By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

A World War II bomber base with concrete runways, open
skies, and lots of wind. That’s how the Sunflower Rod and Custom Association
(SRCA) Dragstrip west of Great Bend was described in a promotional video during
the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) West Central Div. 5 High &amp; Mighty
Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on Jan. 24 in Kansas City.

Tuesday night, the Great Bend City Council recognized the
SCRA’s recent induction. The SRCA was formed on Jan. 19, 1954, as a club named
for its home state and driven by volunteers, hot rods, and a belief in the new
sport of drag racing.

“A year later, they made a decision that would change the
sport of drag racing forever,” the narrator said. “Working through the Great
Bend Chamber of Commerce, the club reached out to a man named Wally Parks with
a simple but bold invitation: come to Kansas, bring the NHRA with you, and let
Great Bend host the first NHRA National Championship Drag Races. Wally Parks
said yes, and the rest is drag racing history.”

The first Nationals featured more than 200 cars and 15,000
spectators. A new speed record for American drag racing was set at 151 miles
per hour. 

“Those races, on that former bomber strip, established the
first official NHRA acceleration records from a standing start over 1,320 feet,”
the video said. “So Sunflower Custom and Rod Association didn’t just hold a
race, they helped define what a national event was, and what it would be.”

Over the next several decades, SRCA continued to carry the
torch for drag racing in Central Kansas with a museum, and by hosting events
like Hot Rod Magazine Drag Week and Rocky Mountain Race Week. The SRCA
ultimately disbanded before reforming in 1993. Most recently, the club survived
a shutdown of the track, which is currently being rebuilt with plans to reopen
for the 2026 race season.

“Tonight,” said the narrator, “we honor the club that turned
a bomber base into a dragstrip, a dusty runway into a national stage, and a
local club into a cornerstone of NHRA history.”

SRCA inducted into NHRA's Div. 5 High & Mighty Hall of Fame

On Feb. 19, shortly after 10 a.m., officers from the Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of Frey St., Great Bend, in reference to an ongoing investigation involving drug trafficking. 

Upon arrival, officers apprehended Erasmo Ortiz-Chavez, 70, inside the residence. During a search of the residence, officers located quantities of cocaine consistent with distribution, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Ortiz- Chavez was transported and booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of Distribution of Cocaine, Criminal use of Weapons, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp, in lieu of bail.

Anyone with information regarding this or any other case is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or the Barton County Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.

Great Bend police make arrest related to drug distribution

Progress continues on the construction of a new hotel and
restaurant on 10th Street in Great Bend. Tuesday night, the Great
Bend City Council approved a final plat for property located at 3017 10th
Street, adjacent to the Events Center. City Administrator Logan Burns said the
initial public hearing before the planning commission was held on Jan. 26.

“At that meeting, the planning commission heard from
representatives of the ownership group regarding proposed site improvements,
and reviewed discussion related to the drainage study for the property,” Burns
said. “Following the public hearing, the planning commission voted to recommend
approval of the final plat to the city council.”

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/3a69fab1-e961-4dc1-9089-c4f6b170182e">READ MORE: New Great Bend hotel expected to open in 2027</a>

Proposed improvements include relocation of the existing sanitary
sewer line further south on the property and extending it east to create a
larger developable plot for a restaurant, with a hotel located toward the rear
of the site. Darrin Hall, land surveyor with EBH &amp; Associates, detailed the
plans further.

“I can tell you the land use does not change, the zoning
does not change,” he said. “The storm water runoff will actually decrease
because there will be more green space than there was prior to this
development.”

Hall did not elaborate further on the plans. The council
approved a $60,000 letter of credit from the ownership group to ensure the
installation of a new sanitary sewer line and removal of the old line in a
timely manner.

Great Bend Council approves final plat for development next to Events Center

Barton Community College is one of six community colleges statewide selected to participate in a new initiative preparing Kansans for high-demand careers in cybersecurity through a partnership between Kansas community colleges and the Kansas National Guard, announced by U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall.&nbsp;

The initiative reflects a growing focus on developing skilled professionals to meet critical cybersecurity needs across industry, government, and national defense. Marshall emphasized the importance of expanding cybersecurity talent pipelines, noting that Kansas community colleges, combined with the Guard’s technical expertise, provide a strong foundation for workforce development.&nbsp;

“Kansas is ready to lead the nation in cybersecurity, and this partnership makes it possible,” he said. “By connecting our community colleges with the Kansas National Guard, we are creating real pathways for Kansans to gain the skills our state and country need while building careers in one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields in America.”

