By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Some of the biggest movies of all-time are summer
blockbusters. As outdoor weather and the silver screen go hand in hand, the
city of Great Bend has announced Summer Movie Nights will return to Jack Kilby
Square in downtown Great Bend this June and July. City Administrator Logan
Burns provided details during Monday’s city council meeting.

“(Public Information Director Addi Crites) has released some
polls on social media,” he said. “June will be America-themed, then July will a
family movie night. If you get the chance to get on social media and vote for
those, we will be looking at bringing those back.”

The city will accept votes for the movie title on the city
of Great Bend Facebook page through Feb. 23. “Top Gun: Maverick” is an early
front-runner for the June movie, with “National Treasure” sitting in second,
and U.S. hockey-themed “Miracle” in a distant third. “Zootopia 2” leads the
early votes for the July movie, followed by Dr. Suess’s “The Lorax” and “Inside
Out.”

Also in his report Monday night, Burns commended the Great
Bend Fire Department for handling a large grass fire just south of town on
Friday. He also informed the council of an upcoming joint meeting with the
Barton County Commission to be scheduled on March 9 or March 23. The meeting
will likely include a tour of the wastewater treatment plant.

City of Great Bend announces return of Summer Movie Nights at Jack Kilby Square

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

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

🎙Follow the Great Bend Post Podcast - New Episodes

The public is invited to attend a legislative coffee on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10-11 a.m., in the Ellinwood Public Library, 210 N. Schiller Ave. Women for Kansas Barton County Chapter and Sunflower Bank will provide coffee and light refreshments. There is no fee for this event. 

Kansas State Representative Brett Fairchild and a staff member from US Senator Roger Marshall’s office are confirmed to attend. After updates from the elected officials on current legislative actions and information about their respective committee assignments, they will address questions and issues presented by attendees.

For more information, please contact Women for Kansas Barton County Chapter at w4kgreatbend@gmail.com

Public invited to Legislative Coffee in Ellinwood on Feb. 28

By ELLE HUTCHINSON Barton County Media Consultant

During this week’s meeting, the Barton County Commission approved a request from the Sheriff’s Office to replace a portion of its patrol vehicle fleet.

Sheriff Brian Bellendir explained that the department regularly replaces vehicles due to high mileage, mechanical issues, or damage to ensure reliable and safe operations for deputies across the county.

The Sheriff’s Office identified four available vehicles through the Kansas Highway Patrol that meet current operational needs, including three 2023 and one 2022 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD units. These vehicles come fully equipped for law enforcement use, making them a cost-effective option compared to purchasing and outfitting new vehicles.

The total cost of the four vehicles is $152,650.00. Bellendir noted that no vehicles were replaced in the previous year, allowing approximately $116,000 in unused vehicle funds to be returned to the county. The department will apply those funds toward this purchase and use its 2026 vehicle budget to cover the remaining balance, while still maintaining funding for any additional vehicle needs that may arise throughout the year.

The Commission approved the request, supporting the Sheriff’s Office’s efforts to maintain a reliable fleet while making efficient use of county resources.

Barton Co. Sheriff’s Office purchases four used vehicles for $152,000

Stafford County Economic Development (SCED) on Tuesday announced an exciting new community initiative in partnership with Lightsource bp, a global energy developer currently advancing a solar project in Stafford County.

Lightsource bp has donated over $230,000 to SCED to support the construction of a new licensed childcare facility, addressing the critical shortage of childcare options in the Macksville area. This facility will create much-needed capacity for working families and bolster local workforce participation.

“This investment transforms private-sector support into lasting community infrastructure,” said Ryan Russell, Director of Stafford County Economic Development. “Access to quality childcare is vital for supporting families, employers, and schools in rural Kansas. We are grateful to partner with Lightsource bp on this essential project.”

Building on this effort, SCED plans to apply for additional funding to fund a new single-family home aimed at retaining and attracting teachers for the Macksville school district—providing safe, affordable housing close to where they work.

“These two projects are truly changing the story for Macksville,” said Mike Sanders, Superintendent of Macksville Schools. “The projects directly support our shared goal of attracting and retaining quality teachers by addressing essential needs like reliable housing and accessible childcare. By meeting these challenges head-on, we’re not only empowering our educators but also creating a stable, thriving environment where our students and the entire community can flourish."

