Join the Great Bend Rec for a fantastic PAWesome Easter Egg Hunt for your four-legged canine friends. The event will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Veteran’s Memorial Park next to the Dog Park.

Easter eggs will have pet-friendly treats inside of them or vouchers for larger prizes. The hunt will be divided into 2-sections, Small Dog Breed Hunt and Large Dog Breed Hunt. For everyone’s safety, all dogs must always be on a leash.

Registration for the event begins at 1 p.m., and the egg hunt will begin at 1:15 p.m. A fee of $5.00 per dog will be collected with proceeds going to improvements at the dog park.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

For more information about this program and other programs the Great Bend Rec offers, please visit our website at www.greatbendrec.com or call the Recreation Commission office at 793-3755 ext. 110.

Great Bend Rec's PAWesome Easter Egg Hunt for dogs is March 28

Barton Community College, The Barton Community College Foundation, and the Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce will host a Chamber After Hours, a casual community networking event, on Thursday, March 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 320.

This casual evening gathering offers a great opportunity for community members, alumni, and local business leaders to connect, enjoy appetizers, and hear the latest updates from Barton Community College. Guests will learn about current initiatives, alumni engagement opportunities, and ways the College and Foundation are supporting Barton students and programs.

The After Hours is designed to strengthen connections between Barton, its alumni, and the surrounding communities while celebrating the partnerships that help the college thrive. The event is free and open to the public.

Ellinwood Chamber Afterhours featuring BCC and Barton Foundation

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks with Kathleen Cook, Fort Hays State University Director of Academic Success about the Schmidt Foundation Scholarships.

🎥  Forward Ever: FHSU director of Academic Success

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

National politicians often garner the headlines, but decisions
made by elected officials at the local level often carry more impact. Several city,
county, school, and other elected positions will be up for grabs in the 2026
General Election on Nov. 3. The primary for those races is set for Tuesday,
Aug. 4. Barton County Election Official Bev Schmeidler said the deadline to
file as a candidate is approaching fast.

“The filing deadline is June 1 at noon, which is a Monday
this year,” she said. “We just have to have all the paperwork by then. If it’s
a state-level office, they go to Topeka to file. This is a gubernatorial year,
so we will elect a governor, lieutenant governor, and there will be a lot of
state offices on the ballots. It would be great to have a great turnout at the
polls for the election.”

Local elections will include four seats on the Great Bend City
Council, as well as seats on the Hoisington and Ellinwood councils. Ellinwood
Hospital will have two board seats up for grabs. Barton County Commission
districts 1, 4, and 5 are up for election. Incumbents Duane Reif and Tricia
Schlessiger have already refiled for Districts 1 and 4, respectively, and
Johnathan Robinson has filed in District 5, which is currently occupied by Donna
Zimmerman. Clerks positions in all 22 Barton County townships will also be on
the Aug. 4 ballot, as will precinct committee spots for both the Republican and
Democratic parties. The deadline to register to vote or change party affiliation
is July 14 at 5 p.m. Early voting can begin as early as July 15.

“Whether you come vote early or you vote at a polling place
on Election Day, you can declare one of those parties if you are unaffiliated,”
Schmeidler said. “You can’t change your party on the poll site, but you can
declare if you’re unaffiliated.”

Larger numbers of voters tend to turn out in even-numbered
years. Nearly 60 percent of Barton County voters turned out in 2016, which
included a presidential race. That number dropped to 24 percent in 2017. Forty-nine
percent showed up in a gubernatorial year in 2018, then fewer than 25
percent voted in 2019. Sixty-eight and 63 percent voted in 2020 and 2024, respectively, which included presidential races.

Other state and national seats to be decided in the Nov. 3 general
election include one U.S. Senator, four U.S. Representatives, Kansas secretary
of state, attorney general, treasurer, and commissioner of insurance, 125 state
representatives, and several judicial positions.

Local political candidates already filing for office ahead of June 1 deadline

Released Sherman, Augustus C. Jr. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0237 for Failure to Appear by posting $10,000.00 Surety Bond with Ace Bail Bonds. Transferred to another Agency.

Released Finnigan., Swen on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2021CR0471 for Serve Sentence. Transferred to Kansas Department of Corrections.

Released Smith, Jerry W. Jr. on Kansas Department of Corrections A&amp;D Warrant AD-17752 for Parole Violation and Barton County District Court case 25-734 for Distribution of Methamphetamine (1009&gt;=1 Kg), Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm with Transfer to Kansas Department of Corrections.

Released Driscoll, Beverly on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2024CR0307 for Serve Sentence. Released on Time Served.

Released Serpan, Shane on Barton County District Court case #26-215 for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Turn Signals, and Drug Tax Stamp. Released by Order of the C.A.

Booked Bivins, Brigitte E on Barton County District Warrant #BT2026CR0062 for Violation Offender Registration Act. Bond set at $40,000 c/s.

Released Stevenson, Dietre A. on a Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0080 for Domestic Battery after posting the $1,000.00 surety bond through ACE Bail Bonds.

Released Mattox, Christopher W. on Barton County District Court case #26-209 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving Under the Influence, Speeding, and Driving in Left Lane after posting the $10,000.00 surety bond through ACE Bail Bonds.