Representatives from participating institutions, including Barton, joined Guard leadership and state partners for a formal memorandum of understanding signing Feb. 11 at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. The agreement marks a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and workforce pathways in cybersecurity.

Through the partnership, community colleges will collaborate with the Kansas National Guard’s 184th Intelligence Wing to expand and adapt cybersecurity curriculum, develop stackable credentials and competency-based learning pathways, and broaden access to training opportunities for learners across the state.

Barton’s participation in the statewide collaboration underscores the College’s commitment to student success and regional economic growth. As demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to increase nationwide, initiatives like this help ensure Kansans have access to industry-relevant training and credentialing opportunities.

At Barton, the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to support workforce-driven education and respond to employer demand throughout central and western Kansas. Under the leadership of Barton President Marcus Garstecki, the college has continued to strengthen strategic partnerships and innovative programming that connect students with in-demand technical skills.

“Partnerships like this allow us to provide students with relevant training and clear pathways to career opportunities in cybersecurity,” he said. “By aligning educational programming with evolving industry needs and state partners, Barton is helping prepare the next generation of professionals for success in this critical field.”

The full text of the proclamation is available online.

BCC joins statewide partnership to strengthen cybersecurity workforce

Released Stevenson, Laura J. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202401080 for Contempt of Court; Indirect after being granted a $602.50 O.R. bond through Great Bend Municipal Court.

Booked Thomasson, Harley Ray on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0307 for return for court.

Released Bentley, Jeramiah J. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0007 for Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act after being granted a $40,000.00 O.R. bond through the Barton County District Court.

Released Boyer, Jordan T. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0020 for Vehicular Burglary after being granted a $50,000.00 O.R. bond through the Barton County District Court.

Released Tisdale, Joshua L. on Barton County District Court warrant #8T2025CR0503 for Aggravated Battery, and Aggravated Domestic battery after being granted a $75,000.00 O.R. bond through the Barton County District Court.

Released Clampit, Mathew W. on a Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0345 for Contempt of Court; Indirect after posting a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked Manning, Justice A. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024TR0180 for Failure to Appear; bond set at $1,100.00 cash only.

Booked in Ortiz-Chavez, Erasmo on Barton County District Court case #26-248 for Distribution of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal use of Weapon and No Drug Tax Stamp. Bond set at $50,000.00 cash or surety.

Booked Marley, Derek S. on Barton County District Court case #26-162 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While Suspended. Bond set at $10,000.00 cash or Surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/19)

Friday A 30 percent chance of snow after 3pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 38. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Friday Night A 40 percent chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.

Saturday Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Saturday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 46. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 51.

Friday's weather

The Clara Barton Hospital Foundation is currently seeking applicants for its 2026 healthcare career scholarships. Each year, the foundation awards several scholarships to students pursuing a career in the healthcare field. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the merits of the application and funds available from the endowments. The four scholarships to be awarded this year are the Jonathan Witt Scholarship, the Sadie Stalcup Scholarship, the Verda Lane Nursing Scholarship, and the Dr. Robert Moore Scholarship. The application deadline for all scholarships is April 1, 2026.

Both the Jonathan Witt and Sadie Stalcup scholarships are limited to applicants accepted into, currently enrolled in, or planning to pursue a healthcare career. Applicants must be current residents or high school graduates in the Clara Barton service area.

The Verda Lane Nursing Scholarship was established at the request of her family to assist students in their academic pursuit to become an LPN, RN, or BSN. Applicants must be admitted to a nursing program and have a current GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship cannot be awarded to pre-nursing students.

Established by his family in honor of his dedicated service to the patients of Clara Barton Medical Center, the Dr. Robert Moore Scholarship assists employees of Clara Barton in continuing their education. Only current employees are eligible, and if interested, can call the foundation office to learn more about this scholarship. This specific scholarship application will be accepted year-round until funds are distributed.

Last year’s scholarship recipients were Bryce Steffan, Chandra Ehler, Emilee Hall, Erin Babcock, Khloe Schneweis, Liza Fuentes (Ward), Madelynn Gregg, Morgan Beckwith, Shaylee Leiker, and Jennah Hoopingarner. This year’s scholarship recipients will be awarded by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Individuals interested in contributing to a scholarship fund or who wish to receive an application may call 620-292-0184, email foundation@cbhks.com, or write to Clara Barton Foundation, P.O. Box 25, Hoisington, KS 67544. All applications are also available under the foundation tab at clarabartonhospital.com.