"Lightsource bp is steadfast in our commitment to building strong, enduring partnerships and creating value within the communities that host our projects,” said Kara Titus, Director of Community Relations for Lightsource bp USA. “We are proud to join Stafford County Economic Development to fund new childcare solutions that will empower families in Macksville and generate positive impacts for generations to come.”

The Zion Valley Solar project, just minutes from Macksville, represents over $300 million in private investment and showcases growing renewable energy interest in rural Kansas. SCED is working closely with local and state partners to ensure the benefits of this development extend beyond energy generation and strengthen the entire community.

For more information about this project or Stafford County Economic Development initiatives, please contact:

Stafford County Economic Development Ryan Russell 620-549-3527 ryan@staffordecodevo.com

For more information about Lightsource bp and the Zion Valley Solar project contact:

Lightsource bp Rachel Moore Director, Marketing &amp; Communications USApress@lightsourcebp.com

Stafford County and Lightsource bp partner to fund new childcare facility in Macksville

Barton Community College invites the public to a free weather awareness event, "Why is Kansas Weather So Different?" on Feb. 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Science &amp; Math Building, Room S-118.

The event features presentations from Chief Meteorologist at KWCH Channel 12 Ross Janssen and Vanessa Pearce of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The speakers will provide expert insights into the relationship between Kansas geography and severe weather patterns, as well as the practical impacts of weather on the local community.

The seminar is open to all ages and free to attend. No registration is required. To learn more, please contact Amanda Alliband at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:allibanda@bartonccc.edu">allibanda@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 792-9330.

Barton Community College to host expert led 'Why is Kansas Weather So Different?'

Released Schwedes, Katana N. on Barton County District Court case #26-148 for Aggravated Burglary, per County Attorney.

Booked Davis, Jaxen on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2025TR0195 for Probation Violation. Bond set at $288.00 cash Only.

Released Davis, Jaxen R. on Barton County District Court for Probation Violation. By posting a $288.00 cash bond.

Released Rowe, Charles on Barton County District Warrant #BT2026CR0043 for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with a $10,000.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Scott, Tristin M. on a Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0256 for Contempt of Court. Bond set at NO BOND.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (2/17)

Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 68. South southwest wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 37. South wind 10 to 16 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a northwest wind 16 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Thursday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20. North wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Friday Night A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Saturday A 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Wednesday's weather

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has staffed the State Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Support Function partners from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, and the National Weather Service in response to wildland fire threats across the state.

Blowing winds and possible wildfires are expected to continue this evening and into Wednesday. Motorists are advised to delay traveling as much as possible and to not drive into dust where visibility is restricted. Do not go into areas where active fires are being fought. Give emergency crews time and space to work.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is working alongside partner agencies in Southwest and Northwest Kansas to support wildfire response efforts through emergency response, evacuation assistance, traffic control, enforcement of safety closures, and securing affected areas. For emergencies, continue to dial *47(HP) while traveling on Kansas roadways, or *KTA (582) if traveling on the Kansas Turnpike."

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of I-70 in northwest Kansas and U.S. 50 in southwest Kansas at times today that could continue tonight due to reduced visibility from blowing dust which has caused several crashes. &nbsp;Similar conditions and multiple crashes have also occurred in Colorado and Oklahoma and have closed highways. KDOT has sent water tenders to support fire suppression efforts in the Englewood and Ashland communities.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kandrive.gov/">kandrive.gov</a>, or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal has sent an agent and the State Fire Marshal to Southwest Kansas to assist local responders. An agent will be sent to Northwest Kansas later today. Task Forces have been sent to different locations across the state. The Task Forces are from Johnson County, Sedgwick County, Dickinson County, Shawnee County and the Kansas National Guard.

Kansas Forest Service personnel are assisting with the wildfire outbreak in Kansas by providing subject-matter-expertise to local fire departments actively engaged in wildfire suppression operations which assist in determining priorities for limited resources statewide.

The Kansas National Guard has deployed a wildfire task force to western Kansas to help with fire suppression.

The American Red Cross is assisting counties impacted with mass care and human service’s needs.

