By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

There are fun projects, then there are the necessary ones. Monday
night, Darren Doonan, utilities director for the city of Great Bend, asked the
city council for approval on a $178,750 project to shore up the elevated tower
at the airport industrial complex west of the city limits.

“This request is part of our ongoing effort to maintain
regulatory compliance, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce long-term
costs to the city,” Doonan said. “The airport industrial complex water tower is
a critical asset within our water distribution system.”

Doonan said the tower supports system pressure, fire prevention,
and service reliability for the area. During the 2023 Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) inspection,
several deficiencies related to the condition of the tower were found. Doonan
noted those deficiencies were not cosmetic.

“A water tower is not an asset one can afford to maintain
reactively,” he said. “Once coatings fail and corrosion accelerates, repair
costs increase rapidly. Addressing these issues now is the most responsible and
cost-effective approach to the management of that asset.”

The city received three bids for the work. The council
approved the bid from Nebraska-based Viking Industrial Painting, which
specializes in water tower inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation. Doonan
said the contract stipulates the work will be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, and
the new coatings have a life expectancy of 15-25 years. Most of the project
will be paid for via the utilities capital outlay budget to avoid any immediate
rate impacts for customers.

Great Bend Council approves $178K bid to repair elevated tower west of town

New groundbreaking research - the largest dataset ever conducted on shared book reading - reaffirms that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library significantly strengthens early literacy skills for children in Central Kansas alongside children across the five other countries, reinforcing the power of shared reading in the earliest years of life.

The study, authored by Dr. Claire Galea, Head of Research at United Way Australia, analyzed data from more than 86,000 caregivers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Results were compared with responses from 18,112 caregivers who were on the program compared to 37,776 whose children were not in the program.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, was created over 30 years ago in honor of her father, who could not read or write. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Today, the international program mails more than 3 million books each month directly to children’s homes. Every enrolled child receives one book per month from birth to age five—at no cost to families.

In Ellinwood, Great Bend, Hoisington, Larned, Otis, and Rozel the Imagination Library is delivered locally through United Way of Central Kansas, helping ensure children have access to books during the most critical years of brain development.

Global Findings The study found that across all countries evaluated, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is linked to stronger early literacy outcomes and richer reading experiences at home—helping close early literacy gaps by strengthening foundational skills, increasing the frequency of children being read to, and boosting children’s interest and engagement during shared book reading. It also shows the program builds positive family reading habits and traditions, with caregivers more likely to interact in meaningful ways (like talking about pictures and encouraging children to hold the book), reinforcing a warm, consistent home literacy environment that supports children’s learning and long-term success.

In the United States - Children were 11 times more likely to be interested in books and 15 times more likely to join in during shared reading compared to children not in the program.

· Children were nine times more likely to initiate shared reading and nearly three times more likely to demonstrate concepts about print compared to children not in the program.

Locally, the Imagination Library is facilitated by United Way of Central Kansas · Children currently enrolled locally: 827 - Ellinwood 86 - Great Bend 487 - Hoisington 98 - Larned 142 - Otis 8 - Rozel 6

· Books gifted locally to date: 59,414 (inception through Feb 2026)

· Local program launch year: Larned in 2012, Ellinwood in 2013, then expanded to Hoisington, Otis, and Great Bend in 2018, and finally Rozel in 2020.

· This program costs around $1,100 a month to support. If you or your business is interested in supporting this work, please reach out to United Way of Central Kansas. We are seeking sponsors for 2027 and beyond.

Founded by Dolly Parton in 1995 to honour her father, the Imagination Library continues to deliver measurable, international impact by putting books directly into children’s homes.

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting program, having gifted more than 300 million books across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. The program is funded through a partnership between The Dollywood Foundation and hundreds of local community partners.

Visit imaginationlibrary.com for more information.

Study shows Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library's positive for Central Kansas kids

Eagle Media in Great Bend produces the Great Bend Post Podcast, available wherever you consume your podcasts. Hear past shows, interviews and meetings from local guests in the Barton County area. Make sure to follow the Post Podcast to receive notifications of new episodes.

