By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A lot goes into determining pay scales, base wages, and maximum
wages. During Monday night’s meeting, the Great Bend City Council approved a
$32,000 bid from Evergreen Solutions LLC to complete a compensation study for
city employees. City Administrator Logan Burns said the last study was
completed approximately eight years ago.

“Our last compensation study was conducted in 2018,” he said.
“Since that time, we’ve adjusted the city’s pay scale a number of times. With
staffing challenges continuing, our desire to make city jobs appealing as
applicants compare wages, and retaining our current staff, we feel the time has
come to complete a new compensation study.”

The city received 13 bids for the study, with Evergreen presenting
the low bid. Burns said Evergreen has a good reputation around the state,
including cities that are comparable to Great Bend.

“The city also reached out for multiple references,” he said.
“Everything we received back for Evergreen was very good. They do a number of
cities all over the state. Most recently, I think it was Salina, a lot up in the
Kansas City area, along with Wichita and Sedgwick County.”

The study will not include the annual four-percent merit
raise, which was just added on the last city payroll. Council Member Jay
Luerman asked if the city budget could handle a large change. Burns said any
significant changes could be spread out over one to three years. Evergreen will
also give the city tools to make future changes to the pay scale easier. The
council voted 8-0 to approve the study, which will begin in mid-March and wrap
up in July with a report to the council.

Great Bend City Council approves compensation study for $32,000

High school seniors interested in auditioning for vocal ensembles or instrumental ensembles and learning about scholarship opportunities in music for the 2026–2027 season are encouraged to sign up for one of Barton’s “Music Scholarship Days” on March 7 or April 18, or contact music faculty to schedule an appointment audition on a different date.

Scholarships are available for music majors and non-music majors, instrumental and vocal ensembles, guitar ensemble, and piano instruction and accompaniment. Awards range from $250 to $1,500 per year. Scholarships for music majors can be up to $3,000 per year and can be combined with other academic and activity awards.

Students may earn multiple music scholarships based on their level of involvement, and these awards can be stacked. Participation in more than one ensemble, such as concert band, jazz band, pep band, or Hilltop Singers, can increase a student’s overall scholarship total, as each ensemble has its own specific scholarship award. For more information and to schedule an audition, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jzFwT5Y5jEGhyumzq5b4FOLg0_Am1mpJkmu38uzHilxUOTc4WktTOUJMUko1SFhQNk0zRzkwSEFOOC4u&amp;route=shorturl" target="_blank">music.bartonccc.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Barton Music Department to host scholarship auditions

United Way of Central Kansas invites the community to an upcoming Community Partner Night at Gambino’s Pizza in Great Bend. The event will be held at Gambino's Pizza in downtown Great Bend from 4 p.m. to close on Tuesday, March 10.

Gambino’s will generously donate 10 percent of all sales&nbsp;that evening to UWCK — whether guests dine in or carry out. It’s a simple way to make a real difference. Every order supports programs that: • Put books in children’s hands through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library • Help families maintain reliable transportation • Provide assistance with essential needs • Equip youth with real-world skills

UWCK hosting Community Partner Night fundraiser at Gambino's on March 10

This January, Barton Theatre students Anna Bitter, Rose Clement, and Jordan McKenzie, along with faculty member Jack Greenwood, represented Barton as they traveled to Rochester, Minn., to participate in the American College Theatre Festival.

Each year, the festival invites theatre students and faculty to a weeklong regional conference featuring workshops, professional development, networking opportunities, auditions, interviews for theatre companies, and productions from participating schools. Barton is part of region five, which includes Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, and Minnesota.

While attending the conference, all three students participated in workshops covering acting, costuming, stage management, sound design, playwriting, and more. Each also auditioned for professional theatre companies and received callbacks, potentially leading to summer employment.

Bitter advanced to the next round of callbacks for Balladeer Theatre Company in Kansas City. Clement and McKenzie received callbacks for Emporia State University’s Summer Theatre program.

Bitter said attending the festival helped broaden her understanding of the field.

“I enjoyed every opportunity I had while I was there,” she said. “I learned so much about the career I want to go into and other career opportunities I didn’t even know about in theater. I got to meet professionals who taught me various skills. I even auditioned for a paid acting job over the summer, which I am still in consideration for. It was so much fun and opened up new doors for me.”

Other highlights included Bitter participating in a film acting workshop with Spencer Kramber, a former actor on the television series Criminal Minds. McKenzie competed in a costume intensive on a team that created a new costume using only fabric and pins. The design earned a student choice award. Clement attended multiple stage management workshops and plans to apply her training as a stage manager for the upcoming production of “SpongeBob the Musical.”

All three students attended productions from other schools and connected with representatives from four-year colleges regarding potential transfer opportunities.

Greenwood is in his first year of instruction at Barton, and he organized the trip after recognizing the value of the festival experience.

“The festival was where I realized a career in the arts wasn’t just worthwhile, it was necessary,” he said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without going to the festival as a student, and I’m happy to share this opportunity with Barton Theatre students.”