Kansas Division of Emergency Management provides wildfire update

Nearly a year ago, I made a professional leap that surprised a few people: shifting from 4-H Youth Development into the world of Family and Community Wellness. On paper, it may look like an unexpected turn. In practice, it has been a return to my roots.

Before Extension, I spent two decades in banking—years that shaped my passion for financial education, practical skills, and helping people build stability. That experience never left me. It simply waited for the right door to open.

As I settled into this new role, I found myself returning to the business and leadership books that guided me through earlier chapters of my career. Dr. Tim Elmore’s Habitudes, Mac Anderson and Tom Feltenstein’s Change is Good; You Go First, and Spencer Johnson’s classic Who Moved My Cheese? have all resurfaced on my desk. Who Moved My Cheese?, in particular, remains a favorite. Its simple story about navigating change still manages to hold up a mirror, reminding me that growth often begins with discomfort.

Extension’s mission across Kansas is, in many ways, about helping people “move their cheese.” Whether it’s leadership development through 4-H, horticulture and livestock resources for producers, or workshops that help families make informed decisions, Extension exists to provide research-based tools that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Family and Community Wellness expands that mission even further—supporting early childhood development, nutrition, aging, and financial well-being. It’s a wide-reaching umbrella, but at its heart is a simple goal: helping Kansans thrive.

The forward to Who Moved My Cheese? includes a poem by A.J. Cronin that captures this journey beautifully:

“Life is no straight and easy corridor… But always, if we have faith, A door will open for us… One that will ultimately prove good for us.”

I’m grateful for the door that opened for me. This past year has allowed me to work with college students on budgeting and career readiness, and with adults

navigating Medicare, financial planning, and everyday money decisions. Each conversation reinforces why this work matters—especially in rural communities where access to resources can make all the difference.

At the end of the day, what’s most important to me is helping our communities not just survive, but truly thrive. I’m thankful for the small part I get to play in that ongoing journey.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

BERAN: A different role means a different perspective

The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a bridge replacement project on K-4 over Plum Creek east of Bushton in Rice County on Monday, Feb. 23, conditions permitting.

Initial work will consist of constructing a temporary road around the bridge to carry traffic through the project area. Traffic impacts should be minimal during this phase.&nbsp; Once the temporary road is complete, traffic will then be shifted to the detour while the new bridge is constructed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours.&nbsp;

King Construction, of Hesston, is the prime contractor on the $2.5 million project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones.

KDOT bridge replacement project in Rice County begins this month

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 

- Rex Kern, head coach of Great Bend HS Wrestling

- Lyles Lashlee, head coach of Great Bend HS Track and Field

Wednesday on Sports Day(Watch)

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — U.S. skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin is one run away from ending her Olympic medal drought. Shiffrin blazed through her first run in the women's slalom, her time of 47.13 seconds giving her a healthy lead over Germany's Lena Duerr. Shiffrin was strong out of the gate before momentarily stumbling a bit about halfway down when she clipped a gate. Shiffrin recovered and then pumped her fist when her time flashed after crossing the finish line. Shiffrin will take a lead of 0.82 seconds over Duerr heading into the second of two runs. Shiffrin is searching for her first Olympic medal since earning a gold and silver at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018.

TESERO, Italy (AP) — Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo has won a 10th gold medal in cross country skiing at the Milan Cortina Olympics, setting another Winter Games record. The 29‑year‑old, racing with Einar Hedegart, won the men’s team sprint, for his fifth gold at the 2026 Games. Klaebo first broke the Winter Olympics record in Sunday’s 4 x 7.5-kilometer relay. In the women’s competition, Jonna Sundling and Maja Dahlqvist continued Sweden’s winning run.

MILAN (AP) — Alysa Liu is left to carry the hopes of the United States into the women’s free skate at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The reigning world champion delivered a stellar short program that featured a triple lutz-triple loop. That was the hardest combination that any woman tried Tuesday night, and she sat two points back of Japan’s Ami Nakai and right behind Kaori Sakamoto on the leaderboard. Things didn’t go nearly as well for the rest of the American team in the individual event. Isabeau Levito was in eighth place, and U.S. champion Amber Glenn fell to 13th even after she landed a triple axel.