Clara Barton Hospital Foundation seeking applicants for 2026 healthcare scholarships

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to monitor air quality across the state due to the recent wildland fires in western Kansas that began on Feb. 17, due to high winds and dry conditions. Updates will be provided as Air Quality Index (AQI) results are made available.

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

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

For current air monitoring data in Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F300%2FAir-Monitoring-Data%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019c733bbd79-c6cb2bc8-4712-400f-91ca-1f45ef2e5504-000000/6K5IP5KnAC_hL9jZezCoh8TP-HIgqFYPuB3r0ul2c3k=445">Air Monitoring Data | KDHE, KS</a>.

Monitoring data and fire and smoke information can be accessed at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ffire.airnow.gov%2F%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery%236%2F41%2F-98/1/0100019c733bbd79-c6cb2bc8-4712-400f-91ca-1f45ef2e5504-000000/iAQqSg8xEcmeWPrfeCGWbQy0MRdD-rN0ciLPt9TR3U0=445">AirNow Fire and Smoke Map</a>.

KDHE monitoring air quality after recent wildland fires across Kansas

The Great Bend Housing Authority (GBHA) will host an informational meeting for local landlords with rental properties located within the city of Great Bend to discuss updates to its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and introduce a new policy aimed at incentivizing participation and supporting property owners.

The meeting will take place Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at the Great Bend Event Center, located at 3111 10th Street. The meeting is open to all city of Great Bend landlords, including those currently participating in the Section 8 program and those interested in learning more. Light refreshments will be provided, and the meeting is expected to last approximately one hour.

GBHA Executive Director Lynn Fleming will share an overview of the Section 8 program, discuss current housing needs in the community, and outline recent policy updates designed to reduce risk and improve the landlord experience. GBHA currently receives 112 vouchers each month, with approximately 80 in use, leaving additional capacity for new landlord participation.

New incentives include a $500 signing bonus for new landlords, as well as funding that may help reimburse for unpaid rent, property damages, and loss of rent. GBHA also offers direct-deposit rent payments issued on the first day of each month.

“Section 8 plays a critical role in Great Bend by helping seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working families maintain safe, secure, and sanitary housing. At the same time, we recognize that landlords often have concerns about reliability and risk,” said Lynn Fleming, Executive Director for GBHA. “This new policy is designed to address those concerns by reducing uncertainty and creating a more supportive, predictable experience for property owners.”

The meeting will also feature experienced Section 8 landlords who will share their perspectives, along with time for questions and discussion. GBHA will review what landlords can expect when working with the organization, including program requirements, tenant screening processes, utility allowances provided to tenants, and ongoing support. “We wanted this meeting to be informative and practical,” Fleming said. “It’s an opportunity for landlords to ask questions, hear directly from others who have participated in the program, and walk away with a clear understanding of how the process works and how GBHA supports them.”

GBHA recently launched a new Facebook page and encourages landlords and community members to follow for updates, event information, and ongoing program announcements. More information about the Section 8 program and the upcoming meeting is available at www.gbhaks.com. For questions or to learn more about participating, contact GBHA at 620-793-7761. The GBHA office is located inside the High Rise at 1101 Kansas Avenue and is open five days per week.

GB Housing Authority to host landlord meeting on Section 8 updates on Wednesday

Barton Theatre will bring Bikini Bottom to the stage with the spring musical “The SpongeBob Musical,” March 5-8 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 5, 6, and 7, with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 8.

Based on the hit Nickelodeon series, “The SpongeBob SquarePants Musical” follows SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and the rest of the Bikini Bottom crew as they come together to save their undersea world from a volcanic disaster. Featuring original songs by a wide range of artists and musical styles, the show blends humor, heart, and high-energy performances for audiences of all ages. The show celebrates friendship, community, and the power of believing in yourself.

The production is a collaborative project involving Barton’s Performing Arts Departments, the Great Bend High School Drama Department, and performers from the community.

Tickets range from $5 to $15 and are available at&nbsp;<a href="https://shows.bartonccc.edu/" target="_blank">shows.bartonccc.edu</a>.

