By MIKE COURSON
 Great Bend Post

Big things continue to happen at the SRCA Dragstrip west of
Great Bend. Last Monday, the Great Bend City Council forgave a nearly $125,000
loan balance, which was given to SRCA during previous
construction of crash walls at the strip. On Wednesday, Emery Sapp &amp; Sons placed
the first hand-pour of concrete at the end of the track to test the texture of
the surface. Everything is building toward a 2026 racing season, as NHRA
West Central Division Director Nick Duty told the council on Monday.

“We are super excited about what’s coming up out there in
2026, with the track getting re-opened,” he said. “Some big events are going to
be coming to SRCA with the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, that will be one of
about 30 tracks across the country that host one of those events next year.”

Another big weekend is planned around July 4 with the
Nostalgia Heritage series that will celebrate SRCA’s 70 years. 

“SRCA held the very first NHRA national event in 1955,” Duty
said, “so it’s going to be a big deal for us, as a sanctioning body, to really go
back to our roots and go back to the first event that shaped basically our entire
industry and our sport.”

The Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) will also be
inducted into the NHRA Div. 5 Hall of Fame later this year in recognition for
those 70 years of service to the sport.

City forgives SRCA loan, plans continue with 2026 race season west of Great Bend

The New Year is less than two weeks away. While Jan. 1
offers many the chance to turn the page, Ellinwood’s Kymie Peters is especially
looking for a new start. In July, she lost her husband in a car accident. Then
she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Kymie is expecting another child in 2026. To
help with medical expenses, Kymie’s coworkers and friends are holding a raffle.
Tickets may be purchased through 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22.

Tickets are $5 for one or $20 for five. One hundred percent
of proceeds from the raffle will assist Peters. A live drawing will be held
Monday at 4 p.m. 

Several businesses have donated for the raffle. Prizes
include a shotgun, a pair of $250 gift cards from Ellinwood Packing, three $25
gift cards to Hejny Liquor, a $50 gift card to Walnut Bowl, a $150 gift card to
Walmart, a gift certificate from Body Care by Cara, a $20 gift card to
Starbucks, gift cards to Maurices, a 90-minute session from Divine Feminine
Massage Therapy, clothes, jewelry, and several gift baskets. 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19dQHQEBvM/?mibextid=wwXIfr">CLICK HERE</a> for more information about how to purchase raffle tickets.

Raffle tickets on sale through 2 p.m. Monday to benefit Ellinwood woman battling cancer

As
of Tuesday, December 16, the drought monitor report indicates no real change
from last week overall with a slight intensification of dry conditions along
the Missouri.&nbsp; The on part of the state
suffering from a deficiency is the easter third of Kansas and a bit of North
Central.&nbsp; The six-to ten-day outlook (December
23 to 27) indicates a 80 to 100% chance of likely above normal for temperatures
and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.&nbsp; The eight to fourteen-day outlook (December 25
to 31) indicates a 80 to 90% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and
40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.&nbsp; Not good on many levels for cultivated and
native plants and wildlife.

Today,
as we approach the end of the year, let’s review some of the top stories of
2025 in agriculture.&nbsp; These are not in
any particular order and certainly not all inclusive.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It’s
probably safe to assume that tariffs are at the top of most lists.&nbsp; For agriculture, the tariff wars greatly
impacted every phase.&nbsp; And while soybeans
made the most headlines, tariffs impacted both crop and livestock production.&nbsp; The effects included low cash grain prices,
but not the only reason.&nbsp; Strong demand
helped corn prices and keep in mind we export soybeans to more than China.&nbsp; Somewhat less discussed is the impact on
input prices for producers.&nbsp; Much of our
farm equipment, even for a company like John Deere, is manufactured
overseas.&nbsp; Even for equipment
Manufactured in the U.S., many components are imported and in many cases, the
steel needed isn’t produced in this country and must be imported.&nbsp; The promised 12 billion dollar aid package
will help but as one commentator put it: “It’s like putting a band aid on a
bullet wound.”