Booked Aumiller, Ryan A. on Barton County District Court warrants #BT2025CR0310 for Failure to Appear, and #BT2025CR0311 for Failure to Appear; bonds set at NO BOND.

Booked in Kelly, Parker S. on Great Bend Municipal Court case # 26-265 for Battery Domestic Violence &amp; Possession of Marijuana. Bond is set at $1,000.00 cash/surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (3/12)

Friday Sunny, with a high near 65. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. South southeast wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. South wind 13 to 15 mph becoming west southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Sunday A slight chance of rain before 1pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 1pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of snow after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Windy, with a north northwest wind 22 to 27 mph increasing to 34 to 39 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 15. Windy.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 45.

Friday's weather

By TISA MASON FHSU president

In the spring of 2020, the world went quiet. For Ryan Funai, then a high school freshman, the silence of the pandemic was loud with the frustrations of a disrupted education. Like millions of other students, Ryan found himself staring at a screen, relegated to an online modality that felt more like a barrier than a bridge to learning.

Many students waited for the world to return to "normal." Ryan Funai, however, decided to build a new one.

His journey from a 16-year-old GED student to a 2025 FHSU Homecoming King nominee and future PhD candidate is a story of unconventional paths. But more importantly, it is a story that illustrates the soul of Fort Hays State University: the belief that with a bit of grit and a community that cares, there is no limit to how far a student can go.

Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back, but for Ryan, it was about pivoting. Recognizing that the traditional high school structure was no longer serving his growth during the pandemic, Ryan approached his mother, Angela, with a bold proposal: he wanted to leave high school, pursue his GED as a homeschool student, and accelerate his path to adulthood.

It was a risk, but it was grounded in a clear-eyed understanding of his own needs. With a comprehensive study guide and a state-mandated prep course, Ryan didn't just pass; he aced all four GED modules on his first attempt. By the time his peers were starting their sophomore year, Ryan had already completed his secondary education.

However, ambition requires as much patience as it does speed. Knowing he wasn't quite ready for the social landscape of a university at 16, Ryan spent what would have been his junior year working full-time. He saved his earnings, gained experience, and by the age of 17, he arrived at Fort Hays State University not just as a freshman, but as a young man with a plan.

Ryan’s connection to FHSU began even before his first official class. The summer before his freshman year, he took a job at the Tebo Library. It was here that the "small school" advantage of FHSU first changed his life.

While shelving books and assisting patrons, Ryan began meeting faculty members who treated him not as a temporary summer hire, but as a future colleague. Among them was Dr. Todd Moore, the Department of Geosciences chairman, whose encouragement left a lasting impression. Ryan’s 'calling' wasn't just found in books, but in the mentorship of those who saw his potential before he even declared a major.

"Meeting so many people early on encouraged me to get involved," Ryan recalls. "It made college less intimidating."

This early immersion enabled Ryan to shape his college experience. He didn't just join the campus; he became deeply rooted in the university. Now a senior majoring in Geology with a minor in Biology and a Leadership certificate, Ryan has maintained a trajectory of excellence, placing him on track to graduate with academic honors. He is already enrolled in an accelerated master’s program at FHSU, eyeing a PhD and a future career as a university professor.

When asked about his academic success, Ryan quickly pivots to the people he serves. This “ethic of care” is a hallmark of the FHSU community, and Ryan brings it to life through his dedicated leadership in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity.

Serving as the president, Ryan has led his brothers in supporting the WeKan Center, a program of Hays USD 489. The center serves students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have finished high school but still require support before age 21. For Ryan, this isn't just a "philanthropy project"—it’s a manifestation of the SAE creed: being a "true gentleman."

"I think of my fraternity’s creed...putting other people before yourself and being honest and being the best person you can be," Ryan says. "That aligns with a lot of the principles of Fort Hays. Putting other people before yourself is a big aspect of what I strive to do."

This semester, his commitment to the Hays community continues through his LDRS 310 (Field Work in Leadership) course, where he and his team are organizing a 5K Run for First Call for Help, a local organization providing vital social services.

Ryan’s academic pursuits in geology are not merely clinical; they are humanitarian. His research focuses on water, specifically within the complex cave systems of southern Kansas.

"I want to be able to help people as much as I can, and water is an essential part of everyday life," he explains. "The desire to help people spreads into all the other areas of my studies and my involvement on campus."

Supported by an Undergraduate Scholarly Experience Grant, Ryan will return to the caves of southern Kansas this spring to conduct advanced research. For Ryan, the dark, damp passages of a cave are a laboratory for the greater good, ensuring that the most essential resource for life is understood and protected for the community.

The FHSU community recognized Ryan’s impact by nominating him for Homecoming King in 2025. While the title was an honor, for Ryan, the "unique experience" was the opportunity to meet people from across the university—many of whom he remains in close contact with today.

