Power Hits 97.5 morning show DJ Rick Thomas (Scott Menzies) passed away Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack. Eagle Radio Operations Director Dan Engle confirmed that Thomas had collapsed while shopping at a Dillon's Store in Manhattan Saturday afternoon. Emergency personnel could not revive him. 

Rick Thomas was the Kansas Association of Broadcasters 2024 Medium Market Air Personality of the Year.&nbsp;

Engle stated, "It was a huge loss for both Eagle and Kansas broadcasting. He was well loved and we will miss him a lot."

Prominent DJ Rick Thomas passes away

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines community as a unified body of individuals with common interests living in a particular area or a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.

We often think of our community as the people who live in proximity to us and that is certainly a valid definition. In this definition, we have common interests but may not all agree about how to accomplish tasks and ideals.

Community can also be defined as an agriculture community across differing productions and practices. Or an education community or any number of other areas that bring people together with similar ideas. However, it still doesn’t mean that we will all agree on how to accomplish goals and ideals. Actually, I would challenge that we need to have differing viewpoints to make our community stronger. At the same time, we have to address those differences with respect and a willingness to truly understand another’s point of view.

I am blessed to be a part of a nationwide community related to our family’s cattle breed. It doesn’t mean that I am dismissive of other breeds but enjoy the people and activities in the particular one we support. I have wonderful friendships from coast to coast because of my willingness to be involved.

I am also a part of a state-wide community of extension agents with varying experiences, education, and goals. Working together across our program areas provides better research and information for the communities in which we live.

I am involved with a couple of church organizations that are part of my very local community. Having an investment in helping these organizations to make decisions and provide support for one another is an incredible blessing.

In all of my own communities, we don’t always agree! But I appreciate when we can step back from our personal focus and look at a bigger picture. What is best for this particular community? How does a decision that I or this group makes impact other related decisions? Is it easy – absolutely not! Is it necessary – you bet!

My challenge for you is to consider the communities of which you are a part. This might be the physical town or neighborhood that you live in or it may be a part of an organization or even your place of employment. How can your involvement make that community stronger? Is your involvement simply critical comment without solutions or a willingness to help?

I know that I am grateful for the many “communities” that I am involved in but each of these wouldn’t really matter if I wasn’t willing to listen, learn, and share ideas.

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: Building your community can mean many things

Booked in Lang, Ryan D. on Barton County District Court case #26-369 for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Aggravated assault on law enforcement officer, Felony criminal damage to property, Discharge of a firearm in the city, Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal use of a weapon, Felony Interference with law enforcement officer. Bond set at $250,000.00 cash or Surety.

Booked Montoya-Rodriguez, Uriel on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0398 for Serve Sentence. Bond set at No Bond.

Booked Hernandez, Adan Jr on Barton County District Court Case #26-371 for Domestic Battery and Criminal Restraint with a bond of $2,500.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Hernandez, Adan Jr on Barton County District Court Case #26-371 for Domestic Battery and Criminal Restraint with a bond of $2,500.00 cash or Surety. Released by posting a $2,500.00 Surety bond through Ace Bail Bonding.

Booked in Mead, Ryan C. on Barton County District Court case #BT2025TR0449 for a Serve Sentence starting 03/13/2026 at 5:37 PM and Ending on 03/15/2026 at 5:37 PM.

Booked in Carrasco, Daniel on Barton County District Court case #BT2025TR0550 for a Serve Sentence starting 03/13/2026 at 6:00 PM and Ending on 03/15/2026 at 6:00 PM.

Released Bivins, Brigitte E. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0062 for Violation of Offender Registration Bonded by posting a surety of $40.000.00 through Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Contreras, Christy L. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-378 for Contempt of Court. Bond set at $5O2.5O Cash only.

Released Montoya-Rodriguez, Uriel on Barton County District Court Warrant #BT2025TR0398 for Serve Sentence. Released on Time Served.

Released Kelly, Parker S. on Great Bend Municipal Court case # 26-365 for Battery Domestic Violence &amp; Possession of Marijuana by receiving a 48 hour O.R. Bond.

Booked Rigby, Amanda on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-383 for Domestic Battery; bond set at $1,000.00 Cash or Surety or 48 Hour O.R.

Booked in Stevenson, Bonnie S. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2026CR0078 for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond set at $ 1,000.00 cash/surety.

Released Rigby, Amanda on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-383 for Domestic Battery by posting a $1,000.00 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Stevenson, Bonnie S. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CR0078 for Possession of l.4arijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bonded by posting a surety bond of $1,000.00 thru Ace Bail Bonds.

Booked in Roach, Glendon F on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CV0051 for Failure to Appear. Bond is set at $1,000.00 cash only.

Released Roach, Glendon F. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025CV0051 for Failure to Appear. Bonded by posting a cash bond of $1,000.00.

Booked in Godina-Saenz, Eddie B. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-386 for Interference with LEO. Bond set at $500.00 cash or Surety.

