By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

One school closure in a small Kansas school district is a
big decision. Two closures is almost unheard of. Yet that’s the position in which the
USD 112 Central Plains Board of Education found itself over the past three
years. In January 2023, the board voted to close Wilson High School. At a special
meeting on Feb. 23, the board voted 5-1 to close Wilson Elementary at the close
of the 2025-26 school year. During a special meeting at Central Plains Elementary
School on Jan. 21, Superintendent Bobby Murphy laid the groundwork for the
decision.

“In 2022-23, there were 87 K-6 students,” Murphy said of the
school. “In 2023-24, there were 75 students K-6. In 2024-25, there were 69
students. And at the beginning of this year, there were 66 students K-6. When
we came after Christmas break on Jan. 12, we had 58 students K-6. We’re anticipating
being close to the 50 number next year for our school enrollment at Wilson
Elementary. If we do drop to that 50 mark for K-6 enrollment, that will mean our
K-6 population dropped by 37 students over this span. That is a 42 percent drop
in K-6 students, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of over $200,000 in
funding.”

Murphy said superintendents from surrounding districts have reported
they are transporting 28-35 students from Wilson and Dorrance to their schools.
That figure does not include families who transport their own students out of
the district. Even after absorbing two positions at the school, Wilson
Elementary is spending $250,000-300,000 more than it receives in state-aid
revenue. Last year, Wilson Elementary spent just over $28,000 per student,
while the state average is just under $18,000 per student.

Another issue at play is the state funding formula regarding
education. In 2018 and 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court issued rulings in the
Gannon v. Kansas case, which found the state’s education funding to be
equitable but inadequate. That oversight ended in 2024, which will change how
schools are funded in future years.

At the Jan. 16 meeting, Murphy reported that approximately
70 percent of participating residents in Wilson and Dorrance agreed to close
Wilson Elementary so the district could begin the process of a land transfer
with several other area districts. Wilson resident Michelle Brokes asked if the
closure could be delayed until the end of the 2026-27 school year. Denise
Schmidt said the closure of a school should not define a community.

“Let’s remember that a school does not define your community,”
she said. “The people in your community define your community. If you want to
look at the very best example of that, we should look at the community of Bushton.
When the teachers, staff members, and students left in May 2019, they had no
idea they wouldn’t be coming back in August 2019. That community didn’t fold
up. They took initiative, they were resilient, as Kansas people are, and they
have developed a strong, thriving community, even with a school closing.”

No direct action was taken on the closure during the Jan. 16
meeting, but the board reconvened for another special meeting on Feb. 23 inside
the Central Plains High School gymnasium. Murphy outlined the state statute at
play to close a school building.

“The board of education of any unified school district, by
adoption of a resolution, may close any school building at any time the board determines
the building should be closed for the improvement of a school system of a
unified school district,” he told the board. “The board of education may close
more than one school building in one resolution. A resolution adopted pursuant
to this section shall require a majority vote of the members of the board of
education, and shall require no other approval.”

KSA 72-1431 also outlines the appeal process for a closing
resolution. The State Board of Education will hold an administrative review if
five percent of the district’s registered voters express dissatisfaction with the
resolution. The appeal must be made within 45 days of the approval of the resolution,
and the State Board will have 45 days to issue a non-binding opinion advising
the local board to modify or rescind the resolution. 

&nbsp;“I would anticipate,
with the administrative review and finding the declining enrollment numbers, factored
with the amount of residents who are choosing to transport their elementary school
students to other students, coupled with the state-provoked public school funding
challenges that are coming up, I don’t see any way an administrative review
team would deem a closing resolution in this situation as anything but reasonable,”
Murphy said. “But that’s just my opinion.” 

The board voted 5-1 that evening to close Wilson Elementary
at the close of the 2025-26 school year. Board Member Kayla Cullens was the
lone dissenting vote.

“When you lose a school, you’re not just losing a building,”
Cullens said. “You lose families, you lose jobs, you lose the economic impacts it
has on your community. By closing the elementary, that’s going to be two
schools in three years on that community. That’s a tough hit.”

Board Member Allison Gonzalez was part of the majority that
voted in favor of the closure.

“It’s not easy to sit here and make decisions like this, and
talk about things like this,” she said. “I think we all recognize the choices
carry weight and affect the families, students, and staff of our entire
community. Most of the feedback I have received tells me the residents of the
community, from Wilson and Dorrance both, support pursuing the land transfer. I’ve
been hearing that since I got on the board. 

“At the same time, the potential receiving districts have
made it clear that before we can have any meaningful discussions about a land transfer,
the elementary school has to first be closed. If we’re serious about moving
forward and working toward a land transfer, we have to take the necessary first
step. For that reason, I believe it’s appropriate to close the building, effective
at the end of this school year, so the discussions can begin, and we can move
forward with planning.”