Barton Theatre to present spring musical 'The SpongeBob Musical'

Booked Stenberg, Shawn M. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant #202500825 for failure to appear, bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety. #202500826 for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety. #202500821 for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety. #202500828 for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Stenberg, Shawn M. on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant # 202500825 for failure to appear, by posting a $1,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds. #202500825 for Failure to Appear, by posting a $1,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds. #202500827 for Failure to Appear, by posting a $1,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds. #202500828 for Failure to Appear, by posting a $1,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/18)

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 

- Jeremy Foster, head coach of Great Bend Girl's wrestling

- Conor Nicholl of Sunflower Sports Solutions

Friday on Sports Day

Panther fans will not have access to a live video stream of tonight’s road contest in Dodge City due to an apparent NFHS policy enforced by the Dodge City High School athletic department.

Eagle Media was notified that outside video broadcasts are not permitted to air live from Dodge City home events. While visiting radio broadcasts are allowed, video streams must be distributed after the game concludes.

Dodge City is currently the only Western Athletic Conference school enforcing this restriction on live outside video streams.

As a result, Eagle Media will provide live radio play-by-play coverage as scheduled. A full video replay of the game will be posted immediately following the completion of the contest.

Eagle Media remains committed to comprehensive coverage of Great Bend High School athletics and apologizes for the inconvenience. Eagle Media will continue working to keep Panther fans informed throughout the season.

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.

Dodge City Only WAC School Restricting Live Video Coverage of Panther Road Game

Aris Rodriguez&nbsp;of the No. 20 Barton Community College men's basketball team has been named the Week 14 Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division I Men's Basketball Player of the Week following a dominant two-game stretch that fueled the Cougars' offensive surge.

Rodriguez averaged 30.0 points per game while shooting 56.4 percent from the floor, totaling 60 points in 66 minutes of action. The sophomore guard added six steals on the week and posted an impressive 4.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, committing just one turnover across the two contests.

He opened the week with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting in a victory over Fort Hays Tech Northwest before delivering a career performance against Garden City. In the matchup with the Broncbusters, Rodriguez erupted for a career-high 39 points, connecting on 14-of-25 from the field and 10-of-13 at the free throw line. His relentless downhill pressure dictated the tempo and impacted both ends of the floor, highlighted by a career-best six steals in the road victory.

The selection marks the first weekly honor of Rodriguez's collegiate career and the Cougars' second of the season, joining&nbsp;Noah Williams' Week 8 recognition.

Rodriguez has carried that momentum into this week, scoring 14 points with four assists and four steals to help Barton knock off No. 16 Butler 102-94 Wednesday night on the road, completing the season sweep of the Grizzlies. The Cougars return home Saturday to begin their final two regular-season home games with a 4:00 p.m. tip against Independence Community College inside Fleske Fieldhouse.

Rodriguez captures first career KJCCC Player of the Week honor

The Barton Community College baseball team continued its strong run on the mound, earning its second straight Jayhawk West Conference Pitcher of the Week honor as freshman&nbsp;Brian Justice&nbsp;captured the league's Week 3 distinction.

Justice secured the distinction after delivering a dominant six-inning performance in Barton's 6-1 victory over Allen County. The freshman right-hander scattered just one hit, struck out a career-best eight, and did not issue a walk while improving to 2-0 on the season.

The only blemish against Justice came on a two-out double in the fourth inning, with a two-out hit-by-pitch in the sixth representing the only other baserunner. Outside of those two moments, he was nearly untouchable, retiring 16 of the 18 batters he faced and requiring just 74 pitches to complete his six-inning gem.

Justice's selection marks the second consecutive week a Cougar has claimed the conference's weekly pitching honor, joining sophomore&nbsp;Landon Haines' Week 2 recognition.

Most recently, the Cougars erupted for the second-highest single-game run total in program history, plating 28 runs in Wednesday's 28-5 seven-inning run-rule victory over Bethany College JV.

Now 9-0 on the year, Barton resumes its homestand Monday and Tuesday after weekend postponements due to inclement weather, hosting Northeast Community College and Highland Community College. First pitch for both doubleheaders is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Jimmy Lawson-Danny Biggs Field.

Justice earns Jayhawk West Week 3 pitching honor; Cougars claim back-to-back awards

Freshman&nbsp;Charley Wheeler&nbsp;of the Barton Community College softball team has been named the Week 3 Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) Pitcher of the Week following her work in the circle during the Cougars' 1-1 week of competition.

The right-hander logged 11.2 innings across two appearances, compiling a 1.80 earned run average while allowing just three earned runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts. Wheeler did not surrender an extra-base hit during the week, limiting opposing hitters to singles and consistently keeping traffic manageable.