View Great Bend Post Podcast on Apple Podcasts <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-bend-post-podcast/id1693657426">HERE</a>. View Great Bend Post Podcast on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4E0Vv03Pfyf9n37kFV4n5b">HERE</a>.

🎙Follow the Great Bend Post Podcast - New Episodes

When a teenager or parent notices warning signs that a dating relationship may not be safe, the Family Crisis Center (FCC) in Great Bend is available to help in a number of ways.

In observance of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, FCC Executive Director Kylee Graves is sharing information about local and national resources.

“We offer guidance one-on-one and during support-group sessions, as well as in high schools throughout our service area,” Graves said. “While we have interacted with many students, we are eager to branch out to reach teenagers in all 21 high schools in our 11-county service area.”

The FCC offers the “Safe Dates” curriculum, which has five components.

These components are: a 10-session dating-abuse curriculum, with each session lasting about 45 minutes; a play about dating abuse; media-message contest; family-discussion guides; and an evaluation questionnaire.

Topics include: defining caring relationships and dating abuse; helping friends; overcoming gender stereotypes; equal power through communication; and preventing sexual assault.

Six- and four-session programs are available too.

“We demonstrate examples of what it looks like to be in a healthy relationship, as well as what it looks like to be in an unhealthy relationship,” Graves summarized. “When appropriate, we provide resources for teens to use if they determine their relationship is unhealthy.”

In a one-on-one setting, the FCC offers age-appropriate information about sexual or domestic violence; individualized safety planning; validation of the survivor’s experience; help with building coping skills; and human-trafficking assistance.

FCC’s Domestic &amp; Sexual Violence Center representatives can meet with a minor up to three times without a parent present. For more information, call 620-793-9941 or the 24-hour hotline, 866-792-1885.

Resources/statistics According to a message from the director of “love is respect,” a teenager deserves to be seen, heard and supported.

“Love is respect” is a national organization that addresses teen-dating violence and other issues.

The teen-dating month observance is “not just about awareness; it’s about support too – real support from parents, friends, mentors, teachers, coaches – the people who care about you, even when they’re not sure how to show it.”

With this type of support, the individual is safer, stronger and more confident. “Let’s make space for the hard talks, the real feelings and the chance to change the story …” the message adds.

To contact “love is respect,” call 866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522 or 866-331-9474; or visit www.loveisrespect.org.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233); website is www.thehotline.org.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is 800-422-4453; website is www.childhelp.org.

Based on recent data, approximately 1 in 12 U.S. high school students experience physical dating violence, a figure that aligns with similar trends in Kansas.

Additionally, up to 19 percent of teens nationally experience physical or sexual dating violence; 65 percent report psychological abuse.

In the U.S., 51 percent of dating girls and 43 percent of dating boys have been victims of abuse, whether it be emotional, physical or sexual.

FCC, 1924 Broadway, serves Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Ellsworth, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford counties.

FCC offers information during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Booked Gonzalez Tinoco, Armando on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-165 for No Driver License. Bond set at $500.00 cash or Surety.

Released Gonzalez Tinoco, Armando on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-165 for No Driver's License by posting a $500.00&nbsp;Surety bond through Around the clock Bail bonds.

Booked Guyton, Chelsea Lynn on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202600025 for Failure to appear. Bond set at $500.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Mattox, Curtis on Great Bend Municipal case # 26-153 for Interference with Law Enforcement Officer and Improper Hand signal after receiving a 48 hour O.R.. Transferred to Reno County Sheriff's Office.

Released Guyton, Chelsea Lynn on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202600025 for Failure to appear by posting a $500.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Ellis, Dustin L on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0030 for Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Residential Burglary and Domestic Battery. Bond set at $100,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Riddle, Jericho J. on Great Bend Municipal court case #26-186 for Pedestrian Under influence of alcohol and or drugs with a 48 hour OR Bond through Great Bend Municipal Court.

Released Hernandez, Alexis on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-158 for Domestic Battery with a 48 hour OR through the Great Bend Municipal Court.

Booked in West, Michael Jr on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2021CR0152 for Probation Violation, bond set at NO BOND.

