By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Buy it, renovate it, and good things will come. Owning a successful business is part of the American Dream for many. In the fall of 2024, Jessica Eagle and Tyson Moyer purchased the Kanapolis Drive In, adding new bathrooms and rebuilding the concession stand. All was going well until one of the busiest months of the season. Then a broken projector threatened to ruin the business.

"It just was not something we were prepared for," Eagle said. "We honestly planned on continuing to use the projector we had. Just because we'd had to do all the renovations and updates we'd done, it just was not in the budget to do something on top of everything we'd already completed."

Renovations included spacious new bathrooms, improved sound, and a concession stand that rivals that of any indoor movie theater. Beyond the physical renovations, the new owners also brought new entertainment ideas. The first ever live-music event at the facility, Kam Jam, was held at the end of September. Another music event was planned around the release of the new Taylor Swift album at the beginning of October. That and the all-night scary movie event on Oct. 11 had to be canceled.

"We didn't get to do one of our biggest events of the year, which is the Monsterama," said Eagle. "People look forward to that event every year. They start asking about it in the spring. It's our all-night campout for scary movies. It's a very cool thing. Losing those events hurt our business and disappointed our customers."

The Drive In's previous owners used social media to help put the business on the map. The new owners have gone even further with informative and comical posts that get shared throughout the state. During the great Cracker Barrel logo debate of 2025, the Drive In posted its own version of the logo, garnering more than 6,000 likes and 500 shares on Facebook. That social media presence proved vital in saving the business after the projector breakdown last October.

"The night of the concert, we had worked up until the last minute," said Eagle. "I knew, within the hour, parents were going to be showing up, people were going to be showing up for the concert. I literally could not get it together emotionally to let everybody know. I said, 'I've just got to run with it, because if I don't let people know, they're going to be driving here.' I just ran with it, tears and all. We did not anticipate that video exploding like it did."

That video was viewed more than 130,000 times. Another video piled up more than 340,000 views. The result: donations poured in from not only Kansas, but from around the nation. One day-event in Salina raised more than $7,000 for the purchase of a new projector.

"People even donated from all over the United States because there's only like 275 drive-ins left in the entire United States, so these are very far and few between," Eagle said. "They're important to building community and economy, especially like in our area, our small, rural community."

The bad news has turned into good news. A new 4K laser projector will be a win for all. The newer technology will save the Drive In operational costs, and movie fans will be treated to a projection that is more than twice as bright as the previous projector could produce.

Eagle and Moyer were living in Kansas City, but had made their own trips to the Drive In when visiting Moyer's home town. They fell in love with the atmosphere, watching friends and families make treasured memories. They purchased the Drive In with plans to improve it.

"Last year, we did a lot of updates and renovations to the Drive In to keep the integrity of the building and to keep the structure sound," said Eagle. "We knew it needed bathrooms and other things. It ended up being a domino effect because once you opened up one thing, it was another thing that had to be done."

Eagle said more surprises are in store for customers during the 2026 season. The Kanapolis Drive In will host a soft opening before its official season opening on April 3. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" will play that Friday and Saturday, and the Drive In will transition to its normal 3-night schedule in May. 

Several films are typically shown each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the box office opening at 7 p.m., and movies beginning after the sun goes down. Cost is $9 per adults 13 years of age and older, and $6 for children. Sundays are carload nights were customers pay $20 no matter how many people are in a vehicle.

Kanapolis Drive In overcomes adversity, ready for 2026 season with new 4K laser projector

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a bridge replacement project on U.S. 183 just south of the K-96 junction in Rush Center on Monday, March 16, conditions permitting.

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours. One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction head-to-head with an 11-foot width restriction and a 150-foot length restriction. Side streets will be closed at U.S. 183.

Wildcat Construction of Wichita (who won the bid as Klaver Construction) is the prime contractor on the $2.5 million project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kandrive.gov%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019caf4067b8-22d938cf-d603-47e0-a11a-e1f1eb7fe6ce-000000/k2Ze_5YjgiP5VD-AaJFdvLyWqqLGn2MShm9hJ-iX62Q=446">kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 511. For updates on construction projects in South Central Kansas, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Fsouthcentralnews%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0101019caf4067b8-22d938cf-d603-47e0-a11a-e1f1eb7fe6ce-000000/B6ANvfJL4IGSSISYlZlJnhIObV8cEjA2wTv1Z97ZlBk=446">ksdot.gov/southcentralnews</a>.