Booked in Hernandez, Jennifer A. on Hoisington Municipal Court case #26-45 for Driving While Suspended. Bond set at $2,500.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Hernandez, Jennifer A. on Hoisington Municipal Court Case #26-45 for Driving While Suspended. By posting a $2,500 Surety through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Godina-Saenz, Eddie B. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #26-386 for Interference with LEO by posting a $500.00 Surety Bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Released Bryant, Duncan A. on Great Bend Municipal Court case #202500259 for Serve Sentence. Time Served.

Released Meade, Ryan C. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0449 for Serve Sentence. Released on Time Served.

Released Carrasco, Daniel on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2025TR0650 for Serve Sentence. Released on Time Served.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (3/16)

A simple miscommunication may have led to “Hancock’s War,” a
series of battles between the U.S. 7th Cavalry and Indian Tribes on
the Kansas prairies in 1867. At the heart of those battles was Gen. Winfield
Scott Hancock, who arrived at Fort Larned earlier that year. It made for an
active period for soldiers stationed at the fort. On April 11, Fort Larned National
Historic Site will host its Camp 11 event to reenact those days.

Camp 11 allows visitors to travel back in time as reenactors
and living historians recreate Fort Larned as it would have functioned in 1867,
for both soldiers and civilians. This year’s Camp 11 theme centers around performing
Guard Duty by the book, meaning visitors will see guards around the fort
protecting it from external and internal threats. This year’s event will be
bigger and better than last, with more scenarios, more drill, and more frontier
garrison life at the fort.

By the end of the summer of 1867, Hancock had been
transferred to another command and was replaced by Gen. Philip Sheridan. Fort
Larned later played a crucial role in ending the warfare that fall by
supporting negotiations for the Medicine Lodge Treaty. Artifacts from the
Cheyenne village destroyed by Hancock's troops are on display in the Fort
Larned visitor center. 

The 7th Cavalry continued to play a major role in
American history for more than a decade, culminating in the death of Lt. Col. George
Custer at Little Big Horn in Montana in 1876.

Fort Larned's Camp 11 reenactment scheduled for April 11

Monday Sunny, with a high near 41. North northwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Monday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 23. North northwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming south southeast after midnight.

Tuesday Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. South southwest wind around 9 mph becoming west northwest after midnight.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Wednesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47.

Thursday Sunny, with a high near 80.

Monday's weather

The
drought monitor, as of Tuesday, March 10th, indicates no change with
much of the southern third of the state, as far as Stafford and Reno Counties
here with it creeping into Barton Counties, in moderate drought or abnormally
dry.&nbsp; Extreme Southeast Kansas is in
severe drought.&nbsp; The six to ten day
forecast (March 16 to 20) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of likely above normal
for temperatures and a 50 to 60% of likely below normal for precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day forecast indicates
(March 18 to 24) indicates a 70 to 90% chance of likely above normal for temperatures
and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.

It’s
hard to believe today is March 14th.&nbsp;
Summer crop planting season, starting with corn will soon be here in our
area, especially with dryland corn.&nbsp; One
concern now is that we in a dry period and it doesn’t look to ease over at
least the next two weeks.&nbsp; At least many
fields in our area have had some soil moisture recharge which helps a bit.&nbsp; The other consideration producers are
concerned with is temperature.&nbsp; There are
concerns regarding the frost free date and for more temperature sensitive crops
like cotton, a “cold spell” that could shock and set the young plant back.&nbsp; For grass crops like corn with the growing
point below the soil surface for around a month after planting, the plant can
recover fairly easily in most cases.&nbsp; For
a crop like soybeans with the growing point is above the soil at emergence, and
with less cold tolerance, it’s more of a problem.&nbsp; However, it’s not just air temperature that
matters but soil temperature.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Any
backyard gardener knows there are optimum temperatures, both low and high, when
seeding crops.&nbsp; For example, potato
planting and cool season crops like lettuce, spinach and peas.&nbsp; For example, a two inch soil temperature of
at least fifty degrees at noon is acceptable for corn planting although warmer
is better.&nbsp; Sorghum and other more
tropical forage grasses prefer it warmer as do soybeans.&nbsp; So typically for corn, mid-April is a good
planting date to aim for, but temperatures can move that either way.&nbsp; Going back a few decades before seed
treatments for diseases and insects, it was risky planting early but today that
seed can sit and still emerge.&nbsp; There’s
not always any yield advantage for early planting.&nbsp; 

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remember
that all things being equal, temperature has the greatest effect on the grown
of plant life.&nbsp; Each plant has an optimum
range, a stress zone above and below the optimum, and a high and low
temperature above or below which annuals will typically die or be severely&nbsp; damaged.&nbsp;
Adequate soil moisture helps but isn’t a cure all. And adequate soil
temperature is critical for nutrient and water uptake.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Plants,
like most people, prefer a stable environment without large swings in
conditions.&nbsp; While the above ground plant
structures often experience the same swings in temperature we do, the soil
environment is more stable, especially as you move deeper into the soil
profile.&nbsp; The surface one or two inches
do change more rapidly.&nbsp; A good way to
maintain a more stable soil temperature, and moisture, environment is crop
residues and mulch on the soil surface.&nbsp;
This may be a hinderance early in the season at planting but a great
benefit during the heat of summer.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Soil Temperature and Planting

Barton Community College HOSA Future Health Professionals students competed recently in Wichita at the largest Kansas HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC) to date.