Booked in Harness, Adravien D. on Barton County District Court case #2026001578 for Interference with LEO. Bond set at $5,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/3)

Wednesday A slight chance of snow showers before 9am, then a slight chance of rain showers between 9am and noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 48. North northwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 26. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph after midnight.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 8 to 14 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph. Thursday Night Clear, with a low around 36.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 62. Friday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

Wednesday's weather

Barton Dance Theatre will host a second Fairytale Kids Camp fundraising event this spring, where children aged three to eleven who love fairy tales can enjoy a camp full of creative expression led by Barton Dance Theatre students from 2-5 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Fine Arts Building.

Tickets are $20 per child and $10 per additional sibling (up to 3) and are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://shows.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">shows.bartonccc.edu</a>.

The camp includes classes taught by Barton Dance students in dance, visual art, tumbling, and acting. There will also be a snack and movie time at the end. The camp is a fundraiser for Barton Dance Theatre's tour to New York City in April.

Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator and Dance Instructor Danika Bielek said she designed the fundraiser as a way for kids to enjoy being active while also connecting her dancers with the community in a positive way.

“We hosted a Fairytale Camp last November and had such a great response, we sold out,” she said. “Offering this second camp gives families who couldn’t make it to the first one a chance for their children to come get creative with our dance students.

Bielek said that kids who attended the camp in November can still enjoy this one, too.

“The theme of fairytales is so popular, so there are many stories to draw inspiration from for our activities,” she said. We will have different things for our attendees to do, but just as much fun. Our dance students absolutely loved working with the children last fall, and they can’t wait to get creative with them again.”

For more information, contact Bielek at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bielekd@bartonccc.edu">bielekd@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9253.

'Fairytale Creative Camp for Kids' fundraiser back by popular demand

K-State Extension is pleased to announce the continued offering of Becoming a Mom®/Comenzando bien®, a comprehensive prenatal education program serving families in both Ellis County and Barton County. In Ellis County classes begin February 19, 2026. Classes in Barton County will begin April 1. These sessions are available free of charge to all area families.

The program is made possible through strong regional partnerships with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Family Health and March of Dimes In Ellis County toher partners include First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health, Early Childhood Connections, Hays Public Library, Feeding Hays, KidLink DSNWK, Jana’s Campaign, Prospectively Healthy, Ellis County Emergency Medical Services. Together, these partners are committed to supporting expectant parents and improving maternal and infant health outcomes across both counties.

Using the evidence-based March of Dimes Becoming a Mom®/Comenzando bien® curriculum, participants and their chosen support person(s) will receive education on physical and emotional health during pregnancy, labor and delivery, infant feeding, infant care, safe sleep, and other timely parenting topics. Each session also connects families with local resources and service providers who support expectant parents and families with young children, helping participants build relationships and awareness of available supports within their own communities.

“I’m incredibly excited about the dedicated instructors and community partners who have come together to bring Becoming a Mom to families in both Ellis and Barton counties,” said Monique Koerner with the Cottonwood Extension District. “Our goal is to create a welcoming space where parents can connect, learn from one another, and feel supported—not only during pregnancy, but well beyond.”

Discussions within the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition also helped shape the program’s focus on mentorship and relationship-building, while involvement from partners across both counties ensures families are personally introduced to the professionals and organizations available to support them. This collaborative approach is designed to make it easier for families to seek help when they need it most.

Becoming a Mom® has a strong track record of success across Kansas. Since 2010, program evaluations conducted through the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative model have shown significant improvements in pregnancy and birth outcomes, including reduced rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, higher breastfeeding initiation rates, and lower cesarean rates.

All pregnant women in Ellis and Barton counties are encouraged to attend, regardless of previous pregnancy or parenting experience. Mothers, fathers, and support people are welcome at each class. Participants may choose which sessions to attend, with larger incentives—examples may include a portable crib or infant playmat—available for those who attend at least four of the six classes. Incentives are provided through grants made available by KDHE.

In Ellis County, limited childcare will be available, and a free meal will be provided by Feeding Hays. Families interested in the Ellis County sessions can obtain a class schedule or register by contacting Monique Koerner at the Cottonwood Extension District at moniquek@ksu.edu or 785-628-9430. Additional information is available online at https://cottonwood.k-state.edu/becoming-a-mom/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KSREcottonwood.