The annual festival also awards scholarships, certificates of merit, and design awards to schools that enter productions for regional response and adjudication. Barton Theatre plans to enter its fall 2026 production for consideration.

For more information about Barton’s theatre program or upcoming productions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://theatre.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">theatre.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Theatre expands student opportunities through American College Theatre Festival

K-State Crop Talk webinars have been available for farmers
since Feb. 10 of this year. The webinars run from noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday,
with the final webinar airing on March 10. Stacy Campbell, crop production
agent in the Cottonwood Extension District in Barton and Ellis counties, said
it’s easy to participate.

“You can register for them, and you only have to do it once,
then you will receive an email with the Zoom and YouTube link,” he said. “If
you happen to miss it, you can go back and listen to the recording and view the
presenter’s slides as well.”

Topics this year have included understanding flex leases,
available soil water, and fungicide applications in corn and sorghum. 

“The last Crop Talk webinar will be on March 10, with Anthony
Zukoff, Extension entomologist, highlighting insects to watch for in
the field this growing season. To register, just do an internet search for the KSU
Crop Talk webinar, and the link should pull up.”

The webinars are primarily for growers in Central, North
Central, and Northwest areas and counties of Kansas. The information is
presented by Extension agents in those counties. <a href="http://www.bit.ly/KSUCropTalk">CLICK HERE</a> to register for the March 10 webinar.

Season finale: Final K-State Crop Talk for area farmers scheduled for March 10

News from the Oil Patch, Mar. 3 By John P. Tretbar

Crude oil prices race to the skies, with fuel prices hot on their heels.&nbsp; Oil prices in New York vaulted more than six percent by dinner time on Monday and another seven percent by lunchtime on Tuesday. Offers on Tuesday ranged up to a high just under $78 a barrel, which would be a 19% increase over a week ago. Brent crude is also bounding, up ten percent in two days to just under $83 a barrel by tea time Tuesday.

Fuel prices jumped eleven cents in one day nationwide to $3.10 per gallon. Kansas pump prices jump nearly 13 cents to just under $2.70/gal. Diesel prices are up 17 cents from a week ago across the state ($3.525) and across the nation ($3.891).

A technical glitch that halted trading on expiry day sends a brief shock through the futures marketplace. The CME Group's Globex electronic trading platform went dark for some metals and all natural-gas futures last Wednesday. The company confirmed a full trading halt shortly after noon, its third significant breakdown in the last year. What the firm described as a "technical glitch" happened on expiry day, when futures contracts expire. Trading was halted and some orders were simply canceled at a time when many futures traders traditionally roll positions over into the next month. Despite the chaos, or perhaps because of it, natural gas prices settled nearly two percent higher. &nbsp;

The government reports the largest increase in crude-oil inventories in nearly six years. Commercial stockpiles increased 16 million barrels to just under 436 million. That's up nearly six million barrels from a year ago, but The Energy Information Administration says stockpiles remain about three percent below the five-year seasonal average. Strategic reserves are unchanged this week at just over 415 million barrels, up five percent from a year ago. Gasoline stockpiles were down slightly, while diesel fuel inventories rose. The government says demand for each is up slightly this week.

Refined petroleum product imports rose more than half a million daily barrels, surpassing two million barrels a day for the first time since last September. That marks a 40% increase from last week, a 22% &nbsp;bump over a year ago, and a 47% increase over two years ago. Petroleum product exports dipped by 350,000 barrels a day.

Crude imports increased slightly to just over 6,6 million barrels a day. The four-week average is up five percent from the same four weeks last year. Crude oil exports dropped by about a quarter million barrels a day to just over 4.3 million. The four-week average remains over four million.

US regulators last week released the final monthly oil production report for the year 2025. Domestic operators pumped over 423 million barrels in December, for a daily average of 13.6 million barrels. For the year, output dropped to just under 13.6 million barrels per day.&nbsp; Kansas output in December averaged just under 68,000 barrels per day, down from just over 68,000 in November.&nbsp; For the year, the Sunflower State averaged just over 69-thousand barrels per day. That's down more than 4,000 barrels a day from the year before, according to the latest data from EIA.

Texas produced 5.7 million barrels per day last year. That's up more than half a million barrels a day from the year before and accounts for more than 41 percent of output nationwide. EIA reports New Mexico finished the year at 2.24 million barrels day, an increase of nearly a quarter million daily barrels. The report from North Dakota dropped slightly to 1.15 million barrels a day in annual output last year. Regulators in North Dakota report a steeper drop in output in December.

Operators in Kansas have drilled 69 wells from spud to completion this year, down 43% from the tally of 121 a year ago. Total footage drilled lags behind last year by 59%.&nbsp; Independent Oil and Gas Service reports oilfield activity remains sluggish, down an average of 46% from a year ago. The Kansas Rig Count is unchanged from last week with three active rigs east of Wichita and five in Western Kansas. That's down 38 percent from a month ago and 46 percent from a year ago. Drilling was underway Friday on leases in Rooks and Finney County, and was about to begin on a lease in Gove County.