HOSA offers more than 107 competitive events, and students who place in the top three qualify for the International Leadership Conference (ILC) in June. The international competition brings together more than 14,000 students from seven countries, with the top three finishers in each event recognized on stage.

Barton HOSA sponsor and Director of the Medical Laboratory Technician program Karen Gunther said in addition to strong competition results, several Barton students were selected to serve in leadership roles during the conference as judges and event managers for multiple events. The Barton team has also been invited to help lead a Western Regional HOSA conference in Fall 2026.

“I’m always delighted to brag about these students, but my proudest moment this year came when the State HOSA advisor asked them to take on leadership roles as competitive event managers, judges, and event personnel," she said. "These roles require them to organize events, address concerns, serve as primary or secondary judges, and confidently interact with students, advisors, parents, and other HOSA personnel, all with professionalism and poise, and they still brought home the bling.”

Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said Barton’s HOSA students continue to demonstrate excellence in both competition and leadership.

“Their success reflects the outstanding work of the faculty in our healthcare programs and Karen Gunther, our HOSA advisor,” he said. “I'm so proud of the dedication these students bring to preparing not only for this competition, but also for careers that will serve our communities.”

Students placing at SLC and qualifying for the ILC in June include:

Valeria Gallardo, first place, Biotechnology; first place, Biomedical Equipment Technician; first place, Forensic Science Team.Hannah Dapogny, first place, Clinical Nursing; first place, Pharmacology; first place, Forensic Science Team.Haley McCormick, first place, Clinical Laboratory Science.Kaden Baird, first place, Respiratory Therapy; first place, Occupational Safety and Health.Aaron Deason, first place, Sports Medicine; second place, Nutrition.

Students qualifying will compete at the International Leadership Conference in June. The students will be fundraising to help cover travel expenses. Contact Gunther at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:guntherk@bartonccc.edu">guntherk@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or (620) 786-1133 for more information on how to help.

Barton HOSA students excel at state conference, prepare for nationals

RICE COUNTY— A driver was taken into custody early Saturday morning after leading law enforcement on a pursuit that began in Rice County and ended in Barton County.

According to the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was conducting traffic enforcement along U.S. Highway 56 during the early morning hours of March 14 when a vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate of speed. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield to emergency lights and siren and fled westbound into Barton County.

During the pursuit, an officer with the Ellinwood Police Department deployed stop sticks, which successfully disabled the vehicle. A short time later, the driver was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was transported to the Rice County Detention Center and is being held on multiple charges in lieu of bond.

Suspect arrested after 2-county high speed chase

As the arrival of spring brings sunshine and the urge to declutter, Great Bend-based Fuller Industries Inc. is joining professional cleaning organizations worldwide to celebrate International Cleaning Week, March 22–28, 2026.

A longtime member of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, Fuller Industries is utilizing the week to highlight the essential role cleaning plays in public health, environmental sustainability, and professional advocacy.

"Cleaning week is recognized annually during the fourth week in March, and it is a good encouragement to deep clean our homes, closets, cars and offices," said Joe Mann, general manager of Fuller Industries. "This week also emphasizes the value of cleaning for employees, employers, and stakeholders across the industry."

International Cleaning Week 2026, organized by ISSA, honors cleaning professionals and advances industry standards. Fuller joins with Magna Dry of Central Kansas and Office Products Incorporated, both of Great Bend, in marking this occasion.

"International Cleaning Week reflects our shared commitment to excellence and the remarkable impact of cleaning and facility professionals worldwide," said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff.

While International Cleaning Week officially kicks off on March 22, the official start of spring on March 20 serves as the traditional catalyst for many to begin their "spring-cleaning" rituals. Fuller and other cleaning professionals suggest that while the process can seem tedious, homeowners can make the task more manageable by following a structured plan.

Spring-Cleaning Checklist To help residents get started, Fuller Industries recommends a room-by-room approach:

Inside the Home: · Safety First: Use the transition to daylight saving time to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

· Window Care: Clean the interior of windows to increase natural light and maintain glass quality

· Appliance Maintenance: Clean the interior and exterior of washers and dryers to improve efficiency.

· Eco-Friendly Tips: Use washable rags or old T-shirts instead of paper towels and recycle empty cleaning bottles.

Outside the Home: · Gutter Maintenance: Remove debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage (professionals are recommended for ladder work).

· Garage Organization: Sweep out winter dust and donate or discard unused items to reduce clutter.

· Yard Cleanup: Remove sticks, leaves, and pet waste accumulated over the winter months.

Fuller products recommended for the job by Todd Clark of Magna-Dry of Central Kansas, a company that uses Fuller products extensively, include:

· Fuller solvent-based stainless-steel cleaner.

· Fulleroso, a lavender multi-purpose cleaner and deodorizer.

· Heavy-duty degreasers for tougher jobs.

"All products are highly concentrated, which helps keep costs down. A rule of thumb: adding too much chemical is never good," Clark said.

Office Products Incorporated in Great Bend carries Fuller merchandise for spring cleaning needs. OPI's downtown showroom features a selection of carpet/floor cleaners, window cleaners, bathroom cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, and hand soaps/disinfectants. They also carry various brushes and static floor sweepers.