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Producers
are struggling to even break even without assistance.&nbsp; This is in spite of good to very good yields
for many.&nbsp; Tariffs, high input costs, and
a greater supply than demand all helped decrease prices.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still
no Farm Bill with a temporary continuation in place for another year.&nbsp; Some items were addressed in the “One Big
Beautiful Bill” but there is a great deal of uncertainty which banks and
producers don’t like.&nbsp; To make it even
harder to complete, the recent changes to SNAP and associated programs hurt
garnering traditional support from urban legislators.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In
Kansas, the 2025 crop year was dramatically different than the last five years.&nbsp; For a period, essentially all of the state
was free of dry conditions.&nbsp; Even now,
except for parts of Eastern Kansas, the state is drought free, and many had one
of the wettest fall periods in years.&nbsp;
This led to overall good to occasionally excellent yields for mush of
the wheat and summer row crops.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DOGE
changes, layoffs, and cuts in grants affected the USDA and producers.&nbsp; Many land grant universities saw major cuts
in funding and loss of staff.

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Finally,
there is uncertainty as to what is going on with the MAHA program (Make America
Healthy Again) and what it means for production ag and ag in general.

There’s more, lots more
but we are out of space.

Barton Ag Instructor Dr. Vic Martin - Top Ag Stories of 2025

KINGMAN COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal shooting in Kingman County.

On Sunday, Deputies of the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office were called to report of a shooting at 339 South Somerset Street in Norwich, according to a media release.. 

 Upon arrival emergency crews located a  37-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Norwich EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital for treatment of critical injuries.  A second subject, a 44-year-old man was found deceased at the scene. 

 The KBI is aiding in the investigation with the assistance of their crime scene unit.. The sheriff's office reported the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing danger to the community or public.

Sheriff: One dead, one critically injured in Kansas gunfight

From the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture

Over the last three years, an ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has threatened poultry flocks in Kansas and across the nation, primarily spread by wild waterfowl. The fall again brought a resurgence of the virus detected in wild birds across the state, and this month several backyard poultry flocks in Kansas were confirmed with cases of HPAI.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture reminds poultry owners that the threat of exposure to susceptible birds in Kansas is high. Anyone involved with poultry production, from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer, should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity measures to protect your birds from the spread of HPAI on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FAvianInfluenza%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b38a2d294-9c1e6028-96aa-41c7-b2c9-bf45accf45ac-000000/AMDuRdpewTmXU3KKpm_NfQqPbzXRKyCAfAHji_yytSY=436">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>.

This virus is primarily being transmitted by wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese which are migrating through this region. The best thing poultry owners can do to protect their birds is to eliminate possible exposure to wild migratory birds and their habitat. This can take many forms, including cleaning your boots/clothing after walking near ponds and lakes populated with wild birds, keeping your poultry in an enclosure which wild birds can’t enter, and staying away from sick or dead wild birds.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, gamebirds, turkeys, and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.&nbsp;

HPAI is not a food safety concern; birds and eggs from infected flocks do not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk for HPAI is low.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FAvianInfluenza%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/0100019b38a2d294-9c1e6028-96aa-41c7-b2c9-bf45accf45ac-000000/fjhPTF4ZHyPbvPeyy2nkGVBPbkgjBZ8FCNamzUZZXLI=436">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>&nbsp;or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

KDA reminds poultry owners of HPAI Risk

RUSSELL COUNTY —Multiple fire departments and first responder agencies responded to two large grass fires in southeast Russell County on Thursday, according to Russell County Emergency Management.

At noon, the first fire was located eight miles southwest of Bunker Hill in the area of 189th Street and Lincoln Road. Russell County Rural Fire District Five responded, but almost immediately requested more Russell County rural fire departments respond due to high winds with gusts in the 60 to 70 mph range. The cause of the first fire was electrical power lines.

The second fire to the north started approximately a mile south of US Highway 40 on 193rd Street south of Bunker Hill. It was caused by a responding fire truck losing a tire and crashing into the ditch.

All told, approximately 2,000 acres of grassland were burned in both fires. There were no injuries due to the fires and a handful of structures and residences were threatened, but none were damaged.