But perhaps the most personal symbol of Ryan’s ethic of care is something many might have missed. In 2020, as he began his unconventional journey through the GED, Ryan started growing out his hair. It became a four-year project that recently concluded at the Hays Academy of Hair Design. Ryan didn't just get a haircut; he donated his hair to organizations that provide hairpieces for children experiencing hair loss. It was a quiet, years-long commitment to a stranger’s well-being—a physical representation of his "others-first" philosophy.

As Ryan prepares to transition from an undergraduate leader to a graduate researcher, his goal remains clear. He wants to teach at a university like Fort Hays State.

"I would choose a smaller school so I can make connections with students, considering how impactful that has been for my own education," he says.

Ryan Funai’s story is not just about a student who beat the odds of a pandemic. It is about a student who found a university that matched his values. At FHSU, Ryan didn't just find a degree; he found a platform for his resilience, a laboratory for his innovation, and a community that shared his heart for service.

As he heads back into the caves of Kansas this spring, he does so not just as a geologist, but as a Tiger—grounded in the earth, but reaching for the stars.

12-year-old Larned boy dies in pickup, dirt bike crash

One man is in custody following an active-shooter call in
Great Bend Thursday evening. Law enforcement was initially dispatched to the
area just west of 24th and Harrison in Great Bend. The reporting
party reported hearing at least seven shots coming from the residence on the north side of 24th Street. The suspect was eventually taken
into custody shortly after 9 p.m. 

“There were some kids standing out in the driveway, and I
was talking to them to see if they knew what was going on,” said a neighbor,
who wishes to remain anonymous. “A cop yelled at us and told us, ‘Everybody
back inside.’ That was a house down from 24th Street on Polk.”

Law enforcement officers from the Great Bend Police
Department and Barton County Sheriff’s Office saturated the area, blocking traffic
for several blocks on 24th Street. Great Bend Fire and EMS stood by
on a side street.&nbsp;

“Guys were drawing AR-15s, the neighbors were talking
about shots fired and drones overhead,” the neighbor said. “Radio chatter had a
guy running through the field.”

Video from another neighbor showed a male individual
dancing in the front yard of the residence in question before being
approached by law enforcement officers and taken into custody.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details
as they become available. 

Man taken into custody following shooting incident in Great Bend Thursday evening

The Great Bend Police along with Great Bend Fire and EMS are on scene in the 3500 block of 24th in Great Bend. Avoid the Area.

More information will be published as it becomes available.

AVOID AREA: Heavy Police, Fire, EMS presence 3500 Block of 24th Great Bend

Are you longing for that good old-time religion? Come to the Barton County Historical Society Village at 7 p.m., Monday, March 23 for an old-fashioned hymn sing.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hymn sing will be held in the St. Paul Lutheran Church on the grounds of the historical society.&nbsp;&nbsp;Area organists will be present to pump the church organ or play the recently donated electronic organ placed in the church.

Refreshments will be in the museum building following.&nbsp;No prior singing experience is necessary, so if you can’t sing, just tap your foot to the music. &nbsp;Admission is free for this special event, although there will be an offering taken during the program to help offset the cost of installing new siding on the church.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorial funds in memory of Alberta (Fleske) Wright have been given for this purpose, but additional funds are required to complete the project.

St. Paul Lutheran Church was located southeast of Albert, on land donated by Julius Both, grandfather of Alberta Wright.&nbsp;&nbsp;Construction for the 28x40 feet church began in October 1898 by John A. Mausolf and John Evers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 45-feet steeple was a signal to those in the area that a church was located there. Limestone for the foundation was quarried in Rush County, nearby.&nbsp;&nbsp;The tongue and groove wainscot ceiling was installed prior to the installation of the steep pitch roof because it had to be finished from the outside.

The church had a deep love for music, for the choir was formed while the group was still meeting in the District 11 Schoolhouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;The choir continued to sing throughout the history of the church, until the closing of the church in 1964.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time of the last service in 1964, the Barton County Historical Society was offered the church, but they had no place to move the church.&nbsp;&nbsp;Five acres of land was donated by Charles Hulme and the church lifted from its original foundation and moved south of Great Bend to its present site in 1967.

Barton Co. Historical Society hosting hymn sing at historic church on March 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 

Friday on Sports Day(Watch)

Opening Round -
Saturday, March 7th (Games Played at Higher Seed) #5 Seward County 82, #12 Colby 66 #6 Cowley 61, #11
Hutchinson 60 #10 Fort Hays Tech NW 76, #7 Independence 74 #8 Cloud County 86, #9 Garden City 66

Quarterfinal
Round - Tuesday, March 10th (Games Played at Higher Seed) Barton 96, Cloud County 95 Butler 101, Fort Hays Tech NW 87 Cowley 76, Dodge City 69 Seward County 84, Coffeyville 75

Semifinal Round -
Friday, March 13th (Fleske Fieldhouse - Great Bend) 3:00 PM -&nbsp; Barton vs Seward County 7:30 PM -&nbsp; Butler vs Cowley&nbsp;

Championship -
Saturday, March 14th (Fleske Fieldhouse - Great Bend) TBD vs TBD - 5:00 PM