In addition, OPI has a catalog from which they can order other Fuller products.

"Together, let's celebrate and highlight the important role the cleaning industry plays in keeping people safe and healthy," Mann said.

For more information, call Fuller at 620-792-1711, Magna-Dry at 620-282-2267 or OPI at 620-793-8479.

About Fuller Industries Inc. Based in Great Bend, Kan., with a rich heritage dating back over a century to the Fuller Brush Man, Fuller Industries is a leading American manufacturer of industrial products, including cleaning chemicals and supplies, as well as brooms, mops, brushes and more. Fuller serves manufacturing, commercial, institutional and agricultural clients across the Western Hemisphere. Call 620-792-1711 or visit Fullerindustriesllc.com.

Fuller Industries and local businesses celebrate International Cleaning Week

USD 428 proudly recognizes the dedication and service of 70 staff members who have reached significant career milestones in 2026. Together, these individuals represent an extraordinary 920 years of combined service to USD 428, our students, and the community—an incredible reflection of the experience, commitment, and care our staff bring to their work each day.

The district’s Career Milestone Program celebrates both licensed and classified employees in five-year increments, recognizing the meaningful contributions staff members make throughout their careers. At the March Board of Education meeting, the Board honored employees reaching 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service, recognizing their dedication to supporting students, families, and colleagues across the district.

“Quality education is built on relationships, and many of the individuals we’re honoring this year have spent decades investing in the success of our students and community,” said Superintendent Khris Thexton. “Their commitment, professionalism, and pride in their work help shape the culture of USD 428 and make our schools stronger every day.”

As part of the recognition, milestone recipients receive a token of appreciation—such as a milestone t-shirt, jacket, or bag—to commemorate their years of service.

USD 428 extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all milestone recipients for their unwavering service and dedication. For a full list of 2025 Milestone recipients from 5 to 35 years, please visit www.greatbendschools.net.

Staff Celebrating Career Milestones in 2026:

40 Years of Service: · Susan Stambaugh – Vocal Music Director

35 Years of Service: · Shelly Post - Preschool Coordinator

30 Years of Service: · Jana Miessler - BCSS · Traci Miller - Instructional Coach, Riley · Shannon Wedel - Elementary Art Teacher · Greg Wells - Teacher, GBMS

25 Years of Service: · Linda Basye - EL Teacher · Jolene Kirmer - Teaching &amp; Learning Secretary · Pamela Jordan - Teacher, Jefferson · Lisa Turner - Teacher Assistant, Jefferson

20 Years of Service: · Janet Dowson - Substitute Coordinator · Karen Ekberg - Teacher, Lincoln · Mary Elliott - Para, Ellinwood · Jeremy Foster - Teacher, GBHS · Sarah Irwin – Speech Language Pathologist, BCSS · Holly Oyedeji - Teacher, GBMS · Amy Paden - Custodian, LPP/DEC

15 Years of Service: · Arellanes Gladis · Tami Cale · Peggy Haag · Rosalinda Loera · Renee Nicholson · Marie Younger

10 Years of Service: · Jared Bashor · Signe Cook · Dayami Cortez · Lisa Daniels · Hanna Degenhardt · Janae Donham · Tabitha Gray · Maria Hernandez · Chris Jeska · Meagan Ketch · Sandra Lopez · Melissa Lutt · Clarissa McCormick · Cristina Montes · Nina Ralston · Priscilla Rose · Jason Shomber · Sandra Smith · Eric Steiner · Kelly Strayer · Lori Tennis · Tara Weeks · Lacy Wolters

5 years of Service: · Kaitlyn Barkow · Kelsey Barrett · Joseph Bliven · Keshia Causey · Ashley Davis · Kristy Ferguson · Kristina Frost · Lilia Guyton · Amy Haxton · Casey Jording · Robin Linsner · Nora Lopez-Aquino · Brandy Maneth · Sheree Marshall · Tonya Miller · Krystal Santy · Shara Stettinger · Amy Turner · Patty Vasquez · Sarah Vaughn · Emily Young

920 YEARS: USD 428 honors 70 staff members for Career Milestones

Thursday evening, just before 7:30 p.m., the Great Bend Police Department (GBPD) was dispatched to 3318 24th&nbsp;Street in response to reports there was a subject in the area with a rifle who had fired&nbsp;multiple shots. The initial complaint was that he may have been firing in the air and then possibly shooting towards a neighbor.&nbsp;The individual&nbsp;with the gun&nbsp;was later identified as 35-year-old Ryan Lang.

Upon the first officer's arrival, Lang shot in their direction, striking a tree and the patrol vehicle. Additional officers quickly arrived on scene, blocking nearby roads and establishing a perimeter around the property. Lang shot approximately three more times. The first round struck a civilian vehicle parked in the 2300 block of Polk Street. A second shot was aimed at an officer setting the perimeter at the intersection of 24th and Polk, and the round passed just over the top of their patrol vehicle. A third shot was believed to be fired into the air.