MADRID (AP) — Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni has denied racially insulting Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match when he covered his mouth with his jersey. The 20-year-old Argentina forward says “I have never been racist with anyone.” Prestianni faces a potential 10-match ban if found guilty of racial abuse in UEFA’s disciplinary code. The European soccer governing body has appointed a special investigator to gather evidence. The match was halted for nearly 10 minutes on Tuesday after the referee initiated the anti-racism protocol. Benfica fans reacted to Vinícius celebrating his 50th-minute goal by dancing by the corner flag, throwing bottles and other objects toward the Madrid players. Prestianni then confronted Vinícius.

Alongside the historic growth of women’s sports, the women’s sports media ecosystem is likewise flourishing, and outlets like TOGETHXR, The GIST, Just Women’s Sports, The IX Sports, GOALS and Good Game with Sarah Spain are expanding their reach and reshaping the industry. The Olympics have shown that when women’s sports receive meaningful media attention, they attract an enthusiastic audience, experts say. And while mainstream sports media are also upping their game by increasing the scale and quality of women’s sports coverage, University of Michigan sport management professor Ketra Armstrong says the recent influx of women-led media outlets is uniquely “liberating” because women athletes are “owning their stories and not waiting for it to be filtered through any traditional lens.”

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tony Clark has resigned as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, the union announced said, as a possible salary cap fight looms during a federal investigation of its finances. Clark was asked to resign by the eight-man executive subcommittee of the players’ association after an investigation by the union’s outside counsel discovered evidence that Clark had an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, a union employee since 2023, a person familiar with the union’s deliberations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because that was not announced.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The immediate future of Tiger Woods is in the boardroom instead of the golf course. Woods still won't rule out returning to the Masters. All he says is that playing the first major of the year isn't off the table. But he is coming off a year in which he didn't compete in a single tournament for the first time in his career. He had disk replacement surgery in October. Most of his time is occupied in the PGA Tour boardroom as head of the committee reshaping the schedule. Also on hold is being Ryder Cup captain.

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA Players’ Association sent a counterproposal to the WNBA on Tuesday for a new collective bargaining agreement that included some concessions on revenue sharing and housing a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. The union is now asking for an average of 27.5% of the gross revenue — revenue before expenses — over the course of the CBA. The would include only 25% in the first year of the new deal. In its previous offer the union had been asking for an average of more than 30%.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — Lindsey Vonn’s Olympic crash has renewed pressure to rethink ski bindings, one of the oldest pieces of equipment in the sport. FIS and U.S. Ski and Snowboard leaders say a “smart binding” system is still in early development. Experts say a new algorithm could sense loss of control and trigger a faster release, like the air bag system now required in speed events. Developers warn the timing is tricky, and funding is unclear.

MILAN (AP) — Olympic hockey knows all about big hits. That includes “Heated Rivalry,” a gay hockey romance TV series in which two players from opposing teams carry out a secret relationship. The steamy connection between the characters — Canadian Shane Hollander and Russian Ilya Rozanov — has attracted fans to both the show and the sport itself. The show’s impact was evident even before the Winter Olympics when co-stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie carried the Olympic flame. And it hasn’t stopped there. Athletes and fans from Canada and the U.S. are feeling the show’s impact.

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(1)Michigan	91	(7)Purdue	80	 Final	Iowa	57	(9)Nebraska	52	 Final	(12)Florida	76	South Carolina	62	 Final	Arizona State	72	(13)Texas Tech	67	 Final	(15)Michigan State	82	UCLA	59	 Final	North Carolina State	82	(16)North Carolina	58	 Final	Rhode Island	81	(18)Saint Louis	76	 Final	SMU	95	(21)Louisville	85	 Final	(22)Miami (OH)	86	UMass	77	 Final	Ohio State	86	(24)Wisconsin	69

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Western Athletic Conference Boys Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 15-4 Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4-1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;11-8 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3-3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-10 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10-10 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1-16 Saturday, February 14 Woodward OK 80, Garden City 76 Tuesday, February 17 Liberal @ Great Bend PPD Garden City 77, Dodge City 48 Thursday, February 19 Garden City @ Hays Guymon OK @ Liberal Friday, February 20 Great Bend @ Dodge City Southwestern Heights @ Liberal&nbsp;&nbsp;

WAC Boys Scores, Standings, Schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — P.J. Haggerty scored 34 points, Nate Johnson added a career-high 33, and Kansas State cruised past Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday night in the debut of Wildcats' interim head coach Matthew Driscoll.