Region 6 Men's Basketball Tournament Scores and Schedule

Opening Round - Saturday, March 7th (Games Played at Higher Seed) #5 Seward County 84, #12 Fort Hays Tech Northwest 52 #6 Colby 58, #11 Pratt 42 #7 Barton 88, #10 Cloud County 64 #8 Garden City 91, #9 Cowley 80&nbsp;&nbsp; Quarterfinal Round - Tuesday, March 10th (Games Played at Higher Seed) Butler 93, Garden City 62&nbsp; Dodge City 69, Barton 60 Hutchinson 74, Colby 65 Coffeyville 87, Seward County 62 Semifinal Round - Friday, March 13th (Fleske Fieldhouse-Great Bend) 1:00 PM Butler vs Coffeyville 5:30 Dodge City vs Hutchinson

Championship - Saturday, March 14th (Fleske Fieldhouse-Great Bend) TBD vs TBD - 3:00 PM

Region 6 Women's Basketball Tournament Scores and Schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 Conference is ditching its slippery new glass floor for a hardwood court for the final two days of the tournament. In a statement Thursday night, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said: “After consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament.” The surface is produced by ASB GlassFloor and has been used at the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe. Numerous players have slipped when trying to plant. On Thursday, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson strained a muscle slipping in a loss to Iowa State.

GENEVA (AP) — Pushing back on U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments, Iran’s national soccer team says “no one can exclude” it from playing in the men’s World Cup in the United States. Instead, a post on the team’s official Instagram account Thursday suggested maybe the U.S. team should be excluded after Trump indicated that the host country couldn’t guarantee the safety of the Iranian players. Trump wrote in a social media post Thursday it was not safe or appropriate for Iran to come to the World Cup. The Iran team’s riposte on Instagram confirmed it still wants to play in the tournament. Iran is set to play all three of its World Cup group games in the U.S., which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA and its players’ union met for 16 hours during a third straight day of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The session that began at 11 a.m. Thursday ended early Friday morning. The two sides have met for nearly 40 hours since first getting together in-person Tuesday — the day the league had said there would need to be at least a handshake agreement for the season to start on time. The sides exchanged more proposals Thursday and the main sticking point remains revenue sharing.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic doesn’t need an excuse to pile on points, so when Chicago guard Matas Buzelis started jawing with him Thursday night, it became the fuel for his first 50-point game with the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic turned what he called unprovoked trash talk from Buzelis into 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the Lakers’ 142-130 victory. Doncic had his eighth career 50-point game. Doncic would not disclose what was said by Buzelis, a second-year forward, because, “I would say that I would definitely get a tech.” It wasn’t like Doncic needed any extra inspiration, either.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has broken Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with 20 points or more, extending his streak to 127. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard hit two free throws in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics to reach 19 points. With the crowd on its feet, Gilgeous-Alexander pump-faked several times and drilled a jumper over Baylor Scheierman from beyond the free-throw line with 7:04 left in the period to push his total to 21. Chamberlain’s record had stood since 1963. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and nine assists as the Thunder beat the Celtics 104-102.

NFL free agency spending has reshaped the early pecking order, with a few teams gaining real momentum and others taking hits. On Monday, big moves included the Panthers adding Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to build an elite defense. The 49ers added Mike Evans and extra line help. The Patriots kept spending to upgrade key spots. The Jets brought Geno Smith back and loaded up on defense. The Rams strengthened their secondary. The Buccaneers slipped after losing Evans and defensive starters. The Eagles and Jaguars also dropped back after losing major pieces.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have signed Kyler Murray. They focused their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick from the 2019 NFL draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals. Murray visited Vikings headquarters before agreeing to join them just one day after being cut by the Cardinals. Arizona owes him $36.8 million in guaranteed salary this season. The Vikings have been seeking a challenger or replacement for J.J. McCarthy. Murray has an AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, two Pro Bowl selections and a 67% career completion percentage.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Sepp Straka kept getting into trouble and saving pars. And then he chipped in for eagle late in his round at The Players Championship for a 67 and a share of the lead when he left the TPC Sawgrass. Austin Smotherman has a 15-foot birdie putt in the morning to take the lead. It was too dark to continue. Rory McIlroy's back wasn't a problem as he made it to the first tee. Collin Morikawa experienced back pain on his second hole and had to withdraw. There was plenty of drama, but only an even-par 72 for Scottie Scheffler.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he doesn't think it'd be “appropriate” for the Iranian soccer team to attend this year's World Cup. The Republican president on Thursday cited “their own life and safety” as reasons the team's members should not attend as the U.S. co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada. Trump's message seems to depart from what he relayed Tuesday at the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino says Trump assured him Iranian players and coaches would be welcome despite the war that broke out after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began last month. Iranian leaders say it’s “not possible” for their country to participate in the World Cup.