While on scene, officers learned Lang had also shot and struck at least two other vehicles that&nbsp;had&nbsp;driven through the area prior to officers’ arrival. Lang continued moving around the property with the rifle, circulating between the front yard, porch and inside the residence as&nbsp;GBPD officers and&nbsp;Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies maintained the perimeter.

After an approximately 90-minute standoff, Lang was seen exiting the house without the rifle. Officers,&nbsp;deputies, and a K-9 from the Barton County Sheriff's Office advanced toward Lang, but he retreated inside the residence. Officers and&nbsp;deputies followed Lang inside where he was taken into custody after a Taser electronic control device was utilized to temporarily immobilize him.

Lang was transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked and confined in lieu of bond for&nbsp;Attempted&nbsp;Murder,&nbsp;Aggravated&nbsp;Assault of a&nbsp;Law&nbsp;Enforcement&nbsp;Officer (LEO),&nbsp;Criminal&nbsp;Discharge of a&nbsp;Firearm,&nbsp;Criminal&nbsp;Damage to&nbsp;Property,&nbsp;Interference with LEO and&nbsp;Possession of a&nbsp;Controlled&nbsp;Substance.&nbsp;

Officers returned to the scene Friday to canvass for any additional damage. Citizens who live in or who drove through the area last night and sustained damage to their property are encouraged to contact the GBPD. The police department was assisted on this incident by the Barton County Sheriff's Office and the Great Bend Fire Department.

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with related information is encouraged to contact&nbsp;Crime&nbsp;Stoppers at 620-792-1300 or the GBPD at 620-793-4120 or online at p3tips.com.

Great Bend Police release details from Thursday's shooting incident on 24th St.

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 

- Water Cooler Monday with Garrett Fitzpatrick and Special Guest Lyles Lashlee

Monday on Sports Day(Watch)

The Barton Community College baseball team completed a four-game Jayhawk Conference series sweep of Pratt Community College this weekend, earning a pair of victories Thursday afternoon at Stanion Field in Pratt before finishing the series Saturday at Jimmy-Lawson-Danny Biggs Field.

The Cougars opened the series with a 9-5 and 10-6 road sweep Thursday before returning home Saturday to finish the four-game set with a 6-2 victory and an 18-8 seven-inning run-rule decision. Across the four-game series, the Cougars produced 43 runs on 58 hits including eight home runs.

With the sweep, Barton improves to 5-3 in Jayhawk West play and 19-5 overall while Pratt falls to 0-8 in league action and 5-19 on the season. The Cougars will return to action Thursday afternoon hosting Garden City Community College in a 1:00 p.m. conference, opening doubleheader before concluding the four-game set Saturday in Garden City.

Barton offense produced throughout the four-game series, scoring 43 runs on 58 hits including 20 doubles and eight home runs.&nbsp;Rhett Winchester&nbsp;paced the Cougars from the No. 2 spot in the lineup with a monster series, batting .765 (13-for-17) with four doubles, three home runs, nine runs scored and nine RBIs.&nbsp;Kyle Walker&nbsp;added seven hits and seven runs scored while&nbsp;Jaxon Case&nbsp;drove in seven runs behind six hits including three doubles and a home run.

On the mound,&nbsp;Antonio Mendez,&nbsp;Landon Ritchey,&nbsp;Brian Justice&nbsp;and&nbsp;Landon Haines&nbsp;each earned victories in the series while&nbsp;Jake Field&nbsp;added a save out of the bullpen with 2.1 scoreless innings and four strikeouts.

Game 1 Recap Barton opened Thursday's twinbill at Stanion Field with a 9-5 victory behind a decisive five-run third inning.&nbsp;Kyle Graves&nbsp;delivered a two-RBI double to open the scoring before Case followed later in the frame with a three-run home run for his second of the campaign to put the Cougars firmly in front.

Barton added insurance in the sixth as&nbsp;Hayden Oviatt&nbsp;launched a two-run home run for his second of the season and&nbsp;Jack Jewell&nbsp;followed with a solo blast, his second of the year, to extend the advantage. &nbsp;Winchester paced the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 afternoon at the plate while sweeping four bases as Barton finished with 12 hits in the opener.

On the mound, Mendez (1-1) earned the victory working five innings allowing three runs on four hits with four strikeouts. Field collected his first collegiate save with 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Game 2 Recap The Cougars completed Thursday's road sweep with a 10-6 victory in the nightcap, rallying from an early deficit with runs in four different crooked innings. Barton erased a 4-2 deficit in the fifth as Winchester delivered an RBI double before stealing home to even the contest at 4-4.

The Cougars seized control in the sixth inning as Walker's RBI double brough home&nbsp;JJ Spafford&nbsp;before Winchester launched a two-run home run to left, putting Barton in front for good. The Cougars added three insurance runs in the eighth highlighted by Graves' RBI double and&nbsp;Kyler Horsman's run-scoring single.

Winchester finished with four RBIs to lead the offense while Graves added three hits in the victory. On the mound, Ritchey (3-0) earned the win in relief tossing four innings allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts while Horsman worked the final two frames to close out the sweep.