K-State (11-15, 2-11 Big 12) never trailed and held a double-digit lead for most of the second half to end a six-game skid. Driscoll replaced previous head coach Jerome Tang, who was fired Sunday night after four season at the helm.

Johnson’s layup gave the Wildcats a 21-point lead with 10:39 remaining. He surpassed his previous career-best 31 points with a dunk with 1:37 remaining.

Haggerty shot 15 of 23 overall. Johnson was 11-of-16 shooting and made five of the Wildcats' eight 3-pointers. Johnson also had nine assists and matched a career-high with six steals.

Isaac Williams IV scored 16 points to lead Baylor (13-13, 3-10), which has lost four straight. Tounde Yessoufou added 14 point for the Bears. Cameron Carr chipped in with 12 points and Dan Skillings Jr. scored 11. The Bears made just three of their 24 3-point attempts.

Johnson made four 3s and scored 16 points, and Haggerty added 13 points to help K-State build a 41-34 halftime advantage. The Wildcats shot 5 of 11 from long range while Baylor missed 11 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc.

Williams' layup pulled the Bears to 66-57 with 8:20 left but they didn't get closer.

K-State is on the road Saturday to face No. 13 Texas Tech.

Haggerty, Johnson combine for 67, lead K-State over Baylor 90-74

Western Athletic Conference Girls Team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Conf.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;All Hays&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5-0&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18-1 Garden City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 4-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-7 Liberal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 13-3 Dodge City&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1-4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 8-12 Great Bend&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 0-5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3-16 Saturday, February 14 Garden City&nbsp; 43, Woodward, OK 39&nbsp; Tuesday, February 17 Liberal @ Great Bend PPD Garden City 52, Dodge City 37 Thursday, February 19 Garden City @ Hays Guymon OK @ Liberal Friday, February 20 Great Bend @ Dodge City Southwestern Heights @ Liberal

