By ELLE HUTCHINSON Barton County Media Consultant

During this week’s meeting, the Barton County Commission received an update on Fiscal Year 2027 funding for Central Kansas Community Corrections (CKCC), an essential public safety program serving the entire 20th Judicial District.

Brooke Haulmark, director of CKCC, explained that the program supervises adult felony offenders across five counties, working as an alternative to incarceration for many individuals. Through intensive supervision, behavioral programming, treatment coordination, and regular field visits, officers help reduce recidivism while maintaining accountability and public safety.

For Fiscal Year 2027, CKCC has been allocated $808,438.94 through the Kansas Department of Corrections. That funding supports seven staff positions as well as operational and programming needs, including drug testing, travel across the five-county district, and behavioral health services such as mental health and substance abuse evaluations, treatment, housing, and transportation.

However, discussion during the meeting highlighted a broader concern shared across the district and the state—longstanding disparities in community corrections funding. Despite supervising a significant caseload across a large geographic area, the 20th Judicial District receives one of the lowest per-client funding levels in Kansas. At the same time, expectations for supervision, documentation, programming, and reporting continue to increase.

Haulmark noted that officers manage demanding caseloads and extensive travel responsibilities each month, often balancing field work with detailed reporting requirements that can consume significant time. Even with these challenges, the team continues to provide consistent supervision and programming aimed at helping individuals succeed on probation and avoid incarceration.

Commissioners acknowledged the importance of the program and the value it brings to communities across Barton County and the surrounding district. By keeping appropriate individuals on probation rather than in prison, CKCC plays a key role in reducing costs to taxpayers while supporting rehabilitation and long-term community safety.

State officials are currently studying funding disparities across Kansas community corrections districts, though a final resolution may take time. In the meantime, CKCC staff continue to carry out their work with professionalism and dedication, ensuring that supervision, accountability, and treatment services remain available to those who need them most.

The update served as a reminder of the essential role community corrections plays in the justice system—and the ongoing need for fair, sustainable funding to support that mission across all Kansas communities.

Central KS Community Corrections continues critical work amid state funding challenges

Eagle Media is celebrating National FFA Week by highlighting the impact of agricultural education and recognizing the businesses that help support the next generation of leaders in rural Kansas.

National FFA Week honors students involved in the organization formerly known as Future Farmers of America and showcases the role agriculture plays in local communities. Eagle Media is partnering with area businesses to spotlight FFA members and their dedication to leadership, service and career development.

“FFA represents hard work, responsibility and the future of agriculture in our region,” Eagle Media General Manager Dakota Tucker said. “As a locally owned media company, we are committed to celebrating the students, families and businesses that keep our rural communities strong.”

This year’s FFA Week recognition is made possible by the support of local and regional businesses, including Kan Equip Great Bend; Linsner Farms; CropWorks Agent Jerry Ney; High Plains Farm Credit; Ag Systems Inc.; H&amp;B Communications; American Plains Coop; Larned Veterinary Clinic; Schreiber Angus; Ricker Seeds; Innovative Livestock Services; Mayo Money Management; Magna Dry Cleaning Services; Warren Brothers; Jacob’s Golf Carts; Nex-Tech Wireless; Rosencrantz Bemis Water Well Service; Francis Financial Services; Auto Body Repair Shop; Great Bend Industries; G&amp;H Insurance; Big Bend Custom Engraving; Sunflower Electric Supply; GB Car Care; Equity Bank; C&amp;E Doors; Clara Barton Medical Center; Keller Insurance and Real Estate; Windshields for Less; Heavy Duty Diesel &amp; Auto; Protective Equipment Testing Laboratory; Brentwood Builders; Jimlo Glass; Delgado’s Mexican Restaurant; Murphy Mini Storage; Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management; Barton County Health Department; Allstaff Chartered; Fuller Industries; Miller Plastics; and Freedom Claims Management.

Eagle Media will feature more FFA Week videos along with messages across its radio stations and digital platforms.

National FFA Week runs through Saturday and is observed annually to promote agricultural education and leadership development across the country.

Celebrating National FFA Week

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within the Flint Hills.

Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reducing air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fksfire.sonomatechdata.com%2Fview%2Fsummary%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c9b1cf884-34ac1ca4-be64-4efc-a4ba-7293d3062cec-000000/f9y0U47XEA54PlmwlCsWq3DwCJQKaHSxVJMvML6cmSw=446">Kansas smoke modeling tool&nbsp;</a>on March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.1 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“We are entering the 16th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Douglas Watson, meteorologist and KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling tool, please visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.ksfire.org%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c9b1cf884-34ac1ca4-be64-4efc-a4ba-7293d3062cec-000000/-HmDvwiPozt3cWwdgshQVGbryaR5tcLyj88iT2D5ZtQ=446">The Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management Website.</a>

Health advisory, safety tips for prescribed fire season in Flint Hills

While the weather can’t quite make up it’s mind about winter or spring, I’m excited about an annual program that is kicking off in a few weeks. Walk Kansas is an 8-week initiative designed to help participants build healthier habits through physical activity, nutrition, and overall wellness.

The program runs March 22 through May 16 and registration opens on March 1 for individuals and teams. Ideal team size is 4 and it can be a fun internal competition for offices to have several teams.

Participants track minutes of activity or steps through the program’s online portal. The system automatically converts activity to miles by counting each 15 minutes of activity as one mile or each 2,000 steps as one mile.

Walk Kansas is built on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Moderate activity is described as working at a pace where a person can carry on a conversation, but not sing.