Russell County EMS responded to a crash involving a Russell County Sheriff’s Deputy vehicle and a Dorrance Fire Department fire truck. No one was transported to the hospital and the Kansas Highway Patrol investigated both vehicle crashes, the other being the fire truck that lost a tire.

Early in the process, a verbal disaster declaration for Russell County was requested and approved by the Russell County Commission, thereby allowing the request of mutual aid resources from the state.

All fire departments from Russell County were involved in the response, as well as fire departments and additional agencies from multiple surrounding counties.

Both fires were declared under control at around 5 PM Thursday evening with some firefighters remaining on scene to put out hot spots and monitor the area.

Russell County Emergency Management, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and Russell County Rural Fire District Five thank all local and state agencies that responded to assist, as well as private citizens and businesses.

2,000 acres of grassland burned in Russell Co. wildfire

The Great Bend High School Boys Basketball program recently teamed up with Live Like Jesus Today Ministries and Family Crisis Center, Inc. to bring holiday cheer to children in need through a special community shopping initiative.

Led by Head Coach Kyle Kriegh, along with assistant coaches Brandon Wells, Dale Kuhlman, and Alex Birney, the Panther basketball team partnered with local families and businesses to make the effort possible. Together, they were able to shop for 22 children, filling shopping carts with gifts to brighten the holiday season for local families.

Players took time away from their usual practice routine to personally select gifts, an experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

“It was by far one of my favorite practices as a coach, and I look forward to doing it again in the future,” said Assistant Coach Alex Birney. “To watch how excited our guys were shopping for kids less fortunate than us was pretty special.”

Coach Kriegh shared appreciation for the organizations and community members who helped make the event successful, noting the importance of teaching student-athletes the value of service, empathy, and giving back.

The partnership with Live Like Jesus Today Ministries and Family Crisis Center, Inc. ensured the gifts reached families who would benefit most, reinforcing the impact of community collaboration during the holiday season.

Great Bend High School is proud of its student-athletes for demonstrating leadership, compassion, and Panther pride beyond the court. It’s great to be a Panther!

For more information, please contact Great Bend High School at 620-793-1521.

GBHS boys basketball gives back with holiday shopping spree for local families

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. West northwest wind 8 to 17 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Light southeast wind becoming south southeast 9 to 14 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph. Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. South wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 63. Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 36.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Tuesday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. Wednesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Christmas Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.

Friday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

Saturday's weather

Throughout his almost three-decades-long nursing career, Ron Williams has been drawn to emergency care for patients throughout Kansas and in other states.

That attraction has now led him to the Emergency Department (ED) at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).

“I have always worked in emergency care,” said the advanced practice registered nurse. “This includes my first ED position at HaysMed, and later serving as a trauma nurse at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and flight nurse with EagleMed.

“I also worked with Docs Who Care, an opportunity that allowed me to enjoy working in rural hospitals across Kansas. These experiences helped me learn about creative problem-solving, while navigating different health systems, each with their own unique challenges and resources.”

Williams has been at PVCH only a short time, but is already impressed with the staff and the many services the hospital has to offer locally.

“The progress under the hospital’s leadership and the medical staff, along with community support is a testament to professionalism and compassion,” Williams commented. “The atmosphere illustrates that the staff understands that healthcare truly does begin at home and everyone deserves the best possible care.

“In addition, the staff has been welcoming and accommodating, ensuring we have a smooth transition.”

Williams noted he is building strong working relationships with Director of Nursing Kendra Hagerman and other staff members, while enjoying access to “excellent equipment and ancillary services.”

Hagerman noted that “with Ron’s 28 years of healthcare experience, he brings an extensive range of knowledge to our hospital. He is a valuable asset to our team and enhances the level of care we provide our patients and their families.”

Williams grew up in northwest Kansas and graduated from Brewster High School. He earned an associate’s degree in nursing at Colby Community College, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

Other employers include: Weatherby Health Care; Rooks County Health Center; Doctors Without Delay; HaysMed Convenient Care Clinic; and First Care Clinic in Hays.

Williams also served on the adjunct nursing faculty at Fort Hays State University.

“My wife, Tammie, and I are very happy with our decision to be part of the Larned-area community,” he commented. “We look forward to becoming part of the family at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

Williams joins ED staff at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

By TODD THOMPSON Leavenworth County Attorney

“Busted!” my young son announced as he climbed into the back seat of our car for the drive home from school.