Regulators report 36 new intent-to-drill notices across the state of Kansas, for a total of 78 so far this year. That's down from 119 by the end of February last year and 144 the year before that. The search engine on the Kansas Corporation Commission Web site returns ten new intent-to-drill notices in Linn County, and five in Rooks County. Stafford County adds two. Gove and Finney counties each add one.

Kansas regulators okayed seven new drilling sites this week, all of them in Western Kansas, including two in Rooks County and two in Graham County. That's 60 new permits this year, compared to 109 last year at this time.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports four completions this week, all in the eastern half of the state, with one in Johnson County, and three in Woodson County. That's 108 completions this calendar year, compared to 211 last year at this time.

US crude production this week drops slightly, due largely to a weather outage in Alaska, but remains over 13.7 million barrels a day for a third week in a row. Production over the last four weeks averages just under 13.6 million barrels a day. Cumulative output so far this year is over 13.6 million, an increase of 1.5% from a year ago.

US regulators last week released the final monthly oil-production tally for the year 2025. Domestic operators pumped over 423 million barrels in December, for a daily average of 13.6 million barrels. For the year, output dropped to just under 13.6 million.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes increases by one gas rig, but drops by two oil rigs, for a total of 550 rigs. That's down 43 drilling rigs from last year at this time. The tally in the prolific Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico is 240 rigs, up one for the week but down 65 rigs from a year ago.

In the decade since our first exports of Liquefied Natural Gas, the United States has gone from 500 Million cubic feet per day in 2016, to over 15 billion cubic feet per day last year. Today, the US is the world’s largest LNG exporter, ahead of both Australia and Qatar. The Energy Information Administration now forecasts US exports over 18 billion cubic feet per day by the end of next year.

A major winter cold snap cuts into oil and gas production in North Dakota, the number-three US producer. The Department of Mineral Resources reports a six-percent drop in December oil output, and a six percent in drop in natural gas. Oil output dips to 34.7 million barrels, or 1.12 Million barrels per day. That's down 76,000 barrels a day from the month before. The number of producing wells in North Dakota continues to drop from the all-time high reached in October, dipping another 172 wells in December. The number of inactive wells rose by more than six hundred. &nbsp;

North Dakota natural gas production dropped six percent. The amount of gas that was flared, or burned off at the well head, is down nine percent. The gas-capture rate, the amount of gas captured on site and marketed, held steady at 95.2%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude, pump prices skyrocket

Booked Flores-Cabrales, Yahir on Barton County District Court case #26-33 for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving while suspended and Max Speed. Bond set at $2,500.00.

Released Flores-Cabrales, Yahir on Barton County District Court case #26-33 for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving while suspended and Max Speed with a surety bond of $2500.00 through Ace Bail Bonding.

Released Houp, Annissia on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2025CR0433 for contempt of Court. Great Bend Municipal Court case #202500462 for Failure to Appear, Great Bend Municipal Court case #202500270 for Failure to Appear, and Wilson County District Court Warrant #W12025CR000112 for Failure to Appear, and Interference with LEO. Transferred to Wilson County.

Booked in Adams, Dontae L. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0187 for Probation Violation with bond set at No Bond.

Booked in Dominguez, Ismael III on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0384 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.

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

Wednesday Areas of fog before 7am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 56. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Light and variable wind becoming south southeast around 6 mph in the evening.

Thursday Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Breezy. Friday Night A 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 57.

Wednesday's weather

City of Lyons tatement regarding police department leadership

The City of Lyons holds a deep and abiding respect for the men and women who serve our community in law enforcement. Their work carries real risk, and the losses experienced across Kansas and within our own community underscore the seriousness of their service and the responsibility we share in supporting them. 

The role of a Chief Administrative Officer carries significant responsibility, particularly in matters that affect officer safety, departmental readiness, and public trust. On February 17, after careful deliberation and in accordance with the authority of the office, the mayor placed the Police Chief on paid administrative leave. This decision was based on the needs of the department and the community. 

It was not made lightly. At the Monday, March 2nd Council meeting, Council requested a two-week extension to that suspension so further administrative review can be done. Because this involves a personnel matter, the City will not comment further while the administrative review is ongoing. 

To provide continuity and stability at this time with the Lyons Police Department’s operations, Sergeant Cory Ryan has been appointed temporary acting Chief. Additionally, in accordance with state statute K.S.A. 12-2909, the City of Lyons has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Rice County Sheriff’s office to ensure adequate coverage continues for our community.

The City of Lyons remains committed to supporting its officers, strengthening public safety, and building the trust placed in us by the community. Additional updates will be provided as review progresses.

City of Lyons extends police chief's leave; acting chief appointed

Central Kansas Christian Academy has announced that Sophia Strecker and Alejandro Carbajal were selected to represent the school in the Youth Art Month Exhibit at the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library. This art exhibit celebrates Youth Art Month and features artwork from students throughout the state of Kansas.

The Youth Art Month exhibit will be on display from Feb. 24 through March 28.