“It’s not just a leisurely stroll,” Sharolyn Jackson, Walk Kansas state leader of K-State Extension, said. “It’s picking up the pace a bit to get the heart rate going.”

The program also encourages participants to incorporate strengthening activities at least two days per week, such as resistance bands, light weights or body-weight exercises.

Participants can also track their fruit and vegetable intake which can lead to the realization that we are eating less servings than we think.

Each week, Walk Kansas Wednesdays will be featured on the Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page and will include top placing teams across the District as well as features from the Walk Kansas newsletters. Theses posts will include tips for increasing activity, managing stress, and improving sleep. Be on the lookout for some fun ways to interact!

A standard registration fee of $10 covers access to the online tracking system and program materials. Youth through high school may participate at no cost. More information is available at walkkansas.org or by calling one of our Cottonwood Extension District offices.

Gather up a group of friends, family, or co-workers and lace up your shoes to Walk Kansas!

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: Annual Walk Kansas program kicks off March 22

Barton Community College’s Center for Adult Education is holding orientation days March 2-5, with multiple times available in preparation for its next nine-week session of high school diploma classes, which will start March 9 or 10, depending on which class sessions are signed up for.

In-person attendance is required at all orientation day sessions for students to attend actual classes. Those wanting to sign up can contact Barton Support and Testing Specialist Gina Owen at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:oweng@bartonccc.edu">oweng@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-7565 to select a time to attend orientation.

Once students complete orientation, they can choose from classes on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are three class times to choose from on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which are 8-11 a.m., 1-4 p.m., or 6-9 p.m. There are two class times to choose from on Mondays and Wednesdays, which are 8-11 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. The Center for Adult Education is at 1025 Main Street in Great Bend.

Students will complete the required testing, learn how to navigate their GED.com account, and learn about WorkReady! Students will also meet one-on-one with their instructor to discuss goals, expectations, attendance requirements, and workload.

Those interested in taking the GED exam without any preparation instruction can do so right away but are urged to receive advising before moving forward.

Minors must bring a parent or legal guardian to enroll. A completed Compulsory Attendance Waiver is required for any student 16 or 17 years of age and will be provided by the Center for Adult Education at the time of sign-up. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://adulted.bartonccc.edu/">adulted.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Barton Community College to host adult education classes in downtown Great Bend

Eagle Media will feature more FFA Week videos this week along with messages across its radio stations and digital platforms.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 67. West northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 38. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest 5 to 9 mph after midnight.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 74. West southwest wind 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 40. West northwest wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the evening.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 68. West southwest wind 8 to 14 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Sunday A chance of freezing rain before noon, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday's weather

Booked Caruthers, Crystal R. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-274 for interference with Law Enforcement Officer. Bond set at $1.000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Woods, Kurt A. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-273 for Driving while suspended, Tail lamps required. By posting a $500.00 Surety through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked Tracy, Hadley R. on Great Bend Municipal court case #26-277 for Domestic Battery; bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety or 48 Hour O.R.

Booked Haines, Adyn W. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0298 for Probation Violation; bond set at $653.00 CASH ONLY.

Released Tracy, Hadley R. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-277 for Domestic Battery after posting a $1,000.00 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

Booked Pierce, Robin M on Great Bend Municipal Court Warrant 202600069 for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $250.00 cash or surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/25)

BARTON COUNTY —A Kansas school resource officer continues to receive recognition for his courage.

On social media Wednesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, " Congratulations to SRO Paul Millard of the Great Bend Police Department, named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Wichita Metro Crime Commission."

"While off duty, he heard gunshots and acted immediately to stop the threat until Wichita Police arrived."&nbsp; 

"Thank you, Officer Millard, for your bravery and dedication to protecting Kansans."

Around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, Millard and his wife were leaving Towne East Mall after a day of shopping when they heard gunshots in the parking lot. Taking immediate action, Millard rushed over to the scene, restrained a suspect and stopped the threat until the Wichita Police arrived.

With 27 years of service at the Great Bend Police Department, Millard has spent the past decade as the SRO for the USD 428 School System. He also leads the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program and has been member of the bike patrol unit and SWAT team, as well as a supervisor throughout his extensive career.

&nbsp;Millard also received national recognition as SRO of the Month by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) in August.

Another honor for Great Bend school resource officer 

Fort Hays State University Online invites prospective students to explore their future during the annual Online Open House on Tuesday, March 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This virtual, drop-in event is designed for prospective undergraduate and graduate students interested in either on-campus or online programs.

Participants can customize their experience by joining specific sessions that align with their unique academic and career goals.

Scholarship Opportunities: All attendees will be entered into a scholarship drawing and may participate in the FHSU Discovery Quest Challenge for additional opportunities to earn scholarships toward their FHSU education.

Register today to reserve your spot: <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0WVLClchqhJLUqQ6ybWXU0wg82py6NDKQIJ5hKhkFDVH4Pj-2FzMBsOmmTK7oROoJqyA-3D-3DZB7l_cOQXga6DQeSAkbfUu45CyqPe9athJpj56pFYgaFqkpcPvgqL1YSGxLdnzWi-2FgE03iXW1sCNa2SzmMys1WQa7mLdhKFWOe4217jnJBR9Jv2ACfwJBBOFHeBQ-2BUEc4-2Bnit31-2BRExMu24AxIi6tCYNPpJIFI3bVxpvCzjZIJPmJD84iqFcvkK0TwK191hwomozLs-2FFg4-2Fu-2BLMtiKmSn9aONDTZakFhzQ36Hc906-2Ft2Axv-2BuC-2FOfOHu3BAJWTxmGNJy07BA6TvIKjO76Zi4oNC9VEg5XkZRsZGMLLjt7hCop4eyajthER-2Bp915DiR5HaO-2BkGodaoFy1Zms2IKFV4nmvY4YeO4vrlR-2FRDFk5w4U7octBO2c5d7Wlwy5ubglnrX4HT">https://www.fhsu.edu/online/open-house/</a>