WAC Girls Scores, Standings, Schedule

Tuesday Boys scores from the Associated Press

Pleasant Ridge 60, Riverside/Wathena/Elwood 53

Saint Mary's Academy &amp; College 66, Riley County 58

Sterling 82, Wichita Central Christian 18

Wichita Bishop Carroll 58, Wichita Heights 50

Yates Center 72, Southern Coffey County 30

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

Tuesday Girls scores from the Associated Press

Tuesday Statewide Scores

Haven Boys 54 Larned 24; Larned Girls 50 Haven 26

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

Hoisington Boys 59 Hillsboro 52; Hillsboro Girls 54 Hoisington 30

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

Class 6A Boys 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Olathe North 3. Mill Valley 4. Blue Valley Northwest 5. Wichita Heights 6. Blue Valley High 7. Maize 8. Derby 9. Olathe East 10. Blue Valley North Class 5A Boys 1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 2. Maize South 3. Bonner Springs 4. Topeka West 5. Topeka Seaman 6.&nbsp;KC Piper 7.&nbsp;Emporia 8. Bishop Carroll 9. Hays 10. Salina South Class 4A Boys 1. Rock Creek 2. Atchison 3.&nbsp;Pratt 4. Hugoton 5. Concordia 6. Bishop Miege 7. McPherson 8. Andale 9. Santa Fe Trail 10. Baldwin Class 3A Boys 1. Wichita Collegiate 2. Hesston 3. Beloit 4. Burlington 5. Holcomb 6. Hiawatha 7. Silver Lake 8. Chaparral 9. Riverton 10. Neodesha Class 2A Boys 1. Sterling 2. Berean Academy 3. Moundridge 4. Salina Sacred Heart 5. Classical School of Wichita 6. Ell-Saline 7. Topeka - Cair Paravel Latin School 8. Thomas More Prep 9. St. Mary's 10. Neodesha Class 1A-DI Boys 1. Little River 2. Olpe 3.&nbsp;Central Plains 4.&nbsp;Burden-Central 5. Pleasanton 6. Meade 7. South Central 8.&nbsp;St. John's/Tipton 9. Spearville 10. Lawrence-Bishop Seabury Academy Class 1A-DII Boys 1. Axtell 2. Hanover 3. Hartford 4. Lebo 5. Wallace County 6. Victoria 7. Wheatland/Grinnell 8. Thunder Ridge 9. Deerfield 10. Linn -------------------------------- Class 6A Girls 1. Wichita Heights 2. Olathe South 3. Shawnee Mission South 4. Derby 5. Blue Valley North 6. Olathe North 7. Manhattan 8. Wichita East 9. Liberal 10. Topeka High Class 5A Girls 1. Andover 2. St. Thomas Aquinas 3.&nbsp;Maize South 4. Hays 5.&nbsp;St. James Academy 6. Shawnee Heights 7. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 8. Basehor - Linwood 9. Goddard Eisenhower 10. KC Piper Class 4A Girls 1. Wellington 2. Eudora 3. Wamego 4. Independence 5. Bishop Miege 6. Rock Creek 7. Topeka Hayden 8. Clearwater 9. Andale 10. Ottawa Class 3A Girls 1. Silver Lake 2. Halstead 3. Holcomb 4. Osage City 5. Hiawatha 6. Burlington 7. Goodland 8. Frontenac 9. Beloit 10. Southeast of Saline Class 2A Girls 1. Eureka 2. Ellinwood 3. Moundridge 4. Hoxie 5. Salina Sacred Heart 6. Pitt-Colgan 7. Hillsboro 8. Oakley 9. Remington 10. Conway Springs Class 1A-DI 1. Little River 2. Wabaunsee 3. Centralia 4. Olpe 5.&nbsp;Hodgeman County 6. Rock Hills 7. South Gray 8. Quinter 9. Pretty Prairie 10. Decatur Community Class 1A-DII 1. Hutch-Central Christian 2. Bucklin 3. Hanover 4. Linn 5. Dighton 6. Ashland 7. Argonia 8. Marais des Cygnes Valley 9. Wheatland/Grinnell 10. Lebo

Final KBCA High School BB Rankings (Feb. 17)

- Jade Winter, head coach of Great Bend Girls Basketball

- Wyatt Thompson, the Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Tuesday on Sports Day(Watch)

KANSAS CITY —One person died in an accident just before 6p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

A silver Nissan Altima was eastbound on Interstate 70 approaching Stadium Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver failed to stop for congested traffic ahead. The Nissan Altima rear-ended a black Nissan full-size van, resulting in a four-vehicle collision. 

Two individuals were transported to an area hospital with critical injuries. EMS pronounced one passenger deceased at the scene. This is fatality #9 in KCMO in 2026, according to Gonzalez.

Police released no additional details including the name of the victims.

KCPD: One dead after 4-vehicle I-70 crash

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

TOPEKA — Cellphones are one step closer to disappearing from Kansas classrooms after the House passed a bill that would require a daytime device ban to public and private schools.

Social connection, phone addiction and parental choice came into play in an hours-long debate Monday that involved Republicans and Democrats crossing the aisle to ultimately support a bill that would apply to public and private schools.

The bipartisan ban proposes a bell-to-bell prohibition on cellphone use, requiring schools to craft detailed policies to ensure devices are turned off and stored away during the school day and to enact disciplinary measures for students who violate a ban.

A cascade of changes as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb281/" target="_blank">House Substitute for Senate Bill 281</a>&nbsp;made its way through committee resulted in a bill that only mandated a ban in public schools and merely suggested one for private schools.

Republican Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita added a provision Monday to apply the mandate to both public and nonpublic schools. The bill itself drew mixed reactions from each party, and so did Ward’s amendment.

​​“These kids’ lives are just as negatively impacted by phones as those that attend public schools,” Ward said.

Students wouldn’t be allowed under the bill to use cellphones or other electronic communication devices, smartwatches and earbuds during the school day, which includes passing period and lunch time, unless the student is allowed to leave school grounds during lunch.

Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, said private schools should receive the same funding as public schools if the same rules must apply. She said she agreed with the need to address devices and their connection to mental health issues in children, but she said the bill, with Ward’s amendment, would be equivalent to a de facto state operation of private, religious schools.