The Library is located at 1515 SW 10th&nbsp;Ave, Topeka, KS and the hours are as follows:&nbsp; Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.&nbsp;

The Kansas Art Education Association would like to invite you to join us in our Celebration/Reception for student artists, their families, and educators Saturday, March 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.&nbsp; The Celebration/Reception will be held in the Shawnee County Topeka Public Library. There will be time for guests to view the artwork, a guest speaker, recognition of students, activities, sale of YAM merchandise and light refreshments.&nbsp; The library will open at 9 a.m. —YAM activities will be set up by 11. The Awards Ceremony will begin around 1 p.m.

Art from pair of CKCA students selected for statewide exhibit in Topeka

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.

For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a>

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 

The Barton Community College softball team responded from Saturday's disappointing split in emphatic fashion Monday afternoon at Cougar Field, turning a nail-biting opener into a runaway nightcap to complete a doubleheader sweep of Division II No. 18 Cowley College with 8-7 and 15-1 victories.

Game one required late heroics. After building a 5-1 advantage, Barton saw the lead slip away by the sixth inning before&nbsp;Carly Erpelding&nbsp;delivered a game-tying blast in the home half to reset the momentum. One inning later,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/alvord_karter_wr6i">Karter Alvord</a>&nbsp;provided the finishing touch, lining a walk-off RBI double down the third base line in the bottom of the seventh to cap the comeback and secure the victory.

The Cougars carried that spark straight into game two, erupting for nine runs in their opening at-bat. Erpelding's second homer added two more runs in the third before&nbsp;Mollie Steiner&nbsp;punctuated the offensive onslaught with a grand slam in the fourth, putting the finishing stamp on a 15-1 run-rule triumph.

Closing out a three-date homestand with the sweep, Barton improves to 8-8 overall while Cowley drops to 5-9. The Cougars now turn their focus to conference play beginning Thursday at Fort Hays Tech Northwest before traveling to Pratt Community College on Saturday. First pitch for both doubleheaders is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Barton pounded out 12 hits in each contest, led by Steiner's monster day at the plate. The sophomore went 5-for-8 with six RBI, collecting a double, her first collegiate triple, and a pair of home runs including the grand slam for her third long ball of the season.

Erpelding was nearly flawless, finishing 4-for-5 with four RBI while homering in both games, giving the freshman a team-leading five home runs on the season.

Alvord continued her recent surge, batting 4-for-7 with two doubles and four RBI, including the game-winning laser down the third base line in the opener.

In the circle,&nbsp;Ellie Crawford&nbsp;made the most of her first collegiate start, earning the game two victory to improve to 2-0 after scattering four hits and matching her season-best with three strikeouts.&nbsp;Peyton McCormick&nbsp;secured the opener, tossing the final three innings while allowing just three hits to move to 2-5 on the season.

Game One – Barton 8, Cowley 7 Barton answered Cowley's run in the top by plating five in their first at-bat of the day, highlighted by Steiner's 2-run home run and Alvord's ground rule 2-RBI double, followed by Chaylin Boone's RBI walk.

The Tigers began to chip away at the deficit in the third, Gracey Smith driving in two on a single with Taverli Tennant's triple in the fourth and scoring on a wild pitch, cutting Barton's lead to 5-4.

Barton answered back in the home half, Steiner's double extending the frame before scampering home on Erpelding's single.

Following a scoreless fifth, a 1-out hit and walk moved around the bases via wild pitches to plate one. Tennant's single drove in another as Taylor Clay followed with another base hit to push the Tigers in front 7-6.

Erpelding provided the tying shot with one-out in the home half, driving a shot deep to center for her first of the afternoon.

McCormick worked a 1-2-3 top of the seventh, turning the game over to the offense.&nbsp;Morgan Thatcher&nbsp;drew a four-pitch walk to begin the frame, with Alvord following unleashing a scorched laser down the third base line plating as pinch-runner&nbsp;Kahli Fields&nbsp;sped around the bases scoring from first base from the walk-off double.

Game Two – Barton 15, Cowley 1 (5 innings) Crawford began her first collegiate start with total command, striking out the first two batters before inducing a harmless fly ball to center.

Nine runs on six hits ensued in the home half, Steiner's single to right aided by a fielding error allowing&nbsp;Laney Wood's leadoff walk to score began the barrage. McCormick added an RBI hit with&nbsp;Hailey Horton&nbsp;following with a 2-run producing double. Alvord would join the action later with an RBI single, Wood drove in two more on a bases loaded double, with McCormick also delivering after the bases were reloaded with a 2-RBI single to cap the inning's outburst.

Following Steiner's first collegiate triple to open the third, Erpelding crushed her second homer of the day to straight away center, growing the lead to eleven.

The Tigers would get one run back in the fourth, Tennant's single opening the frame with a pair of walks ensuing to load the bases. Smith's single to left easily scored Tennant but a potential big inning was thwarted as Spears' laser to the plate cut down another run.

Barton went back to work in their final at-bat, Spears' 1-out hit followed by&nbsp;Grace Hembree's single, with Wood reaching on error in loading up the bags. One batter later, it was Steiner time again, clearing the bases with a no-doubter to left center for the sophomore's first career grand slam.