Wheeler first delivered a tough-luck outing against Northeast Oklahoma A&amp;M, permitting just one earned run over 4.2 innings of work. She followed with a complete-game effort in Barton's 4-2 road victory over No. 18-ranked Seminole State College, scattering six hits and allowing two earned runs across seven innings to improve to 2-2 on the season.

The honor marks Wheeler's first conference recognition of her collegiate career and the first weekly distinction of the season for the Cougars.

Barton returns to action Friday in Iola, Kansas, for a 2:00 p.m. doubleheader at Allen Community College to conclude its ten-game road swing. The Cougars will then open the home portion of their schedule Tuesday, hosting Rose State College for a 1:00 p.m. twinbill.

Wheeler earns Week 3 KJCCC Pitcher of the Week after win over No. 18 Seminole State

Cincinnati Bearcats (14-12, 6-7 Big 12) at Kansas Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12)

BOTTOM LINE: No. 8 Kansas faces Cincinnati after Darryn Peterson scored 23 points in Kansas' 81-69 victory against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The Jayhawks have gone 11-1 at home. Kansas is 18-6 against opponents with a winning record.

The Bearcats are 6-7 in conference play. Cincinnati has a 0-3 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

Kansas averages 77.3 points, 10.3 more per game than the 67.0 Cincinnati allows. Cincinnati averages 8.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than Kansas gives up.

The Jayhawks and Bearcats meet Saturday for the first time in conference play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Flory Bidunga is averaging 14.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for the Jayhawks. Peterson is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Baba is averaging 13.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Bearcats. Jizzle James is averaging 11.4 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jayhawks: 9-1, averaging 76.9 points, 35.6 rebounds, 14.8 assists, 5.2 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.9 points per game.

No. 8 Kansas hosts Cincinnati following Peterson's 23-point game

MILAN (AP) — Alysa Liu won Olympic gold in women’s figure skating by skating loose, smiling and doing it her own way. On Thursday night, the 20-year-old from California delivered a free skate that looked like a fun practice session, rather than a pressure test. She waved to friends and family and grinned through her program. She finished with the top score and beat Kaori Sakamoto and Ami Nakai. The win gave the U.S. its first women’s Olympic gold since 2002. It was the culmination for Liu of a two-year comeback after an abrupt retirement following the Beijing Games, when she was too burned out to continue.

MILAN (AP) — The United States has won its third Olympic gold medal in women's hockey. Megan Keller backhanded in a shot 4:07 into overtime, and the Americans beat Canada 2-1 at the Milan Cortina Games on Thursday night to close another thrilling chapter of one of sports’ most heated rivalries. American captain Hilary Knight forced overtime by tipping in Laila Edwards’ shot from the blue line with 2:04 remaining. The goal was the 15th of her Olympic career and 33rd point to break the U.S. record in both categories. The U.S. previously won gold at the 1998 Nagano Games, the first to feature women’s hockey, and in 2018 in Pyeongchang.

The NBA is pushing new rules to cut down on tanking and keep teams trying to win. On Thursday, people familiar with the talks say Commissioner Adam Silver outlines options in a call with general managers. Silver has said he wants every remedy on the table. Sources say the league considers locking in draft lottery odds by a set date. The league has fined teams for sitting healthy players, including Utah and Indiana. The NBA is likely to discuss it further at a Board of Governors meeting next month.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rory McIlroy got a little bit of everything in the Genesis Invitational and shares the clubhouse lead with Jacob Bridgeman after a 66. Aaron Rai is one shot ahead but has two holes left to play because of a three-hour rain delay. The surprise is Scottie Scheffler. He's at 5-over par and tied for last place in the 72-man field. Scheffler still has eight holes to play. The first round was stopped by darkness. The rain was followed by a cold, hard wind. The greens were soft but still fast, causing problems for everyone.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers have approved a bill to keep secret how much money teams and athletes are paid under new college sports rules. The state is poised to join Arkansas, Utah, Colorado and Kentucky, which already keep Name, Image and Likeness deals from the public. The push to do so came after a lawsuit prompted athletic directors from Clemson, South Carolina and other schools to ask for a new law. Gov. Henry McMaster says he supports transparency but will study the bill. Supporters say schools need secrecy to stay competitive. Critics say secrecy blocks oversight of public money and hurts athletes who want to know their market value.