About FHSU Online: Fort Hays State University is a leader in distance education, offering over 200 affordable, high-quality degrees and certificates. With a century of experience and a commitment to student success, FHSU delivers the best value in education, anywhere. Learn more at <a target="_blank" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.EWtdXdo3nx3t8ZlvSfKX0WVLClchqhJLUqQ6ybWXU0zDfSNLKegFZuk-2BRzjOLiIoqxjq_cOQXga6DQeSAkbfUu45CyqPe9athJpj56pFYgaFqkpcPvgqL1YSGxLdnzWi-2FgE03iXW1sCNa2SzmMys1WQa7mLdhKFWOe4217jnJBR9Jv2ACfwJBBOFHeBQ-2BUEc4-2Bnit31-2BRExMu24AxIi6tCYNPpJIFI3bVxpvCzjZIJPmJD84iqFcvkK0TwK191hwomozLs-2FFg4-2Fu-2BLMtiKmSn9aONDWDYpXQ8S17Qlp6glyejQ9JhZzvFulxwSHiVxDM5nniEePO-2BmCVaMcvTdrmX4OGDL6VKGDHiPXxWnubj-2B1-2FW5w9TSBOfIDlQMswJuR3XF-2BvKrjSn0fSD2M7ol1-2BJSGNDAZHRfiofwKhpqQavgk3g-2FXeLdhlbhKCqR7mrr40BdIYD">fhsu.edu/online</a>.

Fort Hays State University hosting online open house event

Eagle Media will feature more FFA Week videos throughout the week along with messages across its radio stations and digital platforms.

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 

1590 KVGB/95.5 FM will once again carry all 162 Kansas City Royals games in 2026 including post-season games.

In addition, KVGB will also broadcast 6 selected spring training games.

The Schedule is below: 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8 - Royals vs Chicago Cubs 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 9 - Royals vs Cleveland Guardians 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15 - Royals vs Chicago White Sox 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21 - Royals vs Colorado Rockies 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 23 - Royals vs Texas Rangers 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, - Royals vs Texas Rangers

Royals Spring Training Broadcast Schedule

- Jared Smith, head coach of Larned Girls Basketball

- Kyle Kreigh, head coach of Great Bend Boys Basketball

Thursday on Sports Day(Watch)

By TIM LEIGHTON NFHS

It is the start of
the third weekend in January and a morning temperature of -20 degrees
has greeted Minnesotans. For many, of course, it is a reason to
hunker down, bury yourself under a blanket and wait for the thaw.

But for devoted
hockey fans, it is reason to celebrate: It’s time for Hockey Day in
Minnesota festivities. The outdoor events that feature high school
and college games have been played annually since 2008. The Wild,
Minnesota’s National Hockey League team, participates in the
celebration, too, but their games are indoors in multi-million-dollar
arenas, not a sheet of naturally-made ice.

In 2008, the first
official edition of Hockey Day in Minnesota was played at Baudette
Bay on the Rainy River, the body of water that separates the United
States and Canada. The air temperature then was like today, -17 with
a windchill factor of -50. Yes, it was cold, but Minnesota hockey
players and fans are a hardy bunch, so the games continued.

The foundation of
Hockey Day in Minnesota began a year earlier when high schools from
St. Paul Johnson and Lake of the Woods played outdoors in a tribute
to their deep roots of hockey tradition. The event was called the
Baudette Bay Hockey Classic. St. Paul Johnson is the alma mater of
Herb Brooks, the legendary coach of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic
Hockey Team. In 2009, Phalen Park in Brooks’ childhood St. Paul
neighborhood, had approximately 20 hours of television coverage of
the event.

The Hockey Day in
Minnesota host site rotates throughout the Twin Cities and Greater
Minnesota. In its earlier years, at the conclusion of each event, an
announcement was made on what community will host the following year.
The community-wide excitement of being selected as the host is akin
to being awarded the Super Bowl. But with the expansion of the event
to a weeklong celebration, host sites need more lead time to prepare
the infrastructure necessary. This year, Hockey Day in Minnesota is
taking place in Hastings, a Mississippi River community located 25
miles from St. Paul. In 2027, the hosting baton passes to the
Brainerd Lakes Area in central Minnesota. Brainerd is known as the
home of legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan.

“It’s remarkable
to see how this event has grown over the years,” said Ryan Phelps,
a Minnesota media member and lifelong high school hockey fan.
“Baudette had a great set up already in 2007. Each year, it’s
gotten better and better. The bleachers, the party tents, it’s
incredible. Now, to visit the Hastings site, it’s like a circus
came to town. It’s a weeklong celebration, outdoors, but with all
the amenities.”

Phelps directs the
livestreaming of the event’s games.

“There was no
television coverage on Baudette Bay in 2007, so we worked with a
handful of radio stations around the state, to provide a full day of
audio coverage,” Phelps said. “We had feature stories and
interviews with all the big names of Minnesota hockey. We even had
Gov. Tim Pawlenty lined up as our analyst, but he had to bail at the
last minute. The next year Fox Sports North showed up and the rest is
history. It’s been a lot of fun, as NSPN.tv has taken over the
streaming services all week, to be a part of the broadcast, once
again.”

