” which came out in 1983. He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite.

He had been acting for some 20 years when “The Godfather,” released in 1972, established him as one of the most in-demand performers of Hollywood. He had made a previous film, “The Rain People,” with Francis Coppola, and the director chose him to play Tom Hagen in the mafia epic that featured Al Pacino and Marlon Brando among others. Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family.

“Stars and Italians alike depend on his efficiency, his tidying up around their grand gestures, his being the perfect shortstop on a team of personality sluggers,” wrote the critic David Thomson. “Was there ever a role better designed for its actor than that of Tom Hagen in both parts of ‘The Godfather?’”

In another Coppola film, “Apocalypse Now,” Duvall was wildly out front, the embodiment of deranged masculinity as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, who with equal vigor enjoyed surfing and bombing raids on the Viet Cong. Duvall required few takes for one of the most famous passages in movie history, barked out on the battlefield by a bare-chested, cavalry-hatted Kilgore: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn’t find one of ‘em, not one stinkin’ dink body.

“The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like — victory.”

Coppola once commented about Duvall: “Actors click into character at different times — the first week, third week. Bobby’s hot after one or two takes.”

He was Oscar-nominated as supporting actor for “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” but a dispute over money led him to turn down the third Godfather epic, a loss deeply felt by critics, fans and “Godfather” colleagues. Duvall would complain publicly about being offered less than his co-stars.

Fellow actors marveled at Duvall’s studious research and planning, and his coiled energy. Michael Caine, who co-starred with him in the 2003 “Secondhand Lions,” once told The Associated Press: “Before a big scene, Bobby just sits there, absolutely quiet; you know when not to talk to him.” Anyone who disturbed him would suffer the well-known Duvall temper, famously on display during the filming of the John Wayne Western “True Grit,” when Duvall seethed at director Henry Hathaway’s advice to “tense up” before a scene.

Duvall was awarded an Oscar in 1984 for his leading role as the troubled singer and songwriter Mac Sledge in “Tender Mercies,” a prize he accepted while clad in a cowboy tuxedo with Western tie. In 1998, he was nominated for best actor in “The Apostle,” a drama about a wayward Southern evangelist which he wrote, directed, starred in, produced and largely financed. With customary thoroughness, he visited dozens of country churches and spent 12 years writing the script and trying to get it made.

Among other notable roles: the outlaw gang leader who gets ambushed by John Wayne in “True Grit"; Jesse James in “The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid"; the pious and beleaguered Frank Burns in “M-A-S-H"; the TV hatchet man in “Network"; Dr. Watson in “The Seven-Per-Cent Solution"; and the sadistic father in “The Great Santini.”

“When I was doing ‘Colors’ in 1988 with Sean Penn, someone asked me how I do it all these years, keep it fresh. Well, if you don’t overwork, have some hobbies, you can do it and stay hungry even if you’re not really hungry,” Duvall told The Associated Press in 1990.

In his mid-80s, he received a supporting Oscar nomination as the title character of the 2014 release “The Judge,” in which he is accused of causing a death in a hit-and-run accident. More recent films included “Widows” and “12 Mighty Orphans.”

Robert Selden Duvall grew up in the Navy towns of Annapolis and the San Diego area, where he was born in 1931. He spent time in other cities as his father, who rose to be an admiral, was assigned to various duties.

The boy’s experience helped in his adult profession as he learned the nuances of regional speech and observed the psyche of military men, which he would portray in several films.

Duvall reportedly used his Navy officer father as the basis for his portrayal of the explosive militarist in “The Great Santini,” based on the Pat Conroy novel. He commented in 2003: “My dad was a gentleman but a seether, a stern, blustery guy, and away a lot of the time.” Bobby took after his mother, an amateur actress, in playing a guitar and performing. He was a wrestler like his father and enjoyed besting kids older than himself.

He lacked the concentration for schoolwork and nearly flunked out of Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. His despairing parents decided he needed something to keep him in college so he wouldn’t be drafted for the Korean War. “They recommended acting as an expedient thing to get through,” he recalled. “I’m glad they did.” He flourished in drama classes.

“Way back when I was in college,” Duvall told the AP in 1990, “there was a wonderful man named Frank Parker, who had been a dancer in World War I. We did a full-length mime play and I played a Harlequin clown. I really liked that.

“Then, I played an older guy in ‘All My Sons,’ and at one point I had this emotional moment, where this emotion was pouring out. Parker said at that moment he didn’t think acting can be carried any further than that. And this guy was a very critical guy. So I thought, at that moment at least, this is what I wanted to do.”