The USD 112 Board of Education held its regular monthly
meeting Monday night. While not action was taken on the closure, the board did
hear from a handful of concerned residents. 

The late Donley Bristow coached and taught in Wilson for
several years before retiring in 2001. His wife, Linda, spoke of the impact
Wilson schools have had on many generations.

“This building is in good shape, and you want to close it,”
she said. “It’s something to think about, putting kids on a bus in the early
morning –they have no time to play in the evenings if they are on a bus. This
school has taught a lot of kids, and they’ve done very well.”

Roberta Meier was a vocal opponent against the closure of
Wilson High School in 2023. She cited many volunteer and youth-based
organizations in Wilson that impact surrounding communities.

“This is going hurt not only the Wilson community, but the
surrounding ones, as these volunteers, with their generous, helping hands,
possibly have to go somewhere else.”

USD 112 Board returns to normal schedule after voting to close Wilson Elementary

For those who missed the National Weather Service's annual Storm Fury on the Plains presentation in Great Bend on March 4, there is another chance to view the presentation tonight in Russell. The event will be held at the Dream Theater, 629 N. Main Street, in downtown Russell beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service adds new information to the presentation each year. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Vanessa Pearce said the presentation is a good way for all ages to learn about storm identification and safety.

“We cover the different types of storms, storm features, and trying to determine the severity of the storm – how to look at visual clues to determine what that is - how to report hazardous weather, then of course, severe weather safety is a component as well,” Pearce said.

Admission to the tonight's presentation in Russell is free, and concessions will be available for purchase.&nbsp;

For more information, contact Russell County Emergency management at (785) 483-7200, or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:david@russellcountysheriff.org">david@russellcountysheriff.org</a>.

Storm Fury on the Plains presentation scheduled for tonight in Russell

Great Bend Recreation Commission Monthly Board Meeting &nbsp;March 9, 2026

ENRICHMENT REPORTS- Garet Fitzpatrick, Enrichment /Activity Center Director

The following is a list of enrichment classes that were held during the month of February:

Family: Imagination Playground, Family Saturday Craft, Toddler Art, Dad &amp; Me Valentines Day Gift for Mom, Special Valentine’s Day Gift, and Daddy/Daughter Date Night.

Elementary: Crafting at Park, Winter Painting Lounge, Joy Snowman, Creative Explorers, Kitchen Crew, Pencil Playground, World of Painting, Valentine’s Love Bug, and Winter STEM Day.

Adult: Oil / Acrylic Painting, Function of Bail in the Criminal Justice System, Donuts with GB Police Department, Tree Planting Techniques, Acrylic Winter Wonder, Intro to Fly-Tying, Fly-Tying Nights, Considering Home Ownership and Wooden Barn Quilt.

We offered Half a Day of Winter Crafts on Thursday, February 19th, for students in grades 1st through 6th. This class was held at the Activity Center from 1:00 – 5:00 pm with students spending the day making winter crafts along with some other organized activities and snacks. We had 14 students registered.

We hosted a Salina Sky Trampoline Park Kids Day Out on Friday, February 20th, for students in grades 1st through 6th. They left the Activity Center at 9:00 am and spent the day at the Salina Sky Trampoline Park and then returned to the Activity Center around 3:30 pm. Students were required to bring their own lunch.

The golf course project is also an ongoing project I’ve been helping Chris with. It’s a lot of excitement for myself and the community, but we have a lot of work ahead of us to see this project be successful.

Summer is in full planning swing. Instructors are secured (as of now), and classes are getting finalized so I can have the information to Megan on March 27th. I’ve started touching base with past aides to see who is interested in returning and will be finalizing aides early this month.

ENRICHMENT REPORTS: Enrichment, Aquatic, Marketing Director-Megan Hammeke:

2/3-2/24 – SN Bowling. 122 participants.

2/6 – Valentine Dance. 72 participated and we crowned a King and Queen at the event.

2/11 – Handprint Flamingo – Craft Class. 14 signed up for this craft class.

2/19 – Easy Cooking. 16 signed up for this cooking class.

2/24 – DIY Picture Frame – Craft Class. 13 signed up for this craft class.

2/16-2/17 – Defensive Driving. We had 8 participate in this course.

2/18 – 50 Plus Craft Class. 8 signed up for this craft class.

2/13 – Valentine Party. 55 participated. Congratulations to our royal couple, Delno and Pauline Meyer, who were officially crowned this year’s Valentine’s Day King and Queen.

2/24 – Coffee &amp; Craft Class: Heart Ribbon Wreath. 5 signed up for this craft class.