Tim Leighton is
communications coordinator for the Minnesota State High School and a
member of the High School Today Publications Committee.

Unique Events and Venues: Hockey Day in Minnesota

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 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 16-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 21-8 Butler&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 19-9 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-10 Coffeyville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-9&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;19-9 Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-9&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18-10 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12-10&nbsp; &nbsp; 17-11 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-10&nbsp; &nbsp; 17-11 Independence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12-10&nbsp; &nbsp;14-14 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-10&nbsp; &nbsp; 17-11 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9-13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-14 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8-14&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13-15 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4-18&nbsp; &nbsp; 6-22 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4-19&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7-21 Wednesday, February 25 Barton 96, Seward County 80 Cowley 101, Independence 83 Colby 71, Fort Hays Tech 70 Coffeyville 72, Pratt 55 Dodge City 88, Butler 86 Cloud County 91, Garden City 85 Saturday, February 28 Independence @ Dodge City Garden City @ Colby Coffeyville @ Fort Hays Tech Pratt @ Hutchinson Cloud County @ Butler Cowley @ Seward County Monday, March 2 Coffeyville @ Garden City Wednesday, March 4 Barton @ Cowley Cloud County @ Independence Colby @ Butler Dodge City @ Seward County Hutchinson @ Fort Hays Tech END OF REGULAR SEASON &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; 21-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 27-1 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;23-4 Hutchinson&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 18-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;23-5 Coffeyville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 14-8&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;20-8 Seward County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13-9&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18-10 Colby&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12-10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-13 Barton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12-11&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-15 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10-12&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-12 Cowley&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10-12&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;14-14 Cloud County&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 9-13&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-14 Pratt&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3-20&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7-21 Fort Hays Tech&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-20&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-26 Independence&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-20&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5-23 Wednesday, February 25 Barton 66, Seward County 58 Cowley 73, Independence 50 Colby 78, Fort Hays Tech 68 Coffeyville 67, Pratt 46 Butler 67, Dodge City 53 Cloud County 65, Garden City 55 Saturday, February 28 Independence @ Dodge City Garden City @ Colby Coffeyville @ Fort Hays Tech Pratt @ Hutch Cloud County @ Butler Cowley @ Seward County Monday, March 2 Coffeyville @ Garden City Wednesday, March 4 Barton @ Cowley Cloud County @ Independence Colby @ Butler Dodge City @ Seward County Hutchinson @ Fort Hays Tech END OF REGULAR SEASON &nbsp;

Jayhawk Women's Standings, Scores, Schedule

The No. 17 Barton men's basketball team continued its late-season surge Wednesday night inside Fleske Fieldhouse, defeating Seward County 96-80 for its ninth straight victory in its regular season home finale.

Coupled with Butler's loss at Dodge City, the win moves the Cougars into sole possession of a half-game lead atop the Jayhawk Conference standings with one regular-season game remaining.

Barton improves to 21-8 overall and 16-7 in conference play, using a dominant first half at the free throw line and timely second-half surges to keep the Saints at arm's length. Seward County drops to 17-11 overall and 12-10 in conference play.

After enjoying a bye this Saturday, the Cougars will close out the regular season next Wednesday with a 7:30 p.m. road contest at Cowley College.

After Seward grabbed its final lead at 13-12 with 11:48 remaining in the opening half, Barton answered immediately and never trailed again. A 6-0 response flipped control, sparked by defensive stops and aggressive drives to the rim.

<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/ivanov_pavel_ee4g">Pavel Ivanov</a>&nbsp;delivered the first perimeter strike, knocking down a three-pointer to cap a 7-0 run. Following a pair of Seward free throws, Ivanov struck again from deep — this time igniting a decisive 9-0 surge that sent the Cougars into the locker room with a commanding 38-20 halftime advantage.

The tone was established at the stripe. Barton relentlessly attacked the paint and converted 23-of-25 free throws in the opening half alone, building separation even while shooting just 23.1 percent from the field.

Seward showed early resolve after the break, trimming into the margin before Barton gradually rebuilt its cushion. The Cougars did not extend the lead to 21 until midway through the second half, where defensive rebounds and composed possessions steadied the pace.

Brian Sullivan Jr. provided a critical spark during that stretch, turning steals into transition finishes while supplying energy on both ends of the floor.

The final exclamation came with 4:49 remaining when&nbsp;Mikey Williams&nbsp;buried a three-pointer to stretch the margin to 22 — Barton's largest lead of the night. Moments later, Sullivan's steal and assist set up an&nbsp;Aris Rodriguez&nbsp;dunk, and the Cougars' continued free throw efficiency sealed the victory.

Barton finished 51-of-57 at the stripe, setting a new program record for free throws made and surpassing the previous mark of 50 set earlier this season against Butler. The Cougars also turned Seward's 17 turnovers into 20 points while receiving 42 bench points in a balanced effort.

Noah Williams&nbsp;recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds, converting 12-of-12 at the line.&nbsp;Sebastian Muchitsch&nbsp;added 19 points, going a perfect 10-of-10 from the stripe, while&nbsp;Jayden Ramirez&nbsp;scored 15 and Rodriguez contributed 14. Sullivan chipped in 13 points, three assists, and five steals, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2025-26/bios/byrd_jon_v2nl">Jon Byrd</a>'s four assists led Barton's 13 total.

Four Saints reached double figures led by the bench production from Korbin Dowdell's 14 and Lyna Brooks, Jr.'s 12. RJ McKinnie added 11 points while JJ Chapman added 10 points.