KDOT bridge replacement project in Rush Center begins this month

BY DALE HOGG Hogg Strategies &amp; Stories

For many in Great Bend, the face of Sunflower Diversified Services is a man who rarely "turns it off," even when he is off the clock. Whether he is balancing a broom on his face to make people laugh or carrying a pocketful of raffle tickets to a community gathering, Cody Harris has become synonymous with the organization he serves.

Harris, known for his "can-do" attitude and his inability to stay quiet in a library, was named the 2025 NextGen Leader of the Year by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. He joined Business of the Year Stueder Contractors Inc., Citizen of the Year Nancy Sundahl and Legacy Award recipient Mark Calcara as an honoree during the chamber’s 104th annual awards banquet Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Great Bend Events Center.

"He has a personality to him," his wife, Maggie, said. "He likes to be, you know, kind of in the spotlight in a serious capacity. He likes to have a good time while he's doing the work that matters, and make sure other people have a good time too."

Sonya Rein, who nominated Harris for the award, said he "puts the 'fun' into fundraising" and is a leader always willing to try new things.

Harris serves as the director of planned giving and community support at Sunflower Diversified Services, where his primary focus is fundraising and public relations, as well as community employment for the clients. It is a role, he says brings him immense excitement, particularly "seeing their faces when they get hired."

Beyond his professional work, Harris is a fixture in the Great Bend community. He is serving his third term as a chamber ambassador, is president of the Noon Lions Club, spends his free time coaching youth sports for the Great Bend Recreation Commission and is currently serving on the board for the Great Bend Zoological Society

The NextGen Leader of the Year Award recognizes young professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and a generous community spirit. Harris, a self-described "man of many obscure talents" including juggling, exemplifies the high standard of social responsibility the award seeks to honor.

Harris’ journey to leadership began in Deerfield, a small town 20 miles west of Garden City, where he was born and raised. While studying at Fort Hays State University, Harris took a job as a primary caretaker for a man with an intellectual disability. The two became close friends, navigating the quiet rhythms of daily life together, from grocery shopping to doctor's appointments.

That experience, coupled with having a sister who also has an intellectual disability, solidified his calling. In 2013, Harris moved to Great Bend and married Maggie. He started at Sunflower as a direct-care provider, working his way through job guidance into his current role as a lead fundraiser.

He has since modernized the organization’s outreach, introducing the annual Turkey Trot and a biennial car raffle alongside staple events like the pancake feed and the annual gala. A significant part of his mission involves advocating for adult clients, a group that often sees less donor interest than children’s programs. Maggie said her husband is driven by a desire to provide these individuals with a life as close to "normal" as possible.

"He’s a very outgoing person and a leader by nature, I think, but he’s really jumped into that in the last several years," she said. "He probably would not say he’s a leader by nature, but I think most people around him would disagree with that. His personality just comes out when he’s speaking to a room, especially if he’s passionate about the topic."

That passion extends beyond the walls of Sunflower. Despite being "implants" in Great Bend - Maggie originally hails from Dodge City - the couple has made a deliberate effort to embed themselves in the community. They attend events and activities and say they do not understand those who claim "there is nothing to do in Great Bend."

Maggie noted that her husband’s visibility is a strategic effort to ensure Sunflower is seen in a positive light and to show that the organization gives back as much as it receives. He is known for his quick support of other local nonprofits, fostering a spirit of community reciprocation.

Even his personal style reflects a mix of serious advocacy and lighthearted showmanship. While he once performed backflips to entertain crowds, his wife recently encouraged him to retire that particular trick. "I said, 'You’re over 30 now, you can stop,'" she joked.

Still, his commitment to the mission remains high-energy. Whether he is in a formal meeting or a casual conversation, Harris is rarely seen without a way for community members to get involved.

"Everyone says, 'he’s Sunflower.' He’s the guy that everybody knows," Maggie said. "He never stops, he never turns it off. He wants to make sure people understand the work that Sunflower does and support it as much as he can."

His life has come full circle recently. His mother, who still lives in Deerfield, decided to move his sister to Great Bend so she can enjoy the services provided by Sunflower.

2025 NextGen Leader of the Year: For Harris, having fun is serious business

It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

What history suggests about pump prices By analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of around $5 per gallon.

"Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week," Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Gas prices could climb even higher Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

As the nation's first operational land-grant institution, Kansas State University has served the people of Kansas, the&nbsp;nation&nbsp;and the world since its founding in 1863 — and it continues to set the standard as a next-generation land-grant university. K-State offers an exceptional student experience across three physical campuses and online offerings, meeting students where they are and preparing them to achieve their personal and professional goals. The university is committed to its mission of teaching, research and service through industry-connected programs, impactful research-driven solutions, and a sharp focus on community engagement and economic prosperity.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down the numbers

Panther Sports Powered by:&nbsp;Equity Bank. Sponsored in part by:&nbsp; GB Tarp Company, Advance Truck &amp; Diesel, Keller Real Estate &amp; Insurance, Innovative Livestock Services, The Fieldhouse, Marmie Auto Group, Magna Dry Cleaning Services, Freedom Claims Management, Great Bend Rec, Rosenberg Family Dentistry, Chris Ramsey - Shelter Insurance, Mitch Haney &amp; Associates, Farmer's Bank &amp; Trust, Scott's Welding Service, Kern Floor Service, Nex-Tech, Comfort Pro, The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus, People's Bank &amp; Trust, Sutherlands, The 10th Street Eyecare Center, Stone Sand Company and Stone Waste Management, Advanced Therapy &amp; Sports Medicine, Damm Pipe Testing, Great Bend Redi Mix, Insurance Planning, Edward Jones, Delgado's Mexican Restaurant, Mpire Realty, American Plains Coop, Cody Crook - Red Cedar Land Company, GB Tires, Animal Medical Center, Barton Community College, Dr. Chad Ohnmacht DDS, &amp; Watkins Calcara Chartered.

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

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

WATCH: Panther Boys @ Emporia Tonight

Booked Woods, Kurt A on Great Bend Municipal Court Case 26-304 for Driving while Suspended. Bond set at $500.00 cash or surety.

Released Woods, Kurt A on Great Bend Municipal Court Case 26-304 for Driving while Suspended by posting a $500.00 surety through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Espinosa, Nicholas J. on Barton County District Court case #BT2024CR0087 for Serve Sentence with time served.

Released Caruthers, Crystal R. on Barton County District Court case 26-295 for Criminal Damage to property per County Attorney and Criminal Littering on 48 hour O.R.

Booked in Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Failure to Appear, bond set at $1,000.00 cash only.

Booked in Sherman, Augustus on Texas Department of Criminal Justice warrant #02042025-50477639 for Parole Violation, bond set at NO BOND.

Released Sherman, Augustus JR on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0237 for Failure to appear, Surety of $10,000.00 posted by ACE Bail Bonds. Sherman is still in custody on Texas Department of Criminal Justice warrant #02042025-50477 639 for Parole Violation.

Released Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Failure to Appear, Cash bond of $1,000.00 paid.

Booked in Harbison, James P. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-32 for Driving While Suspended and Speeding with bond set at $1,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Harbison, James P. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-32 for Driving While Suspended and Speeding after posting the $1,000.00 cash bond.

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

Tuesday A slight chance of drizzle before noon. Areas of fog before 10am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 52. East southeast wind 7 to 14 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Tuesday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east northeast in the afternoon. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 38. East wind around 6 mph becoming south after midnight.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Breezy. Thursday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday A 30 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy.

Tuesday's weather

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>

GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.

Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.

Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.

“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.

Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.

In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.

“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.

Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.

Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.

“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.

“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.

In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.

Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.

“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”

In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.

Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.

“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”

Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;

“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.

Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.

“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”

Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.

At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.

“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.

“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;

In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.

Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.

“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”

Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.

Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.

“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”

This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.

In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.

To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.

Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.

Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.

She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.

Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.

This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.

“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.

Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;

“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.

That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.

“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”

However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”

Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”

Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.

“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”

This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.

Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.

“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

Kansas homeowners carry bigger tax burden than commercial property owners

If you build it, they will come. It’s a famous movie line
that often applies to civic organizations. Rebuilding also counts. Last week, the National Hot Rod
Association (NHRA) announced the Summit Racing Equipment E.T. Series will be
coming to Great Bend in September. City Administrator Logan Burns addressed
other good news during Monday’s city council meeting.

“We will have a street closure on Lakin between Main and Williams
for Rocky Mountain Race Week on June 5,” he said. “We will have those racers
lining their cars up on each side of Lakin, and we’ll hold an event at Dry
Lake. We’ll have the community come out and check out those cars.”

Three concrete pours are planned at the SRCA Dragstrip west
of Great Bend this week, and three more are planned next week. Burns said everything
is on schedule, and the busy pour schedule should wrap up next week. Exterior
walls on the new tower have been framed, and the roof should be installed by
Wednesday. Everything is setting the stage for a big return of drag racing to
the city.