The NCAA won’t discuss expanding the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments until after this year’s version of March Madness finishes. That's what NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt told a group of reporters attending an NCAA event Thursday in Indianapolis. There has been talk for the past few months that the NCAA could expand the tournament field to 72 or 76 starting in 2027. NCAA President Charlie Baker said last year that adding teams could add value to the tournament, and he said the NCAA already has had “good conversations” with TV partners CBS and Warner Bros., whose deal runs through 2032 at the cost of around $1.1 billion a year.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears’ potential move to Indiana took another step forward when a key committee approved a plan to create an agency that would help get a stadium built. The Indiana House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed a bill establishing a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance, construct and lease a stadium by a 24-0 margin. The Bears are looking at a tract of land near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Ind. The team calls it “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date” in a statement. Republican Gov. Mike Braun and lawmakers in Indiana have been aggressive in trying to lure the Bears amid a yearslong effort to build an enclosed stadium in Illinois. The Bears did not mention Illinois in their statement.

PHOENIX (AP) — Bruce Meyer staunchly defended free agency and salary arbitration on his first full day as head of the baseball players’ association, dismissing any possibility of agreement on a salary cap in another sign of a likely labor confrontation next winter. Meyer was thrust into the MLBPA’s top role, one day after the stunning, forced resignation of Tony Clark. The 64-year-old is set to lead the league’s players in what is expected to be a contentious round of negotiations with owners with baseball’s labor agreement set to expire on Dec. 1. Meyer said Thursday that he’s ready for the task, even if the circumstances are less than ideal.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 30 points and the Orlando Magic beat Sacramento 131-94 on Thursday night for the Kings’ franchise-record 15th straight loss. Orlando made a team-record 27 3-pointers on 50 attempts. Banchero was 5 of 7 from 3-points range and had six assists and five rebounds in the opener of a four-game trip. The Kings broke the futility record a day after star center Domantas Sabonis and guard Zach LaVine had season-ending surgeries. The franchise had 14-game losing streaks in 1959-60 and 1971-72 while playing as the Cincinnati Royals. The NBA record for consecutive losses is 28, set by Philadelphia over the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons and matched by Detroit in 2023–24. The NBA-worst Kings are 12-45, with a five-game trip up next.

BOSTON (AP) — The City of Beverly Hills apologized to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown on Thursday for initially stating that an event he hosted on the eve of the NBA All-Star Game was shut down because the city said it lacked a permit. But Brown posted a statement from Jaylen Brown Enterprises on social media taking issue with another part of the city’s statement that claimed the event was actually shut down because of a perceived code violation. On Sunday, Beverly Hills released a statement to The Boston Globe, saying it rejected a permit. The event promoting Brown’s performance brand, 741, was held at Oakley founder Jim Jannard’s home. Brown has a sponsorship deal with Oakley.

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Western Athletic Conference Great Bend @ Dodge City S.W. Heights @ Liberal Central Kansas League Larned @ Hoisington Pratt @ Smoky Valley Nickerson @ Hillsboro Haven @ Hesston Elyria Christian @ Halstead Central Prairie League Central Plains @ Kinsley Otis-Bison @ Ellinwood St. John @ Macksville Ness City @ Victoria Chase @ Western Plains Minneola @ LaCrosse Other Area Games Stafford @ Attica Hill City @ Russell Southeast of Saline @ Lyons TMP @ Norton Skyline @ Central Christian

Friday Area High School Basketball Schedule

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;6-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 16-4 Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-8 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-11 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-10 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-17 Thursday, February 19 Hays 64, Garden City 45 Guymon OK 77, Liberal 70 OT Friday, February 20 Great Bend @ Dodge City Southwestern Heights @ Liberal&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday, February 23 Liberal @ Great Bend Tuesday, February 24 Dodge City @ Hays Liberal @ Garden City Thursday, February 26 Liberal @ Dodge City Friday, February 27 Hays @ Great Bend Garden City @ Wichita Southeast END OF REGULAR SEASON

WAC Boys Scores, Standings, Schedule

Thursday Boys scores from the Associated Press

Arma-Northeast 55, Southern Coffey County 16

Christ Preparatory Academy 55, Veritas Christian 28

Pittsburg St Mary's-Colgan 61, Frontenac 47

Topeka Cair Paravel 64, Jefferson North 43

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

Thursday Girls scores from the Associated Press

Arma-Northeast 59, Southern Coffey County 17

Campion Academy, Colo. 57, Midland Adventist 39

Thursday Statewide Scores

KCATA gets funds to upgrade buses, facilities ahead of World Cup

The Supreme Court struck down&nbsp;President Donald Trump’s global tariffs&nbsp;on Friday. A significant loss for his economic agenda.