TORONTO (AP) — Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews left Thursday night against Anaheim after a knee-on-knee hit from Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas that drew a major penalty and game misconduct. Trying to make a move around Gudas in the slot in the second period of Toronto’s 6-4 victory, Matthews stook a direct blow to his left leg and crashed to the ice. The U.S. Olympic captain stayed down before being helped to the locker room. Gudas is the bruising Czech defender who ended Canadian captain Sidney Crosby’s Olympics in the quarterfinals with a hit. Toronto coach Craig Berube said the play "dirty.“ He didn’t have an update on Matthews. Matthews snapped a 12-game goal drought earlier in the period on a power play.&nbsp;

INTERLEAGUE Final	Philadelphia	8	Toronto	5	 Final	Chicago Cubs	7	Seattle	4	 Final	Washington	3	Houston	2	 Final	Cleveland	1	Milwaukee	0	 Final	Kansas City	10	San Diego	1	 Final	Chicago White Sox	3	San Francisco	3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	N.Y. Yankees	4	Detroit	3	 Final	Minnesota	8	Boston	5	 Final	Texas	7	Athletics	6

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	St. Louis	3	N.Y. Mets	1	 Final	Colorado	13	Arizona	2	 Final	Pittsburgh	5	Atlanta	2	 Final	L.A. Dodgers	9	Cincinnati	5

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final OT	Florida	2	Columbus	1	 Final	Washington	2	Buffalo	1	 Final	Tampa Bay	4	Detroit	1	 Final	Calgary	5	New Jersey	4	 Final	St. Louis	3	Carolina	1	 Final	San Jose	4	Boston	2	 Final	Toronto	6	Anaheim	4	 Final	N-Y Rangers	6	Winnipeg	3	 Final	Dallas	7	Edmonton	2	 Final SO	Philadelphia	3	Minnesota	2	 Final OT	Chicago	3	Utah	2	 Final	Colorado	5	Seattle	1	 Final SO	Vancouver	4	Nashville	3	 Final	Vegas	6	Pittsburgh 2

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(1)Duke	80	Florida State	79	 Final	(2)Arizona	81	UCF	59	 Final	(5)Houston	73	BYU	66	 Final	(6)UConn	93	Xavier	68	 Final	(7)Iowa State	75	(16)Texas Tech	53	 Final	(10)Virginia	81	North Carolina State	74	 Final	(13)St. John's	85	Providence	72	 Final	(14)Kansas	78	TCU	73	 Final	(18)Purdue	81	Northwestern	68	 Final	Clemson	80	(19)North Carolina	79	 Final	UMass	87	(20)Miami (OH)	83	 Final	(23)Wisconsin	85	Washington	82	 Final	Miami (FL)	78	(24)Louisville	73	 Final	(25)Tennessee	72	Auburn	62

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

----------------------------------------------------

Thursday State Tournament Scores

Tuesday March 10 Class 2A Girls @ Tony's Pizza Events Center - Salina Ellinwood 55, Rossville 48 Class 1A-DII Boys @ White Auditorium - Emporia Lebo 46, Victoria 40 Class 1A-DI Boys @ Kansas Wesleyan University - Salina Central Plains 57, Canton-Galva 34 Wednesday, March 11 Class 1A-DI Girls @ Friends University - Wichita Pretty Prairie 39, Hodgeman County 35 Class 1A-DI Girls @&nbsp;Tony's Pizza Events Center - Salina Little River 57, Central Plains 27 Class 3A Girls @ United Wireless Arena - Dodge City Holcomb 45, Ellsworth 32&nbsp; Thursday, March 12 Class 2A Girls @ White Auditorium - Emporia Ellinwood 50, Eureka 47 Class 1A-DI Boys @ United Wireless Arena - Dodge City South Central 49, Central Plains 30 Saturday, March 14 Class 2A Girls @ White Auditorium - Emporia - Championship 12:30 Ellinwood (27-1) vs Salina-Sacred Heart (24-4) Class 1A-DI Boys @ United Wireless Arena - Dodge City - 3rd Place 3:30 Central Plains (25-3) vs Norwich (23-5)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Area State Tournament Scores/Schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 Conference is ditching its slippery new glass floor for a hardwood court for the final two days of the tournament.

“After consultation with the coaches of our four semifinal teams, I have decided that in order to provide our student-athletes with the greatest level of comfort on a huge stage this weekend, we will transition to a hardwood court for the remainder of the tournament," Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement Thursday night. "We look forward to a great semifinals and championship game.”

Numerous players have slipped when trying to plant. On Thursday, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson strained a muscle slipping in the No. 16 Red Raiders' 75-63 loss to No. 7 Iowa State.

“Obviously, the floor is a bit slippery," Anderson said. “I think I just kind of mis-stepped or did a movement that caused me to slip,”

The Big 12 announced last month that it would play the men’s and women’s tournaments on the ASB GlassFloor-made court that has been used at the NBA All-Star Game and in Europe but never before during an official U.S. competition.

“I personally didn’t have any involvement (in the decision to go to hardwood),” Kansas coach Bill Self after the No. 14 Jayhawks beat TCU 78-73 on Thursday night in the last game played on the glass floor. “If the other coaches are doing it, (they) have juice and they got more than I got. Because I didn’t have any any involvement with that at all.”

Then he added, “I think it’s the right thing to do.”

The glass floor has an aluminum and steel spring-action design that is supposed to mimic the flexibility of hardwood. The LED panels, which display everything from data-driven graphics to advertising, have ceramic coating and little dots etched into the glass that are supposed to create grip that is consistent with traditional surfaces.