Walk-Off Caps Thriller as Barton Offense Powers Sweep of No. 18 Cowley

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Khamari McGriff scored 18 points and Nate Johnson scored 16 points and Kansas State delivered another blow to West Virginia's NCAA Tournament hopes holding off the Mountaineers 65-63 on Tuesday night.

Reserve Chance Moore scored 18 points, Brenen Lorient scored 14 points, reserve DJ Thomas 12 and Honor Huff 11 for West Virginia.

It was the first win of the season for the Wildcats in which they didn't score 81-or-more points.

PJ Haggerty, the nation’s third-leading scorer, was unexpectedly scratched from the Wildcats' lineup posted an hour-and-a-half before the 7 p.m. CT tip-off.&nbsp;Haggerty wasn't listed on the team’s initial availability&nbsp;report released Monday.

Kansas State said in a release that Haggerty sustained an injury in practice in recent days. He’s listed day-to-day ahead of Saturday’s matchup at Kansas. Haggerty, the Wildcats’ starting point guard, entered Tuesday night second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game.

Despite his absence Kansas State (12-18, 3-14) used a 21-0 run to take a 48-31 lead with 10:53 remaining, its longest scoring run of the season.

But the Wildcats proceeded to leave the door open failing to score a field goal in the final 3:48. McGriff made two free throws for a 57-39 lead with a 7:29 left.

West Virginia (17-13, 8-9) then outscored the Wildcats 19-1 down the stretch and got to with 61-58 with 48 seconds left before McGriff and Johnson each made foul shots to secure the win.

West Virginia: Wraps up the regular season on Friday against UCF.

Kansas State: Ends the regular season on the road against 14th-ranked state rival Kansas on Saturday.

Minus lead scorer Haggerty, McGriff and Johnson help Kansas State hold off West Virginia 65-63

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Moe Odum scored 23 points, Massamba Diop added 19 and Arizona State pulled away late to beat No. 14 Kansas 70-60 on Tuesday night in what could be Sun Devils coach&nbsp;Bobby Hurley’s final home game.

Hurley is the final year of his contract and the administration hasn't given any indications it will be extended amid a fourth mediocre season in the past five years.

The Sun Devils (16-14, 7-10 Big 12) did all they could to send their coach off with a win in a physical, emotional game that included the ejection of Kansas coach Bill Self and one of his assistants.

Arizona State jumped on Kansas early, withstood a big run and made the key plays down the stretch to beat the Jayhawks (21-9, 11-6) for the third time in the Hurley era, with the others 2018 and '19.

Darryn Peterson scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half as the Jayhawks twice rallied from double-digit deficits. Kansas went on a 17-1 run to cut a 20-point halftime deficit to four and trimmed a 12-point deficit to two with four minutes left.

Anthony Johnson answered with a 3-pointer and a layup, kicking off a 11-0 run that secured Arizona State's 15th win over a ranked opponent — second this season — in Hurley's 11 seasons.

Self was hit ejected in the first half for arguing an offensive foul call against Peterson. Assistant Jacque Vaughn was also T'd up and Elmarko Jackson was hit with a flagrant foul for taking down Arizona State's Allen Mukeba on a drive.

Arizona State: At No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday.

Arizona State beats No. 14 Kansas 70-60 in Hurley's potential home finale

NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the 2026 season by Major League Baseball following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the commissioner’s office said, which means testosterone that was not produced by his body. Because it was a second offense, the length of Profar’s suspension was 162 games. An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance."

The Indianapolis Colts placed a transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones and the New York Jets used the franchise tag on running back Breece Hall as teams beat the deadline to place tags on potential free agents. The Colts opted to use the $37.8 million transition tag instead of the $43.9 million franchise tag, opening up the possibility that he could still leave without compensation for Indianapolis. Hall got the $14.3 million franchise tag from New York, meaning the Jets would get two first-round picks as compensation if they didn’t match any potential offer sheet.

GENEVA (AP) — With 100 days to go until the World Cup, the Iran war has added a new layer of complexity to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. How the conflict will affect the world’s most watched sporting event is the latest issue facing organizers. FIFA was already grappling with cartel violence in one of the Mexican host cities, scaled-back plans for fan festivals in the U.S. and pushback from fans over soaring ticket prices. The tournament kicks off on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City. It will be the biggest World Cup ever with 48 participating teams.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have informed two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray that they plan to release him at the beginning of the new league year on March 11, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move can’t be officially announced until next week. Murray — who is owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money in 2026 — will be free to sign with any team once he’s released.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, LeBron James added 21 points and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied past the New Orleans Pelicans 110-101 for their third straight victory. Deandre Ayton had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, who overcame a fourth-quarter deficit and 21 turnovers by making a 14-0 run to seize control down the stretch. Zion Williamson scored 24 points in his return from a one-game absence after hurting ankle last Saturday for the Pelicans, who lost for only the second time in six games. The Lakers finished the game on a 24-7 run.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State scratched and clawed its was to a 70-60 win over No. 14 Kansas in what may be coach Bobby Hurley's final home game. Arizona State jumped out to a 20-point lead, let the Jayhawks back in it and made all the key plays down the stretch to close out its home schedule with a win. Hurley's contract was not renewed beyond this season, so the Sun Devils will likely need a miracle run through the Big 12 tournament for the coach to keep his job. Hurley led Arizona State to three NCAA Tournaments, including two straight, but didn't win consistently enough. He at least went out with a bang, if this was the end.