3/24 – Coffee &amp; Craft Class: Chickadee Craft

3/16-3/21– Lifeguard Course #1 &amp; Lifeguard Course #2

3/22 – Lifeguard Recertification Course #1

3/28 – PawEsome Easter Egg Hunt and Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

2/2-2/27 – Fit for Life exercise Class met 12 times and had 447 participants.

2/2-2/276– Midday Stretch met 12 times and had 192 participants.

2/2-2/25 – Yoga met 6 times and had 54 participants.

2/2-2/25 – Cardio Blast met 8 times and had 38 participants.

2/2-2/26 – Gentle Yoga met 8 times and had 131 participants in the 3pm class and met 8 times and had 92 participants in the 6:30 pm class.

2/2-2/25 – Chair Yoga met 8 times and had 191 participants.

2/2-2/25 – AM HIIT Suspension Training met 6 times and had 62 participants.

2/3-2/26 – Sunrise Yoga met 6 times and had 42 participants.

2/3-2/26 – Tai Chi Intermediate met 8 times and had 38 participants.

2/5-2/26 – Tai Chi Beginners met 4 times and had 35 participants.

2/2-2/25 – Rhythm Ride (PM) met 6 times and had 34 participants.

2/2-2/25 - Spin Strength Stretch met 6 times and had 30 participants.

2/3-2/26 – Rhythm Ride (AM) met 6 times and had 39 participants.

2/3-2/26 – Winter Spin &amp; Sculpt met 6 times and had 17 participants.

2/3-2/26 – Flexibility Foundations met 6 times and had 19 participants.

The 2nd Spring session of Fitness classes began the week of April 6.

SPORTS REPORT-Shane Sandberg- Sports Director:

Adult Basketball 3 on 3 league just completed their 4th week of regular season play. 10 teams are competing this season, and we have a log jam in the standings, with 3 teams sitting at 3-1 while another 3 teams hold a 2-2 record so far. We do have a team that is 4-0 on the season, but they are aided by having former NBA and Wichita State stand out Ron Baker on their roster.

Youth Basketball games began on Feb. 21 and will continue until March 14 when we will pause games for Spring Break. Kids return to the court on March 22 to finish out the rest of the season, scheduled to be completed on April 12. We have 33 teams competing across 6 leagues, with games being played on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Esports open play was back again this year on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February and had a similar turnout to years passed. To add to the fun, some days even saw the parents stay to play with their kids.

Lil Ballers begins again on March 24. These introductory leagues are crucial to the development of young athletes’ skills but can also play a pivotal role in establishing a positive relationship between the families and Rec Sports.

On Feb. 14, we hosted our final youth basketball tournament, partnering with Kansas Roots Basketball. We were able to use the PAC, GBMS Middle School Gyms, and the Activity Center, allowing us to complete over 50 games in one day.

The Spring Adult Volleyball Leagues are currently underway after beginning in early February. 25 teams are playing this season, and all 5 leagues will be wrapped up by April 1.

Adult Pickleball continues on with drop-in league on Sunday night. We have also had beginner level classes being taught by Debbie Munz, with this new group being one of the larger classes she has seen over the past few years.

Attendance Report- Joe Henry, Business Director:

In the month of February, there were 2,497 people enrolled in programs sponsored by the Recreation Commission. Total participation for the month was 11,883 and of that total, 3,191 were spectators. For the month, a total of 1,544 hours of supervised activities were offered.

Last year there were 2,238 people enrolled in programs with participation of 10,534 and included 3,957 spectators.

NEW BUSINESS: Chris Umphres, Executive Director

Report from Great Bend Recreation Commission March Board Meeting

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, last week, released 2025 data on the amount paid by insurance companies for Kansas storm damage claims. In 2025, there were 82,498 total reported storm claims and the amount paid out on those claims by insurance companies was $879,074,368.54.

2025 claim amounts increased by 99% compared to 2023, which totaled 147,710 claims and paid out $442 million. In 2025, Sedgwick County saw the highest amount paid out at over $328 million while Rush County saw the lowest at nearly $102,000. A county-by-county breakdown of the data can be found on the Department’s website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4623">https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4623</a>. &nbsp;

“These numbers serve as a reminder that severe storms happen right here in Kansas, and the damage is costly.” said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “Review your policy and check in with your insurance agent to make sure you are ready for this storm season.”

The Department collects yearly data from companies writing property and casualty insurance in Kansas to better understand the impact of storm events across the state and uses this data as a tool to monitor trends in the marketplace. This data includes the number of total claims as well as the amount paid for those claims across several types of storm losses including hail, wind, water damage, fire, and other weather-related claim losses for homeowners and automobile policies.&nbsp;

This storm season, if you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division at 785-296-3071, by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOI.complaints@ks.gov">KDOI.complaints@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns

Rush Co. with lowest storm damage payout in Kansas in 2025

Trail Life Troop #2206 hosting pancake feed fundraiser on April 12

Released Carl, John D. JR. on Great Bend Municipal Court for Failure to Appear. Released by Order of the court.