“You know how I know Santa isn’t real?” he shouted. “We don’t have a chimney!”

As a prosecutor, I respected his solid reasoning, but I was not prepared for his argument. I sat stunned. Because of my silence, my son exclaimed, “See! I knew I was right—busted!”

“He’s real! But, Dad, how does he get in?”

Needing an explanation, I replied, “He’s magic.”

My son then decided to cross-examine me further.

“Let me see the security cameras from last year. I know we have cameras—show them to me from Christmas.” His questions were as sharp as those I’ve heard from seasoned defense attorneys.

“In my job, I have to prove things beyond a reasonable doubt,” I replied. “I must present evidence to a jury. So let’s look at the evidence: when you go to bed, your stockings are bare, but when you wake up, they are full.”

“That’s because you fill them when we are asleep,” he rebutted.

My daughter chimed in. “I have an idea! What if we put cookies out, and if they are eaten, then that will show Santa was there?”

My son shut that idea down. “You know Dad would just eat the cookies—probably before Santa!”

My son then delivered his closing argument. “Dad, I know Santa Claus is also called Saint Nick, or Saint Nicholas, and he lived a very long time ago. There’s no way he could still be alive today.” Then, with pride, he yelled again, “Busted!”

Admittedly, I smelled defeat from this very skilled adversary. Another childhood treasure seemed on the verge of being lost. Worse, I could see the jury of his peers—his sister—leaning his way.

That’s when I decided to call my star witness, my daughter. “How does Santa decide who gets gifts?”

“If you have been good,” she said. “He even keeps a list!”

I asked my son if he knew how Saint Nicholas became a saint.

He explained that Saint Nicholas came from a wealthy family and, instead of keeping his wealth, gave gifts to the less fortunate—without telling anyone.

“Exactly,” I said. “That’s called altruism.”

My daughter asked, “Dad, on my Christmas list, I want to give a friend a Labubu because she doesn’t have one. Is that altruism?”

“Yes,” I said. “And that’s very sweet.”

Feeling my momentum, I delivered my final argument.

“In the law, we have a concept called transferred intent. Basically, if you intend to affect one person, but your actions end up affecting others, the responsibility still carries.”

“You both agree that people all over the world receive gifts on Christmas from what is reported to be Santa, right?”

“Saint Nick wanted others to do good. One way he helped people who did good things was by giving without recognition. That still happens on Christmas, doesn’t it?

“That means Santa’s intent from long ago still exists today. His good intentions have been passed on to others, who continue acts of kindness—that is the magic of Santa. That’s how Santa is real. That’s how he comes to our house on Christmas, even if we don’t believe.”

My daughter asked, “Dad, am I Santa?”

“You already have his spirit,” I said. “It shows in you wanting to give that gift to your friend.”

Then my son said, “I want to be Santa, but not yet.”

I told him, “That’s okay. You have plenty of time to share in his spirit and keep his magic alive.”

At that point, I knew my case wasn’t busted. Santa is less a man in a sleigh and more a commitment to generosity we choose to carry forward, a shared intent that survives the belief itself.

Busted? A prosecutor reopens the case for Santa

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman talks to author Ted Harbin about his book, "The World's Toughest Rodeo."

🎙 Forward Ever: Ted Harbin, author of 'World's Toughest Rodeo'

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway Official Rules

Daily Registration Locations and Sponsored in part by: - Cornerstone Automotive and Tire - Mayo Money Management - GB Tires - Great Bend Appliance - Boone's Maytag - Z's Liquormart - Nex-Tech - Sutherlands - UPS Store/Westside Market - Nextech Wireless - Hoisington Veterinary Hospital - Memorial Art Company - Dawson Jewelers - Eldridge Fencing - Jimlo Glass Center

$20K Christmas Cash Giveaway

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 

Sophia Bauer (10-5) placed 6th and scored 6.5 team points.

Camdyn Post (12-4) placed 2nd and scored 24.0 team points.

Kayle Baldwin (7-7) placed 8th and scored 9.0 team points.