TOKYO (AP) — It’s officially named the World Baseball Classic. But for the Group C games in Japan, simply call it the world according to Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s life-size image is all over the Tokyo Dome, and racks of Ohtani jerseys — about $125 each — dominate the adjacent merchandise center. Japan begins play on Friday against Taiwan with South Korea, Australia and the Czech Republic also in the group. Japan is the defending champion and is expected to claim one of the two spots for the quarterfinals in the United States.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has announced her engagement to Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis. Sabalenka has shared a proposal video on Instagram with the words, “You &amp; me, forever.” Fellow players were quick to congratulate her, including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka could face Anisimova in the quarterfinals at the Indian Wells tournament in California, which opens on Wednesday. It marks Sabalenka’s first event since the Australian Open final where she lost to Elena Rybakina in January.

OXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Pete Suder scored 19 points, Antowne Woolfolk added 14 and No. 19 Miami (Ohio) closed within a victory of a perfect regular season with a 74-72 win over Toledo that extended the RedHawks’ season-opening winning streak to 30 games. The RedHawks (17-0 Mid-American Conference) remain the only undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball. Miami extended the best start in program history and added to its school record for wins in a season. Miami also boasts the best start and longest win streak in MAC annals. Brant Byers added 13 points and Luke Skaljac chipped in 12 for the RedHawks. Leroy Blyden Jr. led Toledo (16-4, 10-7) with 21 points and Sonny Wilson added 13.

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Max Scherzer says the note his daughter composed that asked the Toronto Blue Jays to re-sign the three-time Cy Young Award winner arose as his kids were writing letters to Santa Claus in December. Scherzer's wife posted the handwritten note on Instagram after the three-time Cy Young Award winner signed a one-year, $3 million contract to stay in Toronto. Scherzer told reporters that “it's the cutest thing you can possibly imagine when you read that.”

Finals MLB SPRING TRAINING INTERLEAGUE Final	Tampa Bay	3	Philadelphia	1	 Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Cleveland	4	 Final	San Diego	4	Chicago White Sox	3	 Final	Pittsburgh	7	Colombia	1	 Final	Israel	1	Miami	0	 Final	N.Y. Mets	6	Nicaragua	3	 Final	Italy	9	Chicago Cubs	4	 Final	United States	15	San Francisco	1	 Final	Great Britain	7	Milwaukee	3	 Final	Mexico	6	Arizona	3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Tampa Bay	5	Minnesota	3	 Final	L.A. Angels	7	Seattle	6	 Final	N.Y. Yankees	11	Panama	1	 Final	Netherlands	8	Baltimore	5	 Final	Toronto	10	Canada	7	 Final	Athletics	14	Brazil	4	 Final	Kansas City	4	Cuba	0	 Final	Dominican Republic	12	Detroit	4	 Final	Houston	3	Venezuela	1	 Final	Puerto Rico	5	Boston	3

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Boston	2	Pittsburgh	1	 Final	Utah	3	Washington	2	 Final	New Jersey	5	Florida	1	 Final	Buffalo	3	Vegas	2	 Final	Columbus	3	Nashville	2	 Final OT	Winnipeg	3	Chicago	2	 Final	Dallas	6	Calgary	1	 Final OT	Edmonton	5	Ottawa	4	 Final	Minnesota	5	Tampa Bay	1	 Final	Colorado	5	Anaheim	1	 Final	San Jose	7	Montreal	5

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(5)Florida	108	Mississippi State	74	 Final	UCLA	72	(9)Nebraska	52	 Final	TCU	73	(10)Texas Tech	65	 Final	(11)Illinois	80	Oregon	54	 Final	(13)Virginia	75	Wake Forest	70	 Final	Arizona State	70	(14)Kansas	60	 Final	Georgia	98	(16)Alabama	88	 Final	(17)North Carolina	67	Clemson	63	 Final	(18)St. John's	72	Georgetown	69	 Final	(19)Miami (OH)	74	Toledo	72	 Final	(23)Tennessee	78	South Carolina	59	 Final	(24)Vanderbilt	89	Ole Miss	86

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

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Scott City Boys 51 Hoisington 35