Game 3 Recap Barton returned home Saturday afternoon and opened the twinbill with a 6-2 victory behind a strong outing on the mound from Justice. The Beavers struck first with two runs in their first at-bat before the Cougars answered immediately, plating a pair in the bottom half before taking control with runs in the third and fourth innings.

Winchester led the offensive effort going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs while Case added two hits and two RBIs, highlighted by a run-scoring triple. Barton finished with 10 hits in the victory.

Justice (3-2) earned the win working six innings allowing two runs on six hits while tying a career-high eight strikeouts. Field struck out two in a scoreless seventh to close out the opener.

Game 4 Recap The Cougars completed the four-game sweep with an 18-8 seven-inning run-rule victory behind a 25-hit barrage. The Cougars set the tone early, plating three runs in the first before erupting for seven in the second inning to quickly build separation.

Winchester paced the offensive explosion with a perfect 5-for-5 afternoon at the plate, launching his third home run of the season and sixth of the season while scoring five runs and knocking in two. Walker added four hits including his fourth home run of the year with three RBIs, while Horsman drove in four behind his team-leading seventh long ball of the season.

Starter Haines (2-0) earned the victory working 4.2 innings allowing six runs on six hits with three strikeouts before&nbsp;Patrik Ludviks, and&nbsp;Drew Koch&nbsp;combined to finish out the contest.

Barton bats erupt in four-game sweep of Pratt

The Barton Community College softball team produced early fireworks Saturday afternoon at Cougar Field, but Butler Community College answered with plenty of power of its own, rallying for a 17-12 extra-inning victory in the opener before completing the twinbill sweep with an 11-3 nightcap decision in Jayhawk Conference play.

The results move Barton to 5-3 in conference play and 13-11 overall, while Butler improves to 4-2 in the Jayhawk and 6-8 on the season. The Cougars will look to rebound Wednesday traveling to Seward County for a 1:00 p.m. conference doubleheader.

Game One – Butler 17, Barton 12 (9 innings) Barton appeared firmly in control early in the opener, erupting for eight runs in the bottom of the first inning.&nbsp;Laney Wood&nbsp;opened the frame with a single before&nbsp;Kahli Fields&nbsp;followed with a base hit and&nbsp;Carly Erpelding&nbsp;reached on an error to load the bases.

Peyton McCormick's fielder's choice plated the first run before&nbsp;Addison Jones&nbsp;delivered an RBI single.&nbsp;Karter Alvord&nbsp;then ripped a two-run double to center field and&nbsp;Ella Pomme&nbsp;followed with a two-run single. The inning's exclamation point came moments later when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bartonsports.com/sports/sball/2025-26/bios/spears_shaylee_13n0">Shaylee Spears</a>&nbsp;launched a two-run homer to left field for her first collegiate home run, staking the Cougars to an 8-0 lead.

Butler began chipping away in the third as Lizzy Lasey connected for a two-run homer before the Grizzlies struck again in the fourth. After a double by Lasey, Emillee Stofferahn belted a three-run homer trimming Barton's lead to a single run.

The Cougars answered in the bottom half of the fourth with three runs of their own as Alvord, Pomme, and Spears each delivered RBI singles, pushing the margin back to four at 11-7.

Butler again answered, cutting the deficit in the sixth before tying the contest in dramatic fashion in the seventh. A sacrifice fly brought the Grizzlies within three before Tatum Steiner launched a three-run homer to center field, evening the score at 12-12.

The visitors seized control in the ninth as Addison Chapman connected on a two-run homer before Butler added three more runs on a pair of long balls to complete the comeback victory.

Spears paced Barton's bottom third of the lineup, combining for three of the group's seven hits and driving in three runs including her first collegiate home run. Alvord finished 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while Pomme also produced a pair of hits and drove in three runs.

Ellie Crawford&nbsp;worked the first 5.2 innings, striking out four while allowing eight runs.&nbsp;Trista Rogers&nbsp;handled the final 3.1 frames, taking the loss to fall to 0-1 on the season.

Game Two – Butler 11, Barton 3 The nightcap began with Butler capitalizing on Barton miscues, scoring four runs in the second inning aided by a pair of errors.

Barton answered in the bottom half as&nbsp;Morgan Thatcher&nbsp;and&nbsp;Grace Hembree&nbsp;each singled before Alvord blasted a three-run homer to left field, her second of the season, pulling the Cougars within a run at 4-3.

Butler slowly rebuilt its lead in the middle innings, plating two runs in the fourth before breaking the game open with a four-run sixth inning highlighted by a solo homer from Haely Hagemann and a string of RBI singles.

Lizzy Lasey added another long ball in the seventh as Butler closed out the 11-3 victory.

Thatcher led Barton with two hits, while Alvord's three-run homer provided the Cougars' biggest offensive highlight of the nightcap.

Charley Wheeler&nbsp;took the loss to fall to 6-5 on the year, allowing ten runs on ten hits with seven earned as defensive miscues added to the damage. McCormick hurled the final 1.2 innings, surrendering one run while striking out two.