Becoming a Mom® is also offered in Barton County through the Barton County Health Department. Parents in Barton County can call 620-793-1902 to learn more about class offerings and registration options.

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

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

KOERNER: K-State Extension continues 'Becoming a Mom' program

A prescribed burn meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Agriculture Research Station, 1232 240th Ave, in Hays.

Topics to be covered in the meeting are: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Benefits of prescribed burning 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Planning a safe burn 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Burn Safely (PBA option) 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Protect your homes and community

Speakers will include Keith Harmony, K-State Rangeland Specialist, Dennis Carlson, Chief Hagans, and Shawna Hartman.

Breakfast will be provided for program attendees. While this is a free program to attend, an RSVP is requested by Monday, Feb. 23 for an accurate meal count. Please contact Alicia Boor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:aboor@ksu.edu">aboor@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;, or call her office at 620-793-1910 to RSVP.

Prescribed burn meeting scheduled for Feb. 26 in Hays

Panther Sports Powered by:&nbsp;Equity Bank. Sponsored in part by:&nbsp;GB Tarp Company, Advance Truck &amp; Diesel, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, 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, Kern Floor Service, Nex-Tech, Comfort Pro, The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, People's Bank &amp; Trust, Sutherlands, The 10th Street 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, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Mpire Realty, American Plains Coop, Cody Crook - Red Cedar Land Company, GB Tires, Animal Medical Center, Barton Community College, Dr. Chad Ohnmacht DDS, &amp; Watkins Calcara Chartered.

Additional Information: Great Bend Panther fans have a new way to follow their teams this year.&nbsp; The service features a live video stream of every home and away game, complete with the familiar B1043 The Point radio play-by-play patched in. Fans will be able to watch the action live from anywhere or go back and re-watch games at their convenience.

Cost: Fans may purchase access for $10 per game or buy a $100 season pass for the entire school year. A portion of the proceeds from the video stream will be donated back to USD 428, helping support Panther students and programs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH: Panther Basketball vs Manhattan TONIGHT

In the quiet and serene western Kansas town of Bazine, life inside one household was ironically defined for years by anxious unpredictability. Nine‑year‑old Alex, diagnosed with autism, has long struggled with behaviors that have overwhelmed classrooms, teachers, and even entire school systems. His mother, Mahria, remembers the phone calls, the shortened school days, the tears — hers and even some of the educators – trying to figure out how to help her son.

Even after transferring to a second school district, the challenges continued to escalate. Staff tried half‑days, adjusted schedules, and maintained constant communication. But Alex continued to elope from classrooms, and rooms were often left in disarray from his behavioral outbursts. One administrator broke down crying on the phone to Mahria, telling her, “He’s running away and I don’t know how to help him.”

Eventually, at the urging of Alex’s therapist, Mahria made the difficult decision to homeschool. For the past three years, she has balanced full‑time parenting, teaching, and her job as a remote dispatcher for a private law enforcement company. Her days are a rotation of school drop‑offs, lessons in reading, math and art, naps squeezed in between shifts, and late‑night work.

“It’s a lot,” she said simply. “But thankfully I can work from home.”

The Road to Aqua The turning point began 2 1/2 years ago, with a search for a service dog to help Alex.

The process was daunting: long waitlists, high fees, and countless organizations to sift through. A stroke of luck came in the form of a neighbor connected to FASDogs, an organization dedicated to providing quality service dogs to assist families dealing with issues related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and other related diagnoses like autism. The neighbor put her in touch with Krista LaRocque, service dog trainer for FASDogs, who also lives in the community.

Alex was screened for his preferences, and Mahria began fundraising to cover the costs — more than $8,000 for a training dog, plus deposits, application fees, travel to Topeka, and the week‑long training required for families. Add in crates, vests, leashes, and harnesses, and the total climbed even higher.

“It was a struggle to get where we are,” said Mahria, “but definitely worth it.”