GREAT BEND SPORTS ON B104.3 THE POINT SPONSORED BY... GB TARP COMPANY, ADVANCE TRUCK &amp; DIESEL, KELLER REAL ESTATE &amp; INSURANCE, EQUITY BANK, INNOVATIVE LIVESTOCK SERVICES, THE FIELDHOUSE, MARMIE AUTO GROUP, MAGNA DRY CLEANING SERVICES, FREEDOM CLAIMS MANAGEMENT, GREAT BEND REC, ROSENBERG FAMILY DENTISTRY, CHRIS RAMSEY SHELTER INSURANCE, MITCH HANEY &amp; ASSOCIATES, FARMER'S BANK &amp; TRUST, SCOTT'S WELDING SERVICE, PEOPLE'S BANK &amp; TRUST, KERNS FLOOR SERVICE, NEX-TECH, COMFORT PRO, THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEATH SYSTEM - GREAT BEND CAMPUS, SUTHERLANDS, AND THE 10TH STREEET EYECARE CENTER. STONE SAND COMPANY AND STONE WASTE MANAGEMENT, ADVANCED THERAPY &amp; SPORTS MEDICINE, DAMM PIPE TESTING, GREAT BEND REDI MIX, INSURANCE PLANNING, EDWARD JONES, DELGADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT, MPIRE REALTY, AMERICAN PLAINS COOP, AND CODY CROOK RED CEDAR LAND COMPANY. GB TIRES, THE ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER, BARTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DR CHAD OHNMACHT DDS, AND WATKINS CALCARA CHARTERED.

Emporia Boys 61 Great Bend 41

- Alan Clark, head coach of Barton CC Women's Basketball

- Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

A pair from the Barton Community College wrestling team landed All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference honors announced by the league last Wednesday, as&nbsp;S'Ron Hill&nbsp;earned Second-Team honors and&nbsp;Brennen Pfannenstiel&nbsp;selected onto the Third-Team.

Hill recently ranked No. 10 at 184-pounds in the latest InterMat rankings posted a 4-2 conference record and compiled a 31-16 overall mark this season to earn his Second Team distinction. The 184-pound sophomore highlighted his campaign with a runner-up finish at the NJCAA South Central District Championships to secure one of Barton's five NJCAA National Championship berths.

Overall, the redshirt freshman led the Cougars in a trio of categories behind his program single season seven major decisions, four technical falls and 95 takedowns.

Pfannenstiel garnered Third Team recognition after going 5-1 in conference dual action while concluding the season 31-13 overall. The 149-pounder also secured an NJCAA National Championship berth after a sixth-place finish at the NJCAA South Central District Championships to join Hill and three other Cougars.

Pfannenstiel paced Barton in four categories, etching his name in the record books with the program's most reversals of 41, 61 escapes, 31 falls, and total team points with 167.

The duo along with&nbsp;Julian Orrantia&nbsp;(125),&nbsp;Shane Todd&nbsp;(133), and&nbsp;Derek Truman&nbsp;(174) will compete at the NJCAA National Tournament Friday and Saturday March 6 and 7 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Hill, Pfannenstiel earn KJCCC All-Conference honors

The nationally 4th ranked Barton Community College men's tennis team began its season this weekend at Kearney, Nebraska, with a pair of contests against NCAA Division II opponents.

On Saturday, the Cougars took on St. Mary's University out of Texas, with the Rattlers (7-1 on the season) winning 6-1. Wrapping up the trip Sunday against Augustana University (SD), the Cougars again won a singles match, in falling 5-1.

With short turnaround, the Cougars will be joined by the ladies squad on Tuesday for a 4:00 p.m. tangle with Friends University in Wichita.

In Saturday's action,&nbsp;Charles Alipoe&nbsp;picked up the lone victory in the No. 1 singles slot, earning a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Leonardo Fabbri. The Cougars nearly pulled out another victory in the No. 4 slot,&nbsp;Armando Sigauque&nbsp;dropping the first set 8-6 in the tie breaker but bouncing back with a 6-3 win before dropping the third 10-7.

Raphael Ankrah&nbsp;earned the lone victory on Sunday, edging Augustana's Jose Velasco on 6-4, 6-3 scores in the No. 2 matchup. The duo of&nbsp;Santiago Villarroya&nbsp;and&nbsp;Esi Molefe&nbsp;battled in the No. 2 tandem, falling short 8-6 in the tiebreak.

Results versus St. Mary's University Doubles: No. 1:&nbsp;Charles Alipoe&nbsp;/&nbsp;Raphael Ankrah&nbsp;lost to Ollie Eriksson / Nikita Gavrilonoks: 8-5 No. 2:&nbsp;Santiago Villarroya&nbsp;/&nbsp;Esi Molefe&nbsp;lost to Diego Alvarez / Fabian Rosales: 8-6 No. 3:&nbsp;Armando Sigauque&nbsp;/&nbsp;Kristian Tesevic&nbsp;lost to Florian Smalto / Victor Velter: 8-3

Singles: No. 1:&nbsp;Charles Alipoe&nbsp;defeated Leonardo Fabbri: 6-4, 7-5 No. 2:&nbsp;Raphael Ankrah&nbsp;lost to Lu Castillo Sanchez: 6-3, 6-3 No. 3:&nbsp;Santiago Villarroya&nbsp;lost to Nikita Gavrilonoks: 6-4, 6-2 No. 4:&nbsp;Armando Sigauque&nbsp;lost to Victor Velter: 7-6 (6), 3-6, 10-7 No. 5:&nbsp;Esi Molefe&nbsp;lost to Lincoln Baldonado: 6-3, 6-4 No. 6:&nbsp;Kristian Tesevic&nbsp;lost to Fabian Rosales: 6-2, 6-1