She said many parents choose private schools because they don’t want to deal with state mandates.

Ward’s amendment passed with 68 voting in favor and 55 against.

Some Democrats opposed the bill entirely, favoring phones in school in the event of emergencies such as natural disasters or school shootings. Others didn’t think a one-size-fits-all policy was appropriate for schools with unique needs.

Rep. Carolyn Caiharr, a Republican from Edwardsville, attempted to strip the bill, re-adding language to make bans optional for private schools.

Some, like Republican Rep. Sean Tarwater of Stilwell, were torn. He said Monday that he couldn’t support Caiharr’s amendment, arguing that all children matter.

“In my opinion, children are children, mental health is mental health and suicide is suicide, no matter what school you go to,” Tarwater said. “Are we trying to help some children or all children here?”

Caiharr said Kansas has a long tradition of respecting educational diversity and removing private schools from the bill maintains that tradition.

Sixty seven representatives opposed her amendment, and 54 voted in favor, retaining the inclusion of private and public schools. The House voted on the bill Tuesday with 76 in favor and 45 against, forwarding it to the Senate.

The Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the bill, which applied to both public and private schools, but it must vote again in the wake of House changes.

Rep. Angela Martinez, a Wichita Democrat, said Tuesday a phone-free school day restores focus and encourages relationship building. Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican, said a cellphone ban restores human connection and slackens the grip big tech companies have exercised over kids’ attention.

Rep. Samantha Poetter Parshall, a Paola Republican, said the bill leaves students helpless, eliminating a tool used to document bullying and removing a piece of parents’ rights.

Williams said Tuesday decisions for private school students should be up to parents and individual schools, not the state.

“This bill opens a door we should keep closed,” she said.

Kansas cellphone ban applying to both public and private schools clears House 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 22, was sentenced on Tuesday for the July 2023 shooting deaths of two people in an Old Town parking garage in Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

During a hearing before Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, Ramirez was sentenced to two consecutive "hard 25" life sentences. He also received 61 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections and six months in jail for additional counts, to be served concurrently with the life sentences.

In Kansas, a "hard 25" sentence is a mandatory life term that requires a defendant to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Because the court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, Ramirez must serve at least 50 years before he is eligible for release.

The sentencing follows an April 2024 trial in which a Sedgwick County jury convicted Ramirez of several charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery, and two counts of battery. The case had been pending sentencing while the court considered the outcome of several post-trial motions.

The charges stem from an incident on July 27, 2023. At approximately 4 a.m., Wichita police responded to a parking garage in the 300 block of North Moore after a street sweeper operator discovered two victims inside a vehicle. Josephina Lerma-Dominguez, 20, and Bryan Lara-Hernandez, 21, both of Wichita, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators used surveillance footage and the FLOCK license plate reader system to identify and apprehend Ramirez shortly after the shooting.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jason Roach and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jameson.

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Wichita Police Department for their thorough and diligent work on this investigation," the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement. "Their commitment to the case ensured that justice could be served for the victims and their families."

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A man convicted&nbsp; of killing two people in a parking garage in&nbsp;Old Town in Wichita is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

&nbsp;Zachary Ramirez, 21, will appear at a sentencing hearing in Judge Jeffry Goering's courtroom, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In April of 2024, a jury found him guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, two alternative counts of second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, aggravated battery and two counts of battery in the deaths of 20-year-old Josephina Lerma-Dominguez and 21-year-old Bryan Lara-Hernandez both of Wichita, according to the district attorney's office.

Just before&nbsp; 4a.m. July 27, 2023, police responded to the 300 block of North Moore after a a street sweeper operator saw two gunshot victims in a vehicle in a parking garage in Wichita's Old Town and called 911, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

EMS&nbsp; arrived on the scene and attempted life-saving measures Lerma-Dominguez and Lara-Hernandez died at the scene.&nbsp;

Maximum sentence for killing Kansas couple in parking garage

CLARK COUNTY— The wild fire in southwest Kansas is contained but not out, according to Clark County Attorney Clay Kuhns. Approximately 150,000 acres have burned and the fire continues along the state line in Clark County.&nbsp; Two injured firefighter were transported to Wichita for treatment, according to Kuhns.