“NHRA has announced that Great Bend and the SRCA Dragstrip will
hosting the E.T. finals on Sept. 24-26,” Burns said. “That’s great news to be
able to share as we’ll be having an exciting lineup of races this season.”

The E.T. Finals will give racers one more chance to advance
to the NHRA Summit Racing Series, presented by Hoosier World Championships,
which are set from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 in Las Vegas. A $30,000 Hoosier prize
will also be shared among finals winners and national champions who use Hoosier
tires. Twelve sites will host races, culminating with division finals on Sept.
24-26. The East Division will race in Iowa, and the West Finals will be held at
the SRCA Dragstrip.

Big things already planned for Great Bend with new SRCA Dragstrip 

Kansas Trails Inc. (KTI), the statewide leader in trail development, coordination, and advocacy, invites Kansans from across the state to celebrate Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Trail Appreciation Day is a day-long celebration of the people, places, and partnerships that make trails a vital part of Kansas communities. Trail advocates, enthusiasts, local organizations, and policymakers will come together to highlight how trails support health, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across the state.&nbsp;

The event will feature interactive exhibits from trail systems and trail organizations&nbsp;representing&nbsp;communities throughout Kansas, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about trail projects, success stories, and&nbsp;future plans. The program will also include a keynote presentation by Kansas State Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, along with visits from Kansas State Senators and Representatives who support outdoor recreation and community infrastructure.&nbsp;

“Trails connect more than places- they connect people, communities, and opportunities,” said Mike Scanlon, Executive Director of Kansas Trails Inc. “Trail Appreciation Day is a chance to showcase the incredible work happening across Kansas and to elevate the importance of continued investment in trails for generations to come.”&nbsp;

Trail Appreciation Day is open to the public, but registration is&nbsp;required. Community members, trail users, nonprofit organizations, planners, elected officials, and anyone passionate about&nbsp;trails&nbsp;are encouraged to attend.&nbsp;

Trail Appreciation Day is hosted by Kansas Trails Inc. with support from The Sunflower Foundation.&nbsp;

About Kansas&nbsp;Trails Inc.&nbsp; Kansas Trails Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing trail development, education, coordination, and advocacy across Kansas. Through technical&nbsp;assistance, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, KTI works to strengthen communities by expanding access to safe, sustainable, and connected trail systems.&nbsp;

Kansas Trails Inc. hosts Trail Appreciation Day at the Kansas State Capitol

&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman.

 He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;

“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff

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 

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

- Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hill, Pfannenstiel earn KJCCC All-Conference honors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton are among the sports stars whose schedules are in doubt because of the spreading war in the Middle East. Cancellations and travel shutdowns are already affecting events since the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran on Saturday. Organizers of Formula 1 and major soccer games face deciding within weeks whether they can go ahead as scheduled. Middle Eastern nations have become crucial to the world sports landscape over the last decade as event hosts, financial backers and employers for some of the world’s top athletes.

GENEVA (AP) — Iran’s place at the men’s soccer World Cup in three months has been put in doubt amid an escalating Middle East conflict sparked by tournament co-host the United States. Iran is due to play three group-stage games in the U.S. from June 15-26. Two are in Inglewood, California and one in Seattle. It is unclear if the state-backed Iranian soccer federation could refuse to send its team to the 48-nation tournament that Canada and Mexico will co-host. Or if the U.S. government could effectively block the team. If Iran doesn't play, Iraq is next in line from Asia.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Fallon made fun of Jack Hughes for getting a tooth knocked out before scoring his Olympic-final overtime goal and praised Hilary Knight for winning at her fifth Games as the U.S. gold medal-winning hockey players made another late-night television appearance. Knight, Jack Hughes and his brother Quinn Hughes shared the stage on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Monday night, 48 hours after their memorable cameo alongside women’s golden goal scorer Megan Keller on “Saturday Night Live.”

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Duke star freshman Cameron Boozer had a pair of long, thick and inflamed scatches wrapped around his right shoulder after a lopsided win at N.C. State. The victory secured the outright Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season title for the Blue Devils. Boozer finished with 26 points in the 93-64 win. He joked that “the Wolfpack got me” afterward with “long claws.” Boozer says the scratches came from one of the Wolfpack's big men after halftime.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Cadillac brings a new American team to the Formula 1 grid as the season opens in Australia. The team makes its racing debut this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The project started with Michael Andretti’s bid, but it now belongs to TWG Motorsports and General Motors. The group kept building the car and engine even after F1 first said no. Cadillac signed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to lead the effort. The team leases Ferrari engines until its General Motors engines are ready. Many expect early struggles, but Cadillac says it has come to win.