Kinsly Stukey (4-8) placed 12th and scored 3.0 team points.

Micah Ellegood (7-8) placed 4th and scored 15.5 team points.

Shatarah Newton (4-12) placed 16th and scored 4.0 team points.

Rydlie Swanson (8-8) placed 14th and scored 5.0 team points.

3. Shawnee Mission South - 144.5 - 10 wrestlers

Great Bend finishes in 14th with 67 points scored by 7 wrestlers.

Great Bend Girls Wrestling in The Ladycat Classic @ Basehor-Linwood Results

CHICAGO (AP) — Caleb Williams threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore in overtime, and the Chicago Bears overcame a 10-point deficit late in the fourth quarter for a 22-16 win over the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay lost quarterback Jordan Love to a concussion. The Bears extended their lead in the NFC North to 1 1/2 games over the Packers with two to play and got some payback for a loss at Lambeau Field two weeks earlier. It was Chicago’s sixth win this season after trailing in the final two minutes and its most incredible — Green Bay had a win probability of 99%.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Three players have been ejected after a brawl involving plenty of others from the Eagles and Commanders broke out on the field late in the fourth quarter of Philadelphia's 29-18 victory that clinched the NFC East title. The confrontation happened Saturday night after Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley scored on a 2-point conversion to boost his team’s lead to 19 points with about 4 1/2 minutes left. Javon Kinlaw and Quan Martin of the Commanders and Tyler Steen of the Eagles were disqualified after being flagged for unnecessary roughness. Commanders coach Dan Quinn didn't directly address whether it was disrespectful for the Eagles to go for 2 but he noted the teams play again in two weeks.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Perhaps it was James Madison going for it twice on fourth down on its first drive of the game. Or, maybe it was coach Bob Chesney calling for a wide receiver pass on the Dukes’ second series of the evening. Even 12th-ranked James Madison successfully pulling off a fake punt could have adequately explained what the scoreboard failed to convey. It was clear that the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks were in a different class than their visitors in a 51-34 win in a College Football Playoff first round matchup Saturday at Autzen Stadium. Oregon led 48-13 midway through the third quarter before the Dukes added a trio of late touchdowns to make the final score appear closer than the game really was.

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Trinidad Chabliss and Mississippi have aced their first test without former coach Lane Kiffin. The sixth-ranked Rebels beat No. 17 Tulane 41-10 on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Chambliss passed for 282 yards and a touchdown and ran for two scores. Kewan Lacy also ran for a TD for Ole Miss. Recently promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding had a triumphant debut as Kiffin's replacement, and Ole Miss moves on to face No. 2 Georgia in a CFP quarterfinal. The game was coach Jon Sumrall's last with Tulane. He's been hired as Florida's coach.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Malachi Toney’s tiebreaking 11-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes left lifted No. 10 seed Miami to a 10-3 win over No. 7 Texas A&amp;M in the College Football Playoff. Mark Fletcher Jr. had a career-high 172 yards rushing to help the Hurricanes (11-2) advance to the Cotton Bowl to face No. 2 seed Ohio State on Dec. 31.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Dante Moore threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score and No. 5 Oregon beat No. 19 James Madison 51-34 on Saturday night in a College Football Playoff opener. The Ducks (12-1) advanced to face Texas Tech in a quarterfinal game at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1. Oregon won a playoff game for the first time since 2014, when the Ducks beat Florida State in the Rose Bowl semifinal before losing to Ohio State. James Madison (12-2) dropped Group of Five teams to 0-4 in CFP games. No. 17 Tulane fell 41-10 at No. 6 Mississippi as well Saturday. Oregon led 34-6 at the half.

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have won their second straight NFC East title. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley led the Eagles to a 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday night. The game included a late brawl after Barkley tacked on a 2-point conversion to increase the Eagles’ lead to 19 points. Hurts completed 22 of 30 throws for 185 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. Barkley had a 12-yard TD run as part of his 21-carry, 132-yard performance. It wasn't a terrific performance by the Eagles, who had a fumble on the opening kickoff and a pair of penalties on the tush push.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Luka Doncic suffered an injury and didn't return after halftime of the Lakers' game against the Clippers. The Lakers say the NBA's leading scorer sustained a left leg contusion. Doncic had 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes during the first half. The visiting Lakers trailed 54-39 at the break and went on to lose 108-88. Doncic missed his first six shots and picked up a technical foul. His absence left the Lakers even more short-handed. Rui Hachimura missed his first start of the season with a sore groin, while Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves have been out.