Earlier Wednesday, evacuation orders for residents in Englewood and Ashland were lifted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday night, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall and his team traveled to Ashland to deliver water and thank first responders for their work protecting homes, ranches, and livestock.

2 firefighters injured fighting southwest Kansas wildfire 

SEWARD COUNTY —Liberal, Kansas, took the gold medal. Hannah McCarter secured victory in the 2026 International Pancake Day Race

&nbsp;McCarter crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1:03.78, according to a media release from the International Pancake Day social media page.

This year’s competition was a trans-Atlantic showdown between Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England. While Olney’s top runner finished with a strong time of 1:05, it wasn’t enough to catch McCarter, who led Liberal to another historic victory.

With this latest win, Liberal continues to dominate the long-standing international rivalry:

🎥Kansas wins 77th International Pancake Day race

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate overrode Gov Laura Kelly’s veto on Tuesday, putting the state one step closer to forcing people to use bathrooms in government buildings that match their biological sex at birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">Senate Substitute for House Bill 244</a>&nbsp;was overturned by the Senate, with votes falling along party lines.&nbsp;

As the vote was finalized in the Senate, Rabbi Moti Rieber shouted in anger from the gallery.&nbsp;

“First they came for the trans people, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t trans,” he yelled.&nbsp;

Rieber was referring to a&nbsp;<a href="https://hmd.org.uk/resource/first-they-came-by-pastor-martin-niemoller/" target="_blank">well-known writing</a>&nbsp;by a German minister after the Holocaust.&nbsp;

As he was escorted out, Rieber continued to shout, telling the Senate, “Shame on you.”&nbsp;

Sen. Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said the bill is the result of a “culture war” and does not serve Kansans well.&nbsp;

“Issues like this bill make us a less attractive place for businesses to relocate and start,” she said. “We are poised to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup in just over 100 days. The World Cup is supposed to bring millions of dollars to our region, and we should not be putting that economic impact at risk by playing political games in fighting culture wars.”

Sykes yielded to Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overand Park, taking away the chance for Republicans to “call the question,” a term that would stop debate and put the bill directly to a vote.&nbsp;

Someone from the Republican side of the Senate called the question after Sykes began talking, but Senate President Ty Masterson said she could continue.&nbsp;

Holscher challenged the Republican-led majority to show evidence that sexual assaults occur in bathrooms by trans people. She quoted various studies to back up her calculations that Kansans have a .00083% chance of being assaulted by a trans person in a restroom.&nbsp;

“You are eight times more likely to get struck by lightning,” Holscher said. “You’re 50 times more likely to die in a car crash, you’re 100 times more likely to be killed by gun violence, and you are 3,500 times more likely to be sexually assaulted by a man.”

Sens. Pat Pettey, D-Kansas City, and David Haley, D-Kansas City, both Democrats from Wyandotte County that will host the World Cup, said they are concerned about economic development impacts.&nbsp;

“This body continues to debate and pass legislation that places a heavy financial burden on our communities without providing them with additional resources,” Pettey said. “We are hosting the World Cup this summer. We are being put in a global spotlight. The Kansas Legislature should be focused on job creation, strengthening our workforce and attracting and retaining top talent. Where one goes to the bathroom does not grow our economy.”

Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, closed the short debate expressing concerns about children seeing someone of the opposite sex in the bathroom or locker room.&nbsp;

“That’s what this bill is about. It’s not about economic impact,” she said.

In a statement, Senate President Ty Masterson said the Senate “restored sanity” in overturning Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;

“Kansas Democrats are for They/Them,” he said.&nbsp;

After the veto was overturned, Rieber expressed his frustration at the danger he believes the bill creates for trans people. He referred to a section of the bill that requires all gender markers on driver’s licenses and birth certificates to match a person’s biological sex at birth.

“This bill is gratuitous. This bill is absolutely unnecessary,” he said. “Think about when you take out your driver’s license — at the liquor store, when you’re cashing a check, voting, if a cop pulls you over. You’re outing yourself every time somebody sees your driver’s license. It’s very dangerous for trans people to be outed, and we’re putting them at risk.”

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