After two years in the Army, he used the G.I. Bill to finance his studies at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, hanging out with such other young hopefuls as Robert Morse, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. After a one-night performance in “A View From the Bridge,” Duvall began getting offers for work in TV series, among them “The Naked City” and “The Defenders.”

Between his high-paying jobs in major productions, Duvall devoted himself to directing personal projects: a documentary about a prairie family, “We’re Not the Jet Set”; a film about gypsies, “Angelo, My Love”; and “Assassination Tango,” in which he also starred.

Duvall had been a tango dancer since seeing the musical “Tango Argentina” in the 1980s and visited in Argentina dozens of times to study the dance and the culture. The result was the 2003 release about a hit man with a passion for tango.

His co-star was Luciana Pedraza, 42 years his junior, whom he married in 2005. Duvall’s three previous marriages — to Barbara Benjamin, Gail Youngs and Sharon Brophy — ended in divorce.

Former Associated Press Hollywood correspondent Bob Thomas, who died in 2014, was the primary writer of this obituary

Robert Duvall, Oscar winner and star of The Godfather dead at 95

Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation&nbsp;on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:48&nbsp;a.m.&nbsp;due&nbsp;to&nbsp;an&nbsp;extended period of dangerous fire weather and the potential for extreme fire spread from Tuesday through Thursday, according to a media release from the Adjutant General’s&nbsp;Department. This declaration&nbsp;allows&nbsp;resources to be&nbsp;used to&nbsp;provide state&nbsp;assistance.&nbsp;

“With high winds and dry conditions, there is a high risk for wildland fires over the next few days,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said. “I urge&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;residents to avoid activities that could spark fires, remain alert to changing conditions, and follow local emergency guidance.”&nbsp;

Dangerous fire weather is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with Northwest and Southwest Kansas seeing Red Flag conditions driven by strong 30–40 mph winds with gusts to 65 mph, humidity as low as 10&nbsp;percent, rapidly drying grass fuels, blowing dust, and shifting winds that could cause rapid fire growth and extreme and erratic fire behavior.&nbsp; A Fire Watch is in effect for most of North Central, Northeast, and East Central Kansas on Tuesday.&nbsp;Officials emphasize that dry grass and other fuels can dry out in as little as one hour under these conditions, significantly increasing the risk of&nbsp;rapid&nbsp;fire&nbsp;ignition and spread.&nbsp;

“Across Kansas,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;beginning to see the seasonal shift into more typical fire weather patterns,”&nbsp;Bill Waln, Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Officer&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“We strongly urge the public to avoid activities that could spark a fire and to report any smoke or fire&nbsp;immediately. Early reporting is critical to keeping fires small and protecting lives and property.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center&nbsp;starting&nbsp;tomorrow&nbsp;with Emergency Support Function partners&nbsp;from the Office of the State Fire Marshal,&nbsp;Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;and other state agencies&nbsp;to coordinate&nbsp;state&nbsp;efforts&nbsp;and pre‑staging resources to support local&nbsp;counties and local responders if requested.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. gov. issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires 

LABETTE COUNTY – The Labette County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 80-year-old Richard Bulkley was located in Sedalia, Missouri, and is now safe.

LABETTE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Labette County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Parsons man, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 80-year-old Richard Bulkley, of Parsons, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Bulkley is likely driving a Black 2011 Ford F-150 bearing Kansas veteran tag 1526. He was last believed to be heading north around Highway 169 and K-47, near Thayer, on the evening of Feb. 15.

Bulkley is a white male who is around 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has white hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing gray and white flannel pajama pants, and a blue fleece jacket. Bulkley has dementia.

If you see Richard Bulkley, or his vehicle, call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Labette County Sheriff's Office at 620-795-2565.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found safe

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

A Cole County judge ruled Friday that Gov. Mike Kehoe had the constitutional authority to call the special session that resulted in the passage of a new gerrymandered congressional map for Missouri.

During the special session, legislators redrew the map to favor Republicans. The Missouri NAACP filed the lawsuit against state officials including Kehoe in September in an attempt to stop the special session from happening, but the court did not take up the case in time to stop legislators from meeting for the session.

The lawsuit alleged that while the Missouri Constitution allows the governor to call special sessions for extraordinary occasions, Kehoe’s reasoning to call the most recent session did not qualify as an extraordinary occasion.

Judge Christopher Limbaugh disagreed, stating in the ruling issued Friday that the governor has the constitutional discretion to decide what qualifies as an extraordinary occasion.

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