🎥President Trump reacts to Supreme Court decision on tariffs

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to identify the suspects who were involved in a shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of Westport Road on February 8 at 08:54p.m., according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Alayna Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details on the crime.

If you can identify the suspects, please contact the Assault Squad at 816-234-5227 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KCPD asks for help to ID shooting suspects

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The Supreme Court’s announcement today regarding tariffs provides much-needed certainty for U.S. businesses and manufacturers, enabling global supply chains to operate without ambiguity. Clear and consistent trade policy is essential for economic growth, creating jobs and opportunities for American families. We urge the lower court to ensure a&nbsp;seamless&nbsp;process to refund the tariffs to U.S. importers. The refunds will serve as an economic boost and allow companies to reinvest in their operations, their&nbsp;employees&nbsp;and their customers."

The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies.&nbsp;<a href="https://nrf.com/">nrf.com</a>

National Retail Federation responds to Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">The Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;struck down President Donald Trump's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economy-liberation-day-d3458da225c1fdfade97ed494b23e868">far-reaching global tariffs</a>&nbsp;on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf">Click here to read the ruling</a>

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2025/24-1287">Click here to listen to oral arguments</a> before court on Nov. 5, 2025

The decision centers on tariffs imposed under an emergency powers law, including the sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs he levied on nearly every other country.

It's the first major piece of Trump's broad agenda to come squarely before the nation's highest court, which he helped shape with the appointments of three conservative jurists in his first term.

The Republican president has been vocal about the case, calling it one of the most important in U.S. history and saying a ruling against him would be an economic body blow to the country. But legal opposition crossed the political spectrum, including libertarian and pro-business groups that are typically aligned with the GOP. Polling has found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-trump-economy-approval-immigration-border-crime-373766302cde6d45624d6bb738b16231">tariffs aren't broadly popular</a>&nbsp;with the public, amid wider voter concern about affordability.

The Supreme Court ruling comes despite a series of short-term wins on the court's emergency docket that have allowed Trump to push ahead with extraordinary flexes of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-democracy-autocrats-authoritarian-constitution-threat-542ac437a58880e81c052f8f2df1643f">executive power</a>&nbsp;on issues ranging from high-profile firings to major federal funding cuts.

The tariffs decision doesn't stop Trump from imposing duties under other laws. While those have more limitations on the speed and severity of Trump's actions, top administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to levy tariffs. But the Trump administration argued that a 1977 law allowing the president to regulate importation during emergencies also allows him to set tariffs. Other presidents have used the law dozens of times, often to impose sanctions, but Trump was the first president to invoke it for import taxes.

Trump set what he called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-china-recession-deals-e8e54a68397e6829e1d27552a1d7bfb9">"reciprocal" tariffs</a>&nbsp;on most countries in April 2025 to address trade deficits that he declared a national emergency. Those came after he imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/trump-plans-tariffs-on-mexico-and-canada-for-tuesday-while-doubling-existing-10-tariffs-on-china/">duties on Canada, China and Mexico</a>, ostensibly to address a drug trafficking emergency.

A series of lawsuits followed, including a case from a dozen largely Democratic-leaning states and others from small businesses selling everything from plumbing supplies to educational toys to women’s cycling apparel.

The challengers argued the emergency powers law doesn’t even mention tariffs and Trump's use of it fails several legal tests, including one that doomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-tariffs-7c44eedbf32bec35fc638e9953db2aeb">then-President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;$500 billion student loan forgiveness program.

The economic impact of Trump's tariffs has been estimated at some $3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Treasury has collected more than $133 billion from the import taxes the president has imposed under the emergency powers law,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/trade">federal data</a>&nbsp;from December shows. Many companies, including the big-box warehouse chain Costco, have already lined up in court to demand refunds.

Read the ruling: Supreme Court strikes down Trump's global tariffs

On Thursday, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting a 38-year-old man making statements and live-streaming from a location where he did not have permission to be, according to a media release from the Phillips County Sheriff's office. The property owner requested that the individual be removed.

Deputies located the individual identified in booking records as Steven E. Walker and observed him discharging fireworks toward the street. No vehicle damage was reported at this time.

Walker was taken into custody. During the arrest and transport process, Walker physically resisted, made threats toward law enforcement, struck a deputy with his leg, spit, and head-butted another deputy. While being repositioned for transport, Walker bit a deputy, breaking the skin.

Walker was transported to the Phillips County Jail and placed in secure holding pending further evaluation.

The injured deputy was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released, with follow-up care scheduled.