No. 17 Cougars claim ninth straight, grab conference driver’s seat with 96-80 victory over Seward County

The Barton Community College women's basketball team weathered an early storm and a second-quarter surge before delivering the final punch Wednesday evening in Fleske Fieldhouse, rallying for a 66-58 victory over Seward County Community College.

Seward County leaned heavily on Avery Marchino early, as the Saints' standout poured in 11 of the team's first 13 points to establish the tone. Barton matched the Saints bucket-for-bucket in a 10-10 opening quarter, but Seward seized control in the second period, outscoring the Cougars 18-11 to build a 28-21 halftime advantage

Barton methodically chipped away in the third quarter, trimming the deficit possession by possession behind interior work from&nbsp;Mary Akinde&nbsp;and timely buckets from&nbsp;Regina Donanu&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mersadie Spray. Trailing 53-52 midway through the fourth, the Cougars found their breakthrough. An 8-0 burst, capped by Akinde's go-ahead finish at the 3:25 mark, gave Barton its first lead of the game at 54-53.

From there, the Cougars never relinquished control. Seward threatened to close the gap late, but Barton calmly sealed the contest at the free throw line, converting its final eight attempts over the closing seconds to secure the eight-point victory

The victory moves the Cougars to 13-12 in Jayhawk Conference play and 14-15 overall, while Seward County drops to 13-9 in league action and 18-10 on the season. The Cougars will enjoy a bye this Saturday before closing out the regular season next Wednesday with a 5:30 p.m. tip at Cowley College.

Barton shot 46.0 percent from the floor (23-of-50) and knocked down 18-of-22 free throws, including a perfect 8-for-8 stretch in the final minute.

Donanu led all scorers for the Cougars with 22 points while dishing out a game high six assists, scoring repeatedly during Barton's fourth-quarter climb. Akinde delivered her 12th double-double effort with 17 points and 10 rebounds, including the go-ahead bucket that ignited the decisive run. Spray added 13 points off the bench, and&nbsp;Christal Long&nbsp;contributed nine points and eight rebounds as Barton's reserves outscored Seward's bench 25-6.

Defensively, the Cougars limited the Saints to 33.9 percent shooting and held Marchino to just three field goals over the final three quarters after her explosive start.

Marchino was the lone Saint in double figures finishing with 25 points and team leading 7 rebounds. Destiny Alexander was next with 9 points and 7 rebounds while Kimora Fagan and Trinitee Holmes each added eight points.

Barton women surge late to knock off Seward County 66-58

SEATTLE (AP) — Hilary Knight says the U.S. women’s hockey team is moving past what she called a “distasteful” joke by President Donald Trump. Knight says she is focusing the performance of her team and by American women in general at the Games. Trump drew attention after telling the gold-medal-winning U.S. men's team he would also have to invite the women to the White House. Knight said the video of Trump's remark is taking attention away from the respectful relationship between the men's and women's teams. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman said the men “should have reacted differently” in the moment.

Formula 1’s new era of regulations could upend the series in some unexpected ways when the season begins in Australia next week. Look out for chaotic starts, near-impossible overtaking, and lifting off the gas on straights. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are the two most successful drivers on the grid and have been critical in preseason testing. They say the cars' complex electrical hybrid systems promote unusual driving styles and make racing more strategic. Four-time champion Verstappen has branded the cars “no fun” and suggested they might be a factor in considering retirement. Seven-time champ Hamilton suggests the rules are too complex for fans to grasp.

NEW YORK (AP) — Max Scherzer is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays. Two weeks into spring training, the three-time Cy Young Award winner has agreed with the reigning American League champions on a $3 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press early Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was subject to a successful physical and had not been announced. The 41-year-old Scherzer can earn another $10 million in performance bonuses. Scherzer went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts and 85 innings for the Blue Jays last season, his 18th in the major leagues. He signed a $15.5 million, one-year contract with Toronto in February 2025.

A handful of NFL teams either at a crossroad or committed to starting over at quarterback will find scant options for upgrades. The rookie class thins quickly after expected first-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Finding a new starter through free agency or a trade is always tricky at a position of such scarce quality but not impossible. Kirk Cousins will again be the most certain option on the market. The Atlanta Falcons plan to release him next month. The Miami Dolphins are considering moving Tua Tagovailoa. Kyler Murray could be dealt by the Arizona Cardinals as well.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel called on the league to increase staffing at the replay command center to make sure that reviews from all games are treated equally in the future. Vrabel spoke at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday and was asked about comments earlier this week made by NFL executive Troy Vincent that there were a handful of mistakes made in replay last season in games played in the early Sunday afternoon window when as many as nine games were played at the same time.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he has “complete confidence” in Mexico as a World Cup co-host despite days of cartel violence in the country that has left at least 70 people dead. FIFA says Mexico can still safely co-host the World Cup despite deadly cartel violence linked to a top drug lord’s death. On Monday, authorities report at least 70 deaths after cartel members burn cars and block roads in many states. The unrest follows the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” Some local league matches have already been postponed. FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he trusts President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico’s authorities.