Booked in Espino-Hernandez, Janeth on Barton County District Court case #26-210 for Driving While Suspended and One Way Glass with bond set at $2,500.00 cash or surety.

Booked Riddle, Laura J. on Barton County District Court case #26-212 for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Seat Belt; bond set at $100,000.00 cash or Surety.

Released Espino-Hernandez, Janeth on Barton County District Court case #26-210 for Driving While Suspended and One Way Glass after posting the $2,500.00 surety bond through ACE Bail Bonds.

Released Cook, Andrew J. on Barton County District Court case #26-39 Battery DV, Battery on LEO, Battery on LEO, Criminal Damage to Property, and Interference with LEO after posting the $2,500.00 surety bond through ACE Bail Bonds.

Booked Mattox, Christopher W. on Barton County District Court case #26-209 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving Under the Influence, Speeding, and Driving in Left Lane; bond set at $10,000.00 cash or Surety; and Barton County District Court case #BT2025CR0023 for Serve Sentence; bond set at NO BOND.

Booked in Mauler, Michael L. Jr. on Barton County District Court case #26-212 for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Seat belt. Bond set at $100,000.00 cash or surety.

Booked in Bedford, John C. on Barton County District Court case #26-212 for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, No Seat Belt. Bond set at $100,000.00 cash or Surety.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (3/9)

Tuesday A 10 percent chance of showers after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West southwest wind around 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Tuesday Night Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. East wind 9 to 17 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a north wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Wednesday Night Clear, with a low around 30. North wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Tuesday's weather

BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Barton County Sheriff's Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that 87-year-old Ronald Base has been located safe in Osborne County, Kansas.

BARTON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Barton County Sheriff's Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Barton County man.

The whereabouts of 87-year-old Ronald Base, of Barton County, are unknown and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Base is likely driving a gray 2010 Dodge Dakota bearing Kansas tag 5736ACK. He was last seen south of Great Bend on Monday, March 9, at approximately 3:40 p.m. Base has Alzheimers, and is believed to be traveling to Culver, Kansas.

Base is a white male who is around 6 feet tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. He has brown hair, blue eyes, and was last seen wearing gray pants, gray shirt, a red and gray flannel jacket, and black shoes.

If you see Ronald Base, or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Barton County Sheriff's Office at (620) 793-1920.

KBI: Silver Alert cancelled, missing Barton County man found

I began teaching in 1982. It was in the early 1990s when I first started hearing politicians and interest groups claim that our public schools were “failing.” They would say that too many fourth graders were not reading at grade level, that eighth graders were not proficient in math, and that the United States was falling behind the rest of the world. The message was clear: the sky is falling.

More than 35 years later, we are still hearing the same claims.

It is concerning that some of our own legislators continue to describe public education in these terms. Those of us who work in classrooms every day see something very different from the picture often painted in political debate.

What I have observed over the last four decades tells a very different story.&nbsp; Our students continue to be successful, contributing members of society. Many have graduated from universities across the nation, often with honors. Others have completed trade programs, opened businesses, or entered the workforce with valuable skills. Some have joined the military and served our country with honor.

They did not succeed “in spite of” their public education.

They succeeded in large part because of it.

Many of these former students have returned to Great Bend. They are raising families, running businesses, working in healthcare, agriculture, education, and industry. They help make our community strong.

The public education sky is not falling as many legislators continue to claim. Students in USD 428 — and across Kansas — are receiving a quality, challenging education from dedicated professionals who care deeply about their success.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our public schools are one of the greatest strengths of our community. They have earned our support, our trust, and our pride.

OPINION: State legislators paint an inaccurate picture of public schools

As in 2025, degree-day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal across the entire state (Table 1). As air temperatures continue to increase, it is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring right now in all regions of the state. There are confirmed reports of weevil activity and evident pin-holing in south central Kansas and along the Oklahoma border.

Alfalfa weevil degree days are a great way to estimate what might be going on in the field and serve as a useful tool to know when to time scouting. Alfalfa weevil eggs begin hatching after 300 degree days have accumulated (Table 2). Since we cannot determine if eggs present were laid the previous fall or the current spring, in Kansas, scouting should start after 180 degree days have accumulated since January 1.