Results versus Augustana University Doubles: No. 1:&nbsp;Charles Alipoe&nbsp;/&nbsp;Raphael Ankrah&nbsp;lost to Tadeusz Michalowski / Pedro Pinto: 6-3 No. 2:&nbsp;Santiago Villarroya&nbsp;/&nbsp;Esi Molefe&nbsp;lost to Jose Velasco / Clayton Poppenga: 7-6 (6) No. 3:&nbsp;Armando Sigauque&nbsp;/&nbsp;Kristian Tesevic&nbsp;lost to Thomas Kano / Drew Gohl: 8-3

Singles: No. 1:&nbsp;Charles Alipoe&nbsp;lost to Tadeusz Michalowski: 6-4, 6-2 No. 2:&nbsp;Raphael Ankrah&nbsp;defeated Jose Velasco: 6-4, 6-3 No. 3:&nbsp;Santiago Villarroya&nbsp;lost to Thomas Kano: 6-1, 7-6 No. 4:&nbsp;Armando Sigauque&nbsp;versus Enzo Moretti: No Result No. 5:&nbsp;Esi Molefe&nbsp;lost to Maximilian Schmidt: 6-3, 6-1 No. 6:&nbsp;Kristian Tesevic&nbsp;lost to Clayton Poppenga: 6-2, 6-4

No. 4 Barton Men's Tennis opens season against four-year competition

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals signed two-time All-Star Starling Marte on Monday to a $1 million deal for the upcoming season, hoping that the right-handed-batting veteran can provide some help off the bench or against left-handed pitching.

The Royals designated outfielder Dairon Blanco for assignment in a corresponding roster move.

The 37-year-old Marte, who also can earn up to $2 million in roster and performance bonuses, has hit .285 with 163 homers, 667 RBIs and 361 stolen bases over 14 seasons with the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Athletics and Mets.

The two-time Gold Glove winner was an All-Star with Pittsburgh in 2016 and again with New York during the 2022 season.

Marte also has appeared in 25 postseason games over six seasons, providing experience to a relatively young Kansas City roster, and he is one of just 19 players in big league history with at least 150 homers and 350 stolen bases.

Marte hit just .220 over his first 41 games for the Mets last season, but he proved age wasn't catching up to him quite yet when he hit .295 over his last 57 appearances. He wound up hitting .270 while starting at designated hitter and in the corner outfield spots.

Royals sign Starling Marte to a $1M deal; Dairon Blanco designated for assignment

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market rebounded after oil prices stopped spiking and reports gave encouraging updates on the economy. The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.8% Wednesday and erased much of its loss since the war with Iran began. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. The strength followed a scary start to the day, when South Korea’s Kospi stock index plunged 12.1% for its worst loss in history. Uncertainty about the war has sent prices in financial markets careening this week, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing. Oil prices moderated through the day.

US stocks rebound as oil prices stop spiking

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Four of the six U.S. soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-03-03-2026-8755877b603e46ed3df8107689c1ee23">killed in the Iran war</a>&nbsp;were identified Tuesday by the Pentagon as members of the Army Reserve from different states who worked in logistics and kept troops supplied with food and equipment.

They died Sunday when a drone hit a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, just a day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran. Iran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-trump-03-03-2026">responded by launching missiles</a>&nbsp;and drones against Israel and several Gulf Arab states that host U.S. armed forces.

Those killed were Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, lowa, who was posthumously promoted from specialist. No other names were released.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, which provides food, fuel, water and ammunition, transport equipment and supplies.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.

Amor was just a few days away from returning home to her husband and two children when she was killed.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.

Amor was an avid gardener who enjoyed making salsa from the peppers and tomatoes in her garden with her son, a senior in high school. She also enjoyed rollerblading and bicycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you," Joey Amor said. "She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”

Coady's LinkedIn page said he was a student at Drake University and an information technology specialist with the Army Reserve.

He said he had learned how to "interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.

Coady became an Eagle Scout in 2020, according to a Facebook post from his West Des Moines troop. An Iowa organization that helps homeless children said he made 12 Adirondack chairs for the group.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts said he and his wife are mourning Tietjens’ death and praying for his family.

“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.

Tietjens was married with a son, according to a Facebook page. A photo online shows the couple with their son wearing a martial arts uniform.

There are several family photos on Facebook pages belonging to Amor and her husband, Joey Amor, including some images with a teen son.

Last November, Joey wrote a post expressing his love for Nicole.

“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”

Associated Press writer Rebecca Boone contributed from Boise, Idaho.

US soldiers who died in Iran war remembered as devoted parents and reservists

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 at 102nd Road on a Toyota Tacoma, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the vehicle, cocaine, marijuana and open alcohol containers were found.

Francisco Ventura-Cabrales, 50, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container.

Hector David Cerillo-Ventura, 29, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for transporting an open container.

Sheriff: Kan. men were driving with cocaine, open containers

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/12/29/kansan-returns-to-the-catholic-church-as-the-states-first-woman-priest/">Kansas Reflector</a>

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