Alex and Aqua After seeing Alex interact with other service dogs and an initial attempt to match a puppy with Alex, LaRocque brought a 3-year-old Golden Pyrenees named Aqua to Alex’s therapy session. The bond between boy and dog was immediate.

“They were instant buddies,” Mahria said. “Even the service dog people were surprised because they don’t usually see them sync up that quickly.”

During previous visits, other dogs didn’t connect with Alex at all. But with Aqua, he stayed for an hour and a half on the first visit. Alex and Mahria returned several more times to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. It wasn’t.

From that first meeting to Aqua’s trial placement in the home, nearly a year passed. Training was extensive: pressure therapy, co‑handling sessions, and specialized work with multiple trainers. Aqua officially graduated training in early August last year, but he had already been living with the family since May.

A Calmer Home — and a Calmer Child The changes were noticeable almost immediately.

“His therapist has seen it too,” Mahria said about Alex’s progress. “He’s able to regulate quicker. Instead of a room getting destroyed, it’s maybe one or two things that he throws.”

Aqua’s presence has softened the intensity of Alex’s reactions, especially when stimulants trigger sensory overload. What used to be a 70 percent chance of a meltdown is slowly shifting so that the episodes become fewer and with less intensity.

Those who try sternness with Alex only escalate the situation, Mahria explained. Calm works better. She said that Aqua embodies that calm.

Still, the work continues. Aqua must be trained daily, rewarded intentionally, and not treated as a family pet, but as a working partner.

“We have to keep training him at home,” she said. “He has to earn things. We can’t give treats all the time. And we can take him through a refresher course, if needed.”

A Community Effort The journey that eventually led to Aqua wasn’t one the family made alone. More than $8,000 was needed to bring a trained service dog to Alex. Funding came together after Mahria’s tax refund along with a combination of other funding sources. Mahria credits her daughter Nadia’s school, the local 4H Club, and neighbors for stepping up when the family needed financial help to cover the cost. Rosewood Services and its Roots &amp; Wings Foundation also helped in a major way with funding and support, she said.

“I can’t say it enough — thank you, thank you, thank you so much to everyone for helping us make this possible,” said Mahria.

A New Chapter Today, Aqua has been fully certified and working with Alex for nearly six months, though he’s been part of the household since last spring.

“I’ve seen improvement, definitely since Aqua has been in our house,” Mahria said with relief in her voice. “It was a long process, but it was worth every bit of it.”

The bond between her boy and his service dog is offering stability, hope, and the promise of calmer days ahead.

Finding calm in chaos: Service dog helps bring stability to Bazine boy and his family 

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 

- Trina Lutters, head coach of Hoisington Girls Basketball

- Jace Morgenstern, head coach of Hoisington Wrestling

Wednesday on Sports Day(Watch)

Western Athletic Conference Boys Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-3 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9-7 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;9-7 Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;8-8 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-12 Tuesday, February 3 Manhattan 78, Great Bend 48 Garden City 73, Dodge City 63 Hays 60, Sunrise Christian 58 Hooker OK 63, Liberal 38 Friday, February 6 Great Bend @ Liberal Hays @ Dodge City Saturday, February 7 Garden City @ Shawnee Mission North

WAC Boys Scores, Standings, Schedule

Western Athletic Conference Girls Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;15-1 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;2-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11-2 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 11-6 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7-9 Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-13 Tuesday, February 3 Manhattan 71, Great Bend 32 Garden City 45, Dodge City 28 Hays 59, Sunrise Christian 45 Liberal 50, Hooker OK 41 Friday, February 6 Great Bend @ Liberal Hays @ Dodge City&nbsp;&nbsp;

WAC Girls Scores, Standings, Schedule

The last time the Winter Olympians convened, the COVID-19 pandemic was still raging, forcing the Games inside sterilized bubbles. Athletes were forced to test each day and every test brought with it the possibility of an Olympics-wrecking posititive result. Now, the Winter athletes are back in Italy, and they'll never take the simple things for granted again. Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris put it best when he said he was hoping to land all his biggest runs at the right time — same as always — but what he's really looking forward to is being able to celebrate with his friends.