Be aware of insecticide resistance - while warmer spring temperatures allow for faster alfalfa weevil development, be aware that dramatic temperature drops can slow down alfalfa growth, making the plants unable to keep up with feeding damage. Treatment may be warranted in shorter fields between 3 and 7 inches tall when feeding is evident on the top inch of growth, and 1 to 2 larvae are present. If a field is treated, it is important to verify that the expected amount of control was achieved. In 2020, populations of alfalfa weevil resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II, Karate, Demand, etc.) were verified in northwest and southwest Kansas and Oklahoma.

While this resistance has not appeared to become a widespread problem for Kansas producers, a couple of fields reported in central Kansas last year where lambda-cyhalothrin had reduced efficacy. Oklahoma continues to have resistance statewide. Numerous products are available for alfalfa weevil control in Kansas for reference refer to our on-line “Alfalfa Insect Pest Management Guide”. When making management decisions, it is important to rotate modes of action, as this is an effective way to prevent the development of resistance.

For the most up-to-date alfalfa weevil degree day accumulations, visit the Kansas Mesonet Alfalfa Weevil Degree Day Calculator (https://mesonet.k-state.edu/agriculture/degreedays/).

Information provided by Anthony Zukoff, Extension Entomology – Garden City. 

Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.

CAMPBELL: Alfalfa Weevils are Now Active in Kansas

Potential students will have an opportunity to gear up for the fall semester during Barton’s popular “Enrollment Day” sessions, which start on April 14 and will continue throughout the summer.

Students can call (620) 792-9286 or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://enroll.bartonccc.edu/">enroll.bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;to sign up or find more information. Registration opens March 16. Students can apply for admission before coming to campus by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://apply.bartonccc.edu/">apply.bartonccc.edu</a>.

The sessions are designed to make the enrollment process easy and fast. Students will be able to visit with an academic and financial advisor, plan and enroll for classes, take an optional tour of campus, and more.

April 14: 1 and 6 p.m. April 15: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 22: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 25: 9 a.m. May 6: 1 p.m. May 20: 1 p.m. June 3: 1 p.m. June 17: 1 p.m. July 15: 1 p.m. July 22: 1 p.m. July 29: 1 p.m.

Contact the admissions office at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admissions@bartonccc.edu">admissions@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;for more information or to schedule your enrollment via email or phone.

Barton hosting Enrollment Days to prepare students for 2026-2027 school year

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 

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Arizona senior guard Jaden Bradley was named the Big 12 player of the year Monday in voting by the conference’s 16 coaches.

Tommy Lloyd, who with Bradley led the No. 2 Wildcats to the regular-season conference title, was picked as coach of the year by his peers.

Bradley is averaging 13.4 points and 4.6 assists for the Wildcats (29-2). Arizona senior forward Tobe Awaka, who is averaging 9.6 points and 9.5 rebounds, was named the league's top sixth man.

BYU guard AJ Dybantsa, the Big 12 and national scoring leader at 24.5 points a game, was named the freshman of the year. Kansas senior guard Melvin Council Jr. was named the newcomer of the year after joining the No. 14 Jayhawks from St. Bonaventure.

Honored as the top defensive player was the Jayhawks' 6-foot-10 sophomore Flory Bidunga, who has a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game while averaging 13.8 points and 9.0 rebounds.

2026 Phillips 66 All-Big 12 Men’s Basketball Awards

Player of the Year: Jaden Bradley, Arizona

Defensive Player of the Year: Flory Bidunga, Kansas

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State

Freshman of the Year: AJ Dybantsa, BYU

Newcomer of the Year: Melvin Council Jr., Kansas

Sixth Man Award: Tobe Awaka, Arizona*

Most Improved: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

Coach of the Year: Tommy Lloyd, Arizona

All-Big 12 First Team Jaden Bradley, Arizona Brayden Burries, Arizona Motiejus Krivas, Arizona AJ Dybantsa, BYU* Emanuel Sharp, Houston Kingston Flemings, Houston* Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State Flory Bidunga, Kansas Christian Anderson, Texas Tech JT Toppin, Texas Tech*

All-Big 12 Second Team Richie Saunders, BYU Baba Miller, Cincinnati Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State Darryn Peterson, Kansas

All-Defensive Team Jaden Bradley, Arizona Motiejus Krivas, Arizona Emanuel Sharp, Houston Joseph Tugler, Houston Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State Flory Bidunga, Kansas* All-Freshman Team Brayden Burries, Arizona* Koa Peat, Arizona AJ Dybantsa, BYU* Kingston Flemings, Houston* Darryn Peterson, Kansas*

All-Newcomer Team Cameron Carr, Baylor Themus Fulks, UCF Baba Miller, Cincinnati Melvin Council Jr., Kansas Donovan Atwell, Texas Tech

Arizona guard Jaden Bradley and coach Tommy Lloyd pick up Big 12 awards

- Trevor Rolfs, Athletic Director of Barton CC

- Wyatt Thompson, the Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs and&nbsp;Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker&nbsp;have agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $45 million to bring the former Seattle running back to Kansas City, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday.