VAL D'ISERE, France (AP) — Sofia Goggia finally got the win her skiing this season deserved in a World Cup super-G on Sunday and Lindsey Vonn was third for the second straight day at French resort Val d'Isere. The two former Olympic downhill champions were split on a high-class podium by runner-up Alice Robinson who is already a two-time winner this season on the World Cup circuit. Goggia finished 0.15 seconds ahead of Robinson. The 41-year-old Vonn then hit a high speed touching 115 kph (71 mph) but the ideal racing line was elusive and she finished 0.36 behind Goggia.

Kaillie Humphries Armbruster has achieved a significant milestone by winning a World Cup two-woman bobsled race in Sigulda, Latvia. This marks her first victory since turning 40 and becoming a mother. She teamed up with Emily Renna to secure the win, breaking Germany's 20-race winning streak in the event. Humphries Armbruster now has 31 World Cup two-woman wins and 43 career victories, including Olympics and world championships. The U.S. women’s team is gaining momentum as the Milan Cortina Olympics approach, with strong performances from Kaysha Love and Elana Meyers Taylor.

Final	(5)Oregon	51	(19)James Madison	34

Final	(12)North Carolina	71	Ohio State	70	

Sunday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Sunday, December 21 12:00PM B104 - Chiefs Football - Kansas City @ Tennessee 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Football - Tampa Bay @ Carolina Monday, December 22 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Sports Day 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Jayhawk Basketball - Davidson @ Kansas Tuesday, December 23 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Boca Raton Bowl - Toledo vs Louisville 4:30PM 1590/95.5FM - New Orleans Bowl - Western Kentucky vs Southern Miss Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day 6:00PM B104 - Chiefs Football - Denver @ Kansas City Friday, December 26 3:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Rate Bowl - New Mexico vs Minnesota Saturday, December 27 10:30AM 1590/95.5FM - Pinstripe Bowl - Penn State vs Clemson 2:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Pop Tarts Bowl - BYU vs Georgia Tech Sunday, December 28 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM - NFL Football - Tampa Bay @ Miami Tuesday, December 30 4:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Music City Bowl - Tennessee vs Illinois 8:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Alamo Bowl - TCU vs USC Wednesday, December 31 10:30AM 1590/95.5FM - ReliaQuest Bowl - Iowa vs Vanderbilt 2:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Citrus Bowl - Michigan vs Texas 6:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP Playoffs - Ohio St. vs Miami, Fla. Thursday, January 1 11:00AM 1590/95.5FM - CFP Playoffs - Texas Tech vs Oregon 3:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP Playoffs - Indiana vs Alabama 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - CFP Playoffs - Georgia vs Ole Miss Friday, January 2 3:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Liberty Bowl - Navy vs Cincinnati&nbsp; 7:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Duke's Mayo Bowl - Wake Forest vs Mississippi St. Saturday, December 3 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Jayhawk Basketball - Kansas @ UCF 1:45PM 1590/95.5FM - Cougar Basketball - Butler W&amp;M @ Barton

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

Friday Boys scores from the Associated Press

Saint Mary's Academy &amp; College 69, Maranatha 36

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

Friday Girls scores from the Associated Press

Hutchinson Central Christian 60, Caldwell 20

Rawlins County 74, Hitchcock County, Neb. 28

Saint Mary's Academy &amp; College 44, Maranatha 42

Friday Statewide Scores

Charlie Foster (1-12) placed 6th and scored 0.0 team points.

Alika Salcido (3-9) placed 7th and scored 4.0 team points.

Abel Spencer (6-7) placed 2nd and scored 16.0 team points.

Hayden Liles (6-5) placed 1st and scored 22.0 team points.

Logan Turner (1-5) placed 8th and scored 0.0 team points.