Formal charges against Walker are pending review by the Phillips County Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; He is currently being held with no bond, according to online jail records.

A statement on community support from the Phillips County Sheriff

During Thursday’s incident on Main Street, several members of the public stopped to check on our deputies and asked if assistance was needed.

We want the community to know that we genuinely appreciate that support. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and it means a great deal to our office when citizens show concern for the safety of our deputies, neighbors, and the community as a whole.

Thank you for continuing to stand behind the deputies and staff of the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.

 Kansas man attacked deputies during arrest

By:<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">Sherman Smith</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 — Former Saint Francis Ministries CEO Robert Smith admitted in federal court Thursday that he used the organization’s credit card for personal expenses and authorized payments for a co-defendant’s fraudulent invoices.

Then he pleaded guilty to a single charge of wire fraud for a $6,909.73 credit card payment.

Smith led the foster care organization from 2014 to 2020, where the Episcopal priest was known as Father Bobby.&nbsp;Federal authorities gathered evidence that Smith and William&nbsp;Whymark, who provided IT services, engaged in a scheme to bilk the organization of more than $4.7 million through inflated invoices. Smith also used the organization’s credit card for family travels, fine clothes, meals at five-star restaurants and cash withdrawals.

Kansas Reflector&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">first reported on the financial irregularities</a>&nbsp;shortly after Smith resigned in 2020.

Whymark&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Whymark-plea.pdf">pleaded guilty on Nov. 18</a>&nbsp;to two charges of wire fraud totaling more than $2 million, admitting his role in the scheme. He has yet to be sentenced.

The 54-year-old Smith faced 20 charges for crimes including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will remain free until sentencing, which is set for July 15.

Danielle Thomas, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Kansas, said&nbsp;“the discretion on whether to dismiss or proceed on the remaining charges remains.”

U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse gripped and spun a baseball in his hands Thursday as Smith affirmed for the judge that he understood the charges against him, that he would lose the right to vote, hold office or own a gun, that he received adequate counsel from defense attorney Sarah Hess, and that the judge alone would determine the length of his prison term.

“Does it remain your desire to plead guilty today?” Crouse asked.

Prosecutor Sara Walton then presented evidence that would be brought against Smith if the case were to go to trial. The evidence included Smith’s approval of fraudulent invoices, as well as the personal credit card expenses that he failed to report or reimburse. The count to which Smith agreed to plead guilty was a credit card payment from March 3, 2018.

Smith admitted for the record that the evidence was accurate. He sat stoically with hands folded on the defendant’s table as Crouse accepted the plea.

Bishop Paula Clark of the Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was ordained, said in a statement that the church would respond to his guilty plea by initiating a disciplinary process.

“I ask you to please pray for the Rev. Smith, his family, and all who are affected by this situation,” Clark said.

Saint Francis, a faith-based nonprofit, was the state’s largest foster care contractor, serving 3,100 children and 600 homes, when Smith resigned in November 2020. The organization nearly became insolvent under Smith’s management, which included severely underbidding a foster care contract in Nebraska.

Among other questionable purchases, Smith claimed he purchased&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/22/former-ceo-of-foster-care-provider-defends-travel-charges-cubs-tickets/">$65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs tickets</a>&nbsp;so he could flip them for a profit on the secondary market. Nebraska’s governor at the time, Pete Ricketts, who is now a U.S. senator, is part-owner of the Cubs.

Smith also invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in his wife’s plans to harvest a “miracle” food in El Salvador. An internal Saint Francis investigation later discovered a project manager in El Salvador had asked for a Visa card that could be used for cash bribes for government officials there.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families, after conducting its own investigation, required Saint Francis to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/30/kansas-foster-care-provider-to-repay-9-4m-in-unused-tax-dollars/">repay $9.4 million</a>. The state also replaced Saint Francis as the contractor for the Wichita area, but continues to contract with Saint Francis in other parts of the state.

“For more than 80 years Saint Francis Ministries has provided healing and hope to children and families and that remains our focus,” said Denny Marlin, spokesman for Saint Francis. “We trust the judicial process and remain committed to serving the children and families who rely on our care.”

Former Kansas foster care leader pleads guilty to wire fraud, admits personal charges

During the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas and Oklahoma, several firefighters sustained injuries, including two who were transported to the burn unit at St Francis for medical treatment.

On Thursday, Josh Griffin and the team at Wichita Fire Department 2B arranged for the son of one of the firefighters to visit his father through the window via the bucket, according to a social media report from the Kansas Firefighter's Museum.

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