The ball seems to bounce like usual, though with a different “thudding” sound. There are a whole lot more squeaks from sneakers than usual. But the biggest difference has been the traction.

Big 12 ditching slippery glass floor for hardwood for rest of tournament

Friday, March 13 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 2:45PM B104 - Region 6 Semi-Finals - Barton Men vs Seward County 5:30PM&nbsp;1590/95.5FM - Big 12 Semi-Finals - Iowa State vs Arizona 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Big 12 - Semi-Finals- Kansas vs Houston 8:00PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas vs Houston (Jayhawk Network) Saturday, March 14 4:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Big 12 Tournament Championship 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - ACC Tournament Championship TBA B104 - Barton Men - Region 6 Championship vs TBA Sunday, March 15 3:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City vs Chicago White Sox Monday, March 16 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, March 17 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Wednesday, March 18 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - LA Lakers @ Houston Thursday, March 19 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Friday, March 20 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Saturday, March 21 2:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City vs Colorado Rockies Monday, March 23 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Texas Rangers Tuesday, March 24 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 1:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Texas Rangers Wednesday, March 25 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - Atlanta @ Detroit

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 24 points in a season-high 37 minutes and No. 14 Kansas beat TCU 78-73 in the last quarterfinal of the Big 12 tournament Thursday night at T-Mobile Center.

The Jayhawks will face No. 5 Houston, which defeated BYU 73-66 in the quarterfinals, in the second semifinal Friday night.

Peterson struggled from the floor, missing 12 of his 17 shots, including a breakaway two-handed dunk with the Jayhawks leading 68-63 with just over four minutes left. But he made up for it from the line, going 13 for 16.

Flory Bidunga added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Kansas (23-9), while Bryson Tiller and Elmarko Jackson also had 13 points.

David Punch scored 24 points for TCU (22-11). Liutauras Lelevicius had 14 and Jayden Pierre added 11.

The Jayhawks are 13-7 this season with Peterson in the lineup. They were 10-2 without him.

Bidunga was in foul trouble most of the night. He picked up two fouls in the first half, and picked up his fourth with 6:29 left in the game.

Kansas opened the second half with an 8-0 run after trailing by three. TCU answered with runs of 8-1 and 13-2 to retake the lead.

The score was tied at 61-all when Trey White hit a 3-pointer from the corner with 5:34 left. The Jayhawks never trailed again, but neither team led by more than six points until Tiller threw down a dunk to make the score 70-63 with 3:22 left.

The first half was filled with spurts. TCU grabbed its largest lead at 23-16 thanks to an 8-0 run, but Kansas responded with a 12-0 surge to regain the lead. The teams traded the lead back and forth before the Horned Frogs took a 34-31 lead into the locker room.

The No. 3-seeded Jayhawks face the second-seeded Cougars.

Peterson scores 24 to lead No. 14 Kansas past TCU 78-73

Tuesday, March 10 Arizona State 83, Baylor 79 Cincinnati 73, Utah 66 BYU 105, Kansas State 91 Oklahoma State 92, Colorado 83 Wednesday, March 11 Iowa State 91, Arizona State 42 UCF 66, Cincinnati 65 OT BYU 68, West Virginia 48 TCU 95, Oklahoma State 88 Thursday, March 12 Iowa State 75, Texas Tech 53 Arizona 81, UCF 59 Houston 73, BYU 68 Kansas 78, TCU 73 Friday, March 13 (Semi-Finals) 6:00 Iowa St. vs Arizona 8:30 Houston vs Kansas Saturday, March 14 (Championship) 5:00 TBA VS TBA

Big 12 Tournament Scores and Schedule

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pro-Iranian hackers are targeting sites in the Middle East and starting to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stryker-cyberattack-iran-medical-equipment-products-8dd418618a3bd4fa4c97caf7978c11ee">stretch into the United States</a>&nbsp;during the war, raising the risk of American defense contractors, power stations and water plants being swept into a wave of digital chaos that could expand if Tehran’s allies join the fray.

Hackers supporting Iran claimed responsibility for a significant cyberattack Wednesday against U.S. medical device company Stryker. Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-12-2026-oil-prices-90e17dbf7354d1e9428994ab2a036506">the war began Feb. 28</a>, they also have tried to penetrate cameras in Middle Eastern countries to improve Iran’s missile targeting. They have targeted data centers in the region, as well as industrial facilities in Israel, a school in Saudi Arabia and an airport in Kuwait.

Iran has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-russia-china-election-disinformation-hacking-ee65e29b866852b146e75c9f3312a1ae">invested heavily</a>&nbsp;in its offensive cyber capabilities while cultivating ties to hacking groups. In recent years, groups working for Tehran have infiltrated the email system of President Donald Trump’s campaign,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/water-utilities-hackers-cybersecurity-1c475f5d2ef3b5d52410c93bdeab3aad">targeted U.S. water plants</a>&nbsp;and tried to breach the networks used by the military and defense contractors.

The goal is to wear down the American war effort, drive up the costs of energy, strain cyber resources and cause as much pain as possible for American companies that depend on the defense industry.