Trevin Maciel (12-4) placed 1st and scored 24.0 team points.

Julian Galindo (3-9) placed 5th and scored 7.0 team points.

Triston Tomlinson (12-1) placed 1st and scored 30.0 team points.

Aiden Stacey (2-4) placed 7th and scored 2.5 team points.

Cruz Folk-Robinson (4-8) placed 4th and scored 10.0 team points.

Brady Mendez (10-7) placed 2nd and scored 18.0 team points.

Trenton Kern (5-0) placed 1st and scored 26.0 team points.

Josue Bustamante (8-2) placed 1st and scored 26.0 team points.

3rd. Cimarron/Ingles/Montezuma-South Grey - 125.5 - 13 wrestlers

11th.&nbsp;Langdon-Fairfield/Stafford/St. John Hudson - 27.5 - 6 wrestlers

12.&nbsp;Halstead/Sedgwick - 15 - 2 wrestlers

Elyanna Marquez (1-3) placed 11th and scored 0.5 team points.

Roxanna Alonzo (0-4) placed 7th and scored 0.0 team points.

Flor Rios (0-5) placed 10th and scored 0.0 team points.

9th.&nbsp;Cimarron/Ingalls/Montezuma-South Gray - 54 - 9 wrestlers

11th.&nbsp;Halstead/Sedgwick - 35.5 - 2 wrestlers

13th.&nbsp;Langdon-Fairfield/Stafford/St. John Hudson - 5 - 2 wrestlers

Great Bend Wrestling Corner Classic @ Hoisington Results

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Ty Simpson passed for 232 yards and two touchdowns as No. 9 seed Alabama rallied to beat No. 8 Oklahoma 34-24 in the College Football Playoff first round. Alabama overcame a 17-point deficit. Freshman Lotzeir Brooks scored twice, marking his first touchdowns of the season. This is Alabama's first playoff appearance under coach Kalen DeBoer. Oklahoma's John Mateer threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns but had a costly interception. Alabama advanced to face No. 1 seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer addressed doubts about his team after their College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma. Critics questioned Alabama's inclusion after a tough loss to Georgia, while Notre Dame was left out. Rumors about DeBoer leaving for Michigan prompted him to affirm his commitment to Alabama. On Friday, Alabama overcame a 17-0 deficit to defeat Oklahoma 34-24, securing a spot in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal against Indiana. DeBoer expressed confidence in his team, emphasizing their resilience. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and linebacker Deontae Lawson acknowledged the media's role in motivating them.

MIAMI (AP) — Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round of their heavyweight fight. The two-time heavyweight champion displayed why he is one of the sport’s elite punchers when he dropped the fading Paul twice in the fifth round. The YouTuber went down again in the sixth. Although Paul (12-2) reached his feet, Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) finally crushed Paul’s upset dream when he dropped him a fourth time with a right to the head. Paul was counted out at 1:31 of the round in front of a capacity crowd of 19,600 at the Kaseya Center. Paul later reported that his jaw was broken in two spots.

MIAMI (AP) — Jake Paul sustained a “double broken jaw” in his loss to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The YouTuber confirmed the damage early Saturday. Joshua scored a sixth-round knockout victory over Paul who later posted an X-ray showing a jaw broken in two spots. Paul wrote in a social media post: “Double broken jaw.” He also said “thanks for all the support I’m OK.” Joshua ended the heavyweight bout with a powerful punch to Paul’s jaw, sending the American to the canvas for the fourth and final time. Paul was counted out as he struggled to get to his feet.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are close to moving from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new stadium in Kansas. The Legislative Coordinating Council plans to meet Monday in Topeka, Kansas, to consider funding up to 70% of the project. The Chiefs and Kansas City Royals have played in Missouri for over 50 years, but their leases expire in January 2031. Voters in Jackson County rejected a sales tax extension last year to finance renovations. Kansas offers a potential new location at The Legends, a commercial area with existing infrastructure. Missouri risks losing another team after the Rams moved to Los Angeles.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have settled a lawsuit over the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs. The decision to settle was reached Friday after a two-month civil trial in Southern California. Authorities say Skaggs died in 2019 after snorting a fentanyl-laced pill provided by the team’s communications director, Eric Kay. Skaggs’ relatives filed a lawsuit alleging the MLB team knew or should have known Kay was a drug addict and dealing painkillers to players. The team said officials didn’t know Skaggs was taking drugs and would have sought him help if they did. The Skaggs family says the confidential settlement closes a painful process.

STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Federal investigators are trying to determine why a business jet carrying retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others crashed shortly after takeoff in North Carolina. The Cessna C550 hit light poles and trees before erupting into flames on Thursday, killing everyone on board. The plane had departed Statesville Regional Airport but crashed less than 10 minutes later while attempting to return. Investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder but have not identified the lead pilot. The plane's speed and altitude fluctuated significantly, suggesting the crew experienced an issue. The Statesville airport remains closed during the investigation.

The NBA has reminded teams it wants to control betting types on its games. This move follows the arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups on gambling-related charges. On Friday, the league announced changes to its policies, including injury reporting and safety measures for players and coaches. Teams must now resubmit injury reports on game days to promote transparency. The NBA will also enhance training on betting rules and update its Fan Code of Conduct to protect against harassment. Additionally, referee Eric Lewis has been reinstated to the G League after a social media investigation.

Chelsea has recovered from conceding two early goals to Nick Woltemade to draw 2-2 with Newcastle in the Premier League, with Joao Pedro’s equalizer coming off a rare assist from a goalkeeper. Robert Sanchez smashed a clearance up to Pedro, who headed the ball forward and collected it himself after Fabian Schar slipped. Pedro slotted a finish underneath Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 66th minute. Woltemade put Chelsea 2-0 up by scoring from close range in the fourth minute and then glancing home a cross in the 20th. Reece James launched Chelsea’s fightback by scoring off a free kick in the 49th.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million luxury tax after winning their second straight World Series title, raising their two-year total to $272.4 million. The New York Mets have the second-highest tax bill among the nine teams that pay at $91.6 million despite missing the 12-team playoffs, raising their tax owed to $320.3 million in the last four years under high-spending owner Steve Cohen. The Dodgers will pay tax for the fifth consecutive season. Their total broke the previous high of $103 million they had set last year.

Final	Dallas	8	Anaheim	3 TOP-25 COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Final (11)Alabama 34 (8)Oklahoma 24

Saturday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Pratt Boys 48 Great Bend 41; Great Bend Girls 51 Pratt 46

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Larned Boys 50 Kingman 40 ; Larned Girls 52 Kingman 22

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By DR. KARISSA NIEHOFF NFHS

It has been a great start to the 2025-26 school year with record numbers of students participating in fall sports and other activity programs. While many of these individuals have been involved in state championships, the major benefit of high school activity programs is the connectivity that students have with each other in a team setting.

With the upcoming holidays, student connectivity may be lost for several weeks. While time away from school and activities to connect with family and other friends is important, the stress of the busy holiday season can bring additional challenges for students. Through all the celebrations over the next few weeks, it is important that students have outlets for handling these potentially stressful times.

During the holidays, the time away from school and activities may not be a positive experience for some students – and potentially others in the school community. That’s why it is so important that everyone – students, parents, teachers, coaches, officials and administrators – keeps a close watch on each other and is aware of those who might be in need during this time of year.  

The NFHS Learning Center <a href="http://(www.NFHSLearn.com)">(www.NFHSLearn.com)</a> offers a free course – Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – to offer help before situations reach crisis stage. With stress, anxiety and depression sometimes escalating during the holidays, this course highlights causes, strategies and provides helpful resources.

In addition, the NFHS started the #WeSeeYou campaign several years ago to address the mental health challenges faced by students in high school activity programs. It was created to assist in creating a culture within school communities where everyone is checking in on each other, supporting each other and looking out for each other. The #WeSeeYou emphasis on the NFHS website (www.nfhs.org) includes information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line as well as many organizations that provide crisis and emergency assistance.

During the holidays, empathy is even more important. Creating a culture of caring isn’t just good for students; it is good for everyone. When we demonstrate empathy through listening, connecting and caring, students begin to understand they are not alone. 

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