NEW YORK (AP) — CC Sabathia’s No. 52 will be retired on Sept. 26 by the New York Yankees, who will dedicate a plaque in honor of the Hall of Famer at Monument Park before that day’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Sabathia will be the 24th man to have his number retired by the Yankees, the first since Paul O’Neill was honored with the retirement of No. 21 in 2022. Twenty-three numbers have been retired, with No. 8 set aside for both Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey. Sabathia will join former teammates Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte with plaques in Monument Park, beyond Yankee Stadium’s center-field fence.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Tarris Reed Jr. had 20 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks, and No. 6 UConn held 15th-ranked St. John’s to 20% shooting in a 72-40 blowout that snapped the Red Storm’s 13-game winning streak. Alex Karaban added 14 points and five rebounds for the Huskies, who moved back into first place in the Big East by avenging an 81-72 loss to St. John’s at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 6. St. John’s missed 12 consecutive shots in the first half and then its final 24 field goal attempts of the game as the Huskies romped to their most lopsided victory in series history. It was by far the largest defeat for the Johnnies in three seasons under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Joel Quenneville became the second coach in NHL history to win 1,000 games when his Anaheim Ducks rallied to beat the Edmonton Oilers 6-5. Quenneville joined Scotty Bowman in this exclusive hockey club with a milestone win Wednesday night in the Ducks’ first game back from the Olympic break. Bowman became the first coach to reach the mark in 1997. The 67-year-old Quenneville has made a successful return to the NHL this season in Anaheim after a four-year absence from the league following his resignation from the Florida Panthers in late 2021 over his inaction during the Chicago Blackhawks’ sexual abuse scandal 11 years earlier.

Vinícius Júnior fittingly had the final say in an emotionally charged rematch with Benfica to guide Real Madrid into the round of 16 of the Champions League. Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain also advanced out of the playoffs while Atalanta completed a remarkable comeback with a last-second goal to maintain Italian involvement in the competition. Juventus fell short of completing its own stunning second-leg recovery against Galatasaray, though. Playing a week after being the target of alleged racial abuse in the first leg against Benfica, Vinícius wrapped up Madrid’s 2-1 win over the Portuguese team and a 3-1 victory on aggregate with his team’s second goal in the 80th minute.

MLB SPRING TRAINING INTERLEAGUE Final Philadelphia 5 Detroit 3 Final Houston 4 Miami 1 Final Cincinnati 3 Chicago White Sox 2 Final San Diego 7 L.A. Angels 3 Final N.Y. Yankees 7 Washington 0

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Baltimore	4	Tampa Bay	3	 Final	Boston	5	Minnesota	3	 Final	Texas	11	Cleveland	4	 Final	Toronto	4	Detroit	4	 Final	Seattle	8	Kansas City	8

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	St. Louis	6	N.Y. Mets	0	 Final	Atlanta	3	Pittsburgh	1	 Final	Colorado	14	Chicago Cubs	7	 Final	Milwaukee	13	San Francisco	12	 Final	L.A. Dodgers	10	Arizona	7

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(6)UConn	72	(15)St. John's	40	 Final	(7)Florida	84	Texas	71	 Final	(9)Gonzaga	89	Portland	48	 Final	(12)Nebraska	74	Maryland	61	 Final	(17)Alabama	100	Mississippi State	75	 Final	(20)Arkansas	99	Texas A&amp;M	84	 Final	(25)Vanderbilt	88	Georgia	80

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Boys Sub-State Class 3A Boys Larned Sub-State - Sub-State 1 Thursday, February 26 6:00 #16 Nickerson @ #1 Beloit 6:00 #9 Russell @ #8 Phillipsburg 6:00 #13 Ellsworth @ #4 Hoisington 6:00 #12 Lyons @ #5 Scott City Tuesday, March 3 (Higher seed hosts) TBA Beloit/Nickerson winner vs Russell/Phillipsburg winner TBA Hoisington/Ellsworth winner vs Scott City/Lyons winner Friday, March 6 @ Larned TBA - Championship Class 3A Boys Larned Sub-State - Sub-State 2 Thursday, February 26 6:00 #15 Cimarron @ #2 Holcomb 7:30 #10 Norton @ #7 Colby 6:00 #14 Larned @ #3 Lakin 6:00 #11 Goodland @ #6 Southwestern Heights Tuesday, March 3 (Higher seed hosts) TBA Holcomb/Cimarron winner vs Norton/Colby winner TBA Lakin/Larned winner vs SW Heights/Goodland winner Friday, March 6 @ Larned TBA - Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; Class 2A Boys Smith Center Sub-State - Sub-State 2 Friday, February 27 6:00 #15 Hutch-Trinity @ #2 Stanton County 6:00 #10 Syracuse @ #7 Medicine Lodge 6:00 #14 Smith Center @ #3 TMP 6:00 #11 Ellinwood @ #6 Plainville Wednesday, March 4 (Higher seed hosts) TBA Trinity/Stanton winner vs Syracuse/Medicine Lodge winner TBA TMP/Smith Center winner vs Ellinwood/Plainville winner Saturday, March 7 @ Smith Center TBA - Championship&nbsp; &nbsp; -------------------------------------------------------------- Girls Sub-State Class 3A Girls Larned Sub-State - Sub-State 1 Friday, February 27 6:00 #16 Nickerson @ #1 Holcomb 6:00 #9 Colby @ #8 Hoisington 6:00 #13 Russell @ #4 Southwestern Heights 6:00 #12 Norton @ #5 Goodland Wednesday, March 4(Higher seed hosts) TBA Holcomb/Nickerson winner vs Colby/Hoisington winner TBA SW Heights/Russell winner vs Goodland/Norton winner Saturday, March 7 @ Larned TBA - Championship&nbsp;&nbsp; Class 3A Girls Larned Sub-State - Sub-State 2 Friday, February 27 6:00 #15 Lyons @ #2 Lakin 6:00 #10 Phillipsburg @ #7 Ellsworth 6:00 #14 Cimarron @ #3 Beloit 6:00 #11 Scott City @ #6 Larned Wednesday, March 4(Higher seed hosts) TBA Lakin/Lyons winner vs Ellsworth/Phillipsburg winner TBA SW Beloit/Cimarron winner vs Scott City/Larned winner Saturday, March 7 @ Larned TBA - Championship&nbsp; &nbsp; Class 2A Girls Smith Center Sub-State - Sub-State 1 Thursday, February 26 6:00 #16 Hutch-Trinity @ #1 Ellinwood 6:00 #9 Rawlins County @ #8 Smith Center 6:00 #13 Plainville @ #4 Medicine Lodge 6:00 #12 Sterling @ #5 TMP Tuesday, March 3 (Higher seed hosts) TBA Ellinwood/Trinity winner vs Rawlins/Smith Center winner TBA Medicine Lodge/Plainville winner vs Sterling/TBA winner Friday, March 6 @ Smith Center TBA - Championship&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Area 3A/2A Sub-State basketball pairings