“Something is going to happen because the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cybersecurity-trump-china-russia-iran-north-korea-9eceaf30ddc984ed482f067db5dee405">gloves are off</a>,” said Kevin Mandia, founder of the cybersecurity companies Mandiant and Armadin.

Pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hackers claimed credit for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stryker-cyberattack-iran-medical-equipment-products-8dd418618a3bd4fa4c97caf7978c11ee">disrupting systems at Stryker</a>, a Michigan-based medical technology company. A group known as Handala said the attack was in retaliation for suspected U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-school-hegseth-trump-2ffff06808f7a584b0a03831897ab0b8">strikes that killed Iranian schoolchildren</a>.

Like other ideologically motivated hackers, profit is not Handala’s goal, according to Ismael Valenzuela, vice president of threat intelligence at the cybersecurity company Arctic Wolf.

“What distinguishes this group is its clear focus on data destruction rather than financial extortion,” he said in an email.

Polish authorities are investigating a recent cyberattack — on a nuclear research facility — that may have ties to Iran, though they acknowledge that another group could be behind the attack and using the Iran war to mask its identity.

Going forward, U.S. defense contractors, government vendors and businesses that work with Israel are likely targets, as is critical infrastructure such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/mississippi-hospital-system-closes-all-clinics-after-ransomware-attack-92cf61cdedaa47889a5928fd913108b2">hospitals</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/port-security-cyber-attack-e3da323aebc80c553663e43b77d430e2">ports</a>, water plants,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-c8d531ec05e0403a90e9d3ec0b8f83c2">power stations</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-railway-stations-wifi-cyberattack-euston-manchester-678c9fa9d164a3a1ec323be1a7070697">railways</a>.

Pro-Iranian hackers openly discuss their plans in Telegram and other online message boards.

“The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amazon-aws-data-center-uae-iran-bahrain-71066b0a822c4cfd88b61e3fe79af917">datacenters</a>&nbsp;need to be taken out,” wrote one user, as uncovered by researchers at U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group. “They host the brains of USAs military communication and targeting systems.”

Cyber operations also gather intelligence — for example, Iran’s effort to hack into cameras in neighboring countries to aid its missile targeting. Infiltrating U.S. networks, meanwhile, would offer view into military planning or supply chains.

The strikes on Iran’s military as well as internet outages may have limited Iran’s cyberattacks in the short term. But experts say Iranian hackers and their allies will aim for quick victories by targeting the weakest links in American cybersecurity.

Often, local&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/water-utilities-cyberattack-epa-russia-1435b3e6a569aa046e05c7947f0a0f3d">water plants</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyberattack-hospital-system-ambulances-diverted-ascension-728ab2a0e5afaf7c344e46a5ce5ca42c">health care facilities</a>&nbsp;lack the funds and know-how to install the latest software patches or take other security steps. That has made them a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-muleshoe-water-systems-cyberattacks-russia-5f388bf0d581fc8eb94b1190a7f29c3a">favorite target,</a>&nbsp;both because of the relative ease of penetrating them and because of the panic these disruptions can cause.

This can include&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-atlanta-680cf93f7eb0300127448c35299ad66e">denial-of-service attacks</a>, in which hackers try to jam a network so legitimate users cannot use it, and website defacements, which can prevent a company from communicating with customers. Hack-and-leak operations, where hackers threaten to release sensitive stolen material, are another possibility.

The attacks are not that sophisticated, according to Shaun Williams, a former FBI and CIA officer who is now a senior director at the cybersecurity firm SentinelOne. But if a business or government agency has failed to keep up with its cybersecurity, it could pay a steep price, he said.

“Patch your systems. Ensure your firewalls and security solutions are up to date,” Williams said. “Remove your stale accounts. All the cyber hygiene that you should be doing, it’s more critical now than ever. Prepare for disruption.”

When it comes to cyber, Iran is considered a chaos agent

Russia and China present the greatest cyber threats to the U.S., while North Korea is a growing concern. But what Iran has lacked in resources it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hacking-iran-cybersecurity-trump-14dce06ff797563bd6b431a7d04e105f">made up for in ingenuity</a>, experts say.

In recent years, Tehran’s digital warriors have impersonated American activists online to covertly encourage&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">protests against Israel</a>&nbsp;on college campuses. They have set up fake news websites and social media accounts primed to spread false and exaggerated claims before big U.S. elections.

In 2024, Iranian hackers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-campaign-hack-iran-phishing-b77458428a25e694a738a8c82219f271">infiltrated the email system</a>&nbsp;of the Trump campaign and later&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-fbi-election-interference-dni-ae96f57f438772dac08e076be7aa4904">tried to disseminate files</a>&nbsp;that the hackers said they stole. Hackers linked to Iran also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-trump-meta-hacking-campaign-f237bb755a2ad8a9d0939e29d6aba6d1">tried to hack into the WhatsApp accounts</a>&nbsp;of both Trump and his then-Democratic opponent, President Joe Biden.

The activity prompted the Department of Homeland Security to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-june-22-2025?mod=djemCybersecruityPro&amp;tpl=cs" target="_blank">issue a public warning</a>&nbsp;last year about Iranian cyber threats.