The deal includes $28.7 million guaranteed and $43.05 million in base value, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because contracts cannot become official until the new league year begins Wednesday.

Walker fills perhaps the biggest need for the Chiefs as they try to bounce back from a disastrous 6-11 season. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, their top two running backs, are both free agents, leaving only second-year pro Brashard Smith under contract.

The deal came as the Chiefs were nearing an agreement to&nbsp;bring back four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce&nbsp;for his 14th season, a person familiar with those negotiations told AP. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because that contract was not yet final.

Walker, a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, ran for 3,555 yards and 29 touchdowns over four seasons with the Seahawks. He had 1,027 yards and five scores last season, and he was even better in the playoffs, running for 116 yards and three TDs against the 49ers, another touchdown against the Rams, and 135 yards in&nbsp;a 29-13 win over the Patriots&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.

He is the fourth Super Bowl MVP to change teams the following season: Larry Brown went from the Cowboys to the Raiders, Desmond Howard from the Packers to the Raiders, and Dexter Jackson from the Buccaneers to the Cardinals.

The Chiefs have long survived at running back behind a patchwork of late-round draft picks and bargain free agents. But they were desperate to improve the position after ranking 25th in the NFL in rushing last season with just 106.6 yards per game.

Hunt finished with 661 yards rushing and Pacheco with 462 yards. The Chiefs' third-leading rusher was quarterback Patrick Mahomes with 422 yards and five touchdowns, and he missed the final three games of the season with a torn knee ligament.

The Chiefs had been linked to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the upcoming NFL draft, but his strong scouting combine may have pushed him so far up draft boards that he will be unavailable when Kansas City is due to pick at No. 9 overall.

The Chiefs also have the No. 29 pick in the first round as part of their deal to send cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams. And by signing Walker in free agency, they have more flexibility in the draft to address some of their other pressing needs, including a weak pass rush, the interior of their defensive line, their offensive line depth and wide receiver.

Chiefs land Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker on a 3-year deal worth up to $45M, AP source says

The Barton Community College women's swimming team closed out its season Saturday with a seventh-place finish at the NJCAA Swimming &amp; Diving Championships, held at the Indian River State Aquatics Center in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Competing as a four-swimmer lineup across the four-day national meet, the Cougars tallied 195 points while producing seven new program top 10 performances and 15 personal-best marks against the nation's top-competition. Indian River State captured its 44th consecutive national championship with 1,291 points, followed by Southwest Oregon in second with 675 and Iowa Western in third with 516.5 points.

Freshman&nbsp;Avery Stewart&nbsp;led Barton with the squad's highest point total of 35 while producing the Cougars' top finishes of the Championships, placing sixth in both the 50-yard backstroke and 100-yard backstroke. Stewart also recorded personal best stoppages in all four of her individual events, including the 50 backstroke (29.64) ranking seventh all-time in program history, along with the 100 backstroke (1:06.08), 100 freestyle (1:00.32), and 100 IM (1:09.46).

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/wswimdive/2025-26/bios/alvarez_katy_7sv6">Katy Alvarez</a>&nbsp;added the Cougars final top-eight individual performance, placing eighth in the 100-yard breaststroke. Alvarez concluded her two-year Barton career scoring the team's second-most 32 points while producing personal-best swims in the 100 IM (1:09.24) set in prelims and the 200 breaststroke (2:46.24), ranking eighth all-time in program history. Alvarez also recorded a season-best effort in the 50 breaststroke (34.14) during the preliminary session.

In the team events, the Cougars' four-pack delivered seventh-place finishes in all four relay races, posting personal-best times while moving into Barton's program top-10 record books in each event. The quartet produced marks in the 800 freestyle relay (9:18.00) ranking eighth all-time, the 200 freestyle relay (1:55.66) ninth in program history, the 200 medley relay (2:08.28) eighth best in the program, and the 400 freestyle relay (4:16.35) also eighth quickest in the Cougar record books.

Additional improvements came from sophomore&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter, who contributed three personal-best times in the 1000 freestyle (12:37.87), 400 IM (5:29.98) ranking seventh all-time in program history, and the 1650 freestyle (21:23.97), while also recording a season-best performance in the 200 backstroke (2:32.34) to close out her Cougar career. Freshman&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton&nbsp;added personal-best swims in the 50 butterfly (36.15) and 500 freestyle (6:43.31), helping round out the Cougars' collective showing across the four-day championship meet.