Barton softball jumps early but falls twice to Butler in conference twinbill

MIAMI (AP) — Aaron Judge says the World Baseball Classic has become baseball’s biggest stage. Speaking after the U.S. beat the Dominican Republic 2-1 in semifinal, Judge said: “It’s bigger and better than the World Series.” Junior Caminero's second-inning homer off winner Paul Skenes put the Dominicans ahead but the U.S. rebounded on fourth-inning drives by Gunnar Henderson off Luis Severino and Roman Anthony against loser Gregory Soto. U.S. relievers pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in a game that ended with a controversial called third strike to Geraldo Perdomo from Mason Miller on a slider that appeared to be low.

Duke is the top overall seed in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament, with Arizona, Michigan, and Florida also landing on the No. 1 line. Miami (Ohio), which opened the season 31-0 before a loss early its conference tournament, got in as an 11 seed despite a weak schedule. They play a First Four game on Wednesday against SMU. The tournament begins Tuesday with other play-in games, including Texas versus North Carolina State.

UConn is the No. 1 overall seed in the women’s NCAA Tournament and enters March Madness needing six more victories to complete the seventh undefeated season in school history. The Huskies (34-0) are looking for their 13th national title and becoming the first team to repeat as champions since the Huskies won four in a row from 2013-16. They are joined by UCLA, Texas and South Carolina as the other No. 1 seeds.

There's nothing quite like March Madness to remind people of what college sports is all about. Yes, the 2025-26 season contained its share of headlines about money, pro players returning to college and coaches behaving badly. But now, the payoff. A three-week, 68-team hoops celebration where anything from a Miami (Ohio) miracle to a dominating Duke performance could happen. At its best, the NCAA Tournament is a needed reminder about what's right in a rapidly changing landscape.

MIAMI (AP) — A work stoppage that leads to canceled games during the 2027 Major League Baseball season could disrupt plans under discussion to have big league players participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Major League Baseball Players Association is negotiating on the six-nation baseball event, scheduled for Dodger Stadium from July 15-20 during what could be an extended All-Star break. MLB and the union also are preparing for the start of bargaining in April or May for a labor contract to replaced the current five-year agreement that expires Dec. 1. A management lockout is expected to start Dec. 2.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Denny Hamlin showed he and crew chief Chris Gayle have moved on from a crushing title loss. Hamlin raced to his first victory of the season Sunday at Las Vegas. It was the 61st of his career, and came five races after Hamlin and Gayle lost the Cup Series title last November at Phoenix — a defeat the pair still has not talked through. Hamlin says he supported Gayle's strategy decision in the moment. Gayle says he spent days replaying the decision but the duo have moved on.

The Professional Women's Hockey League is enjoying a major post-Olympic boost that's no better reflected than with the New York Sirens. A team that's struggled attracting attention over its first two-plus seasons broke a home attendance record with a turnout of 8,264 to its recent game against Ottawa. The signs of a women's hockey surge are every where since Team USA's 2-1 overtime win over Canada at the Milan Cortina Games. The PWHL is seeing an uptick in fans and ticket sales in each of its eight markets. And the league also landed a deal with Scripps Sports to broadcast its first game to a national U.S. TV audience.

NEW YORK (AP) — WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert says progress is being made towards getting a new collective bargaining agreement done. The two sides met for another marathon negotiating session that started Sunday afternoon and ended around 3 a.m. Monday morning. The two sides will get together again later Monday for a seventh consecutive day of talks. It’s been a long week of discussions with the WNBA and union meeting face-to-face for more than 72 hours since the first in-person bargaining session Tuesday.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Iran’s women’s soccer team is set to leave Malaysia after several players reversed asylum bids that sparked a diplomatic storm. The Asian Football Confederation general secretary said the team plans to fly out from Kuala Lumpur Monday night, after days of uncertainty. The squad left Australia on March 10, but six players and one staff member stayed behind on protection visas. Four players and the staffer have since rejoined the team in Malaysia. Two players still remain in Australia in a safe location. Australian authorities describe the choices personal and complex, while an Iranian diaspora groups cites pressure from Tehran.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Cameron Young finally has a big title to go with his major talent. In a thriller at The Players Championship he made a 10-foot birdie on the island green at the TPC Sawgrass to tie Matt Fitzpatrick. Young crushed a drive that set up an easy par and won when Fitzpatrick failed to make an 8-foot par putt to force a playoff. Young shot 68 and won $4.5 million. Ludvig Aberg had control of the tournament until hitting into the water on consecutive holes on the back nine. He shot a 40 on the back nine for a 76.

Finals INTERLEAGUE Final	N.Y. Mets	8	Toronto	1	 Final	Houston	1	Miami	0	 Final	Tampa Bay	6	Pittsburgh	1	 Final	L.A. Dodgers	5	Texas	3	 Final	L.A. Angels	6	Colorado	5	 Final	Seattle	6	Cincinnati	3

AMERICAN LEAGUE Final	Boston	7	Minnesota	2	 Final	Detroit	12	N.Y. Yankees	1	 Final	Kansas City	10	Chicago White Sox	4	 Final	Cleveland	12	Athletics

NATIONAL LEAGUE Final	Atlanta	1	Philadelphia	0	 Final	St. Louis	6	Washington	3	 Final	San Francisco	7	Milwaukee	1	 Final	L.A. Dodgers	14	Chicago Cubs	8	 Final	San Diego	4	Arizona	4

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Winnipeg	3	St. Louis	2	 Final	Ottawa	7	San Jose	4	 Final	Anaheim	4	Montreal	3	 Final	Toronto	4	Minnesota	2	 Final	Seattle	6	Florida	2	 Final	Edmonton	3	Nashville	1

TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	(18)Purdue	80	(3)Michigan	72	 Final	(17)Arkansas	86	(22)Vanderbilt	75

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawks have received an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the No. 4 seed in the East Region. The 68-team tournament bracket was announced Sunday evening.