“Iran and especially the proxies don’t care how big or smart you are. This is about making an impact, about creating chaos,” said James Turgal, a cybersecurity expert who spent 22 years as an FBI agent and is now a vice president at Optiv, a Denver-based information security firm.

Experts are watching closely to see if Russia, China or hacking groups allied with either country provide hacking assistance to Iran, mounting attacks intended to undermine American operations in Iran and make it harder for the U.S. to sustain its fight.

While China has so far taken a cautious approach, there is evidence that pro-Iranian hackers in Russia are already at work. Researchers at the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike detected a surge of activity from Russian hackers in support of Tehran since the war began.

One group known as Z-Pentest claimed responsibility for disrupting several U.S. networks, including some involved in closed-circuit video cameras.

The timing of the attack suggests the hackers were targeting U.S. interests because of the war in Iran, according to Adam Meyers, head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike.

Iran-linked hackers take aim at US, raising risk of cyberattacks during war

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused of sex crimes is due back in court Friday

Savana King, 31, is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing&nbsp;in Judge Kathleen Watson's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The judge will determine if there was enough evidence to send the case to trial.&nbsp;

On January 29, an 18-year-old woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by her former softball coach Savanah King over several years, between 2021 and 2024, before she reached the age of consent, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Police arrested King on requested charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child; fondling, criminal sodomy with a child under the age of 14 and unlawful sexual relations, according to Sedgwick County arrest records. After spending a weekend in jail, King met the requirement of a $250,00 bond and was released from jail.

<a href="https://friendsathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/savana-king/2824">King played softball for</a>&nbsp;Friends University, according to the school's website.

Former coach accused of sex assault of player is due back in court

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — All six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting operations against Iran are dead, the U.S. military said Friday, after their plane&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-aircraft-down-loss-iraq-6d182239315cf9d2a20c669c5ac8418d">crashed in western Iraq</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/4432850/loss-of-us-kc-135-over-iraq/">U.S. Central Command</a>, which oversees the Middle East, said the crash followed an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace,” and that the other plane landed safely.

The crash brings the U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members, seven of whom were killed in combat. About 140 U.S. service members have been injured, including eight severely, the Pentagon said earlier this week.

Here’s what is known so far about the tanker, which is the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft to crash during the war against Iran:

The U.S. Central Command said all six crew members on board the crashed KC-135 have been confirmed dead. It said the circumstances of the crash are under investigation but that the loss of the aircraft was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.”

A U.S. official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the developing situation, said the other plane involved was also a KC-135. Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., wrote on X that the other plane landed safely in Israel.

Yang said it would be rare for a refueling tanker to be downed by enemy fire because such operations are usually conducted in the rear of combat zones.

The crash came after three U.S. F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly downed last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jets-downed-kuwait-friendly-fire-iran-f15-1151e092db4597e93e83c04f3b44bddc">by friendly Kuwaiti fire</a>.

The KC-135 is a long-serving tanker plane

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a U.S. Air Force aircraft used to refuel other planes in midair, allowing them to travel longer distances and maintain operations longer without landing. The plane is also used to transport wounded personnel during medical evacuations or conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.

Based on the same design as the Boeing 707 passenger plane, the tanker has been in service for more than 60 years, supporting the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as well as allied aircraft, according to an Air Force description. The aging plane is set to be gradually phased out as more of the next-generation KC-46A Pegasus tankers enter service.

Despite upgrades over the years, the KC-135s’ age has fueled concern about their reliability and durability.

“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force last year had 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve.

A basic KC-135 crew has three people: a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator. Nurses and medical technicians are added in aeromedical evacuation missions.

Refueling typically happens at the back of the plane, where the boom operator is located. A fuel boom is lowered to connect with fighters, bombers or other aircraft. On many of the planes, the boom operator works lying face down while looking out of a window on the underside of the plane.

Some KC-135s can also refuel planes from pods on their wings. The tankers also have room to carry cargo or passengers if needed.

Refueling tankers could play an increasingly important role if the Iran war drags on, as U.S. aircraft may need to fly longer missions to pursue Iranian forces retreating deeper into the country, said Yang.

KC-135s have previously been involved in several fatal accidents. The most recent occurred on May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R crashed after takeoff south of Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan, while supporting the war in Afghanistan.

In that crash, the crew experienced problems with the plane’s rudder, according to a U.S. Air Force investigation. While they struggled to stabilize the plane, the tail section broke away and the plane exploded midair, killing all three crewmembers onboard.

The most serious mid-air collision involving the plane happened in 1966, when a B-52 bomber carrying nuclear bombs struck a tanker near Palomares, Spain.

The accident caused the tanker to crash, killing four onboard. The disaster led to an extensive decontamination effort to clean up nuclear material dispersed when conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated after hitting the ground.

Schreck reported from Bangkok. AP writers Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The U.S. military says a KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting operations against Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-military-aircraft-down-loss-iraq-6d182239315cf9d2a20c669c5ac8418d">crashed in western Iraq</a>, killing four of its six crew members.

Despite upgrades over the years, the KC-135s' age has fueled concern about their reliability and durability.

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