James Harden is headed to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to send the 11-time All-Star back to the Eastern Conference during his highest-scoring season in six years. That's according to a person with knowledge of the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the NBA had not approved the trade. Harden is averaging 25.4 points this season, his most since averaging 34.3 points in 2019-20. He’s been a huge part of the Clippers' resurgence after a 6-21 start. Garland is a two-time All-Star who's averaging 18 points this season.

Stephen Curry is teaming up with LeBron James and Kevin Durant at the NBA All-Star Game. The NBA has announced the rosters for this season's event, which has a new U.S. vs. The World format. The game is set for February 15 at the Los Angeles Clippers' home in Inglewood, California. The U.S. teams are split by age into USA Stripes and USA Stars. Kawhi Leonard was added Tuesday to the USA Stripes squad. That move likely sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the World team. Towns has played for the Dominican Republic in international events. Giannis Antetokounmpo is not expected to play for the World team due to injury.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Many Minnesota-based athletes at the Winter Olympics this week have more on their minds than sports. Turmoil in the state from the immigration crackdown has created angst and added motivation. The U.S. Olympic contingent in Italy counts 26 athletes who are native to Minnesota. That trails only Colorado for the most by state. About a dozen others either call Minnesota home now or compete and train there in sports like curling or hockey. Biathlon team member Luci Anderson is from the Twin Cities area. She followed from afar when her family members joined a recent protest march in Minneapolis.

MILAN (AP) — Staging future Winter Games as early as January and the Paralympic Winter Games in February is a possibility because of warmer temperatures, the International Olympic Committee says. Every Winter Games medal was won in February since the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics opened January 29, and moving to January would likely disrupt scheduling of storied World Cup races and events. It also would more directly clash with NFL and NBA schedules. The IOC is now reviewing Olympic Games issues in the first year of Kirsty Coventry’s presidency and changing the winter edition dates is an option. IOC member Karl Stoss says they're "discussing to bring the Winter Olympics a little bit earlier” because March can be too warm for the Paralympics.

International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry has touted the Milan Cortina Winter Games as the most gender-balanced in history. That’s reflected in changes to events on the schedule over the coming weeks. The opening ceremony is Friday. A women’s doubles event was added to luge. A women’s large hill individual event appears in ski jumping for the first time at an Olympics. Ski mountaineering is the lone sport making its Games debut and has a mixed-gender event. Skeleton now does, too. Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin could team up in a new two-person Alpine event, if Vonn is able to race after recently rupturing a ligament in her knee.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Don’t add to the regular season as well as provide well-maintained natural grass surfaces for NFL players. That was a main message from the NFL Players Association to the league. NFLPA interim executive director David White pointed out that several teams had significant injuries in mid-December: Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons tore ACLs in Week 15. Last week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft made it seem inevitable that the league would eventually expand the regular season from 17 to 18 games. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pulled that back on Monday, saying it’s “not a given.” The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players’ union expires in 2030.

Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate faces a major challenge just days before the Milano Cortina Olympics. He revealed on social media that he can't use his short program music, a medley from the Minions film, due to copyright issues. Sabate said Monday that he will now have to revert to an older program. This situation highlights ongoing struggles with music rights in figure skating. The International Skating Union relaxed rules in 2014 to allow lyrics, but modern music often isn't public domain. Skaters must navigate a complex process to clear music, leading to confusion and frustration.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — San Darnold’s NFL career had hit rock bottom when he arrived in San Francisco in 2023 after failing at two spots to live up to his high draft billing. Less than three years later, he's ready to step on football’s biggest stage as the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Darnold’s journey from draft bust to Super Bowl quarterback is a remarkable one and it began during his one year with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, when he started only one game and threw only 46 passes.

LIV Golf is finally getting world ranking points. The Official World Golf Ranking board approved the Saudi-backed league to start getting points for the first time since it launched in 2022. The decision means LIV players will get points starting this week with the season opener in Saudi Arabia. But the decision comes with some conditions that did not sit well with LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. Only the top-10 finishes and ties at each event will get points. That's different from other tours where everyone gets points in full fields and only the bottom finishers get left out in short fields. LIV has 57 players.