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Isaiah Johnson scored 18 points, and Colorado scored the last six points to beat Kansas State 79-70 on Wednesday night.

P.J. Haggerty and Andrej Kostic each scored four points in an 8-0 surge to pull Kansas State to 73-70 with 2:13 to play, but Colorado shot 6 of 8 from the free-throw line to seal it. The Wildcats were down 22 points with about 13 minutes remaining.

Johnson shot 5 of 11 from the floor and had nine rebounds and seven assists for Colorado (16-12, 6-9 Big 12). Ian Inman made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points for the Buffaloes. Barrington Hargress added 15 points, Sebastian Rancik scored 13 and Bangot Dak had 10.

Haggerty scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to go with four assists to lead K-State (11-17, 2-13). Kostic and Nate Johnson added 10 points apiece. The Wildcats have lost eight of their last nine games.

Colorado took the lead for good about eight minutes in and led 37-18 with 3:45 left before halftime. K-State closed on a 15-5 run to cut the deficit to 42-33 at the break. Hargress scored 10 points and Inman made three 3s for the Buffaloes in the half. Haggerty scored 11 first-half points and grabbed six rebounds to pace K-State.

The Wildcats pulled within five early in the second half, but the Buffaloes answered with a 17-0 run for a 59-37 lead.

Colorado is on the road Saturday against fifth-ranked Houston.

Colorado scores last 6 points, beats Kansas State 79-70

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating more credit card skimmers on gas pumps in Salina.

On Wednesday afternoon, police made contact with employees of Flying J Travel Center, 2250 N. Ohio in Salina in reference to finding two more skimmers on two diesel pumps, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman.

The employees reported after finding the initial two skimmers Tuesday they had checked the pumps and had not located any others. 

Prior to calling they checked the pumps and located two new skimmers. The business checked their security cameras and observed a white dually pickup pull up to both pumps for a short amount of time before leaving. 

The vehicle was at the pumps between 4:30 AM and 4:45 AM on the morning Wednesday.&nbsp;

More credit card skimmers found in central Kansas

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran– a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – today applauded the removal of the lesser prairie-chicken from the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA) list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), following a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas:

“The removal of the lesser prairie‑chicken from the endangered and threatened species list is a major win for Kansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. For years, Kansas producers have worked to protect the bird’s habitat through voluntary, locally‑driven conservation efforts, but the listing’s burdensome federal regulations put severe strain on many Kansas industries.&nbsp;I have worked to oppose the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken for more than a decade, and I applaud today’s decision to remove the listing and continue to support local efforts to promote voluntary solutions that will protect the bird’s habitat without placing unnecessary burdens on our agricultural community.”

Kan. U.S. Senator applauds removal of prairie-chicken from ESA list

SEATTLE (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hilary-knight">Hilary Knight</a>&nbsp;doesn’t want to let what she called a “distasteful” joke by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;about the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-canada-womens-hockey-olympic-final-141b5904352673676656cbe2a1c253e5">gold-medal winning</a>&nbsp;U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team get in the way of a historic performance by American women across all sports at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>.

“I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate,” Knight said on Wednesday alongside fellow Olympians Alex Carpenter, Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes at the Seattle Space Needle ahead of their return to play for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. “And, I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats.”

Knight, a two-time gold medalist whose 15 goals and 33 points in Olympic competition are the most by a U.S. hockey player at the Games, said she’s not focusing on an offhand comment by Trump after the American men topped Canada for gold in overtime on Sunday.

Talking on a speakerphone in the postgame locker room, Trump extended an invitation to the White House to the men’s team, then added, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” The president later joked that if he didn’t extend the invitation, he would probably be impeached.

While the vast majority of the men’s team flew to Washington on Tuesday and visited Trump in the White House before being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-union-hockey-olympics-trump-89fff7bdec947251ff926e09ac24d4e4">guests at the State of the Union</a>, many of the women’s players were on the way back to their professional or college clubs.

USA Hockey, which said it was “honored” by the invitation, cited logistical issues as the major hurdle that prevented the women’s team from stopping by the White House. The team was originally scheduled to fly commercially into New York on Monday, but was forced to reroute through Atlanta due to a snowstorm in the Northeast.

Several players were going to stick around New York for promotional purposes, even ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Those scheduled appearances had to be canceled because of flight changes.

Knight lamented that the video — which included several players laughing after Trump’s comments — took on a life of its own and didn’t convey the true nature of the relationship between the men’s and women’s US hockey programs.

“The men’s and the women’s team did it together,” Knight said. “And, that’s super special. It’s never been done in our program’s history. It’s something we’re extremely proud about. But these women are amazing. And whatever’s going on should never outshine or minimize their work and our success on the world stage.”