Luke Kornet has called on the Atlanta Hawks to cancel their upcoming collaboration with Magic City. Kornet says he and other NBA players were surprised by the team’s decision to promote the adult entertainment club. The San Antonio Spurs center wrote Monday that allowing the March 16 event during the Hawks’ game against the Orlando Magic “would reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.” The Hawks announced the promotion last week. Kornet noted that the team failed to acknowledge that Magic City is a strip club.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Jaden Bradley scored 17 points, Motiejus Krivas added 13 and No. 2 Arizona clinched the outright Big 12 regular-season title with a 73-57 win over No. 6 Iowa State. The Wildcats secured at least a share of the conference crown by using big runs in each half to beat No. 14 Kansas 84-61 on Saturday. Arizona earned it outright by smothering Iowa State defensively to give Tommy Lloyd his 140th victory, most in NCAA history in a coach’s first five seasons. Coming off their first home loss of the season, the Cyclones labored against Arizona’s physical defense, shooting 29% from the floor, including 7 of 30 from 3-point range. Tamin Lipsey led Iowa State with 17 points.

PHOENIX (AP) — San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start on the mound for Team USA in its first World Baseball Classic game Friday night against Brazil, manager Mark DeRosa said Monday. DeRosa added that two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is expected to start Saturday against Britain, followed by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes versus Mexico on Monday. New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday in the final pool-play game against Italy, though he’s dealing with an illness and wasn’t with the U.S. team for Monday’s practice.

The Detroit Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs along with fourth and seventh-round picks, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Detroit dealt a veteran running back who wanted more carries for much-needed depth on the offensive line and extra selections in next month’s draft. The Lions later released 33-year-old offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, who started 14 games last season and has started 136 games in his 10-year career.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trae Young was thrown out of a Washington game and he isn’t even set to play for the Wizards for a few more nights. Young was ejected Monday night from the Wizards’ game against the Houston Rockets when he left the bench and walked onto the court to complain to a referee. Young was then kicked out during a confrontation between Houston’s Tari Eason and Washington’s Jamir Watkins. Young made an Instagram post of himself working out in Wizards gear earlier Monday and ended it with “3/5.” The Wizards are set to host Utah that night. Coach Brian Keefe said the point guard was trending toward being ready to play against the Jazz.

INTERLEAGUE Final	Atlanta	5	Detroit	2	 Final	Pittsburgh	4	Tampa Bay	1	 Final	San Francisco	6	Chicago White Sox	5	 Final	Athletics	7	San Diego	2	 Final	Washington	3	Houston	3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Boston	7	Toronto	6	 Final	Texas	3	Cleveland	1	 Final	L.A. Angels	5	Kansas City	4

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	St. Louis	3	Miami	2	 Final	L.A. Dodgers	7	Colorado	5	 Final	Cincinnati	17	Chicago Cubs	9

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Detroit	4	Nashville	2	 Final OT	Columbus	5	N-Y Rangers	4	 Final SO	Philadelphia	3	Toronto	2	 Final	Seattle	2	Carolina	1	 Final	Dallas	6	Vancouver	1	 Final	Colorado	4	Los Angeles	2

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(1)Duke	93	North Carolina State	64	 Final	(2)Arizona	73	(6)Iowa State	57

Tuesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

- Water Cooler Monday with Garrett Fitzpatrick

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

West Virginia Mountaineers (17-12, 8-8 Big 12) at Kansas State Wildcats (11-18, 2-14 Big 12)

BOTTOM LINE: PJ Haggerty and Kansas State host Brenen Lorient and West Virginia in Big 12 action Tuesday.

The Wildcats are 9-8 in home games. Kansas State allows 80.9 points to opponents and has been outscored by 1.4 points per game.

The Mountaineers have gone 8-8 against Big 12 opponents. West Virginia ranks second in the Big 12 giving up 64.7 points while holding opponents to 41.6% shooting.

Kansas State averages 9.5 made 3-pointers per game, 1.9 more made shots than the 7.6 per game West Virginia gives up. West Virginia averages 7.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than Kansas State gives up.

The teams play for the second time in conference play this season. West Virginia won the last meeting 59-54 on Jan. 28. Honor Huff scored 17 points to help lead the Mountaineers to the win.

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