Barton Women's Results 50 Backstroke:&nbsp;6th -&nbsp;Avery Stewart&nbsp;(29.64 PB *7th program fastest) 50 Breaststroke:&nbsp;12th -&nbsp;Katy Alvarez&nbsp;(34.41) (34.14 SB in Prelims) 50 Butterfly:&nbsp;15th -&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton&nbsp;(36.15 PB)100 Backstroke:&nbsp;6th -&nbsp;Avery Stewart&nbsp;(1:06.08 PB) 100 Breaststroke:&nbsp;8th -&nbsp;Katy Alvarez&nbsp;(1:15.34) (1:14.58 in Prelims) 100 Freestyle:&nbsp;19th -&nbsp;Avery Stewart&nbsp;(1:00.32 PB); 23rd -&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton&nbsp;(1:11.48) 100 IM:&nbsp;9th -&nbsp;Avery Stewart&nbsp;(1:09.46 PB); 10th -&nbsp;Katy Alvarez&nbsp;(1:09.96) (1:09.24 PB in Prelims) 200 Backstroke:&nbsp;10th -&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter&nbsp;(2:32.34 SB) 200 Breaststroke:&nbsp;9th -&nbsp;Katy Alvarez&nbsp;(2:46.24 PB *8th program fastest) 200 Freestyle:&nbsp;17th -&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton&nbsp;(2:38.19) 400 IM:&nbsp;9th -&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter&nbsp;(5:29.98 PB *7th program fastest) 500 Freestyle:&nbsp;14th -&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton&nbsp;(6:43.31 PB) 1000 Freestyle:&nbsp;13th -&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter&nbsp;(12:37.87 PB) 1650 Freestyle:&nbsp;10th -&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter&nbsp;(21:23.97 PB) 200 Freestyle Relay:&nbsp;7th –&nbsp;Avery Stewart,&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton,&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter,&nbsp;Katy Alvarez&nbsp;(1:55.66 PB *9th program fastest) 200 Medley Relay:&nbsp;7th -&nbsp;Avery Stewart,&nbsp;Katy Alvarez,&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter,&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton&nbsp;(2:08.28 PB *8th program fastest) 400 Freestyle Relay:&nbsp;7th -&nbsp;Katy Alvarez,&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton,&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter,&nbsp;Avery Stewart&nbsp;(4:16.35 PB *8th program fastest) 800 Freestyle Relay:&nbsp;7th -&nbsp;Avery Stewart,&nbsp;Jocelyn Hamilton,&nbsp;Katy Alvarez,&nbsp;MaKayla Baxter&nbsp;(9:18.00 PB *8th program fastest)

Barton women place seventh at NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III is the new running back for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, and Miami settled on Malik Willis for a reset at quarterback after releasing Tua Tagovailoa. Indianapolis is keeping its top free agent in receiver Alec Pierce. People with knowledge of the agreements said the deals were among those reached on the opening day of NFL free agency. Two edge rushers are on the move. Jaelan Phillips is joining Carolina after Philadelphia traded for him last season. Dallas added edge rusher Rashan Gary in a trade with Green Bay.

One of the so-called fixers in a sprawling betting scheme to cash in on big bets on rigged NCAA basketball games has pleaded guilty. The federal prosecutors' office in Philadelphia says Jalen Smith appeared Monday in federal court and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges. Prosecutors say the Charlotte, North Carolina, man trained local basketball players and used those connections to recruit players in the scheme. Charges against Smith were unsealed in January along with 25 others. Prosecutors say Smith helped fix games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. They say he placed bets and recruited players with the promise of a big payment in exchange for purposefully underperforming during a game.

DALLAS (AP) — FIFA’s World Cup chief operating officer says the tournament is “too big” to be postponed because of global turmoil caused by the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. Speaking Monday at the International Broadcast Center for the 48-nation tournament, which starts June 11, Heimo Schirgi said FIFA continues to closely monitor the Iran war and its fallout. The tournament, expanded from 32 nations to 48, is scheduled for 11 U.S. venues plus three in Mexico and two in Canada. While the Trump administration has imposed a travel ban on four of the nations that have qualified — Iran, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Senegal — it says it will make an exception for players, team officials and immediate relatives.

GOLD COAST, Australia (AP) — Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were in the country for a tournament when the Iran war began. The women were transported from their hotel in Gold Coast, Australia “to a safe location” by Australian federal police officers in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time. There, they met with Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and the processing of their humanitarian visas finalized, the minister told reporters in Brisbane hours later. An official team list numbered 26 players, plus coaching and other staff. Burke didn’t detail what threats the players faced in Iran.