Kelly Pannek, a forward on the women’s team, told reporters “the video is what it is” but added it was a “special feeling” spending time with the men’s team after they won the first Olympic gold for the U.S. in 46 years. Pannek believes there is mutual respect and support on both sides.

Goaltender Jeremy Swayman told reporters in Boston after returning to practice with the Bruins that the men “should have reacted differently” to Trump’s remarks.

“To share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for,” Swayman said. “And now that we’re home we get to share that together forever and see the incredible support we have from the USA and share this incredible gold medal.”

Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal in overtime for the U.S., also said the moment did not reflect the views of the men’s team.

“You’re in the moment and the president calls. We’re blaring the music. It is what it is,” Hughes said Wednesday night after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sabres-devils-score-0eb145127b212254164b4d837c11204d">his first game back</a>&nbsp;with the New Jersey Devils. “We have so much respect for the women’s team and they have so much respect for us. We are all just proud Americans.”

The earliest the U.S. women could make a White House visit would be in late spring after the conclusion of the PWHL season.

The U.S. won 12 gold medals in Milan Cortina, with women playing a hand in eight of them. The women’s hockey team outscored opponents 33-2 on its way to the top of the podium.

“This was the best American women’s hockey team, the best American team we’ve ever put together on the world stage when the lights have been the brightest ever,” Knight said. “And so, I think everybody felt that going through the tournament. And, I want to celebrate. I want people to be remembered for that. I want the legacy of this team to be remembered.”

AP freelancer Everett Merrill in Newark, New Jersey, contributed to this report.

Woman's Olympic hockey star: President's call to men's team 'distasteful' 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in a fatal shooting at an American Legion Hall in Wichita is scheduled to return to court Thursday..

Darrell E. Buckner, Jr., 52, will attend a hearing in the courtroom of Judge Tyler Roush in an attempt to have the one-million dollar bond reduced, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He is charged with First degree murder and aggravated battery in connection with the killing at the American Legion in Wichita.

Just before 7:30p.m. October 11, police responded to a report of a shooting inside the American Legion, 1135 North Hydraulic in Wichita, according t a media release.&nbsp; First responders found 55-year-old Anthony Grayson from Wichita unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:55 p.m.

A second victim, a 56-year-old man, arrived at a hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the torso.&nbsp;

Investigators confirmed that the suspect, identified as Buckner, and Grayson were involved in a fight inside the bar. Buckner then left, retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, and returned. Employees attempted to prevent him from reentering, but he pushed past them and went back inside, where another fight broke out. During the altercation, Buckner fired the gun, striking Grayson and the second victim, who was attempting to intervene.

Buckner was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this month, a preliminary hearing for Buckner was delayed.

Suspect in Kan. American Legion killing returns to court

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

Instagram said Thursday it will start alerting parents if their kids repeatedly search for terms clearly associated with suicide or self-harm. The alerts will only go to parents who are enrolled in Instagram’s parental supervision program.

Instagram says it already blocks such content from showing up in teen accounts’ search results and directs people to helplines instead.

The announcement comes as Meta is in the midst of two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-media-trials-meta-zuckerberg-youtube-tiktok-addiction-85c4d813c42845aeb3f913ec8f2f3e86">trials over harms to children</a>. A trial underway in Los Angeles questions whether Meta’s platforms&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mark-zuckerberg-trial-testimony-instagram-c8cbaa32ccbf4933ec3a7beebd6cf34b">deliberately addict and harm</a>&nbsp;minors. Another, in New Mexico, seeks to determine whether Meta failed to protect kids from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/meta-new-mexico-child-exploitation-trial-19195fc680dba782fb971d68082e11a4">sexual exploitation on its platforms</a>. Thousands of families — along with school districts and government entities — have sued Meta and other social media companies claiming they deliberately design their platforms to be addictive and fail to protect kids from content that can lead to depression, eating disorders and suicide.

Meta executives including CEO Mark Zuckerberg have disputed that the platforms cause addiction. During questioning by the plaintiff’s lawyer, in Los Angeles, Zuckerberg said he still agrees with a previous statement he made that the existing body of scientific work has not proved that social media causes mental health harms.

The alerts will be sent via email, text or WhatsApp, depending on the parent's contact information available, as well as a notification through the parent's Instagram account.

“Our goal is to empower parents to step in if their teen’s searches suggest they may need support. We also want to avoid sending these notifications unnecessarily, which, if done too much, could make the notifications less useful overall,” Meta said in a blog post.

Meta said it is also working on similar notifications to parents about their kids' interactions with artificial intelligence.

“These will notify parents if a teen attempts to engage in certain types of conversations related to suicide or self-harm with our AI,” Meta said. “This is important work and we’ll have more to share in the coming months.”

Instagram to send parents teens' search alerts

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged with murder for the fatal shooting of a teenage girl late last year in Independence, Missouri.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2813/Phillips-COMP">Eric R. Phillips II</a>, 28,&nbsp;faces 1st Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Abandonment of a Corpse, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2812/PhillipsEric---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police received a call on November 28, 2025, reporting that an 18-year-old victim had been shot multiple times in a vehicle at a location in Independence earlier that morning. Detectives began using investigative leads to locate the vehicle.&nbsp;

Due to the circumstances, the victim was entered as a missing person in Independence.&nbsp;

Through multiple witness reports and surveillance footage, detectives identified Phillips as the shooter. Detectives determined he shot the victim multiple times while she was in the back of his vehicle in the early morning hours of Nov. 28.&nbsp; Ring camera footage captured the sound of gunshots coming from the location of his vehicle where it had been reported the shooting had occurred, and Phillips was seen in video footage multiple times carrying a firearm.&nbsp;

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