Making its 53rd all-time appearance in the tournament, Kansas will face No. 13 seed Cal Baptist in the first round on Friday, March 20 in San Diego, California. Tip from Viejas Arena will be at 8:45 p.m. CT and the game will be televised on CBS. The first-round matchup will be the first-ever meeting between Kansas and CBU.  

Kansas enters the Big Dance with a record of 23-10, and the Jayhawks tied for third place in the Big 12 Conference during the regular season with a 12-6 league mark. KU has appeared in each NCAA Tournament contested since 1990, with the 2026 event marking its 36th consecutive tournament appearance. Kansas has an all-time record of 113-50 in the tournament, with 15 Final Four appearances and four NCAA Tournament Titles, most recently in 2022.

The Jayhawks have four players scoring in double figures and they are led by a trio of All-Big 12 honorees. Flory Bidunga is the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Big 12 First Team selection, while Melvin Council Jr. is the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and earned all-league honorable mention. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson is an All-Big 12 Second Team selection, and KU's leading scorer at 19.8 points per game.

Head coach Bill Self is leading the Jayhawks to the NCAA Tournament for the 22nd time. Under his guidance, Kansas has a record of 43-19 in the tournament with National Championships in 2008 and 2022.

From Riverside, California, the Cal Baptist Lancers are making their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance as the champions of the Western Athletic Conference. CBU enters the tournament with a 25-8 record after defeating Utah Valley 63-61 in the WAC Championship game on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Kansas earns a No. 4 seed in the tournament for the seventh time and first since 2024, when the Jayhawks defeated No. 13 Samford, 93-89, in the first round before falling to No. 5 Gonzaga. Kansas is 9-6 all-time when competing in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 4 seed.

The 2026 NCAA Tournament tips off in Dayton, Ohio, with the First Four on Tuesday-Wednesday, March 17-18. The first weekend of competition will then include the first round on Thursday-Friday, March 19-20, followed by second round play on Saturday-Sunday, March 21-22.

Kansas meets Cal Baptist Friday in 2026 NCAA Tournament


The Wichita State Shockers and Wyoming Cowboys square off in the
National Invitation Tournament. Tuesday's matchup is the first this
season between the two squads. Wichita State is 14-6 against the AAC,
and Wyoming is 9-12 against the MWC.


Wyoming Cowboys (18-14, 9-12 MWC) at Wichita State Shockers (22-11,
14-6 AAC)

BOTTOM LINE: Wichita State plays Wyoming in the National
Invitation Tournament.


The Shockers' record in AAC play is 14-6, and their record is 8-5 in
non-conference play. Wichita State is 2-3 in games decided by less
than 4 points.


The Cowboys are 9-12 against MWC opponents. Wyoming scores 77.1
points while outscoring opponents by 4.1 points per game.


Wichita State is shooting 44.2% from the field this season, 1.8
percentage points lower than the 46.0% Wyoming allows to opponents.
Wyoming averages 6.7 more points per game (77.1) than Wichita State
allows (70.4).

TOP PERFORMERS: Kenyon Giles is scoring 19.2 points per game
and averaging 2.7 rebounds for the Shockers. Dillon Battie is
averaging 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds over the last 10 games.


Leland Walker is averaging 13.7 points and 3.7 assists for the
Cowboys. Damarion Dennis is averaging 15.3 points over the last 10
games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Shockers: 8-2, averaging 77.1 points,
39.7 rebounds, 11.1 assists, 6.5 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while
shooting 43.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 70.7
points per game.

Cowboys: 5-5, averaging 74.5 points, 29.1 rebounds, 14.2
assists, 5.6 steals and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from
the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.1 points.

Wichita State, Wyoming square off in NIT

Monday, March 16 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Tuesday, March 17 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Wednesday, March 18 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - LA Lakers @ Houston Thursday, March 19 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Friday, March 20 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day Saturday, March 21 2:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City vs Colorado Rockies Monday, March 23 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Texas Rangers Tuesday, March 24 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 1:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Kansas City @ Texas Rangers Wednesday, March 25 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - NBA Basketball - Atlanta @ Detroit

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

Defending national champion Florida is the No. 1 seed in the South Region for the NCAA Tournament. The Gators will open against the winner of a First Four game between Prairie View A&amp;M and Lehigh. But look ahead a bit and the Gators could see second-seeded Houston, whom it beat for the title a year ago, for a spot in this year's Final Four. The Cougars will open against Idaho on Thursday in Oklahoma City. Illinois earned the No. 3 seed and Nebraska was seeded fourth. The Huskers are 0-8 in the NCAA Tournament.

Local

Sports

State

Contests