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Boys scores from the Associated Press

Olathe Northwest 55, Lawrence Free State 47

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 54, Baxter Springs 42

Salina Sacred Heart 58, Southeast of Saline 38

Wichita Bishop Carroll 60, Wichita East 43

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Girls scores from the Associated Press

Tuesday Statewide Scores

Wednesday, February 4 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:15PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Hutchinson Thursday, February 5 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Friday, February 6 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Great Bend G&amp;B @ Liberal 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Hoisington G&amp;B @ Ellinwood 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Hesston Saturday, February 7 1:00PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Utah @ Kansas 1:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Barton W&amp;M @ Seward County 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - Golden State @ LA Lakers Sunday, February 8 11:30AM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - NY Knicks @ Boston Monday, February 9 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 7:30PM Hits 106.9 - Jayhawk Basketball - Arizona @ Kansas Tuesday, February 10 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:45PM B104- H.S. Basketball - Dodge City G&amp;B @ Great Bend 5:45PM KHOK - H.S. Basketball - Haven G&amp;B @ Hoisington 5:45PM Hits 106.9 - H.S. Basketball - Larned G&amp;B @ Scott City Wednesday, February 11 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 1:45PM B104 - Cougar Basketball - Fort Hays Tech W&amp;M @ Barton

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

Hillsboro Boys 47 Larned 44; Hillsboro Girls 42 Larned 40

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

Hoisington Boys 47 Smoky Valley 37; Hoisington Girls 45 Smoky Valley 30

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

Manhattan Boys 78 Great Bend 48; Manhattan Girls 71 Great Bend 32

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.

By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer

The New York Giants are hiring Matt Nagy to be their offensive coordinator, according to a person with knowledge of the decision.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the move had not been announced.

Nagy spent the past three seasons in that role with Kansas City, including helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl in the 2023 season and reach the title game in 2024. Nagy coached Chicago from 2018-21 after several years moving up the ranks working under Andy Reid in Kansas City and Philadelphia.

He is the second major addition for new Giants coach John Harbaugh’s staff after Dennard Wilson was hired to be defensive coordinator. Todd Monken was the favorite to run the offense before he got his first NFL head coaching job when the Cleveland Browns hired him.

The Chiefs ranked 20th in the league in offense last season, missing the playoffs in the process. Eric Bieniemy, who held the job before Nagy, is returning to the team.

New York Giants are hiring Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator

Washington&nbsp;– On Tuesday, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026," into law. The legislation advances several key healthcare priorities long championed by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

“The legislation provides $418 million for rural health, strengthens our healthcare workforce, maintains critical funding for Community Health Centers, and extends telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities that Kansans rely on,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“It also invests in maternal and child health, mental health services, and life-saving medical research, while cutting over $100 million in unnecessary HHS bureaucracy.”

Senator Marshall also emphasized that Republicans stepped in to prevent Medicaid spending from continuing on an unsustainable trajectory that threatened the program’s future.&nbsp;

Prior proposals would have allowed unchecked growth, threatening long-term access for the most vulnerable. This package introduces responsible reforms that protect beneficiaries while ensuring Medicaid remains viable for future generations.

“Medicaid was on a path to bust – crowding out care for the truly vulnerable and burdening states and taxpayers,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Republicans fought to protect this vital safety-net program by improving oversight, targeting resources appropriately, and ensuring Medicaid remains available for those who need it most today and for generations to come.”

Labor, Health and Human Services (L/HHS) Appropriations Highlights

The package provides a&nbsp;discretionary total of $116.6 billion&nbsp;for the Department of Health and Human Services while reducing unnecessary federal bureaucracy by&nbsp;over $100 million.

Senator Marshall championed several of the provisions included in the package. These include:

Health Extenders Package: Strengthening Medicaid and Medicare Medicaid Reforms

The package includes targeted reforms to Medicaid while improving access and accountability:

The legislation delivers long-term certainty for providers and expanded access for seniors by:

Public Health Extenders and Programs

The package extends and strengthens critical public health initiatives, including:

The package includes commonsense reforms to lower prescription drug costs and increase transparency for patients and taxpayers, including:

Senator Marshall delivers healthcare wins for Kansas in FY26 appropriations 

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">Morgan Chilson</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An ongoing battle between the attorney general and Kansas governor about releasing Kansans’ personal data to the federal government made its way to a Tuesday committee hearing on a bill intended to force the governor’s hand.