The Miami Dolphins are moving on from Tua Tagovailoa but his contract will still be an albatross on the team for two more seasons. The Dolphins announced their plans to cut Tagovailoa less than two years after he signed a $212 million extension in a move that will leave a record $99.2 million of dead money on Miami’s salary cap. The charge for Tagovailoa can be split over the 2026 and ’27 seasons if the Dolphins designate Tagovailoa to be cut after June 1 but nevertheless it will have to hit the team’s salary cap, topping the $85 million charge Denver took when cutting Russell Wilson two years ago.

Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer and Roman Anthony added a three-run drve in a big third inning to lead the United States to a 5-3 win over Mexico in the World Baseball Classic at Houston’s Daikin Park. The U.S. improved to 3-0 and will meet Italy on Tuesday night, seeking to secure a spot in the quarterfinals in Houston this weekend. Jarren Duran homered twice for Mexico, which will face Italy Wednesday night in the last game of Group B play. Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes allowed one hit and struck out seven in four innings for the U.S.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drilled a step-back 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left to cap a frantic final minute on a night he matched Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive 20-point games, and the Oklahoma City beat the Denver Nuggets 129-126. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and a career-high 15 assists, becoming the second player in NBA history to have those totals and zero turnovers. He also had nine rebounds. In the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander reached the 20-point mark for the 126th straight game, matching Chamberlain’s streak from 1961-63. Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists for the Nuggets.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce is close to a new deal that keeps him with the Kansas City Chiefs for a 14th season, a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because no contract has been signed. Kelce has been weighing retirement and said he wanted to provide some clarity to the Chiefs by early March. Kansas City faces the start of free agency this week and the NFL draft in April. One reason Kelce is likely returning is to help the Chiefs bounce back from a tough 6-11 season, their worst since 2012. Another is to play again with Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL late last season.

Barcelona faces Newcastle as the Champions League round of 16 gets underway. The Spanish champion travels to St James’ Park for the first leg, with coach Hansi Flick leaving his players in no doubt about what’s a stake by describing it as “one of the most important moments of the season". Five-time European champion Barcelona hasn’t won the Champions League since 2015 and has had to watch on as its fiercest rival Real Madrid has dominated the competition. Flick delivered the Spanish title last season, but his team was knocked out of the Champions League at the semifinals stage. He is aiming to improve on that this time around.

HOUSTON (AP) — Tarik Skubal will not pitch again in the World Baseball Classic. The Detroit Tigers ace said Monday he didn't get a lot of sleep the last two nights as he mulled whether to make another start. In the end, the reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner decided against it. Skubal started Saturday in a win over Britain. His plan was to make only one start in the WBC and then return to the Tigers. But he reconsidered because he didn't realize how emotional he would become while pitching for the U.S. Skubal is expected to secure a nine-figure contract after this season.

INTERLEAGUE Final	St. Louis	7	Baltimore	2	 Final	Boston	5	Philadelphia	3	 Final	Houston	10	St. Louis	3	 Final	Atlanta	9	Minnesota	8	 Final	L.A. Angels	2	San Francisco	0	 Final	Arizona	2	Seattle	1	 Final	Texas	4	San Diego	1	 Final	Chicago White Sox	12	Colorado	3	 Final	Athletics	9	Cincinnati	7	 Final	Pittsburgh	5	N.Y. Yankees	3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Cleveland	6	Kansas City	2	 Final	Tampa Bay	4	Detroit	4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	L.A. Dodgers	4	Milwaukee	3	 Final	N.Y. Mets	9	Miami	0

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final OT	Los Angeles	5	Columbus	4	 Final	Washington	7	Calgary	3	 Final	N-Y Rangers	6	Philadelphia	2	 Final OT	Chicago	3	Utah	2	 Final	Ottawa	2	Vancouver	0

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(12)Gonzaga	65	Oregon State	56	 Final	Santa Clara	76	(21)Saint Mary's	71

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Arizona had one final gut-check moment before the Big 12 Tournament last weekend, when the second-ranked Wildcats had to rally from 11 down to beat Colorado and ultimately finish with the most regular-season wins in program history.

There hadn't been a whole lot of them this season.

The Wildcats (29-2) beat Florida and UConn, Alabama and UCLA before conference play. Then they romped through the Big 12, losing their only two games — back-to-back to No. 14 Kansas and No. 16 Texas Tech — by a combined seven points in mid-February.

So the close shave in an eventual 89-79 win over the Buffaloes may have come at exactly the right time.

“I think it’s important for us to understand, as you head into the postseason, that you’re going to have games like that,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said, "where you’re playing against a team that’s playing their (butt) off and playing really good, and maybe your energy is not quite where you want it to be, but you've got to be able to dig deep and respond. I was really proud of our guys’ effort.

"Hopefully this was a lesson learned, you know, because obviously it’d be great if we could continue to play for a long time.”

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