<a href="https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb428/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 428</a>&nbsp;requires the secretary of the Department for Children and Families to respond to federal data requests from the U.S. Department of Agriculture of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and release the data within 90 days.&nbsp;

The bill results from the Department for Children and Family’s&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/09/22/kansas-governors-office-disputes-accuracy-of-kobachs-claims-about-snap-funding/">refusal to share private data&nbsp;</a>of food program applicants and recipients with the USDA, Attorney General Kris Kobach told the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or COGE.

“They don’t want the USDA to share the names of (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients with other federal agencies,” Kobach said. “Now, why would they not want that? I’m almost certain they don’t want it to be shared with the Justice Department so that a SNAP recipient who is fraudulently getting this money could be prosecuted.”

Kobach also said the governor didn’t want the data shared because the Department of Homeland Security could use it to identify people in the country illegally who receive food assistance.&nbsp;

People who are legal permanent residents can qualify for SNAP.

Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman, Olivia Taylor-Puckett, said DCF has concerns about whether USDA’s stated intent on using the data is legal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The Governor’s administration has been repeatedly raising concerns about the legality of the USDA’s data request as it pertains to the ‘Routine Use 8′ provision, which includes sharing Kansans’ personal private data, including full Social Security numbers, with foreign entities,” she said in an emailed statement. “It is both disappointing and disturbing that the Attorney General still doesn’t know the basic issues with the USDA’s request.”

Taylor-Puckett’s statement referred to a USDA notice published in the Federal Register that detailed how the data would be used. One section allowed the information to be shared with foreign entities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas is one of 21 states, all of which are participants in a Massachusetts lawsuit, that question whether the USDA’s intended use of the data is allowed in their data sharing contract. The case is still being decided.&nbsp;

Kobach told the committee the state will lose $20.8 million as part of its SNAP program because DCF did not release the data. DCF appealed the penalty so no money has been withheld from state SNAP administrative funds.&nbsp;

A hearing on the state’s appeal will be held Feb. 17, a governor’s office spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Travis Couture-Lovelady, a lobbyist with FGA Action, testified in favor of the bill, citing concerns with the integrity of the SNAP program.&nbsp;

“The goal is simple — reserve benefits for truly needy families and hold the fraudsters accountable,” he said.

Couture-Lovelady said the food assistance program has been “plagued” with improper payments, eligibility errors and fraud, as well as large-scale losses to benefit card theft and hacking schemes.&nbsp;

“In 2024, as the attorney general said, that’s the most recent data we have, Kansas’ SNAP error rate was nearly 10%, meaning roughly one out of every $10 in benefits was issued improperly, and that level of error is completely unacceptable,” he said.&nbsp;

The state’s SNAP error rate is not tied to fraud but instead tracks data entry errors, incomplete or inaccurate applicant information and other problems,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/08/26/kansas-official-defends-refusal-to-turn-over-private-food-program-data-in-face-of-political-attacks/">according to DCF secretary Laura Howard</a>. Fraud cases are handled through a separate department and aren’t included in the SNAP error rate.&nbsp;

DCF is working to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/01/22/kansas-agency-working-to-improve-accuracy-of-snap-payments-to-avoid-costly-federal-sanction/">drop the error rate</a>, which was under the 6% federally set threshold in August, at 5.5%.&nbsp;

Haley Kottler, an anti-hunger campaign director with Kansas Appleseed, submitted written testimony opposing the bill.&nbsp;

“This most recent conflict between 21 states and the federal government illustrates the extreme risk Kansas would be taking by enacting SB 428,” she said. “The provisions of this bill would not allow DCF and KDHE to contest federal data requests, despite the potential for serious concerns regarding privacy protection, the burden imposed on state resources and administrators, the misuse of data, liability, and compliance with eventual court decisions.”

She also raised concerns that threats to privacy would deter eligible households from seeking food assistance.&nbsp;

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